Rating: 
Summary: CAPTIVATING!
Review: I have been patiently waiting for this book for over a year now.....and it was definitely worth the wait.We meet Leah, a very hard-working owner of a tavern, who even scrubs her own floors. Born to a free-spirited woman and a seafaring sailor she never knew. Although she grew up surrounded by her mother's love, she was still taunted as being a "bastard" child. Then we are introduced to Ryder Damien. Born of mixed race,Black and Cheyenne, he too was taunted as a child. Nicknamed "Squaw Boy" by ignorant others including his own half-brother, Seth. From the first time they meet, as she's helped from a train, sparks begin to fly. Even after he learns she's his father's widow, the man who deserted him and accused of killing his own Mother, he still couldn't deny the attraction. I couldn't stop turning the pages. From the threat of prison, to Leah being bought by Ryder, to his brother Seth pursuing her, to his ultimate admission of love and the exciting heart-stopping ending. Through it all, my attention was held, the romantic scenes were "HOTT" and I even got a history lesson out of it. I will say this.....being from Georgia, the Peach State, I'll never, EVER look and/or eat a peach the same ever again! Once again, Beverly, you done good girl. Ryder Damien is definitely a hero to remember. I'm going over to Harper/Collins website now to vote for him as hero fo the month of October. He sure deserves it. I hope that those reading this review will do the same. My favorite scene was, (not counting the peach eating scene)was when they went elk hunting for "King". I got a good laugh off that one. My fiance and I are going to the mountains next month. I'm thinking of taking some peaches with me.....wonder if I could talk him into elk hunting as well! Readers.....BUY THIS BOOK!! You will not be disappointed.
Rating: 
Summary: Romantic
Review: I was introduced to Beverly Jenkins at a booksigning. I immediately thought "I can not read anything with a cover like this". Well... I learned that you can't judge abook by its cover. "Before the Dawn" was a very interesting and romanitc story. Leah Barnette agrees to marry her mother's trusted friend and lover, Louis Montague, on his death bed. Drama!! What she did not know was that he was wanted for the alleged murders of his wife and mistress. Double Drama!! He also left behind two sons, Seth and Ryder and so the story begins. If you have not read a Beverly Jenkins romance than this would be a good place to start. She gives some history on the Cheyanne Tribes (I'll admit I wanted more) and a lot more that is interwoven into the story. Also spend some time researching her historical facts. They are just as interesting as the story. Peace and Blessing!!
Rating:
Summary: Romantic
Review: I was introduced to Beverly Jenkins at a booksigning. I immediately thought "I can not read anything with a cover like this". Well... I learned that you can't judge abook by its cover. "Before the Dawn" was a very interesting and romanitc story. Leah Barnette agrees to marry her mother's trusted friend and lover, Louis Montague, on his death bed. Drama!! What she did not know was that he was wanted for the alleged murders of his wife and mistress. Double Drama!! He also left behind two sons, Seth and Ryder and so the story begins. If you have not read a Beverly Jenkins romance than this would be a good place to start. She gives some history on the Cheyanne Tribes (I'll admit I wanted more) and a lot more that is interwoven into the story. Also spend some time researching her historical facts. They are just as interesting as the story. Peace and Blessing!!
Rating:
Summary: Entertaining reading "Before the Dawn"
Review: I was really looking forward to this book being published because I have read many of Ms. Jenkins earlier books. I truely enjoyed BEFORE THE DAWN; Although, I don't think it is written on the same level as some of her earlier works like, The Taming of Jessi Rose and Always and Forever. In Before the Dawn some of the historical details relating to the setting of the story may have been slightly overstated, but that's ok because after all it is a fiction book. The characters in the book are wonderful. Leah Barnett and Ryder Damien were made for each other. Who would'nt want a good looking, intelligent and successful man like Ryder. I also enjoyed the supporting characters as well. Sam Water was truely a loveable and vibrant man. Ryder's half brother Seth was really rotten, but not to the core. You can't help but feel a little sorry for him and hope that he has better luck starting a new life. Wow! wouldn't a story about a man starting life over as he approaches forty be good for Ms. Jenkins next book?
Rating:
Summary: Time Helps To Heal
Review: Leah marries a man on his death bed, and goes to claim what is hers. Once there she come upon several problems , the least of which if she doesn't come up with a large sum of money she is going to jail. Damien offers to pay the debt, the price is high she has to be his lady. Not to love but to sleep with when he wants. (After all this is his younger stepmother, who he figures only married the father he hated just to get the money.)When the truth about two murders that are 30 years old come to light Damien has to accept the fact that he will give his life for Leah. This story brought tears to my eyes.
Rating:
Summary: Good expose.
Review: Louis Montague is like a father to Leah Barnett, and she is devastated
that he is dying. He marries her and makes her his heir, but she must take
care of unfinished business for him after he dies. She must find his two
sons in Colorado, whom he has not seen for thirty years. She goes about his business, and, with his right hand man Cecil Lee, goes to Colorado
to meet Louis' sons--and finds a hotbed of ill will. Beverly Jenkins sheds light on late 19th-century society under
Jim Crow laws, showing how hard it was for Blacks to ride a train or be
served in a restaurant. But in addition to the insight, this well written
tale features an intriguing mystery, a touch of courtroom drama and pulse
pounding romance.
Rating:
Summary: This Book is Oooohhhh Sooooo Hot & Steamy !!!!!!
Review: Ms Jenkins really outdone herself when she wrote this book. I would encourage anyone even remotely interested in romance or African American history to read this book. The characters are unforgettable, the storyline is action filled and keeps you full attention to the end, not to mention the sex part :)! (Great job, Bev!) This is not the kind of book that you need a summary to get the fill of the book, just read, and you;ll love it. Once you're done, send me an e-mail and let me know how you enjoyed it.
Rating:
Summary: Another fabulous treat from Ms. Jenkins!
Review: Ms. Jenkins wows her fans again with her latest tale. An intriguing story with a few twists and turns, not to mention heart-pounding love scenes, that keeps readers turning the pages. The story of Leah Barnett and Ryder Damien is another wonderful read by this fantastic author. What a vivid imagination you have Ms. Jenkins! Keep up the good work!
Rating: 
Summary: Not As Exciting As Usual.....
Review: O.k., I usually love most Beverly Jenkins books but, what I want to know is what happened to this one? For the first year that it was on the shelf, I noticed it and literally passed right by it until, I was sure that it was a historical romance (you can't really tell by the cover). Anyway, once I startred to read it, I was not impressed at all! Usually, Mrs. Jenkins's books are more exciting than this! It seems as if the publisher told her that she had to write a book A.S.A.P. and she just threw this one together with only a minimal effort put into it. Like always, the tidbits of history are great but, my qualm is that the plot seemed to revolve around Ryder and Leah's lovemaking. And the tidbits of history that I mentioned were only given in between the very short periods of time that they weren't making love and shortly after ryder would tell Leah about say, the Massacre at Sand Creek, they would be at it again! I know what you're thinking, romance is what people look for in a romance novel. That may be true, but it is also nice for a book to have a good, well-developed plot and for its love scenes not to take up the whole chapter!. By chapter seven, you wonder why Leah hasn't given birth at least twice already!
Rating:
Summary: chemistry
Review: The chemistry between Ryder and Leah is sizzling. Ms. Jenkins develops both characters especially, Leah's. She is strong, yet fragile. I enjoyed reading this book. I was caught up in the moment and rooted for their happiness. Be prepared for the sensual love between Ryder and Leah. Read it and Enjoy!!
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