Celebrating Brenda Jackson

In September 2020, Mrs. Brenda Jackson celebrated her 25th anniversary! You can’t be a serious romance reader and not have heard of Brenda Jackson. She’s arguably the G.O.A.T. when it comes to Black Romance!!

Storytime:

About twenty-four years ago, I was young and going through a little postpartum depression. While attending a 4th of July cook-out, I overheard a family friend on the phone with her hairdresser begging her to open up the beauty shop because she left her…book. Whaat?!

I was intrigued, to say the least. I thought to myself, what kind of book would make you want to leave a party on a holiday? Needless to say, I read that book, Tonight and Forever, and it changed my life. I became engrossed in the characters and it gave me a chance to escape my reality for a little while.

Brenda Jackson would go on to make history!  Here are just a few of her accomplishments:

  • > 125 novels and novellas
  • > 15 million books in print
  • 1st African American author to have a book published under the Harlequin/Silhouette Desire line
  • 1st African American romance author to make the USA Today’s Bestseller’s List and the New York Times Bestseller’s List for the series romance genre
  • Her universe consists of several families including the Madarises, Westmorelands, Steeles, and Grangers – just to name a few.
  • She hosts a “BJ Readers Reunion” where she cruises with her readers!
  • She has a free Brenda Jackson App where you can get information and updates about her books. (I just downloaded it!)

In honor of Brenda Jackson, here are 6 of her Christmas throwbacks (in order of publication)!

Race To A Christmas Reunion

This novella is about a professional race car driver who has to deal with his past. When Myles comes back to town for a Christmas wedding, he is forced to confront the woman he left behind.

It doesn’t help that Lisa is stunning and the chemistry is still hot! Sis, don’t you just love a good second chance novel?

TIS THE SEASON…FOR ROMANCE (The Westmorelands series Book 4)

This book is comprised of four romance novels in one…all by Brenda Jackson. One reader called this book “mature love.” There’s Ready for Love, The Second Time Around, Conquering His Heart, and my personal favorite, Corey’s Mountain.

Corey and Abby…thirty-two years of misery without each other! That’s a long time without each other. So you can imagine what happens when they lay eyes on each other. Let’s just say there’s no hello or how have you been…at all! Just pure fire!

A Steele for Christmas

This book features the Steeles of Phoenix. Eli Steele, a known playboy is smitten with his tenant, Stacy Carlson. It’s supposed to be business, but I’m not sure if Eli is prepared. Things sure do heat up for the holidays!

A Madaris Bride for Christmas

This was her 100th book!–Lee Madaris is determined to remain a bachelor which means not letting the matriarch of the family set him up with anyone!

He meets Carly Briggs and they have a “no-strings” arrangement. Yeah, right. I recall at one point Lee having Carly up against the wall…and well, you’ll have to check it out.

A Very Merry Romance

This book is how it all started for the Madaris family. Jonathan Madaris is the school principal and falls hard for the new teacher, Marilyn Bannister. Two strong-willed individuals try to fight love, but we all know how that will turn out. This was my personal favorite. 🙂

A CATALINA COVE CHRISTMAS

It’s the holidays and it’s your high school’s homecoming. Isaac and Donna are exes, but the love is still there. Isaac wants to hate Donna for choosing a career over their marriage, but that’s easier said than done.

Donna plans to win his heart again. Outside forces want to keep them apart. Will this couple find true love again for the holidays? You’ll have to read to find out.

And I can’t wait for The Bennetts’ Christmas, due out on 12/25/20!

Sis, what’s your favorite Brenda Jackson novel?  Drop me a line in the comments.

Wishing you and your family a happy and safe Christmas! In the meantime, I’ll be reading!

-Blissful Bookworm

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