The Fortunes of Blues and Blessings

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Pub Date 23 May 2023 | Archive Date 23 Jul 2023

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Description

Step into the rich tapestry of American history as one family's destiny intertwines with the blues of heartbreak and the blessings of joy…

Inspired by the timeless words of Genesis 8:22, 'While the earth remains, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night, shall not cease,' The Fortunes of Blues and Blessing unfolds as a sweeping historical saga that illuminates the journey of an extraordinary black family in America.

Spanning over a century and five generations, this captivating novel takes root in 1849, tracing the family's roots from Sierra Leone to the rice plantations of Georgia.

At the heart of this gripping tale is Hercules, a young African enslaved and renamed upon arrival in Charleston. His bond with Rachel, a fellow captive, forms the foundation of a remarkable legacy. As their daughter Maia grows up amidst the privilege of the Bailey Plantation, her path intersects with the turbulent backdrop of the Civil War. Fleeing the plantation, Maia returns to Ossabaw Island, where she finds solace and love in Aaron, a skilled tradesman seeking refuge.

As the years unfold, the family flourishes and migrates inland, overcoming adversity with resilience and determination. Maia embraces her passion for writing, while Aaron becomes a trailblazer in the construction industry. Their daughter Diana, a talented singer and Fisk Jubilee Singer, grapples with her dreams of fame and the complexities of identity. Meanwhile, Maia's grief for lost children and Aaron's burning desire to empower his people shape their destinies.

Through the fortunes and misfortunes they encounter, this family bears witness to the profound impact of chance and choice on their lives. Blending the depth of 'Roots' with the captivating journey of 'Forrest Gump,' this enthralling narrative introduces readers to real-life black individuals who have left an indelible mark on African-American history.

Immerse yourself in a tale where the extraordinary becomes ordinary, where the struggles and triumphs of one family mirror the collective experience of a resilient community.

In the depths of struggle and the heights of triumph, discover the extraordinary journey of a black family across generations and continents…


Step into the rich tapestry of American history as one family's destiny intertwines with the blues of heartbreak and the blessings of joy…

Inspired by the timeless words of Genesis 8:22, 'While the...


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ISBN 9780991551705
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Featured Reviews

Tha Author Karen Sloan Brown has written a wonderful book, I have enjoyed trveling through time with her, 5 Generations, starting with Hurcules, He is a good slave, very valuable to his master, ends up loving the same woman, a half black woman, that his master has fallen in love with, Rachell, she is brought in as a young girl! Takenn up to the house to be a companian for his Daughter, only because the master couldnt take his eyes off her, he waits for her to grow into a woman, then takes her in ways he shouldnt, and so the story goes, one heartache after another for Rachell.
This is a must read, I couldnt put it down. Thank you to net Galley for allowing me to read this wonderful story.

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A sweeping saga that follows the extraordinary journey of one black family through five generations. Inspired by Genesis 8:22, the novel unfolds across over a century, tracing the family's roots from Sierra Leone to the rice plantations of Georgia. At the heart of the story is Hercules, a young African enslaved and renamed upon arrival in Charleston, and his bond with Rachel, a fellow captive. As their daughter Maia navigates the privilege of the Bailey Plantation amidst the backdrop of the Civil War, her path intersects with love and refuge on Ossabaw Island with Aaron. With each generation, the family thrives and overcomes adversity, leaving an indelible mark on African-American history. The Fortunes of Blues and Blessing is a captivating and heartfelt narrative that celebrates resilience, triumph, and the profound impact of choice and chance on our lives.

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A mesmerizing historical saga that whisked me away to a captivating world of courage, heartbreak, and hope. Following the journey of one black family over five generations, this novel weaves a powerful narrative inspired by real-life individuals who have left their mark on African-American history. From Sierra Leone to Georgia's rice plantations, the story delves into the complexities of enslavement, love, and resilience. I was deeply moved by Hercules and Rachel's bond and Maia's unwavering strength amidst the tumultuous backdrop of the Civil War. As each generation thrived and faced its unique challenges, I found myself rooting for this remarkable family and feeling deeply connected to their struggles and triumphs.

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