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Jealousy
How much should beauty determine a person's worth in society, and how far will one woman go to gain approval?
In this compelling and thought-provoking novel, Marsha D. Jenkins-Sanders explores the stigmas, labels, and fears that contribute to people's feelings of unworthiness, confusion, resentment, and plummeting self-respect, as well as the complicated issues of sexual identity.
Rochelle Jackson is a woman born without, as she calls it, the "pretty gene." She more closely resembles a man and harbors a forbidden secret. This mix of volatile emotion and the simmering resentment bred by years of rejection becomes the destructive force behind her scheme to dethrone Dakota North, Rochelle's beautiful cousin and a prima donna in her own right.
When Rochelle lets loose with her vicious plan, it becomes an all-out war that will leave both parties changed forever. In the tradition of E. Lynn Harris, Jealousy has an emotionally wrenching plot and characters dealing with tough issues, such as bisexuality and homosexual relationships. Marsha D. Jenkins-Sanders's powerful novel questions the world's standards of value and provides a fresh perspective on the fight for power and identity.
In this compelling and thought-provoking novel, Marsha D. Jenkins-Sanders explores the stigmas, labels, and fears that contribute to people's feelings of unworthiness, confusion, resentment, and plummeting self-respect, as well as the complicated issues of sexual identity.
Rochelle Jackson is a woman born without, as she calls it, the "pretty gene." She more closely resembles a man and harbors a forbidden secret. This mix of volatile emotion and the simmering resentment bred by years of rejection becomes the destructive force behind her scheme to dethrone Dakota North, Rochelle's beautiful cousin and a prima donna in her own right.
When Rochelle lets loose with her vicious plan, it becomes an all-out war that will leave both parties changed forever. In the tradition of E. Lynn Harris, Jealousy has an emotionally wrenching plot and characters dealing with tough issues, such as bisexuality and homosexual relationships. Marsha D. Jenkins-Sanders's powerful novel questions the world's standards of value and provides a fresh perspective on the fight for power and identity.
384 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2008
2 people are currently reading
34 people want to read
About the author
Marsha Jenkins-Sanders
5 booksMarsha Jenkins-Sanders is an ASCAP Award-winning songwriter and multi-genre author who writes for both grown-ups and the growing-up.
Her career began in adult contemporary romance fiction, where she explored themes of love, resilience, and redemption through a mature lens.
Today, her passion is storytelling that uplifts, empowers, and connects—especially for children and tweens navigating big feelings in a loud world.
She is the creator of several youth-centered series, including the bold and funny "They Call Me Fish Lips" (Book 1 of her 8-book "Fish Lips" middle grade series, inspired by her real-life son), the family life-driven read-aloud "Ry-Pie Says" (Book 1 of her picture book series for ages 4–8), and several upcoming works focused on anti-bullying and emotional courage.
Whether she’s writing heartfelt fiction, mentoring young readers, or putting music to her message, Marsha’s mission is the same: to help kids—and their grown-ups—feel seen, valued, and never alone.
Her career began in adult contemporary romance fiction, where she explored themes of love, resilience, and redemption through a mature lens.
Today, her passion is storytelling that uplifts, empowers, and connects—especially for children and tweens navigating big feelings in a loud world.
She is the creator of several youth-centered series, including the bold and funny "They Call Me Fish Lips" (Book 1 of her 8-book "Fish Lips" middle grade series, inspired by her real-life son), the family life-driven read-aloud "Ry-Pie Says" (Book 1 of her picture book series for ages 4–8), and several upcoming works focused on anti-bullying and emotional courage.
Whether she’s writing heartfelt fiction, mentoring young readers, or putting music to her message, Marsha’s mission is the same: to help kids—and their grown-ups—feel seen, valued, and never alone.
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
August 4, 2008
I loved this book. I lived this book in the part of Dakota North a few years ago. I grew up around people like Rochelle and her mom. Not quite as severe but I learned that jealousy has signs and judging from this book they are all very similar. If you know someone like these heifers, avoid them like the plague. If you are like those heifers please seek therapy. Very informative. If I had a book like this a while back I could have seen the signs earlier and avoided a whole lotta drama. If you know someone who seems to do things that cause trouble for you "accidentally" and often or you tell them a secret and next thing you know everyone knows or any little types of drama you should try this book and see what kind of friend they might really be. A great tool in helping you decide who you should keep in your life and who needs to go out with the trash.
November 11, 2025
I picked this up on a whim and i regret doing so.
Let me be fair: the author can write. The narration is smooth and it's incredibly easy to read, which is why I finished it so quickly. You get pulled right into the drama.
But the story itself... my goodness. I know the book is called Jealousy, but the characters take it to a level that's almost hard to believe. I lost count of the red flags! It was a fascinating look at just how far some people will go to make others miserable, but it was also so over-the-top that it was hard to take seriously.
Let me be fair: the author can write. The narration is smooth and it's incredibly easy to read, which is why I finished it so quickly. You get pulled right into the drama.
But the story itself... my goodness. I know the book is called Jealousy, but the characters take it to a level that's almost hard to believe. I lost count of the red flags! It was a fascinating look at just how far some people will go to make others miserable, but it was also so over-the-top that it was hard to take seriously.
January 15, 2020
Actually this is my second time reading 📖 this amazing 😉 book 📚 I actually enjoyed it to the fullest. I couldn’t remember anything that happened as if I’ve never read the book. It was a amazing journey that answered some serious questions that I’ve once had no answer to. I highlighted areas that intrigued my interest of the characters. I did get confused 🤷🏾♀️ a few times as the person who were speaking. I easily figured out with deep concentration who was who. Overall the book 📚 was excellent. I’ll come back with quotes from the book 📚 later
January 30, 2015
Jealousy started out really good then it became confusing and dragged. The grammar was confusing sometimes. The language would be used as if the author was confused about in what place she was in the story. One example was the soon to be bride being referred to as wife, often in the book, when she wasn't married yet. That was confusing because I thought maybe I'd missed something. The crazy cousin Ro's actions dragged on a little to much to where I just didn't care anymore about her. If the book was a bit cleaner (grammar), shorter and tighter ( more concise) it would've held my attention better. However, the plot is awesome and if it were to be edited better...wow what an awesome read in the making.
June 12, 2011
I can only say WOOOW ...when thinking of this book. The expression is a GREAT one for me because I never think that much of self depravity..This book opened my understanding of WOMEN...Yes , I am a Woman but the lengths that the women in this book went to plan the demise of another are foriegn concepts to me... I find that JEALOUSLY told the story of a SOCIETIES power over WOMENS' measure of their SELF~WORTH....The author EXPOSED BLACK WOMENS'SELF~HATRED ...Jealously is another GREAT bookclub suggestion. There are so many avenues to take with this book that I HOPE THERE IS ANOTHER BOOK COMING ...The story could not have ended here!
October 4, 2015
I was enjoying this book until somewhere in the middle when it started to go on and on and on. Rochelle was a young woman in need of love and attention. When she got it, she became obsessed. Where I became frustrated was with the multiple times she was able to bug the same house, even after being found out. Really? It's a good book to an extent. I would read another book by the author but hopefully it won't be so redundant. Sorry...I'm not a good reviewer but needed to express SOMETHING.
November 10, 2014
This is not my typical genre, but my student's mom wrote it!!! It was fun that it was set in Detroit and I knew all the places. It had lots of drama. If you like Scandal, you'll probably like this book. It was a entertaining read.
October 21, 2010
That cousin surely was deranged and very irrational. It was not that serious but she had a very off the wall mother to blame as well...
February 4, 2012
this novel was perfect full of suspense and drama with plenty of twists and turns very much enjoyed.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews