Belle by Beverly Jenkins on Janurary 1, 2009
Genres: Historical Romance
Pages: 256
Source: Self
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After a grueling escape north, Belle Palmer is free, yet lost and alone. Separated from her father on the harrowing journey, Belle has nowhere to turn until she finds shelter with the Bests, the first free family she's ever known.
For the first time in her sixteen years, Belle is able to express herself freely--except where her feelings for a certain dark-eyed young man are concerned.
Daniel Best is headed for great things. Educated and handsome, at eighteen he is full of the promise and dreams of his people, and is engaged to the prettiest (if the most spoiled) girl around. So when a bedraggled stranger arrives in his household and turns into a vibrant, lovely young woman, his attraction to her catches him entirely by surprise.
While Belle is determined to deny her feelings for him, Daniel is caught between his conscience and his infatuation with her. That the two belong together is undeniable, but that it could ever happen seems impossible.
I have had this one on my kindle for years…This being slated as young adult is why I was such a hold out. When I think young adult, I just think angsty for no reason. But I was wrong, wish I had read this one sooner and I do plan on reading book two in the series.
This story features a young heroine, 16 year old Belle Palmer who became separated from her father during an escape up north on the Underground Railroad. She is mature, as expected but this is a fish out water story for sure. This story takes place pre-civil war and in a town with free black residents.
We follow Belle as she enjoys her first taste of freedom, learns what she wants out of life and her budding romance with Daniel. There is jealousy, mean girls and fantastic intertwining of history making this an exciting read. Yes these are not the best of times, but people still fell in love, experienced new things and dreamed of a brighter feature. This story captures the good while letting history serve as a backdrop.
I know writers do not like to touch this era especially with diverse characters, preferring the early American domination with cowboys, ranch owners, husbands seeking mail order brides punctuated by a story featuring a heroine being captured (by you know who). It was wonderful to see “a black southern Belle” get a story and a Happily Ever After.
Monica
Great review! Usually the YA label causes me to keep scrolling too but I may give this one a try!
Marcia
I know me too but I am noticing that genre has a lot of diverse books in different subgenres so I am like maaann, I guess I am putting my toe in, lol. But I still cannot do angsty. I was a teen but I had responsibilities from way back so it is hard for me to understand teens who create issues. That is why I like this one, Belle issues where real!
sharonda
so true about YA and sometimes NA, about them being angsty for nothing which is why I generally side-step them too. it’s always a good thing when you can find the exception. You crack me up girl, (you know who) lols! mmmhhhmmm! I’ll add this one to my wishlist cos I do like the sound of it alot, I like that she is mature for her age but given the time period and she’s a black girl, it’s kinda expected.
Marcia
But I know you know who though. Belle did fit the time period. But all teens are not these immature monsters, I did find two more I want to read. They are not romance but the main characters seem to have that maturity I like so I am going to give them a go… But YA books are so HIGH!