This book follows the lives of Ruby and Eleanor. Both Black women who are in love with men they aren't supposed to be with. One marries (Eleanor), and the other (Ruby) gets pregnant, and his mother pays her off to leave, give her baby up, and she'd pay for her to attend college. Ruby is only 15 and the first in her family to attend college. She meets a white man, and his mother pays her off cause there is no way she's having a Black grandchild. Eleanor meets William at Howard University and falls head over hills. But William is from a prestigious black family, and Eleanor is poor. Now, this takes place in the 50s in Philadelphia. They both quickly are to explore what it means to be Black, a mother, and what it takes to achieve their greatest goal, whether it be motherhood, college, love, or belonging. So many things were addressed in this read. The way the women collide in the end shapes the rest of their lives, and finally, they get what they want or do they? #Book4of2023 #Bookworm #Whatsnext

I enjoyed listening to this book. It makes you cringe some when you hear about the past and realize that that’s how people really lived!!! But the ending will make you want book #2. The start of a great series!!!

This book had me in a choke hold til I finished!! So good!!!The author's notes made me shed a tear!!! (How Sway?!)

This was an excellent book. Well written and I could not stop listening until I was complete.

Great story although a heavy one but one needed to be told.

I was sucked in right away. The epilogue was really great. I didn't want the story to end. The narrators did a great job, both of their voices sounded exactly as I pictured these strong women.

I enjoyed this book. Historical fiction always fascinates me. The story hits home because members of my own family went through something similar. My grandmother was sent to the north from the south when she got pregnant as a teenager. My aunt was then raised by my grandmother’s mother. She didn’t know my grandmother was her mother and that she had siblings until she was an adolescent. So this book really shed light on some things for me. My mother became pregnant as a teenager and her great-grandmother attempted to take her child but she stood up to her and her aunts and courageously said no! The women’s stories were told tastefully. The truth can be bitter and sad sometimes but Ms. Johnson gave us all the emotions (aunt Marie kept me laughing) to round out these hard “truths” that so many young girls went through in that time. I took off a star because I didn’t particularly care for the ending. I wanted more. I also wanted to know what happened to other characters in the book. I was totally invested lol!!! I’ll leave it at that so I don’t spoil it for anyone that plans on enjoying this story

I loved this book! Well written and engaging story based on historical events. It kept me entertained and wanting to listen until the end. I enjoyed listening to the author at the end explaining how she got the idea for the book which is mainly based on her own personal history. Wonderful book!

Wonderful story and so moving. A must read for all women!

So the story was so well written and full of emotion. I fell in love with the main characters.

So well written and a such a beautiful story!

Excellent book overall and really enjoyed this audio version. Did not want to stop! I listen while doing chores …. my house has never been cleaner!

Excellent novel and very well written. Made me sad for all the women in the past who endured this shame and abuse related to unintended pregnancy. The racial and class commentary is also fascinating. So glad I read this.

Great Book!!

Excellent book. Should be read in all schools.

Absolutely recommend this book! Loved it!!

Loved it. Opened my mind a bit and got me thinking in new ways

Wonderful story and exceptional narration I was hooked by all the main characters

I absolutely loved this book. very informative, in educational as well as entertaining.

Wonderful story. Truly rich with depth and feeling.

Excellent read. What some people had to go through and how people treated fellow human beings. I appreciated the author’s inspiration at the end about her grandmother.

Moving story beautifully narrated.

This author is new to me. I read The Yellow Wife and, given its historical accuracy and nuance, found it to be an amazing story. I needed more from Ms. Johnson and listened to The House of Eve. Another great book by the author. Ms. Johnson’s attention to history and the voices of marginalized Black women creates a richly woven fabric of characters appropriately placed in the era in which they live.

This is a beautifully written account, that while fiction is birthed from the reality of so many women, and, secrets forced upon the lives of so many intertwined races, genders, economic and social levels, as well as the institution of the Catholic Church. The writer’s note to the reader is invaluable and appreciated..

Great story, great narrator. I couldn’t stop listening.

Great book! Loved the characters! Didn’t want to put this book down!

I absolutely LOVED this story and the narrator did such an AMAZING job!! I wanted more.

I loved this book. The characters are so well written and the narration is wonderful.

I was hooked from the beginning. This book was amazing worth every bit of my time

Loved this audio book and the narration was awesome!! I enjoy historical fiction.

Fast reading/enjoyable Accounts of history needing to be highlighted..:.secrets /deceptions. We can’t move forward unless we loosen the shackles of our minds.

Awesome

This is such a great read/listen. The narrators are so good and gave life to a story that should be read and heard no other way. I loved the historical question and the authors note at the end. My mother was a ‘sent away’ woman of the wrong color and this book made me feel a sense of understanding and gratefulness. Everyone should read this

Loved the story how it intertwined. The narrator was perfect for the story.