Happy Land by Dolen Perkins-Valdez

Rating: 5 of 5 stars 

Pages: 368 pages
Published: April 2025 

After the remarkable success of her her critically-acclaimed novel Take My Hand, I was eager to pick up Dolen Perkins-Valdez next book, Happy Land. My book club discussed this novel, and we enjoyed the extra benefit of having the author join our group to give further insights into her well-researched and creatively-written story. 

In Happy Land, the author tells the story of the perseverance of a group of formerly enslaved Black people who, post-slavery, create a community built on self-reliance and ingenuity. On their land, they form their own government, make their own food, and create the own wares. But as is often the case, this good thing comes to an end through a common crisis in a tumultuous time. The book then alternates between this time period and present-day when a descendent of the kingdom's leaders, Nikki, visits her grandmother who is having a crisis of her own. Nikki's headstrong grandmother, Rita, is too stubborn to ask for her right out. So, the elder woman weaves a story that almost seems to be a tall tale rather than a history lesson in order to create a vision for Nikki that helps shape Rita, Nikki, and their family's future. 

Perkins Valdez's writing is captivating as she transports her readers to this historical time period that is typically not bright for Black people, but in this particular story their light shines through. She creates such a vivid picture that I wanted to remain in that time period of the novel rather than present day. I truly appreciated how she took care with her words and the presentation of Black people, specifically Black women, in this novel. 

Recommendation: I sincerely enjoyed this novel and appreciated the storytelling that focused on the importance of community and connection in the face of adversity. It is a story, based in fact, that encourages the reader to learn more about the kingdom of Happy Land. 

Until next time ... Read on!

Regardless of whether I purchase a book, borrow a book, or receive a book in exchange for review, my ultimate goal is to be honest, fair, and constructive. I hope you've found this review helpful.

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Little Secrets by Jennifer Hillier

Rating: 4 of 5 stars 

Pages: 338 pages
Published: April 2020

Spoiler alert (not really), but there were literally no little secrets in Little Secrets by Jennifer Hillier. All the secrets were big … major! This action-packed thriller was filled with one jaw-dropping moment to the next. The novel opens with Marian, the mother of four-year old Sebastian, at Pike’s Place Market during the busy Christmas season when an unexpected phone call provides just enough of a distraction for Sebastian to disappear without much of a trace. All the police can find is camera footage of Sebastian being walked out of the market area with someone in a Santa suit and not much else. A little more than a year later and still no leads, Marian is a mess. Her husband, Derek has buried himself in work, and when Marian hires a private investigator to continue the work the police have listed as a cold case she learns that Derek has had a months-long affair with twenty-something grad student, Kenzie. Marian fixates on Kenzie, who has a sordid past of her own, as a coping mechanism of finding a solution to a problem she thinks she can actually fix. However, one bad decision turns into another, and Marian finds herself twisted in a web of deceit that leads to her undoing but also provides her to the first real lead to what happened to Sebastian. 

While the mystery of who took Sebastian is at the heart of this book, there are so many other topics the author tackles including the grief and loss of a loved one, suicide and unhealthy coping mechanisms. The bulk of the plot focuses on Marian and her obsession with Kenzie. That part of the plot got a little old for me. It was annoying, but realistic, with how Marian saw Kenzie as the enemy even though Derek is the one who made the martial vow with her. However, seeing it through the lens of the guilt she felt for losing Sebastian, I suppose I can understand why the character was written that way. It definitely made her a multidimensional and believable character. I didn’t see the plot twist about two-thirds into the story that led to the conclusion of the mystery, which made the story a satisfying one for me. 

I found Little Secrets to be a fast-paced, attention-grabbing psychological thriller especially written for mystery and suspense lovers. The child abduction aspect may make it a difficult read, but the emotional rollercoaster is worth reading the book to completion. 

Recommendation: I would highly recommend this book. I devoured it in a couple days because I just had to know who done it, what Marian was going to do to Kenzie and if Marian and Derek’s marriage would survive such stress. I was able to borrow a digital copy from the Fort Worth Public Library with no wait. So, check your local library for a copy today! 

Until next time ... Read on!

Regardless of whether I purchase a book, borrow a book, or receive a book in exchange for review, my ultimate goal is to be honest, fair, and constructive. I hope you've found this review helpful.

Read More