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Ties That Bind: A Novel by Brenda Jackson
It all started in college, in the turbulent sixties, when Randolph and Jenna became lovers. Randolph knew the moment he saw Jenna Haywood that he had to make her his. But the path to love is not an easy one. His wealthy Grandmother Julia disapproves of the match and unbeknowst to him, his brother's seemingly docile fiancee has a few plans of her own that she would like to set in motion. Betrayal and devastation lurks in unexpected places and tests the bond they believed was unbreakable. As they struggle with love and passion, secrets and lies the question Is love enough to help them see each other through the storms that await them ahead?
Paperback
First published November 9, 2002
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About the author
Brenda Jackson
898 books3,594 followersIn 1994, Brenda Jackson’s first novel, Tonight and Forever, was released. Since then she has had more than 100 novels and novellas published (the first African-American author to accomplish such a feat) and has over 3 million books in print.
A native of Jacksonville, Florida, Brenda is the first African-American author to have a book published by Harlequin Desire and the first African-American romance author to make the New York Times and USA TODAY bestseller lists within the series romance genre.
In 2012, Brenda received the Romance Writers of America’s Nora Roberts Lifetime Achievement Award—one of the highest literary awards a romance author can receive. In 2013, she was recognized by the mayor and the city of Jacksonville as being a Trailblazer in the literary field.
In 2010, she collaborated with Five Alive Films to turn her Truly Everlasting title into a feature film. Brenda’s 2011 novel A Silken Thread is scheduled to be filmed with Debbie Allen attached as director in 2015.
Email Brenda at authorbrendajackson@gmail.com or visit her on her website at brendajackson.net.
A native of Jacksonville, Florida, Brenda is the first African-American author to have a book published by Harlequin Desire and the first African-American romance author to make the New York Times and USA TODAY bestseller lists within the series romance genre.
In 2012, Brenda received the Romance Writers of America’s Nora Roberts Lifetime Achievement Award—one of the highest literary awards a romance author can receive. In 2013, she was recognized by the mayor and the city of Jacksonville as being a Trailblazer in the literary field.
In 2010, she collaborated with Five Alive Films to turn her Truly Everlasting title into a feature film. Brenda’s 2011 novel A Silken Thread is scheduled to be filmed with Debbie Allen attached as director in 2015.
Email Brenda at authorbrendajackson@gmail.com or visit her on her website at brendajackson.net.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
September 9, 2022
This is one of my favorite books of all time. I read it when it first came out 20 years ago and have reread sections over the years but never the entire book again. I felt like reading it for nostalgia sake over the Labor Day weekend.
One of the reasons I enjoy this romance is because of its historical nature. It is told in 3 different time periods, the 1960’s on the campus of Howard University where the primary romance occurs between Jenna and Randolph. Then the novel progresses to the 1980’s and then early 2000’s. The couple goes through a lot during these times and does a great job including what is going on in the world during each of the time periods.
Another thing I enjoy about Jackson’s writing is her skill at creating tension and conflict that affects the characters externally and internally. As I read the novel, I would get mad with certain characters who were causing the conflict but cheering for love to prevail for Jenna and Randolph.
This is an enjoyable book for romance readers.
One of the reasons I enjoy this romance is because of its historical nature. It is told in 3 different time periods, the 1960’s on the campus of Howard University where the primary romance occurs between Jenna and Randolph. Then the novel progresses to the 1980’s and then early 2000’s. The couple goes through a lot during these times and does a great job including what is going on in the world during each of the time periods.
Another thing I enjoy about Jackson’s writing is her skill at creating tension and conflict that affects the characters externally and internally. As I read the novel, I would get mad with certain characters who were causing the conflict but cheering for love to prevail for Jenna and Randolph.
This is an enjoyable book for romance readers.
May 1, 2012
I truly enjoyed this novel. It took me a while to get into it because I was trying to read as I was moving, but once things got settled I was able to really get into the book. I really enjoyed the romance and the struggles Randolph and Jenna shared. There were times in the book when I didn't think it was going to be a happy ending, but it truly was. I was even more happy with the outcome of Angela. She really did have some issues that needed to be resolved. I am alway puzzled how anyone can be that consumed with another individual that clearly doesn't want anything to do with you. And to go to the extremes that she did spoke volumes that she had some mental issues. I was glad that Trey believed his father at the end and they were able to rebuild the father/son relationship, because his father really suffered a life time because of Angela and her crucial ways. Yes it was a happy ending. Great novel and well written. There were a few typo's but not to the point that you didn't want to read it.
May 5, 2011
This book was beyond words to explain. This should be the first book ever read by this author , I have read it 10 times , please dont skip this one.
January 22, 2015
This book was AMAZING!!! One of my most favorite books of all time!
January 29, 2012
A heartwarming story, but a major error in the timeline rendered the whole thing implausible and considerably diminished my enjoyment. I believe this was the author's first attempt at writing expanded women's fiction. It was an ambitious project, spanning over 40 years, and it needed excellent editing, which sadly she did not receive. A good editor could have pointed out the problems for correction before publication. Unfortunately, editors don't do their jobs like they used to.
Two sets of grandparents seem to have pulled a Benjamin Button and gotten younger, to the point where they become a generation younger. When this book ended the hero was in his 60s and three of his grandparents were not only still alive (in itself pretty unlikely; many people no longer even have parents alive at 60), but showed no signs of being the slightest bit frail. Realistically, grandparents of a 60-year-old would be past 100. The one grandparent who did pass away was said to have been in her eighties at the time of her death, but the notation in the family bible showed that she was married in the early 1920s (which based on the time of her passing would have meant she was married shortly after her birth).
I'd be surprised if this one is ever reissued.
Two sets of grandparents seem to have pulled a Benjamin Button and gotten younger, to the point where they become a generation younger. When this book ended the hero was in his 60s and three of his grandparents were not only still alive (in itself pretty unlikely; many people no longer even have parents alive at 60), but showed no signs of being the slightest bit frail. Realistically, grandparents of a 60-year-old would be past 100. The one grandparent who did pass away was said to have been in her eighties at the time of her death, but the notation in the family bible showed that she was married in the early 1920s (which based on the time of her passing would have meant she was married shortly after her birth).
I'd be surprised if this one is ever reissued.
April 23, 2021
Jenna and Randolph's Love Story
This book took place in the heart of the 60s where we meet Jenna Haywood and Randolph Fuller despite all the obstacles that were thrown their way the love they had for each other lasted through the test of time. Fast forward to the kids Haywood and Trey falling in love not letting outside forces break them apart a must read.
This book took place in the heart of the 60s where we meet Jenna Haywood and Randolph Fuller despite all the obstacles that were thrown their way the love they had for each other lasted through the test of time. Fast forward to the kids Haywood and Trey falling in love not letting outside forces break them apart a must read.
October 24, 2014
An all-time favorite and one that I remember 15+ years later
November 25, 2014
I have read this book twice! I love Brenda Jackson's work. I really got into the book. I even got upset with the characters and felt what they felt.
March 19, 2025
I honestly believe after having read many many books by Brenda Jackson this is some of her best work. This book shows the depth of her writing skills with characters, crossing multiple periods of time, complexity, and stories, and intertwine of heroes villains and everything in between. There were times I both hated and loved favorite characters, and became frustrated with heroines. There were some instances that were quite predictable, but I actually think that is the comfort of reading a Brenda Jackson book. There’s organic predictability that feels more cozy than annoying. She also includes themes like war, Black Panthers. And colorism that at time feel natural to the period but also modern in its take. Clearly, I enjoyed listening to this book and hope some of Miss Jackson’s more devoted readers will give this book a chance, even though it’s not in the short form, we typically received by her as an author.
February 2, 2025
Randolph and Jenna fell in love at first sight. They had what people call a soul tie. So much was thrown at them in an attempt to tear them apart, and it worked for a while. But they were meant to be together.
This was such a good story. It wasn't until I got further along in the story that I realized it was a prequel to a series I had read before. I just can't remember which series it was. I just know that I was glad to see the characters again and glad to see how their stories started.
This was such a good story. It wasn't until I got further along in the story that I realized it was a prequel to a series I had read before. I just can't remember which series it was. I just know that I was glad to see the characters again and glad to see how their stories started.
August 14, 2023
Ties That Bind is one of my all-time favorite books by Ms. Jackson and any other author. I have read this book at least once a year since it came out in 2002. It never fails to disappoint, nor does it get boring. A beautiful love story that stands the test of time. This time I listened to the audiobook, and I could feel the all the emotions of the characters as I listened to it.
May 18, 2019
OMG!! This story was WONDERFUL.
Please read this book. If you are a fan of Love then this book is for you. I am so glad I discovered the beautifully writing of Brenda Jackson. She is brilliant!! 👍👍
Please read this book. If you are a fan of Love then this book is for you. I am so glad I discovered the beautifully writing of Brenda Jackson. She is brilliant!! 👍👍
April 23, 2024
Beautifully written
Looooooved this book so much. I had read all the other books in the series. I kept wondering how it all started. More than anything, this book truly lets us see the origin of the family.
Looooooved this book so much. I had read all the other books in the series. I kept wondering how it all started. More than anything, this book truly lets us see the origin of the family.
December 18, 2024
Although this book is over 20 years old, it will always remain a Brenda Jackson classic. It’s broken down in time periods: the 60’s, the 80’s and the 2000’s. Struggles, secrets, lies and betrayal occurred throughout each era but Randolph and Jenna endured each storm. A definite must read!
September 12, 2017
Ties that Bind
Oh my goodness. Brenda Jackson has done her absolute best so far. I am truly speechless. If you are a true romantic then this is the book for you. Happy reading
Oh my goodness. Brenda Jackson has done her absolute best so far. I am truly speechless. If you are a true romantic then this is the book for you. Happy reading
July 26, 2023
Ties that Bind relates to and has characters from What a Woman Wants. I feel like the story that began in Ties that Bind concludes in What a Woman Wants.
March 6, 2025
Good story line several key characters. Good read; interesting. I enjoyed the historical content.
October 29, 2023
I expected to love this book because I read so many great reviews about it. I felt that the plot was predictable. I also thought that the historical updates and the way she tried to touch on all the major events happening in American history during the time the story is set felt very forced. Another issue that stopped me from really enjoying the book was the overstatement of the characters' feelings and thoughts. In my opinion, using the "show, don't tell" technique would have helped the story flow much more smoothly.
The sex scenes were too much. There was one that was 6 pages long. They were so much more intricately described than the rest of the book. I wish that creative imagery would have been used throughout the entire book. Aside from the sex scenes and sex-related issues, this story didn't really seem to be adult-level reading.
Also, none of the characters seemed to be very complex. This contributed to the predictability of the plot. Every character was very one-dimensional. Randolph, especially, was overly idealized. He was portrayed as the absolute perfect guy who could never be attracted to anyone else or tempted to do anything wrong. It made the story unbelievable. Jenna was the typical modest, lower class, good girl. Angela was the stereotypical jezebel with no complexity whatsoever. Just an incomprehensible obsession with Randolph that obviously had nothing to do with love. It would have been interesting if her story was more developed.
A lot of the side characters had the same personality - especially, Randolph's friends.
Jenna's friends were more interesting, but not really developed well. There would just be brief, intermittent updates about their lives. Their relationships with their friends did not vividly portray any depth or real love. Their friends seemed to exist only to further the love story.
As for the love story, it wasn't very original. It followed a commonly used formula for star-crossed lovers. The "love-at-first-sight" meeting and the inexplicable attraction Jenna and Randolph felt toward each other wasn't portrayed in a vivid or believable manner. It was just stated, repeatedly.
At the end, when there was a sort of mini-sequel about Randolph's son, I had no interest in reading about him. From the first few pages, I got the sense that he was just another flat character about to experience his own unbelievable love story. So, I did not even finish it.
Overall, even though it was easy to figure out where the story was going, Jenna was a likeable character. She wasn't very complex but it was easy to relate to her values, so, of course, I was rooting for her.
The sex scenes were too much. There was one that was 6 pages long. They were so much more intricately described than the rest of the book. I wish that creative imagery would have been used throughout the entire book. Aside from the sex scenes and sex-related issues, this story didn't really seem to be adult-level reading.
Also, none of the characters seemed to be very complex. This contributed to the predictability of the plot. Every character was very one-dimensional. Randolph, especially, was overly idealized. He was portrayed as the absolute perfect guy who could never be attracted to anyone else or tempted to do anything wrong. It made the story unbelievable. Jenna was the typical modest, lower class, good girl. Angela was the stereotypical jezebel with no complexity whatsoever. Just an incomprehensible obsession with Randolph that obviously had nothing to do with love. It would have been interesting if her story was more developed.
A lot of the side characters had the same personality - especially, Randolph's friends.
Jenna's friends were more interesting, but not really developed well. There would just be brief, intermittent updates about their lives. Their relationships with their friends did not vividly portray any depth or real love. Their friends seemed to exist only to further the love story.
As for the love story, it wasn't very original. It followed a commonly used formula for star-crossed lovers. The "love-at-first-sight" meeting and the inexplicable attraction Jenna and Randolph felt toward each other wasn't portrayed in a vivid or believable manner. It was just stated, repeatedly.
At the end, when there was a sort of mini-sequel about Randolph's son, I had no interest in reading about him. From the first few pages, I got the sense that he was just another flat character about to experience his own unbelievable love story. So, I did not even finish it.
Overall, even though it was easy to figure out where the story was going, Jenna was a likeable character. She wasn't very complex but it was easy to relate to her values, so, of course, I was rooting for her.
August 9, 2014
This was one of my favorites by Brenda Jackson. I loved it! There was a big timeline in this book (it spanned over decades-around forty years or so), but Brenda Jackson did a good job with the timeline. There were many couples in this book and there were different settings. Some of the settings were in Paris, Washington, Florida, South Carolina, Virginia, California, Vietnam... I hope I didn't miss any of the other settings. That beach in South Carolina, Glendale Shores was magical! Ties That Bind was unlike any other love story that I have ever read. There was never a dull moment in this book. It is impossible to be bored while reading this. I loved Jenna and Randolph. Their love was so strong and unbreakable, so many people tried to break them up. But, eventually they were able to be together and be truly happy. I also loved Noah and Leigh and Haywood & Trey. I disliked Angela Douglass and Julia Fuller. They seemed so spiteful and hateful. I loved Grandma Mattie and Grandpa Murphy too. I was so glad that the family finally found Ross Fuller's child, Adrianna. Thirty-four years was a long time to search for someone. I loved the happy ending. It was the perfect ending. I have only read three or four of Brenda Jackson's novels, but this one was one of my favorites. She knows how to write a good romance novel and the love scenes are always good. This one is a must read. If you have never read any of Brenda Jackson's books, this one may be a good one to start with.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 19, 2016
Second Reading and I will read again
Moved to tears. The love shared in this saga by these characters was beautiful. The relationships were complex, happy, touching and real. The classism was embarrassing but real; and, the hatred, abuse of power, family and position was sickening. Brenda Jackson is a true artist. Each character was developed like a portrait. I could see each person as they matured throughout the story. The basic goodness and or deceitful traits of individuals reached the highest heights or sunk to the deepest depths. The hurt was palpable. BRAVO MS. JACKSON. Very Well Done.
Moved to tears. The love shared in this saga by these characters was beautiful. The relationships were complex, happy, touching and real. The classism was embarrassing but real; and, the hatred, abuse of power, family and position was sickening. Brenda Jackson is a true artist. Each character was developed like a portrait. I could see each person as they matured throughout the story. The basic goodness and or deceitful traits of individuals reached the highest heights or sunk to the deepest depths. The hurt was palpable. BRAVO MS. JACKSON. Very Well Done.
July 19, 2007
Couldn't Put It Down
I thoroughly enjoyed this novel. Brenda Jackson is definitely a master of the written word. Couldn't stop until I was finished. Enjoyed the romance between all the couples but especially Jenna and Randolph. It was a story that contained so many things, history, love, suspense, betrayal, corruption, happiness and it spanned almost 50 years of family and friends. It should be a mini-series.
I thoroughly enjoyed this novel. Brenda Jackson is definitely a master of the written word. Couldn't stop until I was finished. Enjoyed the romance between all the couples but especially Jenna and Randolph. It was a story that contained so many things, history, love, suspense, betrayal, corruption, happiness and it spanned almost 50 years of family and friends. It should be a mini-series.
July 27, 2013
This book was a step up from beach read/chick lit but I liked it anyway. Historically it gave me some insight into how blacks viewed the 60s although the characters in this book were mainly upper middle class blacks. Parts of it were fairly predictable but Jackson has a good way with words and character development.
June 15, 2016
This book will always and forever be: my first love. This is the book that took me from being a casual reader, to a self-proclaimed: BOOK JUNKIE!! I read this book years ago, but still remember every bit of it. If you haven't taken the time to read this book, please do so; you won't regret it!!!
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July 2, 2008This is my Favorite book I have read so far
July 21, 2008
Good story. I didn't like the end too much what with the kids of the two that fell in love falling in love. Kinda gross if you ask me. LOL
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September 22, 2008great book!
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October 24, 2009this book is excellent i was speechless
November 7, 2011
This is a great book.I could not put it down.
September 18, 2012
OMG I LOVED LOVED LOVED THIS BOOK!!!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews