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4.14 AVERAGE
4.14 AVERAGE
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
This was definitely a story I will think about for a long time. With Belle being so young, it allows the reader to take a step back from the deep issues slavery brought up. The story isn't just about finding romantic love. It's about figuring out what freedom truly is, what self-worth is.
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
YA (or dare I say even NA, though this predates the genre), historical fiction, romance, starring black characters - YES, YES, YES! Appropriately written for the intended audience, but can appeal to older or younger readers. Great blend of fiction - the love story and the history of the Underground Railroad. I definitely learned some things I didn't know before. Everything does wrap up with a pretty bow, but that's what I would expect from YA. Belle is such a great character for black girls - her spirit, determination, and growth. Read this in ebook, but I think I'm going to by physical copies of this and Josephine.
I stayed tearing up reading this. Jenkins is the Queen of historical romance in my book; she perfectly balances an enjoyable romantic plot with deference to the historical context that Black Americans experienced in the time period. There are much higher and more grounded stakes in her novels than most other historical romances I read. The main conflicts are much more nuanced and interesting than the female characters being scandalized leaving their reputation in tatters bc the MCs can't stop boning. Which lends the audience to get more connected to the love interests and the surrounding characters.
Speaking of, the secondary and tertiary characters feel just as realized as the mains. You can identify them in dialogue without leading phrases so easily. They're all so unique and actualized. It's so refreshing to have a large cast be fully ledged and make choices in character that push the plot rather than a Dues ex Machina or completely random choice pushing the plot.
LOVED
Speaking of, the secondary and tertiary characters feel just as realized as the mains. You can identify them in dialogue without leading phrases so easily. They're all so unique and actualized. It's so refreshing to have a large cast be fully ledged and make choices in character that push the plot rather than a Dues ex Machina or completely random choice pushing the plot.
LOVED
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism, Slavery, Trafficking
Moderate: Adult/minor relationship, Bullying, Police brutality, Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Confinement, Kidnapping, Grief, Pregnancy
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
medium-paced
Belle and Daniel's story was wonderful. She was a runaway slave and he and his sister found her on the side of the road. His life wasn't the same after having met her.
I loved how sassy she was once she got comfortable. I loved how innocently their love grew.
This was a great book. I truly enjoyed it.
I loved how sassy she was once she got comfortable. I loved how innocently their love grew.
This was a great book. I truly enjoyed it.
medium-paced
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Very cute YA historical romance book.
I can really tell Beverly does her research to make the historical setting feel true to life, it does feel like im just reading the POV of real person from that time.
I enjoy Belle’s journey, seeing her grow into her own & I love the natural pace of this book. There isn’t a rush to have the couple perfectly married off & together at the end, their ending makes sense for the story.
One major qualm is the antagonist to their love story is written so one-dimensional & typical YA obvious mean girl that just made me roll my eyes every time she was in a scene. This would be a strong 4.5/5 if wasn't such a flat character.
This is overall a good YA black historical romance that I would recommend for teens & think adults can still enjoy something out of it too.
I can really tell Beverly does her research to make the historical setting feel true to life, it does feel like im just reading the POV of real person from that time.
I enjoy Belle’s journey, seeing her grow into her own & I love the natural pace of this book. There isn’t a rush to have the couple perfectly married off & together at the end, their ending makes sense for the story.
One major qualm is the antagonist to their love story is written so one-dimensional & typical YA obvious mean girl that just made me roll my eyes every time she was in a scene. This would be a strong 4.5/5 if wasn't such a flat character.
This is overall a good YA black historical romance that I would recommend for teens & think adults can still enjoy something out of it too.
emotional
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes