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Josephine
Josephine ‘Jojo’ Best has it all figured out. Just seventeen, she's been to college, she has her own hairdressing shop and nothing will distract her from her goals. That is, until handsome George Brooks begins to pursue her. Then the return of her childhood nemesis complicates her life even further!
No girl is immune to Adam Morgan’s charm. But when a wound brings him home from the War Between the States, it’s a girl he used to call “Pest” who’s turning the tables. All grown up, Jojo is being courted by another soldier, and Adam knows it would be foolish to play with her heart; but he just can’t get the ugly duckling turned swan off his mind.
Jojo, too, can't deny her growing feelings for Adam. But he's always been such a flirt—how can she take him seriously? He can't possibly be serious about her. Besides, she has George falling all over himself to please her. As the war rages on, Adam's feelings for Jojo grow stronger, but Jojo's determination to resist him does, too. One thing is clear, though: Jojo is a girl who always gets what she wants, even when she doesn’t know what it is!
“Beverly Jenkins has reached romance superstardom.”—Detroit Free Press
“Beverly Jenkins writes a captivating novel with the right combination of romance, history, action, and a dash of quick-witted humor. With well-sculpted characters and well-drawn setting, this is a perfect novel to interest teens into reading other romances.”—Romantic Times
“Jenkins combines accurate and little-known historical details with bold heroes and sassy heroines . . . who could ask for more?”—Romantic Times
No girl is immune to Adam Morgan’s charm. But when a wound brings him home from the War Between the States, it’s a girl he used to call “Pest” who’s turning the tables. All grown up, Jojo is being courted by another soldier, and Adam knows it would be foolish to play with her heart; but he just can’t get the ugly duckling turned swan off his mind.
Jojo, too, can't deny her growing feelings for Adam. But he's always been such a flirt—how can she take him seriously? He can't possibly be serious about her. Besides, she has George falling all over himself to please her. As the war rages on, Adam's feelings for Jojo grow stronger, but Jojo's determination to resist him does, too. One thing is clear, though: Jojo is a girl who always gets what she wants, even when she doesn’t know what it is!
“Beverly Jenkins has reached romance superstardom.”—Detroit Free Press
“Beverly Jenkins writes a captivating novel with the right combination of romance, history, action, and a dash of quick-witted humor. With well-sculpted characters and well-drawn setting, this is a perfect novel to interest teens into reading other romances.”—Romantic Times
“Jenkins combines accurate and little-known historical details with bold heroes and sassy heroines . . . who could ask for more?”—Romantic Times
242 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 1, 2003
101 people are currently reading
1093 people want to read
About the author
Beverly Jenkins
71 books4,840 followersBeverly Jenkins is the recipient of the 2017 Romance Writers of America Nora Roberts Lifetime Achievement Award, as well as the 2016 Romantic Times Reviewers’ Choice Award for historical romance.
She has been nominated for the NAACP Image Award in Literature, was featured both in the documentary “Love Between the Covers” and on CBS Sunday Morning.
Since the publication of Night Song in 1994, she has been leading the charge for inclusive romance, and has been a constant darling of reviewers, fans, and her peers alike, garnering accolades for her work from the likes of The Wall Street Journal, People Magazine, and NPR. Her critically acclaimed Blessings series has been optioned for film by John Legend’s and Mike Jackson’s production company Get Lifted, and Hollywood and Broadway powerhouse Deborah Martin Chase.
To read more about Beverly and sign up for her newsletter, visit her at www.BeverlyJenkins.net.
She has been nominated for the NAACP Image Award in Literature, was featured both in the documentary “Love Between the Covers” and on CBS Sunday Morning.
Since the publication of Night Song in 1994, she has been leading the charge for inclusive romance, and has been a constant darling of reviewers, fans, and her peers alike, garnering accolades for her work from the likes of The Wall Street Journal, People Magazine, and NPR. Her critically acclaimed Blessings series has been optioned for film by John Legend’s and Mike Jackson’s production company Get Lifted, and Hollywood and Broadway powerhouse Deborah Martin Chase.
To read more about Beverly and sign up for her newsletter, visit her at www.BeverlyJenkins.net.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 115 reviews
January 12, 2021
Josephine Best is SEVENTEEN which means BOYS. Between the traditional George Brooks and the swoony Adam Morgan,, will Jo figure out who makes her boners pop?
1. When I was young kris, this and Belle's book never were my favorites and I'll tell you why: there's ADULTS with LOGIC and WISDOM getting in the way of all the boners. As a young person myself (at the time), this was INCONCEIVABLE because WE TEENAGERS COULD FIGURE OUT LOVE ALL ON OUR OWN THANK YOU VERY MUCH.
As an adulter person, now, I read these and can only think "thank GOD there's ADULT PEOPLE LOOKING OUT FOR THESE TINY, HORNY HUMANS" because they are SO TINY and SO HORNY. But Jenkins does such a fantastic job of letting her tiny, horny humans be tiny and horny WHILE ALSO drawing some very appropriate boundaries around their romances.
2. For example: the whole thing with George Brooks drove me bonkers when I was young because he was just such a drip and why was Jenkins WASTING PAGES on him when she could be using those pages for KISSING? But now I'm impressed with the fact that like George isn't actually a terrible person (I mean, hate his views on women ABSOLUTELY but he's not set up to be a villain). He's there to demonstrate an important facet to dating: GETTING TO KNOW ONE ANOTHER. TALKING. Getting over the butterflies so that you can determine if the boy's going to like kill all your dreams or lift you up or whatever 'happy ever after' looks like.
And Jenkins lets Jo figure that out for herself and man I did not appreciate that as a tiny, horny human.
3. Adam's less impressive as a hero: his extended metaphor about wanting pick all the flowers wasn't really great, and he turns the corner into love with Jo more because of resolution reasons versus internal development reasons, but whatever. This is Jo's book.
4. I have a secret fondness for ridiculous nicknames in my romances and 'Pest' is cute.
1. When I was young kris, this and Belle's book never were my favorites and I'll tell you why: there's ADULTS with LOGIC and WISDOM getting in the way of all the boners. As a young person myself (at the time), this was INCONCEIVABLE because WE TEENAGERS COULD FIGURE OUT LOVE ALL ON OUR OWN THANK YOU VERY MUCH.
As an adulter person, now, I read these and can only think "thank GOD there's ADULT PEOPLE LOOKING OUT FOR THESE TINY, HORNY HUMANS" because they are SO TINY and SO HORNY. But Jenkins does such a fantastic job of letting her tiny, horny humans be tiny and horny WHILE ALSO drawing some very appropriate boundaries around their romances.
2. For example: the whole thing with George Brooks drove me bonkers when I was young because he was just such a drip and why was Jenkins WASTING PAGES on him when she could be using those pages for KISSING? But now I'm impressed with the fact that like George isn't actually a terrible person (I mean, hate his views on women ABSOLUTELY but he's not set up to be a villain). He's there to demonstrate an important facet to dating: GETTING TO KNOW ONE ANOTHER. TALKING. Getting over the butterflies so that you can determine if the boy's going to like kill all your dreams or lift you up or whatever 'happy ever after' looks like.
And Jenkins lets Jo figure that out for herself and man I did not appreciate that as a tiny, horny human.
3. Adam's less impressive as a hero: his extended metaphor about wanting pick all the flowers wasn't really great, and he turns the corner into love with Jo more because of resolution reasons versus internal development reasons, but whatever. This is Jo's book.
4. I have a secret fondness for ridiculous nicknames in my romances and 'Pest' is cute.
November 16, 2018
GoodRead
January 22, 2021
Was in big Beverly Jenkins mood and listened to two books by her in a short period of time! This historical romance is little bit different in that it's following a 17 year old and didn't have steamy bits in it. Haven't read much historical romance YA. But I enjoyed it a lot, found it interesting to follow her dream as a hair dresser and not just focus on the romance.
January 21, 2021
I really liked this.
Quite appropriate for teens or even tweens as there's no sex or inappropriate content.
My only dislike is a sexist/dated view in regards to young women and their sexual desires that's in line with what views would've been when this was set.
Original Review: This was sweet
Quite appropriate for teens or even tweens as there's no sex or inappropriate content.
My only dislike is a sexist/dated view in regards to young women and their sexual desires that's in line with what views would've been when this was set.
Original Review: This was sweet
November 12, 2020
Josephine is absolutely adorable. I never would have thought a romance set during the Civil War could be this fluffy and cute while also covering history, but Jenkins really pulled it off.
This book was originally published as Josephine and the Soldier under Harper Teen, so just be forewarned that this is historical YA romance, in case you're expecting adult romance. The story is, as I mentioned already, adorable. Jo's only 17, and her age shows in ways that felt very realistic to me. Jo already runs her own business: a salon that's doing very well. She's enterprising and adventurous, but she doesn't exactly know what she wants from romance, and all of that is very new and confusing to her.
Jo has never really thought about getting married, and, when she did think about it, she was mildly opposed, thinking a man would try to tie her down. She ends up with two love interests: George Brooks, a gentlemanly soldier, and Adam Morgan, her brother's best friend. Both men are soldiers returned from the war due to injury. It's very much a real world sort of love triangle where she's trying to figure out what's really important in a relationship and who will be better for her, if either.
The writing is a bit clunky at times, and the version on Scribd had a fair number of typos. But that wasn't enough to detract much of the charm of the story. I would definitely read more Jenkins books like this one.
This book was originally published as Josephine and the Soldier under Harper Teen, so just be forewarned that this is historical YA romance, in case you're expecting adult romance. The story is, as I mentioned already, adorable. Jo's only 17, and her age shows in ways that felt very realistic to me. Jo already runs her own business: a salon that's doing very well. She's enterprising and adventurous, but she doesn't exactly know what she wants from romance, and all of that is very new and confusing to her.
Jo has never really thought about getting married, and, when she did think about it, she was mildly opposed, thinking a man would try to tie her down. She ends up with two love interests: George Brooks, a gentlemanly soldier, and Adam Morgan, her brother's best friend. Both men are soldiers returned from the war due to injury. It's very much a real world sort of love triangle where she's trying to figure out what's really important in a relationship and who will be better for her, if either.
The writing is a bit clunky at times, and the version on Scribd had a fair number of typos. But that wasn't enough to detract much of the charm of the story. I would definitely read more Jenkins books like this one.
October 18, 2025
I absolutely loved this story—it had me swooning the whole time! Watching Jo grow from a little girl into a young lady was such a joy. The way everything unfolded was delightful, and it made for a perfect follow-up to Belle and Beau. I’m so excited to see what’s coming next! 🤗
July 7, 2023
Sweet, YA historical romance, set during the civil war! I appreciate how the author incorporates the history of black men fighting for the Union army and the vast number of refugees that needed assistance following the end of the war. Nice discussion of gender issues too. Worth reading! 4 stars
February 5, 2024
This story picks up five years after "Belle and the Beau" left off, but you don't need to read that one to understand this one (although I highly recommend it). The setting is the tail end of the Civil War. Josephine Best is a headstrong, different 17-year-old girl, who doesn't fit into the conventional roles of women at the time. She's been to college, has her own hair shop which she dreams of expanding, and doesn't want to be one of those girls who are swooning over men, trying to catch themselves a beau. Then Adam Morgan, her brother's friend, returns home from the war, and things start to take an unexpected and exciting turn. Adam doesn't even recognize Josephine when her first sees her (to everyone's amusement, including hers). Josephine isn't sure whether Adam is that serious about her, as he has a reputation for being a Casanova, and men seem to be put off by her independent nature. Adam is conflicted over the fact that this is his best friend's baby sister, and because he himself is not sure that he's done "picking flowers", as he puts it. But this doesn't stop him from being insanely jealous of Josephine's suitor. As the two of them reconnect with each other, often arguing along the way, their feelings for each other grow.
All of the characters are fully-realized, even the minor ones. As a result, they all come off as very real and human. Josephine is a likable and unconventional heroine, who is opinionated, but never rude or disrespectful. She's insightful, and passionate about what she believes in, such as fighting to end slavery. She's also a very modern character. Because of her headstrong nature, a lot of men are put off by her, which has affected her self-esteem. She's not used to guys paying attention to her romantically. It takes her a while to realize that she actually is beautiful, and a worthy catch for anyone. Adam is just...a dreamboat. He's cute, he's intelligent, he's ready to defend the people he cares about; even though he's insufferable, you can't not like him. Jo's mother, Cecilia, is one of my favorite characters in the book. Often the voice of reason, she's able to see what's going on without interfering, and she's just as outspoken as her daughter. The neighbors in the town make for excellent sidebars to the action, giving the reader a glimpse into the social expectations and behaviors of the time.
I also liked the ideas/values that Ms. Jenkins puts forth in the novel, which again, are not force-fed to the reader. Here, marriage is based on mutual love and respect, and if course, on people being soul mates. The author asserts (as in all her novels) that real men don't feel the need to subjugate their women, and that real women don't have to mold themselves into their husband's antiquated ideal. (Jo's suitor, George, has to be one of the most frustrating characters I've ever come across. He has one gear: woman, kitchen, me, everywhere I want to be). However, Ms. Jenkins is fair, and doesn't believe that men should be "lapdogs", either. She also supports the idea of strong, independent, young women who carve their own path, and have so much to offer their communities. This is a great lesson for young girls to learn, and for young boys to learn as well. There are other, more traditional girls in Whittaker County who want nothing more to get married and look pretty (one character says this and is proud of it). But Adam isn't, and shows this particular woman the door. These views are not simply an author placing 21st century sensibilities into the minds of 19th century characters.
This book is eleventh in the "Avon True Romance" series. I hadn't read it in a while, and I was pleasantly surprised to see how much I remembered. Because the book is aimed at teenagers, it's pretty tame in terms of sensuality. (I do imagine how Ms. Jenkins would write it as an adult novel). Nonetheless, there are suggestions of deeper feelings and allusions to other behaviors that can't be described in this format. Adam's track record with the ladies is written as him romancing them and having them swoon after him, but it's implied that he wasn't just kissing them. The author handles this balance very well. A satisfying story for both older and younger readers, this is one book that you will revisit often.
All of the characters are fully-realized, even the minor ones. As a result, they all come off as very real and human. Josephine is a likable and unconventional heroine, who is opinionated, but never rude or disrespectful. She's insightful, and passionate about what she believes in, such as fighting to end slavery. She's also a very modern character. Because of her headstrong nature, a lot of men are put off by her, which has affected her self-esteem. She's not used to guys paying attention to her romantically. It takes her a while to realize that she actually is beautiful, and a worthy catch for anyone. Adam is just...a dreamboat. He's cute, he's intelligent, he's ready to defend the people he cares about; even though he's insufferable, you can't not like him. Jo's mother, Cecilia, is one of my favorite characters in the book. Often the voice of reason, she's able to see what's going on without interfering, and she's just as outspoken as her daughter. The neighbors in the town make for excellent sidebars to the action, giving the reader a glimpse into the social expectations and behaviors of the time.
I also liked the ideas/values that Ms. Jenkins puts forth in the novel, which again, are not force-fed to the reader. Here, marriage is based on mutual love and respect, and if course, on people being soul mates. The author asserts (as in all her novels) that real men don't feel the need to subjugate their women, and that real women don't have to mold themselves into their husband's antiquated ideal. (Jo's suitor, George, has to be one of the most frustrating characters I've ever come across. He has one gear: woman, kitchen, me, everywhere I want to be). However, Ms. Jenkins is fair, and doesn't believe that men should be "lapdogs", either. She also supports the idea of strong, independent, young women who carve their own path, and have so much to offer their communities. This is a great lesson for young girls to learn, and for young boys to learn as well. There are other, more traditional girls in Whittaker County who want nothing more to get married and look pretty (one character says this and is proud of it). But Adam isn't, and shows this particular woman the door. These views are not simply an author placing 21st century sensibilities into the minds of 19th century characters.
This book is eleventh in the "Avon True Romance" series. I hadn't read it in a while, and I was pleasantly surprised to see how much I remembered. Because the book is aimed at teenagers, it's pretty tame in terms of sensuality. (I do imagine how Ms. Jenkins would write it as an adult novel). Nonetheless, there are suggestions of deeper feelings and allusions to other behaviors that can't be described in this format. Adam's track record with the ladies is written as him romancing them and having them swoon after him, but it's implied that he wasn't just kissing them. The author handles this balance very well. A satisfying story for both older and younger readers, this is one book that you will revisit often.
April 9, 2017
You know a book is good, when you fumble through wet pages just to finish up the last 60 or so pages.
After making her debut appearance in Belle, a now nearly adult Josephine graduates from having no beaux and a thriving salon business, to having two prospects and her thriving business. Josephine must choose between the traditional George Brooks or the incouragable Adam Morgan.
This light hearted novel is very fast paced and fun. It explores a growing society in the fave of war and one of the major turning points for women. Josephine, like most of Beverly Jenkins' female characters, is very bright and full of personality. She is forthright and formidable which makes her an enjoyable character. I would gush on and on about Adam Morgan but I am unsure if I.liked Adam for Adam, or because his last name is Morgan and that reminds me of Derek Morgan....which led me to waiting for him to refer to her as "babygirl" just one time.
I am pretty certain my Beverly Jenkins addiction jas not even close to reached its peak yet so I am.just going to end this nowbl by saying. I thuroughly enjoyed this book
After making her debut appearance in Belle, a now nearly adult Josephine graduates from having no beaux and a thriving salon business, to having two prospects and her thriving business. Josephine must choose between the traditional George Brooks or the incouragable Adam Morgan.
This light hearted novel is very fast paced and fun. It explores a growing society in the fave of war and one of the major turning points for women. Josephine, like most of Beverly Jenkins' female characters, is very bright and full of personality. She is forthright and formidable which makes her an enjoyable character. I would gush on and on about Adam Morgan but I am unsure if I.liked Adam for Adam, or because his last name is Morgan and that reminds me of Derek Morgan....which led me to waiting for him to refer to her as "babygirl" just one time.
I am pretty certain my Beverly Jenkins addiction jas not even close to reached its peak yet so I am.just going to end this nowbl by saying. I thuroughly enjoyed this book
April 20, 2018
Nicely done!
I fell in love with Jojo in Belle, so I was so happy that she got her own story. Love, love, love that she ended up with one of the Morgan boys! Loved that we got to see Miss Trudy find love, too.
Loved everything about this book. And the ending was perfect. I'm gonna miss this crew! If you are a Beverly Jenkins fan please don't miss this one!
I fell in love with Jojo in Belle, so I was so happy that she got her own story. Love, love, love that she ended up with one of the Morgan boys! Loved that we got to see Miss Trudy find love, too.
Loved everything about this book. And the ending was perfect. I'm gonna miss this crew! If you are a Beverly Jenkins fan please don't miss this one!
December 12, 2023
i don’t think i’m gunna rate this book— me and my sisters read it together for a fun throwback book club and it was cute, loved how everything came together happily in the end
April 30, 2018
Very sweet, clean story that takes place at the end of the Civil War. Josephine Best is such a strong and likable character and really grows at the story progresses. She's been to college, she aspires to run hair salon, and we follow her as she goes through the first twinges of love and adulthood during the backdrop of a time of turmoil in our American history.
This book has a teen/YA slant and is a great starting point for conversations with younger readers about freed slaves and the black regiments of the war and the important roles they played. It's a book that adults will enjoy as well.
This book has a teen/YA slant and is a great starting point for conversations with younger readers about freed slaves and the black regiments of the war and the important roles they played. It's a book that adults will enjoy as well.
December 4, 2025
Josephine Delights the Reader
What a great book Josephine is!! Josephine Best is a typical Beverly Jenkins heroine, bold, ambitious and full of fire. What sets her apart is that she is only 17 years old! A book filled with delightful characters, and a plot filled with surprises. I loved every page of it!
What a great book Josephine is!! Josephine Best is a typical Beverly Jenkins heroine, bold, ambitious and full of fire. What sets her apart is that she is only 17 years old! A book filled with delightful characters, and a plot filled with surprises. I loved every page of it!
January 20, 2023
Skimmed.
September 21, 2024
I loved Josephine the boss. Adam had to work for her and it was great to see.
November 3, 2024
Loved this story and the characters.
August 1, 2025
Adam🎩
"When the war ends, this country is going to be filled with new opportunities for folks like you and me. It's going to be an exciting time, and I want to see those times with you. No one else.
Trust me, Jo. If I ever break your heart, I swear I'll cut out my own and give it to you on a platter."
A wonderful story that tugs at the heart.
"When the war ends, this country is going to be filled with new opportunities for folks like you and me. It's going to be an exciting time, and I want to see those times with you. No one else.
Trust me, Jo. If I ever break your heart, I swear I'll cut out my own and give it to you on a platter."
A wonderful story that tugs at the heart.
January 12, 2015
Josephine Best is a sensible working girl. She's not ready for marriage and she loves her hairdressing business. She doesn't want to be confined to the old-fashioned box of women's roles.
Her father and older brother Daniel are away fighting the Civil War.
Adam Morgan is a great hero. He and Josephine are so adorable with the most perfect banter. Five years ago, he was best friends with Josephine's brother and practically adopted into the family. Adam and Josephine have always been like siblings – with all the fighting, tattling and teasing.
“Well, all I remember is how rotten you, Dani and Jeremiah were to me when I was small.”
Adam looked offended. “I beg your pardon! We treated you like a little queen.”
“You don’t tie a queen to a tree and use her as bee bait.”
When Adam returns from war, Josephine is all grown up and the sparks fly.
Adam is reluctant to cross BFF boundaries as well as the fact that he's family, but he can't resist a little flirting.
When she was settled, he said faintly, “Good. Now your face will be the last thing I see before I doze off.”
“You’re lathering it on rather thick, aren’t you?” Jo cracked.
“Am I?”
“Yes.”
His eyes drifted shut for a moment, then he added, “I forget that you’ve known me most of your life.”
“Yes, I have, and I am therefore not susceptible to your Canadian charm.”
His smile wobbled. “Pity. I’d hoped to turn your head.”
“You have. Watch.”
Jo slowly turned her head back and forth.
Josephine doesn't take him seriously and is quick to shut him down.
“You know,” she told him, “Dani would be very upset if he knew you were here sharpening your wiles on his baby sister.”
I liked it when they settled into an easy friendship.
“We knew that after he [Mr. Best] punished us, we’d still be alive. We weren’t so sure about your mother.”
Jo laughed. “Mama is something, isn’t she?”
“Mrs. B. is one of a kind.”
“I want to grow up and be just like her.”
“Heaven help us. I don’t know if the world is ready.”
George is serious about Josephine. He's mild and a little teensy bit swoon-worthy but not much. He's also very set in his ideas about women. While I could see why Josephine likes him, I think half of her motives for spending time with him is that she wants to convert him to feminism.
George - “I wouldn’t want my wife to. The family should be her business, and she should let her husband guide her future.”
Jo couldn’t help herself. She giggled.
Fortunately, Adam makes it his mission in life to interrupt their chats, provoke George (tehehehe) and save me from George's dull conversation. But I think Adam's stubborn disapproval made Josephine cling harder to George. She just wanted to prove to Adam that he couldn't lord it over her.
Despite this, the book is delightfully free of drama. Misunderstandings happen, but aren't drawn out. I loved the relationships and the smooth storytelling. It's an easy and enjoyable read. 4 solid stars.
Her father and older brother Daniel are away fighting the Civil War.
Adam Morgan is a great hero. He and Josephine are so adorable with the most perfect banter. Five years ago, he was best friends with Josephine's brother and practically adopted into the family. Adam and Josephine have always been like siblings – with all the fighting, tattling and teasing.
“Well, all I remember is how rotten you, Dani and Jeremiah were to me when I was small.”
Adam looked offended. “I beg your pardon! We treated you like a little queen.”
“You don’t tie a queen to a tree and use her as bee bait.”
When Adam returns from war, Josephine is all grown up and the sparks fly.
Adam is reluctant to cross BFF boundaries as well as the fact that he's family, but he can't resist a little flirting.
When she was settled, he said faintly, “Good. Now your face will be the last thing I see before I doze off.”
“You’re lathering it on rather thick, aren’t you?” Jo cracked.
“Am I?”
“Yes.”
His eyes drifted shut for a moment, then he added, “I forget that you’ve known me most of your life.”
“Yes, I have, and I am therefore not susceptible to your Canadian charm.”
His smile wobbled. “Pity. I’d hoped to turn your head.”
“You have. Watch.”
Jo slowly turned her head back and forth.
Josephine doesn't take him seriously and is quick to shut him down.
“You know,” she told him, “Dani would be very upset if he knew you were here sharpening your wiles on his baby sister.”
I liked it when they settled into an easy friendship.
“We knew that after he [Mr. Best] punished us, we’d still be alive. We weren’t so sure about your mother.”
Jo laughed. “Mama is something, isn’t she?”
“Mrs. B. is one of a kind.”
“I want to grow up and be just like her.”
“Heaven help us. I don’t know if the world is ready.”
George is serious about Josephine. He's mild and a little teensy bit swoon-worthy but not much. He's also very set in his ideas about women. While I could see why Josephine likes him, I think half of her motives for spending time with him is that she wants to convert him to feminism.
George - “I wouldn’t want my wife to. The family should be her business, and she should let her husband guide her future.”
Jo couldn’t help herself. She giggled.
Fortunately, Adam makes it his mission in life to interrupt their chats, provoke George (tehehehe) and save me from George's dull conversation. But I think Adam's stubborn disapproval made Josephine cling harder to George. She just wanted to prove to Adam that he couldn't lord it over her.
Despite this, the book is delightfully free of drama. Misunderstandings happen, but aren't drawn out. I loved the relationships and the smooth storytelling. It's an easy and enjoyable read. 4 solid stars.
October 30, 2016
Josephine by Beverly Jenkins is an excellent book that tells the story of Josephine Best an owner of a salon. The story is told by first person narrator who wants to be an independent woman.
Josephine Best is the main character. She graduated from Oberlin College. She owns her own hair salon. Josephine is unlike other girls at her age who are thinking about marrying now. All she wants is to be an independent woman. As other women are telling her why don’t you get marry your best friend Trudy already engaged what are you waiting for? She gets mad when she hears these comments. She is a strong woman and well educated.
George was the soldier that Josephine met at the church, when they get to know each other Josephine’s mother invited him for dinner. After dinner Josephine tell George to join to the porch. She was so excited to be with him and wanted to know what kind of wife George wanted to marry. He didn’t mind if his wife work but when they get children, his wife will not work she will take care of the children and her husband. “The family should be her business and she should let her husband guide her future.”
Josephine is a believable and well developed character. When Josephine was confused between Adam and George and doesn’t know what to do, Cecilia seen that Josephine’s unhappy face. Her mother tries to help her by comparing Adam and George.
I like the book, it is important to learn thing about the Civil War back to 1864. It is an amazing book and I enjoy reading Josephine’s story. I highly recommend this book to people who like to read history and romance book
Josephine Best is the main character. She graduated from Oberlin College. She owns her own hair salon. Josephine is unlike other girls at her age who are thinking about marrying now. All she wants is to be an independent woman. As other women are telling her why don’t you get marry your best friend Trudy already engaged what are you waiting for? She gets mad when she hears these comments. She is a strong woman and well educated.
George was the soldier that Josephine met at the church, when they get to know each other Josephine’s mother invited him for dinner. After dinner Josephine tell George to join to the porch. She was so excited to be with him and wanted to know what kind of wife George wanted to marry. He didn’t mind if his wife work but when they get children, his wife will not work she will take care of the children and her husband. “The family should be her business and she should let her husband guide her future.”
Josephine is a believable and well developed character. When Josephine was confused between Adam and George and doesn’t know what to do, Cecilia seen that Josephine’s unhappy face. Her mother tries to help her by comparing Adam and George.
I like the book, it is important to learn thing about the Civil War back to 1864. It is an amazing book and I enjoy reading Josephine’s story. I highly recommend this book to people who like to read history and romance book
March 1, 2010
Josephine Best is seventeen years old, and she has a different plan for her life than most young women her age in 1864. Raised in a progressive free black family that ran a station on the Underground Railroad, Josephine has been encouraged since she was a child to follow her dreams, even if they were not traditional ones for a girl to have. Josephine has attended the Women's Program at Oberlin College and now runs her own hairdressing shop in her hometown. Most of the girls her age are thinking about marriage. Josephine might be too, but she fears if she marries she will be forced to give up her business. Then Adam Morgan returns injured from the war. Adam was one of her older brother Daniel's childhood friends, and tormented her mercilessly when they were both children. But now they're both all grown up and discovering feelings for each other that they never would have expected.
I highly recommend this book to teenage girls who enjoy historical romances, as well as older readers who enjoy a sweet love story. It is a nice follow up to the author's previous young adult book, Belle, set several years earlier, in which Josephine made an appearance as a young girl. The romance is very cute and sweet, and the historical setting isn't extremely detailed, but creates an interesting background for the story while teaching a few historical facts. I read this book as part of the Avon True Romance series, when it was first published, and I was pleased to see it has been re-released, so more readers can enjoy it.
I highly recommend this book to teenage girls who enjoy historical romances, as well as older readers who enjoy a sweet love story. It is a nice follow up to the author's previous young adult book, Belle, set several years earlier, in which Josephine made an appearance as a young girl. The romance is very cute and sweet, and the historical setting isn't extremely detailed, but creates an interesting background for the story while teaching a few historical facts. I read this book as part of the Avon True Romance series, when it was first published, and I was pleased to see it has been re-released, so more readers can enjoy it.
March 1, 2010
Josephine Best is seventeen years old, and she has a different plan for her life than most young women her age in 1864. Raised in a progressive free black family that ran a station on the Underground Railroad, Josephine has been encouraged since she was a child to follow her dreams, even if they were not traditional ones for a girl to have. Josephine has attended the Women's Program at Oberlin College and now runs her own hairdressing shop in her hometown. Most of the girls her age are thinking about marriage. Josephine might be too, but she fears if she marries she will be forced to give up her business. Then Adam Morgan returns injured from the war. Adam was one of her older brother Daniel's childhood friends, and tormented her mercilessly when they were both children. But now they're both all grown up and discovering feelings for each other that they never would have expected.
I highly recommend this book to teenage girls who enjoy historical romances, as well as older readers who enjoy a sweet love story. It is a nice follow up to the author's previous young adult book, Belle, set several years earlier, in which Josephine made an appearance as a young girl. The romance is very cute and sweet, and the historical setting isn't extremely detailed, but creates an interesting background for the story while teaching a few historical facts.
I highly recommend this book to teenage girls who enjoy historical romances, as well as older readers who enjoy a sweet love story. It is a nice follow up to the author's previous young adult book, Belle, set several years earlier, in which Josephine made an appearance as a young girl. The romance is very cute and sweet, and the historical setting isn't extremely detailed, but creates an interesting background for the story while teaching a few historical facts.
November 18, 2019
Little Pest Jo has grown up into an independent beautiful lady. With the war still going on the injured soldiers are coming to her hometown to heal prior to going back to their home or back to war.
One Soldier has caught her attention, George, old fashioned George who is determined to change her thoughts and Josephine is determined to change his ways and bring him to an era where woman can be more than just a home maker.
Ms. Best opens their home to Adam. A wounded soldier who was best friends with Josephine's brother. Adam a playboy by nature begins to see more the little pest of the past but a beautiful young woman who is more than just a girl to have fun and move on to the next. He loves her passion and independence.
I love the playful nature of Josephine and her fiery spirit. Beverly Jenkins is an amazing story teller. She takes us back to a dark time in history and brings hope and laughter and love and what it means to be a family.
One Soldier has caught her attention, George, old fashioned George who is determined to change her thoughts and Josephine is determined to change his ways and bring him to an era where woman can be more than just a home maker.
Ms. Best opens their home to Adam. A wounded soldier who was best friends with Josephine's brother. Adam a playboy by nature begins to see more the little pest of the past but a beautiful young woman who is more than just a girl to have fun and move on to the next. He loves her passion and independence.
I love the playful nature of Josephine and her fiery spirit. Beverly Jenkins is an amazing story teller. She takes us back to a dark time in history and brings hope and laughter and love and what it means to be a family.
September 2, 2013
My Original Amazon review on November 9, 2003 (I was 12-years-old):
"i love this book. i originally checked it out at the library after weeks of anticipation. i read it in one day! a few weeks later i bought it! its that good!"
I stand by the content of my review, although I probably would edit my grammar and punctuation at 22. A lovely book that was very well written - so much so that I still enjoy reading it every now and then as an adult. I highly recommend it.
"i love this book. i originally checked it out at the library after weeks of anticipation. i read it in one day! a few weeks later i bought it! its that good!"
I stand by the content of my review, although I probably would edit my grammar and punctuation at 22. A lovely book that was very well written - so much so that I still enjoy reading it every now and then as an adult. I highly recommend it.
July 13, 2009
I absolutly Love this Book!!!! I reread it 5 times in 3 days!!!!
March 27, 2019
Loved
I loved this book. Every time I read any book by Ms Jenkins I get history lesson. Her stories draw me in and I can just picture the places and people.
I loved this book. Every time I read any book by Ms Jenkins I get history lesson. Her stories draw me in and I can just picture the places and people.
May 23, 2020
It was sweet and SO educational, but also... I didn't really feel anything?
November 29, 2025
4.5 stars rounded up. We met Josephine as a 12-year old in “Belle” and now she has her own book!
This book centers on a love triangle during the Civil War. Jo is being pursued by wounded soldier George only for her brother’s best friend, Adam, to return to their town, also wounded and also interested in Jo.
I really loved Jo’s personality: she has a clear dream of being a business woman and is both bold and full of heart. We get a study in contrast in her suitors. George is a nice guy but traditional, while Adam has historically been a lady’s man yet matches Jo’s spark.
I also really loved the side characters in this book. Jo’s best friend, Trudy, goes on a whole journey in this book but it was heartening to see how her and Jo’s relationship endured through all of the ups and downs. Jo’s mother may be my favorite character; she so loving yet formidable and always comes across as amazing person to have in one’s life.
As always, Beverly Jenkins infuses the book with a deep sense of time and place. Little details, like the family being Free Produce (not purchasing anything made with slave labor) show just how well Jenkins has set a realistic environment for an abolitionist black family in Michigan.
This book is young adult, so it’s not as steamy as a typical Jenkins book (the main couple only kiss), but it was still a heartfelt story of love set within a rich historic tapestry, as I have come to expect from any of the author’s books.
This book centers on a love triangle during the Civil War. Jo is being pursued by wounded soldier George only for her brother’s best friend, Adam, to return to their town, also wounded and also interested in Jo.
I really loved Jo’s personality: she has a clear dream of being a business woman and is both bold and full of heart. We get a study in contrast in her suitors. George is a nice guy but traditional, while Adam has historically been a lady’s man yet matches Jo’s spark.
I also really loved the side characters in this book. Jo’s best friend, Trudy, goes on a whole journey in this book but it was heartening to see how her and Jo’s relationship endured through all of the ups and downs. Jo’s mother may be my favorite character; she so loving yet formidable and always comes across as amazing person to have in one’s life.
As always, Beverly Jenkins infuses the book with a deep sense of time and place. Little details, like the family being Free Produce (not purchasing anything made with slave labor) show just how well Jenkins has set a realistic environment for an abolitionist black family in Michigan.
This book is young adult, so it’s not as steamy as a typical Jenkins book (the main couple only kiss), but it was still a heartfelt story of love set within a rich historic tapestry, as I have come to expect from any of the author’s books.
September 3, 2017
College has been keeping me on my toes recently, but I always managed to fit in my reading time! So I finished a couple days ago Josephine and the Soldier. I did enjoy the book, but unfortunately it did not give me such an impact that I have enough to write a full book review, so this is going to be a mini review!
I really loved Josephine. She was a business woman who was so focused on trying to find a man to take care of her. Then when she is courted by two very different men, Josephine had to remember what type of woman she wanted to be. One man was very traditional and wanted Josephine to quit her business and become a housewife, and then the other man wanted Josephine to prosper in her hairdressing business. Josephine had to think about how she wanted her future to unfold. And thank goodness Josephine was stubborn and remembered how she was not a traditional woman at all.
Read the rest of my book review at https://caylasbooktopia.wordpress.com...
I really loved Josephine. She was a business woman who was so focused on trying to find a man to take care of her. Then when she is courted by two very different men, Josephine had to remember what type of woman she wanted to be. One man was very traditional and wanted Josephine to quit her business and become a housewife, and then the other man wanted Josephine to prosper in her hairdressing business. Josephine had to think about how she wanted her future to unfold. And thank goodness Josephine was stubborn and remembered how she was not a traditional woman at all.
Read the rest of my book review at https://caylasbooktopia.wordpress.com...
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December 26, 2020This was pretty uneven for me, but no idea if it’s indicative of Jenkins’ other books. The history was great, and I loved how the family was positioned as very forward-thinking about independence for women without at all being anachronistic. I knew (some) about Black soldiers in the Civil War, but nothing about the Black towns in Michigan at the time - fascinating, and I appreciate the resources list to find out more about the historical background of the book. It’s just that the romance was very slight, and I kept feeling Josephine was quite immature in that aspect, especially as the switch from George (very clearly NOT The One) to Adam (The One ... but ??) happened so quickly. Adam was nice, but never got any feeling of why he transformed from a real player to devoted only to Josephine for ever and ever, no questions. So that was two problems, and neither of them got resolved in my heads even though her family accepted it all happily enough.
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