Scan barcode
chrissys_library's review against another edition
5.0
Miss Jenkins is such a legend!! What a banger debut! Not only was captivated by Cara and Chase’s love I was so invested in their individual stories. The time and research that went into getting the atmosphere and setting just right was incredible! The last few chapters had my heart racing!! I can’t wait to read more from her.
rr_scott_reads's review
adventurous
challenging
emotional
informative
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
bookishrealm's review against another edition
4.0
This isn't my first book by Beverly Jenkins, but oh my goodness! I wasn't expecting the intensity. Reading this definitely motivated me to dive back into Jenkins' backlist and slowly make my through all of her books. CW: lynching, racism, attempted sexual assault, death, murder, miscarriage
Night Song is the first book published by Ms. Jenkins in 1994. Woven with deep and rich history, the novel follows main characters Cara and Chase. Cara is a teacher in Kansas who first encounters Sergeant Jefferson prior to the beginning of the book. Although there are memories of their encounters, this is the first time that the two get to interact on a more intimate level. What starts off as small banter between the two quickly turns into deep affection. Unfortunately, Chase doesn't see himself in a long term relationship tied to a woman through marriage. A series of events continues to push the two together in hopes of them finally finding their happily ever after.
What Worked: Jenkins is master at crafting prose. I knew this from reading a few of her previous books, but it's been a while since I've read anything. Not only was I captivated by Cara and Chase as a couple, but I was invested in their personal background. There is a lot of Black history woven into the character development. Granted, this is a love story at it's core; however, Jenkins never strays away from informing readers about this historical events that would inevitably shape her characters. Through Cara readers learn more about the inaccurate perception of Yankee soldiers who are often remembered as the "heroes" of the Civil War. Jenkins reminds readers that, they too, had deep rooted racism that traumatically impacted the Black community. Through Chase readers learn about the impact of slavery and the history of the 9th and 10th Horse Calvary also known as the Buffalo Soldiers. I have to admit, I was personally excited to hear more about this because of how I great up learning about the Buffalo Soldiers. Additionally, I adored the relationship between Chase and Cara. Granted, there were a few times that I wanted to slap Chase across the head with the way he handled certain aspects of their relationships. Nevertheless, I could tell that he deeply cared for Cara and definitely did everything in his power to protect her. Additionally, Jenkins knows how to right a damn steamy scene. Oh my goodness. Sure, Cara hasn't previously been with anyone else, but she definitely holds her own in every encounter.
What Didn't Work: Unfortunately, like many other reviewers, I struggled a little with the ending of this book. I feel like this specific plot point was dragged on a little too long. Granted, I understand the role that he plays in the context of the whole book, but it made me feel a little distracted. I think that it could have been paced a little better.
Overall, this was a great first book from Jenkins. The level of research that went into this book is beyond amazing and coupled with great characters and great storytelling made for a wonderful reading experience. I can't wait to pick up the next book.
Night Song is the first book published by Ms. Jenkins in 1994. Woven with deep and rich history, the novel follows main characters Cara and Chase. Cara is a teacher in Kansas who first encounters Sergeant Jefferson prior to the beginning of the book. Although there are memories of their encounters, this is the first time that the two get to interact on a more intimate level. What starts off as small banter between the two quickly turns into deep affection. Unfortunately, Chase doesn't see himself in a long term relationship tied to a woman through marriage. A series of events continues to push the two together in hopes of them finally finding their happily ever after.
What Worked: Jenkins is master at crafting prose. I knew this from reading a few of her previous books, but it's been a while since I've read anything. Not only was I captivated by Cara and Chase as a couple, but I was invested in their personal background. There is a lot of Black history woven into the character development. Granted, this is a love story at it's core; however, Jenkins never strays away from informing readers about this historical events that would inevitably shape her characters. Through Cara readers learn more about the inaccurate perception of Yankee soldiers who are often remembered as the "heroes" of the Civil War. Jenkins reminds readers that, they too, had deep rooted racism that traumatically impacted the Black community. Through Chase readers learn about the impact of slavery and the history of the 9th and 10th Horse Calvary also known as the Buffalo Soldiers. I have to admit, I was personally excited to hear more about this because of how I great up learning about the Buffalo Soldiers. Additionally, I adored the relationship between Chase and Cara. Granted, there were a few times that I wanted to slap Chase across the head with the way he handled certain aspects of their relationships. Nevertheless, I could tell that he deeply cared for Cara and definitely did everything in his power to protect her. Additionally, Jenkins knows how to right a damn steamy scene. Oh my goodness. Sure, Cara hasn't previously been with anyone else, but she definitely holds her own in every encounter.
What Didn't Work: Unfortunately, like many other reviewers, I struggled a little with the ending of this book. I feel like this specific plot point was dragged on a little too long. Granted, I understand the role that he plays in the context of the whole book, but it made me feel a little distracted. I think that it could have been paced a little better.
Overall, this was a great first book from Jenkins. The level of research that went into this book is beyond amazing and coupled with great characters and great storytelling made for a wonderful reading experience. I can't wait to pick up the next book.
justinkhchen's review
3.0
3 stars
**Historical Hellions Book Club | January 2021 Selection**
While Night Song has me hooked with its rich historical context, it ultimately lost me with its sluggish romance filled with irrational character behavior.
It started off promising enough, with both Cara and Chase extremely likable and thoughtfully developed. The hero and heroine immediately noticed their mutual attraction, but were both bound by societal expectation and personal principle to proceed further (a clause in her teacher's contract, his soldier's rootless way of life and the unwillingness to wed).
I think I was ultimately undone by the lack of distinction between lust and love in Night Song; the supposed 'lust' section contained so much tender and mutual emotional exchange, it became hard to believe the two intelligent individuals were ignorant enough to not notice. So by the 3, 4th time the first base has been reached, and the characters were still turning a blind eye on their burgeoning romance, it started to get a little silly and unrealistic.
**Minor spoiler ahead**
The surprise pregnancy was the moment when the novel jumped the shark for me; the story failed to convince how the protagonists, who had absolutely no intent for marriage (and constantly concerned about ruining each other's reputation), didn't have the foresight to prevent it from happening in the first place. It read more like an author trying to sensationalize the plot, rather than a realistic progression. The subsequent forced marriage and pseudo-domesticity scenario didn't get any better, as the fluctuation between hot and cold (a self-implemented loveless marriage when they clearly cared for each other... why this mental torture?) extended pretty much all the way till the end, and by that point I really couldn't be bothered.
**Minor spoiler ends**
Night Song has trademarks of an ambitious first novel: muddled character intent, superficial villain and an uneven narrative; but at the same time it feels thoroughly researched, revealing a slice of Black American history that doesn't often get the spotlight. It's clearly evident Beverly Jenkins has since grown to become a very successful author, and I'm intrigued to continuing looking into her work.
**Historical Hellions Book Club | January 2021 Selection**
While Night Song has me hooked with its rich historical context, it ultimately lost me with its sluggish romance filled with irrational character behavior.
It started off promising enough, with both Cara and Chase extremely likable and thoughtfully developed. The hero and heroine immediately noticed their mutual attraction, but were both bound by societal expectation and personal principle to proceed further (a clause in her teacher's contract, his soldier's rootless way of life and the unwillingness to wed).
I think I was ultimately undone by the lack of distinction between lust and love in Night Song; the supposed 'lust' section contained so much tender and mutual emotional exchange, it became hard to believe the two intelligent individuals were ignorant enough to not notice. So by the 3, 4th time the first base has been reached, and the characters were still turning a blind eye on their burgeoning romance, it started to get a little silly and unrealistic.
**Minor spoiler ahead**
The surprise pregnancy was the moment when the novel jumped the shark for me; the story failed to convince how the protagonists, who had absolutely no intent for marriage (and constantly concerned about ruining each other's reputation), didn't have the foresight to prevent it from happening in the first place. It read more like an author trying to sensationalize the plot, rather than a realistic progression. The subsequent forced marriage and pseudo-domesticity scenario didn't get any better, as the fluctuation between hot and cold (a self-implemented loveless marriage when they clearly cared for each other... why this mental torture?) extended pretty much all the way till the end, and by that point I really couldn't be bothered.
**Minor spoiler ends**
Night Song has trademarks of an ambitious first novel: muddled character intent, superficial villain and an uneven narrative; but at the same time it feels thoroughly researched, revealing a slice of Black American history that doesn't often get the spotlight. It's clearly evident Beverly Jenkins has since grown to become a very successful author, and I'm intrigued to continuing looking into her work.
dominiquexalana's review
4.5
One thing about Beverly Jenkins, sue gonna take you on a journey. Every time. Striving to read all her historical novels.
dee21's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
5.0
max_pink's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
4.5 Stars
How does one debut with a banger like this? Beverly Jenkins, you absolute legend.
This is my second Jenkins, and what I love about her take on the genre is how grounded in history everything is. You can tell how much research she does and puts into her stories, and the result is really emotional stories about people that feel like they could have actually been in history.
Cara and Chase were great together. I loved how smart and driven and honest Cara was, and Chase was the perfect level of charming player to ruffle her feathers. Their relationship hits some wild bumps in the road, but I appreciate them actually deciding to talk things out and act like actual adults.
The overall plot of this gets unhinged. I feel like 90s historical romances aren’t complete without a mustache-twirling villain kidnapping someone. But I love those shenanigans, so this really worked for me. What a delight.
Shoutout to Kim Staunton for excellent audio narration.
How does one debut with a banger like this? Beverly Jenkins, you absolute legend.
This is my second Jenkins, and what I love about her take on the genre is how grounded in history everything is. You can tell how much research she does and puts into her stories, and the result is really emotional stories about people that feel like they could have actually been in history.
Cara and Chase were great together. I loved how smart and driven and honest Cara was, and Chase was the perfect level of charming player to ruffle her feathers. Their relationship hits some wild bumps in the road, but I appreciate them actually deciding to talk things out and act like actual adults.
The overall plot of this gets unhinged. I feel like 90s historical romances aren’t complete without a mustache-twirling villain kidnapping someone. But I love those shenanigans, so this really worked for me. What a delight.
Shoutout to Kim Staunton for excellent audio narration.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Miscarriage, Kidnapping, and Violence
_geminigenres's review
emotional
lighthearted
tense
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? It's complicated
4.25
goldenprose's review against another edition
emotional
medium-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.25