Customer Reviews

Belle and the Beau

5 star:		(20)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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.

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

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!!!!

In an engaging story of pre-Civil War times, Ms. Jenkins brings readers a heroine worth routing for, along with a setting and plot that have a ring of authenticity. Ms. Jenkins has obviously done the research needed to draw readers into history and show them what it might have been like to live and love in such a turbulent time. Her heroine is a likeable young lady, and if the hero doesn't leap off the pages with as much personality as Belle, he is at least good-hearted and inoffensive. The story doesn't delve far into the darkest experiences of slavery, but does offer interesting information on the Underground Railroad and the odious ways of slavecatchers. The True Romance series shows promise as a vehicle for introducing young adult readers to the romance genre in a gentle, educational manner, if the target audience can find it on the shelves. Worth checking out.

Excellent young adult novel for an introduction into historical fiction. I have read all of Beverly Jenkins books. I would recommend this book for teens ages 15 - adults. Just enough history intertwined with fiction for fast enjoyble reading.

I loved this book! It is so far my favorite of the Avon True Romance series. The author does a really good job of not rushing the plot of the story, making it all the more believable and better.
Belle Palmer came North not knowing what she would find and found more than she could have ever though possible. She finds friends and enemies, freedom to do what she pleases, and the chance to make something of herself, but there are questions still that she wonders about, like her father? and Daniel?
Daniel has everything about his life figured out, until he discovers that the runaway he found is turning into a vibrant young woman and is turning his head in more way than one. He knows that she is right for him deep down and does not want to admit it because of his attachment with Francine. He knows what his heart is telling him to do.... the question is will he follow it?
This book is well worth the read!

The book is dripping with facts about what coloreds went through during the cruel times of slavery and the amazing people who helped put an end to it. The alliances between the abolitionists were strong and heart-warming that they should do anything to help a slave, even at the rusk of their own lives and families. It makes me proud to know our anncestors would put themselves through fire to aide the slaves to freedom.
read this book- even if you're not a history buff like I am, I assure you there are many other factors to enjoy as well, such as the romance and the humorous views (I laughed A LOT while reading this novel)and the bond between people that you come to call family. It is an amazing accomplishment. Thumbs up to Beverly E. Jenkins!

This story was perhaps the best of the series yet. Mrs. Jenkins gives you facts about slavery and what happens when people work together to help each other.

Belle, is the runaway, she is led to shelter by Daniel Best. Over time Belle learns how people in the north try to end slavery. She also comes to admitt her true feelings for Daniel and learns to read and operate her own business.

Daniel, finds Belle and takes her to his home to meet his mother. Daniel is in a delicate situation, he has an intended but is drawn to Belle. As the story progresses, he learns what true love is all about.

I loved this book. Even though I read Josephine and the Soldier before this one, it was nice to "go back" and see how Belle and Daniel got together. I really enjoyed seeing JoJo as a spunky 12-year old who doesn't hesitate to speak her mind.

Belle and Daniel are perfect for each other from the moment they meet. Daniel has an intended (Francine), but he begins to doubt if he really wants to marry her. I especially loved how Francine got what she derserves at the end. It was priceless!!

Fans of Ms. Jenkins' mature books will also enjoy reading this teen series. I finished it in about a day and a half because I just had to know what happened next.

This was a very educational and easy read. Initially, I wasn't going to read this book, because I thought it was for teenagers. I being a mature reader, would not appreciate the story. However, I was wrong.

The story evolves around Belle, a runaway slave, and the Bests Family who assist her. Daniel Best is a young man of 18 and the only son of the Bests. They have a daughter of 12, Josephine. It is a developing love story between two young people. But the meat of the story is what is going in with the black folks, i.e. slavery, runaways, Fugitive Slave Act, slave catchers, Underground Railroad, etc. It is a sweet story that also gives you a history lesson. The Bests' home is one of the stations of the enslaved journey to freedom.

Bell and her father are runaways. Bell's father, Mr. Palmer, wants a better life for his daughter. They happened upon slave catchers and are forced to flee in separate directions for their lives. Belle's mother was sold as retaliation against Bell's father for running away earlier.

I recommend Bell and the Beau for young and older readers. As always Ms. Beverly writes a good and engaging story. I recommend.