Rhonda McKnight Appreciation Post

 Good Aftetnoon and welcome today's post.  I know that I haven't done one of these in a while, but today's post is going to be too long for just a social media post.  

I am here to show appreciation to one of my favorite authors, Rhonda McKnight. 

Now you may ask how did I come across this author. (I know one really did, but imma tell you anyway)  It started in Matteson, Illinois in the South Suburbs of Chicago, sometimes in 2012.  I had walked into my local Borders.  At that store, Starbucks was to the right, and the African American section was to the left near the checkout area.  I've heard authors for years say that would rather be spread out in the stores according to Genre.  And while I understand why, whenever I entered the store, I rarley ventured out of that section.  That was how I found out any new Black authors, as well as many of my favorites like Carl Weber,  Eric Jerome Dickey,  Victoria Christopher Murray,  Kimberly Lawson Roby, Reshonda Tate,  Jacquelin Thomas,  Donna Hill and so many others.  

One day as I was browsing, I noticed a symbol.  It was a cross with a dove and it had the words Urban Christian .  Now me being born and raised in the Black church, that Intrigued me.  It was a new line from Carl Weber that was headed by some authors that I've come to love and enjoy their books, E. N. Joy and Kendra Norman.  Through that line, became a lifelong love for many Authors like Pat Simmons, Vanessa Miller, and of course our Autbor of the day, Rhonda McKnight.   The first book I read from her was What Kind Of Fool, and I've been hooked ever since.

I have purchased every indie book since.  One of my favorite series was the Restoration series, with the first book, The Winter reunion.  I dealt with a lot of mental and emotional abuse growing up from someone in the church who should have protected me.  I was called names, including Gredy Glut because of my weight.  That person has since passed away.  When I read The Winter reunion, the FMC eventually got an apology from her emotionally abuseive Father, and after reading that book, I got an apology that I never got while that individual was still living. I have told her many times before how that book started to help heal a part of me is never thought I would be able to recover from.

And now that she has finally landed a trading Publishing deal, I for one couldn't be more happy for her.  And her writing is just as good as her indie books.  She has a way of pulling all kinds of emotions from you with every book.

First it was The Thing about home, which is set in South Carolina's Low Country

Then Bitter and Sweet, which was A 2025 CHRISTY AWARD WINNER!

And her newest release, which comes out September 8th, Is sure to be an emotionally powerful read.  I cant wait for it to be released, and I will continue to support this phenomenal author

Book Tour And Review: Chloe Vega And The Agents Of Magic by Leslie Adame

 

Title:  Chloe Vega and The Agents Of Magic 

Author: Leslie Adame

Genre:  YA Fantasy 

Publishing Date:  September 16, 2025

Publisher:  Harper Collins 

Rating:  💥💥💥💥💥

About The Book

"A timely adventure filled with heart, magic, and the power of family." — Claribel A. Ortega, New York Times bestselling author of the Witchlings series

A new Latinx middle grade fantasy debut where a secret magical academy, an evil sorcerer, and a powerful, coveted gem awaits one girl in her quest to reunite her family. Perfect for fans of Claribel A. Ortega and B. B. Alston!

Twelve-year-old Chloe Vega’s biggest fear is that her undocumented parents will be detained by immigration. That is, until she learns that her parents are actually part of a secret magical society…and that the suspicious looking police officers who have been hanging around their block are henchmen for an evil sorcerer determined to settle a decades-old score.

Just when Chloe discovers that she has powers, too, her parents are kidnapped. In order to rescue them, she’ll need to harness her abilities at an elite academy, run by the very agency who exiled her parents from the magical world.

Finding herself in the center of a magical war that might destroy everything she has ever known, Chloe can’t shake the feeling that the Agents of Magic are hiding secrets. With her parents’ lives hanging in the balance, she must uncover who is truly on her side and fast to save her family—and the world itself.

My Thoughts

This was probably the most enjoyable, cutest book ive read in a while. Although some parts mimic real life, This story was an enjoyable experience, and this is coming from someone who is not a fantasy story fan. I absolutely loved Chloe's character, especially her strength, tenacity and her determination. Wonderful job with the story.   

I received a copy of the book via the publisher Harper Collins via NetGalley and an voluntarily leaving an honest review of my own thoughts and opinions 

About The Author 

Leslie Adame is a first-generation Mexican American and graduate of UCLA with a degree in Political Science and a minor in Film, Television, and Digital Media. She’s always enjoyed giving back and telling stories about characters not often found in books or films. Leslie grew up in the Inland Empire, specifically Ontario, California.

When she’s not writing, you can find Leslie scanning the aisles of your local bookstore, lovingly pestering her family, and catching a flight to explore a new place. She loves watching rom-coms, Disney movies, and trashy reality TV in her spare time, especially while cuddling with her cat.

Blog Tour: Everything She Never knew by Anette Chaves Micas

 

Title:  Everything She Never Knew

Author:  Annette Chavis Macias

Genre:  Women's Fiction 

Publisher:  Montilake Publishing

Publication Date:  September 16, 2025

Rating: 💥💥💥💥💥

About The Book

The author of When We Were Widows turns to life after betrayal in this emotional, heartwarming novel about a woman whose marriage and friendship collapse all at once.

As next-door neighbors and best friends, Claudia and Rachel share everything. But in Claudia’s mind, that means recipes and clothes—not husbands. So it’s a huge shock when Rachel runs off with hers.

If that weren’t enough, her mom shows up at her door with heavy suitcases in tow. She intends to stay until Claudia has pulled through this. But behaving like a typical mother or grandmother isn’t Gloria’s style, and Claudia wonders why she’s really there. She also wonders why she can’t stop thinking about Nick, the husband Rachel jilted for her own, who still lives in the next house over.

It’s all a bit much for Claudia, who, unlike her impulsive mother, has always prized the familiar comforts of stability and routine. Now that those have been snatched away, she’ll have to face her fears and take some risks—for herself and for her daughter.

My Thoughts

Well, Damn.  I was not expecting this story to go that route.  This story was full of dramaz tears and bits of laughter and encouragement.  And with a friend like Rachel and "husband" Like David, who needs enemies.  Both of them need their ssa kicked.  Claudia was a stronger woman then I could ever be.  I flew though this book and read it in one day.  That's how much I enjoyed it.  And the present events mixed with Claudia's diary of past events made me love her character all the more, and I understood her so much more.  She is one of my autobuy authors and not only did i immensely love this story,  I cant wait to see what she comes up with next. 

About The Author

Annette Chavez Macias writes stories about love, family, and following your dreams. She is proud of her Mexican American heritage, culture, and traditions, all of which can be found within the pages of her books. For readers wanting even more love stories and guaranteed happily ever afters, Annette also writes romance novels under the pen name Sabrina Sol. A Southern California native, Annette lives just outside Los Angeles with her husband, three children, and four dogs.

To learn more about Annette and her books, visit www.authorannette.com. Or follow her on Instagram at @authorannette.

Book Tour And Review: Split The Sky by Marie Arnold

 

Title:  Split The Sky

Author:  Marie Arnold

Genre:  YA Fiction 

Publication Date: September 9th, 2025

Publisher:  Little, Brown Books for Young Readers

Rating:  💥💥💥💥💥

About The Book:

In this haunting story about family, legacy, and sacrifice, a young Black girl living in a Texas sundown town must find the courage to stand up for what’s right even when it means facing impossible choices—perfect for fans of Dear Martin and The Hate U Give.

Fifteen-year-old Lala Russell is doing a bad job at being a Black girl. She has social justice fatigue, and she doesn't want to join the Black Alliance Club at her school (even though she agrees with them). A gifted cellist, she’s focused on leaving her small town and accomplishing her goals and dreams. But Lala has also inherited another gift, her grandmother Sadie's gift of foresight. She has visions of the future—and they always come true.                             
 
In Davey, the Texas sundown town she lives in, there is growing tension, as a Black organization attempts to diversify the nearly all-white part of town. Amidst violent protests, Lala has a vision. In it, a Black teenage boy is shot in the chest by a white homeowner. Now Lala has a mission: find the boy and save him.
 
But Grandma Sadie has a vision too. After the boy's murder, a wave of protests breaks out. And the outrage over the casual and frequent slaying of unarmed Black children will result in unprecedented change. Change that won’t happen if the vision is altered. Lala is faced with an existential question—can she allow herself to sacrifice one life to, in turn, save many? And if so, whose life will she choose?

My Thoughts 

Wow.  I'm still processing what I just read, but this book was nothing short of spectacular.  It was educational, entertaining and at times, heartbreaking.  Although its geared for ya audiences, adults can benefit from the contents of this story.  My favorite thing about this story was LaLa, especially the fact that she plays a strong instrument (both of my brothers did as well, and that is not always common in Black families).  The author wrote her character so well, and I loved how she grew throughout the story.   I also lived how the author tackled some tough topics, including racism and sundown towns. The story is heavy at times, but its well worth the read.   This is one of those books I plan to read again someday.  

About The Author 

Marie Arnold was born in Port-Au-Prince, Haiti, and came to America at the age of seven. She grew up in Brooklyn, New York alongside her extended family. Marie enjoys creating stories full of adventure and wonder that center on girls of color. When she’s not writing, she’s adding to her insanely long Netflix queue and trying not to order pizza. She lives in Los Angeles, California. She is the author of The Year I Flew Away and I Rise.

Book Links:

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/210331616

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0316582875/

Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/split-the-sky-marie-arnold/1146045702

IndieBound: https://bookshop.org/p/books/jump-house-marie-arnold/21323241

Author Links:

Website: https://www.harpercollins.com/blogs/authors/marie-arnold-2022553757860

Twitter: https://x.com/mariearnoldbook

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/19671679

Tour Schedule:

https://topplingstackstours.com/2025/08/08/tour-schedule-split-the-sky-by-marie-arnold/

Blog Tour and review: Banned Together

 

Title:  Banned Together 

Author: A Variety

Genre:  YA anthology

Publisher:  Holiday House

Publication Date:  March 4, 2025

Rating:  💥💥💥💥💥

About The Book 

A dazzling YA anthology that spotlights the transformative power of books while equipping teens to fight for the freedom to read, featuring the voices of 15 diverse, award-winning authors and illustrators.

Books are disappearing from shelves across the country. 

What does this mean for authors, illustrators, and—most crucially—for young readers? 

This bold collection of fiction, memoir, poetry, graphic narratives, essays, and other genres explores book bans through various lenses, and empowers teens to fight back. From moving personal accounts to clever comebacks aimed at censorship, fifteen legendary YA authors and illustrators confront the high-stakes question of what is lost when books are kept from teens. 

Contributors include Elana K. Arnold, Nikki Grimes, Ellen Hopkins, Kelly Jensen, Brendan Kiely, Maia Kobabe, Bill Konigsberg, Kyle Lukoff, MariNaomi, Trung Lê Nguy?n, Ashley Hope Pérez, Isabel Quintero, Traci Sorell, Robin Stevenson, and Padma Venkatraman; the collection is a star-studded must-read that packs strength and power into every last word. 

Striking illustrations from Ignatz-nominated artist Debbie Fong pair perfectly with the searing, impactful narrative. Resources include tips from the Vandegrift Banned Book Club and other teen activists, as well as extensive recommended book lists, a How to Start Your Own Little Free Library flier, and more.

My Thoughts.  

Although it's geared for a young audience, alone who supports equality and our freedom to be able to choose what to read should get and read this book.  There are a variety of thoughts,  and not one of them with a bad take.  This is the perfect resource for anyone who is truly fighting for human rights.  And it uses a variety of graphics and essays for anyone and is powerful and educational. 

Book Review: A Sky Full Of Love by Lorna Lewis

 Title:  A Sky Full Of Love

Author:  Lorna Lewis

Genre:  Women's Fiction

Publisher:  Union Lake Station

Publication Date:  June 1, 2025

Rating: 💥💥💥💥💥

About The Book

Following a harrowing disappearance, a woman returns home to her family—and a life-changing secret in a powerful novel about betrayal, resilience, and love’s unbreakable bonds.

After fifteen years in captivity, Nova Lefleur is free, back home, and reunited with her Louisiana family. Through her ordeal, she never forgot them. They never forgot her either. But things have changed since Nova’s been gone.

Nova and her encouraging seventeen-year-old daughter, Skye, are getting to know each other for the first time. Her husband, Quinton, is rebuilding a relationship with a wife he thought was gone forever. And Nova’s sister, Leah, is overjoyed—and overwhelmed.

Leah shares a secret with Quinton neither can bear to tell the woman they cherish. Not yet. Five years ago, bonding over grief and finding a reason to smile again, Quinton and Leah were married. When it’s time for the truth to come out, they could lose Nova all over again.

As Nova is eased back into a life both familiar and unfamiliar, she and her family must confront their deepest fears, the choices they made, and the choices to come that will reshape each of their lives forever.

My Thoughts

After finishing this book, I don't know what the author put in this book, whether it was crack or some other kind of addictive substance, because this story was truly that addictive.  I did not want it to end nor did I want to put it down, although there were times I had no choice but to.  The story was mesmerizing and captivating and took me on a roller coaster ride like no other.  I was a complete emotional wreck.  I have been reading her books since the beginning of her career, and she just keeps getting better and better.  So exicted to see what she comes up with for her next book.

About The Author

Lorna is gifted at turning characters’ dreams into drama and crafting stories rich with emotion while exploring the complexities of real-life situations such as marriage, infidelity, fertility struggles, betrayal, and the power of forgiveness. In addition to being an author, Lorna is also an educator. She believes in using her creativity to inspire and teach others both in the classroom and through her writing. A native of Varnado, Louisiana, a small town much like the ones she loves bringing to life in her stories, Lorna’s southern roots influence the sense of community, culture, and warmth in her work. When she’s not writing her next novel, Lorna enjoys spending quality time with her husband and their two beautiful children, finding joy in family life, and drawing inspiration from her own experiences to enrich her writing.

Blog Tour and Review: Beneath The Sunshine by Smardline S.

 Title:  Beneath the Sunshine

Author:  Smardline S.  

Genre:  Billionaire Romance

Publication Date:  May 27, 2025

Rating: 💥💥💥💥💥

About The Book:

She ran from him once. Now, he’ll do anything to keep her.

Beautiful. Bold. Guarded.

Rylee Queen del Sol has spent years keeping her heart locked away, convinced love isn’t meant for her. But when she takes a dream job in Paris, she never expects her new French billionaire boss to be the man she ghosted a year ago-the only man who ever made her want more.

Charming. Rich. Possessive

Lucien Kingley has everything: wealth, power, control. Everything except her. So when the opportunity to bring her back into his life presents itself, he takes it. Hiring her as his new marketing director.

Lucien needs a wife to secure his CEO position before his 30th birthday. Rylee needs a way to gain custody of her sister.

A marriage of convenience is the perfect solution... until the lines between business and desire start to blur. The longer they pretend, the more real it becomes.

But when Lucien’s secrets come to light, Rylee is ready to walk away.

Now, he has to convince her to stay.

Because the only thing more important than his CEO role... is her.

My Thoughts

This is my second book from this author, and I am enjoying her stories more and more with each one.  Lucien and Rylee were perfect for each other. It has become one of my favorite billionaire stories.  And the chemistry they had for each other made me so happy and giddy.  And the supporting characters added so much to the story. Riley's strength made her one of my favorite FMC's.   I really enjoyed this book and can't wait for the author's next story.  

About The Author:

Smardline is a passionate Black author with a passion for reading for as long as she can remember. She writes heartfelt stories with a touch of magic (because what’s life without a bit of wonder?), and she's planning to explore the fantasy genre soon. Nature holds a special place in her heart—especially waterfalls. Her dream? A cozy home in the countryside, ideally with a waterfall view, but she’d settle for a small river in the background. Add a garden, a few goats, and chickens, and she’d be living her best life.