Always and Forever

Always and Forever follows Grace Prescott, a Black woman in 19th century Nevada who runs a restaurant and lodging house. When the local doctor dies, his replacement, Caton Boudreaux, arrives from New Orleans and becomes Grace's new tenant. Their paths continue to cross as Grace helps Caton acclimate to life in the West. The two develop a connection despite their different backgrounds - Grace as a self-made businesswoman and Caton as an educated Creole physician from a prominent family. The story takes place against the backdrop of post-Civil War Virginia City, a bustling mining town where both Grace and Caton must navigate racial prejudices and societal expectations while pursuing their goals. This historical romance explores themes of second chances, the complexity of identity, and the power of defying social conventions in pursuit of love and personal fulfillment.

Readers appreciate the historical accuracy and research evident in the portrayal of Black life in 1880s Wyoming Territory. The romance between Grace and Reese develops at a believable pace, and many note the chemistry between the leads feels authentic. Multiple reviewers highlight Jenkins' incorporation of real historical figures and events, with several mentioning they learned new facts about Black cowboys and frontier life. The strong female protagonist and themes of found family resonate with romance fans. Common criticisms include a slow first third of the book and side characters who could be more developed. Some readers wanted more conflict in the central relationship. Ratings: Goodreads: 4.3/5 (1,200+ ratings) Amazon: 4.7/5 (300+ ratings) "The historical details make this so much richer than a typical romance" - Goodreads reviewer "Grace's determination and independence make her a standout heroine" - Amazon reviewer "First 100 pages drag but worth pushing through" - BookBub reviewer

Indigo by Beverly Jenkins This historical romance follows a free Black woman who becomes a doctor in post-Civil War Michigan while finding unexpected love with a fellow physician.

The Preacher's Promise by Piper Huguley A Black teacher from the north moves to Georgia in 1866 to establish a school for formerly enslaved children and develops feelings for the town's preacher.

Rebel by Beverly Jenkins Set during Reconstruction, a female newspaper owner clashes with and falls for a former Union captain while fighting for Black voting rights in New Orleans.

A Second Helping by Beverly Jenkins In 1881 Kansas, a determined Black cook opens her own restaurant and finds herself drawn to a mysterious newcomer with secrets.

Destiny's Embrace by Beverly Jenkins A Philadelphia seamstress leaves her past behind to become a housekeeper on a California ranch, where she discovers purpose and romance with the ranch owner's son.

🌟 Beverly Jenkins extensively researched 1880s Wyoming Territory to create an authentic backdrop for this historical romance, including details about Black homesteaders and ranchers in the region. 📚 The book is part of Jenkins' Blessings Series, which focuses on the fictional all-Black town of Henry Adams, Kansas, though this particular story takes place primarily in Wyoming. 💕 The main character, Grace Atwood, is inspired by the real-life Black female doctors who practiced medicine in the American West during the late 19th century. 🏺 The author incorporated actual Native American customs and traditions of the Arapaho people into the story, consulting with tribal historians for accuracy. 🌍 This novel helped spotlight the often-overlooked history of Black frontier life, particularly the estimated 12,000 Black people who became homesteaders in the American West after the Civil War.