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Blessings #1
Bring on the Blessings
On Bernadine Brown's fifty-second birthday she received an unexpected gift—she caught her husband, Leo, cheating with his secretary. She was hurt—angry, too—but she didn't cry woe is me. Nope, she hired herself a top-notch lawyer and ended up with a cool $275 million. Having been raised in the church, she knew that when much is given much is expected, so she asked God to send her a purpose.
The purpose turned out to be a town: Henry Adams, Kansas, one of the last surviving townships founded by freed slaves after the Civil War. The failing town had put itself up for sale on the Internet, so Bernadine bought it.
Trent July is the mayor, and watching the town of his birth slide into debt and foreclosure is about the hardest thing he's ever done. When the buyer comes to town, he's impressed by her vision, strength, and the hope she wants to offer not only to the town and its few remaining residents, but to a handful of kids in desperate need of a second chance.
Not everyone in town wants to get on board though; they don't want change. But Bernadine and Trent, along with his first love, Lily Fontaine, are determined to preserve the town's legacy while ushering in a new era with ties to its unique past and its promising future.
413 pages, Library Binding
First published January 27, 2009
491 people are currently reading
5378 people want to read
About the author
Beverly Jenkins
72 books4,857 followersBeverly Jenkins is the recipient of the 2017 Romance Writers of America Nora Roberts Lifetime Achievement Award, as well as the 2016 Romantic Times Reviewers’ Choice Award for historical romance.
She has been nominated for the NAACP Image Award in Literature, was featured both in the documentary “Love Between the Covers” and on CBS Sunday Morning.
Since the publication of Night Song in 1994, she has been leading the charge for inclusive romance, and has been a constant darling of reviewers, fans, and her peers alike, garnering accolades for her work from the likes of The Wall Street Journal, People Magazine, and NPR. Her critically acclaimed Blessings series has been optioned for film by John Legend’s and Mike Jackson’s production company Get Lifted, and Hollywood and Broadway powerhouse Deborah Martin Chase.
To read more about Beverly and sign up for her newsletter, visit her at www.BeverlyJenkins.net.
She has been nominated for the NAACP Image Award in Literature, was featured both in the documentary “Love Between the Covers” and on CBS Sunday Morning.
Since the publication of Night Song in 1994, she has been leading the charge for inclusive romance, and has been a constant darling of reviewers, fans, and her peers alike, garnering accolades for her work from the likes of The Wall Street Journal, People Magazine, and NPR. Her critically acclaimed Blessings series has been optioned for film by John Legend’s and Mike Jackson’s production company Get Lifted, and Hollywood and Broadway powerhouse Deborah Martin Chase.
To read more about Beverly and sign up for her newsletter, visit her at www.BeverlyJenkins.net.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 684 reviews
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June 6, 2020Contemporary small-town story (exceedingly small) set in Beverly Jenkins' fictional Henry Adams, a Black-founded town in Kansas. This means the inhabitants are descendants of some of my favourite ever Jenkins characters, including my beloved July family and the Fontaines. I did a lot of squeaking at surnames.
This is probably what they call women's fiction rather than romance, but what it actually is, is soap opera. Let me state clearly that soap is one of my highest terms of praise. What it means when done well is a large cast all of whom the reader has to engage with, multiple varying character arcs and ongoing interwoven stories, and intense compulsion to read on. This is not easy to achieve--there's a reason TV soaps have huge writer teams--and a good soap novel or, preferably, series of novels is a joy.
This isn't realistic fiction in the way Ms Bev writes historicals, because it's soap. We start with a first wife getting the kind of money you can do magic with in a divorce, and buying a struggling town, and importing a bunch of foster kids in a way that doesn't trouble much with the usual lengthy administrative process. People behave in soapy ways. Dei ex machina abound. Problems are solved, and solvable, by love. There's a comedy giant pig. Just go with the flow, okay, because it's pure escapism with villains to hiss and romantic affairs to untangle and magic to happen in foster kids' lives once they get a bit of love and responsibility. I got to the end of this one, one-clicked the next, and am seriously considering binging all ten in a row.
This is probably what they call women's fiction rather than romance, but what it actually is, is soap opera. Let me state clearly that soap is one of my highest terms of praise. What it means when done well is a large cast all of whom the reader has to engage with, multiple varying character arcs and ongoing interwoven stories, and intense compulsion to read on. This is not easy to achieve--there's a reason TV soaps have huge writer teams--and a good soap novel or, preferably, series of novels is a joy.
This isn't realistic fiction in the way Ms Bev writes historicals, because it's soap. We start with a first wife getting the kind of money you can do magic with in a divorce, and buying a struggling town, and importing a bunch of foster kids in a way that doesn't trouble much with the usual lengthy administrative process. People behave in soapy ways. Dei ex machina abound. Problems are solved, and solvable, by love. There's a comedy giant pig. Just go with the flow, okay, because it's pure escapism with villains to hiss and romantic affairs to untangle and magic to happen in foster kids' lives once they get a bit of love and responsibility. I got to the end of this one, one-clicked the next, and am seriously considering binging all ten in a row.
February 23, 2012
Well, I do have to admit that at first I had a hard time putting this book down. It's because I am a social worker and I was really excited to see how the author managed the characters she'd created.
Then I had a hard time putting it down because I just couldn't believe that the book wasn't getting good anywhere. The elements were all there: Millionare divorcee buys a historical african-american community to revamp it and use it as a treatment site for especially troubled foster kids.
What's not to love?
I'll tell you what became very apparent: I know too much about reality and the author.... didn't.
I know it's very difficult to create believable, likable characters with the realistic issues that come from the kind of character histories she created. Still, she fell unbelievably short of the mark. Her writing skills were not up to the task.
She had this idea that just loving and accepting these poor kids was all it would take to transform them into well-adjusted human beings. Yes, to a point, but there's way more distrust, manipulation, and fighting that goes into it. I've worked with these kinds of kids and I don't think she's ever met one in her life.
That's not the only reason I had a really hard time swallowing the story she gave me and how it played out. Despite having some great elements and starting with some great characters in the town, there never really seemed to be a conflict. Any conflict was quickly resolved by money and the characters all continued on their merry ways without a hiccup. Everyone in town was miraculously unified in all ideas about child-rearing and managing conflict except for the two very obvious bad guys who were trying to scam them all without anything nearing success (because if they'd been even close to successful in scamming them, it would have felt less trite). In all, the structure of the story felt more like a merry-go-round rather than the dramatic build of conflict before the resolution at the end that I enjoy.
Yeah. The overall impression I got was that the author--whose writing norm seems to be the equivalent of cotton candy--tried to take on a meatier topic using her cotton candy writing skills. Better luck next time, Beverly, but maybe you shouldn't publish the books until you get it right.
Then I had a hard time putting it down because I just couldn't believe that the book wasn't getting good anywhere. The elements were all there: Millionare divorcee buys a historical african-american community to revamp it and use it as a treatment site for especially troubled foster kids.
What's not to love?
I'll tell you what became very apparent: I know too much about reality and the author.... didn't.
I know it's very difficult to create believable, likable characters with the realistic issues that come from the kind of character histories she created. Still, she fell unbelievably short of the mark. Her writing skills were not up to the task.
She had this idea that just loving and accepting these poor kids was all it would take to transform them into well-adjusted human beings. Yes, to a point, but there's way more distrust, manipulation, and fighting that goes into it. I've worked with these kinds of kids and I don't think she's ever met one in her life.
That's not the only reason I had a really hard time swallowing the story she gave me and how it played out. Despite having some great elements and starting with some great characters in the town, there never really seemed to be a conflict. Any conflict was quickly resolved by money and the characters all continued on their merry ways without a hiccup. Everyone in town was miraculously unified in all ideas about child-rearing and managing conflict except for the two very obvious bad guys who were trying to scam them all without anything nearing success (because if they'd been even close to successful in scamming them, it would have felt less trite). In all, the structure of the story felt more like a merry-go-round rather than the dramatic build of conflict before the resolution at the end that I enjoy.
Yeah. The overall impression I got was that the author--whose writing norm seems to be the equivalent of cotton candy--tried to take on a meatier topic using her cotton candy writing skills. Better luck next time, Beverly, but maybe you shouldn't publish the books until you get it right.
March 9, 2019
Beverly Jenkins' only contemporary fiction series! I have been meaning to start these books forever, and am so glad I finally did. Jenkins is best known for her romance titles, and while this series is very different than her other books, her author's note does tell what real life events and other writings of hers led to the creation of Blessings. This book is completely unbelievable, but in a totally "I don't care if any of this could ever actually happen, I'm just going to to fall into it and enjoy it" way. A historically Black town in Kansas that's rebuilt by a Black female mega-billionaire and populated by foster children and their foster families from all over the country? Sure, why not?! I'm all in for the rest of the series!
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April 26, 2025It's worth noting that this really isn't romance, it's contemporary fiction with some romantic subplots. This was my first outing with Beverly Jenkins' contemporary novels and I would definitely say I prefer her historical romance.
The premise of Bring on the Blessings is charming- a wealthy divorcee uses her money to save a historically Black town and create a safe haven for foster children. I like that it's highlighting issues with the foster care system which is a very important issue, though conflicts with these traumatized kids are relatively minor and resolved easily. Not realistic, but then this book isn't going for gritty realism, it's going for cozy and socially aware.
Meanwhile there are some things that don't hold up very well for me. Like concern with a foster child losing weight and exercising when he's just trying to adjust to a new situation and is carrying trauma from the past. Or ideas about propriety for Black teen girls that involve policing their hair and clothing choices. Or having a mediocre relationship finally breakup because the woman found her boyfriend trying on her underwear. This is played as equal parts horrifying and comedic, which doesn't hit the same when you're more aware of issues surrounding trans identity. I don't think it intended to be harmful, especially because there is mention of the importance of accepting queer people, but it still made me cringe. There were things I liked about this, but ultimately I think I'm going to stick with Jenkins historicals.
The premise of Bring on the Blessings is charming- a wealthy divorcee uses her money to save a historically Black town and create a safe haven for foster children. I like that it's highlighting issues with the foster care system which is a very important issue, though conflicts with these traumatized kids are relatively minor and resolved easily. Not realistic, but then this book isn't going for gritty realism, it's going for cozy and socially aware.
Meanwhile there are some things that don't hold up very well for me. Like concern with a foster child losing weight and exercising when he's just trying to adjust to a new situation and is carrying trauma from the past. Or ideas about propriety for Black teen girls that involve policing their hair and clothing choices. Or having a mediocre relationship finally breakup because the woman found her boyfriend trying on her underwear. This is played as equal parts horrifying and comedic, which doesn't hit the same when you're more aware of issues surrounding trans identity. I don't think it intended to be harmful, especially because there is mention of the importance of accepting queer people, but it still made me cringe. There were things I liked about this, but ultimately I think I'm going to stick with Jenkins historicals.
June 28, 2023
I can only describe this book as divine, simply divine.😭🥹
September 14, 2019
I really liked this character why? because she didn't go off on her husband, just got the goods on him, calmly and took him to court and got what she was entitled to. After travelling, she decided to settle down and buy a town in disrepair as well as bring children who have been in foster care and bring them into the town after reading about a similar situation in Illinois. Of course, the folks are expecting a white woman to come, but after seeing a sister, they warm up to her a bit, and then just fall for her after hearing of the things she wants to do with the historic all black town. Of course, she has some opposition from the former mayor and his partner, but things work out for the better. See what I like about Bernadine is that yes, she went through a terrible thing, and yes, she suffered, but she never forgot where she came from, and she didn't tear down or destroy, because of that, I feel God helped her in her plan to revitilize Henry Adams, Kansas. I highly recommend reading the book, and for those of you who have much, always remember that much is required of you as the book reiterates.
February 26, 2012
I was hoping to like this book more than I actually did.
Woman catches husband cheating on her & wins big in the divorce settlement. She buys a failing midwestern town and populates it with foster children and their new foster parents.
The premise was good, but overall, it was a big letdown.
While I liked all the characters, every single one of them was one dimensional and I eventually lost interest in all of them. Every troublesome situation encountered throughout the book was quickly and easily solved by Bernadine throwing money at it, with the exception of the evil banker who was killed by a 600-pound pet hog. (It was at this point that I wanted to toss the book out a window; fortunately, I remembered that I was reading this on my Nook, and I didn't do it!)
This story could have been soooo much better! What a disappointment.
Woman catches husband cheating on her & wins big in the divorce settlement. She buys a failing midwestern town and populates it with foster children and their new foster parents.
The premise was good, but overall, it was a big letdown.
While I liked all the characters, every single one of them was one dimensional and I eventually lost interest in all of them. Every troublesome situation encountered throughout the book was quickly and easily solved by Bernadine throwing money at it, with the exception of the evil banker who was killed by a 600-pound pet hog. (It was at this point that I wanted to toss the book out a window; fortunately, I remembered that I was reading this on my Nook, and I didn't do it!)
This story could have been soooo much better! What a disappointment.
May 28, 2023
Loved this laugh out loud, heart-tugging story!
Because I read book # 9 first, it was great to meet these characters knowing how they will evolve by the end of the series.
I loved how Bernadine invested her divorce settlement into the town which ultimately improved the lives of so many deserving people, (poor little Zoey).
Bernadine deserves the love of a good man who is worthy of her. I just don't know if that man is Mal. Hope to revisit this series in the near future.
February 1, 2013
Loved this book! The whole time I was reading it I could see it playing out like a Hallmark or Lifetime movie! Looking forward to the sequel!
July 18, 2021
I've read some of Ms Bev's romantic historicals and have enjoyed them. I wanted to try one of her contemporary women's fiction titles. I won't lie, was a bit leery because it is shelved several times as Christian fiction and I don't do preachy. This is not preachy and aside from asking for blessings from time to time, this is not something I would shelf as Christian fiction. (And I consider myself to be an Agnostic).
Bernadine married her college sweetheart. Fast forward 30 years and she finds him cheating on her. She gets divorced and half of their assets which are very plentiful. She worked during the beginning of their marriage and eventually quit. She realizes she misses what she did (social work). So, after she got some traveling done, she decided she needed to do something good, positive with her wealth.
Enter Henry Adams, a small town founded by freed Black slaves. Henry Adams was for sale and she bought it with the hope and dream of turning it into a home for foster kids.
While not a romance, I did enjoy this book. There are so many people to keep track of. This is a list of those that stuck with me: Trent (the town's mayor, mechanic, and engineer), Lily (she grew up there and moved after, having gotten married and had a son (Davis?), now divorced having gotten sick of her husband's cheating she came back to town for a birthday party and decided to stay. She and Trent were high school sweethearts), the town Matriarchs (Agnus, Marie- she teaches school, and Tamar- Trent's grandmother), the foster parents- the Paynes (Barrett and Sheila) and Garlands (Reginald and Roni), the foster kids- Amari (he steals cars and paired with Trent), Crystal (runaway and paired with Bernadine), Devon (lived with grandmother and preached at her funeral and paired with Lily), Preston (he started a fire at last foster mother's house b/c she refused to get him proper care for his asthma and paired with the Paynes), and Zoey (she was found covered in rats with her deceased homeless mother's body and paired with the Garlands), Riley (the town asshole, ex-mayor), his wife Genevieve (who decides she has had enough!), and pet pig, and Malachi (Trent's dad, owner of the only restaurant and town vet). (I think I got the major players)
I liked the different viewpoints, each gets their own say, some more brief than others. I will be reading more!
Ripped Bodice Summer Bingo: Small Town Down on Its Luck square
Bernadine married her college sweetheart. Fast forward 30 years and she finds him cheating on her. She gets divorced and half of their assets which are very plentiful. She worked during the beginning of their marriage and eventually quit. She realizes she misses what she did (social work). So, after she got some traveling done, she decided she needed to do something good, positive with her wealth.
Enter Henry Adams, a small town founded by freed Black slaves. Henry Adams was for sale and she bought it with the hope and dream of turning it into a home for foster kids.
While not a romance, I did enjoy this book. There are so many people to keep track of. This is a list of those that stuck with me: Trent (the town's mayor, mechanic, and engineer), Lily (she grew up there and moved after, having gotten married and had a son (Davis?), now divorced having gotten sick of her husband's cheating she came back to town for a birthday party and decided to stay. She and Trent were high school sweethearts), the town Matriarchs (Agnus, Marie- she teaches school, and Tamar- Trent's grandmother), the foster parents- the Paynes (Barrett and Sheila) and Garlands (Reginald and Roni), the foster kids- Amari (he steals cars and paired with Trent), Crystal (runaway and paired with Bernadine), Devon (lived with grandmother and preached at her funeral and paired with Lily), Preston (he started a fire at last foster mother's house b/c she refused to get him proper care for his asthma and paired with the Paynes), and Zoey (she was found covered in rats with her deceased homeless mother's body and paired with the Garlands), Riley (the town asshole, ex-mayor), his wife Genevieve (who decides she has had enough!), and pet pig, and Malachi (Trent's dad, owner of the only restaurant and town vet). (I think I got the major players)
I liked the different viewpoints, each gets their own say, some more brief than others. I will be reading more!
Ripped Bodice Summer Bingo: Small Town Down on Its Luck square
September 30, 2017
I loved this book!
As I have stated, I have a Beverly Jenkins addiction that I do not want to overcome. However, this book wasn't just great because of said addiction. The story formula is totally different than her historical romances.
Bring on the Blessings is about Bernadine Brown, who pretty much becomes stinking rich after she divorces her lying cheating husband of 30 years. That is what people mean when they say channel your anger. After seeing the world, she decides she wants to do good with her money so she invests in buying a town, as well as adopting 5 children and finding them foster families. All this comes together in the small town of Henry Adams (I want to live there so bad).
Usually, authors get complacent. They write the same story over and over and the only thing that really changes are the names, and not by much either. Although, her historical romances are not all the same (Which is partly why I adore this woman), they all follow a similar story formula. This book broke the mold! There was some romance but the main focus was the rebuilding of the town. In books where there are many characters, the story building and plot often get muddled but this book is very detail oriented. No character is falling through the cracks. You literally learn about EVERY ONE INVOLVED!
I just feel like even if you have never read anything by her before, this is a book everyone should read! I adore the fact that she puts feminist ideals in her stories without being a preacher and making you gag. She also mentions characters from her historical romances in her character building which makes for a well rounded plot and character. I just ugh
As I have stated, I have a Beverly Jenkins addiction that I do not want to overcome. However, this book wasn't just great because of said addiction. The story formula is totally different than her historical romances.
Bring on the Blessings is about Bernadine Brown, who pretty much becomes stinking rich after she divorces her lying cheating husband of 30 years. That is what people mean when they say channel your anger. After seeing the world, she decides she wants to do good with her money so she invests in buying a town, as well as adopting 5 children and finding them foster families. All this comes together in the small town of Henry Adams (I want to live there so bad).
Usually, authors get complacent. They write the same story over and over and the only thing that really changes are the names, and not by much either. Although, her historical romances are not all the same (Which is partly why I adore this woman), they all follow a similar story formula. This book broke the mold! There was some romance but the main focus was the rebuilding of the town. In books where there are many characters, the story building and plot often get muddled but this book is very detail oriented. No character is falling through the cracks. You literally learn about EVERY ONE INVOLVED!
I just feel like even if you have never read anything by her before, this is a book everyone should read! I adore the fact that she puts feminist ideals in her stories without being a preacher and making you gag. She also mentions characters from her historical romances in her character building which makes for a well rounded plot and character. I just ugh
April 20, 2021
Bernadine Brown catches her husband cheating and drags him to court. With millions in her pocket she is looking for what to spend them on. She finds a town that that was one of the few all black towns that was founded after the reconstruction and is now in desperate need of money and mayor Trent July has put the town up for sale. But Bernadine isn't just buying the town she had ideas to get them fullt up in their feet as well. This is the first contemporary book I've read by Beverly Jenkins, having previously read some of her historical romances. I really ended up liking it. I liked the growth both the town and characters did and I will continue the series for sure!
November 2, 2023
Honestly this is easily my least favorite novel by Ms Jenkins.
Too much respectability politics.
Too much xtianity.
Hated the fat phobia and casual use of crackhead, just cringey..
Plus there wasn't real conflict or mystery so it was kinda boring.
Still it was Ms.Jenkins so I like some of the characters🤷🏾♀️
I'd skip this series but I liked how the residents spoke on the town founders who's adventures I've read in Ms Jenkins historical romance and so I'm attached!
This is very cozy just not paired with either mystery or romance.
Too much respectability politics.
Too much xtianity.
Hated the fat phobia and casual use of crackhead, just cringey..
Plus there wasn't real conflict or mystery so it was kinda boring.
Still it was Ms.Jenkins so I like some of the characters🤷🏾♀️
I'd skip this series but I liked how the residents spoke on the town founders who's adventures I've read in Ms Jenkins historical romance and so I'm attached!
This is very cozy just not paired with either mystery or romance.
October 28, 2021
“He is Filled w/ the devil Sometimes, But God Still Loves Him and IDo2”
June 9, 2023
Bernadine Brown!!!! Yess! She literally just was bringing the blessings!! This was such a wonderful book! I can’t wait to continue the series!
December 12, 2023
Reading this book felt like a warm cozy hug. Absolutely loved it and will be reading all of Beverly’s work. 5 Stars for sure!
May 17, 2020
This was a wonderful, heart-warming read! Jenkins creates a utopia where elders are valued, children are cherished no matter their bloodline or skin color, and civic engagement is an imperative. Going to live in this world a little longer. Worth reading! 4 stars
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March 15, 2021This certainly is the best novel featuring a chaotic evil pig antagonist I've ever read
January 12, 2024
I liked everything about this except the pig!!
October 11, 2020
I've read a few books by this author and have liked them. Everyone keeps talking about this series and I knew I should get to reading it, but I kept putting it off. When Jenkins announce it had been picked up for a tv series that gave me the push to read it as I thought I would catch up with the series before the tv series came out. I went to my library to get the book and was shocked to find out there was a waiting list for a book that was 11 years old. That made me want to read it even more. Finally my turn came up. I'm now kicking myself for not having read this one sooner!
Now I love small town books, they are cat nip to me, I think because I grew up in a small town. And while I don't want to live there now, books always showcase the best of small towns, their ideal.
I was throughly charmed by this book and would love it if it was real and I could be part of it. Between Bernadine's vision for the town and how they are living the "it takes a village" adage to the kids they brought in. I love how the town is coming back to life, how the kids are seeing they aren't going to be sent back, this is home and no matter what happens, they are "stuck" there. There might be some tough love going on due to the choices the kids make, but the key is love. I also think as much as the kids needed a safe place, these adults needed the kids.
I look forward to continuing with this series and to see the town grow!
Now I love small town books, they are cat nip to me, I think because I grew up in a small town. And while I don't want to live there now, books always showcase the best of small towns, their ideal.
I was throughly charmed by this book and would love it if it was real and I could be part of it. Between Bernadine's vision for the town and how they are living the "it takes a village" adage to the kids they brought in. I love how the town is coming back to life, how the kids are seeing they aren't going to be sent back, this is home and no matter what happens, they are "stuck" there. There might be some tough love going on due to the choices the kids make, but the key is love. I also think as much as the kids needed a safe place, these adults needed the kids.
I look forward to continuing with this series and to see the town grow!
August 21, 2025
I'm a huge believer in reading serendipity. I'd been kicking myself for not reading this book sooner, but when I did finally dive in I realized that I needed this book at this moment. Why? I'm not entirely sure other than I really, really needed to believe in good people in this world. Bring on the Blessings is full of good people: those who share their wealth, those who forgive, those who care by doing things big and small.
Also, what's happening in rural American often hurts my heart. I wish that we could create more communities like Henry Adams, places where the old can help the young, where we can build up what's crumbling down. Unfortunately, there aren't enough Bernadine Browns in this world. There are way too many people like her ex-husband.
This is not to say that Blessings is syrupy sweet. Y'all, the foster kids have all seen some things. Every character is carrying around some kind of trauma, and yet, for the most part, they all choose to be giving and loving and hopeful.
Bonus points also for a hog who wears clothes. Even if he is nasty. I mean, he is a hog after all...
If you like small towns and found families and more than a sprinkle of the ways in which the Holy Spirit can help us all do better, then this book is for you.
Also, what's happening in rural American often hurts my heart. I wish that we could create more communities like Henry Adams, places where the old can help the young, where we can build up what's crumbling down. Unfortunately, there aren't enough Bernadine Browns in this world. There are way too many people like her ex-husband.
This is not to say that Blessings is syrupy sweet. Y'all, the foster kids have all seen some things. Every character is carrying around some kind of trauma, and yet, for the most part, they all choose to be giving and loving and hopeful.
Bonus points also for a hog who wears clothes. Even if he is nasty. I mean, he is a hog after all...
If you like small towns and found families and more than a sprinkle of the ways in which the Holy Spirit can help us all do better, then this book is for you.
June 8, 2013
This is a "feel good" book, first of the Blessings Series. Bernadine Brown, a wealthy black woman, buys herself a struggling all-black town in Kansas...on eBay. In restoring the town, she also builds homes for foster children.
The book is full of interesting characters, many senior citizens who have a long history in the town of Henry Adams, and some not-so-old who have returned to share the legacy with the children Bernadine brings in to foster. Good people, bad people and even a 500 pound pet hog.
I'll be checking out the next books in the series.
The book is full of interesting characters, many senior citizens who have a long history in the town of Henry Adams, and some not-so-old who have returned to share the legacy with the children Bernadine brings in to foster. Good people, bad people and even a 500 pound pet hog.
I'll be checking out the next books in the series.
August 8, 2025
If I could kick myself i would 🤦🏽♀️This story was so good I don't even know how to describe how I'm feeling right now. Ms. Beverly Jenkins wrote the hell out of this story. I'm sitting here trying to figure out how did she do this 🤔Everything was on point. The conversations just flowed effortlessly. I have a lot of catching up to do🙌🏽
October 10, 2012
Truly enjoyed this book and all of the characters involved. Can't wait to continue reading the rest of the series.
December 5, 2016
Good. Nice read. Fun. Makes you curious what will happen to the all the different families in the book.
March 26, 2023
This was a re-read/re-listen and still as good as the first time.
November 26, 2019
This book was a welcoming breath of fresh air. Bring on the Blessings by Beverly Jenkins is a heartfelt novel that portrays the fictional town of Henry Adams, home to a small community of Black Americans with a rich cultural history. Although an easy read, this book was certainly a page-turner. This was the first book that I’ve read from author Jenkins, who has written a slew of other novels. I especially like that this book is one of nine in the ‘Blessings’ book series, which allows readers to become even more engaged with the characters.
I also enjoyed the premise of the book. The lives of the residents of the township of Henry Adams take a completely inclining shift, when the incomparable Bernadette Brown moves into town. Equipped w/ a wit that matches her tenacious vision of Henry Adams, Bernadette revitalizes the tone of the community. With the inclusion of new residents, readers embark on a journey as the town of Henry Adams and its residents; embark on a new era of growth.
A delightful story, sure to provoke engrossment, I recommend this book to others.
I also enjoyed the premise of the book. The lives of the residents of the township of Henry Adams take a completely inclining shift, when the incomparable Bernadette Brown moves into town. Equipped w/ a wit that matches her tenacious vision of Henry Adams, Bernadette revitalizes the tone of the community. With the inclusion of new residents, readers embark on a journey as the town of Henry Adams and its residents; embark on a new era of growth.
A delightful story, sure to provoke engrossment, I recommend this book to others.
August 20, 2020
Okay, I'll admit I was a bit confused in the beginning when we were introduced to a seeming cast of thousands. But I quickly settled into the story with its rotation between numerous adults and children. But what I didn't expect initially, was that at around the 70% mark I'd purchase the second in the series, so that I could immediately pick up again with these characters.
Sure, as some people say, seemingly difficult problems get solved very easily when Ms. Bernadine "throws" her money at the problems. But I've come to love all of the main characters (well except for Riley and his gigantic hog, Cletus). And I can't wait to see what happens in the coming books. This is a B+ for me, so four stars here.
Sure, as some people say, seemingly difficult problems get solved very easily when Ms. Bernadine "throws" her money at the problems. But I've come to love all of the main characters (well except for Riley and his gigantic hog, Cletus). And I can't wait to see what happens in the coming books. This is a B+ for me, so four stars here.
January 10, 2025
This is a book that I probably would not have picked up on my own but I’m glad it was selected for book club. It has some humor, light romance, and a mostly Black cast of characters. One thing I enjoyed about reading this book was the overall tone of hopefulness. As I was reading, there was never a doubt that things were going to turn out alright in the end. As someone who mostly reads thrillers and mysteries, it was a nice departure to not be thinking about the twist. There are some dark elements in this book, mostly centering around the children’s backstories. Overall, I did think this was an enjoyable read and I finished it very quickly. I like the fictional town of Henry Adams, its history and significance within the author’s universe, and I found the current and ancestral characters endearing. I could absolutely see this book adapted as a feel-good network television or streaming show.
January 28, 2026
2026 review: I have made a little mini-challenge for myself this year, to re-read the Blessings series by this wonderful author. Goodness knows I can use some light in my life, considering *waves hands at general chaos in this country* This is one of the books I asked the author to sign when she came to a literary festival sorta near me a few years ago, and its the first chance I've had to re-read it. It holds up beautifully and is still an absolutely amazing read ♥ I even started a little character cheat sheet that I can consult as I continue on. I'd forgotten so many of the little details, like Zoey's prodigy-like piano-playing, Riley's house being razed because Cletus destroyed it, Crystal's visit to her mother in prison, and the nasty old judge knocking himself out at the end! Amari is still the standout kid in this book, IMO, and it was really fun to go back and experience his wild car-stealing ways. I'm already looking forward to next month's read!
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2020 review: After reading and adoring On the Corner of Hope and Main, I knew I had to go back and start this series from the beginning. It was even harder for me to put down Bring on the Blessings, so I gave in and gobbled this book up in a single day. It is a lot of fun!
The series starts with our heroine, Bernadine Brown. As the blurb mentions, she has just turned 52 when she catches her husband of thirty years cheating on her with his secretary. She doesn't get mad, she gets even: she walks out, takes him to the cleaners, and comes away $275 million richer. She's always been a believer in blessings, and passing on her good fortune, so she starts asking God to show her how she can pay it back. Two years into her journey, she finds her answer: (1) the historic town of Henry Adams, Kansas, has put itself up for sale on eBay, and (2) her background and career as a social worker gives her the incentive to start a foster children project in her new town.
She buys Henry Adams and heads to town to see what she's getting herself into. The town is tiny and is decaying rapidly, but there is a core of elders who care about their town and their history and upholding the ties that originally bound the town together. They welcome Bernadine and her foster care project, so she sets to work. She's picked five children to bring to Henry Adams, and sets about finding foster families to care for them. Two of the parents are Henry Adams locals, two families move to town, and Bernadine herself takes in one of the kids.
This novel is their story.
We meet Bernadine, the children - ranging from selectively mute 7-year-old Zoey to the hotheaded headstrong teenaged Crystal - and the people who become their families: Trent July, town mayor; his father, the ultra-smooth Malachi; his grandmother, the formidable town matriarch, Tamar; his high school sweetheart who moves back to town, Lily Fontaine; the Paynes, who move to town after retiring from the military to foster one of the children; and the Garlands, a world-famous singer and her pediatrician husband, who also move in to take one of the kids. We meet this main cast of characters' friends and enemies - including former mayor Riley Curry and his 600 lb hog Cletus, both of whom provide plenty of comic relief.
I loved this. Yes, it's unrealistic how quickly and efficiently Bernadine turns the town around (and bulldozes everyone who steps into her path with her huge wealth and powerful friends), but the warmth and friendship between the OG Henry Adams people and the new people causing ripples in their wake is lush and addicting. You want to read about these people and their lives.
I loved the kid characters. They each had distinct personalities and distinct shades to their personalities. My favorite is probably Amari, the 11-year-old auto thief who ends up fostering with Trent July. None of the kids bedded down easily with their new families, but there was no unnecessary drama or angst, either. Okay, the ending was OTT, but somehow, it fit =)
There is a lot of God on these pages (even though the deity is not always referred to as such), so if that's not your thing you may wanna give this a pass. Me, I can appreciate it, being from a religious background growing up in the South.
The overarching theme of the book is second chances: we have a couple of second chance romances (with Trent and Lily hitting the very familiar Ms. Bev romantic notes), and a lot of characters starting over in their lives. Bernadine is 52; Trent and Lily are 40; Malachi is 60-something; Tamar and her friends are in their 80s. It's rather like the Golden Girls - these "seniors" are definitely still out here, living their best lives, haha.
I can't wait to dive into #2, so here I go!
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2020 review: After reading and adoring On the Corner of Hope and Main, I knew I had to go back and start this series from the beginning. It was even harder for me to put down Bring on the Blessings, so I gave in and gobbled this book up in a single day. It is a lot of fun!
The series starts with our heroine, Bernadine Brown. As the blurb mentions, she has just turned 52 when she catches her husband of thirty years cheating on her with his secretary. She doesn't get mad, she gets even: she walks out, takes him to the cleaners, and comes away $275 million richer. She's always been a believer in blessings, and passing on her good fortune, so she starts asking God to show her how she can pay it back. Two years into her journey, she finds her answer: (1) the historic town of Henry Adams, Kansas, has put itself up for sale on eBay, and (2) her background and career as a social worker gives her the incentive to start a foster children project in her new town.
She buys Henry Adams and heads to town to see what she's getting herself into. The town is tiny and is decaying rapidly, but there is a core of elders who care about their town and their history and upholding the ties that originally bound the town together. They welcome Bernadine and her foster care project, so she sets to work. She's picked five children to bring to Henry Adams, and sets about finding foster families to care for them. Two of the parents are Henry Adams locals, two families move to town, and Bernadine herself takes in one of the kids.
This novel is their story.
We meet Bernadine, the children - ranging from selectively mute 7-year-old Zoey to the hotheaded headstrong teenaged Crystal - and the people who become their families: Trent July, town mayor; his father, the ultra-smooth Malachi; his grandmother, the formidable town matriarch, Tamar; his high school sweetheart who moves back to town, Lily Fontaine; the Paynes, who move to town after retiring from the military to foster one of the children; and the Garlands, a world-famous singer and her pediatrician husband, who also move in to take one of the kids. We meet this main cast of characters' friends and enemies - including former mayor Riley Curry and his 600 lb hog Cletus, both of whom provide plenty of comic relief.
I loved this. Yes, it's unrealistic how quickly and efficiently Bernadine turns the town around (and bulldozes everyone who steps into her path with her huge wealth and powerful friends), but the warmth and friendship between the OG Henry Adams people and the new people causing ripples in their wake is lush and addicting. You want to read about these people and their lives.
I loved the kid characters. They each had distinct personalities and distinct shades to their personalities. My favorite is probably Amari, the 11-year-old auto thief who ends up fostering with Trent July. None of the kids bedded down easily with their new families, but there was no unnecessary drama or angst, either. Okay, the ending was OTT, but somehow, it fit =)
There is a lot of God on these pages (even though the deity is not always referred to as such), so if that's not your thing you may wanna give this a pass. Me, I can appreciate it, being from a religious background growing up in the South.
The overarching theme of the book is second chances: we have a couple of second chance romances (with Trent and Lily hitting the very familiar Ms. Bev romantic notes), and a lot of characters starting over in their lives. Bernadine is 52; Trent and Lily are 40; Malachi is 60-something; Tamar and her friends are in their 80s. It's rather like the Golden Girls - these "seniors" are definitely still out here, living their best lives, haha.
I can't wait to dive into #2, so here I go!
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