Rating: 
Summary: A Hot Family Reunion
Review: "A Family Reunion" by Brenda Jackson 4++
One of our favorite romance novels has changed publishers and introduced us to another captivating family. Brenda Jackson is now with St. Martin's paperbacks. If you were a dedicated fan of the Madaris family, then you must buy "A Family Reunion" and write St. Martin's that the need to allow her to continue the Madaris family saga also.In "A Family Reunion" Brenda introduces us to the Bennett family. One multi-dimensional, fun loving family. With colorful characters like Uncle and Cousin Victor, Cousin Sophie, Aunt Otha Mae and a Grandpa Ethan and Grandma Idella who is lovingly remembered by the family. It reminds you of Soul Food and any family reunion you might have attended. There are family secrets, those thought to be the black sheep, the over achievers and the unappreciated. But through it all this family pulls together when it matters and when the elders call for a reunion. The heart of the story is three cousins known as the "Three Musketeers" and the older male cousin assigned to keep them out of trouble. But when a family secret is revealed one these foursome is driven away from the family they love for many years. One is the swan who everyone dubbed the Ugly Duckling. Can she finally find love through all the hurt. One is a biracial doctor whose interracial engagement has the whole family up in arms and is out to find the real truth behind his/her parentage. Then there is the super smart one whose wrong decisions has caused her to doubt her self and her heart. All she wants is her mother's love and respect. I will let you read it to figure out which character is which, which is while two of the identies do not identify by sex, it keeps you guessing. Then there is the snotty cousin who never quite fit in. In her hour of need will the Three Musketeers band around her or leave her to her own devices. There are searing romance, comical antics that only those who have family can appreciate, good cooking, wayward children and plenty of love. A definate must read. Ms. Jackson's eleventh novel has her fans fascinated with another family to love.
Rating: 
Summary: True Family Pride
Review: A really really great book. A true page turner. Written in Mrs. Jackson's usual style that is uniquely her own. I strongly suggest you pick up a copy and after pick up "The Savvy Sistahs". (the sequel that tells Brandy's story)
Rating:
Summary: Everyone has one! A Family that is.
Review: Brenda Jackson has captured a real Family. Grandma Idella and Grandpa Ethan have instilled in the Young Bennett clan some sound morals and ethics. You have to be strong to be a Bennett. Even though everyone has to feel some pain, be it a bad marriage or not knowing who your father is or maybe you are Victor Jr, who is a womanizer and a cheat, but hey some things are genetic and we don't choose what genes we get. Alexia is a ugly duckling as a child, but grows into a swan as a woman and no one can deny her that, but the bruises inflicted as a child have a way of leaving a scar that is carried into adulthood. Taye is the smart one with an overprotected "BIBLE-TOTING" mother, but watch out when the bird leaves the nest, uh oh some lessons learned in adulthood can be a tough lesson to learn for mother as well as daughter. (Mothers remember, apple doesn't fall too far from the tree). Rae'Jean what is the fascination with Dr. Grady?? The Bennett Family is not thrilled to see Rae'jean engaged to a white man, even if he is a doctor,(african americans trip also, when one of their own starts messing outside the culture). Michael is a Bennett, but at 18 finds out some devastating news, he leaves and marries, and has been estranged from the family for many years, but now a widow raising a 13 year old daughter and no love in his life, it is time for him to rekindle his relationship with his family and his suppressed feelings for a innocent love he had as a child. Grandpa Henry and Grandpa Ethan, make all the difference in this family and everyone respects and need them in their lives. Every character in this book has a significant role and you will know them all, the men are just that men, and you either love them or hate them. The women are just that women, you know how old cuzin is or Auntie and you deal with them. Your cuzin who thought she was better than you, at least as children that is what you thought. OH wait, what about the (secrets) oh yaeh, every family has skeletons and the Bennetts are no different. You will love this story, because you will be able to relate to it, even if you have a small family. You will also be able to relate to the relationships in the family, the wives, ex-wives, girlfriends, mistresses, the whole clan. Oh and one last thing, its a little of this and a little of that to keep you turning the page. When Brandi joins forces with her cousins on her wedding day, she definitely secures her future, and I wanted to show up at the wedding and handle Mr. Lorenzo myself and Oh Jolene didn't know her acrobatics would be viewed by all to see... (Can't tell you any details, you need to read the book... to learn the real deal)!! ENJOY.
Rating:
Summary: Excellent! Excellent! Excellent!
Review: Brenda Streater Jackson is famous for the sizzling tales of a well known family and the friends that surround them. She seemed to pour love, adoration, and respect into this family. Now here she comes with her debut Mainstream book A FAMILY REUNION. They call the book mainstream, but I really didn't seem to see a big difference except this book was longer. Ms. Jackson just continues to prove to the world that she is a wonderful writer. She tells a story so true to life that we can't help but relate with her characters and put actual faces to them. This book drew me in and I didn't want to put the book down until I was done. I started reading this book with the expectation that it was going to be a good book. Why? Because it is written by Brenda Jackson of course.
A FAMILY REUNION is a not a tale, but reality. It speaks on families and how the people in them relate to each other. While reading, I couldn't help but reflect on situations within my own family. The way the grandfather knew the children so well. The four cousins who are the focus of this story remind me so much of myself and several of my own cousins. Rae'jean, Taye, Alexia and Michael were all wonderful characters. Grandpa Ethan was the bomb! He reminded me of my own grandfather. I loved the way Alexia gave her grandparents the praise they deserved when she won her award. They were the driving force for her to keep singing. I no longer have any grandparents, I lost my last grandmother in March of this year. I will never forget all those lessons taught to me by her and my other grandparents. I also believe that scripture that states "Train up a child in the way he should go and when he is old he will not depart from it. If you have not purchased this book, please do so, you will not be disappointed. I am not sure what my favorite Brenda Jackson book is because I love them all. I will say: Eternally Yours, Cupids Bow (A Valentine Kiss Anthology) are right at the top.
Great Job Ms. Brenda!!!
Rating:
Summary: Strong Family Ties
Review: I loved the book. This is a book about family and love. The book is simply great and I promise you will love it, especially the part of the story involving Micheal & Tay. I couldn't put this book down, but you be sure to pick up your copy.
Rating:
Summary: True Family Pride
Review: I read this some years ago but I just finished the Savvy Sistahs by Brenda Jackson. This author does a great job at bringing back this family without confusing you but leaving you wanting more. You will be in for a treat if you read this book first to learn the hilarious history of the Bennett family. This book was fuuny as well as scandalous.
Rating:
Summary: Wonderful, Wonderful, Excellent, Fantastic.. 10 stars
Review: Mrs Jackson, what a wonderful way to put words on paper. As I read this book, I thought of my famiy and wished I have such close relatives. Being an only child and having a small family I was able to identify with Rae'jean and Alexia. However I also wished that I had a grandfather like Grandpa Ethans and/or Uncle Henry. I really enjoy sitting around elderly people. so much wisdom from the heart is usually given in a loving manner.
Everything seems so real and touchable with the way the scenes are painted in each chapter. Its not reading a book, it living the reunion in your mind and are apart of this family reuion. The people potrayed in Mrs Jacksons' books always has a sense of family and pride with love stirred in and this book is no different.
It was so wonderful to see the cousins (Rae'jean, Alexia and Taye) reunited, but most importantly see Brandy become a family oriented cousin.
I enjoyed the way Michael was man enough to know what he wanted and willing to fight to the end for what he deserved. I commend you Michael. There is a Victor Sr, Victor Jr, Otha Mae, Sophie, and Valerie in every family. But you know what? Without the people in the family to keep things going, we wouldnt have the livihood in one's famiy..... LOL LOL ... I have them in my family.
I could not and have not been without this book in my possession since purchasing it. Mrs Jackson, you have done an excellent job again..
Much love to you and your family for sharing you with your fans.
God Bless
Rating:
Summary: Simply Moving
Review: Mrs. Brenda Jackson out did herself with this book. She made me feel like I was apart of the family with the detailed description of each character. I loved all the cuzins, they each added a little bit to the Bennett Family!.... This book made me think about my family and the "Cuzin Sophie" in it!:) This book is a most read.
Rating:
Summary: wonderful reading
Review: This book was very good. Ms. Jackson has the ability to draw a person in as if the story was about you and your family. I really enjoyed this book and will continue to read Ms. Jackson every chance I get.
Rating:
Summary: What love can do for a family
Review: This is a great book, if you have any grandparents who are alive in your family, this book will help you to appreciate their proper station in your life. If your family have not had a reunion lately, please do so. You will truly see the benefits of gathering as a family, while putting all difference aside for blood and love. I wish Ms. Jackson would write a follow-up book to this one, and let us know what the Bennett family is up to now. I really love this book, it makes me believe true love is possible. Thanks.
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