Customer Reviews

Before the Dawn

5 star:		(25)
4 star:		(8)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

As he lies dying Louis Montague wants to make things right for Leah Barnett, daughter of the woman he always loved. He persuades Leah into marrying him so she can inherit his vast estate. Reluctantly she agrees to wed a man she considers her father while knowing she will be a widow in days and that their marriage will never be consummated. Louis also makes a deathbed confession. He admits that he has sired two thirty plus year old boys that live in Colorado and that he has not seen them in decades. He wants a shocked Leah to tell them he is sorry.

Leah takes the train west where she meets the younger Montague Ryder who feels this Jezebel took advantage of a sick old man to steal the estate. However, the vast estate has large debts, which Monty offers to pay in return for a few favors. Soon, Monty and Leah fall in love, but can he overcome his distrust and hatred especially when someone else wants them dead.

Readers will find this an exciting Reconstruction Era romance, but what make a Beverly Jenkins tale a delight are the tidbits on African-American history that blends smoothly into the plot. For instance, readers learn the color of Leah's skin via the conductor telling her that people like her do not belong in that part of the train. As usual the graceful Ms. Jenkins entertains and educates her audience with a stirring ethnic romantic tale of 1870s America.

Harriet Klausner

This is another historical masterpiece by Beverly Jenkins. She comes up with some really great ideas for her stories. I guess that's why she writes books and I only write reviews. Okay the gist of the story, Leah marries her mother's long-time love, don't get turned off, on his deathbed but only because he loves her like a daughter and wants to leave her his inheritance. The problem, he has two sons both older than Leah and he wants her to convey to them his regrets at having been such a lousy father and let them know he died a changed man. Now! Here's the reason that you really, really want to read this book.

When Pearl Cleage told us she was looking for a brother to "turn the boat around" she had Ryder Damien in mind. A strong-willed, handsome, take-charge man who knows what he wants and goes after it. Of course he has a few "soft spots" when people have been slinging hurtful barbs at you all your life, you get a little sensitive, but Leah is the cure for all his ills. This book is charged with raw sexuality the pages sizzle. Ryder is witty, charming (when he wants to be) and exciting and Leah is his equal in every respect. What a Man!!!! Just think you can get all this for $5.95 even less if you order from Amazon.

I have been patiently waiting for this book for over a year now.....and it was definitely worth the wait.

We meet Leah, a very hard-working owner of a tavern, who even scrubs her own floors. Born to a free-spirited woman and a seafaring sailor she never knew. Although she grew up surrounded by her mother's love, she was still taunted as being a "bastard" child.

Then we are introduced to Ryder Damien. Born of mixed race,Black and Cheyenne, he too was taunted as a child. Nicknamed "Squaw Boy" by ignorant others including his own half-brother, Seth.

From the first time they meet, as she's helped from a train, sparks begin to fly. Even after he learns she's his father's widow, the man who deserted him and accused of killing his own Mother, he still couldn't deny the attraction.

I couldn't stop turning the pages. From the threat of prison, to Leah being bought by Ryder, to his brother Seth pursuing her, to his ultimate admission of love and the exciting heart-stopping ending. Through it all, my attention was held, the romantic scenes were "HOTT" and I even got a history lesson out of it.

I will say this.....being from Georgia, the Peach State, I'll never, EVER look and/or eat a peach the same ever again!

Once again, Beverly, you done good girl. Ryder Damien is definitely a hero to remember. I'm going over to Harper/Collins website now to vote for him as hero fo the month of October. He sure deserves it. I hope that those reading this review will do the same.

My favorite scene was, (not counting the peach eating scene)was when they went elk hunting for "King". I got a good laugh off that one. My fiance and I are going to the mountains next month. I'm thinking of taking some peaches with me.....wonder if I could talk him into elk hunting as well!

Readers.....BUY THIS BOOK!! You will not be disappointed.

this was the first book i'd ever read by Beverly Jenkins, since then i am one of her biggest fans. this book capture me in a way no other romance novel has before and trust me i read lots of romances. The book is quite an adventure, and is sprinkled with humor. and finishes with a bang. the only thing i could say at the end is Da--!

With a new cast of characters, Ms. Jenkins fills your appetite for a spicy love story that leaves you more knowledgable about little talked about areas of African-American history. Ms. Jenkins's male lead, Ryder, is hot, sexy and all man. And you won't find Leah (the heroine) sitting in a field of flowers, drinking tea and waiting to get rescued by a big, strong man--although Ryder easily steps up to protect his woman. The characters are original, sensuous and fun. Enjoy!
Kimberley White, Author of "Sweet Tomorrows"

I was introduced to Beverly Jenkins at a booksigning. I immediately thought "I can not read anything with a cover like this". Well... I learned that you can't judge abook by its cover.

"Before the Dawn" was a very interesting and romanitc story. Leah Barnette agrees to marry her mother's trusted friend and lover, Louis Montague, on his death bed. Drama!! What she did not know was that he was wanted for the alleged murders of his wife and mistress. Double Drama!! He also left behind two sons, Seth and Ryder and so the story begins.

If you have not read a Beverly Jenkins romance than this would be a good place to start. She gives some history on the Cheyanne Tribes (I'll admit I wanted more) and a lot more that is interwoven into the story. Also spend some time researching her historical facts. They are just as interesting as the story.

Peace and Blessing!!

This is one of Beverly Jenkins best book if you have not read any of her Historical Romance try this one it is amazing!! You get a history lesson and a passionate love story all in one!!

This was my first book by Beverly Jenkins, I first read it in July, 2003 and have since read it three more times.

Once I started reading it, I couldn't put it down! Oh my goodness, I wish Ryder Damien was real!!! I envied Leah and wished I was her. This is a great book, I enjoyed the story as well as the loved scenes. Beverly Jenkins is a great writer and I have since read about five more of her novels, never being disappointed. I enjoy how she incorporates true history into her novels. Great Job, Beverly!!!! Great Job!

This is the first time I have read any of Beverely Jenkins's books, I like reading romance novels with realism. This book is brillant, she describes men and women as they really are. I also learned a lot about African American history in the 1880s, which I found very interesting. Ryder Damien is a man, who would blow your mind away. Well Done Beverley!

The chemistry between Ryder and Leah is sizzling. Ms. Jenkins develops both characters especially, Leah's. She is strong, yet fragile. I enjoyed reading this book. I was caught up in the moment and rooted for their happiness. Be prepared for the sensual love between Ryder and Leah. Read it and Enjoy!!