BEVERLY JENKINS IS THE GREATEST. I HAVE ACQUIRED A LOT OF HISTORY & KNOWLEDGE, IN ADDITION I WAS ABLE TO ACQUIRE ADDITIONAL RESEARCH DUE TO THE BOOKS I READ BY HER. THE ROMANCE IS DONE IN A FASHION THAT EVERY WOMAN (BLACK ESPECIALLY) WOULD LOVE TO BE TREATED & SOME IS TREATED. MS. JENKINS HAS THE TALENT TO WRITE A BOOK THAT MAKES A WOMAN APPRECIATE WHO/WHERE/WHEN SHE CAME. WITH MY HUSBAND HAVING PRIOR MILITARY EXPERIENCE, I HAVE THROUGHLY ENJOYED THE BUFFALO SOLDIER SERIES. I AM WAITING FOR 8/98 RELEASE. I HAVE BEEN ABLE TO GET OTHER FRIEND & FAMILY INTO READING HER BOOKS. WITH THIS ADDITIONAL CONVERSATIONAL PIECE & WE'VE TALKED ABOUT THE HISTORY AS WELL AS THE ROMANCE IN THE BOOK. AGAIN, IF YOU WANT GOOD, INTERESTING, EDUCATIONAL AND STIMULATING READING, GO TO THE STORE & REQUEST HER BOOKS. THANKS FOR THE EDUCATION.

If only this was true!!! NightSong is the second book i read by Beverly Jenkins. I was not disappointed. The "schoolmarm" and the Sergeant, battled not only each other's wits but overwhelming social injustices and emotional baggages from their past. Although the erotic scenes between the two were quite racy, a thread of tenderness grew between them to become the golden cord that binds their lives with a "grand passion". Chase's dogged determination to salvage Cara's reputation as she teetered on the brink of death is wonderfully rewarded by the fulfillment of dreams he never thought would be his own. I loved the historical accounting of the Buffalo Soldiers, as I am a military and black history buff. Beverly Jenkins is so thorough, and her attention to details keeps the pages turning.

This book was my introduction to a wonderful writer of romance novels.I had never seen a hisotical romance novel involving African Americans so I was intrigued. I picked the book up at a used bookstore and it sat on my shelf for over a month because I was reading some other books at the time. When I finally got around to reading it I was captivated. It was informative, sexy as all get out, and one of the best books I've read in quite a while!! Ms. Jenkins' story should appeal to all women not just those of color as I am. As an African American woman I am happy to find and author such as Ms. Jenkins. She holds her own with the other writers of this genre and delivers a good, heartwarming story of love and it's rewards. If you get the chance, pick it up. It's well worth your time

This was the first book I read by Beverly Jenkins and I thought it was absolutely excellent. The characters of Catherine Love and Marshall Dixon Wildhorse are believable. Dixon is a very honorable and forceful, and soooo romantic. I couldn't stop reading until I finished it. I also read Night Song by the same author and really enjoyed it.

Jaded by contemporary novels and so called historical romances, I was drawn by the cover of "Topaz". I read the back and it never saw the rack again. Thus began a renewed love for the genre of historical romances. This book combined all of my interests in westerns, mysteries, black history, and romance. Kate Love's independence and sharp wit was wonderfully tempered by the magnaminous Marshall Dix Wildhorse. "Topaz" reminds me of "The Taming of the Shrew", but with more sass and flare. I laughed out loud, cried at times, and turned each page with my breath bated in anticipation. I learned so much about the lesser-known people of the western frontier of the late 1800's. Beverly Jenkins is truly a scholar and a gifted storyteller. There are even historical references at the back!!! I want to make Beverly Jenkins my best-friend, I think we share a healthy appreciation of a gorgeous black man with a thick moustache.

Well I first have to give a very special group on The Color of Love Forum my thanks for getting me started on the journey of reading Beverly Jenkins books. A special sorority sister of mine actually mailed her copy to me to read. Boy am I glad she thought enough of me to do just that, because Topaz was one great book that I truly enjoyed reading.

I had not taken the leap into the historical romances but its something about the way Ms Jenkins uses her skill to tell these stories, you get pulled in like a magnet and cannot stop reading until you've finished.

Well, Marshall Dixon, "Dix" Wildhorse is some kind of man who comes from a strong heritage of Black Seminoles winds us marrying Katherine, "Kate, Love. The relationship journeys through some ups and downs but has such a spark of some sizzling love scenes in the 1800's WOW! If I say more, I'll end up giving the story away and that is not allowed on this site.

But just take my word folks, because this historical romance is not what you've been led to believe. It's more like the history of blacks during these times and Ms Jenkins is an excellent author in presenting this story about Dix and Kate. I strongly feel if she was our history teacher, she would make taking black history such an enjoyment that we would all earn passing grades.

Well, I have been given my next Jenkins book to read and that's Vivid. Thank you Beverly Jenkins for an outstanding book, and I kept my promise I made to you in Dallas that I would start reading your books. What a joy it has been!

I totally agree with THE DETROIT FREE PRESS! Beverly Jenkins is headed for "Super Star Status" with the release of her long awaited 7th Mulitcultural Historical Romance novel "Always and Forever". I can just hear LARRY GRAHAM crooning this title in the background of this compelling story of Grace "the hellion" and Blake "the provactive cowboy". These two embark on a wagon train of love and lust that leads to happiness every after, and I throughly enjoyed the ride! Beverly Jenkins is my literary star! Kkudos to everything she has written to date. Bring on the 8th book! She can't write fast enough for me! However I understand that accuracy is very important when writing about historical fact. It must require a tremendous amount of research because everything must be in sync. This is one of the reasons I love her books because I always learn something new about African-Americans and their trails and triumps.

If you are a big Beverly Jenkins fan, then you will love Always and Forever. This books was done in a way that only Beverly Jenkins can.

We met Grace Atwood and Jackson Blake in the book Topaz. I loved Grace, she didn't allow anyone to have her back against the wall. She could go with the best of them.

Jackson was on the run and had been for years. When Grace asks him to become the wagonmaster for about 35 mail-order brides, he felt this would be his opportunity to go back to his hometown and get his business straight. What Jackson hadn't planned on was Grace lighting his fire and BOY did she.

Some familiar characters from Beverly's previous books are present: Griffin (Jackson's brother) from the Taming of Jessi Rose and Mr. and Mrs. Dix and Katherine Wildhorse from Topaz.

As usual you get a wonderful history lesson. If you have not read any of Ms. Jenkins books, then start with Night Song, Vivid, Indigo, Topaz, Through the Storm, and The Taming of Jessi Rose. Make sure you have a cool glass of ice water, you will definitely need it.

Beverly Jenkins is just simply an incredible, multi-talented author. "Always and Forever" was a wonderful reading experience. This novel has so much to offer. The story of woman banker and cowboy taking a group of "mail order brides" cross country touched me in so many ways. From start to finish I was there with them -- I laughed, I cried, I felt their pain, their joy, their fear and their frustrations. It's such a heart-rendering story. Ms. Jenkins is noted for weaving quite a bit of real life history into her stories. She caught my attention and I fell hard for her novels when I read "Vivid". Since that time, I've read each and every one of her novels ("Vivid, Night Song, Topaz, Indigo, Through the Storm, and The Taming of Jessi Rose"). My advice to all of you, who want read a great novel, with a touch of historical facts, Beverly Jenkins is one author you want to add to your to buy list and one you'll want keep on that list. Every time I say she can't possibly improve on this last novel, she proves me wrong by doing the possible by generating another great book. Keep it up Beverly.

Beverly Kaye and Sharon Jordan-Evans have written a clever, candid, thorough guidebook for managers who would like to keep good people in their employ. With no filler, and plenty of insightful stories, this well-organized book is divided into 26 chapters - each one named for a strategy that begins with a sequential letter of the alphabet. Illustrated with color graphics that carry the eye to sidebars and other informative tidbits, the book offers advice ranging from professional to personal. It makes plenty of sense. We [...] recommend this book to anyone who manages or supervises employees, and for employees themselves.

Love 'Em or Lose 'Em is one of those books you want to give to every manager, supervisor, executive who has ever let a talented employee walk out the door, in turn causing them thousands of dollars to replace. Dr. Beverly Kaye and Sharon Jordan-Evans have made this book full of easy to use activities and useful To-do lists that are critical tools for ANYONE who has employees that they would hate to lose. I found the book extremely easy to read, and the 26 chapters fun to go through. The book is designed so that you can take and apply one chapter (or retention strategy) at a time, instead of being overwhelmed by trying to apply them all at once. A lot of the strategies in the book are common sense, but I know that managers still don't apply them when an employee is about to walk out the door. I would hope that ALL managers, supervisors, executives, etc. would apply just ONE strategy. I think they would be amazed and surprised at the effectiveness this one attempt would have on changing the employee's mind to stay. I highly recommend this book for all organizations, and for all levels within the organization. It truly is the best book I have read on retention strategies, and the authors make the book so applicable to the challenges faced in today's tight labor market!

Love 'Em or Lose 'Em is an excellent resource that all employers should read to better understand the needs of their employees. The way people work is changing constantly and employers need to realize that each of their employees need to be stimulated and encouraged to do their best.

Beverly Kaye and Sharon Jordan-Evans organize this book in an easy to read fashion. Yet the writing is not dry at all. The exasmple are explained with many real world examples and even in a fun friendly manner. Kaye and Evans encourage bosses to communicate effectively with their workers. They stress the importance of having retention meetings and getting feedback from key employees. Also important is creating a professional but fun work environment. Overtime may be necessary to complete key projects. But reward employees with a festive meal or a sporting actiity. It never hurts to mentor these key employees and to get to know their personal lives a little without infringing on their space.

Also key to this book is an outline illustrating how the loss of one critical employee effected the attitude of a particular department and even the company as a whole. This recessionary economy will soon lift and many employers need to realize that layoffs and rigid policies will only restrict organizational growth. An excellent resource on many levels.

Beverly Cleary's books have entertained kids for nearly 50 years, and this wonderful introduction to Ralph S. Mouse is no exception. Ralph is a young mouse living between the walls of the Mountain View Inn. He and his family always depend on the crumps of food that are dropped by the vacationers who stay at the Inn. It is critical that they remain hidden from human eyes lest the hotel sprays the Inn. One summer day, Ralph hears a boy making the sounds that all young children make when playing with toy motorcycles, so Ralph stealthily investigates the cycle when it's owner, Keith, is out of the room. When Keith discovers Ralph on the motorcycle, he makes a new friend by showing Ralph how to get the contraption to "go." "Pb-pb-b-b-b," goes Ralph, and away he goes on the "motorized" motorcycle, finding the freedom he has always yearned for in his young life. Now Ralph has endless opportunities for adventure, sometimes fun, sometimes scary, but always exciting. This is a special book. Kids adore it, and adults frequently love this journey back into childhood fantasy. I know I do!

This reviews the audiotape of the "chapter book" that is read in my child's 2nd grade class. It is more exciting to listen to the audio version than reading the book silently or out loud (though it's big stuff to be able to read a chapter book). The storyteller was well picked for this task. He has wonderful sound effects and different voices for each of the characters and uses them well and consistently throughout all three stories in this series. The class especially loved the sounds Ralph, the mouse, makes to get his motorcycle to move. If your child likes this tape, then I recommend you try all three audiotapes in the "Mouse" series. My child listens to them constantly, especially when travelling in the car, and though I enjoyed listening the first few times, there are occasions when I'd rather not hear them again. However, I still recommend this series for young children, and it is still fun to see my child's imagination captured by a small talking mouse and his adventures.

VROOM VROOM! Went a little motorcycle going down a hotel floor. If you like adventure stories then Mouse on the Motorcycle is the book for you! This book is about a little boy who goes to a hotel. And he happens to stay in a room where a little mouse and his family live. Keith, the little boy, and the mouse Ralph became great friends. Keith collects little toy cars and Ralph loves to ride them.
He has a lot of adventures on them. Ralph finds the motorcycle and during the night drives it down the hallway and has the time of his life! When Keith and his family leave the hotel, Keith asks Ralph to go home with him. Should Ralph go with Keith to be his pet, or should he stay with his family? You have to find out by reading the book.

I have read all of Beverly Jenkins' novels and Indigo is the best novel she has written. All of her books have been enjoyable and educational without feeling like you are in a history class. In Indigo, Ms. Jenkins provides the reader with the ultimate fantasy...Galen is Hester's prince charming. He truly LOVES her. The book takes place during the period in our history of slavery. Ms. Jenkins provides information that some readers may not know about the trials and dangers of the underground railroad. So, Ms. Jenkins is able to entertwine history and romance in a most delightful way! Indigo is more proof that as Ms. Jenkins has said, "What some African-Americans know about their history is that we were slaves and then there was Martin Luther King, Jr." African-Americans have a lot of history that exist between those two time periods and a lot of romance as well. Beverly Jenkins' ability to formulate an excellant historical romance novel dealing with African-American issues is fantastic!

You will enjoy this book...the ultimate fantasy of love...a Prince Charming.

I do not normally read historical romances. I was selecting books from a book club, saw the Black characters on the cover and decided to give it try. I was amazed at the how vivid the characters were and how they seemed to almost jump off the page. More importantly, I WAS AMAZED THAT BEVERLY WROTE BOOKS ABOUT STRONG, SENSITIVE, GOOD BLACK MEN!!!!! I had never read a book that painted Black men in a such a positive light.

Not only is Galen stunningly handsome, but he truly loves Hester and spares no expense at showing her so. He is well read, wealthy, and has impeccable manners. I also like the fact that Hester is one of our darker skinned beauties. Therefore, smashing the horrible myth that Black is only beautiful if lighter in color.

I have since read each and every book Beverly Jenkins has written and they are all fabulous. Indigo is my favorite followed closely by Through the storm, a completely separate story, however, the characters were introduced in Indigo. I love the way she entertwines more than one story, and a large piece of African American history as well.

KEEP WRITING YOUR WONDERFUL BOOK BEVERLY!!! I HAVE INTRODUCED SO MANY OF MY FRIENDS, BOTH MALE AND FEMALE, TO YOUR WONDERFUL STYLE OF WRITING!!!

Before reading Beverly Jenkins, I was a snob when it came to Romance Novels. Wouldn't entertain the thought of reading one. Now she has a fan for life. I've read all her other novels with the exception of Vivid, which I cannot find, so my expectations are pretty high. Indigo surpasses them all. Long after you've removed the book mark and closed the back cover this story will haunt you. The thing that makes Beverly so great is a combination of lyrical writing(the dialog between character is witty and the word-play between lovers is both spirited and lusty), incredible storylines, and characters that live and breath.

Hester Wyatt (Indigo) is the type of woman, we all strive to be, strong, honorable, intelligent and committed to causes she believes in. Galen Vachon is her soulmate, he is without a doubt the most handsome, determined and passionate character ever. Together they find love, discover passion and the rewards of shared commitment.

This is a must read!

I read this book several times since I was 8. Beverly Cleary gives a realistic picture of a 5-year-old girl who is misunderstood. To onlookers, she is a pest, but she doesn't mean to be. It is funny as well as real and is one of my favorite books. From Ramona trying to kiss Davy to her affection for Miss Binney and her anger towards Susan, the girl with the curls that Ramona loves to "boing", this book is one of Beverly Cleary's best yet. The ages for the book are 9 to 12, but I also recommend this book for adults who write for kids or are around kids a lot. It is enjoyable for all.

Picking up right where she left off, my favorite little girl has just started half-day kindergarten. She must deal with her older sister making fun of her, not being allowed to pull a little girl's curls and walking to school with Howie (the boy from down the street whom Ramon could do without).

Ramona is just like any other 5-year old. She gets confused and throws fits. She is such a loveable character because a most wonderful author creates her so deftly and realistically.

The text is appropriate for students in grades 2-5. It also works well in a read-aloud setting with this age group. These students (and teachers and parents as well) will get a kick out of remembering how confusing a time kindergarten can be. I recall hearing it read to me in 2nd grade and now have done the same with my students. A good laugh was heard everyday from our room.

Why 5 stars?:
Cleary repeatedly made young people reflect upon their own days as an even younger person with a string of books about experiencing the world through the eyes of a curious little girl with a will all of her own. This book is the second in the series that predates Junie B. Jones and was much better written.

Beverly Cleary is the master of creating timeless characters and Ramona Quimby is a timeless character. I read this book when I was a little girl, I fell in love with it, and now I am reading it to my 4 year old son, who begs for a new chapter every night.

Ramona isn't really a pest, but just a curious child, but that leads to all kinds of trouble as she starts kindergarten. Because of her new found troubles she almost decides she doesn't want to be there anymore.

Beverly Cleary really knows how to realate to children. It is simply no wonder that she has surpassed at least two generations with her work as an uncomparable author. She makes you laugh and feel all at the same time.

Here is a review from Danny, one of my third grade students:

In this book you'll meet Ramona, Beezus her big sister, her mother, her father, and Picky-picky the family cat. Ramona is a second grader who is full of joy, until her father loses his job then all of her family is miserable. Beezus starts getting a little grouchy, her mother starts getting worried, Picky-picky won't eat his [food], and her father starts smoking! Will Ramona's father ever get a job? Should Ramona help her father get a job or should she help her family be happy and jolly? You'll just have to read it and I'm telling you it is fabulous!

UNBELIEVEABLE!
I can't believe that was a book. It seemed so real.This is definitely a book you will remember forever. The setting of this wonderful book is in America in modern times. Most of the story takes place at Ramona's house or at her school. The characters are Ramona, a serious eight-year old girl with a lot on her mind, Mr.Quimby, Ramona's father and Beezus, Ramona's sister. Ramona has a normal life untill one payday when Ramona's father loses his job and starts smoking. One of the interesting parts is when Ramona's cat falls into their jack-o-lantern. Does everything work out for Ramona and her father? Find out! I think this is an A+ book.

Ramona and Her Father by Beverly Cleary

Have you ever thought your father cared about you a lot? Well in Ramona and Her Father, her father loses his job, and starts smoking! Ramona's family is acting mad. But Ramona's father is acting nice to her, most of the time. Find out what happens in Ramona and Her Father.

I liked this book a lot, because Ramona went through all the trouble just to make her family happy.

I think Beverly Cleary wanted to share that even though you are upset with your family you still love them. I think the author wanted to teach us that no family is perfect.

I am an avid reader and lover of Amish history. These 2 passions drew me to a display containing "The Shunning" when we were traveling and stopped to eat at a little restaurant-gift shop. I just had to get up from my meal and take a look at the book. I was so interested I had to read it. The characters were exciting people, individual in spite of being identical! Katie especially intrigued me! She was so fiesty, so different, opinionated, yet family oriented. How could she expect to be happy at any one place when the whole world called to her? I felt empathy for Katie's Amish parents because having a daughter like her surely was a test in their community! Yet, I felt Katie's pain...her uncertainty...her desires...what part in her longterm future would Mary play? How could Katie endure without Dan, her soul mate? How could she marry a man she did not love? Why must she be forced to live without the beautiful, soothing music she adored? Was it sin, or simply protocol? It was easy to keep switching my loyalty from one group to the other...they all had some good ideas. I thought I understood Katie and her inquisitive nature, yet I wanted to scold her for being ungrateful and even spiteful to her parents at times. I seemed to have love-hate for one person, then another! I think this author, Bev Lewis, surely must have an interesting life....how else could she think of so many wonderfully surprising events? For a book that led one to think it was going to be about a fairly dull family, living in a fairly dull town, with fairly dull ideals, there certainly was a trememdous amount of excitement nontheless! People DID have feelings, they DID experience emotions, and Katie Lapp was determined to live them in addition to just feeling them! There are issues here that are presented so well, love and marriage, family life, faith, obedience to parents, loyalty, adoption, trust, life and death, grief and mourning, traditions, ways of life...and all of these are wrapped around one tiny, pink satin baby gown! When I saw I was on the last page, I was stricken....NO, THIS CANNOT BE ENDING...there is so much I do not know yet! What will happen to..what if...when will...why didn't....maybe they...if only.... I did not rest a moment until book number 2 was in my hands! I so fully appreciate the author's portrayal of the love of God, His plan of salvation and especially the individuality of each person in spite of their surroundings! Thanks, Bev!

This book is a wonderful story of an Amish girl who discovers a secret about her past and who she is which turns her life upside down! I completely fell in love with the characters. I was so touched by Katie's situation. I laughed and cried through the whole book! The ending was quite shocking as well! I can't wait to read book #2!

This is the second book that i have read by Beverly Lewis. I have read both The Shunning,and The Confession,and i thought that they were both great.I am now reading her book The Reckoning.I hope that it is good too.These books helped me learn more about amish people,which i knew nothing about,, ,and they also are Christian fiction too.All i read now are Christian fiction.

Poor Beezus. This story is mainly focused about her, and how her little sister, Ramona is always messing everything up for her. Beverly Cleary does a wonderful job of describing how horrible little sisters can be. Beezus feels like a terrible person because there are times when she doesn't love Ramona, but is reassured when she finds out that sisters don't have to love each other all the time. This book is a great read for children (especially those with siblings.)

I read my daughter Beverly Cleary's Ramona the Pest last year, when she was in kindergarten (because in that book Ramona is also a kindergartner) and she instantly pronounced it her favorite chapter book of all time.

We've since been reading all the Ramona books, but we skipped this one for awhile. It's the first in the series, and takes place when Ramona is four years old. I knew from reviews that if focused more on Ramona's older, more serious sister, Beezus, and wasn't a "real" Ramona Quimby book. I somehow thought it would not be as funny as the others.

I was wrong. Ramona is even more exuberant in this book than in any of the others we've read, and her antics are hilarious. Seeing everything through the eyes of her serious sister does not make it one bit less funny.

But this is not just a funny book. It deals gently and honestly with the difficulty Beezus has in loving her sometimes exasperating little sister. Beezus and Ramona is more than forty years old, but I donÕt think anyone has ever come close to Beverly Cleary's ability to capture and sympathize with children's feelings. Cleary brings everything around to a happy, but entirely believable ending in this warm, wise book.

My daughter says this is her second favorite Ramona book (after Ramona the Pest), but so far it's my very favorite.

9-year old Beezus has a big problem- her little sister. She knows a lot of people with four-year old sisters, but none of them are nearly as much trouble as Ramona. She is always being an annoyance. She constantly wants her favorite book read to her, and Beezus gets stuck reading it to her. She rides her tricycle around the house and crashes into the table where Beezus and Henry are playing checkers. Then she gets into trouble and sent to her room, then decides to punish Henry's dog Ribsy by locking him in the bathroom. She ruins Beezus's birthday cake- twice!

Beezus decides she does not love her little sister. Not one bit. What kind of awful person doesn't love her own sister? She knows that sisters should get along, like her mother and Aunt Beatrice. But then she learns that all sisters fight and do not always love each other- even her mother and Aunt Beatrice.

Even though this book is at a quite easy reading level, I would recommend it even to adults because it is a humorous but wise book- Cleary knew how four-year old sisters thought when she wrote this.