Ties That Bind

Spanning thirty-seven years, Brenda Jackson's Ties That Bind introduces us to the rich and prominent Fuller family from Richmond, Virginia; the Denison family from picturesque Hilton Head Island and Glendale Shores, South Carolina; the Wainwright and Murdoch families of Miami, Florida and the Haywood family from Knoxville, Tennessee. Children from each of these families attend Howard University during the 1960s, establishing life-long friendships and intimate relationships.Randolph Fuller falls in love with Jenna Haywood despite the misgivings and interference of his wealthy paternal grandmother who has paired Randolph with another woman of her choosing. Randolph's maternal grandmother however, accepts the union and spins her mystical power upon the couple using the island of Glendale Shores as her trump card. Grandmother Fuller has also paired Ross, Randolph's brother, with a woman of her choosing but it is Randolph who fights her every step of the way, while Ross accepts his fate to be in loveless relationship with conniving Angela Douglass. Grandmother Fuller and Angela resort to despicable plots to keep Randolph and Jenna apart.Much of Jackson's story is set against the backdrop of the Vietnam War and Civil Rights movement adding realistic imagery as we watch the friends and families deal with the tumultuous and riotous times of the 1960s. Jackson has also added numerous characters in the form of friends, Leigh Murdoch, Noah Wainwright, Ellie Stanhope and Johnny Lane that make this family saga complete as we get a major glimpse into their lives. While there are numerous characters and storylines, not once is the focus lost; Randolph and Jenna remain the focal point. The story goes one step further as children are born from these unions and their stories are showcased. Ties That Bind touches the soul, giving the reader a story that showcases quality friendships, loving families, positive African-American men and intricate and sensual lovemaking scenes. This is classic Brenda Jackson and one of her best to date!Reviewed by Dawn R. Reeves, APOOO BookClub

This was such a great book. I couldn't put it down once I started getting into the storyline. Not many authors can integrate historical events into such a romantic plot the way that Brenda Jackson can. Many events such as the Black Panther movement and the September 11 attacks are in this book, and play roles almost as important as the characters. There are plenty of primary and secondary characters to keep the plot moving; the book itself is divided into three main parts. This is the first book that I've read by this author and I can't wait to run out to the bookstore and read another!

The Vietnam War, the Black Panther movement and the marches for Civil Rights were causes for turbulent times in the 1960's. These events provide the setting for the novel Ties That Bind by Brenda Jackson. The story begins on the campus of Howard University in the mid-1960`s. Two young people meet and fall deeply in love. Randolph Fuller came from a family of prominent lawyers on the paternal side and from the Gullah people on the maternal side. Jenna Haywood is too dark and did not have any prestige behind her name. These differences between the two did not matter , although to Julia Fuller, Randolph's grandmother, it was a disgrace. Jenna and Randolph were in love and planned to be together for the rest of their lives. However, an obsessed Angela, who was actually the grandmother's handpicked bride for Randolph.s brother, had other plans, which included making Randolph her man. In a mixture of lies and deceit, she got her man, but paid a heavy price.Fast forward twelve years, Angela still is obsessively in love with Randolph, but their ten year marriage has ended. Randolph found out that Jenna, whom he never stopped loving was also free. When Jenna seeks Randolph's assistance to help free an imprisoned friend, it gives them the opportunity to rekindle their romance. However, Angela will not easily give up her role as Randolph's wife. In her vengeful state, she uses Randolph's son, Trey, as a pawn and with more lies and deceit, she turns him against his father. Advance twenty years later, all the carefully constructed lies and deception start to crumble. Every deceptive thing Angela has done comes to light. Randolph and Jenna are still married, and the estranged relationship they had with Trey is getting better. A new generation of Fullers and their friends are now finding true love like their parents. Ms Jackson again has given her readers a passionate and romantic novel filled with sensuous lovemaking and family love that transcends beyond the main couple, and reaches into the families and friends. The legacy of the Fuller family will bring readers joy for many more anticipated sequels. JeanetteAPOOO BookClub

It was quite refreshing to read a book in which the author characterized black men as committed to a love relationship. This book should be read especially by young black males so that they can see that they do not need every woman they meet. I was particularily impressed how the author used as a backdrop the civil rights movement and the Vietnam War. She so eloquently told how these events affected the lives of black people too. I personally see this novel as a major film with major actors! It has all the makings of an endeared film to last for decades. Hollywood take the chance; you want be disappointed! A must read! I have told all my friends about it. I look for more from this author.

Ties That Bind tells the story of lives that come together on the campus of Howard University and how they were forever changed. We follow the lives of these characters through college, marriage, parenthood and so much more. Brenda Jackson's latest is a richly told tale of true friendship, love, loss and new beginnings. The book's characters were so different some I grew to love and others that I loved to hate, but they added depth and richness to the story that is indescribable. While this is mainstream fiction, Jackson's command over things romantic is evidenced through the passionate loves scenes intermingled throughout the book. She also did a superb job incorporating historical events into the plot and showing the reader how these events left a lasting imprint on the lives of the characters. Ties That Bind is a sensational new book with something in it for everyone. -Reviewed by Stacey Seay