The Wondrous Life and Loves of Nella Carter

A Novel

By: Brionni Nwosu

Narrated by: Nicole Cash, Sean Crisden

A young woman at the crossroads of life and death embarks on an extraordinary journey across time in an epic novel about beauty, hope, endurance, and endless loves.

Most humans cower in the face of Death. Not Nella May Carter. She sees him. She doesn’t hide. Instead, she bargains.

Born enslaved in eighteenth-century Georgia, Nella still believes in the will to survive amid the most untenable of conditions, in the glory of life, and in the ultimate goodness of the human race. She asks that Death, doubtful and curious, allow her to live long enough to prove it. He’s giving Nella all the time in the world.

Challenged, Nella embarks on an epic journey across the globe and centuries. Each new incarnation records the joys and losses, and the friendships and heartbreaks, throughout her lifetimes. When she meets handsome and passionate professor Sebastian Moore—the first man to whom she has ever revealed her secrets—Nella yearns for the mortality that escapes her. She can’t bear to leave this love behind.

As Death keeps watch, has Nella’s journey come to an end? Or is a new one just beginning?

©2025 by Electric Postcard Entertainment, Inc. (P)2025 Brilliance Publishing, Inc., all rights reserved.

Critic reviews

“This debut is a testament to the strength of light in dark times, and the necessity of hope. Well-developed characters and a strong sense of place throughout history draw the reader in to the very end.” —Booklist (starred review)

“Having created a world of magical realism that incorporates an African-American historical perspective, The Wondrous Life and Loves of Nella Carter will prove a uniquely popular pick…” —Midwest Book Review

“A love letter to epic romance, resilience, and travel, The Wondrous Life and Loves of Nella Carter sweeps readers through time and across the globe with a heroine often relegated to the margins in search of the grandest love story humanity has to offer. An enchanting debut that will leave you forever changed.” —Zoraida Córdova, bestselling author of The Inheritance of Orquídea Divina

Beautiful. Thoughtful. Brilliant. 100/10 recommend!!!

Where to start— a simple concept and a simple challenge, yet complex, heartbreaking, and moving. The story, the lives, the fears, the loves, the devastation, the devotion, and the commitment to find the beauty in the world. The story of a black woman from the slaves quarters, a deal with death, and lives lived through centuries; this is a book worth clearing your schedule for.

This is Brionni’s first published book and what a beautiful way to start.

The narrators are fantastic!! They truly did Bri justice for her characters.

Love and Living

This book was a journey that took me on an interesting trip! The ending mattered.

Insightful

A perfect read for anyone who is aware of how time passes with someone they love.

An Engaging Read

What a beautiful, hopeful story. I was engaged from the very first page. Nwosu expertly weaves social and cultural changes with the history and the shifting attitudes of time. It’s thoughtful, emotionally satisfying and the prose is insightful while staying real. A true delight to read.

Wonderfully written and read

This book kept me listening. The voices were wonderful as the story spanned centuries kept me listening. The ending of Nella was well deserved.