Praise

This book was amazing. I read it too quickly because I became so invested in the outcome. It was the perfect read during Holy Week leading to Easter. My only disappointment was finishing the book. Congratulations on such an inspiring, well written story. I am looking forward to more to come.

– LeVette J, Boyd-Buggs

I dove into Black With 2 Sugars expecting a laid-back coffee-shop story and got a turbo-charged redemption ride that kept me glued to the couch. Ernie wakes up on a stranger’s sofa, loses what little he’s got left, and then staggers through one hilarious disaster after another. Each chapter title feels like a postcard from the edge (“Tech, Tears & Tacos” still makes me grin), yet the humor never undercuts the heartbreak. Instead, it lifts it.

What sells the whole thing is Ernie’s voice. He chats straight to you, cracking jokes about his own screwups and tossing in diner-booth asides that feel like he’s refilling your mug. Even the jail scenes—where the pace could’ve dragged—spark with raw honesty and those weirdly hopeful moments you only get when life’s gone sideways. By the time Bishop Robert shows up with tough love and cinnamon pancakes, I was all-in on Ernie’s comeback.

If you crave a redemption arc dripping with sarcasm, caffeine, and genuine heart, this one’s pure espresso for the soul.

– U.T.

This is a lovely, touching, and inspiring book that drew me in from the very beginning. I truly connected with Ernie and Shiree—they don’t always make the right choices, but they’re still good people at heart. This is a story about individuals who have hit rock bottom but aspire to rise above it. When you've really fallen, society doesn't always make it easy to climb back up, and this book captures that struggle with honesty and heart. It’s an uplifting tale of compassion, redemption, and the challenges of breaking free from a dysfunctional past. Most importantly, it’s a thoroughly entertaining read. Highly, highly recommended!

– Neil

This heartwarming and enlightening book reveals how small kindnesses and shifts in perspective can powerfully transform bitter life experiences into moments of sweetness. Offering a unique view on resilience, it's an essential read for anyone seeking inspiration and thoughtful reflection.

– Laura Shouse

“Black With 2 Sugars” delivers a heartfelt tale of redemption that’s as rich and satisfying as a perfectly mixed latte. Ernie’s quiet struggle to leave behind a painful past and Shiree’s fierce love for her daughters feel authentic, and Bishop Robert’s unwavering faith adds a grounded, uplifting anchor to the story. While a few plot turns—like the inevitability of justice catching up—hit familiar beats, the novel’s warm characters and genuine moments of grace keep you turning pages. If you’re looking for a story about forgiveness, second chances, and the small acts of kindness that change lives, this book pours its heart into every chapter.

– Melissa Foster

The compelling narrative tracks Ernie and Shiree as flawed yet fundamentally good individuals who've reached their lowest point but fight their way back. The narrative demonstrates society's role in making recovery from life's worst moments more difficult. Their story demonstrates compassion and escaping dysfunction while providing constant entertainment along the way. A truly uplifting read!

– Dan

This novel moved me deeply. The characters feel real—flawed but quietly strong. It’s a heartfelt story of redemption, forgiveness, and second chances told with true humanity. Every page brings emotion, truth… and an unexpected touch of sweetness.

– Giovanni

There’s something about Ernie and Shiree that got under my skin—in the best way. Watching them wrestle with regret, love, and the slow, gritty climb toward redemption felt raw and real. This story held pain, hope, and unexpected tenderness.

– Nikki

Great book with a great message! I was very entertained and happy with this book as a bedtime read. A lot of people will likely relate to this story as well which I think makes it all the better. Great book.

– Ronnie Smedley

Black With 2 Sugars is one of those rare novels that grabs hold of your heart and doesn’t let go. This is not just a story—it’s a journey of healing, redemption, and second chances wrapped in a beautifully written narrative. The characters feel real, flawed, and human in the best possible way.

– Hope

Worth your time! Black with two sugars, I went into with an open mind. It's not exactly the genre that I thought would have kept my interest. Well, I was pleasantly surprised. It is about compassion, redemption, basically a lot of things that are in short supply in the world these days.

– M.

The author found the right pace to keep the reader invested. The characters were dynamic and engaging. The author does use profanity that wouldn't be found in most Christian genre books. The inspirational message of forgiveness was interwoven expertly throughout the story without the reader feeling preached too. This was a page turner and would recommend for older teens to adults.

– Asher Frend

I love stories about redemption. Although this is fictional, it still gives you the feel goods. Some parts are cheese and there's dialogue that you can't imagine a black man would ever say, but overall it's an enjoyable read. The story keeps moving, the characters are likable (except for Mattie!) and the twists are good. I'd recommend it for a weekend or beach read.

– Norma

This story was so good!!! Enjoyed every word! Very well written. It has a deeply powerful story. Bittersweet mixed with hope and inspiration!!

– Kimberly Banks

Black With 2 Sugars really caught my attention because I love stories about faith, hope, and the chance to start over. Ernie Jeter’s journey reminds me that no matter how difficult our past has been, it doesn’t have to define our future. Life can be full of struggles and unexpected challenges, but sometimes the right opportunities and a little faith can lead us toward something better. I appreciate the message of redemption, love, and resilience in this story. It reminds me to look beyond people’s past mistakes and believe that everyone deserves a chance to change and find happiness. A heartfelt and inspiring read for anyone who believes in the power of hope and second chances.

– Timmy

I’d been enjoying this book for the past couple of days due to the feelings you get when you read it. It’s such an emotional and inspiring story regarding actual life lessons. In the beginning, the story introduces the main character as a young man who is homeless who’s trying to make their way through life by overcoming challenges and decisions. They eventually push him to do and be better; have a better life going for himself. I don’t want to spoil it for anyone but just know this is a great book!

– Auli's Archive

Honestly, I really enjoyed this book..It has a lot of heart, and I love how it shows that family isn’t always just about blood, but also about the people who stand by you when life gets hard. The characters feel real, and their struggles, growth, and relationships make the story emotional and meaningful. I especially liked the way Ernie cares for the people around him and tries to make a difference in their lives. There are moments that make you smile, moments that make you think, and moments that genuinely touch your heart. I also liked how the story brings up real-life issues while still having humor and warmth. Overall, it’s a beautiful, heartfelt read about second chances, healing, love, and finding a place where you belong. Definitely a book that reminds you how much a little kindness and support can mean....

– Aatika K.

A very interesting book. I couldn't stop reading it

– Mariah Johnson

This book had me invested. I couldn't put it down and had to see the outcome. It was bright and uplifting. It remindes you that no matter how hard your past has been it doesn't mean your future can't be brighter. You can always change to make it better. It reminds a you to look past a persons past mistake and everybody deserves a chance to find happiness. It's a great book of hope and second chances.

– Bridget Dempsey