How Sweet It Is

Defending the American Dream

By: Winsome Earle-Sears

Narrated by: Winsome Earle-Sears

Length: 8 hrs and 22 mins

Publisher's summary

The first Black woman elected to statewide office in Virginia reveals in her memoir how her Christian faith, unwavering patriotism, and fervent commitment to conservative principles propelled her to serve and sacrifice for her country and a better future.

Winsome Earle-Sears sent shock waves across Virginia and the country at large when she pulled off her stunning upset victory in November 2021 and became the first woman lieutenant governor of Virginia and the first Black woman, the first naturalized female citizen, and first female veteran elected to statewide office. She earned intense national coverage because of her unwavering support for Second Amendment rights and her strong commitment to education opportunity for all students. Now in her memoir, How Sweet It Is, Winsome will tell her story and explain how she arrived at that historic moment in time.

A devout Christian, Winsome is also a true believer in the promise of the American Dream. Her father was approved to immigrate to the U.S.A. and left Jamaica, arriving in America on August 11, 1963, with only $1.75 in his pocket. Winsome joined him when she was just six years old, and ever since she has never ceased enthusiastically bucking conventions, defying expectations, and charging straight toward challenges.

Winsome’s remarkable story is one of faith and family, personal loss and perseverance, philanthropy and patriotism, service and sacrifice. But through it all, her Christian faith sustained her, drove her, and compelled her to give back to her community and her country. Her unyielding belief in the fundamental righteousness of America stands in stark opposition to the increasingly pervasive ideologies that are dividing the country. In How Sweet It Is, Winsome encourages Americans to never stop fighting for their country and shows them how to chart a new path forward.

©2023 Winsome Sears (P)2023 Center Street

Critic reviews

"Faith. Service. Sacrifice. Those are just three words that come to mind when one thinks of the life of Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears. Winsome Sears embodies the ideals of the American spirit and exemplifies what it means to live the American Dream. Her powerful, personal story—rooted in fearlessness, optimism, and faith—should uplift and inspire every American."—Mike Pence, 48th vice president of the United States

"Winsome writes her own story of a faith-focused conservative patriot—who happens to be a black woman—who knows how blessed by God she is to be an American. It's an inspiring tale that, thankfully, is still unfolding in our midst, and I can't wait to see the next chapter!"—Ken Cuccinelli, former attorney general of Virginia and former acting deputy secretary of Homeland Security

"If the incredible journey of Virginia Lt. Governor Winsome Sears were depicted as fiction, critics would complain that the story was simply not plausible. The very true story of this remarkable woman of faith and family and freedom is an inspiration and serves as a powerful encouragement to those who feel life isn’t fair or that they can’t succeed in a world where fame, wealth, and influence create all the advantages. Her story reminds us that with God, anything is possible, but that doesn’t exclude hard work, taking risks, and persevering through strong head winds."—Mike Huckabee, former governor of Arkansas and host of “Huckabee”

Winsome Is a Inspiration!

I had never heard of Winsome Sears until she spoke after victory in the Virginia elections in 2021. I stumbled over this book in Barnes and Noble and glad I did. Her story, struggles, work, principles, humor, and get it done work ethic is so inspiring. Encourage all to read/listen.

Excellent Listen

I loved listening to this audiobook. I know Winsome Earle-Sears (and voted for her in her race for Lieutenant Governor in 2021), and this book paints a complete and compelling picture of her life. Thank you especially for being vulnerable and sharing about your daughter.

Incredible story read by an incredible leader

Outstanding story of Virginia’s glass-shattering Lieutenant Governor written and read in a way that feels like she’s speaking to you, not just reading lines from her book. Go Winsome!

Refreshing Honesty

I like Winsome Sears and what she stands for. I read biographies and autobiographies. The story was interesting. The reading was slow. She jumped back and forth in the story. Over all, it was nice to hear her story. Winsome’s honesty, care for people and love of Jesus helps her stand above so many others. If she were on my district, I’d vote for her.

What an awesome story!!

Thank you, Winsome Earle-Sears for that incredible narrative story. It was so inspirational. I love reading memoirs, and I truly enjoyed yours. Thank you again for being the first African-American woman from Jamaica, lieutenant Governor of Virginia.

I love her story; should have gotten a pro to read

I really enjoyed her story and love where, and what she came from! I wish I would’ve read this book instead of listened to it… There are reasons why people hire pros to read books instead of the author… Worth the read, but not sure I would listen to it if I was recommending to someone.