I. LOVE. THIS. BOOK.

If you’re a Black woman, know a Black woman, love a Black woman, or want to support a Black woman—this book is for you. It speaks to the heart of our struggles, our resilience, and the grief we’ve been conditioned to carry without question.

Through the lens of Christian faith, this book gives language to the grief we’ve normalized, the wounds we’ve ignored, and the healing we deserve. It doesn’t just name the pain—it offers a way through it.

Black woman, what made you so afraid of rest?

This question lingers, demanding reflection. We’ve been taught to push through, to endure, to be strong at all costs. But what if rest isn’t weakness? What if it’s a form of resistance?

Because let’s be real—what doesn’t kill us doesn’t always make us stronger. Sometimes, it just gives us trauma. And overcoming isn’t just something we do; it’s in our bones, our bloodline, our birthright.

This book is a must-read. It’s a love letter, a challenge, and a call to healing all in one.

This is the book I didn’t know I needed. Normally, I’m the first to say I’m not reading self-help, but this book was different. It felt like a refreshing reminder of life’s lessons—both past and present—without being preachy or overly philosophical. While it weaves biblical teachings into everyday living, it does so in a way that feels natural and applicable rather than overwhelming. This book offered wisdom, encouragement, and a bit of perspective.

First, the cover of the book is beautiful!

This book is centered about Christianity which teaches the biblical principle of Jesus The Christ.
I love how she narrated the book and lined it up with scripture, it is an important key factor when teaching or sharing the word of God that you back up your knowledge and believe with scripture. The book touched on political and cultural and personal beliefs that shed light on the experiences of black women. God sees me and He loves me!

Natasha showed empathy and love as she shared some hard truths about the gospel and what all God's love entails. I really enjoyed this book, as a believer she reaffirmed several things for me, scriptures were aligned with the author's notes. The book brought some insight and touched on many subjects for me. The book was very encouraging and inspiring. We are seen by God and that is the most important element in our lives.

This book was more than just talking about the death of a loved one, but grief growing and being an unapologetically black women int today's society where we as black women, are treated unfairly in relationships, the workplace, and in community.

This is a book for all season of life, whether you're going through a loss of a loved one, feeling stuck in a mental place, needing solace, or reassurance, this book is highly recommended.

Thank you Netgalley, Natasha Smith, and InterVarsity Press for such a lovely book full of truths in exchange for my honest review!

Many thanks to InterVarsity Press for the honor of reviewing this audiobook. I found this book to be a beautiful love letter to Black women speaking to the collective experience of pain and suffering while ushering them toward hope and healing. I love that the author narrates the book. It shows points within the text she desires to emphasize or prompt the listener to reflect. I found her voice to be very soothing which further illuminates the text.

Black Woman, Grief felt like Bible study with a big sister; honest, heartfelt, and deeply needed. As someone currently navigating grief, this audiobook came at just the right time. Natasha Smith creates a safe, sacred space for Black women.

The audiobook experience made it even more powerful. The narration felt like a comforting conversation; soothing, reflective, and full of grace. I appreciated how faith, emotional honesty, and sisterhood were seamlessly woven throughout.

This isn’t just a book about grief it’s a companion through it. One I’ll return to when the days feel heavy. I’m so grateful for it.

Thank you to Natasha Smith for writing this book and sharing it with the world! Thank you Netgalley for the audio book!

Listening to this book felt like being seen, heard, and gently guided through the emotional storm so many of us know too well—but don’t always have the words for. The author didn’t just touch on grief from losing a loved one; she opened the door to a broader, deeper understanding of what it means to carry grief as a woman of color.

She spoke on racial grief—something we often keep buried, unsure if it’s “okay” to name it. But here, it’s named. It’s honored. And through her personal stories, you begin to feel like maybe… just maybe… it’s safe for you to start unpacking your own.

What made this journey even more powerful was the way she pointed back to God—not in a preachy way, but in a real, raw, and relatable way. Sometimes, when the weight of it all creeps back in, looking up and leaning into faith might just be the thing that steadies you.

This audiobook is not just informative—it’s soul work. It's a companion for those moments when grief feels like too much, especially in the quiet, seasonal waves that sneak in. I’d absolutely recommend listening with a Bible nearby. Let it be a part of your healing rhythm, your coping toolkit, your sacred space to feel and be held.