The Thing about Home is the first book I have had the pleasure of reading by this author. The author hooked me in immediately to the story I could visualize Casey as she deals with heartbreak, and learning about her father's side of the family. This book is gives you so much in one story.. it's a love story with heartbreak, a coming of age story and also historical fiction all in one. This won' t be the last time I read a book by this author. Thanks NetGalley and Thomas Nelson for the ARC.

After her life implodes, Casey flees to the family she's never known--her father's side of the family. With time, and love, as well as her great-grandmother's journals, Casey finds healing and the family she never knew.

A heartwarming read about love and family, and finding your way back to yourself.

Thank you Netgalley and Thomas Nelson for the ARC!

The book was excellent, loved it so much. The characters have stuck with me. Will most likely reread!!

Disclaimer: I receive complimentary books from various sources, including, publishers, publicists, authors, and/or NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review, and have not received any compensation. The opinions shared here are my own entirely. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an advance copy of The Thing About Home by Rhonda McKnight in exchange for my honest review and opinion. Loved this book and the way the author told the story. It draws you in and keeps you engaged until the very last page. Very heartwarming book.

Family is the most important thing. And Rhonda McKnight does a beautiful job weaving the story about a once famous now lost woman searching for the truth. Very well done.

4.5 stars

I wasn’t too far into The Thing About Home before I regretted not having read Rhonda McKnight’s work sooner! Just look at some of these quotes that I highlighted –

“You’re a Black woman. That means your DNA is made up of survival genes.”
“Besides, you seem like someone who’s looking for somewhere to be.”
He hesitated, reading my face, which had to be in large print.
“A lie shouldn’t make your heart its home.”
“Unprepared soil never grows a good harvest… You have to make your heart good ground for the next season of your life.”
She felt like love, hope, and a good macaroni and cheese rolled together.
“God gives us wisdom to do, not just words to believe.”
“Reclaiming what was lost to us is different from visiting what was stolen.”

I loved the rich rhythm of McKnight’s writing voice, the warmth of her characters, the nuggets of wisdom tucked away between the pages, and the engaging plot that quickly had me unable to put down the book. Most of these quotes can be attributed to – or about – Granna, the 99-year-old matriarch of the Black family in Georgetown, South Carolina. She’s feisty and full of life, insightful and intuitive, a woman of great grief, great joy, and great faith. I need a whole other post to talk about how much I loved Granna, but suffice it to say that meeting her dramatically changes Casey’s life and deeply touched mine. At least one of the quotes comes from Great-Grandmother Odessa’s journals – another element of this story which impacted my heart. The perspective of Odessa and Elijah’s lives during Reconstruction and the years beyond is one that I didn’t learn about in school – it’s one that Casey herself didn’t learn about – but it’s one that everyone should know.

Speaking of… Casey Black is experiencing every big-name influencer’s worst nightmare. Minutes before her live-streamed vow renewal, her husband Drew says he’s not going through with it and leaves her, her marriage, and her career in shambles. I think most of us would say our worst nightmare is the part about the marriage being in shambles, but for “Casey B” it’s the implosion of her career in the aftermath that seems to shake her the most. And therein lies the disconnect that Casey needs to work through on her journey to discover where she came from – and where she’s going from here. Don’t get me wrong, I loved Casey right away. She’s sassy and fun and successful. But I also saw an emptiness in her, even in the few short pages before everything falls apart, and a self-focus that tends to occur when the main brand you’re promoting is yourself. It’s also what makes her character growth across this novel so meaningful and rewarding for readers.

And then there’s Nigel. Whew, goodness, that man is swoonilicious. And not just his killer good looks that Casey couldn’t help but drool over. It’s in the way the author writes him. A suppressed strength – a suppressed sensuality, even – that gives him a constant simmer as he moves through the story. The sparks fly when he’s on the page, even when he’s just sitting there all alone lol. And when Casey and their mutual attraction are in the mix – wowza, just keep a fan handy for your own safety. Don’t want you to overheat when they get to kissing! There were a couple of times when I thought it was about to get spicier than I prefer but the author keeps things chaste without sacrificing any heat.

Bottom Line: The Thing About Home by Rhonda McKnight took me through a range of emotions as I stayed completely absorbed in this story. I laughed, I swooned, I cried, I got angry, I got humbled, I wanted to purse whomp some folks (mainly Casey’s mom), I wanted to hug many more folks, I got hungry (all that yummy Southern cooking – YUM), I got educated, and mostly I just fell in love with the Black family and their amazing farm. Casey’s journey from brokenness to wholeness is compelling and, while I wished her Granna’s faith had been more personal for Casey herself (because I don’t think she can be truly whole without Jesus) I was moved by how she ‘turned the soil’ in her life. A lovely and touching story with insight that will linger.

(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)

I thought this story had a lot of promise. Reading the synopsis had me looking forward to getting lost in the story. However, it ended up being more plot and less character development. So, I was not really invested in the story. Casey Black, the primary character, got on my everlasting nerves. She was so shallow and did not appeal to me. I enjoyed the historical aspects of the story and the Christian focus. It wasn’t too preachy and had a good foundation. But overall, this just wasn’t my cup of tea. In the end, seeing Casey discover who she really is and uncovering her roots was appealing. I just wished getting to that point was a little more pleasurable.

Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson for my advanced review copy. All opinions and thoughts are my own.

For more reviews, please visit my blog at: https://www.msladybugsbookreviews.com/. Over 1000 reviews posted!

Thanks to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson Fiction for this ARC to read and review.

Unfortunately, this book fell rather flat to me. It was an intriguing concept, but the execution was a bit off. I am not a fan of dialogue-heavy books, which this one was. The jumping between multiple timelines was a bit confusing and ultimately did not serve the story well.

The Thing About Home was a different book for me, it took me outta of my comfort zone and I was pleasantly pleased. I have read several books by this author and have never been disappointed but I was pretty skeptical about this one since it was part “Historical Fiction “ I actually really enjoyed the dual timeline and wanted more of it by the time it was finished. The story about the Blacks and Cassie B was very refreshing. It had several life lessons in this book and I enjoyed it very much.

Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book. The story about Casey, a 30 something media star who is left at the altar right before her wedding renewal ceremony, is a wonderful testimony about finding your true self, love and family. I enjoyed the author’s writing style it was so visual for me, I really felt like I was on the farm and literally smell the produce. I particularly enjoyed the development of Casey and Nigel’s relationship, and it was enjoyable to read a “ clean “ book with a great story.

this book really drew me in

Thank you to the author, publisher, and netgalley for this review copy.

Most people all search and long for the same thing - love, acceptance, belonging, and a family unit. Regardless how they describe it or act out to find what they "need", you can usually boil it down to those very simple and basic things. This heartwarming story reminds the reader that sometimes when things initially don't go as planned, that just makes space for better things to come down the road, that we just can't see yet, I highly recommend this well written story about love, family, finding one's self, and where you are meant to be - and how it all ultimately ties together.

Thank you #Netgalley for the copy!

We open with CaseyB preparing for her picture perfect live streaming vow renewal event. Casey is a social media influencer who eloped 7 years ago much against her protective mothers approval. So when Casey decides to do a vow renewal, this time around it is glitz and glam, sponsorships, live streaming and filming a documentary on her life. However, things did not go as planned when her husband tells her minutes before he wants a divorce. We watch as Casey crumbles, worries about her social media presence and what to do next. In an unexpected twist, Casey decides to learn more about herself, particularly her dad's side of the family which has been a mystery to her. Casey sneaks away to South Caroline where she uncovers her roots, both metaphorically and physically as she learns about her families 300 acre farm. Casey soaks in the love of her Granna, aunts, cousins, family and farm manager. We see her come full circle and where she was meant to be.

A story of going home and new beginnings.

Casey Black's carefully curated world comes tumbling down when her husband decides at their highly publicized vow renewal ends in him announcing him intentions for divorce instead. Casey retreats from the shiny world of social media and goes out in search of her roots, tracing her family history to a Southern farming community.

An engaging read, told by Casey in the first person POV. I enjoyed getting to know her newfound family, especially her grandmother. A compelling story of new beginnings, secrets, and turning points.

I really enjoyed the historical parts of the story, from the journals of Casey's great-grandmother. It was cool seeing the how far their family has come over the years.

While a compelling and intriguing read, this book just wasn't my cup of tea, as Casey wasn't the most relatable to me, but I liked seeing her transformation over the book. There were also some scenes like a platonically shared bed between the romantic leads that raised my eyebrows, as well as minor cuss words, and taking the Lord's name in vain.

In the end, while this book wasn't a perfect fit for me, I still enjoyed many things about it and the author is a very gifted storyteller. There are definitely threads of faith woven throughout the story, though not expounded on explicitly. A well written read about finding yourself, and discovering your roots.


I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Beautifully written, inspiring book that I couldn't put down. Home really is where the heart is. My heart is full from this wonderful book.

THE THING ABOUT HOME was such a moving and heartwarming read! I love that the author even brought stories from her own life to the pages.

There was drama and some mystery, and I’m excited to read more by the author.

*many thanks to Netgalley and publisher for the gifted copy for review

Well written story of Casey B who has lived her whole life in NY not knowing her fathers side of the family. After a heart shattering event she goes to find out who they are and learn about her fathers side. What she discovers is more then she could have ever imagined.

The Thing About Home by Rhonda McKnight Nain

Casey Black is a famous social media influencer from New York City, who is ready to renew her vows with her husband of 7 years, when he backs out. She takes off for her deceased father’s small hometown to regroup from her humiliation and discovers the secrets of her family’s life that have haunted her.

This book is written from Casey’s point of view and chronicles her discoveries and personal growth as she learns more about her family’s past. It includes a handsome potential love interest, a spunky centenarian grandmother and hordes of new relatives.

I do think the plot was a bit predictable, but the characters were lovable, and it was written in an easy-to-read style. Not too many authors that I read feature modern day people of color. This book gave me a greater appreciation for the struggles that they overcame.

Readers who enjoy women’s fiction will enjoy this story. I am grateful to the publisher for the complimentary arc in exchange for this, my honest review.

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.