Customer Reviews

A Family Reunion

5 star:		(29)
4 star:		(6)
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This is Brenda Jackson's debut book to mainstream fiction. She follows behind some of the great romance writers, such as Donna Hill and Francis Ray who have embarked on the arena of mainstream fiction.
Brenda seems to have choosen something that is quite fitting for her, and that is a book about "Family". Yes, this debut book called A Family Reunion revolves around The Bennett Family. I think most of us who have ever attended a family reunion or more or less apart of a family period will be able to relate to this book. You know in any given family there always seems to be secrets and revelations that occur during family crises. Well this book does not fall short of that, it has all those components and even a few surprises and moments of tears too!
In any book you read there are major characters to a story, well this one is no different: There's Poppa Ethan, the grandfather, and four cousins who of course grew up together, Taye, Michael, Alexia and Rae'jean. Now there are many supporting characters that add to this story which of course makes it an outstanding book to read.
After many years from Grandma Bennett passing, Poppa Ethan wants to have this family reunion, which he allows his cousin to plan and get it all together. Now, Poppa Ethan is close to 90 years old but his memory is definetly in tack and he is not short on his stern words either!! What I found so enjoying about this book, I could relate to it and actually recognized some of my own family members. So is this a book you can relate to? Yes. Is this a book that is an easy read that will keep you up all night? Yes. Do I recommend this a book to read? Yes!!! Does it have sizzling love scenes? Oh, my, my...yes it does!!!
Now, some may think that it is quite a transition for an author who has written 8 romance novels and single stories for 3 novellas. No, it seems it has not been a hard task for Brenda Jackson. Actually she seems to demonstrate in her writing of this book that she is able to be like a master chef. She has managed to mix and blend both fiction and romance in this debut book and come out with a tasty treat. Oh yeah, to Brenda Jackson's most loyal followers of her romance books, she has not disappointed you by no means. This book, although it is her first women's fiction has all the components of sizzling love scenes. Actually I think they are hotter in this book than her romance books. Now figure that one out??
Again, to my namesake and friend...you done good girl! And by the way, I am very proud of you!! All of us here in Florida are very proud of you!!
For those who are being introduced to Brenda Jackson for the very first time, please check out her other published work, I think you'll be hooked just like the rest of her loyal readers and friends.
Her other published books: Tonight and Forever, Cupid's Bow, Whispered Promises, Eternally Yours, One Special Moment, Fire and Desire, Truly Everlasting from the anthology Something To Celebrate, Secret Love, True Love, Surrender, and Welcome To Leo's

Fans of Brenda Jackson
will relish in this tale of the Bennett family's reunion in
Macon, Georgia, and the stories that will keep this family in
your mind and heart long after finishing.
Ethan Bennett, the patriarch of the family and approaching
ninety years old, thinks it is time for a reunion, since the last
one was fifteen years ago when his beloved wife Idella was alive.
He is concerned
that his brother's grandson, Michael has turned his back on the
family when he found out he was actually adopted.
Meanwhile Michael has realized his mistake and acknowledges
he needs his family to help him raise his teen-aged daughter,
since his wife died several years ago. A pilot, he decides to
relocate to Atlanta to be close to the homestead. His cousin
Taye, a hairstylist, the mother of two girls, is having her own
drama, still trying to prove herself because as the smart one,
she was supposed to have done great things. Rae'jean, the pretty
one is a doctor who is involved in an interracial relationship,
and Alexia is now a famous singer, a swan who was once an ugly
duckling. The four cousins were tight at one time, and this
reunion promises to renew their bond.
But can Michael hold back his feelings for one of the cousins?
What would the family think?
There are plots and subplots and plenty of characters that
make up a middle-class African American family and the joys,
trials and tribulations that keep them loving each other despite

their problems.

Brenda Streater Jackson is famous for the sizzling tales of a well known family and the friends that surround them. She seemed to pour love, adoration, and respect into this family. Now here she comes with her debut Mainstream book A FAMILY REUNION. They call the book mainstream, but I really didn't seem to see a big difference except this book was longer. Ms. Jackson just continues to prove to the world that she is a wonderful writer. She tells a story so true to life that we can't help but relate with her characters and put actual faces to them. This book drew me in and I didn't want to put the book down until I was done. I started reading this book with the expectation that it was going to be a good book. Why? Because it is written by Brenda Jackson of course.
A FAMILY REUNION is a not a tale, but reality. It speaks on families and how the people in them relate to each other. While reading, I couldn't help but reflect on situations within my own family. The way the grandfather knew the children so well. The four cousins who are the focus of this story remind me so much of myself and several of my own cousins. Rae'jean, Taye, Alexia and Michael were all wonderful characters. Grandpa Ethan was the bomb! He reminded me of my own grandfather. I loved the way Alexia gave her grandparents the praise they deserved when she won her award. They were the driving force for her to keep singing. I no longer have any grandparents, I lost my last grandmother in March of this year. I will never forget all those lessons taught to me by her and my other grandparents. I also believe that scripture that states "Train up a child in the way he should go and when he is old he will not depart from it.

If you have not purchased this book, please do so, you will not be disappointed. I am not sure what my favorite Brenda Jackson book is because I love them all. I will say: Eternally Yours, Cupids Bow (A Valentine Kiss Anthology) are right at the top.
Great Job Ms. Brenda!!!

Brenda Jackson must dream in color. This book is a must read. I simply did not want to put it down. It is in paperback and the price is low, but the quality of her story telling skills is priceless. I was transported to a time in my own life by being able to relate to her very vivid way of setting the stage. Ms. Jackson has an excellent eye for details and illustrations. I felt as if I were there with the Bennett family.

I personally enjoy a book with characters that I can relate to. I think most readers will be able to put himself in the shoes of either Taye, Michael, Alexia, Raejean, Idella or Poppa Ethan...OR know someone else who fits their shoes. Ms. Jackson really knows how to turn up the heat on the steamy love scenes. She knows TRUE PASSION and ROMANCE.

Can you imagine a family reunion where the relatives have not all been together in fifteen years? Well that within itself makes for a lot of adventure. All families have secrets, rivalries, love/hate relationships, success, failure, tears, laughter, faith and hope. The Bennetts are no different as you will see once you purchase this awesome book. It is an easy read. You will laugh and cry. But most of all you will never forget this incredible family. This book also makes for some lively book club discussion.

"A Family Reunion" by Brenda Jackson 4++
One of our favorite romance novels has changed publishers and introduced us to another captivating family. Brenda Jackson is now with St. Martin's paperbacks. If you were a dedicated fan of the Madaris family, then you must buy "A Family Reunion" and write St. Martin's that the need to allow her to continue the Madaris family saga also.

In "A Family Reunion" Brenda introduces us to the Bennett family. One multi-dimensional, fun loving family. With colorful characters like Uncle and Cousin Victor, Cousin Sophie, Aunt Otha Mae and a Grandpa Ethan and Grandma Idella who is lovingly remembered by the family. It reminds you of Soul Food and any family reunion you might have attended. There are family secrets, those thought to be the black sheep, the over achievers and the unappreciated. But through it all this family pulls together when it matters and when the elders call for a reunion.

The heart of the story is three cousins known as the "Three Musketeers" and the older male cousin assigned to keep them out of trouble. But when a family secret is revealed one these foursome is driven away from the family they love for many years. One is the swan who everyone dubbed the Ugly Duckling. Can she finally find love through all the hurt. One is a biracial doctor whose interracial engagement has the whole family up in arms and is out to find the real truth behind his/her parentage. Then there is the super smart one whose wrong decisions has caused her to doubt her self and her heart. All she wants is her mother's love and respect. I will let you read it to figure out which character is which, which is while two of the identies do not identify by sex, it keeps you guessing.

Then there is the snotty cousin who never quite fit in. In her hour of need will the Three Musketeers band around her or leave her to her own devices.

There are searing romance, comical antics that only those who have family can appreciate, good cooking, wayward children and plenty of love. A definate must read. Ms. Jackson's eleventh novel has her fans fascinated with another family to love.

Mrs Jackson, what a wonderful way to put words on paper. As I read this book, I thought of my famiy and wished I have such close relatives. Being an only child and having a small family I was able to identify with Rae'jean and Alexia. However I also wished that I had a grandfather like Grandpa Ethans and/or Uncle Henry. I really enjoy sitting around elderly people. so much wisdom from the heart is usually given in a loving manner.
Everything seems so real and touchable with the way the scenes are painted in each chapter. Its not reading a book, it living the reunion in your mind and are apart of this family reuion. The people potrayed in Mrs Jacksons' books always has a sense of family and pride with love stirred in and this book is no different.
It was so wonderful to see the cousins (Rae'jean, Alexia and Taye) reunited, but most importantly see Brandy become a family oriented cousin.
I enjoyed the way Michael was man enough to know what he wanted and willing to fight to the end for what he deserved. I commend you Michael. There is a Victor Sr, Victor Jr, Otha Mae, Sophie, and Valerie in every family. But you know what? Without the people in the family to keep things going, we wouldnt have the livihood in one's famiy..... LOL LOL ... I have them in my family.
I could not and have not been without this book in my possession since purchasing it. Mrs Jackson, you have done an excellent job again..
Much love to you and your family for sharing you with your fans.
God Bless

Brenda Jackson has captured a real Family. Grandma Idella and Grandpa Ethan have instilled in the Young Bennett clan some sound morals and ethics. You have to be strong to be a Bennett. Even though everyone has to feel some pain, be it a bad marriage or not knowing who your father is or maybe you are Victor Jr, who is a womanizer and a cheat, but hey some things are genetic and we don't choose what genes we get. Alexia is a ugly duckling as a child, but grows into a swan as a woman and no one can deny her that, but the bruises inflicted as a child have a way of leaving a scar that is carried into adulthood. Taye is the smart one with an overprotected "BIBLE-TOTING" mother, but watch out when the bird leaves the nest, uh oh some lessons learned in adulthood can be a tough lesson to learn for mother as well as daughter. (Mothers remember, apple doesn't fall too far from the tree). Rae'Jean what is the fascination with Dr. Grady?? The Bennett Family is not thrilled to see Rae'jean engaged to a white man, even if he is a doctor,(african americans trip also, when one of their own starts messing outside the culture). Michael is a Bennett, but at 18 finds out some devastating news, he leaves and marries, and has been estranged from the family for many years, but now a widow raising a 13 year old daughter and no love in his life, it is time for him to rekindle his relationship with his family and his suppressed feelings for a innocent love he had as a child. Grandpa Henry and Grandpa Ethan, make all the difference in this family and everyone respects and need them in their lives. Every character in this book has a significant role and you will know them all, the men are just that men, and you either love them or hate them. The women are just that women, you know how old cuzin is or Auntie and you deal with them. Your cuzin who thought she was better than you, at least as children that is what you thought. OH wait, what about the (secrets) oh yaeh, every family has skeletons and the Bennetts are no different. You will love this story, because you will be able to relate to it, even if you have a small family. You will also be able to relate to the relationships in the family, the wives, ex-wives, girlfriends, mistresses, the whole clan. Oh and one last thing, its a little of this and a little of that to keep you turning the page. When Brandi joins forces with her cousins on her wedding day, she definitely secures her future, and I wanted to show up at the wedding and handle Mr. Lorenzo myself and Oh Jolene didn't know her acrobatics would be viewed by all to see... (Can't tell you any details, you need to read the book... to learn the real deal)!! ENJOY.

This was one of the best books I've read all year. I loved reading about all the family members' personalities, some of which were very familiar. My favorite part was the reunion itself, when all the main characters were together. There was more fun stuff going on at the end, at the wedding of a cousin; plus a big surprise at a family meeting. After the reunion the story turns to resolving the personal crises of the cousins in romance-novel fashion, with some overly long, somewhat repetitive love scenes. But the general theme running throughout the story is a strong sense of family that can bring tears to one's eyes. It's all about love.

This book was food to the heart and soul. It captured the true meaning of family. It touched my heart and soul and recaptured my childhood years of growing up with my cousins, and all the good times we shared. Family is so important, but it becomes even more important once you reach your adult years. Ms. Jackson, I've read ALL of your books and I've enjoyed them, especially reading about the tall, handsome Madaris brothers, but, you really did it with this one. I could'nt put it down because I did'nt want to. I still read certain chapters of the book, it was soooo good. I lost my grandparents almost 20 years ago, and I miss them so much, so I can really relate to Tae, Rae'Jean, and the others the way they missed their grandmother Idella... Family can be a pain in the you what at times, but when things are going good and you are having a good ole time at the reunion, Life can be so sweet...

Wow! Was Brenda writing about my family? So mnay times as I was reading this book, I had to stop and ask my self, is she talking about Cousin So-n-so or Uncle What's-his-name? :)

This is a wonderful story of the true love that still exisits in African-American families. The bonds of true love and families are sometimes broken but Mrs. Jackson tells a story of how they can be mended together, to be stronger than ever. I could relate to a good bit that was going on in the book, for I've personally lived it. From Taye, to Alexia, to Rae.......I've been there. I laughed and yes, I cried as well.

If you grew up in a loving family, especially with loving grandparents, as I did, this will be a trip down memory lane. Once that you'll truly enjoy. If you haven't gotten the book yet, don't hesitate. BUY IT! NOW! You will not be sorry. I just wish there were more African-American families like the Bennets today. We are not perfect people but we are loving people as evident in this book.

Keep up the good work, Brenda. May God forever bless you as you continue to provide us with wonderful reads!