November 18, 2016 by The TexPat
2016 has been a turning point for The TexPat. In the Heart of Texas just won the 2016 USA Best Book Award in the Category of Fiction: African American.
And the praise for the book has been generous overall:
Named a "Fall Book Pick" by Redbook.com * RT Book Reviews * Parade Magazine * PopSugar * Bustle * Brit + Co SoulCycle* Culturalist
"This smart and humorous tale depicts the struggles of a celebrity lifestyle and not forgetting the importance of things outside of the spotlight."
— BuzzFeed
"There's quite a bit to like about McKnight-Chavers' debut novel…The bold move of writing about the challenges of an interracial relationship offers a fresh take on romantic comedy themes."
"Readers seeking a peek behind the scenes of Hollywood will want to rush out and get this debut novel. First-person narrative can be tricky, but McKnight- Chavers nails it."
—RT Book Reviews, Top Pick
"Ginger McKnight-Chavers expertly fuses politics, pop culture and hot topics surrounding race to create one of the most rousingly inspiring reads of fall."
—Redbook.com
"Everything is bigger in Texas—the hair, the real estate, and the drama in the pages of In The Heart of Texas."
—PopSugar, "21 Fiction Reads to Check Out This Fall"
"If you're looking for a laugh-out-loud comedy that tackles family, fame, race and pop culture, we introduce you to debut author Ginger McKnight-Chavers!"
—Brit + Co, "11 Fall Reads to Keep You As Warm As Your Pumpkin Spice Latte"
"Ginger McKnight-Chavers' debut novel, out on October 25, tells the story of 41-year-old soap star Jo Randolph who, in probably the worst 24 hours anyone has ever had, manages to lose her job, burn some serious bridges in Hollywood, and literally burn down her director's house."
—Bustle, "The Best Fiction By Women Of Color Out This Fall"
"I can add McKnight-Chavers as one of my new favorite writers."
—Toiia L. Rukuni, Mother of the World blog
Blessings are flowing, and The TexPat is grateful for the support of family, friends and even complete strangers during this journey.
Available here.