Author Vonnetta Mayo
Vonnetta Mayo was born in Gary, Indiana, and raised in Southern California. She then relocated to the Sunshine State, Florida. Afterward she lived in Morgantown, West Virginia, for two years. Then she moved to New Bremen, Ohio. Now she resides back in the Sunshine State, Florida.
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Vonnetta Mayo is the youngest of four children. At an early age, she aspired to become a writer. Vonnetta Mayo’s mother and father both were influential in her becoming a writer. She started writing poems for church conventions. As a teenager, Vonnetta Mayo won an essay contest and received a college scholarship. She minored in literature and writing at the University of California, San Diego. That is where her goal of becoming a writer emerged.
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Vonnetta Mayo loves God and attributes her inspiration for writing to God. She was raised in the church. That is where she acquired most of her teachings and beliefs. She believes in pursuing and never giving up on your dreams. Therefore, Vonnetta Mayo is the proud author of a trilogy, Joy in Sorrow, Hope for Tomorrow, Joy in Sorrow, Hope for Tomorrow: Homecoming, and Joy in Sorrow, Hope for Tomorrow: Reunion, and a memoir, Charlene Marshall: My Extraordinary Odyssey. Readers’ Favorite Five-Star Review Recipient and Literary Titan Gold Book Award Winner Vonnetta Mayo thanks God for making her dream of becoming an author come true.
About
Testimonials
Joy in Sorrow, Hope for Tomorrow: Homecoming is a work of fiction in the Christianity and spirituality, African-American history, and adventure subgenres. The work is suitable for readers of all ages and was penned by author Vonnetta Mayo. It covers potentially sensitive topics such as the lived experience of slaves on a plantation in Memphis, Tennessee. In this inspiring and interesting work, Mayo continues the story of a family built on faith, perseverance, and hope for a better tomorrow. It is a concise read, much like the previous story in the series, and continues the narrative with new perspectives and a deeper exploration of the history behind slavery and its ties to Christianity.
Author Vonnetta Mayo crafts fiction in such a vivid way that it feels real, and readers encountering this work are sure to be immersed in a high level of creativity, atmosphere, and historical detail that will draw them back to a time when much of humanity treated one another really badly. Although the author never shies away from the atrocities of slavery, there's a message of joy, hope, and strength emanating from the Christian aspect of the storyline that keeps things balanced and makes for inspirational reading. There's also a fantastic spirit to the family dynamics and character development, which I hope will continue to grow over more books. Overall, I would certainly recommend Joy in Sorrow, Hope for Tomorrow: Homecoming to existing fans of the author. I'd recommend that anyone interested in exploring and celebrating African-American history would find a perfect starting point with Vonnetta Mayo's uplifting and insightful works.
Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers’ Favorite
Posted by Literary Titan
Joy in Sorrow, Hope for Tomorrow, Vonnetta Mayo tenderly reveals the brutal reality of slavery in America. With a sensitive yet compelling approach, Mayo crafts a narrative that highlights the innate human desire for freedom and the pivotal role of religion as a beacon of hope for those enduring desperate circumstances. The book is concise and accessible, aiming to shed light on the inhuman treatment faced by slaves. Central to the story is Betsy, a cheerful young girl who shares her days with her three brothers, her mother, and her mother's three friends. Despite the harsh realities of their existence, the children find solace and distraction in each other's company, while the adults toil under oppressive and abusive conditions on a plantation. Through unwavering faith and constant prayer, they cling to hope, trusting in God's plan and longing for the day they will be free.
Mayo's straightforward and easy-to-read prose draws readers into the daily lives of the plantation's inhabitants. Each chapter lays bare the grueling labor and the systemic oppression they endure. As the narrative unfolds, readers are gripped by a sense of foreboding about the future of these individuals, yet the innocence and resilience of the children provide a glimmer of hope. This hope is sustained by the recurring theme of prayer, imbuing the story with a sense of faith that persists even in the bleakest of situations. The structure of the book reinforces the monotony and inescapability of the slaves' routine, characterized by scarce resources and distant dreams of freedom. Despite these harsh conditions, what unites and sustains this small community is their unwavering faith in God. The narrative invites readers to ponder whether their fervent prayers will ever be answered, and whether they will finally attain the freedom they so ardently seek.
Joy in Sorrow, Hope for Tomorrow stands as a moving short story that humanizes the experiences of those subjected to the atrocities of slavery, while simultaneously celebrating the resilience and spirit of Black communities. Mayo brings to light the harsh truths of American history, while also revealing the profound beauty found in family, hope, faith, and religion. This book not only illuminates the past but also underscores the enf those who, despite facing unimaginable hardships, continued to dream of a better tomorrow.
Joy in Sorrow, Hope for Tomorrow: Reunion by Vonnetta Mayo is a sweet story about a formerly enslaved African American family. What does freedom feel like? Betsy gets her prayers answered when she, along with her mother and three brothers, finally says goodbye to the plantation for good. Having been separated from their father for quite some time, Betsy can't wait to reach him. The time she's spent separated from him has become too much to bear. Excited to finally see her father again and have the family reunited, Betsy faithfully prays each night, even when the other freed slaves don't. That's how Momma taught them. Ever grateful to God for always being there for her when she needs him, Betsy's faith grows. But will they find their father? Betsy prays that they will; God has never disappointed her thus far.
An unforgettable read, Joy in Sorrow, Hope for Tomorrow is about the neverending loyalty God shows toward His children. Prayer is a powerful tool, and so is faith, which Betsy proves is true in this remarkable story. Vonnetta Mayo sets a warm and soothing tone that flows naturally into the characters and their story. Her writing style was endearing, much like Betsy whose childlike innocence was like a breath of fresh air. Joy in Sorrow Hope for Tomorrow is a memorable story that will have believers reminiscing about the days when they, too, first started discovering God's unending love. I enjoyed reading this book immensely, and look forward to reading the next one in the series.
Reviewed by Danelle Petersen for Readers' Favorite