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highly recommended |
Historical Romance 
Another Beverly Jenkins hit. I've just about read all of Beverly Jenkins books and trust me this woman can deliver the best...it's never a disappointment with anything she's written. This is a wonderful historical romance book, if you are interested in black history and what black people have done to make the many contributions that we've had to this country, read this book. Beverly does an extensive amount of research when she writes historical books, or any book for that matter and is excellent with providing further insight and websites to further your knowledge. This is another book that doesn't disappoint.
In My BJ's Top 5
I love the Le'Veqs! I could hardly wait for this one to come out after I read the profile and found out it was about one of my favorite families (it's a tie between them and the Vachons). This one is defintely in my BJ's Top 5. 1. Indigo, 2. A Chance at Love, 3. Before the Dawn, 4. Winds of the Storm, 5. Jewel.
Transported Away
Indigo was the first book I read by Beverly Jenkins. Afterwards, I purchased most of her books. I've also purchased a couple of the books that she lists in her Author's Note. Her characters are so life-like. Sometimes I wish I could be transported back in time to see what life was really like for 19th century African Americans.
Beverly Jenkins WINDS OF THE STORM is an awesome tale.
Known only as the Butterfly, Zahra fluttered about the country providing information to the Federal forces and aiding in the rescue of runaway slaves and other men and women who required help. Zahra takes great pride in her small contribution to the civil war efforts, but she's never forgotten one of the men she saved - Archer Le Veq. The war is over but Zahra has been requested for a special mission - posing as the madam of a brothel in New Orleans.
Archer Le Veq owns a prominent hotel in New Orleans. During the war, he had worked for the Bureau of Military Information, collecting intelligence on the Confederacy. Until he was captured and came close to losing his life, only to be rescued by a mysterious woman known only as the Butterfly.
In the days following the war, the country is in a state of Reconstruction. For many it's a time of rebuilding and hope. For others, it's a time of a questionable future as they struggle to be accepted into society. Zahra was content with her life in South Carolina. She'd done her part to help her people during the war. She had no intention of going back into the service of the country, but President Grant requested Zahra and promised to look into the situation involving her parents getting their land back. Hoping the president would honor his word and help her parents, Zahra takes the assignment. In order to collect information involving the perilous situations that people of color faced, Zahra will travel to New Orleans posing as the madam of a newly established brothel. Nobody would suspect the proprietor of such an establishment of gathering information. To protect her identity, Zahra wears a domino which only seems to entice the men, including Archer's brother, Phillipe. Everybody wants to know the story behind the mysterious Madam Domino. Archer fully intends to stay away from the house of ill-repute until circumstances bring them together and he finds himself just as enamored of Madam Domino as everyone else. Unlike the others though, Archer has a feeling he's met her before, if he could only remember where . . .
Beverly Jenkins WINDS OF THE STORM is an awesome tale. You not only get a fabulous love story but you get further insight into the history behind the figures who struggled to help ensure every man, woman, and child of every race were treated equally. Zahra is one of the most memorable characters I've ever encountered in a storyline. She's strong willed, incredibly smart, and selfless. Archer is everything Zahra needs in a man - virile, sexy, and he accepts her and the roles she plays in an effort to help their people. There are other equally great characters in this story that do bear mentioning but that would make this review way too long. I highly recommend this book. You'll want to meet the other great characters from this period in our history.
This book is a follow up to Ms. Jenkins book THROUGH THE STORM. I'm sincerely hoping there will be a third book involving Phillipe. He's a dynamic character throughout the plot in this story who had me smiling with his antics. This is a powerfully moving tale that has earned permanent spot on my keeper shelf.
Chrissy Dionne (courtesy of Romance Junkies)
Superb!
This series is Stellar. Not only are they well written and identifiable romance novels, they also take you on a journey in the life of the people of those times. It is a truly remarkable and educational reading experience. These period pieces are my all time favorite!
reviews: page 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
Archer Le Veq owes his life to the woman who rescued him from certain death at the height of the Civil War...a woman known only as "the Butterfly." Now, in the dark, waning days of Reconstruction, he needs the courageous and beautiful former spy...in more ways than before! Zahra Lafayette thinks her days of intrigue are far behind her, until she is asked to go on one more mission. Posing as an infamous madam in New Orleans, Zahra must gather information to ensure the safety of the South's freedmen. The last thing she expected was to see Archer Le Veq again. He is as arrogant as he is handsome, but there is something about this dusky and debonair hotelier that sends her senses singing. Zahra knows she will need to guard her secrets, but no peril awaiting her compares with the treachery of Zahra's own heart - for, Lord help her, she burns to taste the man and to lose herself in his powerful embrace.
winds of the, storm, winds
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