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The Thing About Home by Rhonda McKnight 
Published by Thomas Nelson on May 9, 2023
Genres: Black & African American Romance Fiction, Southern Fiction
Pages: 384
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Home is not a place—it’s a feeling.
Casey Black needs an escape. When her picture-perfect vow renewal ceremony ends in her being left at the altar, the former model turned social media influencer has new fame—the kind she never wanted. An embarrassing viral video has cost her millions of followers, and her seven-year marriage is over. With her personal and business lives in shambles, Casey runs from New York City to South Carolina’s Lowcountry hoping to find long-lost family. Family who can give her more answers about her past than her controlling mom-slash-manager has ever been willing to share.
What Casey doesn’t expect is a postcard-worthy property on a three-hundred-acre farm, history, culture, and a love of sweet tea. She spends her days caring for the land and her nights cooking much needed Southern comfort foods. She also meets Nigel, the handsome farm manager whose friendship has become everything she’s never had. And then there are the secrets her mother can no longer hide.
Through the pages of her great-grandmother’s journals, Casey discovers her roots run deeper than the Lowcountry soil. She learns that she has people. A home. A legacy to uphold. And a great new love story—if only she is brave enough to leave her old life behind.
Author Rhonda McKnight skillfully intertwines themes of love, self-discovery, and the power of connection, creating a captivating narrative that resonates deeply with readers. The vivid descriptions of the enchanting Lowcountry, with its charm, warmth, and tantalizing culinary traditions, transport readers to a palpable world. McKnight’s meticulous attention to detail immerses readers in the sights, sounds, and flavors of the region, making the setting come alive.
While the book follows a familiar storyline, it is the emotional depth and growth of the characters that keep the narrative engaging and poignant. Protagonist Casey Black undergoes a profound transformation that is portrayed with authenticity and grace, resonating with readers on a profound level. Her journey from a place of uncertainty to a profound sense of purpose and belonging is both captivating and deeply moving, forging a strong connection between readers and the story.
The Thing About Home by Rhonda McKnight is a satisfying and heartwarming novel that beautifully captures the essence of finding oneself amidst a vibrant and richly depicted backdrop. It reminds us that home transcends physicality, encompassing the feelings of connection, love, and acceptance. With compelling characters, an evocative setting, and themes of self-discovery and renewal, this book will undoubtedly appeal to fans of contemporary romance and those who appreciate narratives exploring the transformative power of family and heritage.
