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Confessions in B Flat

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Optioned for film by Amblin Partners with Octavia Spencer to produce.

Essence bestselling author Donna Hill brings us an emotional love story set against the powerful backdrop of the civil rights movement that gripped a nation—a story as timely as it is timeless...

The year is 1963. In Harlem, the epicenter of Black culture, the fight for equality has never been stronger. The time is now. Enough is enough. Yet even within its ranks, a different kind of battle rages. Love thy neighbor? Or rise up against your oppressors?

Jason Tanner has just arrived in New York to help spread the message of his mentor, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., of passive resistance, while beat poet Anita Hopkins believes the teachings of Malcolm X with all her heart: that the way to true freedom is “by any means necessary.” When Jason sees Anita perform her poetry at the iconic B-Flat lounge, he’s transfixed. And Anita has never met anyone who can match her wit for wit like this…

One movement, two warring ideologies—can love be enough to unite them?

Confessions in B-Flat is a celebration of the hard-won victories of those who came before us, and a stark reminder of just how far we still have to go.

400 pages, Paperback

First published November 24, 2020

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About the author

Donna Hill

145 books658 followers

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 191 reviews
Profile Image for Just A Girl With Spirit.
1,403 reviews13.3k followers
February 6, 2023
This book was a pleasant surprise! I’m a sucker for historical, always, but I haven’t read many set in the 1960’s at the height of Malcolm X and Martin Luther King Jr. Movement.

This book reeled me in just from the cover alone. I will say that I had to switch from audio to ebook because I just didn’t like the audio.

This story made me think a lot!

“They were on opposite sides of the coin.” It made me think about how since the beginning there has always been sides, and how there are still sides today.

This story had all the key components in what I love in a story. This is definitely a MUST read!
Profile Image for Read In Colour.
290 reviews518 followers
December 7, 2020
I had such high hopes for this book but I can't do historical fiction that doesn't get the timeline of history right it's sloppy research. Between calling Bayard Rustin Baynard, taking about cassette tapes (which were around at the time but not really for commercial use) and then talking about mix tapes, which weren't a thing until hip hop came along, I quit.

Beautiful cover though. Very beautiful cover.
Profile Image for ♥Milica♥.
1,897 reviews744 followers
November 16, 2020
I SAID THIS WAS GOING TO BE A FIVE STAR READ AND I WAS RIGHT.

Our hero, Jason is from the South and follows the teachings of MLK Jr. while our heroine Anita is from the North and follows Malcolm X.

Jason's work for Dr. King sends him to New York to open up an office, and on the way there, he meets Anita on the bus. It's instant attraction.

Anita is a fiery activist who never misses a chance to let her opinions be known and she also writes poetry which she performs in B - Flat. Jason is very calm and collected, and in awe of what the big city has to offer. He didn't think he'd see Anita after the fated bus ride, let alone that they'd end up together.

During the course of the book we get to know them better, learn their family histories and meet an array of characters, both historical and fictional who are all amazing in their own way.

I swear, there wasn't a single character I disliked. They were all written so beautifully, I felt like they could just leap off the page and into the real world.

The writing style was poetic (more than just Anita's poetry) and so easy to follow. I've never read anything by Donna Hill before but you can bet I will after this!

The plot was very sweet with lots of family themes. I also appreciate all the pictures, they help put everything in place, as I'm not from the U.S. and haven't visited yet, but I'm familiar with most things mentioned.

My favourite character? Mrs. C. with her peach cobbler. No, but really, they're all cool. And this book has no best part because everything is the best part.

I LOVE THIS BOOK.

- Cute love story? Check
- Historical? Check
- You can learn from it? Also check

READ IT NOW.

*Thank you to the publishers and NetGalley for providing me with an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review*
Profile Image for Chelé-----4 The Love of Books .
1,033 reviews56 followers
November 30, 2020
Admittedly I'm not much of a historical romance fan ( I know, I know, calm down 😂) but there was something about this synopsis that just pulled me right in and also the cover model looks just like my aunt Starlet 😍

So this book is an exceptional 5 star read!

Talk about opposites attracting, the main characters Anita and Jason are literally from different spectrums of the civil rights movement. Anita, is a follower of Malcolm X and Jason, is a follower of Dr. Martin Luther King. Though they often fight (verbally) very passionately they do realize that they want the same thing but they just have very different ideologies as to how it should be done. This is the crux of their problem because with such differences can a blossoming relationships bloom?

In Confessions in B Flat there are a ton of amazing appearances that feature our civil rights movement leaders, threaded with very important American history all set in the 1960s of the decades-long struggle by African Americans and their like-minded allies to end institutionalized racial discrimination, disenfranchisement and racial segregation in the United States and as we know that struggle still continues.

Powerful. Fierce. Insightful. Passionate. Swoony and Heartfelt. Definitely a must read.

Profile Image for Cassie | Cassie’s Next Chapter.
406 reviews184 followers
November 14, 2020
4.5 Wow - this story blew me away! {Thanks to Entangled Publishing, LLC (Sideways Books) and NetGalley for this free advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.}

Heartfelt, tender, fiery, and inspirational. An amazing and powerful story of love and social activism set against the tumultuous backdrop of the 1960s.

Anita is the spirited activist from New York following the teachings of Malcolm X, while Jason is the "do-gooder" from the south who is trying to spread the word of MLK Jr. To read the story of their upbringing, their family's histories, and the paths they choose is so inspiring. How they find their way to each other against many odds and so many differences is such a strong testament to their love.

I loved the historical aspect of this story and the interweavings of pictures, speeches, and news events from that time period. It really grounded the story, gave it a thoughtful and timely feeling, and shed light on the characters' inner struggles.

This is truly a beautiful story, filled with heartbreak, strength, purpose, laughter, and love. A must read!
Profile Image for Candice Hale.
373 reviews28 followers
March 28, 2023
✊🏾🅴🅸🅶🅷🆃 🅱🅾🅾🅺 🆃🅷🅾🆄🅶🅷🆃🆂🎙️
|| 𝓒𝓸𝓷𝓯𝓮𝓼𝓼𝓲𝓸𝓷𝓼 𝓲𝓷 𝓑-𝓕𝓵𝓪𝓽 by Donna Hill ||

𝗜𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗮𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗵 𝗮 𝘀𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗱 𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲?
- Yes, the author’s storytelling is easy-going, relatable, informative, swoony, and culturally relevant.

𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗱𝗼 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗸 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗸’𝘀 𝗰𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿?
- The book cover shows me a beautiful Black woman embracing her natural style—a voluminous, curly afro—that is in deep thought. I love the oranges and browns that explode on the cover.

𝗪𝗵𝗶𝗰𝗵 𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗱𝗶𝗱 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗹𝗶𝗸𝗲 𝗹𝗲𝗮𝘀𝘁? [spoiler]
- Leon. Although love can be young and fickle for teenagers, it was always real for Anita and Leon dangled it in front of her. He played with her emotions and her body for sport. Then he sees her to flaunt his new pregnant wife.

𝗪𝗵𝗶𝗰𝗵 𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝘄𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗱 𝗵𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝗺𝗮𝗱𝗲 𝗮𝗻 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝘁𝗮𝗴𝗼𝗻𝗶𝘀𝘁?
- Anita and Jason are enough.

𝗦𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗮 𝗳𝗮𝘃𝗼𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗲 𝗾𝘂𝗼𝘁𝗲 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗸:
- “Gets kind of exhausting to try to stand upright when you always have a foot on your neck.”
- “To each person there is a season. They come and they go. But you can't get to the new season if you're not willin' to leave the old one.”

𝗗𝗶𝗱 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗮𝗴𝗿𝗲𝗲 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗲𝗿'𝘀 𝗱𝗲𝗰𝗶𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻(𝘀)? [spoiler]
- I didn’t agree with Anita’s decision to keep the pregnancy news away from Jason before he left for the service. She didn’t give him the opportunity to make his own decision to leave or to stay.

𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗳𝗲𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀 𝗱𝗶𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝗲𝘃𝗼𝗸𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘆𝗼𝘂?
- Many feelings: joy, love, anger, sadness, shock, laughter, happy.

𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗱𝗼 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗸 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗮𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿’𝘀 𝗽𝘂𝗿𝗽𝗼𝘀𝗲 𝘄𝗮𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝘄𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗸?
- To render the value of our civil liberties and justice as Black citizens in the U.S. no matter your affiliations or love with your revolutionary. Malcolm and Martin both wanted Black liberation from white supremacy and oppression. Unfortunately, Hill also shows us that the past is not past, too.

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Profile Image for Kate Brauning.
Author 3 books194 followers
June 6, 2018
Swoony and powerful romance-- from an author who lived through these years! Definitely a must-read.
Profile Image for ReadingTilTheBreakOfDawn.
1,954 reviews104 followers
February 21, 2021
Violence is what this country was built on, but it could not be the way it survived.

A meeting on a bus ultimately changes the lives of two people in the 60's that are living very different yet similar lives. They are both wanting to better the lives of Black people, but in the opposite ways. Jason the Do-Gooder is about keeping the peace and the ways of Dr Martin Luther King Jr. Anita is a fierce, poet spewing, afro wearing New Yorker that believes in the ways of Malcolm X. They both are firm in their beliefs, so when they have a connection on a bus, we get to see how their differences end up pulling them together.

I really enjoyed this book and the time it took place. We don't get a ton of books set during the 60's and the Movement. Add in the fact we get a romance with black characters mixed in with real life events and that just added to the book. I hadn't read anything like this before and was pleasantly surprised. With that said, the audio wasn't exactly my thing, but reading the book was definitely better. Beautiful, powerful and realistic.

Romance, strong family values, social activism and beautiful powerful poetry throughout. This was a book that although I couldn't relate to the time, I could appreciate the history behind it and the beauty of the relationship and how it grew from differences. The ending pulled at my heartstrings and had me pulling for all the characters. I didn't always understand the choices, but I could get behind what they stood for.

A very passionate and heartfelt story that will have me reading more by this author. I enjoyed the characters and the pacing as well as the setting. And that cover?! Stunning! 4.5 stars!
Profile Image for Susanne.
509 reviews19 followers
February 26, 2021
A romance novel that doesn't feature a single white person -- and a warm and loving look at two Black families in the turbulent 1960's as Anita and Jason spar and tease and try to reconcile their powerfully different political perspectives while falling in love. I liked this one a lot. Brooklyn-born Anita is bright and energetic, a waitress and a talented poet, a follower of the teachings of Malcolm X. Jason ("Do-gooder" to Anita) is fresh up north from Atlanta to help organize support for Dr. Martin Luther King. The time and the settings felt real. The two young people are very appealing. Their families are wonderfully drawn.
Profile Image for Misse Jones.
579 reviews47 followers
November 25, 2020
I have read a few of Donna Hill’s earlier works and can say that I am a fan, but for whatever reason it has been awhile since I’ve read any of her more recent books. So I was pleased and excited to see the cover and synopsis for Confessions in B-Flat. Drawn in especially by the cover image and title, Hill does what I consider to be a thoughtful rendering of melding together a love story and historical fiction piece in one.

In Confessions of B-Flat we meet two MC’s, Anita and Jason, who converge during a critical time period (1963) at the height of Civil Rights Movement and the origins of the Black Power Movement. They meet on a fateful bus ride, both en route to New York to do the necessary work they believe in. Jason a native of Atlanta and a supporter of MLK’s message of non-violence and Anita a New Yorker and poet who supports Malcolm X’s messaging of self defense by any means necessary, seem to have more distance between their ideals than not. And yet, there is this romantic gravitational pull between them that gives rise incredible possibilities.

I really enjoyed the historical point of view and cultural references to areas and locales in Harlem and Brooklyn especially that really created vibrant imagery that carried throughout the book. As well, the budding love story took me on a rollercoaster ride as I rooted for Anita and Jason to find a way together.

Thanks to NetGalley and Entangled Publishing for an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Jane.
62 reviews46 followers
October 18, 2020
Confessions in B-Flat by Donna Hill follows Anita Hopkins, a believer of Malcolm X's ideology and an aspiring poet, as she falls and Jason Tanner, a follower of Martin Luther Jr.'s non-violence methodology. This story is an emotional love story set against the powerful backdrop of the civil rights movement in New York City in the 1960's. This historic novel is based on the author's own personal experience of growing up during this time period in New York.

This book was a super emotional as well as very educational. I absolutely adored learning more about the contrasting beliefs of Malcolm X's ideology in contrast with the ideology of Martin Luther King Jr. I also loved the mixed media in this novel and thought that the pictures and radio snippets really helped make me feel immersed in the novel. The themes of this novel are unfortunately still very pertinent to today's current political climate and very important to read about. Overall, I would highly recommend this to people who love realistic historical romances.

I received this book free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Rachel Maxwell.
115 reviews40 followers
February 21, 2021
WOW! Such a beautiful love story that is set in the Civil Rights Era. I was intrigued by the cover to read "Confessions in B Flat," and it is a very fitting illustration of Anita Hopkins who is free-spirited, outspoken, and a follower of Malcolm X. Jason Tanner is the complete opposite. He is reserved, spiritual, and a follower of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The relationship is a true testament that love can out weight disagreements. At different points in the story I was able to relate to each character and the decisions that were made. Also, the author did an excellent job of intertwining the civil rights movement from the March on Washington to the assassination of Malcolm X into the love story.
Profile Image for Lauren.
1,336 reviews2 followers
September 8, 2020
Donna Hill’s Confessions in B-Flat is a poignant, timely, and beautiful story about two people finding their way during the tumultuous 1960s.

When Jason Tanner meets Anita Hopkins on a bus bound for New York City, he knows he’s encountered someone special. He’s been sent by Dr. King to expand the message of passive resistance to people up north, which seems to directly clash with Anita’s support of Malcolm X’s ideology. But neither Jason nor Anita can seem to shake their connection. Will it be enough to keep them together during one of the most politically charged time periods in America’s history?

As mentioned in the blurb, this novel is as timeless as it is timely. At its core, it’s a story about two people whose connection and love for each other strengthens with time, despite some seemingly insurmountable obstacles. Hill is masterful at weaving the history of the Civil Rights Movement into her narrative; you feel dropped straight into that time period and all of its vigor and tumultuousness. Yet, the personal connection and bond between Anita and Jason is what really shines. Though they’re shaped by their time, their love is universal.

I felt a gamut of emotions reading the arc of their story, and feel that it’s not only important for its message about civil rights (and how much more work there is to do) but for its beautiful love story and tremendous character growth. I also greatly enjoy reading stories about characters whose life experiences are different from mine, as it widens my worldview and enriches my life in ways that are valuable and important. We need more stories like these.

This is one of my favorite novels of 2020. A definite must-read.

Thank you to NetGalley and Entangled Publishing for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Profile Image for Carey.
190 reviews17 followers
December 15, 2020
Love, love, LOVE!

During COVID, it’s been difficult to read anything heavy, and I’ve pretty much stayed away from historical fiction all together, until this book arrived at my door! Many thanks to TLC Book Tours, Donna Hill, and Entangled Publishing for providing me with this delightful read.⁣

Confessions in B-Flat follows the Enemies to Lovers trope, but consists of so much more.

Anita Hopkins and Jason Tanner meet in Harlem in 1963. They are polar opposites. Anita is busy promoting the beliefs of Malcolm X, while Jason is working to promote the teachings of Martin Luther King, Jr. ⁣The two quickly fall madly in love. I couldn’t put the book down until I learned the answer to this question…Can the two of them make their love work?

Here’s what I loved:

• I learned more about the Civil Rights movement than I knew previously.

• Anita is a poet, and her thought-provoking poems were included in the book.

• There are photographs of MLK, Malcolm X, front-page news headlines, and so much more included in the book.

• There’s even Youtube links to famous speeches that were made at that time. ⁣

. Songs I know from the sixties are written into the story; i.e., Marvin Gaye, Ray Charles, and more.

. There’s plenty of steam!

This is the first book I’ve read by Donna Hill, but it certainly won’t be my last. I thoroughly enjoyed this book!

QOTD: What types of books have you read during COVID? Have you read one genre more than any others?
Profile Image for Sarah.
855 reviews
September 21, 2021
I'm over a third of the way through but not planning to finish this book. For one thing, I realized I am not feeling emotionally engaged with the characters or made to care about what happens to them. More significantly, for a book that is about the civil rights movement, I am getting an unsatisfying and weak sense of the historical time period. In fact, there are multiple anachronisms (references to cassettes and boom boxes before they existed) that make the setting feel more like the 80s than the 60s, thus pulling me away from the context the characters are supposed to be in. Perhaps the way the romance works out is good but the promise of that is not enough to keep me reading.
Profile Image for Brie.
464 reviews
February 26, 2024
Confessions in B-Flat was the pick for one of my bookclubs, and I gotta be honest with y’all: I almost DNF’d this at 30% but powered through for bookclub. And since I had the audio and print version, I was able to get through it pretty quickly. (Spoiler: the audio was so very cringey).

Anyway, this book started off as a civil rights movement story, taking place in Harlem, New York in 1963. Our two main characters, Anita and Jason, randomly meet on a bus, and it’s pretty much a case of insta-love. But Jason is in New York to help spread the word of Dr. Martin Luther King and is all for passive resistance, while Anita is on team Malcolm X and believes the way to freedom is by “any means necessary”. So while their end goal is the same, can their love survive their differences in ideologies?

The problem with this book is that it went from a book about the civil rights movement in the early 60s (even including real life photos from that time and links to the actual speeches), to a really cheesy love story that felt overly juvenile in its writing and execution. I felt like the author was trying to write about too many things, not very well, and the important message got lost in the cheesiness. And then near the end, Jason makes a decision that infuriated me and made no sense at all and then so does Anita and now I just have to finish this sentence with a whole bunch of eye roll emojis 🙄🙄🙄.

And don’t even get me started on the historical inaccuracies throughout the book. I completely understand when authors need to take creative liberties to tell a story, but these inaccuracies (like references to boomboxes, cassette tapes and answering machines before they existed) didn’t need to be included in order to tell the story.

I’m not sure how this one has so many raving reviews on goodreads as I don’t think one person in our book club enjoyed this one. I am confident you can skip this one and find a better book on this subject matter.

2 ⭐️
Audio do not recommend
Profile Image for Katie Hutton.
359 reviews13 followers
February 5, 2024
What first captured me to read this book was the synopsis of a civil rights romance read. I came for the historical fiction and stayed for the romance.

How Anita and Jason came to be was so different and unique. I really enjoyed this story. What threw me off was the transitions in the book. I'm not sure if that was because I listened to the audiobook. But the narrators did so well!

Also, the mention of cassette tapes in this time frame threw me off, as well. That wasn't for about another 20 more years.

Other than those 2 things, I really enjoyed this story of 2 different people fighting for the same thing, but in different ways.
Profile Image for Stacie.
2,558 reviews274 followers
January 22, 2025
I have mixed feelings on this one. Overall it was good for sure. I enjoyed seeing Anita and Jason work through their individual struggles and the struggles of having different ideologies about The Civil Rights movement. But there were also parts I got frustrated with... I 100% loved ALL THE MUSIC!
Profile Image for Grace.
2,314 reviews114 followers
November 17, 2020
A thought provoking and moving romance set during the intense Civil Rights movement.

If you've followed me for a while, then you know I don't read much in the historical fiction/historical romance genre. But this book immediately caught my eye with its gorgeous cover. Then when I read the synopsis, it seemed like it would appeal to me, despite being something I rarely read. And I'm glad I took a chance on it.

Jason Tanner and Anita Hopkins are very different people.
He's used to a slower paced life in the South.
She relishes the fast pace of the North.
He is cautious.
She is a risk taker.
He supports peaceful protest, specifically the teachings of Martin Luther King.
She supports a more radically viewed approach under Malcolm X.
However, they share a common ground, seeking equal rights for their community.
And they share an attraction that almost makes them overlook their differences.

The last thing he’d planned to do when he’d come to New York was to fall for a revolutionary beauty who stood for all the things he rallied against.

As a romance, this story was a bit of a slow burn. If it wasn't for Anita's bold pursuit, they still may not have had their first date. But I thought her actions toward Jason perfectly captured her overall spirit and approach to life. Not sitting back but going after what she wanted/what was right.

As historical fiction, the author did a great job of weaving in true events with fictional ones. I particularly enjoyed the inclusion of photos from that time period. In addition, I thought the author handedly detailed the different views of these Civil Rights icons and how each main character struggled to understand the other's approach to the mission.

While this book takes place during the sixties, there were a lot of relatable moments that tie to the Black Lives Matter movement. It reminded me how far we've come since the Civil Rights area, yet how we still have a lot of work to do as a country toward establishing equality.

Overall, this was a gratifying read, allowing me to learn more about a critical time in US history and reflect on our current state. Add to that two main characters who I equally supported, and you have a winning story with a strong message.

*An ARC was received via NetGalley for an honest review.

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Profile Image for Thelma.
771 reviews41 followers
December 1, 2020
This book has many elements that I really enjoy and made the story and the book so much more enjoyable.

Confessions in B flat is a story that talks a lot about those years of Malcolm x and martin Luther king, the story some home intertwines with the story of these magnificent men the stories, the causes they support, and what they were fighting for..

Jason tanner is not ready to fall in love but life has a very strange manner of bringing things that maybe we aren't looking for but it is the right time for us to embrace it this is the case for Jason when he met Anita, he didn't know anything else just that he had to meet her and see what else she has hidden behind that beautiful smile.

Anita knows how to write and she expresses her self in a way that has many men including Jason drilling for her talents and her intelligence, she writes beautiful poetry that expresses her thoughts, emotions, and things she is living and going through, she also writes a lot about their constant struggle with life and white people who don't see them as equal and are constantly fighting with them.

in Confessions In B Flat we get to read about what Black people have been suffering from for decades still in 2020 they still suffering racism and separation many leaders and white people are so eager to promote this evilness. I really like how this book talks about the subject in a way that makes us aware but also makes us fall in love with the characters Jason and Anita.

There is love, there is passion, there is faith and strength everything combined with the love Anita And Jason keep professing until the end. life and circumstances separated Anita and Jason but true love can never be extinguished not even with time.

Many great things to talk about in this book, but I don't want to give anything away, Donna Hill did a great job putting everything together to make this story brilliant and pretty well balanced and articulated
Profile Image for Lit_Vibrations .
419 reviews37 followers
March 12, 2023
This novel was such a heartwarming masterpiece that captured an important time in history and remixed it with romance making it even more captivating.

Taken place in Harlem during the 1960’s the novel follows two courageous MC’s Jason Tanner a young activist seeking to spread the message of his mentor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and Anita Hopkins an aspiring beat poet who believes in the practices of Malcolm X. When the two meet on a New York bus ride Jason is intrigued by Anita and although there political differences nearly get in the way of their conversation Anita also felt something in that moment. Nearly three months pass before they cross paths again making this next encounter one to remember.

Jason was passionate and eager to be a positive voice for the movement while Anita was fierce with her drive for justice by any means necessary. It was nearly impossible not to fall in love with these characters. The character development was excellent. Donna Hill put so much description into the story giving a realistic feel to the setting and characters.

I really enjoyed watching the love flourish and bloom between Jason and Anita. Her dealing with a past heartbreak almost made it impossible for Jason to show his real interest. But I loved how eventually Anita opened herself up to love again despite her past entanglement. Then just when you think things between them may not work something happens and gives their relationship hope.

The book not only feeds you in the romance sector but awakens the reader’s perspective on history and the difficulties African Americans face. The author’s inclusion of real photographs, news articles, and poetry was not only insightful but takes you on a journey through history.

I’m so excited this book is being adapted into a film. It’s definitely worth reading so I can only imagine how amazing the movie will be. Special thanks to the author and @hearourvoicestours for my gifted copy and to be apart of this amazing tour!!!!
Profile Image for MidnightAce Book Bar.
170 reviews11 followers
November 26, 2020
Confessions in B-flat released at what I like to call "such a time as this" as we see the things happening in our world today. It was a memorable tribute to those who stood in the gap back then, and its nuggets will stay with you even after you've read the last words.

The author did a great job of developing the main characters, Jason Tanner and Anita Hopkins. I enjoyed their journey. The reader can visualize how strong their convictions, much like the American icons they followed. We travel back to 1960, during the time of the 16th Street Baptist Church bombing; assignations of then-President John F. Kennedy and Malcolm X, riots, the many deaths of black people due to social injustices and prejudice. Jason and Anita offered an experience of the sacrifice endured and their political and religious difference, and the messages from the perspective of Dr. Martin Luther King (non-violence) and Malcolm X (by any means necessary).

This one had many takeaways; what I liked most was how the author took us back to a time of unrest, seeing how far we've come, but reminded of work still needed; the variety of contributions made by Black Americans, the landmarks, and the pictures provided throughout the story. I think Anita and Jason were perfect for this journey, and their worlds have the potential to collide, but, despite the differences, it was the love for each other carried them through it all.

If you love elements of Historial Romance, American History, or just a great story you can sink into, I encourage you to get a copy of this one.
Profile Image for Momma Leighellen’s Book Nook.
957 reviews284 followers
December 20, 2020
I'm always up for any sort of retelling and this book totally gave me all the Romeo + Juliet vibes, while infusing classic 1960's culture. This is an emotional #ownvoice YA love story that ties in mixed media and the voices of the cultural revolution leaders of the day into the heartbeat of the story.

Set in 1963 Harlem, this historical fiction romance is a quick, enjoyable read about a young couple caught up in the middle of the Civil Rights movement. They have opposing ideologies and are working through the kinks in their relationship while pursuing a quest for change on a national scale. The laid back Tanner is spreading the message of Dr. Martin Luther King and feisty Anita follows Malcom X’s ideology.

Is their love enough to unite them despite their differences in how to tackle racism? Confessions in B Flat is a timely piece of literature celebrating the voices of the original movement, while acknowledging how far we still have to go for racial equality and justice. I loved the news articles and historical pictures from the 1960’s movement spread throughout the book.

Thank you TLC Book Tours, Entangled Publishing, and Sideways books for the #gifted copy to read and review.

#confessionsinbflat #civilrightsmovement #authordonnahill #tlcbooktours #historicalromance



Profile Image for Barb.
401 reviews1 follower
November 21, 2020
I wasn't sure if I was going to connect with this book, which I received from a Goodreads Giveaway, but I jumped in anyway. I found myself attached to both of the main characters immediately after reading the beginning chapters on each of them. Diametrically opposed in nearly everything, yet magnetically drawn together we follow Jason and Anita, (south/north, quiet/bold, peaceful/forceful) through the turbulent times of the mid sixties. I was a tween/teen during this time and I remember a lot of mentioned historical events that shaped the Civil Rights Movement then, but I understood it from a kid's perspective. I rhink it is good for everyone to revisit this time as adults, so that we don't forget. Having a love story along with the history, personalizes it...after all we have all been in love sometime or another. This is very well written and interspersed with actual photographs from the times. I can't believe we survived it...God bless those that led us through it.
Profile Image for Shannan Harper.
2,461 reviews28 followers
November 29, 2020
A masterfully written story set during 1963 during the civil right's movement that will take your breath away. On his way to New York to try to convince people that Dr. King's method of non violence resistance is the way to go, meets activist Anita Hopkins, who feels Malcom X's by any means necessary is the way to go. Although they try to resist it, sparks fly. They both have to decide if they can make it work despite their varied and opposing views.

Ms. Hill proves with this book that she is a master at her craft. This story took me on a roller coaster that I wasn't expecting. With life like characters, shocking moments and a history lesson thrown in, this book is definitely on my top list for the year. The story line was extremely well developed. Although I rarely re read books, I plan to read this one again in the near future. Kudos and great job.

I received a copy of this book via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
Profile Image for Laverne.
327 reviews53 followers
April 19, 2023
Every book I read by this author leaves me spellbound and thinking she can’t top the last one. But once I swipe left I find yup she done did it. Teehee. Confessions in B Flat is a romance between activist. On a bus ride Jason Tanner meets Anita Hopkins, and neither Jason nor Anita can shake their connection. The personal connection and bond between Anita and Jason is what really carries this story.

But we cannot and must not forget how Hill weaves history into Jason and Anita's journey. As well as the incorporation of music, poetry, news articles, and photographs bringing this time period to life and setting the reader smack dead in the story emotionally.

Confessions in B-Flat is a love story that stretches multiple decades. It is beautiful and, heartbreaking. This engaging, emotional love story is a must-read.
In exchange for my honest and thoughtful review I received a galley copy from NetGalley.
Profile Image for Urban Reviews.
39 reviews22 followers
March 30, 2023
Jason Tanner has come to Harlem in 1963. His mission is to spread the word of passive resistance of his mentor Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Anita Hopkins is a poet that believes in the teachings of Malcolm X and freedom is “by any means necessary”. But when Jason sees Anita performing her poetry at the B-Flat lounge, he is instantly drawn to her. Can Jason and Anita make a connection?

Civil rights, different ideologies, and a love story is what Donna Hill brought us with Confessions in B-Flat. From the iconic restaurants, record stores, and other local black community landmarks, Hill transports you to 1963 Harlem. You can literally see everything that is taking place in this story. The development of Anita and Jason’s love story is a steady build that readers will appreciate. Donna Hill hit just the right note with Confessions in B-Flat.
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