I've learned that Beverly Jenkins' books lean more heavily on plot development than character development (and can feel more tell vs. show), but that it works for me when the plot hits - and the plot really hit for me here! Set in the final months of the Civil War and then during Reconstruction, Through the Storm is packed with history lessons and asides (classically Jenkins!). I particularly appreciated how Jenkins explored the constant threat of violence Black folks faced during these years, and the immediate (and successful) attempts to recreate slavery through legal "contracts" that bound Black laborers right back to white land-owners. Jenkins shows - graphically - the ways in which formerly enslaved people had to keep fighting for their basic autonomy and freedom, how white people consistently worked against them, and how the political whiplash between presidential administrations made life post-war unpredictable and regressive. 

And the romance worked for me because holy heck was it messy. I loved how complicated our main characters' relationship became as the story progressed, and how many obstacles they had to face down - separately and as partners - to achieve their happily ever after. I felt the male main character, Raimond, was more fully developed on page than Sable, but only because Sable started out a heck of a lot wiser to begin with, and this man needed the growth. 

For romance readers who are new to Beverly Jenkins, know that the intimate scenes are heavily euphemistic in this one - not at all surprising for the pub date (late 1990s). There is also significant on-page violence and threat of violence, so check content warnings here.