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Reviewed by Ibrahim Aslan for Readers' Favorite
Rhythm's First Lady by Long Temple follows Claire and Oliver, a newly married couple learning how to hold their relationship together while taking on public responsibility. Claire is starting her own architecture firm, and Oliver is becoming more involved in leadership at Mount Zion, a historic Black church with deep traditions. As they become more visible in the community, many expectations are placed on both of them. The church is both supportive and demanding, with subtle shifts in power when the First Lady becomes sick. Everyday life and church duties bring uncertainty as Claire and Oliver work together to face the challenges happening around them. The novel explores how they navigate leadership, faith, and partnership without losing their own identities or the bond they share.
Long Temple's Rhythm’s First Lady is a captivating novel that combines romance and spiritual fiction. It avoids overly dramatic scenes and instead pays attention to the characters' conversations, choices, and the spaces people move through daily. The church setting is not treated as a backdrop but a place that shapes the behaviors of all the characters. I love how Claire and Oliver grow as they face challenging moments as a couple. The bond between them makes their story more relatable, and you'll see yourself in one, if not both of them. The story also focuses on leadership, setting boundaries, and staying true to personal values, especially in a close community. If you like faith-based stories, Black church experiences, and character-driven narratives, you will enjoy this heartfelt book. Very highly recommended.
