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Bennett Family #1
A Family Reunion
Clean Pages No ears
408 pages, Unknown Binding
First published September 17, 2001
118 people are currently reading
600 people want to read
About the author
Brenda Jackson
899 books3,599 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 63 reviews
April 19, 2021
This rating would’ve been lower if I hadn’t considered the year it was written. It definitely didn’t age well, but I think the 2004 version of me would’ve really enjoyed it.
My first issue was the dialogue. Telling instead of showing always irks me. I don’t like when writers assume their audience won’t understand simple concepts, so they over explain. I found myself rolling my eyes very early on.
My second issue was the shaming of a bi-racial woman for being engaged to a white man because of “how white men treated black women during slavery.” Ummmm... okay. Throughout the first half of the book, she stated that she was likely fathered by a white man, so what’s the big deal? If it wasn’t for an IR relationship, that character wouldn’t even exist. Also the emphasis on the opinion that only a black man could understand and sexually please her was nauseating to say the least. Where are the romance novels written by black men that elevate black women in this way? Serious question.
My third issue was how unrealistic it was. Look, I get that it’s a romance novel, but it was all way too perfectly set up. Allllll of the characters who pined after someone early on ended up with them by the end. Also, most of the men couldn’t wait to marry once they realized they were in love. That’s cute but I didn’t find it realistic in any way. Several of the relationships lacked depth outside of sexual gratification, yet the audience is supposed to buy into the fact that these couples are head over heels in love? Nope. Not buying it. The ending was so ridiculous I skimmed the last 10% of it so that I could hurry and get it over with.
And speaking of skimming, my fourth issue was how long it was. At least 35% of the book could’ve been eliminated. It was far too long and didn’t have to be. We didn’t need full on explanations on what was already predictable. I was bored often.
Now, I did enjoy the family ties and exploration into those relationships. I appreciated it since it reminded me of my own family. The book also made it a point to uplift each of the main four cousins equally, though they were all very different. I also appreciated the sex scenes, though they seemed forcibly added at times. They were all squeezed in toward the end of the book and I didn’t think they were best utilized there.
If I had read this in 2004, I likely would’ve given it four stars, but today this is a two-star read at best. I’ll split the difference and give it 3.
My first issue was the dialogue. Telling instead of showing always irks me. I don’t like when writers assume their audience won’t understand simple concepts, so they over explain. I found myself rolling my eyes very early on.
My second issue was the shaming of a bi-racial woman for being engaged to a white man because of “how white men treated black women during slavery.” Ummmm... okay. Throughout the first half of the book, she stated that she was likely fathered by a white man, so what’s the big deal? If it wasn’t for an IR relationship, that character wouldn’t even exist. Also the emphasis on the opinion that only a black man could understand and sexually please her was nauseating to say the least. Where are the romance novels written by black men that elevate black women in this way? Serious question.
My third issue was how unrealistic it was. Look, I get that it’s a romance novel, but it was all way too perfectly set up. Allllll of the characters who pined after someone early on ended up with them by the end. Also, most of the men couldn’t wait to marry once they realized they were in love. That’s cute but I didn’t find it realistic in any way. Several of the relationships lacked depth outside of sexual gratification, yet the audience is supposed to buy into the fact that these couples are head over heels in love? Nope. Not buying it. The ending was so ridiculous I skimmed the last 10% of it so that I could hurry and get it over with.
And speaking of skimming, my fourth issue was how long it was. At least 35% of the book could’ve been eliminated. It was far too long and didn’t have to be. We didn’t need full on explanations on what was already predictable. I was bored often.
Now, I did enjoy the family ties and exploration into those relationships. I appreciated it since it reminded me of my own family. The book also made it a point to uplift each of the main four cousins equally, though they were all very different. I also appreciated the sex scenes, though they seemed forcibly added at times. They were all squeezed in toward the end of the book and I didn’t think they were best utilized there.
If I had read this in 2004, I likely would’ve given it four stars, but today this is a two-star read at best. I’ll split the difference and give it 3.
February 15, 2021
This was my first Brenda Jackson novel and I liked it quite a lot. The idea of a big family reunion gave me that warm feeling I needed. I also liked the tight closeness between the cousins who’ve grown up together and continue to have each other’s backs.
February 7, 2020
ENJOYABLE family fun read...with multiple romance going on...the cast is COLORFUL and lively.
October 1, 2019
Real family, real drama
August 30, 2021
this is far from my first on fifth time reading this book but I felt it necessary to leave a glowing review after listening to the audiobook!
I've been reading Brenda Jackson novels since I was a teenager [of which I had no business in the adult fiction section :) lol] and I can say that the stories she's written have carried me through the years and have aged well in my opinion. The Bennett series happens to be one of my favorites and I truly enjoy re-reading the stories and immersing myself in the lives of this family and the love they each share. I truly enjoy reading about happy and healthy relationships of black couples and I am grateful to Ms. Jackson (auntie Brenda in my head) for providing that kind of content for readers young and old to enjoy.
I encourage anyone to try out this series or one of her many romance novellas. I promise you won't be disappointed.
I've been reading Brenda Jackson novels since I was a teenager [of which I had no business in the adult fiction section :) lol] and I can say that the stories she's written have carried me through the years and have aged well in my opinion. The Bennett series happens to be one of my favorites and I truly enjoy re-reading the stories and immersing myself in the lives of this family and the love they each share. I truly enjoy reading about happy and healthy relationships of black couples and I am grateful to Ms. Jackson (auntie Brenda in my head) for providing that kind of content for readers young and old to enjoy.
I encourage anyone to try out this series or one of her many romance novellas. I promise you won't be disappointed.
March 28, 2016
Reunions are a good time for family to reunite. I loved how the whole family came to the reunion because of respect for grandpa. The love affairs of the three cousins were a fun read, I thought some parts were really steamy, guess that is what romance novels are about.
April 30, 2019
Another gpodonet
Brenda Jackson I am loving the way this woman tells a story. I've read three of her books and each one left me with a smile on my face. Next up, Savvy Sisters. Can't wait to smile.😊
Brenda Jackson I am loving the way this woman tells a story. I've read three of her books and each one left me with a smile on my face. Next up, Savvy Sisters. Can't wait to smile.😊
August 9, 2021
I expected this to be a lightweight chick-lit read. The depth and richness of the characters was delightful. The ensemble cast was well-developed with each having a voice. A surprisingly good read.
January 24, 2023
Bennet & Masters series
Book#1
I loved this book. A black family full of drama, old judgmental, sanctimonious, religious hypocrits, a cheating uncle and lots of crazy cousins have a family reunion after 15 years
As with most large families, the Bennetts have secrets and lots of drama. The book centers around the 4 cousins: Rae'jean who's a doctor; Alexia a superstar singer, Taye the cosmetologist; and Michael a divorced pilot.
The scene from one of their other cousin's wedding, where the bride includes the sex tape of her new husband and best friend during their relationship montage, was hilarious.
Book#1
I loved this book. A black family full of drama, old judgmental, sanctimonious, religious hypocrits, a cheating uncle and lots of crazy cousins have a family reunion after 15 years
As with most large families, the Bennetts have secrets and lots of drama. The book centers around the 4 cousins: Rae'jean who's a doctor; Alexia a superstar singer, Taye the cosmetologist; and Michael a divorced pilot.
The scene from one of their other cousin's wedding, where the bride includes the sex tape of her new husband and best friend during their relationship montage, was hilarious.
March 1, 2023
Although somewhat dated, I enjoyed the family reunion concept. This was a 14hr listen. I thought the narrator didn't a great job.
I appreciated the cousins re-engaging. I thought the relationships were intriguing and like the sense of family love, loyalty, and support.
I didn't like all of the family secrets and the self righteous attitudes and behaviors, but those things can also be the reality of family life.
The book felt longer to me than necessary, but I made an effort to not fast forward through those parts. A pretty decent read. Especially if you like books with a ton of family drama.
I appreciated the cousins re-engaging. I thought the relationships were intriguing and like the sense of family love, loyalty, and support.
I didn't like all of the family secrets and the self righteous attitudes and behaviors, but those things can also be the reality of family life.
The book felt longer to me than necessary, but I made an effort to not fast forward through those parts. A pretty decent read. Especially if you like books with a ton of family drama.
October 7, 2024
Ethan Bennett married off his children and now he's working on the younger generation. He's got four grandchildren who need to find love. In order to help pull them through, he's planning the first Bennett family reunion in fifteen years. Well, he's not, he's turning it over to a cousin or sister or some other woman (because why would he actually do the planning and she likes to do that stuff).
We meet the grandchildren, Taye who was supposedly the smartest of them all but got pregnant young and disappointed the family (now has two daughters), Michael (adopted) who is a pilot with a teenage daughter who is running out of control, Alexia who is a rock idol, and Rae'Jean who is a doctor dating a man (who is white which is causing issues in the family.)
The first half or so of the book is at the reunion and the back half is over a series of months. This book is definitely an earlier Jackson with all sorts of racial and gender storylines that I don't think she would use now. I was honestly surprised it came out in the early 2000s. It's a fine enough book but she has better.
We meet the grandchildren, Taye who was supposedly the smartest of them all but got pregnant young and disappointed the family (now has two daughters), Michael (adopted) who is a pilot with a teenage daughter who is running out of control, Alexia who is a rock idol, and Rae'Jean who is a doctor dating a man (who is white which is causing issues in the family.)
The first half or so of the book is at the reunion and the back half is over a series of months. This book is definitely an earlier Jackson with all sorts of racial and gender storylines that I don't think she would use now. I was honestly surprised it came out in the early 2000s. It's a fine enough book but she has better.
October 6, 2024
Lovely Family
The members in this family reminded me of mine. There was just so many relationships that I had to continually reread. The family drama was over the too as it is in a lot if African-American families.
This was a little different from her books I usually read. The sex is not as erotic or descriptive. Still, you could feel the pull. Interesting that those cousins found their true love during the same period of time. Loved how the cousins truly loved each other. I would love to read more of this family.
The members in this family reminded me of mine. There was just so many relationships that I had to continually reread. The family drama was over the too as it is in a lot if African-American families.
This was a little different from her books I usually read. The sex is not as erotic or descriptive. Still, you could feel the pull. Interesting that those cousins found their true love during the same period of time. Loved how the cousins truly loved each other. I would love to read more of this family.
August 7, 2020
Families are Wonderful
Every reader can relate to the Bennett family members, especially the four close cousins! Brenda Jackson's heartwarming book explores family ties at their best and at their worst. And in typical Brenda Jackson style, the four cousins get their happily ever after!! A wonderful story of both family love and romantic love!! A great summer read!!
Every reader can relate to the Bennett family members, especially the four close cousins! Brenda Jackson's heartwarming book explores family ties at their best and at their worst. And in typical Brenda Jackson style, the four cousins get their happily ever after!! A wonderful story of both family love and romantic love!! A great summer read!!
April 6, 2023
A Classic
The Family Reunion is one of my favorites. The craft of the stories and how they intertwine, is stellar. The relationships of the cousins and the men the fall in love with really capture your heart. And too often we women think we have it all figured out. Write on Ms. Jackson so we may read on!!!
The Family Reunion is one of my favorites. The craft of the stories and how they intertwine, is stellar. The relationships of the cousins and the men the fall in love with really capture your heart. And too often we women think we have it all figured out. Write on Ms. Jackson so we may read on!!!
March 31, 2025
Family
Oh how precious. I read this book when it first came out and I cried, laughed and stood with the characters (mentally) and re-reading it still brought out the same reactions. It’s a family reunion and oh how precious; the book wonderfully written. Brenda Jackson knows she can write.
Oh how precious. I read this book when it first came out and I cried, laughed and stood with the characters (mentally) and re-reading it still brought out the same reactions. It’s a family reunion and oh how precious; the book wonderfully written. Brenda Jackson knows she can write.
December 31, 2021
Awesome just awesome
I love the consistency of the storyline. There were moments in which the storyline felt real. This was an awesome read, you get really engulfed in the story. Another great read by Brenda Jackson.
I love the consistency of the storyline. There were moments in which the storyline felt real. This was an awesome read, you get really engulfed in the story. Another great read by Brenda Jackson.
June 7, 2023
More than a Family Reunion
Very good read. It was transitional. You followed the Bennett family through the lives and loves of 4 cousins and the family surrounding them. It pulls you in and keeps you there. A real page turner.
Very good read. It was transitional. You followed the Bennett family through the lives and loves of 4 cousins and the family surrounding them. It pulls you in and keeps you there. A real page turner.
January 18, 2024
Beautiful Love story
Loved meeting the Bennett family. The 4 cousins bond is truly beautiful to see. All have unique stories, styles and personalities. What binds them all, is the love of family. This was a wonderful read and I look forward to reading the rest of the series.
Loved meeting the Bennett family. The 4 cousins bond is truly beautiful to see. All have unique stories, styles and personalities. What binds them all, is the love of family. This was a wonderful read and I look forward to reading the rest of the series.
October 23, 2024
LOVED IT
I enjoyed reading this story about this family and how close they were. This was a good read for me, and it was funny at times and emotional as well. This was a good story, and I would recommend reading be warned this is not a short story,just saying.
I enjoyed reading this story about this family and how close they were. This was a good read for me, and it was funny at times and emotional as well. This was a good story, and I would recommend reading be warned this is not a short story,just saying.
November 5, 2024
All the different Bennett family stories were wonderful. I enjoyed the family dynamics. The tale of three close cousins and their journey towards love. Each story was good and I love how they were intertwined. The ending was very sad but made sense with the story.
September 6, 2025
A Family Reunion
This book was funny, happy,sad, and invigorating. It was
timeless and memorable. I loved the Bennett family and all of their antics. big family is something everyone should have. Rest in peace Papa Bennett
This book was funny, happy,sad, and invigorating. It was
timeless and memorable. I loved the Bennett family and all of their antics. big family is something everyone should have. Rest in peace Papa Bennett
October 20, 2017
Ms Lady
Great Book full of twist and turn. Glad all the cousins came together to help and encourage one another. Family reunion are awesome.
Great Book full of twist and turn. Glad all the cousins came together to help and encourage one another. Family reunion are awesome.
January 22, 2019
Really liked this novel, reminder that Family is important!
May 23, 2019
Great read
I liked the way it eased through with each character and didn't get me confused about who was who. It was a joy to read.
I liked the way it eased through with each character and didn't get me confused about who was who. It was a joy to read.
December 16, 2019
This was one of Jackson’s best reads yet. The family’s storyline was in predictable. It showed the love, strength and weaknesses of the family. Secrets can destroy or being family’s closer.
March 19, 2020
love read I love Ms. Jackson, her books make me laugh, cry and intrested.
March 22, 2020
Family
This was book to read,family reunions r beautiful you meet family you don't know or meet for the first time. You need to talk to older members to fine family history
This was book to read,family reunions r beautiful you meet family you don't know or meet for the first time. You need to talk to older members to fine family history
April 11, 2020
Woooo..so many good characters with some wonderful family dynamics and just a touch of drama. I loved it!!!
June 26, 2020
Great book glad for everyone happy ending
Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews