Before the Dawn [Mass Market Paperback]

Leah takes the train west where she meets the younger Montague Ryder who feels this Jezebel took advantage of a sick old man to steal the estate. However, the vast estate has large debts, which Monty offers to pay in return for a few favors. Soon, Monty and Leah fall in love, but can he overcome his distrust and hatred especially when someone else wants them dead.

Readers will find this an exciting Reconstruction Era romance, but what make a Beverly Jenkins tale a delight are the tidbits on African-American history that blends smoothly into the plot. For instance, readers learn the color of Leah's skin via the conductor telling her that people like her do not belong in that part of the train. As usual the graceful Ms. Jenkins entertains and educates her audience with a stirring ethnic romantic tale of 1870s America.

Harriet Klausner

When Pearl Cleage told us she was looking for a brother to "turn the boat around" she had Ryder Damien in mind. A strong-willed, handsome, take-charge man who knows what he wants and goes after it. Of course he has a few "soft spots" when people have been slinging hurtful barbs at you all your life, you get a little sensitive, but Leah is the cure for all his ills. This book is charged with raw sexuality the pages sizzle. Ryder is witty, charming (when he wants to be) and exciting and Leah is his equal in every respect. What a Man!!!! Just think you can get all this for $5.95 even less if you order from Amazon.

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.