I enjoyed the importance of culture that can be felt throughout the story. The characters and storyline were good too. This book felt relevant to in many ways. 

The first few chapters were a little slow but once that past, the story picked up and overall it was a good read.

Being the first book of Donna Hill that I have read, I have already started looking at others she has written.  I have become a huge fan.  

This beautifully written novel was about two people who meet on a bus heading to New York in 1963 during the Civil Rights Movement and the Vietnam War. Anita and Jason had an instant spark of undiscovered feelings, yet they had to find their way into each others' hearts.  Jason was opening an office to help spread Martin Luther King Jr.'s nonviolent message, and Anita was passionate about Malcolm X's practice for change.  They both wanted change, but had different philosophies on how to accomplish it.  

Confessions in B-Flat gave the characters depth, challenges to overcome, and the spark to make anything happen.  Incorporating the powerful poetry, love of music, and the strong will that Anita possessed with the old-fashion goodness and determination of Jason created a compelling, romantic love story.  I watched their personalities and leadership abilities flourish and evolve throughout the story.  

The added pictures of the actual places, people, and videos of speeches were an added bonus.  Thank you NetGalley and Entangled Publishing, LLC for allowing to read the book for an honest review.  I will be recommending this to my friends!

I received a copy of this book to review from Netgalley. Thank you for the opportunity.
A fascinating and informative read with some really well thought out story themes. The MC's were complex and interesting alone as well as together. I particularly liked the additions of photographs etc which I felt enhanced the depiction of time and place. The story is so important to be told, particularly now in light of the Black Lives Matter movement.
A moving and emotional story.

This one wasn’t for me and I ended up not finishing it. I really wanted to like it, but I had a hard time getting into the story despite the compelling premise. It actually felt didactic at times. I appreciated  the inclusion of photos and video about NYC and the Civil Rights movement, but was irked by how often Anita called Jason a country boy. He’s from Atlanta! Plus he was a good Baptist boy but didn’t have qualms about sleeping with Anita. That seemed odd...

What an excellent story that mixes historical fiction and romance.
It's gripping, poignant, enjoyable and full of food for thought.
I loved the fleshed out and interesting characters, the well researched historical background and the tightly knitted plot that kept me hooked.
It's an excellent story that I strongly recommend.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine

Set in 60’s during the civil rights movement two Civil Rights activists, Anita and Jason find love.
Now, Anita, is a waitress and poet who moves to the beat of her own drum and is a follower of Malcolm X. Jason, on the other hand is a shy boy from Georgia, who relocates to Harlem, New York to expansion the teachings of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., I must say I loved how Hill developed the characters and the storyline while also incorporating two iconic Black figures of that time. When you look at Anita & Jason’s backgrounds and beliefs you could easily say these two are like oil and vinegar because they just don’t mix. Well, as you continue the story you find out you are so wrong.

When Anita and Jason first cross paths there were on a bus disembarking at a Philadelphia rest stop. Jason strikes up a conversation with Anita and needless to say it doesn’t end well. A few days later, these two meet again and well….you will need to read the book to find out how and why these two were meant for each other.

If I could compare Anita and Jason love story to another couple it would be Tish and Fonny from James Baldwin’s novel, If Beale Street Could Talk. Their love was so pure, genuine and realistic. Hill, did such a fantastic job with her descriptions, the history was on point and the pictures she incorporated in this book were amazing. If you are looking for a laid back Black love story, then I highly recommend this book.

I featured Confessions of B-Flat as book of the day on all my social media platforms, included it in a monthly roundup of new releases and interviewed Donna Hill for my blog.

This week I read #ConfessionsInBFlat by #DonnaHill . This book is a love letter to the civil rights era of the 60's. We begin with a young man named Jason from Atlanta. He is in a meeting with MLK, John Lewis, and Bayard Rustin, and he volunteers to move to Harlem to teach non-violence as a protest philosophy. On the way he meets Anita. She is a beat poet who believes that Malcolm X's teachings of "by any means necessary" is that correct path towards true freedom. Together they wrestle with their ideologies, and become each other's refuge in a world marked by unrest. At first I had a hard time getting into this book because there was so much history and context being provided. But once I understood what the author was doing, I enjoyed it very much. This is a historical romance where she has included photos and historical markers to push the story forward. And it really resonated with me because in this brief snapshot of their love affair there was the Birmingham Church Bombing, the Kennedy Assassination, the beginning of the Vietnam War, other attacks on Black people in the south. And seeing these characters repeatedly choose each other while it felt like the world was spinning out of control was incredibly moving. This book was clearly a labor of love, and really expanded the genre for me.

“There are words for every occasion - of inspiration, admonishment, hope, love, fear. They're one of the most powerful weapons"

Name: Confessions in B Flat
Author: Donna Hill
Type: Standalone
Genre:  Romance, Historical Fiction, Adult

The story is described as a civil rights love story and I cannot think of a more accurate way to describe this poignant tale. Told in between snippets of real events and civil rights speeches, mixed with a love / war story, the book is unique. I don't think I have ever read a book that has tried to captivate your attention with a love story while trying to mix in historical events PLUS links and photos of the real spokesperson and characters of the book. We had snippets of speeches given by Malcolm X and Dr. Luther King as they were trying to improve civil rights for all POC. It was wonderfully built because it was able to depict a really good back story, to the romance that was going on between the two characters. 

Our love story takes place in Harlem, New York in the year 1963. Anita and Jason are opposites in every sense. While Jason is in New York to spread the words of Martin Luther king, Anita follows the actions of Malcolm X. One is filled with rage at the situation that follows Black people everywhere, the other uses his rage as a way to create peace and decides to attack the issue with words rather than weapons. The point is, they shouldn't like each other. But like each other they do. Soon they start a whirlwind romance that goes beyond anything they have ever experienced. 

I enjoyed the romance a lot, I felt that their conversation were important and touched base on many events of today's world (even if the year difference is completely different). It made me really sad that the issues that Anita and Jason face, although maybe not as extreme (in some cases) are things we are still seeing today in the year 2020. 

Another thing I really enjoyed was all the dynamic pictures and links that helped make the story feel current and alive. The romance might have been fake but everything else from the events they were going to, to what they were hearing was all based on facts. 

Now, I didn't enjoy the fact that the author might have wanted to write too much and at times the transitions felt off. This what honestly my main and basically only issue of the story but it affected it a lot because it made all the events going on between Jason and Anita feel a little unimportant. They fought for their ideals but in the next chapter we had skipped to Christmas when everything had been settled. It felt at times as if the story was going too fast and while they were already having a baby I was still stuck in that fight they had 3 christmases ago.

Not great transitions and all, I thourougly enjoyed the story. I felt I was right in the middle of Harlem and felt the whole revolution vibrate next to me. I felt everything the characters felt and wish that any one that has a chance and an interest on this topic to pick up this book. It is a perfect mix of romance with the reality of life. 

"To each person there is a season. They come and they go. But you can't get to the new season if you're not willin' to leave the old one"


-- 3 stars --

Now this is the kind of story where to people who have different beliefs I want to read going forward. 

Anita and Jason are different but the same, they both want better lives for Black people. However, Anita 
believes in Malcom X and Jason believes in Martin Luther King Jr. 

This story was amazing. Wrapping the romance around the civil rights between two people who believed in the teachings of different icons during the movement was serendipitous. Adding the pictures and the events only makes readers more invested in Anita and Jason as they move through this story.

The way Ms. Hill writes these characters and this story is nothing short of breathtaking. The way her writing 
flows made it real easy to get to know every character in this book. Again, you're invested in their lives
and the history of a people that has bought them all to this point. 

This is a beautiful read and I highly recommend it.

first time reader for this author and gained a lot of insightful information about our country.  Was an easy read that I thoroughly enjoyed!

A thought provoking and moving romance set during the intense Civil Rights movement.

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

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

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

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

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

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

God I loved everything about this book. As a first generation Canadian, popular culture, only tells me that the approaches of MLK Jr, and Malcolm X are different but fail to dig into the deeper narrative and how it affected people on different sides of the same sides. I'm obviously naive about how deep the divisions run in America, but wow, does Donna Hill do amazing job crafting a multifaceted, emotional, and inspirational narrative. As soon as finished it, I needed to read it again. And for me, the second read was better than the first.

Thank you Entangled Teen and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book in advance of release.

My first read by this new to me author and it certainly will not be my last. 
A very fitting story considering the social climate of 2020!
Powerful, heartfelt and thought provoking, this unique story has me captivated from beginning to end.
This author masterfully wove a unique and powerful romance in the midst of political turmoil of the early 1960’s in NYC.
Well written with accurate historical references this compelling story is a must read!

This book has many elements that I really enjoy and made the story and the book so much more enjoyable.

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

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

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

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

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

Many great things to talk about in this book,  but I don't want to give anything away, Donna Hill did a great job putting everything together to make this story brilliant and pretty well balanced and articulated

Confessions in B-Flat is a beautifully written story that allows the reader to not only enjoy a love story, but to see a small part of a history that is important to us all.  This book reminds the reader of the struggles, and the hard fought/won victories of those that came before and the road that lays ahead.  Amazing depiction of the early 60's, civil rights, differing ideologies or approaches to the ultimate goal.  The use of actual historical events, snippets from the speeches of Martin Luther King, and Malcom X as well as newspaper clippings give this story so much depth.  I loved this book.

I wasn’t sure if Confessions in B-Flat was going to be my kind of read because I’ve never read a historical romance novel. However, the title & cover caught my eye. And, I’m always interested in trying a new-to-me genre. So, I dove head in and I absolutely loovveeed this story!

Confessions in B-Flat is a powerful, heartfelt, inspirationl story of love between Anita and Jason set against the backdrop of the civil rights movement in the 1960s. Anita is a fiery, outspoken activist and supporter of Malcolm X. Jason is a very calm, laid-back southerner and supporter of Dr. Martin Luther King. The two are complete opposites in every way; different personalities & beliefs. However, their love for each other is remarkable and they learn to ”agree to disagree.”

Hill takes you on an amazing journey through social activism and love. I love that she included pictures, historical facts & links for reference. It made me feel like I was right there with the characters in real-time.

I appreciated how she allowed us to get to know the characters, as well as their family history. The story flowed really well and I enjoyed the poetry too. This novel really pulled at my heartstrings; a very emotional, can’t put down read. I really didn’t want this book to end and I’m definitely going to read more of Hill’s work. Amazing job!

Thank you to Entangled Publishing (Sideways Books) and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

A masterfully written story set during 1963 during the civil right's movement that will take your breath away.  On his way to New York to try to convince people that Dr. King's method of non violence resistance is the way to go, meets activist Anita Hopkins, who feels Malcom X's by any means necessary is the way to go.  Although they try to resist it, sparks fly.  They both have to decide if they can make it work despite their varied and opposing views.  

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

Confessions in B-Flat by Donna Hill is a heartfelt,inspirational story that is full of love, drama, and social activism set against the tumultuous backdrop of the 1960s.

An endearing historical romance set during the early sixties revolving around the  Civil Rights Movement. A thought-provoking and relevant love story that blends historical fact with a fictional love affair.  The perfect eye-opener for someone like me who doesn’t read non-fiction very often.

Blurb: Jason has decided to leave Atlanta and move to New York to help move a long the Civil Rights Movement with Dr. King’s organization. When Jason sets up shop, he runs into Anita, the girl from his bus trip up North.

The two are opposites in every way. Jason is a small town gentleman that believes in peaceful protesting, while Anita is vivacious and forward, fully supporting Malcolm X.

Even though their personalities and beliefs are different, the two can’t help but be drawn to each other.

I really love the verifiable pictures and historical facts woven throughout this romance. It added another level of understanding and depth to a time period I haven’t studied much.

Their love story is very sweet and because I’m such a romance lover, Anita and Jason helped draw me into a time period I’ve been wanting to explore. A charming and timely romance with the perfect mix of fact and fiction.