African Books

The book is OK. Photos are not all that great (some blurry and out of focus, obviously amature). Most of the dolls are modern and mass produced. I was hoping that there would be more artist creations, one of a kinds, limited editions, and antiques. Instead there are a bunch of plastic/vinyl manufactured dolls with just a few quality pieces sprinkled in. I only recommend this if you collect that style of doll (manufactured/mass-produced).

Loved this book. I am a collector of black dolls for many years. I saw several of my dolls in the book.

I enjoyed looking thru this book to get ideas of the different kinds of dolls to add to my collection. There were a lot of dolls that I didn't know existed untill I read this book.

Debbie Garrett's "The Definitive Guide to Collecting Black Dolls" is a magnificent combination of beauty, knowledge, and cultural celebration! It was wonderful learning about the history of antique and vintage black dolls, as well as the current artists and their creations. This guide provides a fabulous array of delightful pictures denoting the significance of black doll collecting, that is both informative and inspiring!

It is the answer to all Black doll collector's dreams! I have a number of "doll" books and magazines but none of them have ALL color Black doll photos in additon to valuable collecting information such as that found in this book. I must confess that initially, I looked through it four times on the day it arrived. It's fun seeing how many of the pictured dolls I have in my own collection!

I bought this entire series for my female junior high school age students so that they could have books that they could relate to and get much needed life lessons from them. After starting this first book I couldn't bring myself to present the books to them. The book sounds like it's written by somebody's mother trying to teach them write from wrong. The author keeps throwing in spiritual lessons every two lines, rather then letting the story speak for itself. The language was unconvincing and unnatural. Are there really kids out there that talk like that? Reading it was kind of torturous. But I did finish the book so I could see how all the drama was resolved. Will I finish reading the series? Not sure if I can bring myself to do it.

Staying Pure#1 Very well done. Able to see clearly the lettering. Excellent stories, helpful for the elderly as well as the youth.

Originally brought this book for my pre-teen daughter because she read all the books in the "Carmen Browne" pre-teen series. I read this book first and decided it was not for pre-teens. The story lines are too mature for her now. Because the stories are true to life and well written, I plan to save them for her to read later.

Mrs. Moore has an excellent way of addressing real life issues and demonstrating how young people can make God honoring choices in each situation. I read two of the series and plan to read the rest.

I bought this book and book II at my local library book sale. It was in the religion section, and I thought the book cover was interesting, especially after I saw it was written by an African-American writer. I didn't realize at the time that the book was directed towards teen girls, but I enjoyed the book tremendiously. Not only teen females have spiritual blocks...Anyway, I loved both books and even got my mother to read, she enjoyed them as well. I will be reading more books from this author and you should as well!

In the story Staying Pure by Stephanie Perry Moore, this story talks of teenage relationships and decisions one might have to make in those relationships. The main characters in the story start out with Payton Skyy, a senior in school who is the cheerleading captain, president of the honour society, vice president of the Student Goverment Association, senior editor of our newspaper staff, and a debutante.

Dakari Graham, Payton's two-year boyfriend in the begining of the story, an honour student, and the star of thier school. In their relationship Dakari wants to have intimate relations with Payton, but because of Payton's Christian views and her belief's in them she declined to them.

She very much loved Dakari but knew that it was wrong to do so. Dakari, who wanted to have intimate relations with Payton had a one-night stand with a girl named Starr at a restaraunt, and left Payton for this girl. Payton was devistated and did many rash things to win him back even thoughit was the same reason she had retaliated, and even thent her efforts were meaningless.

It took her a long time to ease the pain of what Dakari had done to her and leave her. She stopped eating she was depressed, the usual thing that happens when a girl gets her heart broken. Then after she got passed it a little, she had even more problems with her friends, 1 had cheated on her and the other was tested positive for pregnancy, she helps them through this.

She then starts to get to know another boy of her acquiantance, Tad Taylor and they spend some time together. I think that Tad is a perfect match for Payton and a very good influence on her as well. This book helps young christian woman and men get a good godly view on things.

I think this book could have given a bit of a better ending but it was still a very good book to read. Also i would like to recommend this book for mature audiences only and at the very least 16+ if anything.

This book is filled with nostalgic black and white vintage photos of her family which will remind you of your own family back in the good 'ol days...don't miss out on the Pineapple Upside Down Cake baked in an iron black skillet, oh my!!!

Foolproof recipes with entertaining family stories. Every recipe I've tried has turned out perfectly (with the exception of the slow-cooked caramel icing) so this is my new Dessert Bible!

This book has alot going for it! Not only does it contain the author's charming vignettes of her family history, it also has the best recipes in the country! It's a great book on different levels -- fun to look at, fun to read, and fun to create delectable memories with our own families! A+++++

Patty Pinner's childhood comes to life through her stories & recipes, and her "womanly" advice adds charm to her cakes and pies. I have to admit, this is the only cookbook that has found it's place on my bedside table because of the great stories and old family photographs.

This is a great book. I made the strawberry cake that is on the cover for Thanksgiving and it was delicious! Everybody raved about it. I also love the stories that also go along with the recipes. A great buy!

In. My. Purse.

All. The. Time.

Seriously ---- This book is amazing. It has a permanent home in my purse... (it's not too small, not too big - just right) And I use it almost daily....or at least a few times per week. Sometimes I'm in a bad place and need a quick inspirational message, and sometimes I just feel like feeling better about something....Whatever the reason, you will LOVE THIS BOOK. I ordered 5 more after I got it to give to friends and family...that's how much I love it. I know when some open it they will think "ummm....ok..?" at first....but they end up thanking me later.

GET THIS BOOK you wont be sorry!

this book has been so helpful at valuable to me so many tough times like i'm going through now. the messages are short but powerful. this book will certainly help you restore your peace. like another poster said mine is getting worn out.

Each time my spirt is down, or I'm going through a situation, I turn to this book. I hold the book in my right hand by its spine, fan the pages with my left hand to stop at randum. The passages I've read, I have felt its deep spirtual feeling and I understand its meaning. Then I reflect on my situation and the passage fits. It helps me to understanding whats going on. It uplifts my spirit to deal with my situation. It give me insight to view my problem from a different angle. It also assures me that what I am currently going through will end. I will get through it. In my view, its a powerfull book. I have read several other books by Iyanla, even watched her talk show (sorry that went off the air), but like the bible, I keep Faith In The Valley near by.

This is my FAVORITE book by Iyanla Vanzant because of: It's size(small enough for your tiny purse), its lack of preach-i-ness and how the index is organized by subject. I feel its a synopsis of all the subjects covered in her other books. I also feel the book is applicable to women of ALL cultures. You can use it as a daily guide or you can use the index to find a subject for which you could use guidance.

I can not express how insightful and helpful this book is! It really makes you look deep into the reason(s) why you thought you needed a book of affirmations in the first place. This book is perfect for those "why me" and "I really can't take any more" moments when you feel like life, and everything in it, needs to give you a break. If you're a woman experiencing a lot of change in your life and it seems like you just can't handle another crisis (or is it a crisis afterall?), this is the book for you. I carry it in my purse!

I have all of her short story books and this one doesn't disappoint. I get so much energy and enthusiasm from reading about her downtrodden characters finding strength and purpose through loss and love (in that order). I know some are turned off by the poor ande desolate situations that many of her characters find themselves in...but keep reading, there is a lesson and triumph of the human spirit at the end of each story. I would pick up her other books as well. J California keep the short stories coming!

Truly, first impressions are lasting; from lust to disgust, they trigger a reaction, a judgement, a bias. But, if life teaches you anything sensible, it's that that first blush evaluation is more often skin deep, rather than the heart of the story.

My first encounter with J. California Cooper's writing--a title recommended by an acquaintance several years ago--was like a blind date with someone you swear's not your type. It was over practically at the beginning. All I recall of the book is that it didn't grab or impress me in those first ten pages, so I closed and dismissed it, and any thought of ever taking up this author again, from my mind.

So I try to be more expansive--go out of my way a little, be more patient, perceptive--as I grow older. THE FUTURE HAS A PAST was a selection of my local library's book club for adults. I balked at reading it--the reflex of a lasting impression!--at first, but then, because I wanted to be in on the discussion, decided, Why not? Why not give it a chance?

The worst thing you could say about the four longish-to-lengthy short stories here is that they come from an "old-fashioned" sensibility. Neither in tone, vision or perspective are any of these stories hinting at pragmatic, expedient or "moral relativist" values. No, sir and no, ma'am, Ms. Cooper offers no other than timeworn, tried-and-true life learned lessons.

The narrative tone she takes on is the front porch storyteller: a grandmotherly sort, or a real or "pretend" great-aunt, the kind who of an evening, gently rocking in a porch swing, might chitchat, or, better yet, regale you (if you were "grown" enough to appreciate it) with stories that edged on gossip, but were actually instructive, moral tales about how people, neighbors and friends even, handled their chances and choices. "Home truths" and downhome homilies gussied up as mini-biographies.

The literary landscape of these stories lies in the shadow of Zora Neale Hurston--the archetypal questions of how workingclass women empower or disable themselves, and just what do they settle or strive for--in territory between Alice Walker and Toni Morrison, between Toni Cade Bambara and Terry McMillan. By and about women, but not necessarily restricted to being for women.

There's the woman compelled to count her blessings when she compares her conventional life to the fettered and unfettered lives of her childhood friends. The young woman, enriched yet emotionally isolated by her mother, told she's ugly and unlovable so long and hard she believes it, who craves the opportunity to live and love. The hardworking single mother approaching middle age who's got to decide where her grown children's needs end and her own begin. The longsuffering comeuppance the young, single mother gives her "player" boyfriend, the would-be father of her children.

These are earnest, plainspoken stories--not without humor, and a tear or two of hard-earned pathos--that usually take a bit to get started, but are then mostly straightforward.

In a sense, this book provided conversation that engaged me. It also offered this man some sound advice about the real stuff of love and marriage, making a relationship right and workable. Stuff to think about, live by. It was worth that second look.

This was my first reading of CC. I loved this book. It is a woman's book but men would learn a lot about how women think and feel if they read this book. The stories are sometimes sad, very very real--like what life is really like... I think Ms. Cooper is going to end up being one of my all-time favorite authors. I am a white woman who enjoys black writers, especially female writers. They can explain real life better than anyone else I have read.

As with all of Coopers books, it is another page turner! Once you get started it is hard to put the book down. I have all of her books and in the process of reading Wake in The Wind. Each story in The Future Has a Past will have you on the edge of your seat waiting to turn the page! I would recommend any of her books to read! BRILLIANT!!!!

J. California Cooper has a gift for good writing! I really enjoyed all these short stories as much as her other ones. I can't say that I have a favorite because I enjoy them all equally! This one has more of a theme in all four stories. All the women were hard, hard-working women with children to raise and doing with it no-good men. However, they all were able to find love and it was true love. That is what I like about Ms. Coopers stories, they may be stories of strength and struggle, but love always conquers. I will always be a big fan of Ms. Coopers and I hope she has many more stories and novels to come.

I loved each and every story in this book. They are very enlightening and gives you a sense of how relationships are supposed to be and how to live a fulfilling life

I loved this book! It is absolutely wonderful..I can't put it down.Every short story is a page turner and I've learned so much through reading her books! I highly recommend this book!

This was a nice read, but not good for a book club discussion. The book includes some awesome stories that makes you feel good about love. The only thing we didn't like was that all of the stories were written in another (older) time period. It would have been good if the stories could have reflected modern times.

loved this and bascilly all of her books! Once I get started I read them till I am finished, nonstop.

Sometimes even your best friend hesitates to tell you when she/he knows you're playin' a fool, but in this book of rollicking stories, you may see yourself in a few, and Ms. Cooper will be your new best friend for pointing things out to you. Even after 20+ years of marriage, I could still find useful insights ("wake up, girl!") into life, love, and perseverance. You can sink real low, but nobody can KEEP you there but yourself. Ms. Cooper gives literary voice to a large number of African American women, and her writing is as meaningful (and maybe more so) to those who are not African American women.

This is a collection of thought-provoking poetry, lyrics, quotes and short stories that tell about life in all its many moments. Most are hope-filled and positive. Others deal with the hurt and loss that occur in our modern day world.

Chase Von has such a deep and meaningful poetic voice. Each poem has a flavor all its own. He uses emotions and images to capture the reader and draw him in to the very heart of the action.

Among my favorite poems were Pink, Blue and Green, A Poem, I Am The Future, and A Letter Home. Each of these touched me very much.

Pink, Blue and Green is a poem that talks about racial intolerance. It is very clever. Not even an albino is free of this bias.

In A Poem, Chase shares the moment when a couple breaks up. He works through the loss by creating a poem. What a fitting tribute to what they once had!

I Am The Future shares the joy and importance a child brings to a family. How they become the focus of the parents. They are their present AND their future.

A Letter Home discusses the heartache of never knowing your ancestors because of slavery tearing cultures apart. I am part American Indian, and it made me think of how my ancestors were devastated, too. This poem touched me the most.

The lyrics are about friendship and love. They stand well on the written page. But, when I've heard some of these performed, they are great!

My favorite is I'm Your Friend. It is a very heart-felt song. Read it when you are sad or lonely.

Chase Von's quotes are quite profound. They make you realize how special his talent is. He can encapsulate a deep thought in such a way that it becomes immortal. His one about the universe being big enough to hold your dreams should be tacked on the wall of every child.

The short stories are very diverse and interesting. My favorite is The Tree and the Butterfly. It talks how helping each other in this fleeting world is important.

In closing, this showcase of selections is only the tip of the iceberg of Chase Von's talent. Take your time and enjoy them. I'll eagerly await the next book!

Dawn Huffaker
Author of Flights of Fancy, Volume 1 (Second Edition)

This varied and earnest volume reveals the devotion Chase has for the power of words. "The Face Of," "Falling Stars" and "Will Be" are highlights, but there is something witty, wise or wisecracking to be found in virtually every poem.

Challenging, reflective and motivating, delivered with panache.

The Last Panther Speaks to us through poetry, lyrics and short stories that does much more than just touch your life.

"Don't live behind the walls that guilt built
The longer you stay incased in that tomb
The harder it becomes to break free
And write a new and different story
With the pen
That is your life"

Love it!

"True love is the bridge
That covers the gaps
Left by
Misunderstandings
And like wise
Understanding
Is the passage way
Through which
True love
Enters our lives"

"Your Chance To Hear The Last Panther Speak" is a huge asset to the literary world as well as anyone, from any background, who takes the time to read it. I specifically suggest it to young adults and teenagers on a path to figure themselves out and too unsure of how to surpass the labels instilled within their life through the ignorance of society.

One thing that impressed me most is that Chase Von does not only help people surpass their label but also leads by example. A tough feat for anyone, but especially someone who lived within the label of a strong, unemotional gangster.
No matter what I face in life I can always find a write that I can relate to. He has the ability to put what other people are thinking but can't always articulate, into words. Beyond that, his writing style is versatile (Which is a talent few writers have) but the content always remain powerful!
I was reluctant to pick up the book, reading the words 'Black Panther" within the title I made an incorrect assumption that the book was aimed towards an audience interested in reading the message of the group The Black Panthers.

"Don't judge this book by its cover"

The works are moving (sometimes to the point of tears) and will teach you life long lessons.

Audrey MichelleVanity? The Pieces of Audrey MichelleVanity? The Pieces of Audrey Michelle

From the first poem "my silence" posted on my page and through every stories and poems, it resonnated in my heart... this book will not leave you indifferent, it will challenge you for some, comfort you in your views for others, in a way or another, if it's by the beauty of the writting or by the meaning of his content,with certainty , i assure you that it will expand your heart and soul.

Thank you Chase for shining and being you.

"Where in today's world

Are those that truly carry on

The torch

That he so brilliantly lit our world with?"

You are one of them my friend.
Sincerely,
Flavia

John Elmore shares shocking and interesting facts, and personal war stories about our legal system. "Fighting for Your Life" provides 150 pages worth tools--from advice that can be a virtual "get-out-of-jail-free card,"--to knowledge that can SAVE YOUR LIFE. I recommend this book for everyone. As a law student getting ready to practice, I found this book to be an easy read, but not easy to forget.

This book is a must have/must read for anyone interested in studying, or participating in, the legal system. John Elmore's experience and insight are delivered in an easy to read way that makes the book an incredible resource for students or practitioners.

Fighting for your life is a resource guide for anyone and everyone no matter what their relationship to the law! Law Students, Practicing Attorneys, Criminal Defendants, or family members and loved ones of somebody who is either in jail, has been arrested, or is facing criminal prosecution can all benefit from owning this book. John V. Elmore offers each of us a practical, hands on, "If I'm in trouble, this is the book I need to read" guide to understanding your rights and making sure that they are not violated. Most importantly, the author has experience and knowledge of the law from every angle; He was a criminal defense attorney, former state trooper, and former prosecutor. In his book, he tells you exactly what to do and how to do it so that when you find yourself in a position where you are fighting for your life, with his book you have a fighting chance to win.

As a African-American prosecutor, I am often frustrated by the number of young African-American defendants who come into the courtroom completely unprepared and unaware of how the criminal justice system operates. John Elmore's book is a must read for anyone facing criminal charges.

Fighting For Your Life: The African America Criminal Survival Guide told by John V. Elmore, Esq. and Foreword by a friend of the literary community, Mr. Tony Rose is the most responsible book on the planet.There is something that rang a familiar air of discord as I glimpsed at the chained arms on the cover of Fighting For Your Life: The African America Criminal Survival Guide told by John V. Elmore, Esq. and Foreword by a friend of the literary community, Mr. Tony Rose.

I knew immediately that if I was not interested in fighting for my life, I would not open the book, and no matter how mysterious the picture on the cover with two fingerprints that look the same, but if you look carefully, do not match at all. My very own hands longed to free the cuffs of another black man whose time did not fit the crime, and by no means do I condone crime. I am speaking for my brother, father, sister, mother, grandparents and friends who lost love ones who wound up behind bars thanks to the unfair practices of the judicial system while their white counterparts got slaps on the wrists, but this is another story.

The truth is, as I read each page of one of the most "Think Before You Act" books ever written to help Black Americans stay safe in situations, or even avoid crime, the focus became clear that this book matches its title, and is indeed the first African American Justice Survival Guide ever to approach the answers to the questions Black African Americans have asked about avoiding the fatal flaws of the criminal justice system. It leaves out subjective opinions or views that could cause even the most innocent man to wind up dead. It happens everyday, and rather than for folks to remain ignorant of the fact that like criminals the criminal justice system does not discriminate between which blacks should suffer the injustices in situations, Fighting For Your Life: The African America Criminal Survival Guide is a wake up call for everyone.

It doesn't matter who you are, where you come from, what you are wearing, how much money you have, or how well you are adored by the community you live in. YOU too can be a victim of the criminal justice system, and not to take away anything from the hard working police officers who protect the community and sincerely care about the communities they protect and serve. We are talking about a universal code of conduct that once this book becomes a part of university law study curriculums, criminal justice undergraduate classes, required by youth in detention centers and those subject to light time in prison, and. or as a gift to perhaps your young son or child, the world will begin to play it safe when it comes to doing the job of being a civilian or an officer of the law.

Fear breeds in those who serve the justice system due to unpredictable deaths and murders of peers in the force that cause underlying tension, and retaliation. Racism still runs amuck. Ignorance still breeds within our own communities when we respond to situations with pride. I say, read Fighting For Your Life: The African America Criminal Survival Guide to WAKE UP and understand that nothing is more important than saving your life, and even if it means you have to fight for it. You will discover Defense Attorney, John V. Elmore's complete tour of the criminal justice system from the point where those who stand accused or violated can acquire a public defender or attorney for hire, the client's rights and crime report to what to do if you are a victim of brutality, wrongly accused, or required to attend preliminary hearings.

Readers will also, be given pointers on attire in court, making bail, and if not...the grand jury process and some top lawyers who can be contacted and will help the accused fight for one's rights. It doesn't get any better than this.

On a lighter note, I have to discard all reviews of books about the criminal justice system after reading this book which really presents the facts. I encourage all urban writers to read this book before attempting to write a single line about crime and outcomes in novels. If you need facts, this is a great tool for the urban writer as well.

As a reviewer, Fighting For Your Life: The African -American Criminal Justice Survival Guide is certainly on the top of my list for fact checking and research. IT is a thorough and accurate guide that is intelligent, sensible, and can be the cure-all of calling a truce between the criminal justice system and those accused. Yes, if you are guilty, there are penalties, but this book wants you to only do the time if it if fits the crime, and keep you living, because even the criminal has a family.

This is about humanity and cutting down the abuse and brutality of youth who are the product of the environments in which they live. The story is not finished, and we still owe another book to the survivors. I would have liked to read more about Hurricane Carter, Alfred Houston, Angela Davis, and even Mr. Tony Rose. This book will definitely welcome the trend of survivor stories. Def Jam's Bruce George is dedicating an anthology to The Bandana Republic, and Neshee Publication is acquiring stories for Fight To The Finish Line. All of these books are in demand

by our youth, young adults, local gang members, those serving time, those of the criminal justice who want to better understand their role as officers of the community, parents and people who care about the state of America on crime, and of course...address what we all need to know to survive. A new genre is born. All praise goes our to John Elmore, Esq., a criminal defense attorney, former state trooper, father of four boys, teacher and attorney general.

My older niece loves this book, all about a black girl who, as you expect, loves her hair.

She describes it in various poetic and imaginative terms - her hair can be like a globe, or be spun into a braid; it's curly like a vine winding into space; she likes to wear her hair in "ponytails like wings".

There are some unnecessarily didactic elements - kids at school teased her, so her teacher talked to them about having Pride in Your Heritage (a good concept, the whole book is about that, but that page wasn't so well-handled, I think), and her mother starts talking to her directly about how she's "lucky to have this head of hair" when she complains that haircombing *hurts* sometimes.

Also, some of the illustrations have odd perspective - I'm thinking specifically of one where she's going down the street with beads in her hair.

However, overall this is a really great book. And my nieces (aged five and 2.5) agree. They love reading this book.

My daughter loved this book as it has vivid illustrations and really helps to promote a love for African American hair!

IF YOU WERE THINKING OF BUYING THE BOOK "NAPPY HAIR", GET THIS ONE INSTEAD. ITS BEAUTIFULLY WRITTEN.

This is an excellent book for building confidence in African-American girls about the natural beauty of their hair. The pictures are wonderfully done and contribute to the feeling of pride you get when reading this book. My daughter especially related to the part where the little girl makes music with the beads in her hair, and I try to remember to be as compassionate as the mom in the book when I comb her hair.

I purchased this book for my 3 year old daughter. She is only 1 of two black girls in her class of 16. This has been great for her. She asks me to read the book all the time. The book was also good for me too. It helped me to remind me to be proud of my hair and all of the wonderful styles and the great history of our hair. I just love it when my daughter says "I Love My Hair."

I LOVED THIS BOOK , FOR WHAT STARTED OUT AS A LITTLE WHITE LIE, TURNED INTO A VERY ROMANTIC ,BEAUTIFUL LOVE STORY!!!! I'M NOT TOO FOND OF OLD WEST STORIES, THEY HAVE TO BE EXCELLENT FOR ME TO FINISH READING, THIS ONE DEFINITELY WAS!!!!! I REALLY DID ENJOY THIS BOOK AND IT DIDN'T TAKE ME LONG TO FINISH READING IT, I READ IT IN 2 DAYS!!!!

Ok, I'm a huge Beverly Jenkins fan and she has not disappointed me yet. We all know that one lie will lead to the next and so on and so forth. But to have a fib turn your world upside down and in a good way is delightful. Jewel was pure, innocent, and a smidgen of naivete. Eli was worldly, handsome, and very sure of himself. Imagine all the insecurites that a woman would have who believes that there is no way she can compete with what she thinks a man wants; and how can a man assure this woman that she is more than enough? Add in a little "he said, she said" and a bit of pride and watch a complicated beginning unfold into beautiful ending. True love will conquer all.

Eli Grayson knows how to treat a woman. He has so much respect for Jewel and treats her like the Jewel that she is. She taught him how to love and he taught her how to make love. The twist and turns in the book had my mouth wide open and reading into the night. The part where Jewel and Eli were talking about if they will ever see a black man become president in their lifetime blew me away. I had to put the book down and contemplate. This could happen in my lifetime and I felt so proud because we have come a long way as a country. The history in this book as well as the romance is very compelling. It's a must read.

Former editor, Eli Grayson has been overtly wooing women since he was sixteen-years-old. That first encounter as a naive boy severed ties with his cousin for over sixteen years, and set the tone for his philandering. At thirty-four he has made amends with his cousin and finds that his wanderlust is not as fulfilling. Eli is trying desperately to focus on business and a future. He has been contacted by a prestigious Nationally Black syndicated newspaper big-wig, from Chicago, about reopening his press. Trouble is Eli needs a wife to capture the deal.

For fourteen years Jewel Crowley has tended to her four older brothers, and her rose business. She sees herself as a mildly-attractive woman with sights on things more substantial than romance and marriage. She has outgrown certain teenage nonsense, like the crush she had on Eli. So she is the perfect candidate to pose as Eli's wife for a few hours. But the charade blows up when town gossipers hear about the marriage, and threaten to destroy her name. Suddenly a real marriage is taking place; albeit a marriage in name only. Will Jewel's innocence capture Eli, will that same innocence withstand the wilds of the man known as 'The Colored Casanova of Cass County', and how will Jewel react when Eli's very first lover returns?

Eli and Jewel first came to life in the book Vivid, now some thirteen years later Ms. Jenkins revisits them. The characters are stimulating and typical for a small town as they bring the post antebellum period to life. The story is of a time when Black townships were prospering, when women knew how to be strong and genteel. When a rogue like Eli could settle himself and learn to appreciate the precious stone he uncovered. As is her custom, Ms. Jenkins writes a historical account that is sensual, lusty, scandalous and educational.

Reviewed by aNN
of The RAWSISTAZ(tm) Reviewers

This was my first read by Beverly Jenkins and a first for historical romance; however not my last. I really did enjoy the story of Jewel and Eli...those sex scenes were definitely HOTT! I really enjoyed how Ms. Jenkins dropped the historical facts and books in this novel, books that I will be picking up. However, this book was the kind of book that you took everywhere with you, could put it down always knowing that you were in for a treat when you did pick it up. I especially liked the way this book depicted smart, witty, and daring/caring black folks. If you haven't read any of Ms. Jenkins work, this is a great book to begin with. Kudos to Ms. Jenkins......ummmmmmmmmm that Eli was somehthing else and melted me everytime!