Book Tor and Giveaway: Higher Love by Joanne Kukanza Easley

 

Book Details:

Book Title:  HIGHER LOVE by Joanne Kukanza Easley
Category:  Adult Fiction (18+), 360 pages
Genre:  Women's Literary Fiction
Publisher:  Red Boots Press
Release date:   May 2025
Content Rating:  PG-13 + M: Adult themes of alcoholism, underage drinking, underage sex

Book Description:

In 1986 Austin, Texas, sixteen-year-old Stephanie steps into sixty-two-year-old Lauren’s life, her uncanny resemblance cracking open a buried past. Claiming to be the daughter of the child Lauren gave up for adoption forty-five years ago, Stephanie upends Lauren’s life—already complicated by her remarriage to Brett after thirty-three years apart. Stung by her adoptive grandmother’s deception, Stephanie stays, her past of tragedy and self-harm forging a fragile bond with Lauren and Brett. When Stephanie’s trust fund evaporates, crushing her college dreams, Lauren sacrifices all to give her a future—only to face a bittersweet twist that echoes the past and changes everything. This heart-wrenching family drama delves into the enduring impact of secrets, the power of unconditional love, and the strength found in facing our pasts.

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Meet the Author:

​Joanne Kukanza Easley, a retired registered nurse who worked in the cold, stark environment of operating rooms and the highly charged setting of psychiatric facilities, now resides in the Texas Hill Country. There, she crafts fiction centered on complex women of the twentieth century. Her debut novel, Sweet Jane, garnered multiple accolades, including the adult fiction prize at the Texas Author Project, and was a finalist for prestigious honors like the Sarton Award and the Eric Hoffer Award, among others. Her second book, Just One Look, was selected as a May 2022 Pulpwood Queen Book Club Pick. Her third novel, I’ll Be Seeing You, revisits characters from Sweet Jane. Her fourth novel, Higher Love, a continuation of her third, is slated for release in Spring 2025. Easley’s award-winning short stories and poetry have been featured in various anthologies.

connect with the author:  website ~ X ~ facebook ~ instagram ~ goodreads

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Enter the Giveaway:

HIGHER LOVE by Joanne Kukanza Easley Book Tour Giveaway

My Review:

I found that Higher Love was a great introduction to the works from Joanne Kukanza Easley. For me, the writing style was a little bit different and took me a few chapters to get used to it. By the time I was on chapter four, I was hooked. I was transported back in time to 1986 Austin, Texas. The novel was one that tugged at my heart as I learn more and more about this family drama. It toyed with my emotions all throughout and at times, I had to keep a box of tissues handy. The author's details were realistic and made me feel as though I was right there with Stephanie and Lauren and experiencing it all for myself. Several of the scenes really spoke to me at times that I was able to relate to and felt a connection with them. I liked the themes of love, loss, forgiveness, healing, and finding yourself.

I am going to give Higher Love four and a half stars. I recommend it for fans of women's fiction and / or family dramas would enjoy it. I believe it is worth reading and not to be missed. I thought it was a great read. I would be interested in reading more from the talented author, Joanne Kukanza Easley, in the future. 

I received a copy of Joanne Kukanza Easley's Higher Love from the publisher, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.