Josephine (Kimani Tru) [Paperback]

Beverly Jenkins (Author)

Book Description

Series: Kimani Tru | Publication Date: February 1, 2009

Josephine Best has it all figured out. Just seventeen, she's been to college, she has her own hairdressing shop and she refuses to be distracted from her goals. At least until handsome George Brooks begins to pursue her. Jojo isn't looking for romance, but she permits George to call on her.

Adam Morgan has always been a Casanova, and no girl is immune to his charm. But when he comes home wounded from the War Between the States, it's a girl he used to call "Pest" who's turning his head. All grown up, Jojo is being courted by another soldier, and Adam knows it would be foolish to play with her heart. Even so, he just can't get the headstrong lady off his mind.

For her part, Jojo can't deny her growing feelings for Adam. But he's always been such a flirt—he can't possibly be serious about her. Besides, she has George falling all over himself to please her. As the war rages on, Adam's feelings for Jojo grow stronger, but Jojo's determination to resist him does, too. One thing is clear, though: Jojo is a girl who always gets what she wants, sometimes in spite of herself.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 7 Up–Set during the Civil War, this teen romance tells the story of love found in the most unlikely of places. Seventeen-year-old Jo Best is a free black living with her family in Michigan. She's beautiful, smart, and ambitious. She's also a trained hairdresser who plies her trade in her own shop. The town she lives in has its share of characters, not the least of which is her best friend, Trudy, who has her head turned by a lothario with surprising consequences. Although the story is historically accurate and informative, the Civil War is merely a backdrop to a tale about young love and its possibilities. A quick, fun read.–Carol Jones Collins, Hanover Park High School, East Hanover, NJ
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Product Details

• Paperback: 256 pages
• Publisher: Kimani; Original edition (February 1, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0373831250
• ISBN-13: 978-0373831258
• Product Dimensions: 7.9 x 5 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #188,066 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #68 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Romance > Multicultural

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

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Are u people insane?!!!!, March 22, 2009

By 

10year wonder (Texas) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Josephine (Kimani Tru) (Paperback)

First of all this book is for young adults so you cant expect the same passion and action in her adult historical novels and furthermore if you didn't know that the books were being re-released then you are not a true fan of Beverly Jenkins because you would not have forgotten these characters. This book shows the innocence and sweetness of true love and still chronicles the struggles of that time. Both Josephine and Belle's stories are reminders of true love for young amd mature teenagers. I'm sorry but Beverly Jenkins IMHO shouldn't have to give out a single red cent to refund anyone for what is exceptional writing.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A sweet and enjoyable teen historical romance., March 25, 2009

By 

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

This review is from: Josephine (Kimani Tru) (Paperback)

Josephine Best is seventeen years old, and she has a different plan for her life than most young women her age in 1864. Raised in a progressive free black family that ran a station on the Underground Railroad, Josephine has been encouraged since she was a child to follow her dreams, even if they were not traditional ones for a girl to have. Josephine has attended the Women's Program at Oberlin College and now runs her own hairdressing shop in her hometown. Most of the girls her age are thinking about marriage. Josephine might be too, but she fears if she marries she will be forced to give up her business. Then Adam Morgan returns injured from the war. Adam was one of her older brother Daniel's childhood friends, and tormented her mercilessly when they were both children. But now they're both all grown up and discovering feelings for each other that they never would have expected.

I highly recommend this book to teenage girls who enjoy historical romances, as well as older readers who enjoy a sweet love story. It is a nice follow up to the author's previous young adult book, Belle, set several years earlier, in which Josephine made an appearance as a young girl. The romance is very cute and sweet, and the historical setting isn't extremely detailed, but creates an interesting background for the story while teaching a few historical facts. I read this book as part of the Avon True Romance series, when it was first published, and I was pleased to see it has been re-released, so more readers can enjoy it.

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Nothing but smooth sailing..., February 28, 2009

By 

Urban Reviews "Your Source for the Best in AA... (Online) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: Josephine (Kimani Tru) (Paperback)

Josephine Best is an independent young woman that has her own beauty shop and she has her mind set on establishing a thriving business. She's a trailblazer in a time when it's frowned upon for ladies to have dreams that don't include a husband and children. JoJo, her mother Cecelia, and her sister-in-law Belle are maintaining the homefront while their men are away serving in the war. Sick and injured African-American soldiers take up residence while healing at a local home, and the citizens are called upon to lend a helping hand in any manner they can. While assisting the soldiers, JoJo and her best friend Trudy become enamored by two soldiers...and the courting begins.

Adam Morgan is a notorious playboy and due to serious injury, he finds himself recovering in the home of the Best ladies. To his shock, JoJo who he deemed `Pest,' has blossomed into a beautiful young lady that stirs a foreign emotion in him. He tries to divert his interest while challenging JoJo to ignore the chemistry they have.

Josephine is one of Ms. Jenkins' earlier works and it is evident in this read. Ms. Jenkins intertwines a dose of romance, chivalry, jealousy, stealing, and chauvinism in this book. While it was a good read, Josephine lacked any real type of action. It had just a few ripples and no real excitement, but it was a wholesome, relaxing read nonetheless. In reflecting on this novel and her recent release Jewel, it's a great difference. The author has grown tremendously in her style, which is natural. Whether it's a suspenseful novel or prehistoric read, I'm always looking for a Beverly Jenkins' read!

Reviewed by Tazzyt2bossye
for Urban Reviews