Vivid Paperback – January 7, 2015

I was so happy to find not only a awesome read, but one that unapologetically made much of actual, factual history! The heroine is a strong Jim Crow era Black woman who embodied her era to the nth degree. She picked her battles, but stood strong in who she was, her intrinsic worth and self-esteem, what she wanted in life as well as demonstrates a kind and caring heart, A lack of judgement on her side, especially when it came to fulfilling her Hippocratic oath and serving her patients.The hero was a man who put his own feelings into deep freeze due to PTSD from his part in the Civil War - not only losing his Father in battle, but experiencing something so devastatingly traumatic. Then the end of his marriage to a woman who only used him, but cheated on him and betrayed him in a way that was heartbreaking, even though it seemed as though he knew at the time it was over. His adopted daughter was really the only person he allowed into his heart. That little girl, and the later one, were both so precious! Aunt Gail and Adam were so fun to watch! A couple more of the secondary characters were people I would have loved to spend time with!Something that I found wonderfully refreshing is the unvarnished history interwoven into the story. Admittedly a lot of it is history I, as an older woman was taught in school. History that does not seem to be being taught these days. The truth about the depraved events in the Jim Crow era. This book took place in the north, but did mention a lot about the tribulations of Black Americans in the South. The history was skillfully wrapped into the story. It was not the focus, but it went much deeper than I have seen in a fictional book. The internal debate our heroine had regarding the reasons Black Americans had for turning from the Republican party to the Democratic Party, while acknowledging that it was mostly those who identified as Democrats who were the groups, people, and politicians doing the lynching, beating and threatening Black men when they went to vote, and pushing the Jim Crow laws in Congress. It also explained a lot about the Black towns that were settled around the nation, some that came about due to those who left the South to leave the violence and death behind and build a new life.I was enchanted with the story. Seeing into the mind of those building communities and lives during that period of time, really getting at the opinions and feeling of the events in their world without slanting it in any direction but factual. It felt honest in a way so many cannot do. In some ways this fascinated me as much as the fictional part of the story. I was so wrapped up in this that I finally had to stop trying to read it between other things and just sit down and read it! I also think I will go back and read it again because there were historical inclusions that I want to read in the story again, then go and do some research on myself! Do yourself a favor and read this book! Read it and make time to sit and devote to it. It is worth doing so. Share this with people in your life. So many have a wrongful understanding of that period of time. Regardless of the color of your skin, this story about people of "the race", a term I have not heard in so many years, has much to teach you, and you will be so involved with the way the story presents it that you will not mind the history lesson. Much praise to the author, and I am going to see what more books they have written. I habe a feeling I will very much enjoy anything from the same " pen"!

When Viveca (referred to as Vivid by her family) arrives in Grayson Grove after a long train ride from San Francisco, she meets up with mayor Nate Grayson. Their first meeting is challenging, to say the least.Nate has sworn off love after a failed marriage and he immediately notices Vivid's beauty. He mistakes her for an "undecent woman" but is proven wrong when she produces documents stating that she is the doctor hired to practice medicine in his town.As the story unfolds, Nate is unsure if Vivid is a good fit for the town and lets her stay on trial basis. Vivid is offered the chance to change his mind about a female physician. Eventually, Nate realizes that Vivid is a wonderful doctor and that he can't run from love.Vivid is a wonderful heroine. She's a smart ass (in a good way), poker playing, rifle carrying, intelligent, hard working doctor. She came from a home where her parents taught her to be independent and make her own choices. Reading about her experience traveling from California in 1976 was awesome. As always, Ms. Jenkins transports me right into her character's world.And then there's Nate Grayson. First, let me start by saying I didn't think I could love a man more than Galen Vachon, the hero in Ms. Jenkins' novel, Indigo. BUT let me tell you about Mr. Grayson—steely gray eyes, tall, strong, dark skinned, and a pair of sexy specs. HOT! He's mysterious, but intriguing. And I can't forget the fact that he is a loving father to his daughter, Magic. After a while in Grayson Grove, Vivid can't resist him and who could blame her?This book is another all-time favorite of mine. The scenery, the budding romance between two opposites, the colorful people of Grayson Grove, and even the danger lurking around the corner are all reasons to love Vivid. Ms. Jenkins weaves a tale of acceptance and unconditional love while giving us important history lessons about Black physicians, politics, and the Western part of Michigan among other things. By the end, I had bitten off my nails in anticipation of my 'happily ever after.' Vivid was a great ride, from beginning to end.

I’ve read Vivid at least 10 times and it’s gets better with each reread. The tension building up between Nate and Vivid was detailed perfectly. The love scenes *chefs kiss*. Read it if you haven’t.

I thoroughly enjoyed this historical romance that told the story of a African American female physician in the 1900s. Vivica responds to an ad for a physician in a small Michigan Black community. She travels across country to on her own only to realize that the local community leader did not realize she was a woman. Not only was he suspicious of female physicians but he also did not believe she would stay through the harsh Michigan winter. In the telling of this story about her struggle towards acceptance in a small town and the discovery of a true love you learn some history of Black female physicians and other female pioneers in various professions. The story has history, mystery, love and a wonderful view of life of a black community free of the drama often associated with literature about this time in history. Well developed characters and good writing.

I enjoyed it from the beginning to the end. This is first time read it in 7 years. Can’t wait to reread the next book.

This was the first romance novel I read which was years ago. I recently picked it back up to read and I love this book even more. What I did like is that Jenkins portrayed female freedom of independence and sexuality. Also, I appreciate how Jenkins gave reference to the historical Native American traditions and ceremonies.There was a lot of adventure in the book which made it more interesting. Each character held a lot of meaning and impact to the story. I thought Vivid was an excellent read, I was engaged in the story and highly recommend.

Great book!

Set in the period following the American Civil War and Reconstruction Era, Viveca Lancaster is an educated Black woman trained as a physician and raised in the state of California. Frustrated by the lack of opportunities for her to practice medicine where she lives, she takes up the post of a Doctor in a small Black community in Michigan.At first and with few supporters she finds herself either ignored by most who feel that 'Doctoring' is not a job for a woman or seen just as a potential wife by most the men. But once she demonstrates her medical skills and through her stubbornness and determination, she wins over the community. At the same time she grows ever closer to the handsome community leader, Nate Grayson.Vivid (the nickname by which Viveca is known) is not just a love story. The author, Beverly Jenkins, sprinkles snippets of actual US history throughout the novel. There is even a helpful list for further reading on historical figures from about the time story is set.I found Vivid a very enjoyable read which gives the reader an insight into the lives of the African Americans in the years immediately following slavery. This book would be one of my recommendations and I hope to read other novels by Beverly Jenkins.

This author is fantastic. Really enjoyed reading about a strong, first of her kind woman who overcame difficult circumstances. Definitely recommend reading this one!

I'm a big fan of Beverly Jenkins books and this one was great.The characters are funny and the heroine is sassy and smart.The storyline was really good and the historical facts laced throughout the story were insightful and informative as always.I love all of Beverley Jenkins work, but Vivid and Jewel are my top favourites.I would definitely recommend these books to anyone interested in some tasteful yet hot love scenes and who wants to learn a bit of history along the way.The books feature mixed raced couples, but you don’t have to black to appreciate the great writing and all the hilarious and fascinating characters!!!

Don't really know why just 4 stars .I guess I thought that the romance between Vivid & Nate developed a bit to quickly given Nate's view off women doctors.I thoroghly enjoyed the historical references and learnt quite a lot from the book about the African American experience. A really memorable ending and African fairy tales featured in the book .