'Let It Shine' by Alyssa Cole is a historical romance novella set during the Civil Rights Movement in the 1960s. The story follows Sofie and Ivan, childhood friends who reunite and become involved in nonviolent protests for civil rights. As they navigate their feelings for each other amidst societal expectations and challenges, the book explores themes of love, activism, racial injustice, and personal growth. The writing style is described as emotionally impactful, with a strong focus on character development and historical accuracy, immersing readers in the turbulent era of the civil rights struggle.

Characters:

The characters are well-developed, with Sofie embodying strength and growth, while Ivan represents support and loyalty, both navigating their societal challenges.

Writing/Prose:

The writing is praised for being tightly constructed, seamlessly blending historical context with romance, and for effectively conveying deep emotional resonance.

Plot/Storyline:

The narrative focuses on the coming of age of two characters, their evolving friendship into a romance amidst the backdrop of the Civil Rights Movement, and the societal challenges they face due to race and religion.

Setting:

The setting is richly depicted as 1960s Richmond, Virginia, during the tumultuous Civil Rights Movement, contributing significantly to the story's conflict.

Pacing:

The novella is noted for its well-executed pacing, providing a complete and satisfying narrative within its length.

Sofie usually felt at peace after church—there was comfort in the rote liturgical acts, and in the familiarity of her fellow parishioners. She sorely needed that familiarity after almost two semesters...

Notes:

Let It Shine is set during the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s.

The main characters are Sofie and Ivan, childhood friends who reunite as activists.

Sofie is a black Christian woman while Ivan is a white Jewish man, depicting an interracial romance.

The story addresses themes of racism, activism, and personal growth.

Sofie struggles against her father's desire for her to be a 'respectable' girl.

Ivan is a champion boxer and faces his own family expectations.

The novella balances historical context with romance, making both equally important.

It includes content warnings for racism, physical violence, and reproductive issues.

Alyssa Cole's writing has been praised for its emotional depth and strong character development.

The novella has a sequel titled 'No Valley Low' that deals with the couple's hardships after their happy ending.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Content warnings include racism and physical violence due to the historical context.

Has Romance?

Yes, there is a significant focus on romance throughout the novella.

implied steam level

From The Publisher:

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?

What can you read after
Let It Shine?

See the list (41 books)

About the Author:

Alyssa Cole is an award-winning historical/sci-fi/contemporary romance writer. Her historical romances include Agnes Moor's Wild Knight (Scottish Medieval), Be Not Afraid (American Revolution), and Let It Shine (1960s Civil Rights movement).

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Let It Shine

Alyssa Cole