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The Thing About Home: A Lowcountry Novel
Home is not a place—it’s a feeling. Casey Black needs an escape. When her picture-perfect vow renewal ceremony ends in her being left at the altar, the former model turned social media influencer has new fame—the kind she never wanted. An embarrassing viral video has cost her millions of followers, and her seven-year marriage is over. With her personal and business lives in shambles, Casey runs from New York City to South Carolina’s Lowcountry hoping to find long-lost family. Family who can give her more answers about her past than her controlling mom-slash-manager has ever been willing to share. What Casey doesn’t expect is a postcard-worthy property on a three-hundred-acre farm, history, culture, and a love of sweet tea. She spends her days caring for the land and her nights cooking much needed Southern comfort foods. She also meets Nigel, the handsome farm manager whose friendship has become everything she’s never had. And then there are the secrets her mother can no longer hide. Through the pages of her great-grandmother’s journals, Casey discovers her roots run deeper than the Lowcountry soil. She learns that she has people. A home. A legacy to uphold. And a great new love story—if only she is brave enough to leave her old life behind. “. . . a beautifully written story about family, self-discovery, secrets, and forgiveness.” —Kimberla Lawson Roby, New York Times bestselling author
384 pages, Paperback
First published May 9, 2023
467 people are currently reading
9322 people want to read
About the author
Rhonda McKnight
42 books795 followersEven as she pursued degrees in Textile Technology, Organizational Leadership and finally, Adult Education, Rhonda McKnight’s love for books and desire to write stories was always in the back of her mind and in the forefront of her heart. Rhonda loves reading and writing stories that touch the heart of women through complex plots and interesting characters in crisis. She writes from the comfort of her South Carolina home with black tea, potato chips and chocolate on hand. At her feet sits a snappy mixed breed dog. She can be reached at her website at www.rhondamcknight.com and on social media at www.facebook.com/booksbyrhonda www.twitter.com/rhondamcknight www.instagram.com/authorrhondamcknight
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 693 reviews
June 22, 2023
The Thing About Home by Rhonda McKnight was both a moving and heartwarming story. It was the first book that I had the pleasure of reading by this author. The thing that I particularly enjoyed about The Thing About Home was that the author, Rhonda McKnight, brought some of her own family history into the pages of her book. It married modern elements with deep rooted family traditions that had taken root in the south and had survived for generations. It was well written, well plotted and had very likable characters. The pace was perfect. The Thing About Home was told in a dual timeline that was easy to follow and understand.
Casey Black, or Casey B., as she was known by her millions of followers from her social media influencer page, had orchestrated a gala event to renew her wedding vows with her husband, Drew. It had taken her over seven months to plan for it. Casey had eloped with Drew ten years ago. She never had the big wedding that every girl dreamed about. That was all about to change. Everything about Casey and her big day was perfect. She was beautiful, her dress was stunning, her hair was exquisite and the church was overflowing with guests and family. What could go wrong? Everything! Drew, her husband of ten years, had just informed Casey that he could not go through with renewing his vows to her. What was he saying? Not only couldn’t Drew renew his vows with Casey but he wanted a divorce. Casey was in shock, embarrassed and humiliated. She left the church and went home to her apartment. Casey proceeded to make matters even worse than they were. She decided to face her followers and that backfired right in her face. Her whole world was crumbling right before her very eyes. What was she going to do?
Casey decided that she needed to get away. She packed some of her things and headed south in her Mercedes. Casey was going to seek out her father’s family. Her father had died before Casey had even been born. Her mother had only told Casey vague tales about her father and his family. Casey was determined to find her father’s family and learn her history. She headed for Georgetown, South Carolina. When Casey finally arrived in Georgetown she discovered that it was founded in 1729 and that it was the third oldest city in South Carolina. Now all she had to do was find out if any of her father’s family still lived there. When Casey decided to get something to eat she met a tall and very good looking man standing behind her in line. After starting up an impromptu conversation, Casey asked this stranger if he knew of any members of family with the last name Black. When he told her that he didn’t, he helped her find the tax office so she could find out if her father’s family owned property in Georgetown. At the tax office, Casey discovered that indeed an Edward and Ida Black did own property on Choppee Road. It was a 300 acre farm.
When Casey finally reached The Black Farm she was introduced to a woman who appeared to be nearly one hundred years old. As Casey stood in front of this woman, she realized that she had finally met her grandmother, Mrs. Ida Black, a grandmother she had been denied knowing for all 36 years of her life. Within no time, Casey began to refer to her grandmother as Granna. Through her grandmother and all the rest of her father’s family, Casey began to learn about the part of her history that her mother had denied her from knowing about her whole life. She had a grandmother! Casey came to love her Granna very much. Coincidentally, the tall, dark and handsome stranger that Casey had met at the restaurant, was her grandmother’s farm manager, Nigel Evansten. Every bit of Casey’s vulnerability, curiosity, honesty and passion would be tested. Could her grandmother and her Aunt Thea fill in the gaps about her father that Casey had longed to discover for as long as she could remember? What would become of Casey’s attraction to Nigel? Could Casey see herself living in South Carolina or would home draw her back to the hectic, complicated and competitive life she had know? Casey would soon learn that “Home is not a place- it’s a feeling.”
I really enjoyed everything about this book, The Thing About Home. It had drama, suspense, mystery and a true sense of family. Casey found her way back to a family she never knew she had. She discovered her roots, her culture, her family and her history. Mostly, she rediscovered herself and what was important to her. I loved the characters in this book and would have been happy if it went on forever. I didn’t want it to end. The Thing About Home was about family, self-discovery, a legacy, friendship, history and culture and a few hidden secrets. Rhonda McKnight is a master storyteller. I can’t wait to see what she writes next. I highly recommend this book.
Thank you to Thomas Nelson Publishers for allowing me to read The Thing About Home by Rhonda McKinght through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Casey Black, or Casey B., as she was known by her millions of followers from her social media influencer page, had orchestrated a gala event to renew her wedding vows with her husband, Drew. It had taken her over seven months to plan for it. Casey had eloped with Drew ten years ago. She never had the big wedding that every girl dreamed about. That was all about to change. Everything about Casey and her big day was perfect. She was beautiful, her dress was stunning, her hair was exquisite and the church was overflowing with guests and family. What could go wrong? Everything! Drew, her husband of ten years, had just informed Casey that he could not go through with renewing his vows to her. What was he saying? Not only couldn’t Drew renew his vows with Casey but he wanted a divorce. Casey was in shock, embarrassed and humiliated. She left the church and went home to her apartment. Casey proceeded to make matters even worse than they were. She decided to face her followers and that backfired right in her face. Her whole world was crumbling right before her very eyes. What was she going to do?
Casey decided that she needed to get away. She packed some of her things and headed south in her Mercedes. Casey was going to seek out her father’s family. Her father had died before Casey had even been born. Her mother had only told Casey vague tales about her father and his family. Casey was determined to find her father’s family and learn her history. She headed for Georgetown, South Carolina. When Casey finally arrived in Georgetown she discovered that it was founded in 1729 and that it was the third oldest city in South Carolina. Now all she had to do was find out if any of her father’s family still lived there. When Casey decided to get something to eat she met a tall and very good looking man standing behind her in line. After starting up an impromptu conversation, Casey asked this stranger if he knew of any members of family with the last name Black. When he told her that he didn’t, he helped her find the tax office so she could find out if her father’s family owned property in Georgetown. At the tax office, Casey discovered that indeed an Edward and Ida Black did own property on Choppee Road. It was a 300 acre farm.
When Casey finally reached The Black Farm she was introduced to a woman who appeared to be nearly one hundred years old. As Casey stood in front of this woman, she realized that she had finally met her grandmother, Mrs. Ida Black, a grandmother she had been denied knowing for all 36 years of her life. Within no time, Casey began to refer to her grandmother as Granna. Through her grandmother and all the rest of her father’s family, Casey began to learn about the part of her history that her mother had denied her from knowing about her whole life. She had a grandmother! Casey came to love her Granna very much. Coincidentally, the tall, dark and handsome stranger that Casey had met at the restaurant, was her grandmother’s farm manager, Nigel Evansten. Every bit of Casey’s vulnerability, curiosity, honesty and passion would be tested. Could her grandmother and her Aunt Thea fill in the gaps about her father that Casey had longed to discover for as long as she could remember? What would become of Casey’s attraction to Nigel? Could Casey see herself living in South Carolina or would home draw her back to the hectic, complicated and competitive life she had know? Casey would soon learn that “Home is not a place- it’s a feeling.”
I really enjoyed everything about this book, The Thing About Home. It had drama, suspense, mystery and a true sense of family. Casey found her way back to a family she never knew she had. She discovered her roots, her culture, her family and her history. Mostly, she rediscovered herself and what was important to her. I loved the characters in this book and would have been happy if it went on forever. I didn’t want it to end. The Thing About Home was about family, self-discovery, a legacy, friendship, history and culture and a few hidden secrets. Rhonda McKnight is a master storyteller. I can’t wait to see what she writes next. I highly recommend this book.
Thank you to Thomas Nelson Publishers for allowing me to read The Thing About Home by Rhonda McKinght through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Currently reading
August 22, 2024The Thing About Home has been selected for an Audible Deal on 11/20/2023! It's one day only, so put a reminder on your phone.
https://www.audible.com/pd/The-Thing-...
I have enjoyed the great pictures influencers created for The Thing About Home. Do you think a story about an influencer might have inspired them to go the extra yard for me. I love all that's been done. Here is one of my favorites:
In my novel, The Thing About Home, Gullah Geechee and lowcountry food culture played a significant role in establishing the setting and atmosphere of the story. The descriptions of traditional dishes helped to paint a vivid picture of the region’s culinary traditions.
Read more at my blog https://rhondamcknight.com/2023/05/12...
I'm excited to announce my book tour (virtual and in-person) for The Thing About Home!
Details are on my website which includes links to events. https://rhondamcknight.com/2023/04/28...
I was interviewed by Publisher's Weekly. Here's a link to the story:
https://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/b...
I'm grateful to every author who took the time to read The Thing About Home.
What People Are Saying…
“Rhonda McKnight has written a gorgeously vivid, heart-felt novel that stirred my emotions from the first page. I loved getting to know the characters and wanted to stay in their lives forever. Through a dual-timeline, parallels in the women’s stories were expertly delivered in contemporary and historical voices that will have readers exploring their own lives and legacies. I tried to slow down as I came closer to the last page because I didn’t want this book to end. I’ve loved every book by Rhonda McKnight, but this one is her best!” – Victoria Christopher Murray, New York Times Bestselling Author of The Personal Librarian and NAACP Award-winning Author of Stand Your Ground
“The Thing About Home is a beautifully-written story about family, self-discovery, secrets, and forgiveness. It is a truly wonderful and most enjoyable read!” – Kimberla Lawson Roby, NAACP award-winning author of and New York Times bestselling author
“Southern writing at its best, The Thing About Home is a warm, atmospheric reminder that home is more than just a physical place—it’s family and friends and safety and unconditional love.” – Emily March, New York Times bestselling author
“Rhonda McKnight in The Thing About Home pens a safe place, a Lowcountry boil that’s soup boil for the soul. Expertly weaving a dual storyline of a rich matriarchial past with the tumultuous present, McKnight builds upon her Women’s Fiction repertoire with a fresh perspective of grief, forgiveness, and finding oneself in the midst of the storm.” -Vanessa Riley, award-winning author of ISLAND QUEEN and QUEEN OF EXILES
“McKnight’s beautifully rendered tale of a social media influencer heroine, distanced from the world through her constant engagement with social media, is a well-woven sweetgrass basket of a story. Family, history, heritage and legacy all combine in the tightly woven warp and weft of love in The Thing About Home—a must read.” – Piper Huguley, bestselling author of By Her Own Design: A Novel of Anne Lowe, Fashion Designer to the Social Register and Sweet Tea.
“In THE THING ABOUT HOME, Casey Black’s perfect life has just crashed and burned, forcing her to seek refuge in South Carolina. Ms. McKnight does an excellent job exploring not only what coming home can represent, but also the importance of family history and legacy. The reader is not only given a captivating story, but also a lesson in life. A well written exploration of love and acceptance.” – Jacquelin Thomas, national bestselling, award-winner author of one hundred books!
“You will get lost in this book. Every moment, every step that Casey takes to finding herself is magical. Rhonda McKnight is a masterful storyteller. Hands down, The Thing About Home is the best book I’ve read in a long time.” – Vanessa Miller, Essence bestselling author of Something Good and The Light on Halsey Street
“Rhonda McKnight has written a story chock full of Southern comfort. It reads like a Lowcountry recipe that’s seasoned with just the right amount of family, love, history, culture and self-discovery. As her characters become deeply-rooted in culture, you’ll find yourself longing for the same connection to home.” – Tia McCollors, bestselling author of The Days of Grace Series
“Rhonda McKnight has written the perfect southern story-warm, sweet, and full of hope. McKnight captures the heart and soul of Casey’s journey to self-discovery and love.” – Preslaysa Williams, author of A Lowcountry Bride and A Sweet Lowcountry Proposal
***
The only thing more stressful than writing and promoting your book is waiting for reviews. My day has been made fabulous!
Preorder it wherever books are sold!
***
I received endorsements for The Thing About Home. Here's one:
“The Thing About Home is a beautifully-written story about family, self-discovery, secrets, and forgiveness. It is a truly wonderful and most enjoyable read!”
– Kimberla Lawson Roby, New York Times bestselling author
Kim Roby! How special is that? Very.
***
My editor asked for a family tree to place in the front pages of The Thing About Home because this is a big family, so I am making a family tree for the Blacks and the Conways. Whew! Who knew this was a big job? I'm enjoying doing it. Creating characters is one of my favorite parts of the writing process, and I love these people so figuring out who their ancestors were...naming them, assigning birth dates and dates of death, etc. has been fun, fun, fun.
Home is not a place—it’s a feeling.
***
Receiving my ARCS for The Thing About Home was one of the highlights of my year. I can’t wait for the world to meet Casey Black and her family and friends and everyone else in her world.
Home is not a place—it’s a feeling.
***
The Thing About Home features food. Lots of food. On Thanksgiving Day the menu might include some of the items on this t-shirt I picked up at the Gullah Museum in Georgetown, SC, the setting for my upcoming novel, The Thing About Home.
Here's a link to the museum. Add it to your list of places to visit when you go to the SC Lowcountry. http://www.gullahmuseumsc.com/
Please add Thing to your To Read shelf.
I'm so excited. I received a box from my publisher. I think it's my advance review copies of The Thing About Home. It has to be. It's the only thing I'm expecting. I'll make a video and share on IG and Facebook when I open it. Maybe after the turkey tomorrow.
Please add the book your Want to Read shelf.
***
Black River is an important historical symbol and landmark in The Thing About Home. It is a 151 mile blackwater river that runs through four counties (Sumter, Clarendon, Williamsburg, and Georgetown) before merging with the Great Pee Dee River in Georgetown, South Carolina.
By Robinmkeith - Image taken by PseudoRevolutionary, released under GFDL PseudoRevolutionary 11:10, 20 September 2015
Taken by Rhonda McKnight
Working on graphics. I'm getting better at this. :)
FYI - there will be a gift item if you pre-order from Riches In Reading.
https://www.richesinreading.com/produ...
https://bookshop.org/p/books/the-thin...
https://www.amazon.com/Thing-About-Ho...
https://www.audible.com/pd/The-Thing-...
I have enjoyed the great pictures influencers created for The Thing About Home. Do you think a story about an influencer might have inspired them to go the extra yard for me. I love all that's been done. Here is one of my favorites:
In my novel, The Thing About Home, Gullah Geechee and lowcountry food culture played a significant role in establishing the setting and atmosphere of the story. The descriptions of traditional dishes helped to paint a vivid picture of the region’s culinary traditions.
Read more at my blog https://rhondamcknight.com/2023/05/12...
I'm excited to announce my book tour (virtual and in-person) for The Thing About Home!
Details are on my website which includes links to events. https://rhondamcknight.com/2023/04/28...
I was interviewed by Publisher's Weekly. Here's a link to the story:
https://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/b...
I'm grateful to every author who took the time to read The Thing About Home.
What People Are Saying…
“Rhonda McKnight has written a gorgeously vivid, heart-felt novel that stirred my emotions from the first page. I loved getting to know the characters and wanted to stay in their lives forever. Through a dual-timeline, parallels in the women’s stories were expertly delivered in contemporary and historical voices that will have readers exploring their own lives and legacies. I tried to slow down as I came closer to the last page because I didn’t want this book to end. I’ve loved every book by Rhonda McKnight, but this one is her best!” – Victoria Christopher Murray, New York Times Bestselling Author of The Personal Librarian and NAACP Award-winning Author of Stand Your Ground
“The Thing About Home is a beautifully-written story about family, self-discovery, secrets, and forgiveness. It is a truly wonderful and most enjoyable read!” – Kimberla Lawson Roby, NAACP award-winning author of and New York Times bestselling author
“Southern writing at its best, The Thing About Home is a warm, atmospheric reminder that home is more than just a physical place—it’s family and friends and safety and unconditional love.” – Emily March, New York Times bestselling author
“Rhonda McKnight in The Thing About Home pens a safe place, a Lowcountry boil that’s soup boil for the soul. Expertly weaving a dual storyline of a rich matriarchial past with the tumultuous present, McKnight builds upon her Women’s Fiction repertoire with a fresh perspective of grief, forgiveness, and finding oneself in the midst of the storm.” -Vanessa Riley, award-winning author of ISLAND QUEEN and QUEEN OF EXILES
“McKnight’s beautifully rendered tale of a social media influencer heroine, distanced from the world through her constant engagement with social media, is a well-woven sweetgrass basket of a story. Family, history, heritage and legacy all combine in the tightly woven warp and weft of love in The Thing About Home—a must read.” – Piper Huguley, bestselling author of By Her Own Design: A Novel of Anne Lowe, Fashion Designer to the Social Register and Sweet Tea.
“In THE THING ABOUT HOME, Casey Black’s perfect life has just crashed and burned, forcing her to seek refuge in South Carolina. Ms. McKnight does an excellent job exploring not only what coming home can represent, but also the importance of family history and legacy. The reader is not only given a captivating story, but also a lesson in life. A well written exploration of love and acceptance.” – Jacquelin Thomas, national bestselling, award-winner author of one hundred books!
“You will get lost in this book. Every moment, every step that Casey takes to finding herself is magical. Rhonda McKnight is a masterful storyteller. Hands down, The Thing About Home is the best book I’ve read in a long time.” – Vanessa Miller, Essence bestselling author of Something Good and The Light on Halsey Street
“Rhonda McKnight has written a story chock full of Southern comfort. It reads like a Lowcountry recipe that’s seasoned with just the right amount of family, love, history, culture and self-discovery. As her characters become deeply-rooted in culture, you’ll find yourself longing for the same connection to home.” – Tia McCollors, bestselling author of The Days of Grace Series
“Rhonda McKnight has written the perfect southern story-warm, sweet, and full of hope. McKnight captures the heart and soul of Casey’s journey to self-discovery and love.” – Preslaysa Williams, author of A Lowcountry Bride and A Sweet Lowcountry Proposal
***
The only thing more stressful than writing and promoting your book is waiting for reviews. My day has been made fabulous!
Preorder it wherever books are sold!
***
I received endorsements for The Thing About Home. Here's one:
“The Thing About Home is a beautifully-written story about family, self-discovery, secrets, and forgiveness. It is a truly wonderful and most enjoyable read!”
– Kimberla Lawson Roby, New York Times bestselling author
Kim Roby! How special is that? Very.
***
My editor asked for a family tree to place in the front pages of The Thing About Home because this is a big family, so I am making a family tree for the Blacks and the Conways. Whew! Who knew this was a big job? I'm enjoying doing it. Creating characters is one of my favorite parts of the writing process, and I love these people so figuring out who their ancestors were...naming them, assigning birth dates and dates of death, etc. has been fun, fun, fun.
Home is not a place—it’s a feeling.
***
Receiving my ARCS for The Thing About Home was one of the highlights of my year. I can’t wait for the world to meet Casey Black and her family and friends and everyone else in her world.
Home is not a place—it’s a feeling.
***
The Thing About Home features food. Lots of food. On Thanksgiving Day the menu might include some of the items on this t-shirt I picked up at the Gullah Museum in Georgetown, SC, the setting for my upcoming novel, The Thing About Home.
Here's a link to the museum. Add it to your list of places to visit when you go to the SC Lowcountry. http://www.gullahmuseumsc.com/
Please add Thing to your To Read shelf.
I'm so excited. I received a box from my publisher. I think it's my advance review copies of The Thing About Home. It has to be. It's the only thing I'm expecting. I'll make a video and share on IG and Facebook when I open it. Maybe after the turkey tomorrow.
Please add the book your Want to Read shelf.
***
Black River is an important historical symbol and landmark in The Thing About Home. It is a 151 mile blackwater river that runs through four counties (Sumter, Clarendon, Williamsburg, and Georgetown) before merging with the Great Pee Dee River in Georgetown, South Carolina.
By Robinmkeith - Image taken by PseudoRevolutionary, released under GFDL PseudoRevolutionary 11:10, 20 September 2015 Taken by Rhonda McKnight Working on graphics. I'm getting better at this. :)
FYI - there will be a gift item if you pre-order from Riches In Reading.
https://www.richesinreading.com/produ...
https://bookshop.org/p/books/the-thin...
https://www.amazon.com/Thing-About-Ho...
July 16, 2024
“Sometimes when a woman ends a marriage, she don’t have no grief left. Because she grieved the end of that marriage while she was still in it. By the time she’s legally free the emotional healing is already done!”
Sometimes the universe will rearrange your life in such a way that you don’t realize is a blessing meant just for you. For Casey Black, she had no idea that public humiliation in front of millions would lead her to life’s ultimate peace. As a major social media influencer with millions of followers Casey Black was rolling in fame and marketing deals galore. She is seemingly on top of the world and realizes just how quickly you can be at the top one day and at the bottom that same day.
After her viral vow renewal ends in humiliation when her husband decides that not only does he not want to renew their vows but that he wants a divorce Casey crumbles. Casey can’t even be certain whether or not her hurt and embarrassment is coming from her failed marriage or the fact that this rejection was on display for the world to see and pass judgement.
With nothing else to loose, Casey packs up and runs!! She determines that now is as good a time as any to find out who she is and she does so by going to find out about her roots on her father’s side. Casey could have never prepared for the amazing discovery she would stumble upon and all the goodness that would follow.
That first sip of hot chocolate on a cold winter day, yeah that’s what this book felt like! It just warmed my spirit going down and left me feeling warm, fuzzy, content and complete.
Granny and Casey’s relationship did it for me! It’s something about a grandmothers love that is one of a kind and theirs was my favorite love story of them all. They needed each other, they nurtured each other and most importantly they healed each other.
Nigel ain’t one to be left out because when a man can get you to put your phone down and truly take in the world and all of its beauty, he’s a keeper!
I didn’t know who Rhonda McKnight was prior to 2024 however sis is on my radar now and has firmly plated herself on my mind and in my heart. I love when a NTMA comes through like a tornado and solidifies my love of reading beyond what already exists.
Sometimes the universe will rearrange your life in such a way that you don’t realize is a blessing meant just for you. For Casey Black, she had no idea that public humiliation in front of millions would lead her to life’s ultimate peace. As a major social media influencer with millions of followers Casey Black was rolling in fame and marketing deals galore. She is seemingly on top of the world and realizes just how quickly you can be at the top one day and at the bottom that same day.
After her viral vow renewal ends in humiliation when her husband decides that not only does he not want to renew their vows but that he wants a divorce Casey crumbles. Casey can’t even be certain whether or not her hurt and embarrassment is coming from her failed marriage or the fact that this rejection was on display for the world to see and pass judgement.
With nothing else to loose, Casey packs up and runs!! She determines that now is as good a time as any to find out who she is and she does so by going to find out about her roots on her father’s side. Casey could have never prepared for the amazing discovery she would stumble upon and all the goodness that would follow.
That first sip of hot chocolate on a cold winter day, yeah that’s what this book felt like! It just warmed my spirit going down and left me feeling warm, fuzzy, content and complete.
Granny and Casey’s relationship did it for me! It’s something about a grandmothers love that is one of a kind and theirs was my favorite love story of them all. They needed each other, they nurtured each other and most importantly they healed each other.
Nigel ain’t one to be left out because when a man can get you to put your phone down and truly take in the world and all of its beauty, he’s a keeper!
I didn’t know who Rhonda McKnight was prior to 2024 however sis is on my radar now and has firmly plated herself on my mind and in my heart. I love when a NTMA comes through like a tornado and solidifies my love of reading beyond what already exists.
April 23, 2025
My heart is so full right now…
Nothing like a book about love and family.
This pulled at every last one of my heart strings.
Nothing else to say except that I loved this🩷🥹
Nothing like a book about love and family.
This pulled at every last one of my heart strings.
Nothing else to say except that I loved this🩷🥹
March 1, 2025
This story is everything to me. It was everything I needed and more. There were so many elements in this book that I could relate to the point where I was like is this book about me? It almost felt like I was looking through a mirror. Obviously there are some differences and I won’t go deep into that, but the story resonated so much. It was so lovely to read about her experiences with her family and also learning about her own historic lineage.
There were so many lessons in this book that really stood out to me. What is “Home”? And even the concept of time and moving forward with life even if things don’t go as expected. Maybe these changes are pushing us where we need to be even when we don’t recognize it.
There were so many lessons in this book that really stood out to me. What is “Home”? And even the concept of time and moving forward with life even if things don’t go as expected. Maybe these changes are pushing us where we need to be even when we don’t recognize it.
May 7, 2024
4.5 stars
The Thing About Home was a beautiful story of second chances and self discovery. I loved the setting, the family dynamic, and watching the heroine's growth. Casey and Nigel's romance was just the cherry on top of this wonderful story. This was my first book by Rhonda McKnight and I look forward to reading more.
The Thing About Home was a beautiful story of second chances and self discovery. I loved the setting, the family dynamic, and watching the heroine's growth. Casey and Nigel's romance was just the cherry on top of this wonderful story. This was my first book by Rhonda McKnight and I look forward to reading more.
Audio book source: Hoopla
Story Rating: 4.5 stars
Narrators: Yinka Ladeinde
Narration Rating: 4.5 stars
Genre: Contemporary/Historical
Length: 11h 33m
August 7, 2023
“The thing about home is it's not a place it's a feeling.”
I LOVED THIS BOOK SO MUCH. 🥹
I saw it on TikTok as a book that deserves more hype and it definitely does.
This book has a little bit of everything. Coming of age, black Love, a little historical fiction, & black family love.
Casey is a social media influencer in New York who thought she had it allll until her no good husband left her at the alter of their vow renewal. She never knew much about her dads side of the family so she flees to South Carolina to get away. She meets her family and learns so much about herself & finds love again.
Baby a book with a easy story about BLACK LOVE will hit every time. Nigel was everything Casey needed. I related to this book so much because I have a big southern Louisiana family and ain’t nothing like it especially the love of a grandmother‼️ I had all the feels reading this. Add it to your TBR✨This would be a good Netflix series or movie If done correctly.
I LOVED THIS BOOK SO MUCH. 🥹
I saw it on TikTok as a book that deserves more hype and it definitely does.
This book has a little bit of everything. Coming of age, black Love, a little historical fiction, & black family love.
Casey is a social media influencer in New York who thought she had it allll until her no good husband left her at the alter of their vow renewal. She never knew much about her dads side of the family so she flees to South Carolina to get away. She meets her family and learns so much about herself & finds love again.
Baby a book with a easy story about BLACK LOVE will hit every time. Nigel was everything Casey needed. I related to this book so much because I have a big southern Louisiana family and ain’t nothing like it especially the love of a grandmother‼️ I had all the feels reading this. Add it to your TBR✨This would be a good Netflix series or movie If done correctly.
May 22, 2024
“The days have been dark, and the times are hard, but there has always been love, even before Freedom. Find love and keep it. It’s the only thing that no man or woman can take away.”
Man am I glad that I bumped this book up per my boo, Stacie’s request. It was just what my soul needed!! Set in SC, my home, I was able to relate to pretty much all the references, foods, culture, places..this book was about healing, both emotional and spiritual and so much more.
I loved all the characters, but Casey’s grandmother stole my heart. All of her many conversations with Casey, but the part about turning over the soil to make your heart good ground for the next season of your life - SLAY!!
Where has this author been all my life! Casey & Nigel — so much swoon! I’m a sucker for a good strong blue collar worker and Nigel being a farmer, even better!! Words fail me, but just know this is definitely going on my top reads for 2024 list at the end of this year. Sheer perfection!
Man am I glad that I bumped this book up per my boo, Stacie’s request. It was just what my soul needed!! Set in SC, my home, I was able to relate to pretty much all the references, foods, culture, places..this book was about healing, both emotional and spiritual and so much more.
I loved all the characters, but Casey’s grandmother stole my heart. All of her many conversations with Casey, but the part about turning over the soil to make your heart good ground for the next season of your life - SLAY!!
Where has this author been all my life! Casey & Nigel — so much swoon! I’m a sucker for a good strong blue collar worker and Nigel being a farmer, even better!! Words fail me, but just know this is definitely going on my top reads for 2024 list at the end of this year. Sheer perfection!
May 27, 2023
I pick this book up because of that pretty cover, went it in blind and ended up enjoying Casey Black’s new life journey of self discovery, family, black history and love.
April 14, 2025
5⭐️ - This book was absolute perfection! I’m ready to throw on some overalls and head straight to the Lowcountry farm life. It had everything I love from found family, a well developed FMC, and a fine country Southern gentleman. I devoured every page! The writing was stunning, it was the perfect balance between light, and fluffy with a little bit of drama.
June 5, 2023
Rhonda McKnight has a way of hooking you on the very first page and not letting go until long after you’ve reached the end. In The Thing About Home Casey B is a social media influencer who gets humiliated on social media. Somehow, Ms. McKnight managed to do a jilted married bride that worked perfectly.
But it was when Casey returns to her roots in South Carolina that kept me engaged and wondering how the story would end. You get extended family, Southern cooking, a swoony new love interest, and faith. It’s a perfect combination that will endear readers and have them checking out Ms. McKnight’s backlist.
*I received a complimentary copy from the publisher via NetGalley. My review was not required nor influenced.
But it was when Casey returns to her roots in South Carolina that kept me engaged and wondering how the story would end. You get extended family, Southern cooking, a swoony new love interest, and faith. It’s a perfect combination that will endear readers and have them checking out Ms. McKnight’s backlist.
*I received a complimentary copy from the publisher via NetGalley. My review was not required nor influenced.
July 22, 2024
"In gardening, there's a process called turning the soil. You do it every year after the harvest and before you plant again to prepare the soil for new seeds. Baby, you need to turn the soil of your heart over. Unprepared soil never grows a good harvest..."
I love it when a book transports me to a new place, and with this one, I felt like I was truly in Georgetown, South Carolina.
Casey Black is a former model turned social media influencer who has planned a beautiful vow renewal ceremony for her and her husband of 7 years. With millions of her followers waiting for the moment Casey walks down the aisle again, things take a very unexpected turn. Casey is left humiliated and confused. To make matters worse, my girl goes and has a complete meltdown for the world to see. Needless to say, Casey needs an escape from the judgmental and demanding world of social media AND her overbearing mother, Victoria. She decides to go home - back to her roots in Georgetown, South Carolina. Back to a family she's never known...
I loved everything about Casey being back in South Carolina from her journey of self-discovery, the Gullah culture, her reignited love for photography, and most of all - her 99-year-old Granna. I was blessed enough to have my great-grandmother have a huge hand in raising me and if I had to use a character from a novel to describe her - it would be Granna. She was everything my late great-grandmother was from her wisdom, her strength, and her use of herbs for medicinal purposes. I could see my great-grandmother's face every time I read a scene that included Granna and it filled me with joy that Casey was able to experience being loved by her.
There was a dual timeline from the 1800s featuring Casey's great-grandmother Odessa Conway that flowed seamlessly with Casey's story. It added even more depth to the Black family heritage and at times, I found myself being excited to travel back in time.
A Thing About Home touched on a lot of topics but the ones that stood out to me are family heritage, self-discovery, family secrets, grief, and forgiveness. I definitely recommend this one!
I love it when a book transports me to a new place, and with this one, I felt like I was truly in Georgetown, South Carolina.
Casey Black is a former model turned social media influencer who has planned a beautiful vow renewal ceremony for her and her husband of 7 years. With millions of her followers waiting for the moment Casey walks down the aisle again, things take a very unexpected turn. Casey is left humiliated and confused. To make matters worse, my girl goes and has a complete meltdown for the world to see. Needless to say, Casey needs an escape from the judgmental and demanding world of social media AND her overbearing mother, Victoria. She decides to go home - back to her roots in Georgetown, South Carolina. Back to a family she's never known...
I loved everything about Casey being back in South Carolina from her journey of self-discovery, the Gullah culture, her reignited love for photography, and most of all - her 99-year-old Granna. I was blessed enough to have my great-grandmother have a huge hand in raising me and if I had to use a character from a novel to describe her - it would be Granna. She was everything my late great-grandmother was from her wisdom, her strength, and her use of herbs for medicinal purposes. I could see my great-grandmother's face every time I read a scene that included Granna and it filled me with joy that Casey was able to experience being loved by her.
There was a dual timeline from the 1800s featuring Casey's great-grandmother Odessa Conway that flowed seamlessly with Casey's story. It added even more depth to the Black family heritage and at times, I found myself being excited to travel back in time.
A Thing About Home touched on a lot of topics but the ones that stood out to me are family heritage, self-discovery, family secrets, grief, and forgiveness. I definitely recommend this one!
October 4, 2023
This book is a big grandma hug, and it was everything I didn't know I needed or expected.
The book starts out with Casey Black, a seemingly superficial influencer who only cares about one thing, and that's her persona. Everything changes when she is basically left at the altar and left to face the reality that maybe she hasn't been true to herself, which leads us on a journey to self-discovery.
Casey finds herself in Georgetown, South Carolina, in search of her dad's side of her family. What started out as a search for family turned into much more Granna, Nigel, and the people of Georgetown turned into her safe haven. I loved reading about Granna and Casey's relationship making up for lost time. I was excited when Casey got her HEA with Nigel after that horrible so-called husband (standing by that one).
The dual timelines were done effortlessly, and the Southern cooking references have me ready to learn the recipes. I have no complaints about this story, honestly; it flowed so well for me.
Apart from the heartwarming story, this book tackled a topic that is present in society today. The fixation on social media and how that obsession can affect our lives The story had depth, and it was covered in faith. I would highly recommend this one.
The book starts out with Casey Black, a seemingly superficial influencer who only cares about one thing, and that's her persona. Everything changes when she is basically left at the altar and left to face the reality that maybe she hasn't been true to herself, which leads us on a journey to self-discovery.
Casey finds herself in Georgetown, South Carolina, in search of her dad's side of her family. What started out as a search for family turned into much more Granna, Nigel, and the people of Georgetown turned into her safe haven. I loved reading about Granna and Casey's relationship making up for lost time. I was excited when Casey got her HEA with Nigel after that horrible so-called husband (standing by that one).
The dual timelines were done effortlessly, and the Southern cooking references have me ready to learn the recipes. I have no complaints about this story, honestly; it flowed so well for me.
Apart from the heartwarming story, this book tackled a topic that is present in society today. The fixation on social media and how that obsession can affect our lives The story had depth, and it was covered in faith. I would highly recommend this one.
January 8, 2023
I enjoyed this book. The author did a great job of connecting you with the characters. The main character is left at the altar and is trying to piece her life together. This takes her on a journey to South Carolina. She meets her father’s family, and she learns a family secret. This story shares family drama, forgiveness, family history, and lots of love. I loved the history shared about South Carolina and its surrounding areas. I look forward to reading more books by this author.
February 3, 2024
5++ "Home" Stars!
So much better than good! This story was sonorous and resonate. Just so full and rich with healing love and culture. It touched my heart. I really felt a deep connection to Casey. Nigel... just swoon. It's not really a romance, but it's definitely a love story. Contemporary with some historical fiction. I absolutely loved this book. It's a top read of the year, for sure. Happy reading!!
So much better than good! This story was sonorous and resonate. Just so full and rich with healing love and culture. It touched my heart. I really felt a deep connection to Casey. Nigel... just swoon. It's not really a romance, but it's definitely a love story. Contemporary with some historical fiction. I absolutely loved this book. It's a top read of the year, for sure. Happy reading!!
April 3, 2025
This was so bad that my friend Michaela has revoked my selection privileges for our buddy reads!!!!!!!!!! Thanks to Ms. Rhonda McKnight, I have committed the grave sin of forcing us BACK into the closet—or at least back into the church. I just cannot believe I picked up a book that could’ve been sold in Lifeway, and read it cover to cover. Conservatism is truly having a resurgence because how did this make it past me!!! I should have KNOWNNNNNNN from the immediately forced intimacy with the grandma, the exploitative coverage of Casey’s simple, Jesus-loving relatives, and all the random comments about legacy, purpose, and destiny. I am off my game, because HOW did I get hoodwinked and bamboozled into reading CHRISTIAN FICTION in the year of 2025?!?!?! Shameful stuff, truly.
Bird behavior, across the generations
The inspirational turn is unfortunate, because every time a book starts with a family tree, I get excited. I loved the genealogy concepts in The Thing About Home, especially the family journals. The problem, though, is the actual CONTENT WITHIN THESE JOURNALS. The great-grandparents’ relationship was not a love story, it’s actually a horror movie!!!! Like what do you MEAN you gave up all your life dreams to be with this man, only for that man to turn around and leave you with a million kids for months on end?!? You’re yelling at the kids for eating the molasses you wanted to use for his welcome home meal, meanwhile the man is demanding you have MORE KIDS because he wants a son to CaRrY On hIs lEgAcY. So you pop out kids until AT FIFTY YEARS OLD you ask the child’s father, “can I be done now or do I have to have more babies?!” HOW is that not another form of slavery?!? Answer me QUICKLY.
Honestly, after reading all this I really think Casey’s mom was right for keeping her daughter away from this flock of birds. It’s nothing but “he’s a good man and a provider” this, “God told me to tell you to find a husband” that with these heifers, and I MEAN THE 100 YEAR OLD GRANDMA TOO. Like how male-centered do you have to be for your first advice to your newly divorced granddaughter to be that she get with another man?!?! Like seriously, WHO CARES about the Black bloodline carrying on? With clowns like this, maybe y’all SHOULD be wiped out!!!! (Side note: I’m being dramatic because I enjoy doing so, but seriously I realize this is like standard fare for 95% of all families in the world—including my own. That still doesn’t make it any less bleak…)
Even with Casey’s storyline, there’s just soooo much gender performance in this book. Like WHY are we writing sentences about “a solid, masculine voice that was attached to a decidedly masculine man” (68)?!? Why is every other comment about masculine beauty or feminine strength?!?!!? Why does it feel like my cishet trash bin keeps growing every time I read a mainstream Black novel?!?! Whether it’s Kennedy Ryan in romance or it’s Terah Shelton Harris with southern fiction, I can’t catch a break. Like I said in the Harris review, I will be starting a “write about Black country men without benevolent patriarchal narratives" challenge IMMEDIATELY.
Final Thoughts
I really don’t have much kind to say about this book. It makes some points about how common it is to just be walking through life in a relationship/job without even realizing how miserable you are. I actually did enjoy reading about Casey’s work as an influencer, and I will plan to read more fiction about these sorts of people.
Everything else, though?!?!?!? WOULD NOT RECOMMEND TOUCHING WITH A TEN FOOT POLE. I barely even talked about the plot, including how this lady really met her family and immediately turned them into her next business plan. Just UGH. If you want a romance-ish novel with the same find-your-long-lost-Carolinian-family plot, but MUCH LESS GENDER ROLE NONSENSE, please check out The Townsend Family Recipe for Disaster. My girl Shauna Robinson did what Ms. Rhonda McKnight could never accomplish!!!
Bird behavior, across the generations
The inspirational turn is unfortunate, because every time a book starts with a family tree, I get excited. I loved the genealogy concepts in The Thing About Home, especially the family journals. The problem, though, is the actual CONTENT WITHIN THESE JOURNALS. The great-grandparents’ relationship was not a love story, it’s actually a horror movie!!!! Like what do you MEAN you gave up all your life dreams to be with this man, only for that man to turn around and leave you with a million kids for months on end?!? You’re yelling at the kids for eating the molasses you wanted to use for his welcome home meal, meanwhile the man is demanding you have MORE KIDS because he wants a son to CaRrY On hIs lEgAcY. So you pop out kids until AT FIFTY YEARS OLD you ask the child’s father, “can I be done now or do I have to have more babies?!” HOW is that not another form of slavery?!? Answer me QUICKLY.
Honestly, after reading all this I really think Casey’s mom was right for keeping her daughter away from this flock of birds. It’s nothing but “he’s a good man and a provider” this, “God told me to tell you to find a husband” that with these heifers, and I MEAN THE 100 YEAR OLD GRANDMA TOO. Like how male-centered do you have to be for your first advice to your newly divorced granddaughter to be that she get with another man?!?! Like seriously, WHO CARES about the Black bloodline carrying on? With clowns like this, maybe y’all SHOULD be wiped out!!!! (Side note: I’m being dramatic because I enjoy doing so, but seriously I realize this is like standard fare for 95% of all families in the world—including my own. That still doesn’t make it any less bleak…)
Even with Casey’s storyline, there’s just soooo much gender performance in this book. Like WHY are we writing sentences about “a solid, masculine voice that was attached to a decidedly masculine man” (68)?!? Why is every other comment about masculine beauty or feminine strength?!?!!? Why does it feel like my cishet trash bin keeps growing every time I read a mainstream Black novel?!?! Whether it’s Kennedy Ryan in romance or it’s Terah Shelton Harris with southern fiction, I can’t catch a break. Like I said in the Harris review, I will be starting a “write about Black country men without benevolent patriarchal narratives" challenge IMMEDIATELY.
Final Thoughts
I really don’t have much kind to say about this book. It makes some points about how common it is to just be walking through life in a relationship/job without even realizing how miserable you are. I actually did enjoy reading about Casey’s work as an influencer, and I will plan to read more fiction about these sorts of people.
Everything else, though?!?!?!? WOULD NOT RECOMMEND TOUCHING WITH A TEN FOOT POLE. I barely even talked about the plot, including how this lady really met her family and immediately turned them into her next business plan. Just UGH. If you want a romance-ish novel with the same find-your-long-lost-Carolinian-family plot, but MUCH LESS GENDER ROLE NONSENSE, please check out The Townsend Family Recipe for Disaster. My girl Shauna Robinson did what Ms. Rhonda McKnight could never accomplish!!!
August 6, 2023
The Thing About Home by Rhonda McKnight
367-page Paperback
Genre: Women's Fiction, Christian Fiction, Contemporary Romance, African-American Fiction, Historical Fiction
Featuring: Family Trees, Influencer, New York City, Georgetown, South Carolina; Dual Timelines, 2019, Mid to Late 1800s, Food, Gullah, Family Stories, Mama Drama, Social Media, Discussion Questions
Rating as a movie: PG-13 for adult situations and content
Songs for the soundtrack: "You Remind Me" by Mary J. Blige, "Love Nwantiti" by CKay
My rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🗽🏞👨🏿🌾
My thoughts: 📖 Page 133 of 367 Ch. 16 - This story started off contemporary and then quickly became serious. I knew it was going to be deep when I saw the family trees before the title page.
This book had a slower pace, but it was fantastic. The only thing that seemed inauthentic to me was how soft little Pearl was in 1886, those kids came off as very modern, 80s babies weren't that soft crying over being snapped at and she didn't even yell. The author stated that this is how she imagined things, so I let it go. I think in general, there was a lot of sugarcoating in this story, but it's nice to experience history and culture without the harshness that often comes with it.
Recommend to others: Yes! This story is rich in culture and is very insightful. Perfect for those looking for historical stories without trauma. It would make an excellent book club selection.
367-page Paperback
Genre: Women's Fiction, Christian Fiction, Contemporary Romance, African-American Fiction, Historical Fiction
Featuring: Family Trees, Influencer, New York City, Georgetown, South Carolina; Dual Timelines, 2019, Mid to Late 1800s, Food, Gullah, Family Stories, Mama Drama, Social Media, Discussion Questions
Rating as a movie: PG-13 for adult situations and content
Songs for the soundtrack: "You Remind Me" by Mary J. Blige, "Love Nwantiti" by CKay
My rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🗽🏞👨🏿🌾
My thoughts: 📖 Page 133 of 367 Ch. 16 - This story started off contemporary and then quickly became serious. I knew it was going to be deep when I saw the family trees before the title page.
This book had a slower pace, but it was fantastic. The only thing that seemed inauthentic to me was how soft little Pearl was in 1886, those kids came off as very modern, 80s babies weren't that soft crying over being snapped at and she didn't even yell. The author stated that this is how she imagined things, so I let it go. I think in general, there was a lot of sugarcoating in this story, but it's nice to experience history and culture without the harshness that often comes with it.
Recommend to others: Yes! This story is rich in culture and is very insightful. Perfect for those looking for historical stories without trauma. It would make an excellent book club selection.
March 21, 2024
❤️absolutely amazing!
The Thing About Home was such a breath of fresh air. I loved the message and the way the author seamlessly weaved in so many messages about finding oneself, healing, setting boundaries, and falling in love, organically. I appreciated the gems and thought provoking points made. I highlighted so many passages and purchased the physical copy so I can come back to them. Amazing story!
The Thing About Home was such a breath of fresh air. I loved the message and the way the author seamlessly weaved in so many messages about finding oneself, healing, setting boundaries, and falling in love, organically. I appreciated the gems and thought provoking points made. I highlighted so many passages and purchased the physical copy so I can come back to them. Amazing story!
July 23, 2023
Sometimes good things fall apart for better things to come together!!! This was such a heartwarming story about finding yourself, love, family, history, and new beginnings.
From the start of the book we’re drawn in by the FMC Casey Black being placed into an intense situation. Her picture-perfect vow renewal results in her being left at the altar ending seven-years of marriage. With her life now in shambles Casey leaves New York in hopes of finding long-lost family in Georgetown, South Carolina. Running away from the chaos will allow Casey to do some soul searching and seek answers about her past. Along her journey she not only finds the family she’s been missing but a new love interest that reminds her what it truly feels like to be desired and wanted.
I loved the dual timelines and learning about the history of the Black family. It was so tender and heartfelt to see Casey experience what it’s like to have a grandmother with so much wisdom. All of the characters we so rich and complex with their own personalities. I was definitely rooting for Casey and Nigel I loved the way the author brought them together.
Overall, the book was amazing definitely worth reading. The pacing and plot were steady throughout. We see Casey go from a place of uncertainty to find happiness, purpose, peace, and a sense of belonging. The author wrapped the novel up beautifully leaving her with a happily ever after. Special thanks to the author, @thomasnelson, & @hearourvoicestours for my gifted copy and to be apart of this tour!!!
From the start of the book we’re drawn in by the FMC Casey Black being placed into an intense situation. Her picture-perfect vow renewal results in her being left at the altar ending seven-years of marriage. With her life now in shambles Casey leaves New York in hopes of finding long-lost family in Georgetown, South Carolina. Running away from the chaos will allow Casey to do some soul searching and seek answers about her past. Along her journey she not only finds the family she’s been missing but a new love interest that reminds her what it truly feels like to be desired and wanted.
I loved the dual timelines and learning about the history of the Black family. It was so tender and heartfelt to see Casey experience what it’s like to have a grandmother with so much wisdom. All of the characters we so rich and complex with their own personalities. I was definitely rooting for Casey and Nigel I loved the way the author brought them together.
Overall, the book was amazing definitely worth reading. The pacing and plot were steady throughout. We see Casey go from a place of uncertainty to find happiness, purpose, peace, and a sense of belonging. The author wrapped the novel up beautifully leaving her with a happily ever after. Special thanks to the author, @thomasnelson, & @hearourvoicestours for my gifted copy and to be apart of this tour!!!
August 1, 2023
for those of you who don’t know, my research focuses on Black farmers, specifically in Knoxville, TN from the 19th century to the present. this means that i am DEEP into the historiography of Atlantic History, African American history, Black farmers, Southern Black farmers & the mechanization of the agricultural industry (just to name a few fields because there’s a lot more intersectionality 😅). this is all to say that i am extremely impressed (& relieved!) with the historical accuracy of the South Carolina Lowcountry.
this book is extremely engaging & enjoyable, & yes i am bias. Casey is a young Black influencer who, when her life turns upside down, returns Home to learn about her father’s side of the family. In this case, Home is The Black Farm in South Carolina. i’m not going to give out any spoilers, because i really want yall to enjoy this masterpiece yourself 😊 but just know this is a 1000/10 read with a good mixture of laughs, history, some sadness, & love. may the writing career of Rhonda McKnight continue to prosper!
this book is extremely engaging & enjoyable, & yes i am bias. Casey is a young Black influencer who, when her life turns upside down, returns Home to learn about her father’s side of the family. In this case, Home is The Black Farm in South Carolina. i’m not going to give out any spoilers, because i really want yall to enjoy this masterpiece yourself 😊 but just know this is a 1000/10 read with a good mixture of laughs, history, some sadness, & love. may the writing career of Rhonda McKnight continue to prosper!
January 9, 2024
I saw this book on tiktok and it did not disappoint. I absolutely loved it. From the history and family drama, to the romance and self discovery…it is literally the perfect book.
June 30, 2024
“Do something you want to do. Build something you want to keep forever. You don’t have to settle.”
June 17, 2024
Reread June 2024 and it is still 5 stars. I cried all over again for Granna and enjoyed getting to know the Blacks all over again
————
Casey Black is a social media influencer with millions of followers. She and her husband eloped 7 years ago and today is the day of their brand sponsored, social media televised vow renewal ceremony. Her husband tells her right before the ceremony that he doesn't want to do it. Not only not want to, but wants a divorce. Humiliated and devastated, she has a meltdown on Instagram. Her journey to home begins after this.
She goes off seeking to learn about the father she never knew and his family in Georgetown, SC. We get to meet her 99 year old Granna and a host of other Blacks. So much history and lessons to be learned from the elders. She went to find herself and found her voice, love, family and new life. Highly recommend.
————
Casey Black is a social media influencer with millions of followers. She and her husband eloped 7 years ago and today is the day of their brand sponsored, social media televised vow renewal ceremony. Her husband tells her right before the ceremony that he doesn't want to do it. Not only not want to, but wants a divorce. Humiliated and devastated, she has a meltdown on Instagram. Her journey to home begins after this.
She goes off seeking to learn about the father she never knew and his family in Georgetown, SC. We get to meet her 99 year old Granna and a host of other Blacks. So much history and lessons to be learned from the elders. She went to find herself and found her voice, love, family and new life. Highly recommend.
September 17, 2023
This sappy love story was too much for me. All I can say is, I finished it.
May 17, 2024
“The days have been dark, and the times are hard, but there has always been love, even before Freedom. Find love and keep it. It’s the only thing that no man or woman can take away.”
This was my first book by this author, and the story and writing style grabbed my attention and made me look up all published books by this author.
This is a beautiful dual-time story which linked the strength and legacy of the great-grandmother to the present time.
Casey’s meltdown in the beginning was raw and emotional, which led to her journey to find her family and herself during this process.
Back in the past, Casey’s great grandmother lived in the time of slavery and freedom. Her life wasn’t easy, but through her struggles and challenges, she gained an inner strength and wisdom which she passed down to her children and great children thereafter.
“Do the things I couldn’t. The women before you could only dream their dreams.”
*I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. All opinions expressed are my own.*
This was my first book by this author, and the story and writing style grabbed my attention and made me look up all published books by this author.
This is a beautiful dual-time story which linked the strength and legacy of the great-grandmother to the present time.
Casey’s meltdown in the beginning was raw and emotional, which led to her journey to find her family and herself during this process.
Back in the past, Casey’s great grandmother lived in the time of slavery and freedom. Her life wasn’t easy, but through her struggles and challenges, she gained an inner strength and wisdom which she passed down to her children and great children thereafter.
“Do the things I couldn’t. The women before you could only dream their dreams.”
*I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. All opinions expressed are my own.*
March 24, 2023
I loved the Black family so much especially Ida. I have a 95 year old grandma named Ida and they both are so similar. The dual timeline helps so much to give more depth to the history of the family. Nigel is such a great character as well!
Thanks so much to netgalley and the publisher for the arc. The opinions are my own.
Thanks so much to netgalley and the publisher for the arc. The opinions are my own.
May 8, 2024
4.5 stars
My first book by this author and it won't be my last
THE THING ABOUT HOME
● Casey (36) / Nigel
● former model turned social media influencer / farm manager
● going to renew her vows when her husband stands her up
● he wants a divorce
● she heads from NYC to South Carolina to find out about her dad (she never knew him)
● she finds her paternal G'ma and learns about her family
● paternal G'ma never knew she had a grandchild
My first book by this author and it won't be my last
THE THING ABOUT HOME
● Casey (36) / Nigel
● former model turned social media influencer / farm manager
● going to renew her vows when her husband stands her up
● he wants a divorce
● she heads from NYC to South Carolina to find out about her dad (she never knew him)
● she finds her paternal G'ma and learns about her family
● paternal G'ma never knew she had a grandchild
Audiobook source: Hoopla
Narrator: Yinka Ladeinde
Length: 11h 33m
November 28, 2025
This was such a good story! It had a bit of a shaky start 🤷🏽♀️ but once it picked up, it really took off. I loved the little gems sprinkled throughout — made it all the more enjoyable. It felt like enjoying a comforting bowl of chicken noodle soup with a cold soda on the side 😋. I'm genuinely pleased with it!
December 3, 2024
Solid 4.5 rounded up to 5! I enjoyed this book! It'd a dual timeline book. This story definitely went into a different direction than I expected excited is great. The earlier timeline, I didn't often keep up with, but this is still a good book!
My FAVORITE quote from the book:
"Love wasn't suppose to save me or validate me or prove anything to anyone. Love had one job and that was to add to the joy I already had. I would never overwork it again"
My FAVORITE quote from the book:
"Love wasn't suppose to save me or validate me or prove anything to anyone. Love had one job and that was to add to the joy I already had. I would never overwork it again"
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