"Delightful quartet of African-American holiday romances"

The Wish by Francis Ray. Hospital administrator Nicholas teases his visiting brother by wishing for a wife for his sibling. The elderly Mrs. Augusta overhears him and says his wish is granted. He ignores her rumblings in spite of the staff's beliefs in Mrs. Augusta until he meets her niece.

Homecoming by Beverly Jenkins. In 1883 Lydia travels from Chicago to her home, but stops at a Detroit boarding house where she meets Gray, the man she loved as a teen. The next day they travel together towards their hometown with each in denial that their respective hearts still believe they belong together forever.

Way Back Home by Monica Jackson. Graduate student Anne has never fit in anywhere even as an orphan raised by her deceased white mother's family. She has never met her black father's kin. Author Trey encourages her to search for her roots so Anne seeks her African-American heritage, but she also wants her professor's love.

The Seventh Principal by Geri Guillaume. Mississippi high school principal Paul struggles with teen problems and racial trouble caused by the debate over celebrating Kwanzaa. As he tries to do the right thing yet adhere to the rules, Paul dreams of his beloved, former counselor Kirby. When she returns home, Paul tries to persuade her that they belong together even as the racial controversy nears the explosion point.

This quartet of African-American holiday romances are all stalwart stories with any one of them capable of being a feature length novel due to the hearty characterizations that provide a Happy Kwanzaa and a Merry Christmas to all.

Harriet Klausner

Reviewed by Harriet Klausner
Posted October 14, 2002