Ties That Bind [Paperback]

Fast forward twelve years, Angela still is obsessively in love with Randolph, but their ten year marriage has ended. Randolph found out that Jenna, whom he never stopped loving was also free. When Jenna seeks Randolph's assistance to help free an imprisoned friend, it gives them the opportunity to rekindle their romance. However, Angela will not easily give up her role as Randolph's wife. In her vengeful state, she uses Randolph's son, Trey, as a pawn and with more lies and deceit, she turns him against his father.

Advance twenty years later, all the carefully constructed lies and deception start to crumble. Every deceptive thing Angela has done comes to light. Randolph and Jenna are still married, and the estranged relationship they had with Trey is getting better. A new generation of Fullers and their friends are now finding true love like their parents.

Ms Jackson again has given her readers a passionate and romantic novel filled with sensuous lovemaking and family love that transcends beyond the main couple, and reaches into the families and friends. The legacy of the Fuller family will bring readers joy for many more anticipated sequels.

Jeanette
APOOO BookClub

Randolph Fuller falls in love with Jenna Haywood despite the misgivings and interference of his wealthy paternal grandmother who has paired Randolph with another woman of her choosing. Randolph's maternal grandmother however, accepts the union and spins her mystical power upon the couple using the island of Glendale Shores as her trump card. Grandmother Fuller has also paired Ross, Randolph's brother, with a woman of her choosing but it is Randolph who fights her every step of the way, while Ross accepts his fate to be in loveless relationship with conniving Angela Douglass. Grandmother Fuller and Angela resort to despicable plots to keep Randolph and Jenna apart.

Much of Jackson's story is set against the backdrop of the Vietnam War and Civil Rights movement adding realistic imagery as we watch the friends and families deal with the tumultuous and riotous times of the 1960s. Jackson has also added numerous characters in the form of friends, Leigh Murdoch, Noah Wainwright, Ellie Stanhope and Johnny Lane that make this family saga complete as we get a major glimpse into their lives. While there are numerous characters and storylines, not once is the focus lost; Randolph and Jenna remain the focal point. The story goes one step further as children are born from these unions and their stories are showcased.

Ties That Bind touches the soul, giving the reader a story that showcases quality friendships, loving families, positive African-American men and intricate and sensual lovemaking scenes. This is classic Brenda Jackson and one of her best to date!

Reviewed by Dawn R. Reeves, APOOO BookClub