December 2nd, 2024
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THE KNIFE BEFORE CHRISTMAS
THE KNIFE BEFORE CHRISTMAS

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December's delights are here! Thrilling tales, romance, and magic await you.

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Family secrets aren't just dangerous, they are deadly.


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A headstrong heiress and a noble gambler: wagers, intrigue, and irresistible romance.


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An immortal vampire, a relentless agent, and a past that refuses to stay buried.


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Three homeless puppies, two lonely hearts, and a massive snowstorm.


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Two restless souls, one wild Christmas on the ranch�where sparks fly, and dreams ride free.


Jewel

Jewel, May 2008
by Beverly Jenkins

Avon
Featuring: Jewel Crowley; Eli Grayson
384 pages
ISBN: 0061161357
EAN: 9780061161353
Paperback
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"A historical marriage-of-convenience with a new twist during a pivotal time in black history."

Fresh Fiction Review

Jewel
Beverly Jenkins

Reviewed by Suan Wilson
Posted April 14, 2008

Multicultural African-American | Romance Historical | Romance

With five older brothers who scare away any suitors that brave their doorstep, Jewel Crowley has relinquished her dream of marrying and having children. Instead, she concentrates on growing her beautiful roses and caring for her brothers and father. When Eli Grayson appears at her door begging a favor, Jewel cannot deny him. She has loved Eli and had schoolgirl fantasies about him since she was 14. Jewel knows she cannot trust her heart to the man who's known as the Colored Casanova of Cass County, but she can enjoy being in his company. Eli Grayson is a charming rascal and makes no pretense about it. When he was younger, he loved women and alcohol, taking no responsibility for his actions. Eli went as far as sleeping with his cousin's wife. He lost his family and self-respect for that shameful episode. It took several years before he regained his family's trust. Running a newspaper in the black town settled by free slaves, Eli believes he can contribute to the black cause. One obstacle stands in his way. The out-of-town financier refuses to trust a bachelor. Eli talks Jewel into pretending to be his wife during a business meeting. It explodes in his face when they are exposed by the town gossip. They marry in haste, but soon see that their marriage has a chance. That likelihood significantly decreases when Cecile, his cousin's ex-wife, appears ready to cause trouble. Bringing together two characters from her earlier book, VIVID, Ms. Jenkins writes a marriage-of-convenience with a new twist. She seamlessly weaves fascinating black history facts regarding black hero David Walker and the importance of the Black Press into the story. It gives added drama as the beginning of separate-but-equal doctrine swirls around Jewel and Eli.

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SUMMARY

A proposal she had no choice but to accept . . . Though Eli Grayson is one of the most handsome, charming, and intelligent men in Grayson Grove, no one will take a chance on a confirmed bachelor. Unwilling to give up his dreams, Eli convinces his friend Jewel to pose as his wife. Their masquerade is to last just one night . . . but when word gets out, Eli and Jewel must tie the knot to save his career—and her reputation. Became a love she never expected . . . Angry at being forced to turn her life upside down, Jewel never imagined that a white-hot passion would consume her once she and Eli became husband and wife. Sharing a bed has turned their prim friendship into a sensuous love affair . . . but when a woman from Eli's past returns to stir up trouble, he and Jewel will learn just how far they'll go to protect the precious gem of their newfound passion.


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