Book Review: Past Promises

Reviewed By: Harriet Klausner

Past Promises    
Jahmel West
Class/Genre:   Romance   Ethnic
Genesis, May 2001, $8.95, 314 pp.

Nicole Blakely, Dean of the financially strapped Tolleston College, feels the fundraising auction will considerably help the school. However, she is stunned to learn that former football great and fellow alumni Kevin Powell will auction a first edition book. Nicole does not want Kevin anywhere near her as he badly hurt her ten years ago. However, she knows the college needs the million he donated and the other cash he brings in by just being a sports hero. Nicole also worries that the board does not agree with her efforts to save the college by expansion. She feels someone wants to destroy her efforts. She also worries about why Kevin has suddenly reappeared and has made saving the college his goal. What she does not know is that Kevin has a personal stake in saving the college. He plans to rectify his error ten years ago and marry his beloved Nicole if he can only persuade her that he needs her. PAST PROMISES is a warm ethnic romance starring two charming lead characters and a support cast that adds the feel of a college environment. The story line is entertaining and somewhat insightful, but adding intrigue is unnecessary as many of the black colleges are in need of financial help. That would have served as a more realistic foundation for the love story. Still Jahmel West provides the audience a strong stirring story that will give much pleasure to readers.

Harriet Klausner

Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Harriet Klausner