More to Life
In this stunning sequel to her acclaimed debut My Brother’s Keeper, #1 national bestselling author ReShonda Tate Billingsley brings her real-deal insight to a heartfelt new novel about a wife and mother on a daring rescue mission—to save herself.
Freshly forty-five, Aja James knows that her life is good, complete with a loving, wealthy husband, well-adjusted children, and a beautiful home. Yet the truth is, she feels painfully unfulfilled, stuck in the present, haunted by a painful past. When a friend suggests a girls’ trip to a tropical paradise, Aja hopes a change of scene will also change her perspective.
On vacation, filled with fun and freedom, Aja is relieved to find her spirits lifting. But her good time also shines a light on what’s troubling her: from her siblings to her husband and kids, she’s spent nearly her whole life taking care of everyone—except herself. She’s lost her spark. She’s lost her identity.
Desperate to turn things around, Aja makes an impulsive decision—one that outrages her family and stuns her friends. But it may also be her wisest choice. Because it’s only through learning what she could lose—and what’s truly worth keeping—that Aja can transform this temporary fix into real, lasting happiness.
“Billingsley puts a spin on the question every woman will ask at some point—who am I outside of the people I love? More to Life answers that timeless question with grace, resilience, and a fresh voice.”
—Jessica Pack, author of Whatever It Takes
Freshly forty-five, Aja James knows that her life is good, complete with a loving, wealthy husband, well-adjusted children, and a beautiful home. Yet the truth is, she feels painfully unfulfilled, stuck in the present, haunted by a painful past. When a friend suggests a girls’ trip to a tropical paradise, Aja hopes a change of scene will also change her perspective.
On vacation, filled with fun and freedom, Aja is relieved to find her spirits lifting. But her good time also shines a light on what’s troubling her: from her siblings to her husband and kids, she’s spent nearly her whole life taking care of everyone—except herself. She’s lost her spark. She’s lost her identity.
Desperate to turn things around, Aja makes an impulsive decision—one that outrages her family and stuns her friends. But it may also be her wisest choice. Because it’s only through learning what she could lose—and what’s truly worth keeping—that Aja can transform this temporary fix into real, lasting happiness.
“Billingsley puts a spin on the question every woman will ask at some point—who am I outside of the people I love? More to Life answers that timeless question with grace, resilience, and a fresh voice.”
—Jessica Pack, author of Whatever It Takes
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Community Reviews
“More to Life" is a poignant exploration of self-discovery and prioritizing happiness in the midst of life's chaos. Rashonda Tate Billingsley crafts a narrative that resonates deeply, especially for those of us in our 40s, where it often clicks that we must prioritize ourselves to truly find joy and peace. Aja, the protagonist, embarks on a journey to uncover what true happiness means to her, beyond the expectations of friends and family.
In her quest, Aja bravely confronts the societal pressures of being "just" a wife and mother, reclaiming her autonomy in the pursuit of personal fulfillment. The story beautifully illustrates the struggle between duty and desire, reminding us that our passions are valid and worth pursuing. Even in the face of an almost deadly accident that threatens to derail her journey, Aja exemplifies resilience, proving that true inner peace requires courage and unwavering commitment.
Billingsley’s writing is both heartfelt and inspiring, encouraging readers to reflect on their own lives. "More to Life" serves as a powerful reminder that there is so much more waiting for us, it’s just a matter of daring to seek it. Aja’s story is a crucial nudge for anyone feeling stuck, showcasing that even in the most challenging times, the pursuit of our true selves is the greatest adventure of all.
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More to Life is a compelling and richly layered novel that explores the complexities of womanhood, marriage, identity, and the quiet yearning for personal freedom. Rhonda Billingsley Tate delivers a deeply relatable story through the lens of a Black woman navigating the tensions between societal expectations and her own evolving desires.
The protagonist’s journey is marked by emotional nuance and realism, drawing readers into the rhythms of a life that is both ordinary and quietly extraordinary. Tate's writing is confident, accessible, and emotionally resonant, inviting readers to consider the roles we often inherit—wife, mother, caretaker—and the courage it takes to redefine them.
At its core, More to Life is a story about self-discovery and the internal reckoning that can come at any stage of life. Tate does not offer easy resolutions, but instead gives space for reflection, growth, and honesty. It's a novel that will speak especially to readers seeking stories grounded in truth, resilience, and the transformative power of choice.
Warm, insightful, and emotionally honest, More to Life is a beautiful reminder that fulfillment is not a destination, but a journey of becoming.
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