Cece In The City

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  • My First 5 Reads of 2025: What I Thought

    As we kick off a new year, I’ve already dived into some incredible reads! Here are the first five books I’ve enjoyed in 2025, along with my thoughts on each.

    • The Traveler’s Gift by Andy Andrews
      This book was truly inspiring and motivating. Andy Andrews weaves a story filled with life lessons and decisions that challenge you to think deeply about your purpose. A great way to start the year! 
    • The Love of My Afterlife by Kirsty Greenwood
      If you love a good romance with a unique twist, this book is for you. It’s a beautiful love story that had me hooked from beginning to end.
    • The Spell Shop by Sarah Beth Durst
      Another captivating love story! This one is filled with magical elements that made it a delightful read. It’s light, fun, and perfect for escaping into a whimsical world.
    • A Very Bad Thing by J.T. Ellison
      This book had me on the edge of my seat! Suspenseful, thrilling, and impossible to put down—I definitely recommend this one for anyone who loves a good mystery.
    • The Christmas Tree Farm by Laurie Gilmore
      Although I read this series out of order, this installment was a charming and cozy read. Now I can’t wait to go back and read the rest of the series!

    If you’ve read any of these, I’d love to hear your thoughts! Also, don’t forget to join Cece Book Club on Facebook to dive deeper into our monthly picks, share your own recommendations, and connect with other book lovers. Happy reading!

  • The Last Thing He Told Me (Book)

    Book: The Last Thing He Told Me

    Author: Laura Dave

    By: Cece Hymes

     

    I stayed up late last night to finish this book. It was really good. It was about a lady named Hannah who made wood and She met a Guy named Owen. Owen had a daughter whose mother was killed at a young age. His daughter was so used to just her and her dad she really didn’t want to share her dad or let anyone in her circle.

    Owen and Hannah were in love and decided to get married. Hannah didn’t know too much about Owen’s background, but she knew bits of pieces that Owen shared. Then something tragic happened at Owen Job and Owen went missing. He left one message for Hannah and that was to protect his daughter. She didn’t know what it meant but she wanted to know what was going on.

    The FBI and the Marshalls were investigating her and she was looking for clues to figure out what was going on. Owen wasn’t the person she thought he was. She tried to think of little things that happened in their life where she can go back and find clues. Hannah and Bailey goes to Austin Texas to try to find clues and to see if some memory would come back to the daughter of when she was younger. They take this journey together and it brings them closer little by little.

    As they go to Austin Texas to try to figure out the past and look for clues, they find some of Bailey mother side of the family. Hannah does not know who to trust on this journey so she just has to trust herself and find things and research.

    I don’t want to tell more of the book. I don’t want to give it up but it also has a series on Apple TV that I will have to watch to see if I like the movie like I liked the book. I didn’t care for the ending too much, I wanted more but hoping for a part 2.

    If you saw the movie or read the book, what did you think of it?

    Make sure to follow me @Cecebookclub and @Cece.atl

     

  • Yinka, Where is Your Huzband?” – A Gripping Tale of Love, Loss, and Self-Discovery

    Title: “Yinka, Where is Your Huzband?” – A Gripping Tale of Love, Loss, and Self-Discovery

    Book: “Yinka, Where is Your Huzband?” Author: Lizzie Damilola Blackburn

    “Yinka, Where is Your Huzband?” is a poignant and emotionally charged novel that takes readers on a journey of love, loss, and self-discovery. While the author’s identity remains unknown, their ability to craft a compelling story is undeniable.

    The narrative revolves around Yinka, a strong and independent woman in search of her missing husband. Set against the backdrop of a vibrant Nigerian city, the story delves into the complexities of relationships, societal expectations, and the resilience of the human spirit.

    From the opening pages, the reader is immediately drawn into Yinka’s world as she navigates the challenges of her daily life while trying to uncover the truth about her husband’s disappearance. The author skillfully weaves together multiple timelines and perspectives, creating an intricate tapestry of events that keeps the reader engaged and guessing until the very end.

    One of the book’s strengths lies in its portrayal of Yinka as a multifaceted and relatable protagonist. Her character development is compelling, as she confronts her own insecurities, confronts societal pressures, and embarks on a journey of self-discovery. Yinka’s struggles and triumphs resonate with readers, inviting empathy and reflection.

    The novel also shines a light on the rich cultural heritage of Nigeria, providing vivid descriptions of its bustling cities, vibrant traditions, and the warmth of its people. Through Yinka’s interactions with various characters, readers gain a deeper understanding of the social dynamics and complexities within Nigerian society.

    The pacing of the story is well-crafted, with a perfect balance of suspense, emotional depth, and introspection. While the search for Yinka’s husband forms the central plotline, the narrative explores deeper themes such as gender roles, identity, and the power of community support.

    If there is a minor drawback to the novel, it is the occasional unevenness in the pacing, particularly in the middle section where some scenes feel overly prolonged. However, this minor flaw does not detract significantly from the overall enjoyment of the story.

    In conclusion, “Yinka, Where is Your Huzband?” is an engrossing tale that captivates the reader from start to finish. With its well-developed characters, rich cultural backdrop, and exploration of complex themes, the book is a testament to the author’s storytelling prowess. Whether you are seeking a thought-provoking read or a compelling story of love and self-discovery, this novel is sure to satisfy your literary appetite.

  • Before I let Go (Book)

    Book: Before I Let Go

    Author: Kennedy Ryan

    By: Cece Hymes

    This book was awesome. I loved it. I like a good love story. This book was about a couple Yasmen and Josiah who had been together for years. They were married with three kids. They loved and always had a great attraction to each other. Then they had a couple of deaths in the family and lost themselves. Yasmen went into a depression and had a dark place. She got out of her Marriage and got a divorce.

    It’s been two years since they were separated but the two are still co-parenting and love their kids no matter what. They share a business together and still do all that together while being separated. They learn to get along. Yasmen has therapy and is getting back to her normal self and even getting better with her feelings and communication.

    Josiah decides it’s time to date and move on, so he starts seeing a lady that works at the job. No matter what Yasmen and Josiah still are in love with each other and fight the feelings they have for each other. They really can’t see each other with other people. They try to work through their feelings while trying to move on. They both realize that they are just not ready to date anyone else.

    I don’t want to give away the book but what I really like about the book is the love they have for one another and how they put their kids first in everything that they do. They talk things out together. That’s how real Co-Parenting works. I also love that therapy can be a blessing to people and it’s never too early to get help.

    I loved this book if you love a love story and seeing real-life struggles in it. This is the book for you. It has some sad and humorous parts in it.

    Let me know what you think of the book. Also, follow me @Cece.Atl and @Cecebookclub.

  • The House Across the Lake Book

    Book: The House Across the Lake

    Author: Riley Sager

    By: Cece Hymes

     

    Got a chance to read this book.  This is the second book I have read by this author. This was a good book with a twist. This was about Casey Fletcher who was an actress. She met a man and later they got married 5 years later she thought he was her everything and he died. When he died, she turned to alcohol. She lost her job and everything. Her mom had a lake house and that’s where her husband died.

    Casey goes back to the Lake house, and she ends up meeting all the other tenants around the lake house. She was out one day, and she saw something floating. It happens to be Katherine Royce who is famous. She saves Katherine’s life and they become friends.

    Casey is at the lake, and she has binoculars which she looks through and kind of spy and watch what’s going on at Katherine’s home. One night she sees Katherine and husband get into it. She goes to sleep, and she is tipsy. She heard a scream but really couldn’t move. Katherine goes missing but Casey thinks her husband killed her but can’t prove it.

    She tells the neighbor about what she heard, and he heard it too. Casey and the neighbor go to investigate. Then comes to find out she doesn’t know who to trust.  Even though she drinks a lot of  alcohol Casey has a good memory. She gets the police involved but she still does her own investigation. Casey solves a lot of things and puts two and two together. She is wrong about some things but she figures them out and comes up with a plan.

    There are plenty of stories about the Lake being haunted but people think it’s just a fairytale. There are three young ladies that’s also missing, and the police have been trying to find them but after coming on to find out what’s going on with Katherine going missing, they find more information about the ladies.

    I don’t want to give up the story, but this was a great book. I say always keep your eyes open, you never know what’s going on close to you. Please don’t drink. Think of the others that care about you.

    If you read the book, what did you think about it? If not, check it out. Also make sure to join Cece Book Cub.

  • The Dead Romantics Book

    Book: The Dead Romantics

    Author: Ashley Poston

    By: Cece Hymes

     

    Got a chance to read this book. It was pretty good. It was about a lady named Florence Day who is a ghostwriter for a lady that does romance. In the last year Florence goes through a bad breakup and no longer believes in love.  She has to finish the ending and just can’t figure out how to end it now that she no longer believes in love.

    Her new editor will not give her extension and demands the book to be completed. Florence lives with her best friend and her best friend wants to get her to go out from a bad week. They get out and she runs into her ex and her new editor and also gets a call that something bad happened to her dad.

    When Florence was young her and her dad could talk to spirits. They were the only ones that were gifted with this in their family. When she was in school she solved a murder case in which the spirit helped her. Everyone in the town thought she was crazy and talked about her. She left that town and never went back. 10 years later she came back because of her dad.

    Florence starts to see her new editor as a spirit and as he comes along, they get to know each other more. He helps her get through the hard times. He tells her all the positive things she needs to hear. She opens up little by little.

    Florence has low self-esteem, I believe that she just took in what people say and tried to run from getting hurt. Sometimes it’s good to have a friend. That will push you in the right way, to give you motivation, to talk to you and let you know what you are worth.

    I don’t want to give the book away, but it is a twist to it. The book was good. I can’t even imagine myself being able to talk to spirits. I wouldn’t mind if it was for a good cause. This was something different to read. Just thinking of funerals and dead people makes me sad.

    If you read the book, what did you think about it? If not, check it out. Also make sure to join Cece Book Cub.

  • The Simple Wild Book

    Book: The Simple Wild

    Author: K.A. Tucker

    By: Cece Hymes

    Got a chance to read this book. This was definitely a page turner. I enjoyed it and can’t wait to read the next one, it is a series. The Simple Wild is a powerful love story, and it had its funny parts. It was about a girl named Calla who is from Alaska. Her mom moved her from there to Toronto when she was 2. She would talk to her dad on the phone a lot but never see him. After her 8th grade graduation her dad disappointed her again and didn’t show up, so she decided to distance herself and her dad did also.

    Calla is 26 now and still lives with her mom and stepdad. She gets  this estranged call that her father is dying of lung cancer. She had mixed feelings about going there to see him because she barely knew him and also he wasn’t the one to call. She flies back to Alaska to see how her father is and to get to know him. Calla and the pilot seem to not get along. It seems he thinks she is an uptight kind of girl.

    Calla and the pilot have to spend more time together since it’s a small town and he is the neighbor. In the process of staying there she learns more about the town and her father. Toronto where she lives is so much different than Alaska. It takes time to get used to it but she sees new things every day she is there.

    The more time she spends with the pilot the more they seem to bring the best out of each other. However, this is a story about transformation, both personal and intellectual. I like that Jonah (the pilot) put his guard down for Calla. I also liked that Calla was time enough for Jonah. It’s like they are the complete opposite, but their chemistry is scorching. It’s always two sides of the story. I am glad that Calla went to Alaska to see what her dad is like before it’s too late.

    The way the story is told made me feel like I could picture everything, the scenery and how things look. I also love a good love story. I love it when you can talk trash to each other and still smile and have fun with it. If you haven’t read it, I would recommend it.

    I loved this book and again can’t wait to read the series. If you read, let me know your thoughts.

    Make sure to follow me @Cece.Atl 

  • Book Lovers book by Emily Henry

    Book: Book Lovers

    Author:  Emily Henry

    By: Cece Hymes

    This book was about a lady named Nora who is complex, deep, funny and more. She is a literary agent who identifies more with the villains in romance movies than the heroines. She has a sister named Libby who swayed her to go on vacation to a small town. They make a to-do list to do before their trip ends. Her sister Libby is married with 2 kids and one on the way. Nora missed hanging out with her sister and thinks this trip is going to bring them closer together.

    When they arrive in this small town she didn’t expect to run into Charlie, the surly editor she’s avoided ever since their disastrous meeting. They email each other about books. Being in this small town they have gotten to get to know each other and see that they are alike in so many ways. They turn each other on in their own way.

    Charlie and Nora have been through a lot growing up in their lives. They seem to always put everyone first before their own happiness. They always want to make sure that everyone else is good even if they have to give up their own dreams and happiness. It’s a lot that Nora still deals with from the passing of her mom but doesn’t share with anyone until she meets Charlie.

    I like how Nora has standards and that when she sees what she wants she opens up and tells Charlie instead of playing the little game of keeping it to herself. It can be scary taking chances, but the saying goes, closed mouths don’t get fed. Libby, who is Nora’s sister, has her own agenda that Nora does not know about. Nora just thinks Libby is going through problems in her relationship. What her sister is really doing will shock you. Sometimes a small town has hidden places that can make you fall in love with it.

    I love that Nora and Charlie can talk about any and everything and feel like they can be themselves with each other. Charlie sees that Nora is everything he ever wanted and more. They have to make a decision once her vacation is over and she has to go back home to New York. Can you really have everything you really wanted? The job, the man, the city life and more. It all goes back to taking chances and not settling. You have to read the book to see what happens. I love “Love” I believe when you find it don’t let it go. True love is hard to find these days. I love to read books and I hope to find a partner that is into books like I am. It would be awesome to chat about books and other things.

    Make sure to Join Cece Book Club and if you read this book let me know your thoughts.

     

  • When You Look Like Us (Book)

    Book: When You Look Like Us

    By: Pamela N Harris

    By: Cece Hymes

    This book was about a girl named Nikki who goes missing and her brother Jay tries to find her. Nikki and Jay grew up together, their Dad passed away and Mom went to prison so their grandmother had to raise them. They stayed in the projects and tried to make sure they survived.

    Jay is a smart kid who got great grades and was trying to make extra money to save up for his grandmother. He would do people’s homework for them and get a job to make extra money. He went to church and one of the girls there always tried talking to him, but he never really looked at her, just seemed annoyed. Nikki was a good kid that started hanging with the wrong crowd. She ended up getting a boyfriend who hustled. Then they get into it at a party, and she goes missing. Nikki also has a friend named Kenny who goes missing the same day.

    Nikki called her brother one night and he thought she was drunk and calling. Next thing you know she is missing and Jay and the girl from church try to find clues to find Nikki and hope that she is not dead. They know the type of boyfriend she has and think of the worst. As they put clues together they go through a lot of hurdles and every clue seems to end up with nothing. Jay is at the point of giving up and just really thinking she is dead and starts to push away the friend that really wants the best for him.

    In today’s world kids go missing every day and it seems like the cops are no help. Like they do the bare minimum. Jay could get stubborn at times, not letting anyone help him in finding his sister and take matters in his own hands. It’s like he is the one that takes care of everyone and makes sure they are good.

    Now Riley was the girl from church that I told you about earlier, now I loved her in this book. It was like she was a good girl but wanted to really be there for Jay. She saw him for who he was and wanted to help his family. She did things just to try to save them. She was very selfless, caring, and funny. Good people like that are hard to find these days.

    I don’t want to give up the ending, you have to read it and see. If you have already read the book let me know your thoughts. Also make sure to follow Cece Book Club on IG and Facebook.

  • The Emperor of Sound

    Book: The Emperor of Sound

    Author: Timbaland with Veronica Chambers

    By: Cece Hymes

    Got a chance to read this book about Timbaland and his journey and life. I enjoyed learning more about his journey and how he and Missy got together to make music. He talks about growing up and how he got into the industry. I love that he stayed consistent. I had heard years ago how one of the members of the group Jodeci was evil and made them do all kinds of crazy things. I hate that they had to go through this trying to make it. So I definitely would like to give Timbaland and Missy their flowers. No matter what you went through you made it work and got through tough times. I appreciate you for telling this side of the story. It’s not easy being in this industry. Glad that Timbaland’s parents stored God and prayer in him.

    I knew Pharrell and Timbaland were great producers, but this showed how they got into the business. They found their way and had a plan. That pushes me to not give up on my business and to keep being consistent and moving in the right direction. After I read about the girl Dana and Aaliyah I wanted to give Timbaland a hug and tell him everything would be ok. I know it was hard and having that on your conscience I would not have known what to do or how to feel in a situation like that.

    When Timbaland and his wife got together I was glad she was different. I always say that your best friend is your soulmate. To have someone that loves you for you and wants better for you is hard to find these days. When Timbaland finally got it together glad she was still around and took a chance. When you can talk for hours and communicate about everything it’s a great feeling.

    This book was a good read, not too big and if you are a fan I would definitely read it. He tells a lot about how he hooked up with a lot of artists to make beats for them. He worked with a lot of people. I got a chance to interview V. Bozeman before and do an article on her in my magazine (Where It Begins) and I think she is a talented artist. I love her voice. Timbaland took a chance on a lot of people. You can tell he has a big heart. I love the relationship that he and Missy had. It was like they were brother and sister and didn’t leave each other behind. They helped one another get to the top.

    I hope he has another book and talks about Verzuz and how it got started and why they sold it. I would also like to know what’s next in the making. Let me reach out to see if I can get an interview. I love learning about people’s journeys and how they got to where they are today. Timbaland has put in the work he and Missy deserve nothing but great things.

    This was a great book, make sure to check it out. If you have already read it let me know how you liked it. Make sure to Follow me at Cece.Atl and Cece Book Club.