Customer Reviews

Vivid

5 star:		(28)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This novel was great. If you love historical romance novels as I do, you'll love this one! This book was written so that it read like it was written by a veteran of historical romance. As I say before about Jenkins' novels, if you are in the mood for a great history lesson, just pick up one of her romance novels!! Vivid was a character any women could love because she repersented a strong women of her time that were determine to have careers that men usually held. She was educated, dedicated, had her own opinion, and was a doctor to boot! It was just her luck to fall in love with Grayson Grove's handsome, stubborm, closed minded mayor Nate Grayson. But Vivid had his mind wide open by the end of the book in more ways then one. One could easily fall in love with their characters, along with all the other wonderful characters presented in this book! Another great read form the very talented Beverly Jenkins!!

It's no secret that for many years, even in this day and age, that women are often deemed inferior to men, and that our rightful duties are taking care of hearth and home, and leaving the work to the men. In Beverly Jenkins' novel VIVID, we are introduced to Viveca Lancaster, an African-American female physician. Anxious to put her medical degree to work, Viveca, or Vivid as she is better known, applies for a position in the small town of Niles, Michigan. When she learns that the job is hers, she's ecstatic. That is, until she meets Nate Grayson, the mayor of Niles.

Nate is surprised, to say the least, when he learns that the doctor he allowed his aunt to hire is a female. When he discovers his aunt's duplicity, Nate is determined to put Vivid on the first train back to where she came from and hire a real doctor, a male doctor. Nate soon discovers that Vivid is a woman of inherent strength and one who is determined to prove herself capable of the job at hand. After much persuasion, Nate finally decides to give Vivid a chance to prove her worth, and in the process discovers an attraction to the feisty doctor.

I must admit, I've never been much of a history buff, and because of the historical nature of the majority of Beverly Jenkins books, it was my intention to avoid her books at all costs. Thanks to the advice of a dear friend of mine, I learned that I may have been a bit presumptuous in my decision, so I decided to give Ms. Jenkins' historical romances a try. VIVID was my first Beverly Jenkins read, and I've been hooked ever since.

Ms. Jenkins tell her stories with such realism, it's as if she actually lives in the era of which she writes. I also like the fact that the heroine in this novel was not one of those weak-willed women who felt dependent upon a man to be someone. Instead, she was strong-willed and ready to fight tooth and nail for what she believed in. VIVID was a sensually romantic story and one in which the brief history lesson we are treated to enhances, and not detracts, from the story.

Reviewed by Renee Williams
of The RAWSISTAZ™ Reviewers

Vivid was the first book I've ever read by the author Beverly Jenkins. I was hooked from the very first chapter. The characters grab you and pull you in from the start. You become a part of them and they become a part of you. You never want the book to end. Ever since I read vivid about 5 years ago I have search out and read every single book written by the illustrious Beverly Jenkins. Through reading her books I have learned greater details about the struggles well as the accomplishment of my African American people. The fact that she takes real events from our history and combine with stories of romantic triumph is marvelous. I also love the fact that all her books appear to be connected. Beverly Jenking has added an extra feature, such as, a trace of characters from previous books. Making you feel like you've never really said good bye to the charters in the last book. I have passed on all of my Bevely Jenkins books to my friends. Like a good movies you can watch over and over. I have read all her books at least twice. I have started my own little Beverly Jenkins book club and we can hardly wait for her next book. Beverly girl if you read this you need to find away to print out more that one book a year. You go girl. A fan for life

A friend of my had to force me into reading this book. I had no idea black romance novels existed, and I didn't want to read a historical romance novel. Boy, am I glad she talked me into reading this book!! It was refreshing to read about Black folks with money, power, respect & education. I couldn't put the book down. When I finished it, I told my friend who recommended the book that someone should make it into a movie! Oprah, Whoopie, somebody! Since reading Vivid, I have read Night Song and Indigo. These books were great as well. If you haven't read these books, you really need to. You will learn so much about Black history. The stories are fictional but alot of the historical accounts are true. There were alot of Black folks running there own stuff...towns, businesses, etc. You would never know that if you go by what we were taught in school. It's a great read!

Each Beverly Jenkins novel gives you not only a wonderful romance, but a great history lesson. Vivid was the only book I didn't have in my collection of books by her. I finally found a one with the original cover. Dr. Vivica Lancaster was a beautiful, yet bold young woman doctor from California. She accepts a job in a small town in Grayson, Michigan.

She gets off the train and meets Nate Grayson who thinks Dr. Lancaster is a man. When Vivica told him she was the doctor, he didn't believe her and they waited almost till the sun went down before they would head by the Grayson. Nate then after talking to the beautiful doctor told her she would last the first winter. Vivid felt he had a lot of nerve. She was not afraid of the cold. There were others in Grayson who didn't want to have a woman doctor. Soon some of the people started to take a liking to her. Vivid did have alot of obstacles to overcome.

Her relationship with Nate was one of much passion. Nate was a very caring and loving man. He was afraid to fall for a woman such as Vivid, because his previous wife was not true to her marriage vows. He tried staying away from her at first, but kept finding himself wanted to be in her presence.

Nate had a daughter named Magic, which he found on the steps of the hospital. Magic was a very energetic child who loved her father very much. Vivid thought Magic reminded her alot of herself when she was a young child.

Vivid was a story of love, family and forgiveness. It painted a picture of how people really lived back in those days. I admired Vivid in standing her ground and proving that she was just as good a doctor as the next man.

I love this book. Before this book I had never heard of Beverly Jenkins. But now, I love her. I love the way she mixes fiction with true historical events, and makes it enjoyable to read at the same time. Wonderful book: a real page turner.

I loved this book as I loved all of Beverly Jenkins' other books. Nate Grayson owns most of the town and everything in it. Unknown to him that His aunt has hired a female dr. All Viveca has to do is convince a town full of men that a woman can do more than just cook, clean, and bear children. Once this is accomplished, all Nate has to do is keep her from getting lost and keep her safe at the same time. This book is definitely one of Beverly's best. I read this one in one sitting.

The story of Vivid keeps you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. I love Beverly Jenkins style of writing. The book is simply great.

The story of a Black female physician in the 1800's can hardly describe the richness of this tale. The characters are lovable and loving. Following their love story and learning important facts of the times was pure joy. Jenkins descriptions of emotions, erotic and historical, draw you deeper and deeper into the story.

Having recently become a reader of historical romance, I will read every story Jenkins creates.

Vivid was a wonderful romance about the fiery Viveca and the reluctant Nate. The prelude was heartbreaking, but it gave you the reasons for his cold heart and demeanor. I loved the ways she set him straight, and how she eventually won over the whole town with her obvious skills and earnestness. Beverly knows her stuff and can portray times and characters with ease...if you love historical romances with a dash of sass, then look no futher: you've arrived!!! Can we get this back IN PRINT PLEASE!!??!! (No, I don't have the book.)