African Books

Rain on a Tin Roof (RAIN) is riveting. For those of us who are from the Caribbean, it appears that Gabriel Christian, by the attention given to every descriptive word, every detail, attempts to make those of us who are away from home, wallow in nostalgia. RAIN gives the impression of having never left the Caribbean.

My personal favorite, and the narrative by which this book gets its title, "Rain on a Tin Roof," is especially dear. Gabriel Christian takes what would have normally been a tale of despair, and demonstrates a balanced appreciation for what makes this island, his island, home. The author's ability to thread the diverse history of the island with his personal experiences makes RAIN a must-have. I guarantee you won't stop reading.

This book is a brilliant literary piece. It recalls to mind so many memories for fellow Dominicians and for others, it provides a glimpse into life in Dominica.
The collection is so true to life, captured and dispensed in a vivid setting immediately transporting the reader back in time -life, growing up, all the experiences that help shape our lives and make us who we are today.
My favorite was rain on a tin roof - recalling the catastrophic events of 1979.
Having read this, my pride as a Dominician overflows, and it is certainly inspiring to know that such talent and skill came from my homeland.
This writer is a literary genius and I look forward with eager anticipation to the sequel or future writings!
BRAVO to Mr. Christian!

Rain on a Tin Roof earned me quite a few concerned stares as I erupted into bursts of belly-full laughter while reading. This collection of short stories does not simply describe the innocent joys of growing up in in the Caribbean in the best of bygone eras - ours; it transports you back into those joys (and innocent perceptions of some very serious matters) and awakens dormant delightful memories. Though I have never visited Dominica, I fully understood and identified with the evocations presented. Rain on a Tin Roof underscores the similarities in culture of the various Caribbean islands showing that we are truly one Caribbean nation. Very delightfully and honestly written! Recommended ... Recommended ... Recommended !!!

I bought your book some time ago and I am finally got a chance to read it.

I just have say how much I have enjoyed this book. It's an absolute delight! I read it on the train in the mornings going into New York and I'm sure some of the commuters think I am crazy when I burst out laughing constantly after reading some particularly funny anecdote - and every story is full of them.

You have captured life on Dominica so beautifully that one just relives it again reading your words. It's funny, nostalgic, sometimes sad, such an accurate account on life on the island, and again it is soooooo funny. I can just imagine three scruffy little boys holding on to each other's belt heading into a Carnival band after consuming some of their parents rum from an essence bottle shouting "hold strain".

I am passing this book on to all my sisters when I am done. Every Caribbean person should read this book.

You have done a fantastic job. I can't wait for the next one.

....."We can hear the wind straining to get beneath the galvanized tin sheets that layer our roof. Are the nails lifting?" That was the question and worry of the day back in August 1979, when Hurricane David blew down the entire country. Thanks Gabe for taking me down memory lane.

This collection of short stories clearly indicate the writers passion for his birth country. It brings to life a diversity of family, love, politics, colloquial language and his life in the suburbs, which leave minds totally picturesque.

Once you pick up this fantastic publication, it is difficult to put it down. Though some stories were sad and others tense, humour was never lagging far behind. I definitely had quite a few laughs.

The most unique thing about this collection, is the fact that the old, the young and the middle age are able to read and enjoy this book. It brought and left my heart with much warmth.

Hats Off to You Gabe. Keep up the good work because your creative forces and brilliant ideas I believe regenerate many of our Dominicans living home and abroad and our fellow Caribbean people by extension.

Looking forward to another publication

272Pgs - This is my personal view of this book.

It did not grab my attention at all. At the fourth chapter, I was looking for my receipt. More Women are becoming Soul Searchers today and if you are a Title Seeker like myself meaning (a title of a book can prompt you to purchase) this book will definitely be a lesson well deserved.

This is book could be named, "When A Man Loves a Woman." Bishop really loved Abeni and she loved him back just as hard.

This book is awesome! It will make you laugh and it will make you cry. The characters really come to life in this book--you feel what they feel as you read this wonderful book!

It's been awhile since I've ordered a few books and rather than bore you with the same old rave reviews, I just have a few things to state. The book kept me up until my eyes could not take it anymore; The character Bishop in the book was fascinating. I won't go into details but the fact that it deals with FGM (Female Genital Mutilation) which is going on in certain tribes in Africa paints a picture for me to better understand the culture. Althought I don't agree with it. Pick the book up and you will not be dissappointed.

I just finished reading this book, it was very good. All the characters were great.I liked what it was about, the story really touched my heart and it made me cry. Get this book, you will not be disappointed.

You have Morgan who saw Lena at a charity event and it was love at first sight. He ask her out and she declines. A year later he devises a plan to spend times with her and offers everything she wants. Lena shies away from Morgan because of her full-figure she doesn't think they will look good together and she is the primary care giver for aging mother.

This book was HOT! The chemistry between the two was amazing. The book left me wanting their story to continue because I just loved it that much! Excellent job Ms. Jackson!

I don't usually read romances at all, but I have been spending a lot of time on planes and in hospital waiting rooms lately. In other words, I am stressed out, and was yearning for light reading with happy endings. Someone loaned me Brenda Jackson's SOLID SOUL, and that really did the trick. I enjoyed the story, the romance, and the characters. So I went looking for more of this series by Ms. Jackson, and I found BEYOND TEMPTATION, which was also a great read, and the perfect distraction. I started RISKY PLEASURES, and so far it isn't nearly as good -- I don't like either protagonist yet. But I am proud to say that I have become a Brenda Jackson fan.

Brenda Jackson is one of my favorite authors. She did not let me down with this book. Enjoy.

Here comes another hot Steele brother who gets the girl. I enjoyed the story short, but hot and romantic. Beautiful full figured Lena, is chased and caught by Morgan Steele. The only hiccup is how the heroine acts in a totally stupid manner when she discovers Morgan is really interested in her. Goes to show even intelligent middle class women can act stupid when it comes to love.

so far have nothing bad to say about the series love each book in the series so far...

It was a page turner for me. It was a different book for me all the martial arts stuff, but I ended up liking it. Worth reading definitely.

I have to give praises to Keith Lee Johnson for this original story. This book puts you on the edge, just like any good movie would; I could not wait for the ending. The suspense was there and surprises as well. A well written novel and a lot of imagination went into this story. I do not want to give away any details, just pick up the book. You will not be disappointed. This is the fifth novel I have read by this author and I would have to say this is the best one. I gave this novel the rating because it deserves it. I read approxiately 25-30 books a year of all genres and I do not give a 5 star rating easily. I just started giving reviews because they are really helpful in making a book selection you will enjoy. I always read reviews before I purchase a book. If you one of my favorite authors though, I will pick it up and judge the book myself. Mr. Johnson, if you are reading this one please look into a screenplay, you have a lot fans backing you on this one. Keep up the good work.

This book caught me by surprise and I found it to be very entertaining. I have now read all seven of this author's book and have yet to be dissapointed. I can't wait for book eight, Hell Has No Fury. I'm looking forward to the return of FBI Agent, Phoenix Perry.

Normally the suspense books are not what I read. I'm so glad I read this book. I couldn't put it down! This book should be read before Sugar & Spice although it was published second. I love how the chapters are short, this gives me time to sneak in reading when I find time! The story grabs you at the beginnning and leaves you begging for more. I can't wait to see the 3rd installment of Mrs. Phoenix Perry! I would rate this book about a 4 1/2 but that option is not there.

I read this book in just a short while and I have to say I was very impressed at the author. This is my first novel by Mr. Johnson and it won't be my last. This book was written with great finesse. The plot and the chracters were a pager turner from beginning to end. He was to the point and never left you feeling like "Can he please get on with the story". I give Mr. Johnson Cudos for this novel. I'm on line now looking for more from this author. Read the book and you won't be dissapointed.

I love Jacquelin Thomas books and this one by far is one of the most moving stories. The personification of redemption! Be prepared to stay up until 3am and pull the Kleenex out because you will need it! This book was truly a blessing to me and all my friends that I've passed it along too! I even bought a second copy as a gift for a friend =)

The book brings the stories in the bible to life...reading the book made the story of gomer and hosea make so much since. The one thing I do like is after you read the book you can turn in your bible to that story and see the similaries. God has truely given you a wonderful gift. Keep using it to gorify God

I just finished reading Redemption and I have to say i was trully touched by the way that Ms Thomas mixed in the scriptures so eloquently with the story line. Marin and Warren are two souls in love with life and themselves. I really thought Marin would pull it together and her and Warren would live happily ever after. All things weren't meant to end in pure joy and happiness. Marin's mother was a pure WITCH I don't see how Marin stood to be around her...i know..i know she is her mother but good gracious. I felt her father couldve stepped up and spoken on her behalf. This book teached a lesson of love and forgiveness that all of us could learn from.

EVEN THOUGH THIS BOOK REFLECT SIMILARITIES TO THE PROPHET HOSEA, THE STORY CENTERS AROUND IMAGES. IN THE BIBLE STORY THE PROPHET IS TOLD TO TAKE A WIFE OF WHOREDOM, WHICH IS NOT THE CASE AND THE PROJECTION OF MARIN BUT CHOICES THAT ONE MAKE WHEN THERE ARE NO ANSWERS. HER CHARACTER IS ABOUT A WOMAN SEEKING TO SOLIDIFY HER AFFECTIONS BUT CAN NEVER FIND ANYONE TO BELIEVE IN HER UNTIL THE END. BOTH SHE AND HER HUSBAND REPRESENT FOR ME THE PROJECTION OF TWO IMAGES COMING TOGETHER SEEKING TO VALIDATE WHO THEY ARE IN A WORLD APART FROM EACH OTHER. CAN THEY FIND SOLACE IN EACH OTHER AS SHE REPRESENT ONE WHO SEEKS TO BE VALIDATED AND HE AS ONE IS STAUNCH IN FAITH AND THE CHRISTIAN IMAGE TO REPRESENT EVERYTHING SHE NEED IN HER LIFE? HE FINDS HER AND SHE GRAVITATE TO THAT WHICH HE HAS OFFER AS THE LOVE OF CHRIST IN AFFIRMING HER. BUT THE TENSION COMES WHEN HE DOES NOT SEE AND UNDERSTAND THE EMOTIONAL PINING OF HER SOUL AND THAT OF BEING INSECURE. BEING THRUST INTO A REALITY IN WHICH SHE IS NEVER COMFORTABLE WITH HER ROLE, SHE ENDURES AND OVERCOME SOME OF HER FRAILTIES BY CLINGING TO HIS REALITY WHICH EVENTUALLY SEND HER SPIRALING INTO HER OWN PERSONAL JOURNEY FILLED WITH THE TREACHERY OF A DECEITFUL WORLD. THE STORY IS MOVING AND SHE FINALLY IS ABLE TO OVERCOME THE DEMON OF HER SOUL THROUGH HER OWN PERSONAL JOURNEY OF SELF DISCOVERY, CHOICES AND THEN CONSEQUENCES. A WONDERFUL STORY THAT CAN BECOME A MOVIE.

This book, I think, is her best. I have read several of her books. None of her other books had me so emotional. Great story of God's love and redemptive power.

This book reflects the life experience of a woman of color who has shattered many glass ceilings and has paved the way for others to follow. Bordas now beckons us to join her in building the inclusive and multicultural society. Her view of leadership is the missing link. For too long, leadership has been dominated by a white, male orientation. Hooray! Now women and people of color can embrace their ways of leading and understand the power of their community-centered and socially responsible styles.

Juana Bordas provides a fresh perspective on leadership by weaving the traditions of Latino, African American and Native American's together in her book. Her progressive, forward thinking views offer tools for leading a new generation of young people with an appetite for integration and inclusion. This book provides guidance for the historic times we're living.

I have two children who are growing up in Denver, Colorado which is a multicultural city. We have been fortunate that our last 3 mayors have been White, Black and Latino. Our city council became a majority female in the nineties. Salsa, Soul and Spirit challenges us to not just invite women and people of color to the table- but to make sure we embrace diversity and utilize the gifts and assets they bring. The book provides the leadership tools we need to change the way we operate so that the values, experiences and history of all people are included in the way we operate everyday. Authentic diversity can't just be business as usual with different faces and races around the table! What a great example this helps to set for our children.

If only the wisdom in this book could be transferred to the minds of the leaders of our planet. Anyone who wishes to increase understanding and harmony should read this book and become inspired enough to start making some changes in the ways we relate to each other.

The story of a Latina finding her way and success in a non-diverse society coupled with insights into the "soul" of Latino, Black, and American Indian leaders. A must read for the leaders of tomorrow trying to bridge the gap between saying we are diverse and successfully reaching that goal.

As an historian, I have long been aware that slavery did not end the evils perpetrated on black people in this country, but I never realized the full extent. Although this book is at times repetitious and disjointed, it is a powerful narrative of a period in American history arguably more disturbing than ante bellum slavery. It's as though all the humane slave masters have been replaced by Simon Legrees and Bull Connors. The complicity of corporate America and the emergence of industrial slavery make the situation even more problematic. This book needs to be read by all who want to fully understand the ramifications of history on race relations in this country and should be required reading in high school and college classrooms.

Just started the book,but understand now why progress is so slow.The black americans have had the government standing on their backs since day one.If you have any evidence of African blood you need to know your limitations.

I hope Mr. Blackmon's book sells well. He has documented a piece of history of which too many of us were unaware. I pretty much agree with the other five-star reviews, so I won't echo them in mine.

Born in New York City in 1930 and raised there, as a child I accompanied my parents on annual trips to back country Georgia to visit my father's racist, redneck family. I saw first hand the discrimination and humiliation of the Jim Crow South as well as the abject poverty of the sharecropper system. I remember seeing the stripe-suited chain gangs along the roads and my parents explaining that those men were "jailbirds." However, I was totally ignorant of the conditions of slavery in the mines and of how African-Americans were "convicted" and sold.

I'm probably not qualified to judge the quality of the author's research, but the quantity was certainly impressive. Therefore, I was quite surprised that a reporter for the Wall Street Journal would mistakenly attribute (on page 111) "a more perfect union" to the Declaration of Independence. If Mr. Blackmon reads these reviews, I hope he will accept that small bit of constructive criticism in the spirit in which it was written as I truly appreciate and applaud his important work.

This is a difficult book to read, not complicated or disorientating, but psychologically unnerving. It points out how this Nation of America has not lived up to the phase "A more perfect union" or Lincoln's Gettysburg address. I don't think I could travel to the south without a sense of disgust. As a companion, I also read about Rhode Island's DeWolf family and between the two, I feel much is being missed in school about the true America.

This is a painful but necessary read. It puts meat on the skeletal knowledge we have of the Jim Crow era and illustrates just how nasty the southern half of the US was... explaining a lot about some of the current backwardness there as well.

This was a very good book. Travis is an excellent writer and his books make you want to come back for more.

This is one of Travis' best...This one held me captivated from beginning to end. I love the way Travis works in the characters of his earlier novels. He keeps the drama flowing with realistic tales that we can all relate to.

Travis Hunter's "A One Woman Man" book is a page-turner. Once you start reading you won't want to put it down. It is so good that when you read it you feel as if you are a part of the story watching everything that goes on. It deals with some of the most important issues today. Fatherhood, love, scandal, memories, and revenge are some of the topics just to name a few. I applaud Travis Hunter on this book because its a book I can relate to all to well. I give this novel 5 stars, it is one of the best novels I've read in months

First I have to admit that I hated the cover of this book fo sho! I almost didn't buy it because of it but I'm glad I did. So I guess it's true that you really shouldn't judge a book by its cover. I appreciate stories about black men who are trying to do the right thing and that was what Dallas Dupree was in A ONE WOMAN MAN. Not necessarily an all together brother, but he was all man and he took care of his daughter and didn't mistreat the ladies. I enjoyed reading Dallas' story, but as minor as her character was compared to that of her brother's, my favorite character was probably Carmen, Dallas' sister. She reminded me very much of my sister-in-law. The way the author molded Priest, Dallas' brother, was genius. I was completely surprised by him and the ending of the book. Overall I give this one 4.5 stars.

I did not enjoy this book as much as previous works from this author. The title didn't really seem to fit the actual content of the book and the ending was abrupt and quirky. In the end there seemed to be no real lesson or meaning to it all; so this is the kind of book that you read to fend off boredom or on a long airplane ride to keep you occupied

This book was chosen by Middle Tennessee State University for their summer reading book, and being a student there I decided to jump in with all the freshmen and read it as well. I'm excited that he will be speaking at our convocation ( our program to start off the year.)

The thing that interested me most about this book is that he knew not to expect much from his country. He had pride, and he had hope for a better future, but he knew better than to expect anything more than the current situation.
This book is definitely something to be read by those who are very involved in world politics, sociology, and psychology. Rusesabagina delves into each one with vigor, and I very well believe he could be a professor in any one of these concentrations.
I am proud to say that I share the world with people such as Rusesabagina.

My product arrived in time and in very good condition!

would definitely purchase again

Paul Rusesabagina is an ordinary man. He feels sadness and joy, fear and hope just like the rest of us. He is not a superhero in the ordinary sense of the word--he cannot fly, he does not have an agility belt, and he cannot scale walls. He is an ordinary man by all accounts, but in 1994 when the dark cloud of tense hatred between the Tutsis and the Hutus that had been brewing for decades in the small country of Rwanda erupted into a genocide that left eight hundred thousand dead, Paul Rusesabagina's actions as described in his biography An Ordinary Man were anything but ordinary.
Rusesabagina was born in a small village in the countryside in 1954. His mother was a Tutsi, and his father was a Hutu. According to Rwandan tradition of heritage passing through the father's bloodlines, Rusesabagina was considered a Hutu as well. Rusesabagina's father was his inspirational role model growing up, and his philosophy that "kindness and justice did not know ethnicity" was embedded in Rusesabagina's actions later in life (12).
Rusesabagina learned early on in life to fight with his words, not with his fists. He found that by speaking to people face to face, he could connect on some level, and convince them not to do him harm. This technique worked with schoolyard bullies, and later on with murderous, fanatical generals. Rusesabagina found work at the hotel Mille Collines, and eventually became manager of its sister hotel Diplomates.
After the plane carrying President Habyarimana was shot down, the extremist radio station RTLM began to use powerful diatribes to convince Hutus that it was their duty to murder the Tutsi "cockroaches." Rusesabagina, a moderate Hutu with a Tutsi wife, was able to negotiate, bribe, and flatter those carrying out the murders into sparing the lives of the 1,268 refugees that had fled to the hotel Mille Collines. The world turned a blind eye to the genocide and for a long seventy-six days, Rusesabagina had only himself and his words to save his family and the refugees from certain death. It is estimated that about five people were brutally murdered every minute. Rusesabagina managed to save approximately four hours worth of people. Eventually, he and the refugees were evacuated. Rusesabagina and his family moved to Belgium, where they reside to this day. In 1999, the movie Hotel Rwanda depicted his actions during this "dark bead" in Rwandan history.
This is one of the most remarkable books that I have ever had the pleasure of reading. It's so morbidly fascinating that even though at several times I felt physically ill, I was unable to put it down. Rusesabagina has a special skill as an author, and is able to paint an accurate and horrifying picture of the events that occurred, but at the same time is able to insert his whole-hearted and stubborn belief in the "triumph of common decency" over evil (203). Rusesabagina is able to argue this in the face of heartache and bloodshed. He is even able to provide concrete examples of people in the book that hacked their neighbors with machetes but still had a drop of human kindness desperate for an excuse to show itself.
Rusesabagina unapologetically criticizes all the nations that ignored the genocide for far too long. Rusesabagina not only provides criticism but also possible solutions that could have staunched the bloodshed quickly and effectively in the genocide's early stages. He also provides an excellent rhetoric on how extremists were able to convince rational, calm people to take up machetes and kill their neighbors and friends. Rusesabagina is able to counter the extremist rhetoric with words of his own, and uses this same skillful mastery of words that saved so many from slaughter to narrate this fantastic and moving book.
There are very few weaknesses in An Ordinary Man. Yes, the gore that is described twisted my stomach and left me feeling tainted and disgusted with mankind. After reading too much, I was almost unable to continue, but then again the mass genocide of men, women and children is not supposed to be neat and digestible. The descriptions are meant to shock and sicken. At the end of the novel, I felt ultimately dissatisfied and furious with the abject lack of justice. But this is a specific tactic used to irk the reader, because justice has not occurred in Rwanda and murderers still walk the streets. There is little justice to be found in that, and there is no reason why Rusesabagina should candy coat the issue to make the reader feel better.
Rusesabagina leaves the reader feeling hungry for more knowledge of the Rwandan genocide. His book inspired me to do outside research on the Rwandan genocide, and all of the other humanitarian crises that have occurred since then. Rusesabagina believes he is an ordinary man because to him saving all of these people seemed the most normal thing to do, something every man ought to have done. His message is a simple message of hope, a message that every man has the capability to give a "Rwandan no" to evil (203). His book serves not only a testimony to what happened in the dark days of the Rwandan massacre, but also serves as a means of getting people to care. He cautions that if the world cannot overcome apathy, then the phrase "never again" will be "one of the most abused phrases" and the "greatest lies" of the time. The book leaves the reader with a sense of hope that ordinary men like Rusesabagina will continue to say "no" to evil and do these extraordinary things as if they nothing more than ordinary.

This autobiography was written very well. The author was committed to getting the facts out without glorifying himself. Done very well. I appreciated being told about the genocide in Rwanda without all the gore. I understood perfectly what he was describing without seeing it on screen. I learned so much from both his experience and his trials trying to get help from other nations. Great book!

I purchased this book two months before I had the courage to read it. I feared it would be too upsetting and entirely depressing to engage myself in.

The book begins with a wonderful history of Paul's life. His vivid descriptions of The Land of A Thousand Hills, the banana beer, the family, his path to hotel management. It is an interesting story about a young man growing up in Africa.

The middle of the book approaches and details the horrific genocide of 800,000 people in as little as three months. The terror, the worry, the perseverence is all conveyed beautifully (if that word can be appropriate). I found inspiration in his ability to use words and intuition to communicate with people who could have taken his life. I felt connected to Paul's belief that nobody is 100% evil, and nobody is 100% good. I like his description of human nature, and felt he truly "gets" what being human is.

The ending of the book focused on his life in Belgium, among other Rwandan expatriates. And the decision to start a business in Africa. What a truly interesting person. I was fascinated by this story. It also shares much of the pre-1994 and post-1994 politics.

Whenever I gently give someone "the kindhearted blow-off" in my mind, I now think, "that was a Rwandan 'no'" I appreciate Paul's sharing of his culture and political environment.

I would enjoy seeing him speak. I appreciated his also sharing a little bit about how the movie came to be.

I really felt the storyteller is a person I could sit and have a beer with, and truly enjoy an afternoon chatting.

The last few pages of the book include a wonderful reference bibliography with information and suggestions on additional books to be read on Rwanda. I appreciated that, and plan to read several.

I am a die hard BJ fan and she does not disappoint in this story about Jewel and Eli. Wonderful "girl-next-door" turned hot romance story! You got to add this one to your collection. You will not be disappointed.

Grayson Grove's bachelor, Eli Grayson, has one dream and that is to have a worthy newspaper for the growing all-Black town. Due to lack of funds, Eli was forced to close the town's newspaper, the Gazette. Upon receiving a letter from G.W. Hicks, owner of the largest Black newspaper syndicates in the country, Grayson's excitement is limitless. That soon puts him in a precarious predicament: now he's in need of a wife to placate Mr. Hicks' pledge to back the newspaper venture. Behind door #1 is the only daughter of lumber beast, Adam Crowley, the pragmatic Jewel. She's content wearing trousers, planting flowers, and tending to the needs of her father and five brothers. Secretly fantasizing about Eli, she's stunned when he requests her help with his ploy to gain Mr. Hicks backing in re-opening the Gazette. Against her better judgment, she consents and finds herself with a sullied reputation unless she does the unthinkable: correct the lie that she and Eli presented to Mr. Hicks.

Snap, crackle, and pop would be an appropriate description of the sparks that sizzle when the newlyweds accept the other's vices, and Eli exhibits his skills as to why he's known as the Casanova of Cass County and sensually deflowers the young virgin. The woman who caused Eli to bring shame to his family resurfaces with many secrets, and her malodorous scent of trouble soon follows as she maliciously begins her trek to destroy the men in the town.

Ms. Jenkins fluency in creativity flows so effortlessly that you naturally become enchanted with each character and their storylines. I've yet to put one of her books down and felt anything but pure enjoyment! Her characters are so loveable that with each read, she amazes you with their individual personalities. They're realistic, bear numerous flaws, but their hearts and souls are so full of love and life, reaching the ending is actually depressing. Jewel is a refreshing, compelling read that is innocent yet has numerous risqué scenes. It is mos def so hard to say good-bye to each of Ms. Jenkins' reads!!!!

Reviewed by Tazzyt2bossye
for Urban Reviews

Good plot....likeable characters...steamy sex... Not one of her better book. I have 4 of BJ's historical romance books: Always & Forver,Night Song,Through the Storm, and favorite one is A Chance at Love. But I would read another of her book.

Eli Grayson has put himself deeply in debt trying to keep the town's newspaper afloat so he is thrilled to learn that G.W. Hicks wants to invest in and reopen the Gazette. There's just one problem... Eli needs a wife!

Jewel Crowley can't believe the nerve of Eli, asking her to pose as his wife. Her reputation will be ruined if anyone hears of the ruse. Never mind that Eli is known as the Colored Casanova of Cass County! Will Jewel and Eli be able to turn this farce into a real marriage? And will their shaky relationship be destroyed when Eli's past comes back to haunt him?

Beverly Jenkins is a master at weaving history together with a solid romance to produce fantastic stories. JEWEL is no exception. She sheds light on little known tidbits of history, showing their importance by integrating them with vividly drawn characters. History truly comes alive in any book by Beverly Jenkins.

JEWEL is a fascinating portrayal of two strong willed characters. I love Jewel's spunk and her willingness to defy convention in order to maintain her independence and dignity! Seeing the time period through her eyes is a real eye opener as it gives me a new appreciation for just how far women's rights really have improved. Perhaps the only thing that could have made this great book better would have been if the resolution with Cecile had occurred just a tad sooner. Seeing her in the prologue whetted my appetite for what was to come and it was hard to wait so long for her reappearance.

Beverly Jenkins is an author I appreciate whether the setting is contemporary or historical. JEWEL shows exactly why Ms. Jenkins is a top selling author as her books are always enjoyable. Easily recommended!

COURTESY OF CK2S KWIPS AND KRITIQUES

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!!!!