Let It Shine

By: Alyssa Cole

Narrated by: Karen Chilton

Sofronia Wallis knows that proper Black women don’t court trouble by upending the status quo, but it’s 1961 and the Civil Rights movement is in full swing. Sofie’s spent half her life being prim, proper, and reserved - as if that could bring her mother back - but the nonviolent protests happening across the South bring out her inner agitator.

Ivan Friedman has devoted his life to boxing, loving the finesse of a well-delivered punch and the penance of receiving one. His family escaped from Europe before the horrors of WWII, and Ivan decides to help fight injustice in their new country, even if it goes against all his instincts as a fighter.

When Ivan and Sofie meet, they realize that their pasts are intertwined and - with the sparks that fly between them - perhaps their futures will be too. With everything in their society lined up against them, will Sofie and Ivan be able to beat the odds? Or will their chance at love be destroyed by the tumultuous times they live in?

©2016 Alyssa Cole (P)2018 Audible, Inc.

Great!!!!

I really liked this book and would recommend this book. It had a great storyline and sexual storylines. I wish this book was a movie or TV show. The couple were great together. The narrator was great as always. However, the events of the Civil Rights movement always make me so mad that people lost their lives because of ignorance of other so called humans.

Steamy and inspiring

Ahhh, a childhood love that comes to blossom and that overcomes the hardships together. Soph was really inspiring and it reminds you that you always have a voice and you should use it.

sweet and deep

I didn't know the story was about and when it first started it sounded like it might be a little heavy but it was a perfect combination of gravitas and love. the author is super intelligent and intuitive about human truths.

Romance in the Civil Rights Movement!

Alyssa Cole has another awesome historical love story. I really liked the setting - young Civil Rights activists during the '60s. It's a rich period and offered great characterization opportunities. I felt like I came to know Sophie and Ivan so much better with their interactions through the movement than I would otherwise. I also enjoyed the details and the perspective of a black woman and a Jewish man committing to Civil Rights activism. Not to say this isn't a fantastic romance, because it is. But I don't think I have ever read anything quite like this. And I loved it. A lot.

The narrator is great. I had an easy time distinguishing between characters and understanding her voice and pronunciation. She conveyed the story well. Again, I just really loved how the setting and history was used.

Excellent, Important Story!

Everyone should know the personal stories of the people that gave their all to improve the lives of those openly imprisoned & spat upon “colored” people during the 60’s. How this story weaves in the prejudices of the Jews against the Black race, and tackles that, in one family’s fictional history, is an extra bonus. I would recommend this short novel to “adult” students in all history & political science classes. It’s a story of successfully working through & breaking the social norms that strangle us. It warmed my heart, to view & envelop their tale.

amazing historical romance!

Unflinchingly tackles racism and the obstacles an interracial couple will face as they fall in love during the 1960s lunch counter protests. Glorious and full of hope.

Wonderful

Such a wonderful book! So many emotions... laughter, tears, excitement, suspense.. love. And the fulfillment in just 3 hours. Most 11 hours books fail at do that. Nothing I can’t say/type/feel about this book but WONDERFUL!

So incredibly well written and well narrated

I don't have the words to describe how much I enjoyed this book. Ms. Alyssa Cole is a wonderful writer. The way the scenes and actions of the characters were described was nothing short of pure brilliance. I wanted to stay with these characters much longer. Bravo Ms. Cole. Thank you for this treasure of a story.

Standing Together in Love and Protest

Narrator for these books is always good! Timing perfect, neither too fast or too slow, good expression. I was born, grew up and integrated schools during the years of this plotline, so I actively remember a lot of these types of issues. It was good to see it detailed this way. Especially liked the part where Sophronia, like Sojourner Truth, inspired those around her in tense moments by singing, letting her voice be the shofar. The melding of Black Christian and Jewish worship is strongly reflected in today's Hebrew Roots movement. Ivan and Sophie stood together boldly, in love with each other and in protesting for Civil Rights. That kind of mutual support is wonderously helpful, a cord not easily broken.

Definitely a must read!

While this might be a shorter book, it gives all the satisfaction of a full novel. The historical setting is fleshed out and heart rendering. Cole uses the MCs’ childhood friendship skillfully as a shortcut to both help render the characters themselves and to make the quick start to their love story beautifully real.