Brilliantly crafted and utterly transcendent. Author Donna Hill does it again with this beautifully crafted story of love and loss and the power of home.

All I'm going to say is that this story gave what it was supposed to give. It touched me in ways I wasn't expecting. There were moments I couldn't put it down and then there were moments I had to collect myself. What an awesome book. ❤

I am Ayah! The way home.
I am Ayah! I'm home.

I AM AYAH: THE WAY HOME by Donna Hill is a story of love, history, and forgiveness. I appreciated the reverence in which the idea of “blood memory” and trans-generational memory is captured while also calling into question the idea of “moving up in the world” as a Black person in society. In this novel, there’s a deep appreciation for Black women, Black sisterhood, and Black love, and this is shown in the way Alessandra has such a great support system.

With themes of self-discovery, returning home, fighting off the demons of our past, and a metaphorical rebirth of the soul, I found this novel to be a pleasant and engaging read. If you’re looking for a novel will a plot, mystery, and romance that draws you in and keeps you coming back while also exploring the effects of history and trans-generational memory, I highly recommend you check out I AM AYAH: THE WAY HOME by Donna Hill.

Donna Hill has done it again. She si expertly weaves love, romance, trauma, and epigenetics poetically. I promise I was waiting for Professor Skip Gates to make an appearance and tell the MC about her lineage!

This is the second novel I've read by this author and I'm officially hooked.

Book: I am Ayah
Author: Donna Hill
Pgs: 363
Genre: Historical Fiction/Romance
Synopsis:

Set amid Sag Harbor’s vibrant African American history, bestselling author Donna Hill weaves a stunningly rich story about finding the way home…no matter how long the journey takes. 

Alessandra Fleming has spent most of her life running from her past. Her budding photography career, her life in Manhattan, all serve to distract from the secrets and guilt she’s never been able to face. Then the call. Her estranged father is in the hospital…and Alessandra must return home to Sag Harbor, crumbling the first wall between her past and her present.

For some, coming home is a relief. For Alessandra, it’s a reminder of the family she’s lost, of the time she’ll never regain. But the answers—the secrets—of her family are hidden in the house, waiting for her. And the only one who may be able to help her uncover them is her father’s neighbor, Zach, who brings with him an attraction that’s intense and instantaneous, yet oddly familiar.

Now Alessandra is being pulled back not only into her own complex family history, but into the richly documented lives of four extraordinary women. Generations touched by tragedy and triumph, despair and hope. And it’s in these aching echoes of the past that Alessandra’s own story—her mistakes and her capacity to love—will take shape, guiding her to the life she’s meant to live…and the extraordinary person she will become.
Review! This book really surprised me. I love a good historical Matrilineal family history especially with black women. Great mix of romance, history, and magic realism. This book was thoroughly researched and put together well. I especially liked the mention of the Maroons, which where hidden communities of enslaved people, showing a great resistance to white supremacy. Great character arc for both main characters as well.
Highly recommended! Thanks @hearourvoicestours for letting me be a part of this tour.

I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed this. Having read one other book by Hill, I was very excited to receive this arc.

It was nice to see Alessandra getting to know herself and reconnecting with her past. Hill does a great job of showing the importance of the past and how we’re connected to it, but also how we deal with generational trauma. She does an amazing job with integrating history into the story and making you feel like you’re there. This story tackles some pretty tough subjects and Hill does it well. It’s easy to get invested in this story from the beginning.

The chemistry between Alessandra and Zach was amazing, and I couldn’t help but root for them. I wanted Alessandra to have a happy ending so badly. I loved everything about them as a couple.

Although this tackles some heavy subjects, this fast-paced story is rich with imagery and history. It shows how your history can affect your present and will affect your future. I enjoyed every minute of it.

Five stars.

I loved this book! Donna Hill wove several distinct timelines between ancestors and descendants who are separated by generations, but their struggles were intermingled. The amidst the book, there are passages from what we learn are our MC Alessandra's ancestors. Here are the tragedies and oppressions that Alessandra's maternal ancestors experienced throughout the 19th and early 20th centuries.

After developing a strained relationship after her mother's death, Alessandra was estranged from her father for the last few years. She is an aspiring photographer on the cusp of her first gallery show, and she is surprised by a call that her father has been hospitalized. She comes back home to Sag Harbor to deal with her father's condition, and to her surprise, her father is glad to see her. Before her return home, she begins to have vivid dreams and realistic visions that she can not comprehend. She also finds out that her father wanted her to know the history of her ancestors, which her mother did not like to share with her.

When she returns to Sag Harbor, she meets Zach, one of her father's neighbors who has a close relationship with him, making her a bit jealous. We also get chapters with Zach's perspective which gave us a soul-moving story about soulmates, accepting and honoring the past, and forgiveness. Alessandra and Zach's connection was powerful, and they were drawn to each other their band intensified as they explored the segments of her family's history. Zach also finds out that Alessandra's family is integral to the research he has been doing on the maroon community in Sag Harbor.

The book was very enthralling because there were so many facets to the plot, and at first I was wondering how the historical accounts fit into the main narrative of the book. Overall I loved how everything came together, and this is yet another amazing book by Donna Hill.

A breathtaking historical fiction novel with a hint of spice about finding the way home no matter how long the journey takes. In the novel the author perfectly blends two timelines from the past and present creating an epic page-turner. I really loved how the narrative wove together two different eras simultaneously creating multiple viewpoints on this families history. Donna Hill has a real knack for taking past historical events and creating a modern relevancy with her storylines, researched documentation, and characters.

The novel follows Alessandra Fleming a woman who spent most of her life running from her past. With her aspiring career in photography and life in Manhattan she uses this as a distraction from the secrets and guilt she’s never been able to face. But after receiving a call regarding her father Alessandra must return home to Sag Harbor. For some returning home may be a good thing but for Ali it’s a constant reminder of the family she’s lost and the time she’ll never regain. Little does she know the answers and secrets of her family are hidden in their home waiting for her to return. But the only person who may be able to help her uncover the truth of the past is her father’s neighbor Zach. We watch as Alessandra discovers the truth of her family history and the documented lives of four generations of extraordinary women touched by tragedy and triumph, despair and hope.

The novel was superbly written, well-developed, and engaging to read. The pacing was fair and all of the characters gave balance to the story. The author spotlights the importance of knowing one’s family history, discovering themselves, and finding home. It also addresses different themes from slavery, family dynamics, generational trauma, and the historical injustices of African Americans.

Overall, I enjoyed reading this book I found both Alessandra and Zach to be very compelling characters. It was their devotion to uncovering the truth and piecing their history together that I found so captivating. The novel was so layered from the detailed historical documents, flashback visions, moral family choices, and how both their backgrounds connected. It’s like the deeper you get into the novel the more information is revealed and you realize Ali and Zach were meant to find each other. Special thanks to the author, @hearourvoicestours, & @entangled_publishing for my gifted copy!!!

“I Am Ayah: The Way Home” is a compelling, romantic, and thought-provoking novel about family, love, genealogy, and found purpose. The story follows Alessandra Fleming, a Manhattan-based photographer who grew up in the deeply historical village of Sag Harbor. After becoming estranged from her father, Alessandra pushes the past—and everything it harbors—behind her. She spends years away from her childhood home, and only returns when she receives word that her father’s been hospitalized and she must be there for him in his time of need. In coming home, Alessandra comes face-to-face with the truths of her past, and learns that there is much more to know about the people she comes from than her deceased mother ever let her believe. With the help of fellow Sag Harbor resident and man-next-door dreamboat, Zach Renard; her dearest friend and former college classmate, Traci; and two women who come to mother Alessandra in her times of need, Grandma O and Ms. Edith, Alessandra unfolds an incredibly rich history that gives her context of her family and their role in the communities they inhabited.

This is my first Donna Hill novel & I’m smacking myself on the wrist for not reading her work sooner! The care that she took in unearthing the often untold history of the founders of Sag Harbor is loud & vibrant on the page. I learned so much about this part of Black American history and confirmed what I already knew about the fortitude & resilience it took for our ancestors to live & make life in this country throughout history.

I adored the easy-flowing but genuine romance experienced between Alessandra & Zach. Their connection is instant, and though they both frequently question the source of the depth of what they had, they never doubted what they felt for one another. And boyyy were their feelings strong!

This is a great story for those who like to learn about history through fiction and those who like real romance between real adults who both have lives independent of one another. A loving 4.75 rounded up to 5, and I can’t wait for my next Donna Hill read!

Wow, this was amazing from start to finish encompassing African American history from the slave trade to now seen occasionally as visions on the shores of a beach, aboard a slave vessel, La Amistad. Alessandra, a photographer in NYC, who has been reared as an entitled spoiled brat has had visions along with voices for years that her mother has told her to ignore. Estranged from her dad after her mother's death, Alessandra receives a call that her dad is in the hospital and she heads to Sag Harbor. Staying in her family home reignites the visions she hasn't had in years and she doesn't understand why. Thinking that her dad hates her based on what happened in the past she finds out that it was more in her head and she missed out on years with him when he dies. Alessandra finds out great things about her dad and how he was so proud of her. In the midst of it all, she meets Zach whose grandmother lives next door Mrs. O and Zach and her dad where friends. When Alessandra and Zach meet, the sparks fly and chemistry is other worldly where both have visions of the past. Zach being an anthropologist and scientist is baffled. A lot ensues with discovering her history, past and visions. I loved this story.

What an amazing book! It was not only wonderfully written, but also a very interesting read.

We meet up and coming photographer Alessandra Fleming as she's gearing up for her first show at a very prestige gallery in NYC. She has left home (Sag Harbor) to never return, until she receives a call that changes her life.
Her father is in the hospital and she races to see him. Once she sees him, they begin to repair their relationship. She has questions and he responds that all of the answers are in their house.
Unfortunately for Alessandra, she has to stay in Sag Harbor because she must make arrangements for her father. While searching her childhood home, she stumbles upon all of the answers she needs and not only gets the answers to the questions she had but also learned a bit about her ancestors.
It also helps that she meets Zach, who specializes in history.

This book was just amazing, I loved the relatable characters and how it incorporated historical fiction, romance and a bit of fantasy.
This book is for fans of Before I Let Go and Seven Days in June.
I definitely recommend picking this one up!

I voluntarily read and reviewed a copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This story follows Alessandra Fleming. After the death of her mother she had barely been back home. Sag Harbor is her hometown where her father lives and after an accident she must return home to care for him. She meets Zach Reynard who actually found her father after his fall and the two get acquainted. Zach is always offering help and Alessandra enjoys their conversations. Older letter from Alessandra past help to guide her to learn more about herself.

Donna Hill has a forever fan in me. I read confessions in b flat and loved it but this one drew more emotions out of me. I was very emotional after the situation with Alessandra’s father. I love a book that can bring different emotions out of me. Can’t wait to read whatever she writes next.

Thank you to Entangled Publishing,Sideways Books, Hear Our Voices Tours, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ebook in exchange for an honest review.

Donna Hill’s ability to tell a story is unmatched. This was a beautiful story centered around discovering your roots with some romantic elements. I was a bit blown away at the way the author managed to work in real historical references that shaped the lives of a lot of our ancestors while taking us on this incredible journey of discovery. The connection between the two main characters Alessandra and Zach was truly the cherry on top, adding to the beauty of the story. I don’t think I’ve ever witnessed such an instant connection between two characters. The familiarity they found within one another was truly comforting.

This is a story that will sit with you beyond the last page.

Ms. Hill is an amazing writer and "I Am Ayah" did not fail. It was amazingly written. It was many times of joy and many times of sorrow. I cried tears throughout,
but the story was beautifully told. You will experience joy and pain while learning how the past can and will impact the future. It truly gave me proud. "Say her name!" beats loudly in my soul!!

I am a historical junkie and this contemporary blend was perfectly done. Alessandra is an amazing photographer, but she feels something is missing. Going back home to care for her father leads to a journey of discovery and in turn helps her find the very pieces she was missing. It didn't hurt that she connected with Zach and this made the journey even more intriguing.

I highly recommend this book. It is a wonderful educating experience. This is my honest and most humble opinion. Thank you Entangled Publishing and Netgalley for this wonderful ARC.

The author did a good job linking the past to the present. The romance was cute and seemed to develop organically. This book was full of rich history. That said, this book wasn't for me. I felt the drama wasn't really dramatic. Ali thought her mother was hiding this bug secret about the past & it wasn't what I expected. I didn't understand the turmoil and heavy emotions.
Thank you Netgalley and Entangled Publishing for this ARC.

This is such a wonderful story of love and heritage. Alessandra and Zach make for great storytellers. Set in three different time periods it tells the story of three different women. It focuses on how the past impacts the future. Alessandra begins to learn about her history and discovers that among the horrors there are many things to be exceptionally proud of. Along the way she finds a great love in Zach. This is a story to be read more than once.

This book is the story of one woman’s journey to self discovery and forgiveness and love. It is the unveiling of a past which will not stay hidden and the footprint of a future in need of a past to survive.

It follows the life of Alessandra, who is trying to reclaim her past and Zach the man trying to help

It is deep. It is emotional. It will tug your heartstrings and make you experience the characters’ emotions.

I love the intertwining plot. It speaks of experiences we will rather forget but which we need to document because we must not forget.


It was good to learn that there were some communities that were free without the burden of slavery.

Even though there is the romantic aspect to this book, the underlying message cannot be missed- the past always has a way of making itself known no matter how we try to hide.

It was traumatic and therapeutic to read about what our ancestors went through and the systemic plot to continue to control the black race.

If you read only one book this year, let it be this. Put your prejudice and tints aside and see the story from whatever angle you want-oppressor or oppressed.

Regardless of your reading taste, I will recommend this

Confession in B Flat was a powerful story, this one is an emotionally charged and moving one that I loved.and made me cry buckets.
Heart breaking and heartwarming at the same time, an excellent story.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this arc, all opinions are mine

One thing about Donna Hill, I know her books will always deliver on what was promised in the blurb, and even beyond.

My first book by her was Confessions in B Flat, that one was amazing and so is this one. I don't know how she does it. I was so invested in the story before I even started the book and, I kid you not, I opened it to the first page and started crying. LITERALLY, FIRST PAGE. THAT'S HOW HEARTBRAKING THIS BOOK IS.

I was in pain the whole time while reading, and I wouldn't have it any other way. Thank you Mrs Hill.

So this book is both a contemporary and historical novel, set in the present day but with some flashbacks/visions to the past. It's about Alessandra, a woman who comes back to her hometown because of her sick father, and stays to uncover her family history which might hold the secret to her strange visions.

She also has a helper in Zach, who's a neighbour from across the street and ohhh, I love them together. THEY REALLY WERE MEANT TO BE TOGETHER.

It's basically love at first sight, but when Donna Hill writes it you don't even notice that it's a bit too fast. I 100% believe that these two love each other.

Despite some of the hard subjects tackled, it's easy to get into the story thanks to the beautiful writing style which continues to amaze me again and again. I need to read every single book Hill has ever written. N. O. W.

The pacing is also pretty fast, but not too fast. Still, when I finished it I felt like it all went by in a flash and I wanted even more.

This is a book I'd recommend to everyone, even if you're not a fan of contemporary-historical blends, I promise you'll love this one.

*Thank you to the publishers and NetGalley for providing me with an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review*

I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley and am voluntarily posting a review. All opinions are my own.
I Am Ayah: The Way Home is a touching tribute to the history of Black people throughout generations. The central narrative follows Alessandra, a woman who finds herself reconnecting with her past after years of running from it. It’s beautiful to see her reconnecting with her family’s history and trying to make up for the time she’s lost. I enjoyed seeing her growth, especially as she bonds with Zach, who works for the Smithsonian. I appreciated her growth as she learned more about her family’s past, and really liked her and Zach together as a couple.
But the real standout parts are the excerpts for the historical documents with journals and letters of the people from generations past, from the time of slavery through Jim Crow (notably the Tulsa Race Massacre) and into the near past, following her mother’s experiences. All of these moments are poignant to read about, capturing each of these moments vividly and demonstrating their continued relevance to this particular family’s legacy and to Black history on a grander scale.
This is a moving read, and I’d recommend it to anyone looking for Black fiction with a multigenerational family saga and romantic side plot.