Through the Storm

Through the Storm follows Sable Fontaine, a free woman of color in 1850s New Orleans who works as a spy for the Underground Railroad. She maintains a public persona as a wealthy courtesan while secretly helping escaped slaves reach freedom in the North. The narrative centers on Sable's dangerous double life and her relationship with Raimond LeVeq, a Creole planter who becomes entangled in her mission. Their connection puts both of them at risk as slave catchers and law enforcement intensify their hunt for Underground Railroad operatives. Against the backdrop of pre-Civil War tensions, the story tracks Sable's navigation of New Orleans' complex social hierarchies and racial dynamics. Jenkins incorporates historical details about the Underground Railroad's operations and the unique culture of free people of color in antebellum Louisiana. The novel examines themes of sacrifice, identity, and the moral choices people face when confronting systemic injustice. Through its romance and espionage elements, it highlights the personal costs of resistance and the power of individuals to effect change.

Readers found the romance between main characters Logan and Raimond compelling, with many noting their strong chemistry and emotional connection. Multiple reviews praised Jenkins' historical research and incorporation of Black history into the story. Readers liked: - Fast-paced plot with adventure elements - Complex supporting characters - Details about post-Civil War New Orleans - Balance of romance and historical elements Common criticisms: - Plot felt rushed in final chapters - Some historical exposition slowed the pacing - Secondary romance storyline needed more development Ratings: Goodreads: 4.3/5 (1,200+ ratings) Amazon: 4.7/5 (300+ ratings) From readers: "The tension between Logan and Raimond kept me turning pages" - Goodreads reviewer "A bit too much historical detail in spots, but the love story makes up for it" - Amazon reviewer "Great chemistry but wished for a longer ending" - Barnes & Noble review

Indigo by Beverly Jenkins This romance follows a formerly enslaved healer who finds love while building a new life in the post-Civil War American West.

The Preacher's Promise by Piper Huguley A college-educated Black woman in 1866 Georgia teaches freed children while developing feelings for the town's preacher.

Rebel by Beverly Jenkins The story traces a Black female doctor's journey through Reconstruction-era New Orleans as she works to heal her community and open her heart.

Forbidden by Beverly Jenkins A Black woman passing as white in 1870s Nevada finds unexpected romance with a railroad owner who challenges her to embrace her true identity.

The Conductors by Nicole Glover Former Underground Railroad conductors solve murders in post-Civil War Philadelphia while navigating their growing attraction.

🌟 Beverly Jenkins is considered a pioneer in African-American historical romance, having published her first novel in 1994 when the genre was largely underrepresented. 📚 Through the Storm is part of a series that follows different generations of the Le Veq family, featuring wealthy free people of color in 19th century Louisiana. ⚜️ The novel incorporates real historical elements of the Underground Railroad and the complex social structure of New Orleans' gens de couleur libres (free people of color). 💌 The main character, Sable Fontaine, is a former slave who becomes a spy for the Union Army during the Civil War, reflecting the real-life contributions of Black women to the Union cause. 🏆 Beverly Jenkins has received numerous awards for her work, including the 2017 Romance Writers of America Nora Roberts Lifetime Achievement Award and the 2016 Romantic Times Career Achievement Award.