Welcome to the chat for Book 5 of our Holiday Reading Challenge, Bring on the Blessings by Beverly Jenkins. Feel free to share your comments via the comment box at the end of this post and Beverly will be in throughout the day to add her comments and/or questions.
Enjoy!
BRING ON THE BLESSINGS by Beverly Jenkins
Avon A, January 2009
384 Pages, Paperback, $13.99
ISBN-10: 0061688401
ISBN-13: 978-0061688409
BOOK DESCRIPTION
On Bernadine Brown’s fifty-second birthday she received an unexpected gift—she caught her husband, Leo, cheating with his secretary. She was hurt—angry, too—but she didn’t cry woe is me. Nope, she hired herself a top-notch lawyer and ended up with a cool $275 million. Having been raised in the church, she knew that when much is given much is expected, so she asked God to send her a purpose.
The purpose turned out to be a town: Henry Adams, Kansas, one of the last surviving townships founded by freed slaves after the Civil War. The failing town had put itself up for sale on the Internet, so Bernadine bought it.
Trent July is the mayor, and watching the town of his birth slide into debt and foreclosure is about the hardest thing he’s ever done. When the buyer comes to town, he’s impressed by her vision, strength, and the hope she wants to offer not only to the town and its few remaining residents, but to a handful of kids in desperate need of a second chance.
Not everyone in town wants to get on board though; they don’t want change. But Bernadine and Trent, along with his first love, Lily Fontaine, are determined to preserve the town’s legacy while ushering in a new era with ties to its unique past and its promising future.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Beverly Jenkins’ historical romance novels highlight African/American life in the 19th century. She has 21 published novels to date.
She has received numerous awards for her works, including: six Waldenbooks/Borders Group Best Sellers Awards; two Career Achievement Awards from Romantic Times Magazine; a Golden Pen Award from the Black Writer’s Guild, and in 1999 was named 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.
She has also been featured in many national publications, including the Wall Street Journal, People Magazine, Dallas Morning News and Vibe Magazine. She has lectured at such prestigious universities as Oberlin University, the University of Illinois, and the University of Michigan. She speaks widely on both romance and 19th century African-American history.
Author’s Website: http://www.beverlyjenkins.net
Morning. Looking forward to a fun day. Thanks to Tee and her ladies for having me. Let the fun begin! B
Heyyyyy Bev and thanks so much for joining us! It is tripping me out how you waltzed on in and posted when I’ve been trying over 30 minutes to get things to act right. It must be on my end. But in any case, I’m so glad you’re here to join us today and I look forward to discussing the book.
How about you start off telling us how BRING ON THE BLESSINGS came about and why you chose to write it.
-Tee
Bev, could you give us the backstory too and how it ties into your other books.
-Tee
Hey. I had a bit of trouble finding the spot but I’m okay now. Site’s running real slow for me here in Mayberry, but that’s okay.
My apologies, Bev. I’ve put in a service request, so hopefully they’ll have it resolved shortly because it’s sluggish for me too.
-Tee
Back story. I created Henry Adams for my first book, Nightsong. Way back in 94. The time frame for the town then was the late 1800s. Since then there have been two other books set there. When I began to think about doing a small town book, but with a contemporary setting, I chose Henry Adams, and so Bring on the Blessings was born.
This makes me want to go back and read Night Song, too!
-Tee #2
(who is about to toss her computer!)
Tee. NS is where it all began. Buffalo Soldier Chase Jefferson. My my my!
Reading that one this weekend and I can’t wait.
I know I am going to shock a few but Bring on the Blessings was my first book by Beverly Jenkins and a few chapters in, I was on amazon catching up. I love her voice, the authenticity of the characters and the scenery. I could literally ‘see’ the town and the people. I am now a die hard fan~ guess ‘better late than never is the truth~as a mentor I loved the way Bernadine was on a mission to help the town’s children and the way she incorporated others into her mission~ I loved every word of the Bring on The Blessings~ can’t wait to hear what others are saying~
angelia
Well, I am so glad you got the opportunity to read it, Angelia. I knew you’d love it! And, I also felt you’d relate to it because of your own work (in the community) and your books.
You do know that the sequel comes out in January, right? It’s called A Second Helping.
-Tee
If the sequel will be as good as the first one…then it’s on and poppin’!! LOL!!! I really enjoyed it.
Tee, I’ve already pre-ordered it so hopefully I’ll get it earlier than the release date
Oh my…I’m so excited to hear this news!
I absolutely loved Bring on the Blessings! I’ve read it three times already, and was looking at it again the other day. LOL And I’ve been blessed to read the sequel ::::big grin::: and if it is even possible, it’s better than the first. I’ve read it twice already. Those stories just touch my heart in so many ways.
Beverly, I’m looking forward to seeing you next year in Houston! Keep up the great work!
OOOOOOO…I’m jealous Renee and thatnks for the enticement….LOL
I am looking forward to seeing you in Houston. Me and the other BJ, Ms Brenda are going to have a ball. Hoping to see all of our Texas fans at the Black Book Fair in May. Thanks R
You & Brenda are two of my all-time favorite authors, so I know I’ll have a ball. I’ll be buying my ticket real soon….way before the event. I don’t want to miss out.
I will be looking up the details for this and if it’s not too hot, I hope to be there! Y’all know that Texas heat ain’t no joke.
-Tee
Angelia.. I am SHOCKED!! As much as I talk about Ms. Bev. and her books… Look for some books in the mail..
No thank you I am always pleased when I DISCOVER excellent writing!!
Better late than never, sis. Welcome to the family!
Better late than never is right! I was just introduced to Beverly’s works a couple of years ago, and like you Angelia, after the first book I read, I was hooked and made it a mission to collect every book she had ever written. And thanks to a great friend of mine, I was able to get them all. When I can’t find anything else to read, or I’m in the mood for a great romance, I’ll pull one of Beverly’s books off the shelf and settle in for a good read. Of course, one book leads to the others, so I end up re-reading them all. LOL
I, too, am a first time reader of Ms. Jenkins’s work…but trust me, this will not be the last! I am really enjoying (still reading) Bring on the Blessings.
It’s my first by Beverly as well even though I bought the book a while ago (holding head in shame). I have also ordered the sequel even though I haven’t finished the book yet.
Same here, Hope. I went to Amazon.com to buy it and it told me I had purchased it back in February. Thankfully I was able to find it and jump right in.
-Tee
I am slacking and so behind, but I have read lots of other Beverly Jenkins books, and I am super excited to get into this one. Just started it (so I won’t read all the posts), but so far I am loving it. I just love the concept behind the story. Very unique, and it’s hard to find a unique plot nowadays. So I am hooked!
Glad to hear it. Thanks for the support. Enjoy!!
Morning to all!!!! I’m here and ready to get this party started!
For the readers, thanks for joining us and my apologies for the site issues. But, we are here and ready to roll! If you encounter any problems, just wait 5 minutes and try again.
Feel free to add your thoughts and Jaime and I will post a few questions throughout the day to keep things moving.
To start:
1) What did you all think of Henry Adams, Kansas? Could you relate to the residents?
2) What about the characters? Who was your favorite and why? If your favorite was not an elder of the town, which elder did you like the most? The least? And why?
3). What were your thoughts on adoption and sharing your gifts with a child before reading the book? After?
- Tee
First off..Hi Beverly ! I met you at the Evelyn Palfry event some years ago. We had a goooood time LOL
To start:
1) What did you all think of Henry Adams, Kansas? Could you relate to the residents?
2) What about the characters? Who was your favorite and why? If your favorite was not an elder of the town, which elder did you like the most? The least? And why?
3). What were your thoughts on adoption and sharing your gifts with a child before reading the book? After?
- Tee
1. I loved all the residents even cranky Cletus LOL
2. My favorite character was Bernadine then the kids. Her because she was special and because the kids..are kids who needed someone and were found by a wonderful community.
3. Adoption is a good thing done for the right reason. Having run a program for children myself for 5 years, sharing with children is my passion. LOVE them..so I was feeling this story.
Linda so sorry for the late reply. It’s crazy up in here. Thanks so much for your questions and support. Hope to see you next time I’m in TX.
I loved the idea of the town getting together to adopt kids- particulary older kids. Having worked a short time with Foster Kids and having custody of a nephew through the Foster Care system, there is a lot that is completely misunderstood. The kids come from all different backgrounds with soo many issues and it really takes strong people with sttrong foundations and love to care for them.
Ms Bev described the portion wonderfulllY.
I agree ‘Cilla! I was in the foster care system for 5-6 of my younger years and my twin sister and I were adopted (and reunited) when we were 8 years old. It is such a blessing to have had someone take us in and care for us as their own child.
-Tee
Tee. As an adoptive parent you touched my heart. Big hug to you, your sis and your adoptive parents.
Thanks, Bev. They’re both deceased, but I wouldn’t be who/where I am today if it hadn’t been for them. Kudos to you too as it takes special people to be so giving! How old were your kids when you adopted them?
-Tee
I have one adopted and one biological. Adpoted is the son. Brought him into the family at five. Been an uphill battle with him in many ways, especially after my husband died.
1) What did you all think of Henry Adams, Kansas? Could you relate to the residents? I was fascinated of the history of this little town and it’s people.
2) What about the characters? Who was your favorite and why? If your favorite was not an elder of the town, which elder did you like the most? The least? And why? My favorite character was Bernadine because of her giving spirit. My fav elder was Tamar because she reminded me of my maternal grnadmother. She would love you to death but when she whipped that punishment out on you ….you know you been punished…LOL
3). What were your thoughts on adoption and sharing your gifts with a child before reading the book? After?
I had always thought adopting a child is a beautiful thing.
I love the fact that the residents of Henry Adams watched out for one another. It reminded me of how it used to be in the country.
Bernadine was my favorite character. She had a very giving heart. She reminded me of a friends mom.
Actually, there was something I liked about all of the characters–even the one (forget his name right now) who loved his pig. He was the comic relief of the book.
I’ve always been an advocate for adoption. I don’t have any kids so I’ve looked adoption as being an option. I never thought about adopting a teenager so the book shifted my thoughts to that age group.
1. I loved the entire concept about Henry Adams, from its inception to how Bernadine rescued the town and gave it a new mission/purpose.
2. I am still reading the book…but so far, Bernadine is my favorite character. I love how she doesn’t hesitate to handle business and put people (i.e., Riley, Malachi) in their places if and when necessary.
3. My thoughts on adoption didn’t change after reading the book. As an adoptee, I would love to one day be able to open up my home and life to a child in need.
Hope, I forgot you were adopted too. How old were you?
-Tee
Hey Tee. I was 10 months old.
I like the fact the town was sold on ebay and a woman like Bernadine got it for a steal. My favorite characters in this book was Tamar and Amari because Tamar spoken words that I use to hear from late grandmother and Amari just need love from people especially men. The town of Henry Adams made you believe that they all were a family and nobody was going to mess it up not even Riley. Listen to the story of the foster children did get me to thinking might fostering a child may be so bad as people make it seem. When will Malachi and Bernadine get together? Will we know more about the children in the next installment?
Hey sis. Thanks for the questions. As for the answers. Yes.
1) What did you all think of Henry Adams, Kansas? Could you relate to the residents? I was already familiar with the town from Ms. Bev’s historicals. I loved the town then and was sad to see what had happend to it. But I thought the fact that it had fallen into such bad times was very realistic.
2) What about the characters? Who was your favorite and why? If your favorite was not an elder of the town, which elder did you like the most? The least? And why? My favorite character was Zoe, she just really touched my heart. My favorite elder was Tamar, she was so very much a July.
3). What were your thoughts on adoption and sharing your gifts with a child before reading the book? After? I’ve always thought of adoption as very important, but that only people with the unique gift of being able to accept a child as their very own should do it. Not everyone can do this. I, at one time, did not see myself getting married, but I did want to have children. So I started looking into perhaps adopting an older child. But then I met my first husband, we fell in love and had a child. The marriage didn’t work out, but my son was my reward for havng endured the marriage for as long as it lasted. Yes, I still think adoption is a great idea for the right people.
Good morning, Beverly!
I read Bring on the Blessings a while back and loved it. Just finished Captured a couple of weeks ago, and now I’m in the middle of Sexy Dangerous, because I’m trying to finish your backlist.
What can I say, your writing amazes me. I want to be like you when I grow up …
That’s so sweet. However, I’m on deadline. I’ve written 2 plus books since September and I’m about to drop. Not sure growing up to be me is a good idea. LOL
Two more! I can’t wait. Hope one of them is a historical. I learn something I didn’t know about our history every time I read one. Thank you!
LOL! Can’t wait to read the two new books. When will they be out? What can you tell us about those? Inquiring minds wanna know! LOL
Renee. The two Kimani novellas. One will be out in June for Black Music month and has a music theme. The second which i believe is an october release is a holiday piece. The historical is the second American Revolution book and will center on a woman spying for the rebels. Lots of Af/am history. The race contributed so much to the fight for independence. Too bad I can’t use it all.
They both sound good and I can’t wait to read them! I love that with Kimani you can purchase the books a month prior to the release, so I’ll definitely be on the lookout.
You’re so right about that one! I’ll have to keep an eye out for those too.
Oooh, I like the sound of these, Bev! I’m going to have to join the Kimani Book Club now so I can keep up with you.
-Tee
I loved the town, Bernadine was my favorite character by far, I love get it done women and I have been a mentor my whole life and I believe to whom much is given much is required~ I live and love by that motto~
In order to really appreciate the town you really have to read the Historicals- where it all began – with the ancestors. The July family were outlaws, train robbers with the biggest hearts.
That’s what I love about this town and the history involved.
Ditto!
What she said !!!
Angelia, you remind me of Bernadine, so I knew you would love the character.
Sister Sheila,
you are the third person to say I reminded them of Bernadine~ I like, ‘cept I got a big fine man too…I know more BLESSINGS~ hee hee
lol Angelia–double the blessings.
Hey all and Beverly thank you for joining us today!!! I LOVED this story!! The town was so real in my head the I could picture all the characters so vividly down to that dang pig…LOL
Dont’ ya just love Cletus… I could actually see him taking over that house… I know he is making a grand appearance in Second Helping
Yep Yep..too funny !! LOL
I’m gonna tease again, but Cletus is a mess in the new book! LOL Okay, I’ll stop teasing now. I know that’s not fair. :::big grin::::
Oh lawd, I have shocked Sister ‘Cilla, now dont tease me~ Tee, I will get the sequel, I am sold out now~ ‘Cilla you know I have been waaaaaay to busy….~iknowpoorexcuse~
That’s what I’m talking about! Love a book so much, you run out and pre-order the sequel. See, this is what I love about what I do. I’m so glad you’re participating in the challenge, sis.
-Tee
The sequel – Second Helping will hit stores in Jan. Hope you’ll all check it out.
I know I am:)
Me too..just added it to my wish list on Amazon !
I am, raising both hands….and wiggling my fingers too!!
Not to tease, but I already have it and it’s been on my desk a couple of weeks. I picked Bring on the Blessings for the Challenge because I wanted to make sure I read it, so I could be ready for the sequel. Sooooooooo, I’ll be getting to it later this week.
I love books that connect me with the community and make me think of home (a small town in Arkansas, population 336).
-Tee
I’m jealous…
:p…I’m jealous
Always holding out! LOL
Well it is a review copy, so ummm, errr…I can always hand it over and buy mine when it comes out; especially since y’all are so much quicker than me. Give me a ring and let me know and I can mail it today.
-Tee
Everywhere I go the first thing I’m asked is: What happened to Cletus??? Who knew a 600 pound killer hog would turn into a rock star or should i say, pork star???
Yes, Cletus was a scene stealing HAM~
LOL…good one Angelia. Can you imagine this pig sitting in front of the tv watching an animal program….LOL
LOL. Cletus was definitely a star in the book. I laughed so hard during his scenes.
Me too! I was cracking up! I’ve never seen an animal steal the show in a book like that. LOL
lol Renee. We need to start a new award category just for him.
Here’s a theme: Pig Lit. I know. Real bad. I’ll go stand in the corner now.
ROFL, this is just so funny to me and so unique. Now, let’s hope everyone doesn’t go and add animal stars in their books. ROFL. I could see this as a movie though, Cletus and all!!
And Bev, you know there’s that series with the cat by Lillian Jackson Braun, The Cat Who… Series, so I say give Cletus his own series. Funny, funny!
-Tee
My poor editor would have a stroke and die. i’m not sure she’s on board with Cletus still, but once the genie’s out of the bottle you can’t put it back, so you just have to go with it.
Ms. Bev, I have a ton of questions, you might be tired of me by the end of the day. I will apologize now if you do, LOL!
I’ll admit I had no idea who or what your books were about before this reading challenge. So I started with Vivid, I loved it and things went from there. Never really had a desired to read historical romance before, but I was blown away from beginning to end. For the past week and a half or so, I’ve been on my personal Beverly Jenkins read-a-thon (b.k.a. Bev Jenk read-a-thon). I’m still in the midst of my read-a-thon! I’m in the middle of Something Like Love, now and love it.
Now for the questions, I’ll begin with questions from Bring on the Blessings and go from there.
1) When writing this story did you have any difficulties and if so what were they?
2) How was it for you to write about Henry Adams, KS in present day instead of the past?
3) You told us briefly in the Author’s note how you came up with some of the characters, were there other influences that influenced you when coming up with the characters? Such and Cletus and Riley?
4) How did you decide to make Marshal Dixon Wildhorse and Colonel Payne related?
J. I don’t mind the questions at all. First. Difficulties. My only difficulty is the same one I have with all of my books – putting butt in chair! I have no discipline whatsovah! None. So my biggest challenge is always the writing. 2. Writing about HA was fairly easy once I sat down and thought about where a small town like that would be in the 21st century. I live in a relatively small town so the issues of losing population and kids growing up and moving away hit home. I’m an adoptive parent so those issues are close to home as well. As for Cletus – lordy! I needed a reason for Riley to have missed the original vote selling the town to Bernadine and so I added Cletus. I had no idea the hog would take over the story. I don’t plot my books out, I just go with the flow and let the characters do the driving and Cletus took the wheel and took off! LOL
Forgot to reply to yr last q. Had no idea the two were related until that scene, but it fit. Sometimes this gift scares me. No lie.
Cool, when I was reading I wondered if you were going to tie the past to the present and you didn’t disappoint. When the revelation that Payne and Wildhorse, I totally saw and wondered if you had a reason.
When Riley went to ask Genievive (I know I misspelled it, sorry) to come back home and the only reason was because he couldn’t get Cletus out the house, I knew then that he had missed the mark once again. I wonder if she will get a blessing of her own in the upcoming book in, you hinted about in BOB.
Riley had a lot of nerve to do something like that and more nerve to be taking money from the people. And wait….what about his idea for Cletus to be a television star…dress him up in clothes and a wig…..ROFL!!!
Riley and Cletus are SPECIAL
She will get her blessing. As Bernadine says in SH – Genevieve goes from being a doormat to damn mad.
Bring on the Blessings was my favorite book for 2009.
Bless you and thanks for the support. One of the ladies on my yahoo site said she saw galleys for Second Helping on ebay. 1K dollars! I hope nobody is dumb enough to pay that when the book will be out in less than a month. I don’t make a dime off ebay sales or any used sales – and that’s okay, but a grand??? Come on.
That is crazy! And galley’s aren’t supposed to be sold. But you know folks will do anything.
Ebay robs the author. One of my books is available already and its not scheduled to be released until next year too and I don’t even think it’s a galley copy. Sad part. I don’t even have a hard copy of my book yet.
That’s ridiculous!!!!!!!!! You’re the author, how are they able to get away with this? There must be a reason I don’t shop on ebay, I’m beginning to understand why.
Pre-ordered my Second Helping, it is Christmas after all~
What I loved about this book was someone using their money for good. Bernadine could have taken her money and went on a long vacation, but she had a dream and she went for it.
I enjoyed how she just bought what she wanted without blinking an eye. Looking forward to the next book.
Ms. Bev knows I’m a fan for life. She can write her butt off and all those days in the dungeon we readers so very much appreciate it.
LaShaunda, I love you to death. You’ve been with me and supporting for a very long time. Much appreciated.
The children were adorable and all touched my heart. Amari just cracked me up with all his questions and the child Bernadine took…I forgot her name and which I knew she would take her….she was very protective of Zoe.
Amari was a hoot and he had me laughing from the time he arrived on the scene. Crystal was a sweetheart, too. I had tears when I learned she was sleeping on the floor cause she didn’t want to mess up her bed. I’ll be honest, I wanted to beat Preston’s foster mother for not getting him an inhaler…I understood why he set fire to the house. I do have a question about that was the foster mother injured due to the fire?
No. She didn’t get injured. Preston got her out of the house as I remember. Based that whole no inhaler thing on a case my daughter had as a family worker for head start. Same kind of stupidity on the mom’s part but the child was a toddler – only three years old. Broke my daughter’s heart.. Can you imagine being too self centered to get an inhaler for your three year old. Shameful!
OMGoodness…that is just plain awful.
That’s beyond shameful, it’s ridicolous!!!!! Not to get the child what they need in order to breathe is selfish. I wanted to hurt Preston’s foster mother at that point, then I thought she wouldn’t be around for long, LOL!!!!
Everyone, please continue on with the discussion, asking/answering questions and sharing thoughts on different aspects of the book. It’s taking me quite a while to post my replies, so I’m going to reboot and check back in a bit later.
-Tee
the site won’t let me use the reply mode right now, so I’ll reply here. Sharon. Her name is Crystal. I love Amari, too. Finding out he couldn’t read blew me away.
Hey Mama Bev!
Tee, I think Trent July , Bernadine Brown’s, Lily Fontaine are my favorites.
I really loved those kids too. The scene of the little 7 year old girl being attacked by the rats was so vivid! Had me looking around my office for rats all day long! And that 11 year old car thief was too much! LOL
I’am looking forward to reading Second Helping. Just a few more weeks to wait!!! : )
Hey Jan. Thanks so much. Somebody asked me what is it with me and rats – remember the rats in Edge of Midnight??? Not sure what it’s about, but probably is related to the tomato plant I tended so meticulously when i was young. The tomatoes grew fat and red. decided to let them stay on the plant one more day. Got up the next morning and the rats had eaten every damn tomato on the plant! Maybe I need a therapist. LOL
ROFL, this is TOO FUNNY! Sorry about your tomatoes, Bev.
Thanks. I think I’m traumatized for life. My mother told me to go ahead and pick them the day before, but I didn’t listen.
Chiki. Yep. Looks like you all will get four books from me in 10. Second Helping. 2 novellas from Kimani and the new historical I’m working on now. My old fans remember when I only did one book a year. My how things have changed.
Yes in deed! Four books!!!!
And we love you for writing every last one of them!!
Y’all keep buyin – I’ll keep writin;!
YAY!!
Then it looks like you’ll be writing for a while Ms. Bev.
There was a movie back in the 70s called March or Die, I feel like I’m starring in Write and Die.
Ms. Jenkins,
I liked the fact that you showed the blessings that could come from a broken relationship (i. e. Bernadine catching her husband with another woman). All that money helped some too (LOL). And the setting in a small town is near and dear to me. I live in a small rural town where most of the businesses have gone away and the town struggles with paying debt and trying to keep it small town historical image and ambience.
Brenda
For small towns it is a struggle. This economy isn’t helping either.
This is a definitely and I also like what it brought to her. The kinship and camaraderie with plus the advantages afforded through her relationship with the Bottom Women’s Society (I simply love the “play†on the name), being able to pay Lily Fontaine 30,000 more a year then she was making in Atlanta to be her COO, etc.
And lastly I got to say….DONâ€T MAKE CALL HER LAWYERS!! LOVE IT!!!!
This is one book that I would love to see brought to film. Beverly, are there any plans yet?
If I had the money, I would do it myself
Would love to see this on film as well. We’ve had a few sniffs for some of my other books but nothing significant. So I’ll keep working and wait’ on the Lord as the old folks say..
Just stopping by to saw I love what I’ve read in the book so far (I’m a little under halfway finished and I look forward to reading the sequel). Keep up the great work.
Thanks sis. Enjoy!
Ms.bev,
Are you going to hook Bernadine up with anyone in this book? She needs a good strong, loving man.
Good question, I wondered the same thing. She does deserve some love, too!
She will get her some love and you all know who he’ll be. She’s just making him work for it. LOL
Well, now! I hope he get’s his act together and get his lady!
If he has any sense and wants her bad enough he will.
Hot diggity dog!
More questions:
1) You’ve written in several different genres, do you prefer one over the other? If so which?
2) Do you find it difficult to write death scenes in your books? If so why? How do you decided who will become the victim of such a fate?
3) Will we be returning to Grayson Grove in the future? I would love to get an update on the characters there?
hey J. Great q. I prefer the historicals but the contemps make more money. The story usually dictates who dies. I don’t really know who’ll get it, but with SH I knew i was going to kill the person when the story began. He soooo deserves it. I don’t see us returning to G Grove anytime soon. I know folks are fiening (sp) for Jewel’s bros, but if I don’t do a story for Preacher or Rhine very soon, sisters will be threatening me and picketing my house.
Just met Preacher while reading Something Like Love. Haven’t met Rhine yet, which book is he from?
I think the same thing about returning to Grayson Grove. The Crowley sons deserve love, too! I’ll be patient for now.
Will you do any other stories similiar to Captured? A prequel, if you will?
Rhine is the brother of Sable Fontaine in Through the Storm, my first Leveq book. Rhine leaves the race to pass as white. My readers have been on me about his story for over a decade now. I plan to give him the darkest heroine i can find so that brother man will have to make a choice.
Not sure but we’ll see what the future brings.
Ok, I have to get that one. It sounds interesting. Leaving the race to pass, I like the sound of that. I agree he needs a dark hellion of a herione, to make him choose!!! A combo of Katherine Wildhorse and Grace Blake.
I have Winds of the Storm and will begin reading this evening, soon as I’m done with Olivia and Neil. Next on my list is Teresa July’s story. The folk were like is she an outlaw for real, and when she pulled the gun out on Malloy, we all had our answer and I knew then I liked her and can’t wait to see who captures her heart.
In writing historicals, do you have to do a lot of research? And, how long does it take you to produce one?
Brenda
Hey Brenda. Yes. Lots of research but for me it’s fun. Nothing like coming across something in the research that makes you go wow! For example I just discovered that spies during the American Revolution used invisible ink!! No clue that kind of stuff was going on way back then. And as for how long. It varies. If it’s subject matter I’ve touched on before, like the outlaws or the civil war or Harriet Tubman’s spies, it goes faster than say the American Revolution books because that’s a new topic for me. Had to look up what folks ate, wore, did in their spare time. How the war started and progressed and more importantly the role the race played in the whole thing. But I love it!
Interesting. It is fascinating when you learn something new. Another reason why I enjoy your work. How do you determine which sources you use for research?
I grab a bunch of stuff – throw it against a wall and see what sticks. For this historical, i have let’s see, 7 books I’m using as primary sources and a bunch of artices found on the net. Your research facts should be corroborated by at least two and sometimes three sources. It helps you from writing stuff that’s wrong.
Nice and I agree nothing like getting facts wrong. I know you do extensive resarch for your historicals, but do you find it difficult writing about the past when most times there’s no one to speak to or interview?
But that’s the beauty in it. They do speak – through old pictures, diary entries and the history. I give that history to the characters and they come alive. Different characters represent different aspects of our history. Vivid stands for all the 19th Century sister doctors. Dix – the Black seminoles. Nate in Vivid the Black civil war vets. The train robbing Julys – the black and brown outlaws. it’s pretty simple once I figured out to tell the history and the story at the same time. Henry Adams and the Dusters represent the Great Exodus of 1879 etc.
I understand now. The history itself speaks to you as it should to all of us. Everyday is a making in history. When you first began mentioning the race holding political office or possibly running the country did you think it would actually happen? Since it has happen will you continue to do so?
I had no idea we’ d see someone like Barack in my lifetime. I made the prez Black in Saint’s book and in Max’s simply because in my fictional world stuff like that happened. I got mail thanking me for speaking Barack into life but it wasn’t me. But if I could pick the winning lotto number for the mega millions . . .
This is just my opinion but I think for Jewel’s brothers it should be something similar to 7 brides for 7 brothers. Lord knows it’s gonna take some strong women to put up with those boys. ;P
Great idea and even greater conclusion.. LOL
Questions for the group:
1) What did everyone think of about the elders of the town?
I thought they were all a hoot and reminded me there has to be a foundation for things to be built and the elders definitely were it. Tamar was sassy and when she told Bernadine that her son was full of snake oil, I hollered!
2) What do you think will happen to Riley and Cletus in the future?
Their pasts will catch up to them and Cletus will probably become a ham for sure
3) Will Crystal get a new hairstyle?
I sure do hope, so.
4) Should Devon become the new pastor of the town church?
Not sure about that one, can’t wait to see how that pans out.
) What did everyone think of about the elders of the town?
I loved the elders. They were all ‘characters’, each having their own unique purpose/place in the town.
2) What do you think will happen to Riley and Cletus in the future?
I hope that Riley goes to jail and Cletus goes to market.
3) Will Crystal get a new hairstyle?
Yes, it should be a part of her transition to her new life.
4) Should Devon become the new pastor of the town church?
No, I would like to see Devon become more of a kid, more care free, and doing fun, kid things. He can keep his inner spiritualism, but I’d like to see him be a lot less serious.
hey Cathy. My sentiments exactly on Devon. Book 3′s gonna change his little life and he’s not going to like it one bit.
Woowser, went to get a sandwich and gotta catch up
Will the lady Riley met be his new love interest?
I hope so. So, his wife can get the man that has been loving her for some years. Cletus and Chocolate can go where pigs go.
Ah, Eustasia Pennymaker. She’s as looney tunes as Riley, as you will see in SH. All I’m going to say is: stay tuned girls and boys.
O goodness. Another looney, give us strength! I didn’t think anyone else could love a pig, I guess there is.
I’m not sure what this thing is with folks and their pigs. My daughter’s godmother grew up with pigs in Georgia and when she moved north she filled her house with pig salt and pepper shakers, statues = pigs on her pot holders, pics of pigs on her walls. took her daughter hours to pack up all those pigs when she died. Had a male friend tell me about a friend of his in W VA who loved a pet pig so much he wanted to take it to the prom!! I am not lying. The guys moma said, i don’t think so and that was that. Can you imagine. LOL
He sounds like Riley…LOL!!!!! The only thing I Iove about a pig is the meat they produce, no room for anything else!
ROFL! We grew up with pigs, cows, chickens, etc., but they were never pets. So, this whole Cletus thing is cracking me up.
-Tee
1) What did everyone think of about the elders of the town? I loved the elders and their spirit.
2) What do you think will happen to Riley and Cletus in the future? Hmmm not sure but if Riley had his way Cletus would be on tv.
3) Will Crystal get a new hairstyle? I think she will.
4) Should Devon become the new pastor of the town church?…Hmmm….not sure
we’ll see Devon preach in SH, but the question on his future will be dealt with in Book 3. There will be at least 4 books in this series as it stands now. We;ll see if there will be more after that.
YAY!! That’s one more the mention.
Got lots of catching up to do, I wanna know Preacher and ‘nem~
I feel the same way! I can’t wait to get through all of the stories. I know a few and the characters so far. They’re all great.
Angelia.. your books will be in the mail before the week is out
Hi Ms. Bev! Thought I’d chime in, too.
Bring on the Blessings was nothing short of a pleasure to read. I was captivated from the beginning. Ms. Bev you had me crying with this one! I actually had to stop reading at one point and have a good cry ’cause you pulled something out of me!! It’s not a bad thing. BOB was cathartic! I could relate to many of the characters in the book. I had a great respect for Tamar bringing the traditions and information forward.
I just wasn’t feeling Cletus, though. He would’ve been bacon, ham shanks and chitterlings a longggg time ago if that’d been me!
And Genevieve says Amen!
Group questions:
1) Have you read other books by Ms. Bev?
Yes, several. Continue to make my way through the sea.
2) If so what are your favorites if you have one?
Jewel, Always and Forever and Something Like Love
3) Which genre do you like most by Ms. Bev?
I prefer the historical romances, and enjoyed how the historical aspects were introduced in BOB.
1) Have you read other books by Ms. Bev?
Yes…I’ve read Jewel and Deadly Sexy
2) If so what are your favorites if you have one?
I would have to say Jewel because this book was my first introduction to historical romance
3) Which genre do you like most by Ms. Bev? I would have to say the historical romance
1) Have you read other books by Ms. Bev?
)
I have read them ALL several times.. I am a member of Ms. Bev’s yahoo group (ok.. I am groupie for sure
2) If so what are your favorites if you have one?
Topaz – Historical
3) Which genre do you like most by Ms. Bev?
Historical is my favorite
1) Have you read other books by Ms. Bev?
I have read all of her books some many times
2) If so what are your favorites if you have one?
Indigo, Through the Storm Topaz and Vivid
3) Which genre do you like most by Ms. Bev?
Historical
and my favorite contemparies are: Deadly Sexy and Black Lace
I liked Topaz, too. As I mentioned before I love that she had a connection to Marshal Wildhorse in BOB.
I am a member of Ms. Bev’s yahoo group (ok.. I am groupie for sure ), I like that. Sounds like I should join in on the fun!!
Jaime.. Ms. Bev’s yahoo group is VERY UNIQUE…. we discuss her books and others. It’s more like a Sista hood with Ms. Bev as our Empress. In fact, we just celebrated that very Last Bevland Pajama Party in Ann Arbor, MI. For those that know, her pajama party are FAN-TAB-U-LOUS. You get to ask her every question imaginable and she ANSWERS them with LOVE, LAUGHTER, and FUN
we get very up close and personal and there is a LOT of PRAYING going on too!!
Sounds like a wonderful group. I like groups like that.
It truly is, transcends anything I could have possibility thought it could be.
That’s for sure. Its another family, just on the internet. It’s an awesome experience being in the bevland family. Hey CIlla, Hey Rhea.
groupie …..stalker….LOL!!! Beverly I can testify to this…LOL!! Jaime and I chat err’day and this woman love her BJ novels….LOL!!! Since she’s been on a BJ thon not a day goes by she doesn’t mention your books
I’m at my desk trying to keep my laugh in control, LOL!!! Thanks, Sharon. She’s correct all I seem to talk about these days is my Bev Jenk read-a-thon, LOL!!!!!!!
girl.. you don’t have to tell me… I have a shrine dedicated to Dixon Wildhorse
In fact Cilla considers herself MRS Dixon Wildhorse. Hopefully no one wil tell his wife, Katherine.
….and she can be rabid about it!!
‘Cilla you are the best fan~! and thanks!!
I buy several copies of Ms. Bev books – one set, I highlight all the good stuff and ancestry of the family (that’s how I keep them straight) one set os autographed… then I tend ot buy extra copies cause I enjoy introducing Ms Bev to new book lovers…
As far as Dixon.. his slow hand caught me and won’t let go… I have Disxon Wildhorse t-shirts.. they all think I am loco.. and I’ll admit .. YES I AM
You’ll have to send me a pic of this shrine you have! Sounds like your ready to step in if something ever happens to Katherine. I love it!
Awww. So sweet.
Ok, so how do I join in on this fun? I just picked up another book from the library, so I can continue my read-a-thon. It’s Black Lace…I’ll fit it in this weekend.
Black Lace is the 3rd of the Detroit series. If you haven’t read Edge of Midnight which is first and Edge of Dawn which is second you might wanta wait in order to get the full back story on NIA.
Thanks, cause I would’ve have been upset once I started. I read the others until I get the complete series.
1) Have you read other books by Ms. Bev?
Yes, all of them, including the couple of novellas she’s written
2) If so what are your favorites if you have one?
Indigo, Topaz, Night Song, Deadly Sexy….I could go on and on. I love all of them.
3) Which genre do you like most by Ms. Bev?
I like them both equally.
1.) I have read all of Ms. Bev’s books. Some several times over.
2.) My favorites are Topaz, Indigo, and Vivid.
3.) I love the historicals.
Hey everyone! The site should be working much faster now. I received a reply from the support staff and they had to restart something on the server, but it’s now resolved. My apologies for the inconvenience and thanks so much for actively participating in the chat!
I will be back with the afternoon/evening crew and catch up with everyone’s comments then.
-Tee
Thanks Tee. i’m going to take a break as well. Do a little work, check my email and be back here for the afternoon throw down at 3. Keep posting those qs and I’ll answer them. Love y’all!! B
Beverly, did I mention that when I saw the sequel was coming out, I was trying to make our themes match the book so I could nominate it? LOL. If you could pick a theme (or two) for the series, what would you call it?
-Tee
(To RAW members, I’m not “really” trying to sway the votes.)
What kind of theme, as is song? Y’all know I’m slow. LOL
The theme Tee is referring to are for the books the book club will choose to read. Here a few examples that we have so far–Guess Who (genre is mystery) and Legalese (genre is legal thrillers). I hope this helps, let us know if u have more questions.
Hmm. Okay. I’ll have to think on that. I thought you were talking music, because we’re big on doing theme songs over at beverlyland which is what we call our yahoo group. The sisters have songs for most of the books. Captured was Kjon’s – Ocean.
LOL, no worries! I’m thinking it’ll fit in our Second Time Around (sequels) if nothing else. I love the music theme idea.
-Tee
One theme – Family Values or Pour on the Blessings
This was fasinating when you really think of it but that’s exactly how it works….you bless, your are blessed by blessing and thoses that receive your blessing bless in return, YES such a lovely cycle.
I’ll be back this evening…my computer at work is kind of slow today…guess I should be working huh….LOL
Ms. Bev do you have any questions for us, the readers?
Ok. Every time I do a chat like this new readers say my writing is unique. Can someone explain that to me. What makes my writing/stories unique because there’s a whole lot of people writing books for us these days.
You have a gift that captures the reader from the first page until the last page. The heroes tend to be gentle giants with one goal–passion. The heroines are strong and sassy looking for one thing–passion. Your tales are filled with passion and the romantic scenes are brought to live with passion, sexy depth and grace. To intertwine history with these passionate stories, is remarkable.
I’m just hoping to run across one these heroes someday. So far Iike Marshal Dixon, but I’m in love with Jackson Blake and Neil July!!!!! It’s a good thing these men are married. Ok, I just went off on a tangent here…that wasn’t my intent at all.
LOL Tangents are ok sis. Believe me. Thanks for the reply.
Ms. Bev, that is partially due to the fact that your characters become tangible beings. People get to know them and loved them whether they are doing right or wrong. You can read of these people and transplant yourself right in the middle of where they are and what they are doing. You always walk away full and totally engaged, even with the characters who personalities you don’t care for. This is a rarity, even with a favorite writers we get hits namely but get some misses too but not with me to date pertaining to you. And on top of everything else WE ALWAYS LEARN SOMETHING!! Simply amazing.
Thank you Ms Rhea Alexis – Crochet Queen of Bland.
Ms. Bev you have a voice unlike any other. The first time I picked up your book I was just glad to see a historical novel with people on the cover that looked like me. Then when I started reading it not only was there a romance between the characters, but I learned a lot as well. Also, even though there are people in the novels who experienced slavery they didn’t have the ‘slave mentatlity’. That probably doesn’t make any sense but I mean to say that they were enslaved physically but not mentally. They knew that slavery was not what they were meant to be in forever. They were as educated as they could be as slaves, like Sable and Rhine, but they saw beyond the bondage.
ms. Bev.. your stories have a way of capturing you from the beginning (I know that has been said before) And the characters all have flaws. they are insecure, jealous, sensitive, talentsed, caring, and not aware of their greatness. Just like many people in real life. You don’t surgar coat them .. you simply tell the story. These charactes are not so far off that anyone can not imagine themselves as one of them.
Ms. Bev, For me your books are so vivid and real that they just jump off the page. They have also jump started my imagination which I was beginning to think I didn’t have anymore. They are intellectually stimulating given the amount of information, history, “tid bits”, etc. that you gift us with. You have a way of instilling in us an appreciation for our people and the journey that has brought us all to the place(s) we are today. And you’ve done it with such ease that we are loving every minute, every page. I enjoy reading and there are other writers that I love as well, but you are defintely in a special category all to yourself. Your writing is so beautiful sometimes it make me want to cry, just from the sheer joy of it.
okay. You can hand me a tissue now. Wow y’all. This is the kind of praise that puts tears in my eyes. Square business. It motivates me, fuels me and fills me up. Thanks. Truly.
I’ll keep this wagon moving…with more questions.
1) With all the books under your belt do you have a favorite? If so which ones and why?
2) Do you have favorite characters that you enjoy bringing to life?
3) If you could a different genre what would it be and why?
Great question. Fave books. Night Song, Topaz and Edge of Midnight. As for characters I love them all, although Chase, Galen, Dix and Mykal Chandler are some of my favorite men. Love the sistas too, specially the kick azz ones like Max. You all will meet Pam in Holiday Heat, my fall Kimani novella. She’s ATF and doesn’t play. As for another genre. My fans know I’ve been talking about this dragon book that’s been building itself in my head for the past couple years.. I’m a big fantasy reader, so that may be the next genre sandbox I’ll want to play in.
ATF agent.. sounds like a friend of Max.. Can’t wait to read it
Remember when I asked Bland the question about the Halloween masquerade party? Well this is that book and I decided on a centurion. My oh my! LOL
Maybe gladiator is a better description.
OMG!!! No more clues or hints
I’m not much into fantasy, but if you write it, I’ll read it! LOL
Renee.. i had the same feeling when Ms. Bev said she was writing contempory fiction.. but I love it.. i believe she could rewrite the yellow pages and make it intersting.. LOL
Bless you sis. A sista and a dragon?? Yep. Gonna be all over that soon as I come back from this death march I’ve been on since Sept.
I like the sounds of dragons, umm….can’t wait for this one.
That will be interesting, never got into fantasy until earlier this year and the Vampire Huntress Legion series by L. A. Banks….who would have thunk it, not me for sure. So, count me in too!!
YAY!! That’s one more the mention before….then again I am waaaayyyyy behind in things but catching up over the Christmas Break. LOL
This question just hit me and if I’ve missed her story as I continue my Bev Jenk read-a-thon, I apologize. I want to know will Hannah Green get a story?
I believe she is on the back burner.. there are soo many characters that we want to know about .. Two-shafts (who will never get a story but some will continue to ask), Rhine, Preacher, Sweetness (from the contempory novels), the twin girls from Something Like Love, and sooo many more.. if we had our way, we would strap Ms.Bev to the Computer while she writes LOL
Sending Hugz to ya Ms. Bev
Cilla is so on point. She and the rest of my ladies know my moves and my thoughts because lord knows they hear my life story nearly every day over in Bevland and are such a blessing to me. Some of these characters have been waiting sooo long for their stories, it’s real hard to think about adding new ones until the older ones have had their say. Hannah??? Not sure.
Ok, who is Sweetness? And which book do I meet them? I’ll continue to be patient, sometimes the back burner does have a way of coming to life. One can only hope.
Sweetness made his debut in Sexy/Dangerous. You have to meet him to apprecitae him. He’s sorta the king of the Detroit underworld and has a direct connection to the characters in the Detroit trilogy and the on going mystery in those three books but they don’t know that yet. Got you totally confused. Don’t I? LOL. The long time readers are smiling. They were all where you are once upon a time, so just keep reading.
I am and hope to be a Ms. Bev guru too!
Opppsss. sorry Jaime .. I should refernce the books with the characters
For those interested in joining Beverly’s YahooGroup, the link is below:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/thebeverlyjenkinsfanclub/
-Tee
Thanks, Tee! I just asked how do I join…on my way there now.
I was late reading this book just finished it a month or so ago, but it by no means disappointed me. I am still laughing about that pig. OMG. The storyline is a little different from Beverly Jenkins other historical and contemporary but it was just as good. She educates you with the ancestry connection and I really feed off of that. I definitely cant wait for the sequel.
Ok. I’m back in the house. I’ll take a few minutes to scroll through what’s new and start responding.
Question time going back to BOB, for a moment:
1) You mentioned that there will be probably 3 or 4 books in the series, will we be introduced to new characters? If so what should we expect?
2) Will Henry Adams to be a properous town in the future, as it was in the past?
3) Do you think Bernadine’s ex will make an appearance in future books?
We will meet Leo in SH. There are new characters. As for prosperity -depends on the definition, i suppose. Bernadine says in SH if the town gets too big and folks no longer know their neighbors then she’ll stop building. I feel that way as well. When the story gets so large that you forget who folks are or care who they were then I’ll know its time to stop. And depends on what Henry Adams began with folks living underground in dugouts the first year, but they said they’d rather live underground in KS than above ground in the south where they fled from. For them that was prosperity. Do we want to see HA go big time?? Not sure but see Night Song for how the town came to be. Hope that rambling answer helps??
LOL! Ms. Bev, I’ve already started BOO-ing Bernadine’s ex. I know it’s not polite but it’s better than cursing!
Guuurl. Get that boo machine cranked up, and get some extra batteries. You’ll be booing him and couple of other new characters. In fact, I’m starting now. BOOOOO!!! LOL
Booed one of the new character so bad I killed him! And no, I’m not telling.
I hope I can tell right away who he is. I guess you don’t mind killing people off, LOL!!!!! I don’t care I keep reading anyway.
I do not mind killing folks off. And if you’ve read Max or JT you know that I like blowing stuff up as well. Like me some car chases too.
I have JT’s book, and started reading it. I loved Pinky and the Brain, it took me a moment, though. Then the light bulb went off and I remembered the cartoon called Pinky and the Brain and Brain’s conquest to take over the world, LOL!!!!! Can’t wait to see if the brothers are conquesting to take over the world.
I didn’t like him either, eventhough he wasn’t a main theme of the story. I hope he and his new bride stay where they are.
I was also wondering if we would meet Leo….I don’t belive in revenge but I do believe in looking someone in the face that has wronged me and seeing their reaction to my “success”….if that makes sense, Karma I think it’s called.
And as we all know Karma is a … rhymes with rich. LOL
That it is, I keep telling people that. Life will get you, before the revenge you plan will.
Sorry for the muddled sentence in the middle. Editor!!!
LOL! Don’t let them make you dizzy with all these comments, Bev. LOL.
-Tee
I’m so past dizzy, but I’m grinnin’ and having a ball. Keep em coming. I don’t care that I’m on deadline if you all don’t. This is good for the soul.
For those of you that have been fans of Ms. Bev’s for quite some time, what advice do you have for newbies like myself?
J. My advice would be to try and read them in order if you can. Jessi Rose where Preacher and the Terrible Twins – Neil and Two shafts make their appearance is out of print right now. But if you read in order you will see how the books connect. Trying to do a list of connecting books doesn’t really work because most of the historicals are connected in some ways. The only stand alone book is Before the Dawn, not to be confused with the Edge of Dawn. Don’t you love how creative some of these book titles can be.
I want to get my hands on that Before the Dawn!!! I have to order it at this point…the bookstore and libraries around here don’t have it. Sigh!!!! Slowly but surely I’ll get them. I also want Loreli’s story and the Taming of Jessi Rose, maybe it’s not too late to drop hints for Christmas gifts. Ummm, if it is it will give them plenty of time for my birthday in February.
Feb what? I’m on the 15th.
I’m exactly a week later on the 22
. A Lincoln born on Washington’s bday, LOL!!!!
Not bad
Thank you!!!!
Yes, I agree Ms. Bev. It really helps to read the books in order. They tend to build on each other. The characters are like family to me, I’ve gotten to know them so well.
First… get chart of the books in order and start from their.. You don’t have to read them in order but it helps. Before you read the contempories, read the historicals.
wow! over 200 responses. i’m not sure what the average is here but doesn’t matter. I’m impressed that you all would take the time to come play with me. Thanks for the blessing.
Beverly, let’s just say you hit the record a long time ago and I’m so glad folks came out to support you and that you shared the info with your group. I dunno how I’ma catch up now, but I’m going to try as soon as I get dinner on and the family settled. I forgot my daughter had a dentist appt today, so I’m just getting back online.
-Tee
Babies and dinner always come before Beverly, so do your thing, mama Tee. My babies are grown and dinner was pizza. i’ll be here when you get back.
I have been a fan of Ms. Bev’s books since I was 14 years old. Probably too young to read one of her stories but I started with ‘Through the Storm’ and never stopped. I have been fortunate to own all of her books, and you best believe that anyone who wants to read one of my books has to do it in my sight at my home. I don’t trust people with my Ms. Bev collection. I will say that I loved Bring on the Blessings. It was nice to see everyone reconnect in the town of Henry Adams and attempt to rebuild the place where most of the people grew up. It was also nice to see the adults adopt the children and be a blessing to the children as well as having the children be a blessing to them. I can’t wait for the sequel because I already know that since it’s from Ms. Bev it will be awesome.
Thank you so much Ms. E. Early on in my career my fans learned not to loan their books because they didin’t get them back. Lots of busted up friendships in those days. Thanks so much for the kind words and for 15yrs of support. I love you too!
A few more questions:
1) How do you determine the qualities the hero will have in your stories?
2) How do you determine the qualities the heroine will have?
3) How do you determine the qualities the villian will have?
Hmm. Heroes. Larger than life – unless you’re Loreli’s pig farmer. Good in bed – unless you’re Loreli’s pig farmer. Integrity, even if you rob trains for a living like Griffin and the Julys. Always supportive of his woman even if he has to bail her out of jail on a regular basis like poor Dixon. Females. Strong. Commitment to community. Pushing the envelope on gender and race. Serious work ethic. And doesn’t really need a man. He’s like the cherry on the hot fudge sundae of their lives, even when the woman is poor as a church mouse like Sarita was in EOM. None of my women are ever actively looking for a man. They have their lives and they are just fine.
Hint… the female characters are a lot like Ms. Bev.
I know the day crew is probably going to head out and we might have some evening folks who jump in, but at this time I want to thank ALL OF YOU for coming through and supporting Beverly and our chat. And a special thanks to Jaime–you gonna make stalking legal, girl. I love how you throw yourself into the books and chats!!
It does my heart good to know things are going so well and I hope you all will come back again soon. Bev, this is no surprise to me because I know you are one of the most loved authors out there, so continue being you. I will never forget you and the kind words you said to me the first time I met you–can’t remember if I was pregnant or had just had Joy, but it meant a lot that you noticed my silent struggles. And, you’ve always been supportive of RAW. Thank you! I’m not sure how long you’ll be here tonight, but please peek in tomorrow for any last comments from the evening crew.
Now…back to our scheduled chat. Feel free to stick around as we’re not quite done yet.)
-Tee
Sis, thank you for the kind words!!! Just doing what I can and show my support for Ms. Bev and our beloved RAW group!
Ms Tee and Jaime… Thanks for hosting this chat. I try to pop in when I can. Jamie.. don’t feel bad about stalking… I am on of her stalkers as well…
After all, I gotta make sure I keep woman at arms distance when it comes ot my Dixon Wildhorse
Ms. Bev and others, it has been a pleasure chattin with you today!!!!! I hope I didn’t bore you with all my questions. I’m going take a break now and check back later if I can. Tee should be stepping through in a bit if she hasn’t already done so. Take care until the next time!!!
Jamie. It was great hanging out with you and the sistaz today. We have a chair with your name on it waiting over in Bevland so come on and claim it. Tee. You are the best. Keep the writing alive. You and your ladies are very valuable to the af.am writing community and if no one has ever said thanks for all you do. THANKS!!!! . I’m going to take your advice and duck out. I am supposed to be working, but this was great. I’ll slip back in and out through the evening. I’m a vampire during deadline so don’t be surprised if I’m up replying or posting at 4am. BLand folks, thanks for coming out and supporting mama. You always show up and show out and I love you for it. Merry Christmas eerybody! Stay Blessed. B
Always got ya Back Empress
Hello Everyone,
Sorry I’m late. Just getting home from work.
I love all of Beverly’s books and this was no different. We adopted our middle child when she was a teen, but anywhooo. Loved the book. Thanks for writing such wonderful work, Beverly and being such a beautiful person.
Love you much.
Dee