The Full Picture coming December 1st, 2025 from hibiscus press; 266 pages
Content Warning: Alcohol, anxiety, foul language, loss of a family member
About the Author: “JESSICA CARMICHAEL is a proud Bajan-Ghanaian born and raised in ‘the city above Toronto’. She is passionate about writing and reading stories that depict the wonderful yet complex tales of Black youth. Jessica is a published sports journalist and The Full Picture is her debut novel” (Bio from author’s Goodreads profile).
Find Jessica Carmichael on the following platforms:
Robyn Carter has always planned to follow in her father’s footsteps and become a pharmacist, but the University of Toronto is much more of a challenge than high school. When a photography class she thought was just an elective sparks something more, she begins to wonder if being a pharmacist is truly the path she wants to follow. She travels to Ghana in December to reconnect with her mother’s side of the family, but to also uncover the truth about her mother’s passing and the secrets her father has been keeping. While there, she meets the charismatic and not-bound-by-rules Osei Mensah, who is both irritating and captivating, and Kelvin Williams, polished and perfect with all the qualities Robyn thinks she should want. Navigating through family secrets and her own ambitions, The Full Picture is a story of overcoming past boundaries and realizing that the life you plan may not be the life you are meant to live.
This book had my attention from the get-go! Robyn is one of the most relatable characters I’ve read about recently, especially when it comes to questioning if the path you’re on is the right one. Carmichael does an amazing job capturing all of Robyn’s emotions while still showing her growth and confidence towards the end of the book. What made this story memorable in my eyes was the depth of its subplots. I loved reading about Robyn’s family’s backstories, and that despite their various backgrounds, they could still come together in December and make Robyn feel as if no time had passed at all, even after years of distance. Learning about her mother’s past and realizing that all her father ever wanted was what was best for her was the perfect familial resolution. And then there was Osei and Kelvin. Two very different romance options, but they both wanted what was best for Robyn. There were too many moments to count where I was squealing, having to take a breather and prepare for what was next, and going back and forth wondering who she would choose, but I loved that Robyn always put herself first the whole time. It really is the kind of story that has you cheering for Robyn’s success while also reflecting on your own journey. The Full Picture is an amazing debut, and I’m already counting down the days to see what Carmichael does next!
The Full Picture releases on December 1st, 2025.
Pine Reads Review would like to thank NetGalley and hibiscus press for sending us an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Any quotes are taken from an advanced copy and may be subject to change before final publication.
Keonte Emerson, Pine Reads Review Writer, Editor, and Social Media