This is not a happy book, but it is a fantastic one. Jackson-Brown is a master of stories covering the complexities of historical interracial relationships. I love that this takes place in the same universe as "When Stars Rain Down" and that we get to see some of the characters again.

Eva's story is heartbreaking, but the love and support she has is amazing. I also love that the story is set in the 40s and showcases that the Civil rights movement has deep roots that often get ignored in history classes.

Thank you to Angela Jackson-Brown and Harper Muse for the advanced reader copy!! ( )

This tale of a Black businesswoman and a White Southern senator (but who gave me very JFK vives) required me to suspend my disbelief a few times, although perhaps it shouldn't have. The romance between Eva and Courtland was sweet and kind - I particularly liked how he wanted to be supportive of her career and ambitions - but I was disappointed this couple was cheated of the ending they deserved. Overall, I enjoyed this book a lot, but I do think some additional editing could have been helpful - Courtland's military service seems to have occurred both in Guadalcanal and Nazi Europe, making me very interested in how that came about, but if there was an explanation, I missed it. ( )

***Thank you to Goodreads and Harper Muse for my copy of this book!***

The Light Always Breaks by Angela Jackson-Brown is an absolutely astounding novel, not just because of the story but for it’s beautifully fleshed out characters. There is vibrant Eva Cardon, beautiful and ambitious, and hosting integrated parties at her restaurant Chez Genevieve in the Jim Crow era, challenging society and it’s ugly norms. And then there is the young, debonair and successful Courtland Hardiman Kingsley IV, a Georgia senator who finds drawn to the gorgeous and bold Eva, his ideas far more progressive than those of his parties.

This novel is beautifully written, and I love that their relationship was not a caricature, but a well thought and well explored part and parcel of that time and era. I thoroughly enjoyed this novel, it broke my heart at times, and putting it back at other times. ( )

The Light Always Breaks by Angela Jackson-Brown gives the reader a detailed look into a historically rich period in our nation’s capital. Civil rights are front and center in this story as Eva Cardon, a brilliant, strong, and ambitious woman of color, falls for a white junior Senator from Georgia, Courtland Kingsley IV. Tensions are high and danger is close as the unlikely couple fights for equality.
The characters in this story are well crafted and so vibrant. I fell in love with Eva immediately. She is a savvy businesswoman and entrepreneur but also a passionate and generous individual. I loved the vision she had for her restaurants and her desire to use her success to make life better for all the people in her community. But even the supporting characters in the story will capture your attention and add to the charm of the neighborhood.
I found the setting of this story fascinating. I haven’t read many books set in this period or in this location (Washington D.C.). The author did a fabulous job of painting the landscape of U Street and its businesses as well as all the larger-than-life personalities who passed through their doors. But the story also highlights the disgusting absence of justice and the overwhelming presence of evil racism and segregation brought to D.C.
While I thoroughly enjoyed the majority of this story. I did find the ending a bit abrupt and surprising. However, it didn’t ruin the book for me.
Overall, I enjoyed the unique look into history and the memorable characters that filled the pages of this book. If you enjoyed Angela Jackson-Brown’s first novel, you will be pleased to see a few characters make an appearance in The Light Always Breaks.
I was given a copy of this book by the publisher with no expectations of a positive review. All opinions are my own. ( )