What do you think?
Rate this book
Blessings #5
Heart of Gold
NAACP nominee and bestselling author Beverly Jenkins returns to the charming town of Henry Adams, Kansas—a place that always feels like home—in this heartwarming story of family, friendship, and the surprises hidden in our lives.
Henry Adams has had its fair share of drama ever since Bernadine Brown bought the town with her divorce settlement. Now just when things are starting to settle down, it’s about to get crazy again . . .
Cephas Patterson doesn’t just want to be left alone—if you dare step onto his property, he’ll meet you with a shotgun and a warning to stay away from his gold. He reminds Zoey of the lonely time she spent living on the streets, so she quietly begins leaving him small offerings. But then Cephas dies and leaves a saddlebag of gold—to Zoey.
And that’s not all. Zoey’s parents are going through a trial separation, her former BFF Devon is giving her fits, and friend Crystal has run away from home. Then there’s Bernadine’s mean-spirited baby sister who has arrived unexpectedly, and an ongoing battle with a neighboring town is about to heat up.
Will Henry Adams ever be the same again?
Henry Adams has had its fair share of drama ever since Bernadine Brown bought the town with her divorce settlement. Now just when things are starting to settle down, it’s about to get crazy again . . .
Cephas Patterson doesn’t just want to be left alone—if you dare step onto his property, he’ll meet you with a shotgun and a warning to stay away from his gold. He reminds Zoey of the lonely time she spent living on the streets, so she quietly begins leaving him small offerings. But then Cephas dies and leaves a saddlebag of gold—to Zoey.
And that’s not all. Zoey’s parents are going through a trial separation, her former BFF Devon is giving her fits, and friend Crystal has run away from home. Then there’s Bernadine’s mean-spirited baby sister who has arrived unexpectedly, and an ongoing battle with a neighboring town is about to heat up.
Will Henry Adams ever be the same again?
320 pages, Paperback
First published April 29, 2014
155 people are currently reading
899 people want to read
About the author
Beverly Jenkins
72 books4,899 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.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 146 reviews
Read
July 9, 2025Book 5 of this series in a week. I am having to ration myself at this point.
November 1, 2013
I absolutely love this series. The small Kansas town of Henry Adams was founded by freed slaves and had fallen on hard times until it was purchased by wealthy divorcee Bernadine Brown (Book #1 Bring On The Blessings). As part of her campaign to re-energize the town Bernadine offered a group of foster children permanent homes with town residents. Heart of Gold is the fifth book in the series and it is just wonderful. Things in Henry Adams are going well for the most part but some of the families are having problems and the town needs to grow. Bernadine is having to deal with her nasty younger sister and an even nastier resident of a neighboring town. Roni and Reggie are having marital problems and one of the children has run away from Henry Adams to go back to her old neighborhood. Ms. Jenkins does a great job of exploring the ups and downs of families, marriages and even friendships. Every time I finish one of the books, I am anxious to read the next one and this one isn't any different. Since this book doesn't come out until April 2014, if you haven't read the earlier books you have plenty of time to do so and you won't regret it!
June 5, 2014
The entire Blessings series is a good summer read. Easy, light and Ms. Jenkins' character development makes you love them all.
July 18, 2020
I love the town of Henry Adams so any excuse to visit is happily taken! Bonus points for the prologue with Griffin Blake, Neil July and Twin Shafts burying Griffins gold-it was fun to see these guys again. Book 5 focuses on Zoey and her foster family shift in dynamics-dirty laundry and all, along with discord with a neighboring town, and then there’s Bernadette’s horrid sister who comes for an unexpected visit. There were tears of frustration and joy with this entry and I loved every word.
March 28, 2025
Another winner by Beverly Jenkins. I enjoyed this installment of the Blessings series bc it introduced us to some new characters and gave us more backstory on existing ones. Zoey is one of my favorite Henry Adams kids so this book focusing on her was a treat.
June 5, 2020
I just want to live in this world! Definitely worth reading! 4 stars
February 18, 2018
The Queen of Love, Life, & Lafamilia📚!
August 29, 2020
Just lovely.
May 4, 2014
The latest installment of the Blessings series was just as enjoyable as the earlier titles. All of the residents of Henry Adams are back with more issues, including unexpected family guests, paranoid loners, marriage issues and jealous neighboring town residents. The blessings that are present in all the Henry Adams residents once again enable them to conquer adversity. A great read and I can't wait until the next installment.
December 2, 2025
Another fun trip to Henry Adams, Kansas and another hit. For a small town, there is never a dull moment.
Zoey Raymond Garland is at the center of things this time around. Her parents, Dr. Reg and Roni Moore Garland, are going through a rough patch in their marriage, due to Reg's insecurities about being married to a beautiful superstar when he sees himself as a a short, homely nerd. Her best friend Devon is acting like a butt and tempting her to give him a second butt whipping (she handed out the first early in the series) and her friend Crystal runs away from home.
It's not all bad for her though- a cute boy moves in across the street (sending her heart into palpitations) and she inherits a bag of gold from the local hermit. Now if she could just find peace about her family. Her aunt doesn't want anything to do with her, but there may be more accommodating family out there for her to discover.
The rest of the town has their own situations. Bernadine's spoiled rotten little sister comes to town unexpectedly to stay with her, and before she can digest that, the mayor of Franklin's witch of a wife announces her intention to take over the office from her husband at the next election and to make Bernandine's life miserable for turning Henry Adams into everything Franklin wishes it could be. The war is on, but Astrid Wiggins has no idea who she's picking trouble with.
I laughed so hard reading parts of this book that I was afraid to drink anything (it would have come out of my nose). Kudos to Beverly Jenkins for another masterpiece. Next one coming up!
Zoey Raymond Garland is at the center of things this time around. Her parents, Dr. Reg and Roni Moore Garland, are going through a rough patch in their marriage, due to Reg's insecurities about being married to a beautiful superstar when he sees himself as a a short, homely nerd. Her best friend Devon is acting like a butt and tempting her to give him a second butt whipping (she handed out the first early in the series) and her friend Crystal runs away from home.
It's not all bad for her though- a cute boy moves in across the street (sending her heart into palpitations) and she inherits a bag of gold from the local hermit. Now if she could just find peace about her family. Her aunt doesn't want anything to do with her, but there may be more accommodating family out there for her to discover.
The rest of the town has their own situations. Bernadine's spoiled rotten little sister comes to town unexpectedly to stay with her, and before she can digest that, the mayor of Franklin's witch of a wife announces her intention to take over the office from her husband at the next election and to make Bernandine's life miserable for turning Henry Adams into everything Franklin wishes it could be. The war is on, but Astrid Wiggins has no idea who she's picking trouble with.
I laughed so hard reading parts of this book that I was afraid to drink anything (it would have come out of my nose). Kudos to Beverly Jenkins for another masterpiece. Next one coming up!
October 16, 2020
Things are once again exciting in Henry Adams and not always in a good way. I really like how Zoey is coming into her own, how she does what she thinks is right even if it has a bad outcome. Her little heart is so big, she just wants to shre everything with everyone. And while at times that can knock her down, for the most part all Zoey attracts is good. I love where the end of this book leaves her.
Bernadine is really going through some things in this one. There are times everyone is grating on her last nerve, but she knows how to deal with that. I both loved and hated the battle that Bernadine entered into. I know she will come out on top and crush her opponet like the small minded person they are. I also think finally she has a chance at a real relationship with her sister, which would be nice.
Roni and the Doc sure had their troubles, but through it all they talked things out, with each other and their friends. All of that really helped, helped them end up in a stronger place at the end.
I can't wait to see what new excitement comes to town.
Bernadine is really going through some things in this one. There are times everyone is grating on her last nerve, but she knows how to deal with that. I both loved and hated the battle that Bernadine entered into. I know she will come out on top and crush her opponet like the small minded person they are. I also think finally she has a chance at a real relationship with her sister, which would be nice.
Roni and the Doc sure had their troubles, but through it all they talked things out, with each other and their friends. All of that really helped, helped them end up in a stronger place at the end.
I can't wait to see what new excitement comes to town.
December 16, 2024
I was introduced to the "Blessings" series by Ms. Jenkins earlier this year when I had the opportunity to read and review For Your Love. I hadn't read any of the previous books in this series and wanted to know what came before book 6 in this series. In less than a month, I have read all of the books in this wonderful series and am looking forward to returning to the fictional town of Henry Adams, Kansas with a book 7.
Each book provides a fascinating glimpse into the lives and loves of various families in Henry Adams. There's family angst and drama, small town rivalry, greed, hints of romance, and always a sense of community, love, and respect for the history and future of the inhabitants of this small town. If you enjoy reading about small towns, families and neighbors working together, then this is one series you'll definitely want to read. Set aside your woes and worries for a while and enjoy the stories set in this contemporary small, but thriving, rural town.
Each book provides a fascinating glimpse into the lives and loves of various families in Henry Adams. There's family angst and drama, small town rivalry, greed, hints of romance, and always a sense of community, love, and respect for the history and future of the inhabitants of this small town. If you enjoy reading about small towns, families and neighbors working together, then this is one series you'll definitely want to read. Set aside your woes and worries for a while and enjoy the stories set in this contemporary small, but thriving, rural town.
March 5, 2015
I love the "Blessings" series. The fourth installment in series did not disappoint and it's always good to see what is going on with the good folks of Henry Adams, Kansas. With each book we learn more about the individuals living there and a newcomer is always introduced. It is always a pleasure to read about the town, it's inhabitants, and the progress they have made since the town was purchased off of Ebay, yes purchased off of Ebay, by Bernadine Brown. Set in a historical town that has opened it's doors and it's arms to those who have settled there along with the original inhabitants, Jenkins manages to blend the old with the new in a most delightful way. The books in the series are heartwarming and a wonderful read.
April 30, 2014
Truly worth its weight in gold,and long awaited, this installment on the Henry Adams community concentrates on little Zoey, who has come a long way from a little mute to an outspoken girl with interests and future plans. The only hitch in this is her parents are going through marital problems and decide on a trial separation. Crystal again, has ran away from home once more, Devon,Brain, Amari still have the jokes going and life in Henry Adams is going great with the opening of the new grocery store, Bernadine's shrew of a sister, Diane, comes to town, expecting to stay but Bernadine sets her straight. With some bumps in the road, things work itself out by the end of the book. I really enjoyed this book and look forward to the next installment.
November 1, 2014
While I encourage you to start at the beginning of the series, you could certainly read this book and go back later and fill in the details. Beverly Jenkins has done it again!
She has brought Henry Adams to life! It's like returning home. The characters are believable. You want the best for them. You get angry when they are mistreated. You cry at their disappointments, and celebrate their joys. Unfortunately, the book had to end. I look forward to the next installment!!
She has brought Henry Adams to life! It's like returning home. The characters are believable. You want the best for them. You get angry when they are mistreated. You cry at their disappointments, and celebrate their joys. Unfortunately, the book had to end. I look forward to the next installment!!
December 14, 2023
A lovely visit with good friends💜
Not much action but tons of love.
While I love these novels, they are a wee-bit heavy on respectability politics, a tad bit strong on xtian themes when I prefer lighter themes, a bit fat phobic, and a bit homophobic, though gay characters exist.
The charm of this wholesome town is perfect in so many ways. I'd move there and see Ms. Bernadine about helping the town be less of all the above. 🥰
Not much action but tons of love.
While I love these novels, they are a wee-bit heavy on respectability politics, a tad bit strong on xtian themes when I prefer lighter themes, a bit fat phobic, and a bit homophobic, though gay characters exist.
The charm of this wholesome town is perfect in so many ways. I'd move there and see Ms. Bernadine about helping the town be less of all the above. 🥰
May 28, 2014
I want to move to Henry Adams
I just love these stories. I can't wait for the night one. please expand Rockies story some more. would love for her to really fall in love. Bernadine needs to give Astrid a good ole fashioned beat down. This is the way every town should function by helping one another.
I just love these stories. I can't wait for the night one. please expand Rockies story some more. would love for her to really fall in love. Bernadine needs to give Astrid a good ole fashioned beat down. This is the way every town should function by helping one another.
January 14, 2021
Absolutely loved this addition to the series! I’m hoping to catch up with this series by the end of this year.
Loved the storylines in this one and am really looking forward to more characters joining this join!
*also my first 5 star read of 2021! Yay!
Loved the storylines in this one and am really looking forward to more characters joining this join!
*also my first 5 star read of 2021! Yay!
April 25, 2019
The Blessings series is such a relaxing way to pass some time. Bad things happen, but good will triumph. They've got a Christian inspirational message, but it's not too in your face or proselytising so you don't feel like you're being preached too. Perfect reading for Easter Week.
May 4, 2014
Heart of Gold is the fifth book in the Blessings by Beverly Jenkins. This is my fifth visit to Henry Adams and oh, have I missed this little fictional town. These kids have come a long way. Just as a reminder, Zoey had been homeless in Miami, Amari was a young car thief in Detroit, Preston was in the foster care system. So much going on in this novel. Crystal ran away. Devon is acting different. Zoey's parents are separating. Bernadine's mean-spirited sister unexpectedly visits. A battle with a neighboring town starts. And a bag of gold is left to one of the kids. Drama, right?!
These former foster kids continue to amaze me. They are wise beyond their years. Despite how unfair life is sometimes, they deal with it—sometimes better than adults would. I love how the author equally focuses on the growth of the children, adoptive family and the town.
"She has a heart of gold, and a head hard as concrete." ~ pg. 157
Read Heart of Gold if you are looking for a story of friendship, genuine love and family. Beverly Jenkins (Aunt Bev in-my-head) is one of the most talented authors. She writes historical fiction and romance like none other. The characters in the Blessings series are realistic. Visit www.beverlyjenkins.net for excerpts and more info.
I still feel like the nosy neighbor watching all the town folk. Never a dull moment in Henry Adams, Kansas. I suggest you pull up a chair and join me on the porch.
Literary Marie of Precision Reviews
These former foster kids continue to amaze me. They are wise beyond their years. Despite how unfair life is sometimes, they deal with it—sometimes better than adults would. I love how the author equally focuses on the growth of the children, adoptive family and the town.
"She has a heart of gold, and a head hard as concrete." ~ pg. 157
Read Heart of Gold if you are looking for a story of friendship, genuine love and family. Beverly Jenkins (Aunt Bev in-my-head) is one of the most talented authors. She writes historical fiction and romance like none other. The characters in the Blessings series are realistic. Visit www.beverlyjenkins.net for excerpts and more info.
I still feel like the nosy neighbor watching all the town folk. Never a dull moment in Henry Adams, Kansas. I suggest you pull up a chair and join me on the porch.
Literary Marie of Precision Reviews
July 18, 2014
Heart of Gold was truly a wonderful book. I have to say that I cried about 4 times and not just a simple tear.
Henry Adams, Kansas was a small town and everyone knew everyone and everything about each other. You would normally think that’s a bad thing but it wasn’t. They made it work for them. They had so much love for each other and they stood together like a family.
Zoey was a 10-year-old girl who was adopted but she had a “Heart of Gold”… It’s hard to be adopted but to be loved so much made it worth it. She adapted well to being raised in a family of different races. I love that because I can relate to that, but it wasn’t easy for me… I love how this book shows how people of different races can get along living in a close-knit community.
Everyone needs to read “Heart of Gold”… (Maybe it will rub off on some people) I will look more into books written by Beverly Jenkins. I love her writing style. I am giving Heart of Gold 5 stars.
Vickie
Henry Adams, Kansas was a small town and everyone knew everyone and everything about each other. You would normally think that’s a bad thing but it wasn’t. They made it work for them. They had so much love for each other and they stood together like a family.
Zoey was a 10-year-old girl who was adopted but she had a “Heart of Gold”… It’s hard to be adopted but to be loved so much made it worth it. She adapted well to being raised in a family of different races. I love that because I can relate to that, but it wasn’t easy for me… I love how this book shows how people of different races can get along living in a close-knit community.
Everyone needs to read “Heart of Gold”… (Maybe it will rub off on some people) I will look more into books written by Beverly Jenkins. I love her writing style. I am giving Heart of Gold 5 stars.
Vickie
August 13, 2018
This is my first time reading Beverly Jenkins’ novels and Heart of Gold was a fast-paced simplistic read of family and friendships. I think I should have started at the beginning of the series, and at times it felt as if the story was being rushed along and some of the scenarios were unrealistic. I couldn’t understand why there was not a more detailed relationship between Cephas and Zoey, given that after only two seemingly minor encounters, upon his passing he leaves her with a bag of gold. At the end I felt as if I was left hanging, but maybe the author is leading into the next book in this series. The book gave me the feeling of being geared more toward a pre-teen/teen audience. Quick read for travel or a day at the beach.
August 27, 2014
This is the last of a 5 book series. This is my first time reading anything from Beverly Jenkins, and I will certainly read more. The books were light and filled with laughter, suspense, and some tears of laughter and some of pain. I feel like I should have a personal relationship with the characters because I know their stories so well. Bernadine Brown would be the type of person I want to have in my life for a long time. Although her money brought her to Henry Adams, her big heart and overwhelming kindness kept her and many others there...great story line...highly recommended!
March 26, 2015
I love reading about Henry Adams, Kansas. It's too cold there but reading about Henry Adams is like catching up with long lost family. Those children are growing older and well mannered. Even though it is a fictional story it takes your mind away to another place and time. Bernadine Brown does good every where she goes and including towards her own family. I'm still trying to figure out which rocker group is indeed Cass Sullivan and her family in Irish. Imagine that Zoey Raymond Garland is part Irish good for her. Great story line, can't wait to see a continuation.
November 28, 2014
Book club selection.
A cute story mixed with just enough drama and humor with a tad bit of romance. It's not (really) preachy, but it does make you think about your own life and relationships.
I didn't not read the book in the series before this, but I don't think it was a huge deal. There were references to events in the previous book, but there was also enough explanation that I wasn't confused.
A nice easy read that I would recommend along with the other books in this series.
A cute story mixed with just enough drama and humor with a tad bit of romance. It's not (really) preachy, but it does make you think about your own life and relationships.
I didn't not read the book in the series before this, but I don't think it was a huge deal. There were references to events in the previous book, but there was also enough explanation that I wasn't confused.
A nice easy read that I would recommend along with the other books in this series.
May 18, 2015
I loved this book as much as I've loved all the rest of the Blessings novels. Unlike many sequels that are the 4th or 5th in the series that get rather mundane and repetitive, this was like visiting with friends you haven't see in a while--it felt good!
September 13, 2016
Heart of Gold is a fun, easy, feel good story. Its definitely over the top with the blessings some of the characters receive to make up for the hardships they endure. So it is realistic? No. It is entertaining? Definitely. I would definitely move to Henry Adams.
September 10, 2015
This one was the best so far. I could not put it down, I read it in one sitting. It had me laughing, crying and crying laughing. I hope Ms. B continues with this series. I look forward to the next one.
May 6, 2014
I love this town and the continuing story of its struggles and triumphs. Jenkins' characters are sharp, witty, and always surprising.
May 11, 2015
Excellent Read! What can I say. I enjoyed everything Ms. Jenkins write. This story is as entertaining as all of the stories that takes place in Henry Adams. Loved it!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 146 reviews