Jewel (Avon Historical Romance) (Mass Market Paperback)

by Beverly Jenkins (Author)
Key Phrases: quilt ladies, bird gun, Miss Edna, Eli Grayson, Adam Crowley (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

A proposal she had no choice but to accept . . .

Though Eli Grayson is one of the most handsome, charming, and intelligent men in Grayson Grove, no one will take a chance on a confirmed bachelor. Unwilling to give up his dreams, Eli convinces his friend Jewel to pose as his wife. Their masquerade is to last just one night . . . but when word gets out, Eli and Jewel must tie the knot to save his career—and her reputation.

Became a love she never expected . . .

Angry at being forced to turn her life upside down, Jewel never imagined that a white-hot passion would consume her once she and Eli became husband and wife. Sharing a bed has turned their prim friendship into a sensuous love affair . . . but when a woman from Eli's past returns to stir up trouble, he and Jewel will learn just how far they'll go to protect the precious gem of their newfound passion.

About the Author

Beverly Jenkins has received numerous awards, including three Waldenbooks Best Sellers Awards, two Career Achievement Awards from Romantic Times magazine, and a Golden Pen Award from the Black Writer's Guild. In 1999, Ms. Jenkins was voted one of the Top Fifty Favorite African-American writers of the 20th Century by AABLC, the nation's largest on-line African-American book club.

Product Details

• Mass Market Paperback: 384 pages
• Publisher: Avon (April 29, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0061161357
• ISBN-13: 978-0061161353
• Product Dimensions: 6.9 x 4.4 x 1.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars See all reviews (39 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #357,464 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Saving Her Virtue Leads To Unforgetable Love, May 6, 2008

By	Priscilla C. Johnson "bookmaniac" (Baltimore, Maryland USA) - See all my reviews

Beverly Jenkins returns to Grayson Grove, Michigan in her latest novel, Jewel. Eli Grayson, known as the Colored Casanova of Cass County, has finally proven to be a man worthy of trust. Having amended his past indiscretions, lewd drinking and promiscuity which included sleeping with his cousin's Nate wife, Eli established and becomes founder and editor of the local newspaper, The Gazette. The Gazette was a nationally syndicate paper read by everyone as far away as Chicago. However, the paper had to fold due to the rising costs of printing and materials. Eli was also finding it difficult to find investors. Eli receives a visit from G. W. Hicks, owner the largest Black newspaper, who wants to add The Gazette to his holdings. The only problem - Eli has to be married.

Jewel Grayson was content with her life. She has been taking care of her five older brothers and father since her mom died when she was 12 years old. She has always had a crush on Eli. So when he asked her to pretend to be his wife until G.W. Hicks left town, she was more than happy of help; after all, it was only for one dinner. When word gets out , neither Jewel nor Eli were prepared for the change in their lives or the trouble from Eli's past that would later try to destroy their budding love.

Beverly Jenkins has given her fans another winning love story. Jewel is confident, independent and she has a fiery spirit that is found in all of Jenkins female characters. The story is fun and captivating from the beginning. Jenkins, as with all of her historical novel, gives detailed accounts of the struggle of black newspaper man like Eli and their role in the Black community. The story would not be complete without Jenkins signature sensual romance. Fans of Jenkins will crave for more and new fans will eagerly search for her fascinating romance novels.

Reviewed by: Priscilla C. Johnson
APOOO Bookclub

10 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Rose with Prickly Thorns Falls in Love with the Colored Casanova of Cass County, May 2, 2008

By	Nefertari (Stone Mountain, GA United States) - See all my reviews

When Eli Grayson's press comes under strain he seeks outside help to get it running again. However, when the stipulation includes that he have a wife, he implores Jewel Crowley to help him out of this bind. Although Jewel was supposed to play his wife just for one night, things take a turn for the worst. Now the whole town finds out that she and Eli were "secretly married." Far from the truth, Eli comes to a decision to make right the mess he brought to Jewel's door step. He proposes to keep the scandal from ruining Jewel's reputation. The moment they say I do, Eli takes serious his decision to marry her and try to make it the best arrangement as possible. Jewel's curious nature leads her to want to experience more from this man whose kisses literally makes her melt in her shoes.
Ms. Jenkins has penned a wonderful love story of two people who've known each other most of their lives. After nearly ten years of returning to Grayson Grove, I'd say this book was worth the wait.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars She was right under his nose the entire time, May 6, 2008

By	E. L. George "bkworm8503" - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Beverly Jenkins welcomes you back to Grayson Grove in Jewel where readers reconnect with the Grayson and Crowley families. Eli Grayson needs his step-sister Jewel to help him woo a potential investor. Little does Eli know asking Jewel to pose as his wife would turn into the best decision he has ever in his life. Jewel was classic Beverly Jenkins full of passion, laughter and historical facts. This is a must have for Ms. Jenkins fans and readers new to her work.