Customer Reviews

Josephine (Kimani Tru)

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

 

 

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.

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.

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

It was to me a book that you just didn't want to put douwn. I enjoyed it a lot!

This book was very slow.

I'm a young adult, but I expected a lot more.

This book was really boring.

I forced myself to finish the book.

I wish I wouldn't have purchased it.

This is a good book for teachers to use to teach African-American History. It is a cute love story with history attached.

I was very disappointed (actually I felt deceived) when I learned that I had already read the stories in this book Josephine along with Belle.The stories were published under different titles but the content is the same. I am looking for someway to express my frustration to the author and to get my money back.

Charlie Jo Morgan