Belle and the Beau [Paperback]

Beverly E. Jenkins (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 30, 2002

Belle

After a grueling escape north, Belle Palmer is free, yet lost and alone. Separated from her father on the harrowing journey, Belle has nowhere to turn until she finds shelter with the Bests, the first free family she's ever known. For the first time in her sixteen years, Belle is able to express herself freely-except where her feelings for a certain dark-eyed young man are concerned.

The Beau

Daniel Best is headed for great things. Educated and handsome, at eighteen he is full of the promise and dream of his people, and is engaged to the prettiest (if the most spoiled) girl around. So when a bedraggled stranger arrives in his household and turns into a vibrant, lovely young woman, his attraction to her catches him entirely by surprise.

While Belle is determined to deny her feelings for him, Daniel is caught between his conscience and his infatuation with her. That the two belong together is undeniable, but that it could ever happen seems impossible.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 8 Up-In Jenkins's first young adult romance novel, Belle Palmer escapes from slavery in antebellum Kentucky and finds freedom in Michigan with the help of an abolitionist family. A former slave herself, Mrs. Best helps the reticent 16-year-old blossom into a confident young woman, while Mr. Best is the model of a man dedicated to family. Belle is soon drawn to Daniel Best, 18, who has an "intended," albeit a haughty one. With the passage of time, Belle learns to navigate her new way of life, and Daniel learns important lessons about when to let go and when to follow one's heart. Primary and secondary characters are well drawn. The novel is heavily punctuated with facts about African-American history, and, true to the genre, a happy ending follows the bittersweet story. This empowering tale is a great starting point for readers new to romances, but fans of the genre will not be disappointed.
Elaine Baran Black, Gwinnett County Public Library, Lawrenceville, GA
Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

About the Author

Beverly Jenkins is an African-American historical romance writer. She lives in southeastern Michigan with her husband and their two children. Born in Detroit, she graduated from Cass Technical High School and attended Michigan State University, where she majored in journalism and English Literature.

Ms. Jenkins has written eight books to date, for which she has received numerous awards, including two Waldenbooks Best Sellers Awards, a Career Achievement Award from Romantic Times magazine for Best Western Historicals, and a Golden Pen Award from the Black Writer's Guild.

Ms. Jenkins has been featured in many national publications, including The Wall Street Journal, People magazine, The Dallas Morning News and Vibe magazine. She has lectured at such prestigious schools and universities as Oberlin College, the University of Illinois, and the University of Michigan.

Beverly Jenkins's adult titles include Night Song, Vivid, Indigo, Topaz, Through the Storm, The Taming of Jessi Rose, Always and Forever and Before the Dawn.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 13 and up
  
• Paperback: 296 pages
• Publisher: HarperTeen (April 30, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0064473422
• ISBN-13: 978-0064473422
• Product Dimensions: 6.8 x 4.2 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.1 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (23 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #892,274 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Beverly Jenkins grew up in Detroit and majored in journalism and English literature at Michigan tate University. She has been featured in the Wall Street Journal, People, the Dallas Morning News, Vibe, and many other national publications.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A charming historical romance for teenage girls., April 30, 2002

By 

Rebecca Herman (USA) - See all my reviews
(HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)    (VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Belle and the Beau (Paperback)

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.

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Romantic History Lesson, June 13, 2002

By 

J.C. Wallington "jnettefrommi" (Detroit, MI) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: Belle and the Beau (Paperback)

The Belle and the Beau would do any African American history buff
proud. Though targeted for a young adult audience, it is well worth anyone's time to read. This historical romance is so full of little known black history facts, that one could learn a lot and still enjoy the budding romance of the teenagers Belle and Beau.

Belle, a runaway slave, is taken in by the Best family after being separated from her father. She is amazed by this free family and even more intrigued by their son, Daniel. Daniel, who at first mistakes her for a boy, finds he likes what he sees when he realizes she is a girl. During her stay with the Best family, Belle and Daniel become close, but "Frannie the Queen" is lingering in the shadows waiting to cause trouble.

With the help of the Best family and other friends, Belle and you the reader will learn the history of the underground escape routes, the plight of the abolitionists beyond Frederick Douglass, and the dangers that can be caused by the slave catchers.

I found this book charming and full of history. I have always
enjoyed the historical romances by Beverly Jenkins for the mature audience. I am glad that a younger audience can now have the same opportunity to experiences these romantic history lessons.

Jeanette Wallington
APOOO Bookclub

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Read, June 7, 2002

By 

"mzdvyne2000" (Dallas, Texas United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Belle and the Beau (Paperback)

After reading the first review of this book I had to have my own say. If you have ever read anything written by Beverly Jenkins you will LOVE this book. Although there is no "sex" in Belle and the Beau but she takes you there and your like....dayam keep going. After meeting her in a book signing in Dallas, I learned that before I read the book that reading this will help young girls understand how men are suppose to treat young ladies and that is with RESPECT.

After I read the book, the light did go off in my head. This was a much need book because young ladies today do not know how they are suppose to be treated. Belle and the Beau was not written to focus on slavery because according to Beverly "slavery is not romantic". I think it was great to see how people especially black people treated each other.... with love, respect and they looked after each other.

So ladies and gentlemen give Beverly your support and BUY Belle and the Beau.....you will love it!!!! Dont forget to pick up her other novels they are the BOMB!!!!