Jewel

Grayson Grove's bachelor, Eli Grayson, has one dream and that is to have a worthy newspaper for the growing all-Black town. Due to lack of funds, Eli was forced to close the town's newspaper, the Gazette. Upon receiving a letter from G.W. Hicks, owner of the largest Black newspaper syndicates in the country, Grayson's excitement is limitless. That soon puts him in a precarious predicament: now he's in need of a wife to placate Mr. Hicks' pledge to back the newspaper venture. Behind door #1 is the only daughter of lumber beast, Adam Crowley, the pragmatic Jewel. She's content wearing trousers, planting flowers, and tending to the needs of her father and five brothers. Secretly fantasizing about Eli, she's stunned when he requests her help with his ploy to gain Mr. Hicks backing in re-opening the Gazette. Against her better judgment, she consents and finds herself with a sullied reputation unless she does the unthinkable: correct the lie that she and Eli presented to Mr. Hicks. Snap, crackle, and pop would be an appropriate description of the sparks that sizzle when the newlyweds accept the other's vices, and Eli exhibits his skills as to why he's known as the Casanova of Cass County and sensually deflowers the young virgin. The woman who caused Eli to bring shame to his family resurfaces with many secrets, and her malodorous scent of trouble soon follows as she maliciously begins her trek to destroy the men in the town. Ms. Jenkins fluency in creativity flows so effortlessly that you naturally become enchanted with each character and their storylines. I've yet to put one of her books down and felt anything but pure enjoyment! Her characters are so loveable that with each read, she amazes you with their individual personalities. They're realistic, bear numerous flaws, but their hearts and souls are so full of love and life, reaching the ending is actually depressing. Jewel is a refreshing, compelling read that is innocent yet has numerous risqué scenes. It is mos def so hard to say good-bye to each of Ms. Jenkins' reads!!!! Reviewed by Tazzyt2bossye for Urban Reviews

Let me start by saying - GREAT BOOK! Beverly Jenkins' tales of strong spirited women in a time of chaos and bitterness is refreshing and suprisingly romantic. Beverly Jenkins' effortless weaving of the history and strength of us as a people matched by her ability to write one heck of a love story is always a joy to read. I've been a big fan for years and haven't been disappointed yet! Jewel Grayson is endearing as the strong-spirited "spinster" of Grayson Grove. Her sarcasm and skepticism makes her as real as any woman I ever met. Though she wants a love of her own, she is confident and independent and fully accepting of the blessings in her life. She may not have all that she wants but refuses to settle for less than she deserves and gives Eli fits at every turn. I really enjoyed "sitting on the sidelines" as Jewel and Eli found their way and discovered something new about themselves along the journey. Kudos Beverly Jenkins! You have done it again!!! Helesi

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

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.

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.