The Secret of Gumbo Grove by Eleanora E. Tate, am was good. This mystery is about a young girl, Raisin, who's cleaning up a cemetery when she stumbles on a secret about her town's history. The way the author weaves the mystery into Raisin's real life was flawless, but one character made me mad, Miss Aussie, who was trying to erase her own family's past.

#5joysfriday @DebinHawaii
A week of blessings:
1. My PonChi had to have 6 teeth pulled and he is doing well.
2. I was able to get an appointment for migraine infusion after days of headaches/migraines. When I didn‘t have 1 I had the other.
3 & 4 Some paint projects that I did.
5. Starbucks Iced Pecan Latte.

This play, Trouble in Mind, came out years ago, and the crazy part is, it feels like it was written yesterday. That's a sad statement, for real.
It's a play within a play, and it's straight-up diving into the same old mess that black actors are still getting hit with today.
Especially with all the wild decisions the Supreme Court's been dropping this year, this play feels even more crucial.

It‘s been a great week.
1. Fun orange dress.
2. My PomChi chillin‘ in the yard.
3. New sneakers are always a joy!
4. Official retirement presentation pic.
5. Life as a Sorority advisor.
#5JoysFriday @DebinHawaii

🙌🏽

I found myself conflicted on this one, rating it somewhere between a 3 and a 4. While the writing didn't particularly impress me, I was utterly captivated by the central mystery of the plot—I just had to know what Grace was.

Monica's gullibility was honestly annoying, but the sheer, over-the-top absurdity of the story kept me entertained.

@DebinHawaii #5JoysFriday
1. Flower wall backdrop for my retirement party.
2. My PomChi chillin‘ on the deck.
3. My retirement party dress.
4. My first sleeper sofa.
5. Pistachio Latte with Dubai Chocolate. So yummy!

I‘m still on the fence about whether I even like the show or the book. Netflix took a lot of creative liberties, and since I watched the series before reading the novel, it‘s hard to decide which one is better, or if either of them really hit the mark for me.

#5joysfriday @DebinHawaii

1. At my cousin‘s graduation.

2. My deck is finally finished. #blackdeck

This book, a mix of a novella and several short stories, was a genuinely enjoyable and quick read. I really appreciated how the author made me connect with the characters, and there were some truly surprising twists. It's ideal for unwinding on a deck (like I did) or settling in on a rainy afternoon (which it rained here yesterday.)🤭

Thoroughly enjoyed this one.

Happy Saturday! #quotes #memes

#5joysfriday @DebinHawaii
1. Beautiful pot for my deck.
2. Enjoying retirement. My tshirt says I can wine all I want #retirement.
3. My deck is finally complete. Black deck with new stairs in a new location.

This story really resonated with me; it had a lot of sadness, but the ending was incredibly uplifting. This is my first time reading anything by this author. The book took us on a journey through Mary's life, showing us her ups and downs as she navigated difficult choices. She matured quickly, and her experiences clearly shaped the person she became.

This Charleston love story was a vibe. Maya's patience with Jamila and Derek's growth were on point. Major win for showing positive single Black fathers. And shout out for highlighting sickle cell anemia—that's crucial. Their love? No struggle, just sweet. We need more of that Black love in media.

I‘ve been enjoying a lot of reading since I retired. #reader #booksvschores #litsy

Audiobooks.
#audiobooks #reader #litsy

Totally loved the unique story and how the characters grew, but man, it felt like it took forever to get to the good stuff! The payoff was a bit short for how long it took to get there, but overall, it was a solid read.

A coming-of-age story about first love, family, and finding yourself.
Jeremy‘s figuring things out—his sexuality, his relationship with his newly-divorced dad, and whether Evan, the boy he meets on the Oregon Coast, might like him back. As they bond over birdwatching, they create a secret code—part game, part shield. Quietly powerful, this YA story hits hard and feels real.

Juneteenth! Freedom for everybody! #juneteenth #freedom

My toxic trait. 🤭 #bookcover #prettybookcover #books #reader

Lennon and King‘s pasts had my heart aching, but watching them fall back in love was everything. The chemistry? Off the charts. They tried to move on, but that first love was sticking around like glitter.😂🤣😂😂

#5JoysFriday @DebinHawaii

1. Strawberry Shortcake at the concert in the park.
2. Trying to wear sneakers after foot surgery.😩
3. Upcycled a side table that I found at a yard sale.
4. New tattoo. Pretty Poodle.
5. Scored those outdoor chairs for the low on Marketplace.

“The Names" is a powerful debut—honest, emotional, and deeply real. It explores identity, legacy, and how small choices can change everything. The stories and characters stick with you well after the last page. The domestic violence can be very descriptive at times.

The storytelling is compelling and genuine, featuring a strong female protagonist who navigates challenges with poise and confidence. It's evident that the author conducted thorough research and every detail is grounded in real events.

What really got me was how the story flipped on me. At first, I was all in for Brooklyn. I thought she was just misunderstood and catching a bad break. I was rooting for her heavy. But as things played out, I started seeing her true colors. She wasn‘t who I thought she was, and it became clear she had no real plans to change up. That switch-up had me hooked even more. It was real and unexpected.

Andy Andrews knows how to break down truth and human potential in a way that really hits home. Through smooth, powerful storytelling, he delivers deep messages in a way that‘s easy to vibe with. This book keeps it real, simple, yet full of meaning and leaves you feeling hopeful and inspired.

@DebinHawaii #5JoysFriday
1. Picked up free chairs today that I saw at the curb.
2. Ordered a purse that was on sale.💁🏽‍♀️
3. Received my first retirement gift. Harlem Rhapsody.
4. My foot is healing well after surgery. I can now were slides.

This was my first time reading anything by Abby Jimenez. I‘m not big on rom-coms, but this one was actually pretty dope. It had a little suspense mixed in too. I‘ll definitely check out one of her full books next. Suggestions on which one to read next?

This book was everything. Hendrix is real as hell and stays true to herself — I was here for it. Her crossing paths with Maverick was kinda wild timing-wise, so I totally get why she was hesitant at first. But ayeeee, MAVERICK? That man is everything. He knew Hendrix was the one from the jump and didn‘t hold back ‘at all‘ letting her know. I soooo loved this book.

It‘s a decent read, but short on real details—mostly boyfriend drama, not the scams. Lacks self-awareness, with more complaining about her sentence and throwing shade at family than any real reflection or growth.

#5JoysFriday @DebinHawaii
I had surgery on my foot Wednesday. I‘m on basic bed rest for a week.
No more setting my alarm! Officially retiring at the end of the month! 🙌🏽 32 years in education.
Friends have been sending me take out while I‘m recovering.

Ella Simone, a rising R\&B star, was in the middle of a messy divorce from her producer husband when she crossed paths with Miles, an MLB player. Their chemistry was instant. Miles was that real one—solid, loyal, and exactly what Ella needed to get through the storm. I loved this one.

I loved this book! It hit on so many real-life vibes—dealing with fam, friendships, marriage drama, situationships, chasing careers, all that. The way everything came together was smooth, with the perfect mix of laughs, mess, and heart.

This book is a great read—easy to connect with and full of practical tips to help improve your life. It really speaks to people of all ages and leaves a lasting impression. I highly recommend it—it‘s definitely one to keep on your shelf.

Snoozer. Maybe a mathematician would like it. I stuck with it hoping I‘d get something out of it.😫The author rambles without solid facts, contradicts herself, and mislabels issues as big data. It feels more like bandwagon rhetoric than real analysis.

I loved this book—her journey, lessons, and realness really spoke to me. The tips on boundaries and self-worth were so useful, especially for young adults.

This book was *fire*! Once I picked it up, I couldn‘t stop. It had me smiling, laughing, blushing, mad, and lowkey emotional—in the best way. The chemistry between the characters and Elle‘s writing pulled me all the way in. The details had my imagination running wild.

This is a truly inspiring read, filled with valuable lessons. It offers an honest and heartfelt look at building a billion-dollar business, showing the unwavering passion, hard work, and courage needed to overcome the challenges along the way. This company is based in my hometown. It started in Mississippi and moved to my hometown.

This book encourages embracing sensuality, pleasure, and self-love, which boosts confidence and even helps with tasks like cleaning. Go figure. LOL

*Bent but Not Broken* is a powerful read set in Depression-era Alabama, following Naomi Simmons as she endures hardship and mistreatment but remains devoted to her family. Despite her struggles, she finds strength, grace, and support from loyal friends who help her move forward. Naomi is a remarkable character whose resilience and sacrifice left me rooting for her throughout.

This book was a refreshing change from my usual darker urban fantasies. Set against the ocean and marine life, it was a delightful escape. If you enjoy a sweet, second-chance romance, I highly recommend it.

A fast-paced urban read, this story follows two young people shaped by their environment. Lacking positive guidance, they find love but spiral into a dangerous lifestyle with few good outcomes. I read it in one sitting because I couldn‘t put it down.

This story grabs you from the start with its raw, gritty intensity, pulling you into a world where every detail feels alive. It‘s a relentless, heart-pounding ride that‘s impossible to put down.

The title comes from a story adults tell to encourage girls to behave. *How the One-Armed Sister Sweeps Her House* is a tough read, with its bleak portrayal of violence against women, sorrow, and poverty. Well-written and gripping, it's also intense and heavy.

I enjoyed it so much! It was a perfect way to start the year and provided a real eye-opener into the lives of people in Jamaica.

The book does an amazing job describing Jamaican life, food, scenery, and settings. And the food! It had me salivating, I could almost taste it all!

I enjoyed this audiobook. It‘s perfect for teens and young adults, but for someone my age it was a great pep talk. A reminder for me to embrace self care. I needed this reminder.

Meh. I thought it was a self help book, but it gives memoir vibes. She basically tells how her Christianity helped her through her martial problem, her husband‘s affair.

Light, easy read. I enjoyed it. Actual title wasn‘t available on Litsy.