Cece In The City

Tag: Cece Book Club

  • Celebrating Fathers, Freedom & Favorites – A June to Remember

    Hey everyone! I hope all the amazing fathers out there had a wonderful Father’s Day — you truly deserve to be celebrated. 💙Even though my dad lives 10–12 hours away, I still found a way to send him some love. I gifted him a neck fan (you know the kind that wraps around your neck and blows cool air) — perfect for someone who’s always walking or out in the yard during these hot summer days. He told me, “This is just what I needed,” and that warmed my heart. Sometimes it’s the simple, thoughtful gifts that make the biggest difference.

    Click here to purchase

    https://amzn.to/3HPU2jS

    Speaking of meaningful days… today is Juneteenth — a powerful reminder of freedom, resilience, and how far we’ve come. On June 19, 1865, two years after the Emancipation Proclamation, enslaved African Americans in Texas were finally informed of their freedom. It’s a day to reflect, educate, and celebrate. So tell me — how are you honoring Juneteenth today?

    While you’re soaking in the summer vibes, I’ve been busy doing a little bit of everything:
    📚 Book Review: I just finished A Great Big Beautiful Life by Emily Henry (yes, I adore her books!). This story follows two writers battling for the same book deal — and while they’re supposed to be competitors, sparks begin to fly. Of course, there’s a twist! If you love romantic tension and creative journeys, you’ll want to grab this one.

    🎬 Movie Review: I watched The Last Bullet recently — and as an action lover, I gave it a solid 4 out of 5. It kept me on the edge of my seat!

    Purchase Here

    https://amzn.to/4ldNHwY

    🌮 Foodie Find: Finally tried Rreal Tacos in Lawrenceville, GA — it’s a new location and super cute inside. They also have a patio space if you like dining outdoors. The tacos were flavorful, though my daughter was a bit bummed they didn’t have lettuce. Minor gnat situation aside, the customer service was great and the 30-minute wait was expected with it being a new location. If you’ve eaten there, let me know your thoughts!

    Also, don’t forget — I offer product reviews, book reviews, movie reviews, and business shoutouts. I’m currently running special rates this month, so if you’re interested, email me at cecewibnet@gmail.com and let’s work together.

    https://amzn.to/3HgFp8M

    📖 And last but not least — if you haven’t already, grab a copy of my poetry book on Amazon. Your support means the world. 💕

    Purchase Here

    https://amzn.to/3HgFp8M

    Thanks for reading and remember — support businesses, read a good book, and celebrate your freedom, people, and your passions.

    Until next time,
    Cece in the City

  • Book Review: P.S. I Hate You by Lauren Connolly — A Journey of Grief, Love, and Rediscovery

    I recently had the pleasure of diving into P.S. I Hate You by Lauren Connolly, and let me just say—this book took me on an emotional rollercoaster in the best possible way. It’s one of those stories that lingers with you long after the last page.

    At its heart, the novel follows a woman grieving the loss of her brother. But her healing begins with a heartfelt letter he left behind—a request for her and his best friend to embark on a road trip to the final eight states he dreamed of visiting. Along the way, they’re tasked with scattering his ashes and honoring his memory. What unfolds is a beautiful, bittersweet adventure of healing, exploration, and unexpected love.

    The travel element had me hooked. There’s something magical about stepping outside your comfort zone and discovering the world—and yourself—in the process. This book reminded me how life itself can feel like a scavenger hunt: full of hidden lessons, surprising turns, and moments that take your breath away.

    What truly pulled on my heartstrings was the emotional depth between the two main characters. Imagine being in love with someone for years but not being able to be with them—for reasons that life, timing, or circumstances created. And then, just when you’ve settled into the idea of “what could’ve been,” you reconnect. That kind of love—the soul-stirring, “meant-to-be” kind—we all deserve that.

    This book is a reminder of the power of love, communication, and facing your fears head-on. It made me think deeply about life, second chances, and how important it is to not run away from the hard stuff, but to embrace it.

    If you’re into emotional reads, heartfelt journeys, and stories that blend love with loss and adventure, I highly recommend you pick up P.S. I Hate You. It’s more than a romance—it’s a journey of the heart.

    Get book

    https://amzn.to/43o6UWF

  • Happy World Book Day!

    Y’all already know—I couldn’t let World Book Day slide by without saying something! Books are my peace, my escape, my everyday adventure. I usually dive into at least two books a week, and each one takes me somewhere new—whether it’s a love novel or the heart of an inspiring memoir.

    So, what are you reading right now?
    Are you on Goodreads? I love connecting with fellow readers and finding new gems to add to my list.

    Authors—this one’s for you!
    If you’ve written a book and want me to review it or feature it on my blog, I got you! I support authors heavy, and I love sharing stories with my community. Book your spot now by filling out the form, and let’s put your work in the spotlight!

    Also, if you’re a book lover like me, come join the Cece Book Club on Facebook! We read, we vibe, we discuss, and we support each other’s literary journeys. It’s nothing but good reads and good energy.

    Alright, fam—I’m off to squeeze in my 30 minutes to an hour of reading before bed. I hope you found time to relax today… and maybe even crack open a good book. Happy reading!

  • Book Rec: Armed with Good Intentions by Wallo – A Must-Read with a Message

    If you know me, you know I love a good book—and last night I finished one that truly left an imprint on me: Armed with Good Intentions by Wallo.

    I’ve been following Wallo on IG for a while now. His videos? Pure gold. They’re raw, real, inspiring, and sometimes hilarious—but always packed with wisdom. What I love most is how genuine he is. After spending half his life behind bars, Wallo could’ve let his past define him—but instead, he turned it all around.

    This book dives even deeper into his story. The pain, the lessons, the setbacks, and ultimately, the redemption. He’s seen a lot, been through a lot, but he chose to come home and elevate. He didn’t just change his life—he made it his mission to motivate others to do the same.

    People doubted him, tried to silence his voice, but Wallo kept going. He kept showing up, posting his videos, dropping gems, and being unapologetically him. And you know what? That consistency and passion is contagious.

    As someone who shares my voice through blogs, Wallo inspired me to start using my voice on video too. So if you’re reading this, Wallo—thank you. Keep being a blessing. Keep pushing forward. You’re touching more lives than you know.

    Y’all, do yourself a favor and grab his book. Whether you’re a fan already or just love a good comeback story, Armed with Good Intentions is worth the read.

    Grab your copy here: Armed with Good Intentions on Amazon

  • First Book of the Year with Cece Book Club: Maame by Jessica George

    The first Cece Book Club pick for January is Maame by Jessica George! Now, while this isn’t my first read of the year (I’m already six or seven books in), it is the first one I’m diving into with the book club—and what a great choice to start with!

    Maame tells the story of a young woman in her 20s who has spent most of her life taking care of her father, never truly having the chance to live for herself. When her mother returns home for a year, she finally moves out to explore life on her own. However, just as she starts to embrace her independence, she experiences a deep loss that pushes her into depression.

    I won’t spoil the entire book, but Maame beautifully highlights the struggles many young people face when dealing with family responsibilities, self-discovery, and mental health. It was heartbreaking yet powerful to see her journey—her strength in always showing up for her family, but also the moment when she finally decided enough was enough and began to express her own needs.

    This book was emotional, relatable, and an important reminder that many people battle depression at a young age and need support. I can’t wait to discuss it with the book club this Sunday!

    Have you read Maame? What did you think of it? Let’s talk!

    Get book here:

    https://amzn.to/42Ka2wb

    If you enjoy my book club picks and want to support, you can buy me a coffee here:

    buymeacoffee.com/ceceinthecity

  • 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 Nichols Brothers: Suburbia to Destruction by Mark Nichols. 

    This month, I’m excited to highlight and support some incredible people I’ve met and the fascinating books they’ve written. As a true bookworm with a passion for reading, I can’t resist sharing their journeys and stories with you.

    One book that really caught my attention is The Nichols Brothers: Suburbia to Destruction by Mark Nichols. You might recall the chilling story from 2005 when Brian Nichols brought Atlanta to a standstill after escaping custody and killing a judge. This book dives deep into that event, offering a gripping look at what led up to that fateful day.

    I had the opportunity to speak with the author, Mark Nichols, who is Brian Nichols’ brother. Hearing his perspective and learning more about the story made this book even more impactful. And yes, I’ve got my autographed copy—definitely a treasure in my collection.

    If you’re curious to know more about this intense and compelling story, I highly recommend checking out the book. It’s a powerful read that will leave you thinking long after you’ve turned the last page

  • Cece Book Club

    This month, I want to spotlight one of the special ways I’ve connected with my community: through my Cece Book Club, which I started a few years ago. As someone who reads at least one book a week, books are more than just stories to me—they’re adventures that take me on new journeys. This passion for reading is what inspired me to create a space where fellow book lovers could come together, share opinions, and dive into discussions about the stories we’re all so passionate about.

    In the Cece Book Club, we meet once a month on Zoom to discuss our latest read. This year, we’ve added a fun twist: we’re working our way through the alphabet, selecting books that start with each letter. It’s been a fantastic way to discover new titles and genres we might not have explored otherwise.

    Running this book club has been a joy, and I’m excited about its growth. We used to have authors join us for discussions, and I’m looking forward to bringing that element back soon. The thought of opening my own bookstore one day is a dream I hold close—imagine a cozy spot filled with all our favorite reads, a place where bookworms like us can gather and get lost in stories together.

    If you’re as passionate about reading as I am, I’d love for you to join us. Let’s continue to build this wonderful community of readers, sharing not just books, but the experiences and emotions they evoke in us. Here’s to more adventures, more discussions, and hopefully, more exciting plans for Cece Book Club!

    Join

    https://www.facebook.com/groups/1033867936640433/?ref=share&mibextid=NSMWBT

  • The Treston Irby Story: Hiatus – Life in the 90s R&B Group Hi-Five.

    This month, I’m excited to shine a spotlight on some of the incredible people I’ve met and the books that have captured my heart. As a self-proclaimed bookworm, there’s nothing quite like diving into a story that not only entertains but also reveals the journey of its author. That’s why I’m thrilled to highlight The Treston Irby Story: Hiatus – Life in the 90s R&B Group Hi-Five.

    When I first picked up Treston’s book, I was immediately drawn into the world of 90s R&B—a time of smooth harmonies, soulful ballads, and iconic groups like Hi-Five. But this book is more than just a trip down memory lane; it’s an intimate look at Treston’s life, his path to joining Hi-Five, and the ups and downs he faced along the way. His story is one of passion, resilience, and the relentless pursuit of dreams, even when the road gets tough.

    Through his candid storytelling, Treston gives readers a backstage pass to the highs and lows of fame, the camaraderie within the group, and the personal challenges that shaped his journey. It’s a story that resonates on many levels, whether you’re a fan of R&B, someone navigating their own creative path, or simply looking for an inspiring read.

    I had the honor of interviewing Treston and learning more about his incredible story. Our conversation was not only enlightening but also a testament to the strength and determination it takes to succeed in the ever-changing world of music. I’m grateful for the opportunity to share his journey with the readers of Where It Begins magazine, where his feature truly brings his story to life.

    If you haven’t yet, I highly recommend getting your hands on The Treston Irby Story. It’s a compelling read that will transport you back to the golden era of 90s R&B while offering valuable insights into the life of an artist who has navigated the challenges of the music industry with grace and grit. And don’t forget to check out the interview we did with him in Where It Begins magazine—it’s an inspiring story you won’t want to miss.

    So, as I continue to support and celebrate the authors who’ve shared their journeys with me, I encourage you to explore their stories too. Let’s keep the love for reading alive and continue to uplift those who’ve opened up their lives through the written word.

    https://youtu.be/cAdJHDR5MqE?si=7xDUedwQXh_Dg3GU

    https://issuu.com/cecewibnet/docs/wib_sept_2022_updated_1

  • A Little Boy’s Blues by Stacy Lamar King

    This month, I’m shining a spotlight on some incredible authors I’ve had the pleasure of meeting and the books they’ve written that I’ve dived into. As a self-proclaimed bookworm, there’s nothing I love more than getting lost in a great story and supporting the talented people behind them.

    One book that caught my attention is A Little Boy’s Blues by Stacy Lamar King. This is just the beginning of a series, and while I haven’t finished the other two books yet, they’re definitely on my reading list for this year. Meeting Stacy was a real pleasure, and learning about his journey as an author added so much depth to the reading experience. Plus, there’s something special about holding an autographed copy in your hands, knowing you’ve connected with the mind behind the words.

    I’m so proud of Stacy and can’t wait to finish the series. If you’re into heartfelt stories with depth and emotion, make sure to check out A Little Boy’s Blues and stay tuned for the rest of the series. Supporting authors like Stacy is a joy, and I’m thrilled to share his work with you!