Theo of Golden by Allen Levi

Robin’s Rave Reviews 2026

General Fiction – Contemporary Fiction – Southern Fiction –

Christian Fiction – Book Club Fiction – Mystery – Art Elements

THEO OF GOLDEN by Allen Levi is described as an endearing story of a curious old man who quietly moves into a southern city and, for reasons unknown to anyone but himself, undertakes a campaign of anonymous generosity.

As popular as THEO OF GOLDEN has been, I probably don’t need to blog about it. It’s been highly publicized, but if this is one of your only sources of book recommendations, it’s possible you haven’t heard of it. Since I only blog about books I love, let me be the one to suggest you get a copy for yourself and one for a friend or relative who hasn’t read it yet. It’s a gentle book about being kind, the type of book we need today.

Book Summary

Eighty-six-year-old Theo arrives in Golden, a small town in Georgia. He has a calming spirit and takes interest in the lives of the people who live there. The walls of the local coffee shop is covered in a local artist’s pencil sketches. He takes time to admire the faces of the café’s patrons in each sketch with admiration and thoughtfulness. He decides to buy them all over time and gift them to the person portrayed in each sketch, no strings attached.

Theo invites them (one at a time) to join him on a bench in the center of town to receive his gift, unsure they will trust his pure intentions enough to meet him. When they arrive, Theo asks them each to tell him about themselves. Surprised that someone is taking an interest in them, most of the recipients feel comfortable enough to open up. They seem glad someone is taking the time to listen and to see them. Some ask him questions, but Theo has a way of turning the conversation away from himself. Through Theo’s interactions, we get small snapshots of everyday people in a small town and gradually learn who Theo is and why he picked Golden, Georgia.

My Thoughts

It’s a formidable task to review THEO OF GOLDEN by Allen Levi because it’s that good. My words cannot do it justice. Although it’s more literary than I usually read, I love this book.

Books don’t often make me emotional, but this one touched my heart in a way other books haven’t. It’s something I felt deep in my soul as I read the last few chapters and closed the book. THEO OF GOLDEN may not be everyone’s cup of tea, no book is, but you should give it a try.

I was curious how characters would respond to Theo when he asks them to share about themselves. My guess is that most people today would clam up, closely guarding the private lives. And yet, the residents of Golden don’t. They don’t assume Theo would use information against them or scam them, like we might believe today. It’s reminiscent of days when people sat on front porches talking with neighbors and didn’t have to question everyone’s intentions. It’s about human connection, about taking time to just sit with someone and discover more about who they are. It’s about kindness and accepting people where they are.

THEO OF GOLDEN is a story about the joy of giving, but also how the receiving can change a person’s heart and view of themselves. I like that Theo chooses to use his wealth to help others. How often do we see that happen? Buying the sketches is only one way he does that.

Keep in mind that this isn’t a fast-pace, action book. It’s slow-paced, like Theo. He takes time to listen to others, and he develops relationships with people in the town. It’s a quiet book, like sitting down with a friend over a cup of coffee. So, if that isn’t your thing, that’s okay. Move on to something else. I found it refreshing.

Theo has a gift to draw people out, to get them to share their hurts, desires, and problems. It’s as if these strangers crave someone who will take time to listen, someone who cares about their stories. Could many of us be in need of that kind of kindness? We wouldn’t expect strangers to open up like that, but perhaps it’s part of a deep human need that isn’t being met today. As we learn the stories of average, everyday people, we anticipate learning Theo’s story. He’s a bit of a mystery until the last part of the book.

I should tell you that Theo is a Christian. (Not knowing that up front put off some readers.) He is trying to do good, Christian acts, but I appreciate that Theo and other Christians in the story aren’t represented as perfect people. Theo is trying to face his regrets and make up for past mistakes. Also, he isn’t at his best when he reacts to a man sitting on “his bench.” On the other hand, when a certain visitor shows up for church service, only Theo and one woman have a Christian response toward her. The rest of the congregation, not so much. It just shows that even people in a church aren’t perfect and make mistakes. They aren’t there because they’re perfect. They’re there because they’re trying to do better.

Some readers have harshly judged some of the author’s choices concerning his characters. The world is so politically charged these days, and people seem to be looking for anything to criticize. Yes, I do believe some authors use their novels to support their opinion and advance an agenda. If Allen Levi has an agenda, it’s to spread kindness. Not much to argue about there. Even with some reader criticism, THEO OF GOLDEN has over 350,000 Goodreads ratings with a 4.5/5 star average. That speaks for itself.

Simon and Schuster published THEO OF GOLDEN after noticing its success in the self-published world. If you’re going to buy a copy, I suggest ordering through Bookshop.org. I am now an affiliate of Bookshop.org because I love their mission to support small, independent bookstores across the country. To be transparent, I may receive a small commission from your order, but it doesn’t increase your cost AND you’re helping small bookstores! Win-win! You can order THEO OF GOLDEN HERE. And check out my Bookshop page with other great recommendations HERE.

About the Author

Allen Levi grew up in Columbus, Georgia. He has degrees in English and Law from the University of Georgia and a degree in Scottish fiction from the University of Edinburgh, and he has worked as an attorney. He now works as a traveling musician, sharing his thought-provoking songwriting and storytelling to audiences across the U.S. With over twenty albums to his credit, Allen also has hundreds of unpublished songs.

Before THEO OF GOLDEN, Allen published a memoir, The Last Sweet Mile, about his close friendship with his brother who died in 2012, and a children’s book, Oliviatown. THEO OF GOLDEN is his first published novel.

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January 14, 2026January 14, 2026

Keeper of Lost Children by Sadeqa Johnson

Robin’s Rave Reviews 2026

KEEPER OF LOST CHILDREN by Sadeqa Johnson will give you all the feels. This WWII historical fiction covers a mix of topics from family drama, prejudice/desegregation, adoption, infertility, army wife life, and the haves/have nots.</span> Sadeqa expertly immerses you into the world of several characters from the late 1940s in Occupied Germany to the mid-1960s in America. The three storylines are easy to follow without confusion as you weave in and out of them.

Book Summary

Ethel Gathers lives in Occupied Germany on an American Army base in the 1950s. She struggles with the emotional pain of infertility and loneliness as a military wife in a foreign country. When she gets lost walking around the city, she stumbles upon a local orphanage. The children here are babies of German women and Black American GI’s. German society shunned these single mothers due to their bi-racial children, and the women cannot financially care for them. Ethel’s purpose in life becomes finding these children loving homes in America, and her “Brown Babies Program” is born.

Ozzie Phillips, born and raised in Philadelphia, volunteers for the Army in 1948. He wants to show what the Black man is capable of in the newly desegregated Army. While serving in Germany, he forms a relationship with Jelka, a local woman, and they have a child together. He loves this child more than anything, but the military upends their arrangement with orders he must follow.

In the mid-1960s, Sophia Clark’s high test score gains her an opportunity to be part of desegregating a prestigious all-white boarding school in Maryland. It’s an opportunity for a better education to overcome a life of poverty, as well as escaping tough life on the farm and her cold, demanding parents. At the new school, she struggles with both class and race issues. Sophia makes friends with other students who, like her, are breaking down walls. One of these friendships leads her to uncovering truths about herself and her family.

My Thoughts

Reader, you will love these characters. You will sympathize with Ethel’s desperate desire to be a mother and attempts at adjusting to life on the Army base so far from home. You will love Ethel’s heart in finding Black American families who want these children and her persistence in breaking through the red tape to get them from Germany to America. Author notes that will be in the published version weren’t included in my Advance Readers Copy (ARC). I expect Sadeqa will talk about her research on these children and the woman who arranged the adoptions. Some quick research points to Ethel’s character being based on a real-life woman, Mabel Grammer. She was responsible for successfully relocating over 500 children in her “Brown Baby Program.”

We meet Ozzie in Philadelphia before he joins the military. You will connect with his personality and goals. You will feel for the sacrifice he makes to join the Army. Once there, hIs story sheds light on what it was like for a Black man to have his ability overlooked by the military simply because of his skin color. You’ll applaud his drive to improve his position and prove himself. You’ll appreciate his tender side in his relationship with Jelka, a German woman, and the child they have together. The devotion this man has for his child is adorable which makes your heart break for his circumstances. You will cheer on Ozzie and Jelka to overcome the problems associated with the demands of the Army and societal bigotry.

Jumping forward in time, your heart will go out to Sophia, a sweet, smart girl living in poverty with unloving parents. As much as you’ll want to see her get out by going to this prestigious school, you’ll feel her stress at leaving her brothers behind in those conditions. You will feel concern knowing the probable issues she will face being one of the first Black students at an all-white school with children from wealthy families. You will tense as she encounters prejudice, and you’ll recognize typical teenage scenarios with friendship and first love.

Although you will predict how the three stories will eventually tie in, you will be invested in seeing it all play out.

5 Star Recommendation

I have seen excellent reviews of other Sadeqa Johnson novels (THE HOUSE OF EVE and YELLOW WIFE), but this is my first book by her. When I saw the ARC was available, I jumped at the chance to read it. I’m so glad I did. I highly recommend KEEPER OF LOST CHILDREN by Sadeqa Johnson. It is well written, the characters are endearing, and the story was an excellent lesson of WWII history I didn’t know about.

The book comes out February 10, 2026. You can preorder it now . Here’s a link to purchase at Bookshop.org. My thanks to Simon and Schuster and NetGalley for the ARC of KEEPER OF LOST CHILDREN by Sadeqa Johnson. All of my thoughts on this novel are my own opinions.

About the Author

From Sadeqa Johnson’s website: Sadeqa is the author of six novels. The House of Eve was an instant New York Times Best Seller, Reese’s Book Club selection, Target Book Club pick, nominated for a NAACP Image Award and a 2023 Goodreads Choice award finalist.

Yellow Wife, was named by Oprah Magazine as “27 of 2021 Most Anticipated Winter Historical Fiction books.” Yellow Wife was also a 2021 Goodreads Choice Award finalist for historical fiction, a 2022 Hurston/Wright Foundation Legacy finalist, a BCALA Literary Honoree, the Library of Virginia’s Literary People’s Choice Award winner, and a Barnes & Noble book club pick in paperback.

The book tour dates and locations for KEEPER OF LOST CHILDREN is on her website here. I plan on meeting her in February when she comes to the South Euclid-Lyndhurst branch of the Cuyahoga County Library (Cleveland area) on her book tour. Does your book club plans on reading her newest book? Keep an eye on her website for book club extras.

If You Like…

If KEEPER OF LOST CHILDREN sounds interesting to you, take a look at these past reviews I’ve done. Click on the links. Maybe one of these books will also piqué your interest: THE BOOK OF LOST NAMES or THE PARIS DAUGHTER by Kristin Harmel, THE SECRET BOOK OF FLORA LEA by Patti Callahan Henry, and THE CLOCKMAKER’S WIFE by Daisy Wood.

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July 30, 2024July 30, 2024

A Happier Life by Kristy Woodson Harvey

Robin’s Rave Reviews 2024

Yes! Another perfect book for your beach bag this summer! A HAPPIER LIFE by Kristy Woodson Harvey, part historical fiction, part mystery, part women’s fiction, part romance, is told in a dual timeline: present day with Keaton Smith, and in 1976 with her grandparents Rebecca “Becks” and Townsend St. James.

Summary

Keaton, a young professional in NYC, has lost her job and her condo. While she figures out her next move, her mother asks her to clear out Keaton’s grandparents’ house in Beaufort so it can be sold. Keaton knew they died in a car accident before she was born, but this is the first she’s heard of the historic house on the North Carolina seaside. Her mother and uncle have held onto the house for nearly fifty years. Keaton agrees and takes her dog Salt along for the trip. (Who doesn’t love a story with a dog? And this dog is based on Kristy’s own dog named Salt!)

Keaton isn’t prepared to walk into a 1970s time-warp. It looks like Becks and Townsend just stepped away, including dishes left on the dining room table from one of Becks’ famous dinner parties. As Keaton is adjusting to the shock, Anderson, a ten-year-old, boy pops in. He lives next door with his divorced, grumpy, hot dad, Bowen.

While Keaton struggles with the enormous cleaning job, she connects more deeply with the locals. Keaton learns that everyone knows everything in a small town, so different from NYC. She becomes friends with the Dockside Dames, a group of older women who get together every morning for coffee and gossip. Their stories of her grandparents help Keaton connect with family she never knew. Keaton sees what life could be like here. She’s faced with comparing her fast-paced, workaholic life in NYC to what small town life on the ocean with Bowen and his son could be like.

The story of her grandparents dying in a car accident begins to have some holes. Although her grandparents’ car was found submerged in the water, their bodies were never recovered. When Keaton discovers her mother and uncle have suspicions that their parents were actually murdered, Keaton better understands why they never returned to the house. But what really happened to Becks and Townsend?

We go back in time for Becks to tell her love story. Becks was disowned by her parents for marrying Townsend, the love of her life. She focuses on making life easier for others and throwing her famous dinner parties while Townsend starts his doctor practice in Beaufort. Although Becks journals all her entertaining tips for her daughter, her granddaughter Keaton is the one to find it nearly fifty years later. It helps her connect with the grandmother she never knew.

Trying to decide what to keep and what to discard from her grandparents’ life and mother’s childhood is more difficult than Keaton expected. Keaton finally convinces her mother and uncle to come look through some things and get closure. Becks and Townsend left multiple clues behind, leading the family to learn the truth of what happened to them.

My Thoughts

There’s a lot here for readers of several genres including romance, women’s fiction, and mystery. It’s a multi-generational story of family relationships and how we deal with damage done in the past. It’s about forgiveness and reconciliation, about valuing the past and the family who came before us, and about romantic love and second chances. It reinforces that we shouldn’t judge the happiness of someone else’s life because people define happiness differently. What’s right for one isn’t for another. Perhaps when you determine you’ve lived a life worth living, you’ve found true happiness.

I loved A HAPPIER LIFE by Kristy Woodson Harvey. May I suggest you purchase A HAPPIER LIFE here at Bookshop.org? This online bookstore supports mom and pop bookstores nationwide!

Kristy Woodson Harvey, author

If you like…

If this book appeals to you, check out these Kristy Woodson Harvey books I’ve previously reviewed and recommend: The Summer of Songbirds, The Wedding Veil, Under the Southern Sky, Feels Like Falling, and the whole Peachtree Bluff series.

Drop me a comment below! What are you reading that you’d recommend? Who are your favorite authors? Ask me a question about books and/or writing. I’d love to hear from you!

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