June 19th, also known as Juneteenth, is celebrated as America’s second Independence Day. It commemorates the day that the last enslaved Black Americans learned that they were emancipated, though this didn’t happen until two years after the emancipation proclamation. To honor Juneteenth and Black authors, we asked our authors and editors to share some of their recent favorites from their reading lists!
Harlequin Author Denise N. Wheatley Recommends:
As a lover of marine life (sharks in particular) and second chance romances, I found Chandra Blumberg’s Second Tide’s the Charm to be an absolute gem. The witty dialogue, clever wordplay, and authentic protagonists hooked me from the very first page. What’s unique about this STEM romance is that both the hero and heroine are Black marine biologists, forced to work together on a shark study. Not only did I enjoy learning the science behind shark tagging, but I found myself completely absorbed in the characters’ journey toward happily ever after. Second Tide’s the Charm is the perfect mix of humor and heart—a signature element of Chandra’s writing. This book is a must-read for anyone who loves great romance with plenty of laughs and angst along the way!
Harlequin Editor Dana Grimaldi Recommends:
Chain-Gang All-Stars by Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah. This dystopian fiction answers the question of what could happen if the private prison system were combined with reality television. The Chain-Gang All-Stars is a modern-day gladiator competition, where prisoners get a chance for early release by participating in televised death matches. Who would agree to participate in a program like this, where the chances of survival are low? Who would watch? And how can a society where racism and violence have been normalized find its way back to respecting the dignity of all people? These are heavy questions, and the author tackles them by bringing the reader into the lives of the people involved in the games, including the prisoners, their family, the viewers and more. This is a complex, gripping read that will stick with you for a long time.
Harlequin Author Tina Radcliffe Recommends:
The Serenity Peak series by New York Times bestselling author Belle Calhoune is this reader’s favorite. Set in the fictional small town of Serenity Peak, Alaska, the stories immerse you in a location where snow, moose, and the Northern Lights come alive. In particular, Serenity Peak Book 2: An Alaskan Blessing is a heartwarming story about an abandoned baby that could have been ripped from the headlines. Calhoune weaves a beautifully organic friends-to-more tale of forgiveness and trust with just the right blend of romance. I’ve enjoyed reading the first three books in this series and am ready to pack my bags for Serenity, Alaska.
Write for Harlequin Blog Team Writer Rebecca Garnett Recommends:
Between the World and Me by Ta-Nehisi Coates was described as “required reading” by the great Toni Morrison, so there is not much more that I can say to emphasize the brilliance of this book. In it, Coates writes to his son about his experience of being Black in America and grapples with the big questions around America’s history and ideals. His writing in this book feels very much in the legacy of James Baldwin, with the epistolary form echoing back to Baldwin’s The Fire Next Time. It weaves between memoir and analysis in equal balance whilst remaining honest, raw, and heartfelt. Coates accomplishes a lot despite the small page count (176 pages!). This is definitely one that I would recommend if you’re looking to add a non-fiction to your reading list!
