We’re highlighting these stunning covers of Beverly Jenkins’ historical romances from the 1990s for Black History Month.
Theme: Beverly Jenkins Early Historicals
Beverly Jenkins’ historical romance covers always get the five-star treatment. They’re not stepbacks, which is unusual for one of Avon’s preeminent authors. Especially one who’s been with the publishers for 30 years.
But they’re so darn pretty; hiding them behind a plain exterior cover wouldn’t be right, anyway.
A Trip Back to 1994
I remember picking up her first book, Night Song, in 1994 at the old Genovese Drug Store. While I had little time to read for pleasure as a high school student, it was now Summer. Plus, I had a job, so I had time and money to spend for once.
I’d already read Johanna Lindsey‘s Surrender My Love, which I’d purchased the month before. Scanning the shelves for something new, I stopped, surprised at seeing Beverly Jenkins’ book, as I’d never seen a black couple on the cover of a romance before.
In the many romance books I read, I’d encountered numerous Latino heroes and heroines, not to mention in the Biancas (Spanish Harlequins) I gifted my mother to read (she never did).
There were many Native American characters, too, as there was a whole subgenre about them. Ditto, North African & Middle Eastern Sheiks. And occasionally South & East Asian protagonists, but never Black or African-American ones.
I enjoyed Night Song, although I’m fuzzy on some details. (It has been three decades!) I’ve thought it over the years, though, lamenting what a rare collector’s item a 1st edition copy of Beverly Jenkins’ first romance would have been.
To my misfortune, it was one of the 100s of casualties lost in The Great Book Purge after I left High School to go to College. But that’s another story.
The Covers
(Apologies for uploading this post two days late!)
For Monday, February 20, 2023, to Sunday, February 26, 2023, we’re selecting these beautiful Beverly Jenkins historical romance covers from the 1990s for this Covers of the Week theme. Enjoy!
Beverly Jenkins Covers (from Left to Right, Top to Bottom)
- Vivid, Beverly Jenkins, Avon, 1995, artist unknown
- The Taming of Jessi Rose, Beverly Jenkins, Avon, 1999, artist unknown
- Indigo, Beverly Jenkins, Avon, 1996, artist unknown
- A Chance at Love, Beverly Jenkins, Avon, 2000, artist unknown
Your Opinion?
What do you think of this week’s theme of Beverly Jenkin’s early romances? Do any of the covers stand out to you as a favorite? Mine is in Indigo. The roses and the purple gown are charming.
Have a recommendation for a future Covers of the Week theme? Let us know, and we’ll try it out.
As always, please drop a comment, and let’s talk romance.
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Hi Jacqueline,
I’m pretty sure I created a cover for Beverly Jenkins years ago but I don’t remember the title.
Also, I discovered your blog and the lovely piece you wrote about me and my work…so thank you very much for that .
I thought some of your followers might like to know that I recently started offering some of my iconic romance oil paintings as affordable posters, t-shirts, totes, phone cases and other fun items on FineArtAmerica.com.
Is there any way you can mention this on one of your posts? A person just has to go to the FineArtAmerica.com site and search my name to see the items. The quality of the items is very good.
Let me know what you think,
Best Wishes , Victor
Oh my, Hello, Victor!
How wonderful to hear from you. I’ve written an article about the products you have for sale at Fine Art America. I’ll pin it as a feature to the sidebar, and it will stay there for easy access.
I get a lot of inquiries from readers who are interested in obtaining romance cover art or related products. The article should be up by midnight, and if there’s any corrections or changes you’d like me to make, let me know.
I simply adore the stunning image you create, so I’ll have to check them out myself.
Thank you so much for thinking of us, I hope we can be of help!
Cheers,
Jacqueline
Hello Victor,
I checked out the site and am definitely getting some art. I’m uploading the article in just a few minutes, as I see you have some sales going on. Best of luck in your endeavors!
Cheers,
Jacqueline
Okay seeing Victor say he thinks he did a cover is major! I’ve been looking for YEARS to talk with someone who made a Beverly Jenkins cover. I have a first edition of every one of her historicals. The covers mean so much to me as a Black Romance lover/Beverly Jenkins super fan!