Where We End & Begin - by Jane Igharo (Paperback)

About the Book

"Star-crossed lovers get a second chance at romance when they're reunited at a wedding in Nigeria, in a heartfelt novel from the acclaimed author of The Sweetest Remedy. Dunni hasn't seen her high school boyfriend, Obinna, since she left Nigeria to attend college in America. Before their devastating separation, they vowed to find their way back to each other one day. Twelve years later, and their vow is a thing of the past. Dunni works as a geneticist in Seattle and is engaged to a man she doesn't love but one her parents approve of. Her future is laid out for her, and everything is going according to plan until she returns to Nigeria for a friend's wedding and runs into Obinna. The shy, awkward boy she loved as a teenager is now a sophisticated, confident man. Things have changed, but there's still an undeniable connection between them. As they rediscover each other, their days filled with desire and passion, Dunni is reminded of the beautiful future she once planned with Obinna. But when devastating secrets are revealed and the reckless actions of their past bring new challenges, she's left questioning everything, including if the love that consumed her as a teenager is still worth holding on to"--

Book Synopsis

"Fans of Sonali Dev and Helen Hoang will find this just their style."--The New York Times

Star-crossed lovers get a second chance at romance when they're reunited at a wedding in Nigeria, in a heartfelt novel from the acclaimed author of The Sweetest Remedy.

Dunni hasn't seen her high school boyfriend, Obinna, since she left Nigeria to attend college in America. Before their devastating separation, they vowed to find their way back to each other one day.

Twelve years later, and their vow is a thing of the past. Dunni works as a geneticist in Seattle and is engaged to a man she doesn't love but one her parents approve of. Her future is laid out for her, and everything is going according to plan until she returns to Nigeria for a friend's wedding and runs into Obinna. The shy, awkward boy she loved as a teenager is now a sophisticated, confident man. Things have changed, but there's still an undeniable connection between them.

As they rediscover each other, their days filled with desire and passion, Dunni is reminded of the beautiful future she once planned with Obinna. But when devastating secrets are revealed and the reckless actions of their past bring new challenges, she's left questioning everything, including if the love that consumed her as a teenager is still worth holding on to.

Review Quotes

"Jane Igharo tortured my emotions in the very best way with this beautifully written story of love that would not be denied. This is the second-chance romance you've been waiting for."
--Farrah Rochon, USA Today Bestselling author of The Hookup Plan

"A sumptuous. evocative and heartfelt second-chance romance. Jane Igharo writes beautifully, and you can't help but be immersed in the romance, the culture and the richly-drawn setting of Lagos, Nigeria, and root for Obinna and Dunni as they find their way to each other."
--Lauren Ho, author of Lucie Yi Is Not A Romantic and Last Tang Standing

"Igharo's masterfully nuanced writing delineates the detailed emotions and thoughts of her protagonists and makes for a superbly memorable read."
--Booklist (starred review)

"This beautifully crafted, heart-achingly romantic tale plays with juxtapositions--poor and rich; superstition, religion, and science--and the ways they twine together. Family ties are essential to the characterization of the leads, and these relationships are insightfully and thoughtfully explored. The realistically flawed characters make mistakes, and there are consequences but also forgiveness. The story doesn't shy away from heavy situations and hurtful relationships, but at its core it's about how incredible support and love can be. A passionate and empathetic story of how relationships define a person and a love that was meant to be."
--Kirkus (starred review)

"With storylines that explore family trauma and immigration struggles, this deeply emotional and epic romance from Igharo will appeal to readers who enjoy the second chance trope, along with fans of Bolu Babalola and Alyssa Cole."
--Library Journal (starred review)

"Through flashbacks, Igharo cleverly shows the couple at their highest and lowest points, making it easy to root for their undeniable connection. This is a heartwarming treat."
--Publishers Weekly

Praise for The Sweetest Remedy

"A page-turning, emotional, and romantic journey of self-discovery. Jane Igharo beautifully celebrates the powerful ties that link families and the legacy of love that unites them."
--Chanel Cleeton, New York Times bestselling author of The Most Beautiful Girl in Cuba, on The Sweetest Remedy

"The Sweetest Remedy is a journey around the world into the complex and wonderful intricacies of family. Igharo gives readers a story filled with love, humor, and the magic of belonging. Reading The Sweetest Remedy will have you calling your family, updating your wardrobe, and looking for your passport!"
--Denise Williams, Author of The Fastest Way to Fall

"The Sweetest Remedy is a stunning story about family, love, and what it means to belong. Jane Igharo has a knack for writing bold, heartfelt stories and this one is a joy from start to finish!"
--Saumya Dave, author of What a Happy Family

"Jane Igharo does it again in The Sweetest Remedy! Igharo masterfully weaves together family drama, romance, and acceptance into this gorgeous, unputdownable novel."
--Kaia Alderson, Author of Sisters in Arms

"This well-paced, multi-narrator tale expertly marries romance with a moving story of family and identity. Readers will be impressed."
--Publishers Weekly (starred review)

"An engrossing work of women's fiction."
--Booklist

Praise for Ties That Tether

"Lovingly written and heartfelt. Ties That Tether is a beautiful exploration of culture, family, and romance. Azere's journey to find her own voice should resonate with anyone who's ever felt trapped between conflicting worlds and expectations."
--Helen Hoang, USA Today bestselling author of The Heart Principle

"Ties That Tether takes the reader on a rich, emotional journey. A big, bold story about finding ourselves amidst the struggles of family loyalty, honoring one's culture, and the endless facets of love. Loved every glorious moment of this book!"
--Jennifer Probst, New York Times bestselling author of Our Italian Summer

"[An] intriguing examination into the dynamics of family relationships and what it means to have pride in one's culture and heritage. It also holds some unexpected twists and turns that will keep readers engaged until the end."
--Associated Press

"This exploration of identity, love and loss in the context of an interracial relationship feels authentic and bittersweet, yet hopeful all the same."
--BookPage

"Happily ever after is hard-won and satisfying in this #ownvoices romance."
--Shelf Awareness

"Igharo's debut beautifully depicts the tension between self-determination and the desire to live up to family expectations...Clever and heart-warming storytelling. Readers will be rooting for Azere from the very first page."
--Library Journal (starred review)

"An unexpected and heartfelt romance about true love and the sacrifices we make for it."
--Sonya Lalli, author of Serena Singh Flips the Script

"Ties That Tether was a roller coaster ride from page one and holy cow did I love it. Jane Igharo chronicles Azere's journey in such a beautiful, wrenching, and relatable way. As Azere struggled to find a balance between her love life, her own happiness, and the expectations of her family, I went through a whirlwind of emotions--and I adored every minute of it. I laughed and teared up and cheered and yelled. Best of all, Jane Igharo delivers a happily ever after that made me smile until my cheeks hurt. I tore through this amazing book, I couldn't read it fast enough."
--Sarah Smith, Author of Simmer Down

"A Nigerian immigrant herself, Igharo tackles issues like immigration, cultural identity, and interracial dating in a compelling way. While a love story at heart, this book is so much more than that. It's a must-read for your summer vacation."
--Betches

"A wonderful fall romance with immense depth, Ties That Tether seizes you from the very beginning."
--Shondaland

"The best part of this book for me was Azere and her mother's relationship. It is so fraught with the immigration experience.... To read this book is to read it for the tenderness of the romance and for the immigrant experience, to feel your heart soften and your throat clog with tears, and to celebrate the resilience of the spirit. As Rilke has said, 'To love is the ultimate human task.' So celebrate the love between the protagonists and within their families as you turn the pages."
--Frolic

"...with deft writing, snappy dialogue, rom-com movie references throughout, and a delightful cast of characters, Ties That Tether is a wonderful romance and the start of a long career for Jane Igharo."
--Fresh Fiction

"Igharo brings a great deal of heart to Azere's internal conflict as she navigates two cultures. This emotional debut marks Igharo as a writer to watch."
--Publishers Weekly

About the Author

Jane Abieyuwa Igharo was born in Nigeria and immigrated to Canada at the age of twelve. She has a journalism degree from the University of Toronto and works as a communications specialist and voice over actress in Ontario, Canada. She writes about strong, audacious, beautifully flawed Nigerian women much like the ones in her life.