20 years of Separation

by Shey Marie

Shaduer was only twenty-two when she lost Phendi, the love of her life to the prison system. Luckily for her, she had Trendt, his best friend's shoulder to cry on. What started as two people helping each other heal ended with them falling in love. A love that blossomed into a beautiful marriage. Life was great for Shaduer and Trendt for years. Then like a bolt of lightning karma paid a visit to their doorstep, wearing a pair of six-inch Balenciaga’s.

After doing twenty years in prison Phendi was finally released. Once back on the streets, his priority was to strengthen his bond with his two daughters. But the feelings he still had for one of their mothers pulled at his heartstrings. Stuck in the past, he believed that she still belonged to him. Even though she was married to someone he once considered his best friend.

After twenty years of separation is love's magnetic force strong enough to pull Shaduer away from her marriage and back into Phendi’s arms? Or is the bond she built with Trendt over the years too strong to be broken?

238 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 20, 2024

Reviews

[Kali · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hurt People…Hurt People

Good ole bonafide drama and betrayal is at every turn for Shadeur and Phendi. After 20 years of separation, their hearts wanted each other. Yet the strain of karma brought unforeseen consequences that had life altering implications for both.

I throughly enjoyed this quick read.

[Shanae · Rating 2 out of 5]

I got 20 Years of Separation by Shey Marie through BRAE, a Black literary event designed to promote Black literature. Unfortunately, 20 Years of Separation had a better synopsis than book. I was more intrigued by the idea of the book, but the execution isn't there for me.

• There are inconsistencies within the story. For example, the FMC, Shadeur, is a 41 year old woman who was drinking Casamigos in her 20s. How? The Casamigos brand is only 11 years old. Do some research when you're exploring "period pieces" in your books.
• There's very little exploration of the relationship between the MMC Phendi and his best friend/FMC's husband Trendt. The author made this a focal point of the story that actually affects Phendi's reconnection with Shadeur, yet there's no information about their bond or how they connected.
• The affair between Jagger and Shadeur was poorly written and didn't advance the story at all.
• The sex scenes are so boring the book could've been closed door and you wouldn't have known any different.

I just didn't like this book and I don't recommend it.

[Angellica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Shey Marie masterfully captures the heartache and longing of two souls who were torn apart, only to find their way back to each other after two decades. The chemistry between the characters is palpable, and their emotional journey is both realistic and deeply moving. You feel every bit of their hesitation, their passion, and the bittersweet ache of everything they’ve missed—and everything they still hope for.

What I loved most is how the author doesn’t shy away from the messiness of life. She lets her characters be flawed, raw, and real, which makes their eventual reconnection all the more satisfying. The writing is smooth, heartfelt, and full of moments that had me smiling one second and wiping away a tear the next.

20 Years Separation is about love, forgiveness, and second chances. If you’re a fan of grown-up romance with depth and emotional truth, this book is a must-read. I absolutely loved it and will be thinking about these characters for a long time.

[Juliet Renee · Rating 3 out of 5]

Phendi we need to talk.

You need to get it together sir lol. No more lies from you. Focus on being a good dad to your kids and get your life in order. You was stressing me out fren. The book was good though author I can’t wait to read more.

[Nay · Rating 1 out of 5]

How the fck she just end the book like that 😒🤣. Her ex husband needed his ass beat so did his mistress… they got off too easy. Also my petty ass would have took the baby to fire station fck giving him to his daddy.

[Tiara Jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was an amazing refresh from my fantasy books. I enjoyed everything chapter. They way I thought it would be an easy straight forward romance but it had me in questioning every chapter, like what’s next?

Great short story.

[Krissy Scott · Rating 4 out of 5]

Phendi was upsetting me. I feel like we stepped into everyone’s life midway through. Like I wanted more in the be moment from the past and present. Everybody was lowkey living life bad and then just blaming others

[Tarsha Woods · Rating 4 out of 5]

History

Instead of searching for love in the arms of others. Communicating what is missing in your relationship should provide you with the perception of staying or walking away without hurting anyone.

[JazzReads · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good

This book was messy and full of drama but I ate it up...I need an update of the characters for the drama and what happens to the characters. Every character in this book wad pretty and wanted to lick backs. I was entertained.

[Nicole White · Rating 5 out of 5]

amazing read

loved every bit of this book loved the story line never kept you from wanting to know what was next .

[thee.millennialreader · Rating 4 out of 5]

Whew chile! The drama!! That’s all I gotta say 😂

[Kendra · Rating 3 out of 5]

potential

The book was good, but I felt like it had so much potential. Some areas needed a little more history. It felt a little rushed, the story and the plot were good. I just think it needed a little more development.

[Novelist Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Speechless!!!

Lying here listening I was waiting for more then u realized the book had ended. It was a great read! It’s bittersweet that it has come to an end but I’ll say it was a trying yet happy ending.

10/10 Recommendations

[Tiffany Thomas · Rating 1 out of 5]

boring

Boringgggggggggggggg a waste of my time no thank u !!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Like i can’t believe it smh it turned out weird

[Kay H. · Rating 2 out of 5]

Found this book during the BRAE event and it was meh 😑 I wanted to DNF it but decided to see it through.

[Balonn Butler · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great quick read

This book is excellent. It grabbed attention in the first five minutes of the book. I would recommend this book to anyone to read.