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May December
As a cultural anthropologist for a renowned Black historical society, May documents stories that tell the culture and history of a people. And as an adoptee, she is haunted by the fear that the history she will never discover is her own.
But when an assignment lands her in South Texas to investigate the origins of a very unusual family name, May finds herself drawn to a much younger man who seems--at least in some ways--to be a refreshingly wide-open book.
Soon, their deepening connection has May questioning whether she’s had it all wrong. Maybe she’ll never learn the story of her past, but could there still be time to write an unexpected and surprising future?
But when an assignment lands her in South Texas to investigate the origins of a very unusual family name, May finds herself drawn to a much younger man who seems--at least in some ways--to be a refreshingly wide-open book.
Soon, their deepening connection has May questioning whether she’s had it all wrong. Maybe she’ll never learn the story of her past, but could there still be time to write an unexpected and surprising future?
170 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 28, 2022
69 people are currently reading
123 people want to read
About the author
Nia Forrester
56 books993 followersI live in Philadelphia, PA where by day I work on public policy reform, and by night I read authors who move me, and write woman-centered fiction.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
March 5, 2022
3.5 stars for this long novella or short novel. A quick read that I completed in one day. Both MCs were likeable, although very different from each other. The older woman-younger man romance between them worked quite well, even though it felt a bit rushed due to it being such a short book. The back story of the December name that was revealed was quite interesting. Overall an enjoyable read.
July 7, 2023
Open Yourself Up
The element I love most about this is the truth you find in fiction. May went on her work assignment searching for answers but found something she didn’t know she needed. I really love the way Black history is weaved into this short story.
The element I love most about this is the truth you find in fiction. May went on her work assignment searching for answers but found something she didn’t know she needed. I really love the way Black history is weaved into this short story.
May 21, 2022
Loved the originality of this storyline!!
Nia has long ago proven her ability as a wordsmith, but this book just upped the ante. I loved the originality of this storyline. I also loved the chemistry between these characters and how the title has multiple meanings. Great read!!
Nia has long ago proven her ability as a wordsmith, but this book just upped the ante. I loved the originality of this storyline. I also loved the chemistry between these characters and how the title has multiple meanings. Great read!!
March 4, 2022
I could have read 100 more pages! The way my mind is imagining all of the books and crannies in this story… drama. I feel like it ended too soon. But the epilogue makes up for that.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 21, 2025
The Tale of December
This was such a good short story read on May and Jeh. It was as if it was made to happen. Haven’t read a Nia Forrester book in a minute and was not disappointed. This book follows the history and story of black people and finding their roots. Picking up the pieces left behind after such a harsh history and putting in the work to match puzzles. Jeh and May off bat saw each other but was a good slow burn age gap. I like how author Nia put this story together it was intriguing and insightful. Now I’m on to the next shorts to get my book groove on in Nia land.
This was such a good short story read on May and Jeh. It was as if it was made to happen. Haven’t read a Nia Forrester book in a minute and was not disappointed. This book follows the history and story of black people and finding their roots. Picking up the pieces left behind after such a harsh history and putting in the work to match puzzles. Jeh and May off bat saw each other but was a good slow burn age gap. I like how author Nia put this story together it was intriguing and insightful. Now I’m on to the next shorts to get my book groove on in Nia land.
March 3, 2022
I have read everything Nia Forrester has written and in May December she offers stellar storytelling as usual. However there’s a difference. The landscape isn’t urban, it’s Texas and the millionaire ballers are missing, instead there is a family, rich in land and history.
May, an anthropologist goes to Texas to discover the history of the Decembers, a family that has kept its history and secrets close but May is determined to find out both. What she didn’t count on was how the state, the land and its people, especially one, Jeh December would impact her. Jay is nine years her junior and one fine man but he’s not for May, or is he. Forrester deftly draws us into the story, making us care about the land and it’s inhabitants. I enjoyed every word.
May, an anthropologist goes to Texas to discover the history of the Decembers, a family that has kept its history and secrets close but May is determined to find out both. What she didn’t count on was how the state, the land and its people, especially one, Jeh December would impact her. Jay is nine years her junior and one fine man but he’s not for May, or is he. Forrester deftly draws us into the story, making us care about the land and it’s inhabitants. I enjoyed every word.
March 1, 2022
A Love For All Seasons
I did not realize initially that May and December had a significant difference in lifestyle and a few other things. May is from New York, and Jeh is from deep south Texas. May's job led her on what felt like an archeological dig into a family named December. The task was daunting, much like pulling a cat's whiskers, only for May to get the story, and then what? I will say, the story was well worth every page turned, facts or fiction uncovered, and the beautiful story unearthed in the end. I loved this book.
I did not realize initially that May and December had a significant difference in lifestyle and a few other things. May is from New York, and Jeh is from deep south Texas. May's job led her on what felt like an archeological dig into a family named December. The task was daunting, much like pulling a cat's whiskers, only for May to get the story, and then what? I will say, the story was well worth every page turned, facts or fiction uncovered, and the beautiful story unearthed in the end. I loved this book.
March 7, 2022
Love, family and secrets
Being from Texas; born and bred (As folks say, which I hate. ) this story hit home. There was so much love, family, tradition and history in this story. Sure the story is fictional, but knowing some of my own family's history, this story could ABSOLUTELY be true.
I grew up hearing that my great- grandfather was hung after being accused of raping a white woman; he and his three friends later found innocent. But what did it matter by then? He had left his young sons without a parent (his wife had died young). My grandfather and his brothers were raised by an "aunt" who was given 120 acres of land by her owner/ "lover" before his death. The land remained in the white owner's name until it could legally be changed and RECOGNIZED as my grandfathers. Our Black history, so often untold. Yet, we are a beautiful, resilient people who have overcome so much!
I love all of Nia Forrester's books. This one was so rich. It was warm and sultry, like the hot Texas heat. May yearned for a family with deep roots, and she found it and more in South Texas. I enjoyed the southern references. Grandmomma cooking and eating at the dining table for guests. "Unc" cooking and dressing up for supper and company. I love that Manny was a friend and employee. I know Ms. Forrester lives in the big city, but this story shows that she knows about us small town folks too!
Being from Texas; born and bred (As folks say, which I hate. ) this story hit home. There was so much love, family, tradition and history in this story. Sure the story is fictional, but knowing some of my own family's history, this story could ABSOLUTELY be true.
I grew up hearing that my great- grandfather was hung after being accused of raping a white woman; he and his three friends later found innocent. But what did it matter by then? He had left his young sons without a parent (his wife had died young). My grandfather and his brothers were raised by an "aunt" who was given 120 acres of land by her owner/ "lover" before his death. The land remained in the white owner's name until it could legally be changed and RECOGNIZED as my grandfathers. Our Black history, so often untold. Yet, we are a beautiful, resilient people who have overcome so much!
I love all of Nia Forrester's books. This one was so rich. It was warm and sultry, like the hot Texas heat. May yearned for a family with deep roots, and she found it and more in South Texas. I enjoyed the southern references. Grandmomma cooking and eating at the dining table for guests. "Unc" cooking and dressing up for supper and company. I love that Manny was a friend and employee. I know Ms. Forrester lives in the big city, but this story shows that she knows about us small town folks too!
March 5, 2022
Whatever she touches, turns to gold...nah...platinum!
This master wordsmith does it again giving us all the essential components of a great story: character development, engaging storyline, viewpoints, dialogue and pacing. This author adds a layer to her work which is the unapologetic Blackness as the female protagonist May sought to uncover the genealogy of the December family. The addition of Jeh December, the younger yet well versed protagonist provides depth to our realities in the Black community which May continue to state that there is always a story but what the "government" may know is not our true history. This book was unlike anything I read before, a pleasant and welcomed surprise. When I reached the end of the book a huge smile graced my face as I said, "she did it again". This author continues to give the needed voice to our community and as she continues to craft her stories I will be there to read each and every one!!!
This master wordsmith does it again giving us all the essential components of a great story: character development, engaging storyline, viewpoints, dialogue and pacing. This author adds a layer to her work which is the unapologetic Blackness as the female protagonist May sought to uncover the genealogy of the December family. The addition of Jeh December, the younger yet well versed protagonist provides depth to our realities in the Black community which May continue to state that there is always a story but what the "government" may know is not our true history. This book was unlike anything I read before, a pleasant and welcomed surprise. When I reached the end of the book a huge smile graced my face as I said, "she did it again". This author continues to give the needed voice to our community and as she continues to craft her stories I will be there to read each and every one!!!
March 5, 2022
amazing as always
Nia never disappoints. The story of these two falling for each other was artfully written. And the backstory and rich history of this town had me contemplating moving to a small town close to the Texas border with delicious fresh food! Beautifully written and was the type of feel good story I needed right now. Bravo!
Nia never disappoints. The story of these two falling for each other was artfully written. And the backstory and rich history of this town had me contemplating moving to a small town close to the Texas border with delicious fresh food! Beautifully written and was the type of feel good story I needed right now. Bravo!
March 4, 2022
loved book
I’m fan of NF’s writing. This was different story from Nia’s normal city location. Beautiful love story of May in a career involving researching family past/ heritage of others as she’s an adoptee with no known of her own. whilst Jeh & family would rather keep the past in the past . Loved how this was concluded
I’m fan of NF’s writing. This was different story from Nia’s normal city location. Beautiful love story of May in a career involving researching family past/ heritage of others as she’s an adoptee with no known of her own. whilst Jeh & family would rather keep the past in the past . Loved how this was concluded
March 4, 2023
This???? Was so good!!! It needed to be longer—-this type of story was too robust for a novella. I would have loved to hear more about the families history and May’s anthropological findings. It was all just so sweet and black and Southern.
March 2, 2022
Rich in history!
This story, while not technically romance centered, was so full of generational foundation and family lineage, that I found myself more caught up in the December background, than May and Jeh's courtship! And I suspect that was purposeful. I can always count on Nia Forrester for a well rounded, thought provoking story. She has once again proved that great writing can take on many forms!
This story, while not technically romance centered, was so full of generational foundation and family lineage, that I found myself more caught up in the December background, than May and Jeh's courtship! And I suspect that was purposeful. I can always count on Nia Forrester for a well rounded, thought provoking story. She has once again proved that great writing can take on many forms!
March 2, 2022
Happy for Now, I guess?
Nia is good for reminding you that books have to end somewhere, even when you want them to continue on. Just when you think you're content with the ending, you think of the other loose ends and wonder what would've happened. Do they succeed with the land? What happens to Isabel? Manny & Esmeralda? So many things. Still a five-star read, though, because very rarely does Nia miss.
Nia is good for reminding you that books have to end somewhere, even when you want them to continue on. Just when you think you're content with the ending, you think of the other loose ends and wonder what would've happened. Do they succeed with the land? What happens to Isabel? Manny & Esmeralda? So many things. Still a five-star read, though, because very rarely does Nia miss.
March 3, 2022
I fell in love with the history, I found I wanted more .
March 4, 2022
This was such an interesting and different type of story that had me captivated. I enjoyed all the characters except for that rich spoil brat. I especially like Jeh, May and Ma Rayleen. Vern was cool too.
The Decembers had such an intriguing beginning and history
The Decembers had such an intriguing beginning and history
March 4, 2022
Not Sure What to Write…
But this was a GREAT short story. Full of southern pride, hospitality, food, and family secrets. Thank you for sharing.
But this was a GREAT short story. Full of southern pride, hospitality, food, and family secrets. Thank you for sharing.
March 3, 2022
mayyy 🥺
December 23, 2024
Cute story! Love the history with romance. Who wouldn't love a country boy.
March 13, 2022
Slowest Book I’ve read by NF
I’ve read ALL NF book and enjoyed most of them. This one is the slowest. No twists, turns or highlights….NONE!
I’ve read ALL NF book and enjoyed most of them. This one is the slowest. No twists, turns or highlights….NONE!
July 30, 2025
Tales for Tails
Ummm 🤔, “May December” (The Short)” was an underwhelming read (3.75 - 4.0 ⭐️’s). Unfortunately, this book was another least favorite book from Author Nia Forrester. …For me, from a professional/business perspective of a cultural anthropologist the Isabel TX trip was a waste 🤷🏾♀️‼️The December family’s legends/myths (which ones) were greater than the reality. However, maybe that was the objective🤔⁉️Find my great grand nephew a suitable companion 🧐? …Nevertheless, its not plausible the matriarch, patriarch nor any other relatives of a town established four/five generations prior (FUBU) don’t know the story. Yet, a great grand nephew knows the origin in its entirety, afterwards (use you imagination)🥴‼️Now, that’s the family’s prerogative not to divulge to outsiders (for public scrutiny) the tenets of their town’s ancestry & or founders. Okay fine‼️But they family could have stated their collective decision (in a letter) after the first visit to Isabel TX. Meanwhile, Jeh’s motives for May gallivanting May throughout southern TX felt more disingenuous rather than a sincere romantic interest. Yup, I said it tales for tail 🤷🏾♀️🤦🏾♀️😬🤭‼️..She ain’t the first nor the last to enticed by the boots 😉😂‼️
Ummm 🤔, “May December” (The Short)” was an underwhelming read (3.75 - 4.0 ⭐️’s). Unfortunately, this book was another least favorite book from Author Nia Forrester. …For me, from a professional/business perspective of a cultural anthropologist the Isabel TX trip was a waste 🤷🏾♀️‼️The December family’s legends/myths (which ones) were greater than the reality. However, maybe that was the objective🤔⁉️Find my great grand nephew a suitable companion 🧐? …Nevertheless, its not plausible the matriarch, patriarch nor any other relatives of a town established four/five generations prior (FUBU) don’t know the story. Yet, a great grand nephew knows the origin in its entirety, afterwards (use you imagination)🥴‼️Now, that’s the family’s prerogative not to divulge to outsiders (for public scrutiny) the tenets of their town’s ancestry & or founders. Okay fine‼️But they family could have stated their collective decision (in a letter) after the first visit to Isabel TX. Meanwhile, Jeh’s motives for May gallivanting May throughout southern TX felt more disingenuous rather than a sincere romantic interest. Yup, I said it tales for tail 🤷🏾♀️🤦🏾♀️😬🤭‼️..She ain’t the first nor the last to enticed by the boots 😉😂‼️
February 23, 2023
Very underwhelming for an NF book. I just couldn't connect with the characters or even understand why they loved each other honestly. I didn't like the hero, May, all that much. For someone who was 38, she was quite immature. That scene where she assumed that Jeh was in an extra-marital relationship with his client based off of one awkward encounter was weird to me. You tryna tell me that at your age you don't know to ask questions before reaching conclusions?
Also, I didn't really like her job and the entitlement she felt to knowing people's history. They tried to excuse it as her just trying to shed light on it, but it's not everything that should be public knowledge and I'm glad that by the end she somewhat realised that. I generally don't like journalists so maybe that's why that part irked me. I don't like the character traits most seem to have of feeling entitled to people's life, or in this instance, their history. It's weird to me.
This book was well written though, I don't think Nia Forrester can write a bad book really. But everything else wasn't my cup of tea.
Also, I didn't really like her job and the entitlement she felt to knowing people's history. They tried to excuse it as her just trying to shed light on it, but it's not everything that should be public knowledge and I'm glad that by the end she somewhat realised that. I generally don't like journalists so maybe that's why that part irked me. I don't like the character traits most seem to have of feeling entitled to people's life, or in this instance, their history. It's weird to me.
This book was well written though, I don't think Nia Forrester can write a bad book really. But everything else wasn't my cup of tea.
March 7, 2022
She’s done it again!
Nia Forrester does it for me every single time. This story was definitely more women’s fiction than a romance, as forewarned, but there was the romance present underneath it all, building up slow and steady. I loved the plot of the story of May’s work and the whys of how she came to be interested in her field and her own personal history . The little bits of Black history throughout the story and the tidbits of the backgrounds of each of the characters were done really well, like Uncle Vern and Jeh’s parents and the note of the way the macro Black experience sometimes shows itself in the micro experience. From the beginning the story put me in the mind of Their Eyes Were Watching God. A women going through a transitional point in her life who meets a younger man whose presence is pivotal to that shift. I really enjoyed the story and a different kind of work form this author. Whatever she’s writing, I’m reading!
Nia Forrester does it for me every single time. This story was definitely more women’s fiction than a romance, as forewarned, but there was the romance present underneath it all, building up slow and steady. I loved the plot of the story of May’s work and the whys of how she came to be interested in her field and her own personal history . The little bits of Black history throughout the story and the tidbits of the backgrounds of each of the characters were done really well, like Uncle Vern and Jeh’s parents and the note of the way the macro Black experience sometimes shows itself in the micro experience. From the beginning the story put me in the mind of Their Eyes Were Watching God. A women going through a transitional point in her life who meets a younger man whose presence is pivotal to that shift. I really enjoyed the story and a different kind of work form this author. Whatever she’s writing, I’m reading!
October 29, 2022
Awesome Story
This was a great story of history that is informative. A lot of African American History is so distorted because of us not being considered human, free or owners of any land. Not being able to own things , which is still considerably happening today, but not as much, but still is an on going thought process of many non African people . This was/is could be very stressful and tiring battle. I can understand why certain pieces of history was not told because of this, family and the proper placement of land ownership and inheritance. This story was beautifully told from beginning to end with a little romance and self discovery of the two main characters. For me this was an excellent read. Renee G.
This was a great story of history that is informative. A lot of African American History is so distorted because of us not being considered human, free or owners of any land. Not being able to own things , which is still considerably happening today, but not as much, but still is an on going thought process of many non African people . This was/is could be very stressful and tiring battle. I can understand why certain pieces of history was not told because of this, family and the proper placement of land ownership and inheritance. This story was beautifully told from beginning to end with a little romance and self discovery of the two main characters. For me this was an excellent read. Renee G.
March 23, 2022
May is on a mission to find out the history of a family & town. Instead she finds love. She's a cultural anthropologist & it's part of her job to sort of build family trees. When she lands in this small Texas town she doesn't have a lot to go on but she's determined to get the job done. The family takes a liking to her right away but they are still tight lipped about the info she needs to finish her research. All the while she hangs out with Jeh. He's a member of the family she's looking into but there's an attraction they can't deny. Eventually they give in.
I love these shorts! They always feel like a full story, nothing missing.
I love these shorts! They always feel like a full story, nothing missing.
March 7, 2022
May December Review
I have read all of Nia Forester’s work, and one thing that’s always stood out to me is her ability to write characters who care deeply and lovingly for each other. That skill is on spectacular display in May December, evident not only in the romantic relationship between May and Jeh, but also in the familial bonds and deep reverence the December family holds for its ancestors. This story is rich in history and endearing interpersonal connections with a hint of intrigue. As always, it left me wanting more from Ms. Forrester!
I have read all of Nia Forester’s work, and one thing that’s always stood out to me is her ability to write characters who care deeply and lovingly for each other. That skill is on spectacular display in May December, evident not only in the romantic relationship between May and Jeh, but also in the familial bonds and deep reverence the December family holds for its ancestors. This story is rich in history and endearing interpersonal connections with a hint of intrigue. As always, it left me wanting more from Ms. Forrester!
July 6, 2022
This was such a sweet amazing read and a age gap romance at that!
Loved, loved the sweetness of both May and December on page, they were so cute when they were together on a page. Outstanding chemistry between them. I highly enjoyed the historical story of the town of Isabel, it was a great addition to the overall plot of the story.
I do wish we had gotten more are about May's relationship with her adoptive parents but this was a really good short novella and I highly recommend checking it out.
Loved, loved the sweetness of both May and December on page, they were so cute when they were together on a page. Outstanding chemistry between them. I highly enjoyed the historical story of the town of Isabel, it was a great addition to the overall plot of the story.
I do wish we had gotten more are about May's relationship with her adoptive parents but this was a really good short novella and I highly recommend checking it out.
March 13, 2022
NIA always gets it right
As soon as I got the notification, I immediately downloaded the book because I knew the story would be great. Nia has this magic to her writing and the premise of this story was just magical. It hit close to home as someone who lives in the city but wishes to raise a family similar to Jeh’s town. I’m so glad I read this book and I look forward to more stories from Nia.
As soon as I got the notification, I immediately downloaded the book because I knew the story would be great. Nia has this magic to her writing and the premise of this story was just magical. It hit close to home as someone who lives in the city but wishes to raise a family similar to Jeh’s town. I’m so glad I read this book and I look forward to more stories from Nia.
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March 17, 2022Pretty clever Ms. Forrester!
Wow. I love how the title of this book and the story really are in synch. And the story unfolds in such a satisfying pace, blending historical suspense, chemistry and heat. Reading a good romance novel will leave you smiling after you’re finished. Reading an excellent one will have you wishing you knew the main characters too! I all but ignored my twitter and insta habit while reading this snack of a book. Well-done!
Wow. I love how the title of this book and the story really are in synch. And the story unfolds in such a satisfying pace, blending historical suspense, chemistry and heat. Reading a good romance novel will leave you smiling after you’re finished. Reading an excellent one will have you wishing you knew the main characters too! I all but ignored my twitter and insta habit while reading this snack of a book. Well-done!
April 4, 2022
Not my speed but Good!
This is the longest that it has ever taken me to finish a Nia Forrester book. I am a “Day 1” fan/stan of the author and her work but this short lacked the pull that I usually get. I wasn’t captivated or waiting with baited breath for things to unfold. Although the story was well written and at times intriguing, it just wasn’t my speed and that’s okay because I am sure that her next book will have me right back hooked!
This is the longest that it has ever taken me to finish a Nia Forrester book. I am a “Day 1” fan/stan of the author and her work but this short lacked the pull that I usually get. I wasn’t captivated or waiting with baited breath for things to unfold. Although the story was well written and at times intriguing, it just wasn’t my speed and that’s okay because I am sure that her next book will have me right back hooked!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews