Calling All Blessings: A Blessings Novel

Blessings #12

by Beverly Jenkins

NAACP nominee and USA Today bestselling author Beverly Jenkins celebrates her beloved Blessings series with a heartwarming novel set in Henry Adams, Kansas.

“If you haven’t yet gotten your hands on [this] author’s work, you should do so immediately.”—Shondaland

Tamar July, town matriarch of Henry Adams, KS, is being haunted by dreams of her humiliating wedding day, sixty years ago, when she discovered her intended, Joel Newton, was already married. The truth left her furious, heartbroken, and carrying a child, her son Malachi “Mal” July. Why are these dreams coming to her now? And is the great horned owl perched on her backyard shed somehow connected? When Joel’s legitimate son comes to Henry Adams wanting to meet his half-brother, Mal, Tamar must deal with her past, her anger, and explore what it means to truly forgive.

Tamar isn’t the only one being tested. Teenager Devon July wants to be anyone but himself. When he first arrived in Henry Adams, as an eight-year-old foster child, he wanted to be a preacher. Then, to be like his adopted brother, Amari. Now, he’s decided to be a variant of James Brown—wig included—rather than who he really is, a boy who lost his beloved grandmother and is the son of a mentally challenged woman. Will Tamar be able to guide his spirit quest and place him on the road to finally being at peace within himself?

As the big August 1st celebration nears, town owner Bernadine Brown has a lot on her plate, chief among them, what to do with former mayor Riley Curry’s monstrous tribute to his hog Cletus. There are no secrets in Henry Adams, but there’s never a dull moment either.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Womens Fiction, Drama, Fiction

Audible Audio

Published October 28, 2025

About the author

Beverly 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. 

Reviews

[AshleeInPages · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advanced copy. As always, Mrs. Jenkins did not miss with the 12th book in The Blessings series. She weaves in multiple elements that make this a fantastic read, love, forgiveness, family, new beginnings, friendship as well as a little comedy and tension. While there are many characters in this book, I really enjoyed seeing the character growth of Devon. He has been a pain in the whole series but finally readers were shown his growth and maturity through navigating his accountability in ruining friendships with his crew. The town matriarch, who always has a major role in this series, took a different journey in this story with coming to terms with her past and how it has impacted her relationship with her only child. Her redemption arc was a meaningful addition to her story that showed humility and gave her character more depth. Every characters story had closure from what may have been left open ended in previous books and concluded on a positive note.

As someone who enjoys getting lost in a book series, I often recommend this series to people. If you are looking for a wholesome book series that highlights the love of family, new beginnings, friendship and love then this is the book for you.

[Tanisha · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5
I'm going to miss this series!!!

[Ladiami · Rating 5 out of 5]

Returning to Henry Adams felt like coming home. I was so excited to reconnect with the town and its beloved residents, and this installment did not disappoint. Watching Devon’s continued growth was a highlight—his struggle with identity was deeply moving, and I loved how Tamar gently but powerfully helped him along his journey. Speaking of Tamar, seeing her vulnerable side was both heartbreaking and beautiful. Her emotional reckoning with the past gave the story such depth and heart.

Ellis, the newest addition to town, brings an intriguing energy, and I can't wait to see how he settles in. And of course, Riley was up to his usual antics—no Henry Adams story would be complete without his chaos! This book had everything: laughter, joy, healing, and a few tearful moments too. Fingers crossed we get to spend more time with the unforgettable residents of Henry Adams soon.

Thanks Netgalley and Avon and Harper Voyager | Avon for the ARC and opportunity to provide an honest review.

[January · Rating 5 out of 5]

Calling All Blessings by Beverly Jenkins (2025)
Blessings #12
8h 52m narrated by Kim Staunton, 288 pages

Genre: African-American Fiction, Contemporary Fiction

Featuring: Small-Town near Franklin, Kansas; Watching Over From Heaven, Multiple POVs, Historical Black Town, Weddings, Adoption, January, Drama, Family Dynamics, Long Chapters, Children's Woes, Economic Growth, Newcomers, Self-Actualization, Profanity, Sexual Innuendos, Pastor/Therapist, It Takes A Village, Tidbits From Previous Books, Restaurant, Birth Mothers, Church Folks, Secrets, Grandparents, Letter From Author

Rating as a movie: R for adult content

Songs for the soundtrack: "I Can't Drive 55" by Sammy Hagar, "Misty" by Sarah Vaughan, "I Got You (I Feel Good)" by James Brown, "Reunited" by Peaches & Herb, "Mean" by Taylor Swift, "Fast Car" by Tracy Chapman, "Come See About Me" by The Supremes, "drivers license" by Olivia Rodrigo, "Ain’t Nothing Like the Real Thing" by Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell, "Mom" by Meghan Trainor, "Golden Time of Day" by Frankie Beverly and Maze, "Baby Come to Me" by Regina Belle, "Home on the Range" by Daniel E. Kelley and Brewster M. Higley, "Don't Cry for Me Argentina" by Julie Covington, "As" by Stevie Wonder, "Treasure" by Bruno Mars, "Lift Every Voice and Sing" by J. Rosamond Johnson and James Weldon Johnson, "Sir Duke" by Stevie Wonder, "Stomp" by God's Property featuring Salt and Kirk Franklin

Books mentioned: The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl, Wreck-It Ralph by Phil Johnston and Jennifer Lee, Black Panther by Ryan Coogler and Joe Robert Cole [based on] Black Panther by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, The Lion King by Irene Mecchi, Jonathan Roberts, and Linda Woolverton, Enter the Dragon by Michael Allin, Porgy and Bess by N. Richard Nash [based on] Porgy and Bess by DuBose Heyward, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum, Bury Me in a Free Land by Frances Ellen Watkins Harper, Jurassic Park by Michael Crichton and David Koepp [based on] Jurassic Park by Michael Crichton

My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️½🌈🏢

My thoughts: 📱15% 1:20:39 Chapter 4 - I love it! The characters in heaven are so cute. I hope this doesn't mean they are calling one of the elderly residents home.
📱66% 5:52:45 Chapter 10 - I don't remember this much profanity in the previous books, but it has been 21 months since I read Book 11, so who knows.

This story was very good, but it didn't have a lot of substance. I enjoyed the heavenly characters tie in but it didn't go far. I appreciated revisiting these characters and community but ultimately this was like a collage episode. If there are more books in the future, I hope they have a more focused plot, and less cussing from kids.

Recommend to others: Yes, especially for the nostalgia if you loved the series.

Blessings
1. Bring on the Blessings (2009)
2. A Second Helping (2009)
3. Something Old, Something New (2011)
4. A Wish and a Prayer (2012)
4.5. Crystal Clear (2017)
5. Heart of Gold (2014)
6. For Your Love (2015)
7. Stepping to a New Day (2016)
8. Chasing Down a Dream (2017)
9. Second Time Sweeter (2018)
10. On the Corner of Hope and Main (2020)
11. A Christmas to Remember (2023)
12. Calling All Blessings (2025)

[Bryan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Im going to miss my ppl. 😭😭😭😭

[Sarahjini Nunn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first Beverly Jenkins novel and I truly enjoyed. Although it is 12th in the series, I didn’t realize it until I was finished. As such, it was great as a stand alone novel as well. I’m sure that I would’ve got more character history had I read the first 11 installments, but I didn’t feel like I missed anything!

This book was cheerful yet sometimes tense read that was infused with lots of humor. I adore the writing style of the author. It was very easy to read and follow and held my attention throughout the book. The characters felt so real to me and I was rooting for them flaws and all. I also enjoyed the theme of the book. It was full of hope, inspiration, and most importantly, forgiveness.

I would certainly recommend this book for a quick, easy abd inspirational read!

[EuroHackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a digital edition of uncorrected proofs courtesy of the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

The final entry into this author's beloved Blessings series, I knew going in that it would likely be both wonderful and a bit sad, and Ms Bev does not disappoint. The town of Henry Adams is growing, whether town owner Bernadine Brown likes it or not, and that's not the only thing changing in her life: her daughter Crystal is spreading her wings as well. Elsewhere, Reverend Paula gets married, Tina's B&B is ready to open, and the Three Spinsters fine dining restaurant is unveiled to the world. Over at the Marie Jefferson Academy, the principal decides to move to a no-homework policy, which delights the kids but ruffles a few parents' feathers.

The two main storylines in the novel revolve around town matriarch Tamar, who is nearing the end of her life and finds herself facing some unwelcome truths. We learn what really happened on her wedding day all those years ago, and how the reverberations have rippled down through the generations - both for good, and for bad. And Devon July, desperate to believe he is the anointed one his grandmother proclaimed him to be as a child, learns the hard way that pride goeth before the fall. He makes some spectacularly bad choices and has to do a lot of hard work to make things right again. These stories intertwine because Devon wants to go on the Spirit Quest that Tamar promised him, and she's not so sure he's mature enough to handle it yet.

It's always a little sad when a beloved series comes to an end, especially one that's about an entire community of people. Almost everyone makes at least a cameo appearance here (including Riley and Cletus the pig), and perhaps what's great about this book is that it doesn't feel like the end. It's just another episode in the lives of our beloved Henry Adams townfolk, and the door is left ajar, both for the possibility of a revisit at some point (maybe some novellas or short stories?), and in such a way that it makes me, at least, want to turn right around and begin the series all over again.

Ms Bev even throws in some mentions of historical Henry Adams, mentioning her heroines and heroes from Night Song, Something Like Love, and Wild Sweet Love. It was an absolute honor to have the chance to read this before publication, and I can't wait to buy a copy to complete my collection.

[Cayla · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mrs. Beverly Jenkins never leads me astray!

Calling All Blessings feels like a return "home", a safe place where the past and the present shape the future, literally. Without giving away too much of the plot, having ancestors who love, protect, and guide our steps is comforting, and I hope and believe mine are doing the same… even when I take one left turn too many. Much like the protagonists in this story, there is so much to learn from those who came before us and those who will come after. I try to remember to listen when I sit on the porch in a rocking chair, talking to my great-aunties, just as much as I listen to my nieces and nephews on FaceTime.

This story reminds us of the importance of family and that family doesn’t necessarily mean those who are blood-related. Family consists of the people we choose to love, protect, and care for… the people we get to do life with. I am grateful for this reminder and for this hug in a book: a much-needed comfort read with a satisfying ending.

Thank you to the wonderful Mrs. Beverly Jenkins, Avon & Harper Voyager, and NetGalley for allowing me to take a trip to Henry Adams once more.

[Octavia · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Town is called, Henry Adams and it's right in the Midst of Kansas...

I'm twelve wonderful Installments. Beverly Jenkins has penned an Extraordinary series with this 'Blessing' series. Henry Adams began as an all-Black Historic struggling town founded by freed slaves that is brought "back to life" by Bernadine Brown, a wealthy divorcee.

This series has been such a pleasure reading about the characters' personal journeys, the Rebirth of the Town, the plots and twists, and the Community Love.

I was so ready to move to Henry Adams after completing Book #1. O.M.G!! 😊🥰🩷✨️ It even took me some days to compose myself enough to write this review with knowing this is the Final Blessing series review. Awwww. But, I have just ADORED Everything about each one of these novels through the years. Thank you, Ms. Beverly Jenkins!! 💜🩵✨️

* A Cherished Treasure 💫

[Marilyn Diamond · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tamar never fails to keep me entertained us. Fast paced, realistic and small town vibes. Congratulations Mal and Bernadine.

[LiteraryMarie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Calling All Blessings is the 12th book in the Blessings series by Beverly Jenkins. The matriarch of Henry Adams, Tamar July, has a recurring dream of her humiliating wedding day, sixty years ago. Why does she keep having this dream and what does it mean today? She is forced to confront the past. Meanwhile, another resident is having trouble too. Devon has been a trip since he showed up in Henry Adams as an 8-year-old preacher. Now he is a teenage James Brown wannabe, wig and all! Tamar takes Devon on a spirit quest to help them both find peace within themselves.

Oh, the growth of Devon July! He was one of those characters I rolled my eyes at while reading his scenes. I surprisingly enjoyed that this 12th installment focused on his journey and found myself empathizing with him. What a redemption arc! It was a bonus that this book equally focused on Tamar, as she is an honorary Great Aunt in my head. And as usual, there is a lesson to be found within the pages of a Blessings novel. Calling All Blessings teaches forgiveness of others and yourself. Whew—this is literally a WORD!

Ms. Bev never misses. Blessings is one of my favorite series that I look forward to reading every year. It is heartwarming, wholesome and celebrates Black culture. Every single character has an individual story yet it is not confusing or hard to follow. But Calling All Blessings hit a little different. It has a finale vibe as if the series is ending. Every storyline is wrapped up in a neat bow and gives the satisfying feeling of being complete. Well done but selfishly, I am not ready to let this town or its people go!

I recommend Calling All Blessings to anyone looking to read a feel good family story. You will nod in agreement, chuckle at inside jokes, suck your teeth at certain insufferable characters then welcome them into a group hug in your head. Go ahead, brew some sweet tea and read this new release!

Happy Early Pub Day, Beverly Jenkins! Calling All Blessings will be available Tuesday, October 28.

Disclaimer: An advance copy was received directly from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Opinions are my own and would be the same if I spent my hard-earned coins. ~LiteraryMarie

[Darcy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a favorite series of mine and I was sad to hear that this was the last book. There is something so charming about Henry Adams and it's people, I wish it was real and that I could move there to be in on all the fun and chaos.

This book really brought things to a close in a good way. I liked how a couple of the characters realized big things about their lives and are now making changes for things to be better. What is interesting was that it was a kid and an "oldie".

I love the changes that are happening around the town, the new restaurant, the new "big" business and the B&B. All great things. The town seems very purposeful about what they are letting come in, which is good for them all.

I loved how Riley finally seemed to get his and it was done in a way that the whole town could see and get a chuckle out of.

The ending was perfect! Loved the celebration in town and how a new kid was welcomed to a family.

[Maurice Jr. · Rating 5 out of 5]

As Preston, Leah and Crystal all prepare to leave the nest, the other residents face various trials.

Tamar has to deal with dreams of the man she almost married after 60 years- discovering he was already married was bad enough, but his wife (and children) showed up at the ceremony to call him out. Now his son comes to Henry Adams wanting to meet her and Mal, dredging up old resentment. Can she deal with it?

Devon is still struggling with his identity. He wears a James Brown wig all the time because he's not sure who he wants to be- anybody but the child of a mentally impaired woman and the low-down dirty dog who raped her. It takes another beat-down from Zoey to get him thinking about the consequences of being mean-spirited and strong-willed. Can he make amends after alienating his entire friend group and getting kicked out of the band? Will his upcoming Spirit Quest help?

There's new blood in Henry Adams. A data security firm called Dark Horse is accepted to set up shop in Henry Adams. Their COO Felicia Cisneros takes an instant liking to the town- particularly its fire chief Luis Acosta.

Folks Henry Adams wishes would stay away keep coming back.

Bernadine's sister Diane wants to move back in after being laid off.

Riley Curry resurfaces with a huge monument to his now deceased hog Cletus and no permission to put it in the middle of town. He also has a new hog (Cletus' grandson), but he might not have acquired him honestly. With more than one warrant out for his arrest, who will bring Riley down first?

And one Myra Keene won't stop complaining about the school: to her, Jack James is a bad teacher who should be fired and Lily is a bad mom for not helping out around the school.

Tamar loses an old friend, has a visit from a great horned owl that she sees as a spirit guide and has a health challenge. Can she let go of her anger towards Joel Newton for betraying her and leaving her pregnant with Mal all those years ago?

All this and there's an August First Parade to plan. Never a dull moment in Henry Adams- can't wait for the next visit.

[Robin Pendleton · Rating 5 out of 5]

In “Calling All Blessings” by Beverly Jenkins, the fictional town of Henry Adams, Kansas is still abuzz with all that makes it a welcoming and thriving community. Three whimsical spinsters oversee the comings and goings from heaven. Their eternal friendship and fleeting squabbles introduce the blessings, lessons, and shenanigans of their beloved town. It’s their choice to commence this twelfth book in the Blessings series with Tamar July, the matriarch of Henry Adams.

Sixty years ago, Tamar July was devastated when her wedding was stopped by her two-timing husband-to-be’s wife. The humiliation and shame seared a part of her heart closed, even to the son she would bear months later. As the matriarch of Henry Adams, Tamar was revered, respected, and loved. She was also feared by those who didn’t understand her homage to the spirits of the Ancestors. Her towering presence, independence, and wise counsel for others, served as a weighted blanket for her own repressed trauma.

Besides Tamar, “Calling All Blessings” highlighted 13-year-old Devon. Admittedly, his character gave me the most angst. He was entitled, selfish, and annoying. Devon teetered on crossing the limits of grace extended to him by the community, his adopted family, and his friends. His coming-of-age quest with Tamar couldn’t come soon enough.

Henry Adams was a place where segregation was once seated, but over time, racial harmony took a stand. It was a place where women could be mayor, town owner, pastor, and so much more. Heny Adams was a place that embraced change to stay alive.

“Calling All Blessings” was a fascinating potpourri of forgiveness, loss and abundance, trials and triumphs, romance, love, faith, and dreams.

Thank you, HarperCollins Publishing for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

[ActingBrandNew_andReading · Rating 5 out of 5]

The final book to best selling author, Beverly Jenkins Bring on The Blessings series. Calling all Blessings concludes the aftermath of the historic all Black town of Henry Adams, Kansas. We are introduced to Henry Adams, Kansas in Night Song, Jenkins’s first debut historical romance novel. In book 1 of The Blessings Series, Bring on The Blessings, readers learn that the historic Black town is broke, and needs a buyer. Then we meet Bernadine who buys the town and helps save it. Each Blessings book not only builds on the previous one, but follows a new venture for the town and its inhabitants.
Calling all Blessings is a cozy small town contemporary romance novel.
What I enjoyed.
As one of her historical romance fan’s, I really enjoyed the mention of family past. Talking about Olivia and Neil July.
We get the point of view from the Spinsters from Night Song. As they watch over their town, and the new restaurant being erected in their namesake “The Spinsters”. Henry Adams as a town is advancing to its next level, and Town second in command, Bernadine and her right hand Lilly are at the helm. They are meeting with a team called “Dark Horse” to look for more investors for their town.
Tamar July is our standout main character. As she is about to turn 100. Tamar is the descendant of Olivia & Neil July from Something Like Love. We are privy to Tamar’s vivid reoccurring dream that replays her awful wedding day. Each time is something different.

Significant spoiler
Tamar has an accident. And sees Teresa July on the ancestral plane. I almost cried.

This book is perfect for contemporary women’s fiction readers. I do hope people enjoy.

[Alice · Rating 5 out of 5]

And what great blessings they all are!

Where does one start with such a loving and historical return to our beloved Henry Adams Kansas? Initially, I was captured by Devon's continued hubris. A hubris that was really just masking his quest to know himself and hide the lingering fears he held. I was crying crocodile tears when I thought we would lose our beloved matriarch. The town is growing and bustling, new challenges are being faced and surmounted, new people and new enterprises are becoming part of Henry Adams and I am looking forward to many more great blessings novels to capture the budding romances on the horizon known and unknown, a home coming of our children who are now adults spreading their wings, and just to keep us connected to all of the love and growth pouring out of and into that precious little Black town in the plains of Kansas called Henry Adams or as recently deceased county resident James Reddings , Jr called it "Hankville". He and his wisdom too will be sorely missed. In the next novel, can you spend a bit more time on the union of our new chef and beloved Spiritual leader? Honestly, Ms. B, there are enough sub stories in this novel for at least twelve or more blessings novels. What say ye Ms. B? I thoroughly enjoyed " Calling All Blessings" and the commentary by the heavenly three Spinsters was an excellent addition to this story. Lord, let me stop because I can go on and on citing the praises for this latest Blessings story. Well done Ms. B, very well done indeed.

[Robin Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am so sad to see this lovely series come to an end. If you’re not familiar with it, Bernadine Brown owns the town and it’s a very unique place. When she first bought the town, she brought in some foster children who have grown with the series. It’s a good place to live, particularly if you have lost your way. Tamar, the town matriarch, has been having odd dreams about her failed wedding day, many decades ago. She is still holding a grudge with her former fiancé, who is the father of her son, Mal. They never knew that he was married and had a son. When he comes to Henry Adams to search for his brother Mal, it forces Tamara to confront her feelings that she has never dealt with. The town is growing and improving thanks to Bernadette’s leadership. Her foster daughter Crystal is now grown and leaving town for new opportunities. As the other foster children have now found their way, Devon is still having a hard time. He does try, but none of his efforts seem to be working out the way he hopes. Through the guidance of Tamar and many others he does begin to understand his mistakes. Meanwhile, the town is preparing for the August First celebration and the unexpected return of former mayor Riley and the disaster of a statue of his beloved pig Cletus. They are also preparing for the opening of the Three Spinsters restaurant and the new B&B. This book has drama, love, faith, comedy and many other emotions that lead to a beautiful and fitting conclusion.

[MK · Rating 4 out of 5]

So sorry to be seeing the end of this series. I've loved hanging with the people of Henry Adams. This book aims to tie up loose ends. Like all the books in this series, there's a new romance but it sadly takes a seat to other things going on. We only see the initial meeting and other references later but we never get the perspective of either person in the couple. Instead, we see through three people: Devon - the obnoxious child who has been putting on identities, Bernadine - the owner of the town who has been "turning the world" and is looking to secure the town's future, and the matriarch Tamar - still formidable but who needs to face up to what the past has done to her.

All of these are settled satisfactorily. In Tamar's past, we discover that racial separation cost her a grand love, and we discovered why she was so mad at her brother in earlier books. Devon blows up his closest friendship in a spectacular fashion and has to face his insensitivity and discover who he truly is. Bernadine gets to see new businesses open and see her husband Mal discover new family ties. (I truly love how we get to see a loving marriage where they don't live together!) We also get the marriage of the couple from a previous book, which happens when they are abroad. And we get confirmation of the love of Riley's life was in fact his hog Cletus and his storyline gets wrapped up in a just deserts fashion.

We end up leaving Henry Adams seeing all the waifs whose arrival kicks off this series going off into confident futures and a town that is supportive and thriving. And isn't this what we wish all communities could be?

[Jenny K (On partial break) · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really wanted to like this, but it wasn't the right book for me.

I can't really give a plot summary, because there wasn't much of a plot. It's centered around the town of Henry Adams and the matriarch, Tamar July. It starts out with her wedding many years ago that gets crashed by the groom's apparent wife and kids, and Tamar is still having nightmares about it in her nineties.

Lots of things are happening in Henry Adams. Tamar's grandson Devon is having a hard time socially, some women are planning to build a new office in the neighborhood, and there are various political and social happenings.

I was confused a lot of the time with all of the different people and didn't see any coherent plot. I also didn't really get why some characters did certain things that didn't make much sense to me, and the Devon arc was very childlike for an adult book.

Chapters were sprinkled with some talking spinsters in heaven? I have no idea what this added to the book.

That said, the writing was good and Tamar was a strong character.

It does seem to me that if you have read the previous books in this series, you will "get" this more. I think there's some thread about foster kids.

Thank you to NetGalley, Avon, and Beverly Jenkins for the opportunity to review an advanced copy.

[Kathryn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Town matriarch Tamar is being haunted by dreams of her disastrous wedding sixty years ago. She must face her past when her almost husband’s son comes to town the meeter her son, his half brother. Teenage Devon July is also on a journey of figuring out who he wants to be. As a young child he wanted to be a preacher, but his new love is music, Though both personas are really a cover for the hurt he feels after loss and not knowing is place in the world.

This is the final installment of the Blessings series. I have read one or two of the books in the past and while they can be read on their own, there is so much overlap in characters that I do recommend reading the series in order to get the full effect. Ms. Bev’s books have always and continue to be a cut above the rest. They are effortless to read even when switching between plots and characters. The book is unapologetically Black and deeply rooted in history, without feeling overwhelming or exclusionary. I will always be on the lookout for new books by Ms. Bev.

Thank you to NetGalley and Avon for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Arlena · Rating 4 out of 5]

Title: Calling All Blessings
Author: Beverly Jenkins
Publisher: Avon and Harper Voyager | Avon
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Four
Review: "Calling All Blessings" by Beverly Jenkins
My Insight:

"Calling All Blessings" is a truly enchanting and heartwarming tale that lingers in your mind long after you've turned the final page. As the concluding installment of Beverly Jenkins' beloved Blessings series, it beautifully encapsulates the essence of love and resilience. The characters, particularly Tamar and Devon, embark on a profound journey of growth that unfolds seamlessly throughout the narrative.

Watching the blossoming connections within this family and witnessing their genuine expressions of friendship, humor, hope, and love is a captivating experience. This story is not just well-crafted; it is a powerful and inspirational read that resonates deeply. It is a celebration of life and the enduring bonds that shape us, making it a truly unforgettable read.

Thanks to NetGalley, Avon, and Harper Voyager for the ARC!

[Ade · Rating 4 out of 5]

This soap opera-like book had a whole lot going on with it. Starting off with some drama at a wedding when the groom was discovered to be already married. It then vied off to happenings in Henry Adams town with a group of teenagers and their amateur band.

At the beginning, there were so many names and relationships to keep up with. It was hard but after realising this is the 12th book in the series, it explained some of my confusion.

As with all small towns, there is an unending supply and cycle of drama, which made for an interesting time and experience.

I enjoyed both Tamar and Devon’s stories as some background was provided. There were multiple themes swirling throughout the book- family, forgiveness, love, friendship and humour.

Despite my initial confusion, I found the author’s writing easy to follow and immersive. There were some funny moments but I found the book to be a lesson in character development, kindness, compassion, courage and acceptance.

[Christina Egan · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book about the residents of Henry Adams focuses on the matriarch of the town, Tamar July and her relationships with several me,ears of her family and citizens of the town. This was a sweet summer read however since this is my first reading of this series, it took me a while to understand who all of the characters of the town were and their relationship to Tamar. I wish I would have read several of the authors previous book in the series, it would have helped me get oriented. There are a lot of characters mentioned in this book that aren’t germane to the storyline. Once I got into the story I did enjoy it and was sad when I learned that this is the last book in this series. At the end of the book I was definitely interested in learning more about these characters! Hopefully there will be additions to this series!
Thanks to NetGalley and Avon Books for the gifted copy of this novel.

[Toni · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sad to see it end

The Blessings series has captivated my heart with its compelling narrative and rich character development. Each time I revisit these pages, I discover new layers of depth and emotional resonance that continue to enchant me.

The series finale has left an indelible mark on my emotional landscape, stirring a complex mixture of satisfaction and wistfulness. While I recognize the natural conclusion of any literary journey, a part of me yearns to remain immersed in the world of Henry Adams and its vibrant townspeople.

I extend my deepest gratitude to Miss Bev for crafting such an extraordinary and memorable saga. Her masterful storytelling has brought the community of Henry Adams to life, creating a literary experience that will be treasured for years to come.

[India Jones-Tanner · Rating 3 out of 5]

Tamar has spent years anchored to her past—old wounds, unresolved guilt, and memories she refuses to release. That emotional weight has slowly driven a wedge between her and her son, Malachi, who longs for a "mother". As Malachi grows more distant, Tamar must confront the painful truth that holding on may cost her the one relationship she cannot afford to lose.

Meanwhile, Devon, known for his entitled attitude and reckless behavior, pushes boundaries without considering the consequences. What begins as typical bratty behavior escalates when Devon makes a cruel, impulsive remark that deeply wounds his friend Zoe—an act that cannot be undone and sends shockwaves through their circle. As relationships fracture and truths surface, each character is forced to face the consequences of their choices, revealing how unresolved pain, selfishness, and silence can cause lasting damage.

[Darla · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was very excited when I won an ARC of Calling All Blessings. Unfortunately, I soon felt like I was the new kid in high school and everyone else had grown up together. I was an outsider. I had not read any of the previous Blessing books so I didn’t not know the character’s backgrounds, relationships and inside jokes. Also, there are so many characters, I am not sure how anyone can keep them straight. If you have read the first 11 Blessing books, I am sure you will thoroughly enjoy Calling All Blessings. If you are reading your first one in the middle of the series, be prepared to be lost a majority of the time. Thank you Goodreads and Avon Books for the chance to read Calling All Blessings.

[Brandie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Always a winner. Beverly Jenkins does not disappoint. Calling all blessings opens up with confusion. Unfortunately I had not read the other books in this series.
However, pretty swiftly I caught on to the gist of the story. This story follows Tamara an older woman born in a different time. Ms. Tamara is plagued by past decisions that are followed by unforgettable consequences. It also follows Devin, an orphaned child who struggles with identity.
There is magical realism in this book that harolds as the voice of conscious.While the theme in this book is forgiveness always you to fully accept yourself. I definitely plan on reading the other books.

[Nikita Francois · Rating 4 out of 5]

*ARC Review* This is my first time reading a book by Beverly Jenkins, and I'm so thrilled to be introduced to her writing with this particular story. I enjoyed reading Tamar's journey and came away feeling both inspired and reflective. It did take a little adjustment when reading through the shifts in time and the multiple characters' storylines. I now look forward to diving into the other books in the 'Blessings' series to become better acquainted with the additional characters mentioned throughout. Thank you so much to Avon, Harper Voyager, and NetGalley for having me as an ARC reader. At nearly 300 pages, I finished this book in about 3.5 hours.

[Renee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent ending to the Blessings series. All of the characters carried their familiar theme throughout all of the novels and I appreciated that. I found this story to be more about Tamar and her story was well developed. Tamar always had an edge about her and we finally found out why. It was not what I expected, but the reveal was worth the read. No spoilers here. Our little boy Devon finally grew up and had his quest. There were moments of laughter and tears. I held out hope that there would be one more novel. This ending was worth the wait with this completion of the series. I do suggest that you read the books in order to learn more about the characters. Enjoy.

[Molly Kremer · Rating 1 out of 5]

Having won an ARC copy of this book, I was not at all versed on the city of Henry Adams. There were so many characters to keep track of and in the first couple chapters it seemed like they had mentioned them all already. I had a hard time keeping them straight and if I’d read the first 11 installments, I may have understood more of the nuances the author put in. It was a feel good story about a close knit town and their matriarch Tamar July. I like how the characters supported each other. I didn’t feel like there was much of a plot but I could see how this book would be enjoyable for readers of this series!