The author warned me that this would be a tough read and she was right! This book has a large amount of content warnings which I will list at the bottom for those interested.
This story takes a look at the biases that are so present in America and showcases both the harm that those biases have and the improvements that could be made if folks cared enough to unlearn them. This was a wild ride but it was worth it. I would recommend this for people who are interested in literary fiction that mirrors the harsh truth of reality but still offers a rainbow at the end of the storm.

My rating for this book on The StoryGraph is 4.25

Content warnings:
- racism & anti-Blackness
- white supremacy
- infidelity
- misogynoir & misogyny
- sexism
- homophobia
- toxic masculinity
- teen pregnancy
- suicide attempt
- death of a parent/ grandparent/ spouse
- murder (briefly mentioned)
- drug use/ abuse/ addiction

I really enjoyed this read although it was nothing like I expected. I really appreciated the way the author tackles the themes of religion, homosexuality, and racism, it is written in a way that evokes various emotions but you are able to digest the material. I felt like each character was very relatable, and I was able to see parts of myself. Mark was probably my least favorite character, however I still enjoyed his story. Overall, I would absolutely recommend this to a friend. Can’t wait for the official release.

Based on the cover, I thought it was a murder mystery. The author doesn’t waste time getting into plot. The racism from one of the main characters had me hating him right away but his redemption story is riveting. The other 3 main characters are flawed yet relatable. Besides racism, it deals with infidelity, homosexuality, teenage pregnancy and religion. The author did a wonderful job of writing about these issues without making it political, judgmental or too “preachy”

This gripping romantic drama had me hooked from the start. As I followed the intertwined lives of these families, I couldn't help but feel a rollercoaster of emotions. From frustration at Mark's stubbornness to empathy for Amy's struggles, the story kept me on edge. I found myself reflecting on the delicate balance between tradition and personal growth, making this book a truly captivating read that left me pondering long after I turned the last page.