Belle and the Beau

by Beverly Jenkins

Belle
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.

The Beau
Daniel Best is headed for great things. Educated and handsome, at eighteen he is full of the promise and dream 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.

Genres: Romance, Historical Romance, Young Adult, Historical Fiction, Historical, Fiction, African American

296 pages, Paperback

First published April 30, 2002

About the author

Beverly 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. 

Reviews

[Just A Girl With Spirit · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars for Belle.

This was different than I was expecting. I guess it would be considered more of a YA novel about two young people who find love under troubling circumstances. Belle, a “runner” was 16 years old when she escaped the terrible slave catchers. She’d been running so long that her feet looked like ground meat. She happened upon Daniel, eighteen, and his little sister JoJo, twelve. They took her in, and their mom cleaned her up and gave her shelter and refuge.

Belle and Daniel fall deeper and deeper in love, but he has an intended, a horrible young lady named Francine that he promised himself to. She talked to Belle so nasty and I’m so glad that Daniel finally saw the light and came to his senses.

As always, I get a good history lesson in Beverly’s historical romances. This is not a slow burn, but a non existent burn. It’s not really what the story is about, but if you’re looking for Ms. Bev’s usual steam & smut, then this one isn’t for you.

[Jerrika Rhone · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not enough smut for me, lol. I'll just reread her Old West series to get my fix.

Note: Beverly Jenkins knows how to write one hell of an antagonist. Francine was AWFUL!

[K2 · Rating 5 out of 5]

GreatRead!!!! Jenkins is the Greatest Historical Romance Author. I have never been disappointed in one of her Reads and this is read20💕💕

[Isatta · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am an addict so my review will be bias.

I adored the story of this young run away slave named Belle. Belle is found by Daniel and his sister, Josephine Best. The Bests help Belle get back on her feet and something a lot like love develops between Daniel and Belle.

This is the first time I have read a PG Beverly Jenkins book and I am not mad about it. The love story was very sweet and tender. I still hate having history lessons when things are getting good, but it is a historical romance....so what are ya gonna do?

[aria ✧ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Please, this was so cute

[ReadingTilTheBreakOfDawn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beverly Jenkins is a legend when it comes to Historical Romance, but little did I know she could bring a beautiful story of a teen without all the steam AND still teach you a lesson and have that romance in the background.

Belle has just escaped from the slave life when she is discovered up north in Michigan by a free Black family. The Bests take her in, no questions asked. She becomes part of the family and grows close to the brother and sister (JoJo and Daniel) and the whole Best family. Their family fights for the rights of their people. This is where Ms Bev gives us an education on Black history and it fit well into their story and the setting in the mid 1800's. The Bests were able to share with Belle what it was like to live in the North as opposed to the South. But it still wasn't pretty and slave catchers were still a thing.

The love story was something always happening in the background between Belle and Daniel. But Daniel was spoken for and his woman, Francine was not who ANYONE would imagine he would end up with, including his parents. I liked seeing Daniel finally come around and realize what he had promised someone and the reality of it all.

Beyond the horrific history of slavery, the love story that took place was quiet and sweet. This is a book that can be shared with middle to high school kids and be ok. Beverly Jenkins gives you a well written YA historical fiction book with a side of romance. The history aspects are evident, but interspersed with the story making it easy and enjoyable to read.

[S · Rating 4 out of 5]

So stinkin cute and fluffy! I haven’t seen or read much YA historical romances so when I came across this I was intrigued. Beverly Jenkins writes some of my favourite heroines ever and Belle was no exception. Kinda wish I read this in high school I know would’ve LOVED it even more then for sure. 🥺❤️

[kris · Rating 3 out of 5]

Belle Palmer is separated from her father while escaping from slavery, and finds refuge with the Bests—including their oldest son, the dashing Daniel Best. Dani is intrigued by Belle but has a long-term girlfriend which means his growing affections for Belle are WRONG and BAD until they're not and they can SNEAK OUT OF THE HOUSE TO MAKE OUT BEHIND THE BARN.

1. I need to read more Jenkins, I think: I love how her relationships are framed within a larger conversation. I.e., Dani dumps his fickle semi-fiancee and immediately wants to court Belle—but Mr. Best (standing in for the still missing Mr. Palmer) tells him to slow his roll: he points out that Belle is THREE MONTHS free, and Dani is single for the first time in 4-5 YEARS. And that's just—a good thing to remember about so many romances, how huge life-changing events are followed or capped off with additional huge life-changing relationships or marriages or what-have-you. I appreciated that.

(Of course, Dani hears that and immediately begins sneaking Belle out of the house for make-outs behind the barn which ALSO feels ridiculously appropriate for a horny 18 year old!!)

2. I did dislike the slight tinge of slut-shaming used in framing "Francine the Queen" against Belle? Like, I do NOT condone Francine's cheating on Daniel, but there were a few asides about how Daniel didn't like how "fast" Francine was—which, OK, TALK TO YOUR GF THEN? He's able to address it, slightly, with Belle later on when he's the one moving too fast, but IDK. It just felt kind of grossly ladies-should-not-know-what-they-want-y, which I don't appreciate.

3. One minor quibble with the prose: Jenkins did RESEARCH and provides a bibliography for all the facts and knowledge she drops in this story. The references to abolitionists and conventions and holidays and everything else was so fascinating, but their inclusion did feel...clunky? Lecture-y? The explanations and context all made sense when the Bests were talking to Belle, who hadn't the experience or familiarity with the topics being discussed—but then those same internal monologues crept up in Dani's POV chapters as well, while talking with his family or friends.

4. The POV shifts also bother me, on a completely superficial personal level. I don't like third-person limited that shifts mid-section: I need there to be a section break or chapter break before the author throws me into a new head. This only happened a few times but it was enough.

5. Did the Morgans really get shipped off to Canada so they wouldn't be able to hit on Belle anymore??

6. This held up MUCH BETTER than the first one!

[Deena · Rating 5 out of 5]

What took me so long?!

NOBODY does historical romance like Beverly Jenkins. She is the best. I've read all of her historicals with the exception of Belle and Josephine. Both books are YA and I didn't think I'd be interested. When I saw that both books were being 're-released, I thought 'Why not?' Best decision ever!

I was hooked from Page 1. I love that the author gives you a great love story and an interesting history lesson all in one book. Times were hard indeed, but the love and care that the Best family shows Belle and each other, as well as the wonderful sense of community are heart-warming. And seeing Francine the Queen get her just desserts? Even better.

Such a sweet love story. I'm excited to be moving right on to Miss Jojo's story!

[Cheryl Faye · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading this book reminded me once again why I love Beverly Jenkins' writing so much. Not only is she a great story-teller, but with each of her historical novels, you actually get a full-fledged history lesson. By the time I was finished with this sweet love story, it was 1:00 a.m., and despite the fact that knew I had to be up in 5 hours to get ready for church, I went to bed with a smile thinking about the very satisfying climax to Belle Palmer's and Daniel Best's romance.

[Lois · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this quite a bit.
This is a YA novel and perfect for middle school age. Even grade school if they are advanced enough readers. I read The Color Purple in 5th grade so I'm always bad at judging age appropriateness.🤷🏽‍♀️
I LOVE the period details. I love the setting.

[Megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Incredibly sweet story set in pre-civil war Michigan! Love all the knowledge that the author sprinkles through the novel! Definitely worth reading! 4.5 stars

[Marcia · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Pamelia Grady · Rating 5 out of 5]

Belle

Belle Palmer is an escaped slave who walked in to big boots too freedom. Belle is taken in by the Best Family who taught her things she needed to know to take care of herself while looking for father. Belle is a wonderful and gentle person.

[Keeping.Volumes.Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Even though this is labeled as a YA novel, I found it to be such an enjoyable read! There’s nothing quite like diving into a good story to make your day brighter. I discovered some real gems in the narrative that I didn’t know before, and I love learning more about our history. It’s great to keep expanding my knowledge in such a fun way!

[Misty · Rating 1 out of 5]

Republished under the name Belle, Belle and the Beau tells the story of Belle Palmer, an escaped slave who is taken in by a family of free blacks -- the Bests -- in Michigan. Belle must learn to adjust to free life and the idea that she can make her own choices and pursue her own goals. Belle and the Beau is part of a series of books (Avon True Romance) written by multiple authors, and reads as the hack job it most likely is.

Basically, there is only one circumstance that would make this book worth while to read, and that is as an American history companion in a 5th or 6th grade class. It is (heavily) peppered with facts from the era (Fugitive Slave Act of 1850, Frederick Douglass' Paper, various Af. Am. firsts, etc), but the way they are worked into the story is fairly lazy. It really seems as if Jenkins took a history lesson from a text book and put names to it. Everything is done fairly shallowly, and though it may help some students connect to the time a bit, there are much more worthwhile reads out there that work in the facts unobtrusively and realistically instead of resting them on the surface.

The writing too seems very lazy. It felt at times like I was reading a literature Mad Lib. So many of the sentences were set up the same way, with minor details changed: a fill-in-the-blank book. EVERYTIME a character made a joke or said anything remotely funny/sarcastic/etc., Jenkins would write "s/he cracked." Apparently the only way to tell a joke is to crack. Also, the only way to show mock anger is to plant one balled fist on one out-thrust hip. Everything seemed so half-hearted and churned out and formulaic. Even though Belle is an escaped slave living very near fugitive slave catchers, there is never any real sense of danger or tension. Every character is one-dimensional and cheesy. I feel like a traitor; this was written by someone from my region (which is why I read it), but Jenkins could have done a much better job and put a bit more heart and thought into this book. I don't know what age she was aiming for, but there is no excuse: there is a difference between simple and bad.

[Karen · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was somewhat predictable. What was missed was the "final confrontation" between the slave catcher and Belle. The slave catcher does have a confrontation, but not with the main character. The story ties up way too neatly. Belle is rescued from being a runaway, falls in love with her rescuer, lives with the most wonderful family imaginable. The rescuer breaks off his current engagement with his mean spirited, spiteful and cheating fiancee (who tried to get him back by revealing her pregnancy)in order to woo Belle. Belle and her father were separated as they escaped and were joyfully reunited after he was caught and escaped again. I kept expecting the slave catcher to go after Belle (like anyone was convinced that she was a "cousin" of the family). Or someone to raise an eyebrow when Belle's father started living with them. Heck, I even thought Francine would tattle on Belle to the slave catchers in order to get her out of the way. The hardest thing we see Belle has to endure is the taunting of Francine. I know she misses her father, but aside from vague hints we know nothing about the man. We know that her mother was sold away as a punishment for her father running away. Why did her father run away and leave the two of them behind the first time if he loved them so much? I expected a run in with her and a slave catcher, but that didn't happen either. So Belle's troubles didn't seem that troublesome. If we had journeyed with her from the escape and through fleeing from the slave catchers, I think the reader would be more sympathetic with her struggles to understand what freedom is. The author did show that pretty well; her not understanding things because she was not brought up with them. This story could have been better.

[Phillip W · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Great Read

Another great job of blending historical fiction and romance without the heavy, explicit sex scenes. There's nothing wrong with explicit sex s ends, just nothing wrong g without them either. But Ms. Jenkins builds sexual attraction and tension without sexual details exquisitely! One never looking sight that this is romance story. Nor is the reader ever board reading and learning from the historical facts t-shirts that permeate the pages. I love the mastery of blending facts, fiction, family, friction, challenge and romance Ms. Jenkins brings to her works.

[Brenda Maxwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yes!

I have owned the paperback Belle and Josephine for years, but never read them. For some reason Belle started popping up in my book list, so I bought them both. What was I waiting for? Both books were very exciting, while being very sweet. Ms Bev you have to revisit and give Jeremiah a story.

[Barbie Pomales · Rating 5 out of 5]

I heard an interview with ms. Bev that she says that she puts down alot historical facts like dump. This book has a beautiful balance of Historical facts and the story she was trying to tell. It is never a disappointment to read a beverly jenkins book.

[Karen the Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had no idea Ms. Jenkins wrote YA books. I finished both Belle and Josephine in one weekend and loved them.... I hope there will be more stories to come. Jere still needs to find someone!!!

[D.K. Ricks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Always a Great Read!

Beverly Jenkins books are always enjoyable, funny, moving and inspiring. I love Belle ' s story of Love determination, to always be better!

[Maria · Rating 4 out of 5]

I always learn something new when I read Ms. Bev. Here I learned that abolitionists didn't celebrate July 4th as Independence Day, but instead August 1st, the day the British Empire abolished slavery in the West Indies. It makes me feel even better about hating the 4th.
I don't normally read YA, but since I'm reading her whole backlist, this not at all spicy romance between two teens was up next. It's not my favorite of hers, but I appreciated the story. I had a few issues with the way the villain Francine was treated and talked about at the end of the story. There was some slut shaming and comments that felt unlike what Ms. Bev usually brings to the table, but otherwise I enjoyed this story a lot.

[Merb · Rating 4 out of 5]

~ 4.5 stars ~

[salamireads]

rtc but
cuuuuuute
LOVED JOJO

[Courtney · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am continuing my journey into the Avon "True Romance" series, in which this book is Book 2 in their apparently arbitrary number system.

Belle and the Beau is set in 1859, and starts with our heroine, 16-year-old Belle, reaching the end of her grueling journey North to escape slavery. Belle has escaped on foot from Kentucky to Michigan, where she is found by the Best children - 18-year-old Daniel and 12-year-old Josephine - whose family are conductors on the Underground Railroad and take Belle back to their home. With the help of the Best family, Belle begins the difficult task of adjusting to her new life as a free person, but the threat of slave catchers and the worry about her father - whom she was separated from on their escape North- is always in the back of her mind. Belle and Daniel quickly become attracted to each other, but their potential romance is complicated by the fact that Daniel is practically engaged to a glamorous Mean Girl, Francine.

I can see why this book was reissued with just the title "Belle", as "the Beau" is honestly a little superfluous in this story. Belle's emotional journey of self discovery is the real story here, and the fact that she experiences an exciting new romance is just the cherry on top for her. I absolutely loved Belle's character. I loved that she was a seamstress. I loved that although she starts out shy, as she grew in confidence she became bold and not afraid to confront people who were being rude to her. She was a really inspiring character.

I liked Daniel as well, but I just felt that his character was missing something. What Belle sees in him is that he is handsome, intelligent and highly educated, politically active, and brave. Which are all great qualities, but they're the same qualities that Belle admires in every other member of the Best family. I found myself wishing there was something unique just about Daniel that he and Belle could connect over. Plus, Adult Me just kind of saw it as a red flag that Daniel would even be involved with such an over the top, evil character like Francine. That said, I loved the Best family. I found every family member to be genuinely endearing. This is one of those books where you just wish you could be a part of that family while you're reading. Beverly Jenkin's manages to create such a cozy, safe, idyllic atmosphere in the Best household - as well as a close-knit, cheery sense of community among the Best's friends that Belle meets. I was impressed that the author was able to keep such a sanguine tone in this book despite the heavy topic of slavery ever-present and some genuinely heartbreaking scenes.

This book was rich in historical detail and clearly well researched. There were a few times when the story came off sounding like passages from a history book, but I didn't mind as the history is what draws me to historical romance in the first place. Plus, as the Underground Railroad and Abolitionist movement are not areas of history I was very familiar with, I felt like I learned a ton while reading this.

Overall, I really liked this one. I wish I had read this as a teen because I know Teen Me would have have been head over heels for Daniel and would have lived for the scenes when Francine gets her comeuppance. I definitely see myself revisiting this book when I need a "feel-good" read.

[Lexie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I freely admit to knowing next to nothing about Pre-Civil War America. I learned enough in school to skate by on history tests, but it wasn't a topic covered in great depth until High School when you could take the specific history class for it. So a lot of the 'topical' discussions that went on throughout the story, specifically people and laws, I later went on to look up (when I first read the book I mean, not this re-read). Within the context of the story since Belle is from the South and obviously wouldn't be hearing about famous African-Americans (let alone famous female African-Americans), she had to learn all about them too so the reader is given a good overview of the people's importance.

I liked this book for its simplicity. There wasn't anything very complex about the relationships or people. The shrew acted like a shrew, the oily newcomer acted like the oily newcomer and the good folk acted like good folk. There's no gray area in other words.

The romance between Belle and Daniel starts slowly and you can see how their friendship slowly progressed. Even though Belle begins in something akin to hero worship of Daniel (well of his entire family for that matter), she quickly overcomes that and realizes that it was more important to be his friend then to have aspirations to being his ladylove. She sought his approval, but she basked equally in his praise as his parents' praise.

There is a certain just consequences to the actions of nearly everyone. Without spoiling it, Daniel's fiancee learns a hard lesson about toying with people.

Comparatively speaking this book was a little more daring then Samantha and the Cowboy, but still within tame boundaries of a young adult novel (considering Belle begins the story at 16 and ends it around 17 or so).

[Melinda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beverly Jenkins where have your books been all my life?? I have definitely found a new favorite to add to my reading list. This book transports you back in time, and emphasizes the life of the slaves through the eyes of a young girl who has made it to a safe house. After being separated from her father, Belle is blessed to be found by Daniel and his sister Jo. The Best family's home is a safe home for slaves looking for freedom. To the Best family Belle is more than just another slave in search of freedom. The book shows how Belle overcomes many a struggle, and slowly falls in love with Daniel. Only problem is Daniel is already promised to another. When he begins to have feelings for Belle, the struggle between keeping a promise to a dying mother and following his heart. I feel in love with the characters and the interaction between the families. The book deals with a dark time in history but Ms. Jenkins writes of love and the bonds of family. Family not always made of blood but of choice. Fighting for what is right and the sacrifices that are made and the bonds that are forged. I laughed and cried and fell in love with the writings of Ms. Jenkins. I can not wait to read more from Beverly Jenkins.

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Belle has lived all her sixteen years in slavery. As a young girl she lost her mother, who was sold away. Her father has decided that he wants a better life for himself and his daughter, so they flee Kentucky, hoping to reach freedom in Canada. But the two are separated, and Belle finds herself lost and alone in Michigan. She is found by the side of the road by Daniel and Josephine Best, the children of free black parents who operate a station on the Underground Railroad. Belle finds herself taken in by the Bests, being treated like a member of the family. But while enjoying her newfound freedom, she also longs for news of her father. And though she doesn't mean to, Belle finds herself falling in love with Daniel, even though he is already engaged to another. Can they ever be together, and will Belle ever find her father again?

I highly recommend this book to teenage girls who enjoy historical romances, as well as older readers who enjoy a sweet love story. 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.

[Brandan WH · Rating 5 out of 5]

Young love

Belle is a runaway slave that was recently separated from her father as they escaped the south. She’s walking her way North from Kentucky and happens across 2 young black kids. They help her and that is Belle’s introduction to Daniel Best and his family.
Daniel mistakenly identifies Belle as a boy due to her height but quickly grows affection for her. Although she cannot read, she’s smart. She’s especially kind to his sister and his parents love her.
But Daniel is in a relationship with a young woman that his family does not like. What’s he going to do with these new feelings he has for Belle? And Belle is constantly in fear that the slave catchers will steal her back south and wonders if she’ll ever see her dad again.
Ms Jenkins is genius at bringing the humanity to a rough time in our history. It’s a good reminder that in midst of a horrible time, Black people (young and old) were still able to find love and happiness. And as I’m reading this during Black History month, it feels even more poignant.