This book is a great story and is somewhat a secondary book to Belle and the Beau.

The leading character in this story is Josephine Best, Daniel younger sister, and is very set in her goals. She owns a hairstyling shop, been to college, and is dating George Brooks who is passive and not really her type.

Then she meets Adam Morgan, Daniel's friend from way back, who is famous for his charm with the ladies. Jojo knows that she can't get caught up in that... but somehow she just cant help it. She tries to resist Adam. But does it work? Do these two who seem destined to be together work it out? Or does this romance fall apart?

I highly recommend this to anyone who love historical romance... definatly a five star book!!

Reviewed by Brenda Turner

Seventeen year old Josephine Best had a life long dream to own her on beauty shop.

JoJo didn't bother with affairs of the heart, because she had more other important things on her mind. With the war coming to the end, JoJo had her sights set on marketing her hair products. JoJo was not looking for love, when she met George Brooks, a wounded soldier on medical leave. George convinced her to allow him to court her.

Casanova, Adam Morgan has known Josephine most of her life. When he joined the military she was young girl who was always getting trouble. Upon his return, he met a gorgeous, sophisticated, extraordinary young women who stole his heart away.

When Adam found out that the young lady was JoJo his best friend's younger sister he could not believe his eyes. Because his reputation preceded him JoJo had no mind to consider Adam as a beau, even though she was attracted. Both JoJo and Adam tried desperately to stay away from each other. But one kiss let them know that it was impossible. Their heart had already been pierced by cupid's arrow and they had eyes only for each other.

Touché to Ms. Jenkins on this excellent bouquet of emotions. A magnificent romance that brought memories of my first real love. I rated this great piece of art 5***** stars.

If you have read any other books from this series, you know that they are simply fantastic. Belle and the Beau features JoJo, who's story is in Josephine and the Soldier. JoJo is Daniel's little sister, the man that Belle married in the aforesaid novel.
JoJo's story is my personal favorite in the series(so far. In Belle and the Beau, Adam Morgan and his brother Jeremy used to tease their best friends little sister all the time, calling her "Pest" and aggravint her to no end. When the brothers move to Canada, the Best family thinks that that is the last they will ever see or hear from the Morgans. But it's not!
Adam is injured in the civil War and returns to his old town where several soldiers are staying. Mrs. Best offers him a place in their home, since she always loved the Morgans like her own sons.
When Adam see his little "Pest" again, he doesn't even recognize her! She is grown up and beautiful, taking his breath away. However, the Jo remebers Adam and Jere was that they unending charm towards the ladies, always "picking flowers", and they stayed that way. That is, until Adam sees JoJo.
JoJo treis to ignore the way Adam makes her fell, but she simply can't. She has her eye on another man, after all, who's asked to call on her. But, then how does Adam make her feel in ways that no other man ever has? She loves him, and he her, bu whereas Adam is willing to admit to it and put an end to his "flower picking days", JoJo does not believe him....yet.
Read this book, but only after you read Belle and the Beau. Knowing the two's history together makes this even more charming and hilarious then it would be, READ IT!

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.

This is a great book to read. I have never read anything printed by Beverly Jenkins, but now that I have, I recommend her to everyone. I could not put the book down, it was a lesson in history as well as a great romance story. Ms. Jenkins did an excellent job in creating the characters of Chase of Cara Lee. I went to the library to get all the books by this author. I will be adding her to my list of favorite authors.

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

Beverly Jenkins' Topaz is an exceptional book. Set in the 1800s, it is the story of newspaperwoman Katherine Love and a Black Seminole marshal, Dixon Wildhorse. The book is suspenseful, humorous, informative and very, very romantic. The story of two strangers from opposite ends of the country who literally come together in an arranged marriage is a classic. The reader learns and gets to know the characters as they get to know each other. Beverly Jenkins has written a story that lends itself to the visual. I, for one, would love to see a screenplay of her novel. It is rich and colorful. It is funny and sad. We learn about the Buffalo Soldiers, the Black Seminoles and other tribes, how mail order brides made it across the country and what married life was like during the 19th century. The strength of Ms. Jenkins work is that she is informative, without being preachy. The bibliography at the end of the novel is a must for those who want to do more reading and research. Topaz is Ms. Jenkins' most recent work. It was the first African-American historical romance novel I've read. It made me want to read more works by the author. I did and I wasn't disappointed. Her work keeps getting better. I look forward to her next book.

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.

Is Jenkins the best historical romance novelist of all times or what!! Well she is in my book. I loved Topaz. This novel was very rich in Black Seminole and African American history,"American History." The characters in this one are truly unforgettable. Dixon Wildhorse was a man after my own heart. I reall don't blame Kate Love for falling in love with Dix even though the circumstances would suggest her dislike for him. I loved the way their love developed for each other over time. Even more Jenkins once again created characters that will be remembered for a long time to come. It is one thing to have a great romance in a book, but when you add great history, great characters, and a great connection of all those things, the novel is truly in a class all by itself. That ladies and gentlemen, can also be said about the author of that great novel. Love you work, you, Beverly Jenkins, are truly in a class by yourself!!

Who else gives you not only believable characters, but also historical information? Only Beverly Jenkins. I love how she can combine 2 books together and still have a totally different story. I enjoy the courage and strength of her characters, and I have learned a lot in regards to my history as an Africian-American Woman. The fact that the women were determined to prepare themselves and complete their goals was really encouraging for me. I always enjoy her books. And I agree that they need to be made into mini-series. If you have never read a Beverly Jenkins book, please do not deny yourself any longer. She is the best out there.

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.

I love this book. Before this book I had never heard of Beverly Jenkins. But now, I love her. I love the way she mixes fiction with true historical events, and makes it enjoyable to read at the same time. Wonderful book: a real page turner.

This novel was great. If you love historical romance novels as I do, you'll love this one! This book was written so that it read like it was written by a veteran of historical romance. As I say before about Jenkins' novels, if you are in the mood for a great history lesson, just pick up one of her romance novels!! Vivid was a character any women could love because she repersented a strong women of her time that were determine to have careers that men usually held. She was educated, dedicated, had her own opinion, and was a doctor to boot! It was just her luck to fall in love with Grayson Grove's handsome, stubborm, closed minded mayor Nate Grayson. But Vivid had his mind wide open by the end of the book in more ways then one. One could easily fall in love with their characters, along with all the other wonderful characters presented in this book! Another great read form the very talented Beverly Jenkins!!

Vivid was the first book I've ever read by the author Beverly Jenkins. I was hooked from the very first chapter. The characters grab you and pull you in from the start. You become a part of them and they become a part of you. You never want the book to end. Ever since I read vivid about 5 years ago I have search out and read every single book written by the illustrious Beverly Jenkins. Through reading her books I have learned greater details about the struggles well as the accomplishment of my African American people. The fact that she takes real events from our history and combine with stories of romantic triumph is marvelous. I also love the fact that all her books appear to be connected. Beverly Jenking has added an extra feature, such as, a trace of characters from previous books. Making you feel like you've never really said good bye to the charters in the last book. I have passed on all of my Bevely Jenkins books to my friends. Like a good movies you can watch over and over. I have read all her books at least twice. I have started my own little Beverly Jenkins book club and we can hardly wait for her next book. Beverly girl if you read this you need to find away to print out more that one book a year. You go girl. A fan for life

It's 1859 in Whittaker, Michigan. Belle Palmer has just suffered a grueling escape as a slave from the north, and has been separated from her father. She finds safety with the Best's, a free black family. Which includes the handsome Daniel Best, an educated 18-year-old boy. Belle falls in love with him, but not before she finds out that he is already engaged to the pettiset girl of color. What she doesn't completely realize, is that secretly Daniel loves her too.

This was an excellent historical romance aimed at sharing the truths of slaves and what they had to go through, and love. Obviously Beverly Jenkins is quite the writer, being able to write romances for not only adults but teens as well. I hope to read more by her.

If you have ever read anything written by Beverly Jenkins you will Love this book. Although, this title was written for young adults I found it to be an excellent read. There is no "sex" in Belle and the Beau however, Beverly takes you there and leaves you wanting more. After meeting her in at a book signing in Dallas, I learned this book was written to help young ladies understand how they are SUPPOSE to be treated....with Respect!!!!

After I read the book, the light did go off in my head and I agree there was definitely a need for this book.

Belle and the Beau was not written to focus on slavery because according to Beverly "slavery is not romantic". Another thing I love about this book and her other novels is how black people during that time treated each other. The people in the community treated each other with love, respect and they looked after each other with is something I find lacking in some of our African American communities.

I guarantee after you read Belle and The Beau it will NOT be the last work you read by this author....EVERYTHING she writes wonderful!!!

-JeT

Belle has lived all her sixteen years in slavery. As a young girl she lost her mother, who was sold away. Her father has decided that he wants a better life for himself and his daughter, so they flee Kentucky, hoping to reach freedom in Canada. But the two are separated, and Belle finds herself lost and alone in Michigan. She is found by the side of the road by Daniel and Josephine Best, the children of free black parents who operate a station on the Underground Railroad. Belle finds herself taken in by the Bests, being treated like a member of the family. But while enjoying her newfound freedom, she also longs for news of her father. And though she doesn't mean to, Belle finds herself falling in love with Daniel, even though he is already engaged to another. Can they ever be together, and will Belle ever find her father again? I highly recommend this book to teenage girls who enjoy historical romances.

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!!!

I've reviewed this book before but it bears repeating. This is one of the most romantic books I've ever read. Beverly Jenkins is a wonderful writer whose books I can not get enough of. I read her books so fast and can hardly wait for the next one. Indigo and Topaz are my favorites but the others are also very good. I recommend these books to anyone who loves romance and excitement. Beverly's books always gives you a history lesson and that's one of the things I really love about them. And I see why her books are always out of print, because they completely sell out and more have to be printed. Keep up the excellent writing Beverly, you have a fan for life.

Beverly Jenkins is a wonderful African-American romance writer. I have read all three of her books and they just keep on getting better. My favorite just happens to be Indigo. The history within this book, the tenderness, and the love displayed in so many ways just brings tears to your eyes. Beverly Jenkins has a wonderful way with words and describing every detail of what is happening. For anyone who loves "love" or who is a true romantic, this is the book to read. You will not be disappointed, you will not be able to put this book down and you will forever remember the characters Galen and his Indigo

When I picked up Through the Storm from the bookstore and read the back cover I screamed for joy. When I read that the story was about Raimond LeVeq from Indigo my heart was racing! I read nonstop for a day and a half. Beverly Jenkins just gets better and better. Her characters are smart, funny and interesting. Just as Sable was the queen so is Beverly Jenkins. African-American history and romance only gets better when Beverly Jenkins writes it.

In 1864 Georgia, Sable Fontaine realizes that her occupation as a slave may be nearing an end but she remains in jeopardy. Though she has been treated reasonably well and educated by her father (the plantation owner) and is close with her half-sister, her father's wife has sold her to the cruel Henry Morse. Sable flees her home via the underground railroad with Henry in hot pursuit.

At one station, she meets Raimond LeVeg, who falls in love with the spicy girl. However, she runs away from his camp when Henry arrives. This leaves Raimond questioning his own wisdom as he wonders if she is a spy? Sable goes to New Orleans where she meets Raimond's mamam and ultimately she weds Raimond. However, Henry is a nineteenth century stalker, who is coming for his property regardless of Lincoln and his proclamations.

Beverly Jenkins is by far the leading writer of African-American historical romances and her latest novel, THROUGH THE STORM, enhances that well-deserved reputation. Though the story line requires an acceptance of coincidence, readers will enjoy the historical authenticity that brings to light facts often ignored by history texts. The lead rotagonists are a charming duo, whose romance is passionate and hot. Any fan of historical romances, who have failed to try a Jenkins novel is missing out on one of the best writers of the sub-genre.

Harriet Klausner

Through The Storm is another wonderful book from Beverly Jenkins. This book catches the readers up on the characters in Indigo.

Sable is a young woman escaping from her new owner. She meets Raimond LeVeq at one of the slave camps the Union has set up. Raimond is in charge of the camp. He is captivated by Sable, but at first she does not feel the same.

Raimond and Sable do finally begin a relationship, but Sable is caught up in not being taken back to the plantation and leaves with her new friends.

Raimond meets Sable again as the woman his mother wants him to marry. From this point on, Raimond is in trouble. It does not help that he only wants Sable to fulfill the provisions of his grandfather's will, that his brothers and his mother are in love with Sable.

Raimond finally admits that he is in love with Sable, and has to take teasing from his good friend Galeno.

This book is a good read and the history that Beverly always includes in her books on add t! o the story.

In 1884, Loreli Winters travels as part of a contingent of Black mail order brides. However, unlike the rest of the females, Loreli has no intention of marrying anyone nor live in the small Black community of Hanks, Kansas. She signed on for the adventure of going west and plans to continue on to California.

Two little girls, Bebe and Dede learn that Loreli is not intending to be anyone's mother, and decide she will be their new mama. Loreli worries about the twins being by themselves so she insists on escorting them home. She meets their Uncle Jake Reed and both mutually agree that matrimony is not in either of their plans. However, neither one realize yet how far two desperate matchmaking preadolescents will go to make Loreli their new mama. As they protest a little bit louder then necessary, inside their hearts Jake and Loreli are falling in love.

When one reads a Beverly Jenkins historical romance, the flavor of the era from a different perspective freely flows through a wonderful tale. A CHANCE AT LOVE is a chance for the audience to learn about American Blacks in the 1880s yet while doing so inside a strong engaging novel. The story line is vividly descriptive, but also provides fully developed characters. Fans the author's previous books will relish Loreli finally as the lead and know she met her soul mate. The twins with their actions somewhat steal the show, but the real strength of this story remains the period piece that displays the immense talent of Ms. Jenkins.

Harriet Klausner

This is one of the most beautiful love stories that I have ever read. I was alittle hesitant about purchasing it because it is a historical romance but it turned out to be an excellent read. Loreli was awesome, the twins were breath-taking, and last but not least, their uncle (and eventually Loreli's honey) was "just a good man." Beverly Jenkins is a great writer and I would recommend this book to anyone who would like to read an excellent and well put together love story. I am looking forward to reading more of her books.

If you have never read a Beverly Jenkins novel you've never truly read a good book. Wonderful, colorful characters, good old fashioned heart warming love, humor and whimsy, history and culture, twists and suspense, topped off with a couple of happy tears and the sadness of being finished right at the end. Those who lavish in her work don't lend their books out to friends - even good ones - unless they've got another copy to spare for fear of losing their favorite book (mind you each of her novels are my favorite book)to the forces of evil or worse yet the realm of I can't find it. Message boards are littered with requests by avid readers to find one book or another penned by this author. Getting one off ebay is next to impossible. With all this said, I implore you - BUY THIS BOOK NOW - don't wait for it to go down in price - they don't - and I don't care if you've got plenty of other things to read - put them down - and enjoy the newest work by one of the most profound historical romance writers - excuse me - just make that writer of any work -to grace us with her presence. This particular novel puts a spin on the traditional. Here we have an inexperienced Hero and an experienced Heroine with a ton of heat between them burning the book right in your hands...I don't need to say more. A Synopsis is not needed. Read it for yourself. Then feel free to thank me afterward.

The Taming of Jessi Rose is a romance that fans of old-fashioned Westerns will enjoy. Griffin Blake is an outlaw with a heart of gold who is released from prison to help Jessi Clayton and her nephew, Jotham, save the family ranch. Along the way, Jessi rediscovers the tenderness she had long since buried. There's love and laughter and African-American history galore. Black Seminole marshal Dixon Wildhorse makes an all-too brief appearance. It's another winner by Beverly Jenkins.

I have been a fan of Beverly Jenkins's novels since Night Song. I have just finished reading The Taming of Jessi Rose and I knew I had to write. I think there are one or two of your books I have not read (simply because I did not know they existed). I look for your name whenever I visit my local bookstores and most of the time, your titles are sold out.

I no longer read the summary on the back of your novels to see if it's a story I'm interested in. If it has your name on it, I just pick it up and put it in my cart. (I read a lot of books and I have one or two favorite authors - Yours is the only book I buy by virtue of your name alone.)

I appreciate the amount of research that you must do to write such wonderful historical romances. Your hard work shows in the effortless way you seem to weave historical details into the fabric of the love story, making it entertaining, while at the same time, giving the story substance. I also appreciate the fact that your work is not littered with the amount of profanity that seems to be so prevalent in stories about black people.

I loved Jessi Rose. This story was different from any other I've read. You managed to take four outlaws and turn them into lovable men with colorful personalities, each one of them I would like to know better. I'd be interested to read more about the "Terrible Twins". What kind of woman would it take to turn them on the path of the straight and narrow?

I hope you continue to write. You have a wonderful talent for storytelling and keeping your reader enthralled. As far as I'm concerned, you are the best! I agree with the Detroit Free Press. You are definitely on your way to superstar status. You deserve it.

I hadn't realized how long it had been since the last Beverly Jenkins novel I read, but it was certainly too long ago! A most forcible reminder of that fact was brought home when I was but a few pages into this wonderful book. I've been struggling lately with the seeming oxymoron of 'historical romance'. The two words are not mutually exclusive, but it seems that more and more of the recent books have too much history (much of it inaccurate) for the romance readers, or too much romance for the lovers of history.

What a treat it is to find a book in which these two elements are so inextricably melded together into one extremely satisfying whole. Beverly Jenkins improves with each book. Fact. Even though one would have thought that impossible, even when reading her very first book, "Night Song".

There is even more humor in Jessi Rose than I remembered from prior books, but it certainly added more lustre to the story of this intrepid young woman--determined to hold the family ranch in safe keeping for her young nephew, Joth--and the train-robber Griffin Blake, who is sent to help her. He doesn't want to be there, and she doesn't want him there, but there he is, and there he's gonna stay. Their battle of wits--and sharp retorts to each other--will keep you smiling long after the book is read.

Set in Texas in the 1880s, the plot is pure Western; the money-hungry land-grabber wants acreage he can't get legally, so he resorts to force. What makes it different is the history of Blacks in the United States after the War Between the States and the supposed emancipation of them. Laws are only as good as those who enforce them, making this topic as current as today's headlines. Then, as now, of course, it is the people themselves who make the difference, and the characters in this book will stay with you for a long time. Oh, and did I mention this book has one of my favorite plot lines? Slightly older woman/younger man, and it works beautifully here.

Where, oh where--is there a film/tv producer who would make this into a movie? It would be an absolute smash hit, if it were faithfully recreated according to the author's delicious vision. Well, except perhaps for the love scenes, which, unless tamed down just a tad, might well move it right out of the family-type films of which we need more excellent examples. (Don't you think Hallie Berry would make an absolutely dandy Jessi Rose?)

Readers of romance and/or history owe a huge debt of gratitude to Beverly Jenkins, for having exposed a mostly previously-unknown world to the public eye. She deserves every accolade she's earned--and then some!