THE LAST MINUTE FIRST LADY 

Image Description:  The Last Minute First Lady book cover.  One black man, and one black woman waving, both dressed in black with American Flags behind them.  

I received an Advanced Reader Copy of, The Last Minute First Lady written by Tinia Montford. This was a very quick read with charming characters. Jolie Coldwell is an incredible journalist overlooked in the workplace. Cassian Anders is a successful lawyer who is running for governor of Illinois. Individually Jolie and Cassian have been working in the community. These characters are very realistic and what you hope people in their positions would be.

Very important topics are covered. Discrimination in the workplace, black love, and political scandal cover-ups.

Jolie, a reporter, and Cassian, a politician who could be ruined by her. They form an alliance, he needs a wife to convince the public he is a family man settling into his role. She wants a promotion she rightfully deserved. What better way than giving her station access to the first comments of her soon-to-be husband. While Jolie could chase big-name stories she chose to help people who really need it. This is the kind of reporter that needs to exist. Cassian works as a mentor in his community, trying to keep young men off the streets. He wants a say in the laws that affect him and the ones he cares for.

In many romance novels, the woman is insecure in her mind or body. Jolie never wavers in her confidence. She knows she is intelligent, beautiful, and graceful. She never let anyone's opinion influence who she knew she was. Cassian fell for the woman she is and not the woman he could force her to become.

Their stories are all too familiar these days. Montford focuses on the effect dysfunctional families can play in the long run. When you grow up only depending on yourself, entering a relationship is difficult. When a parent truly hates you or, blames you for the way their life turned out it impacts your self-esteem. Being able to bounce back from the neglect and hurt is not easy. This book will show you can make your own family that will always be there for you.

On the flip side, you will see a very close-knit family; one that values each other above all else. That can drive you to do crazy things for the people you love. There is an internal battle of doing what one thinks is right, versus what is in everyone's best interest.

You will learn that saying "I forgive you" is one of the most challenging things to do. Not because you do not believe it but, because you spend so much time dwelling on why you can never forgive someone. You watch the pain from forgiving and everything that leads up to it.

Image description:  Book Journal with The Last minute First Lady" cover with quotes and stickers around it.  

There are present black fathers who showed up for their children in the way they knew how. When they made a mistake they were able to apologize. Realistic black love stories are very important to see. There will be fights in any relationship. Some fights you may feel you can never come back from but, if you are in love you will always find your way back. Accepting love after years of believing you are not worthy is difficult but possible.

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️- 4.5 stars

🌶 🌶 -2.5