JEWEL

Author: Beverly Jenkins ISBN: 9780061161353 5/2008 HISTORICAL Publisher: AVON
Time Period: May 1881, Grayson Grove Michigan,

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.

RRAH's THOUGHTS AND PONDERINGS:

It started as an innocent enough plan to help her long time crush Eli Grayson, that ultimately got Jewel Crawley into a most binding predicament at the end of the day.

Grayson Grove, Michigan, was a settlement that was purchased by Eli's grandparents in the 1830's. Now a growing town, Eli is eager to start his newspaper business back up again, but sadly lacks the funds to make his dream happen.

Due to unforeseen circumstances, Eli needs a wife—and fast. So with no other options, he asks his stepsister, Jewel, to play the role.

VIVID was the first romance novel that introduced Eli and Jewel, but JEWEL was my first time reading a Beverly Jenkins book. I loved the sense of family and community, but even with a strong base the story was lacking in depth. I wanted and expected more. However, I would definitely read another Beverly Jenkins book.

Sheila Smith