Thankful

by Tina Martin

Brixton (Brix) and Cynnamon (Cyn) appeared to have the perfect life. They lived in the prestigious town of Christenbury Hills, a place where black businesses and black love flourish. But after four years of marriage, Cynnamon walked away, claiming Brix was more committed to his job than to her.

Now, Brixton is determined to win her back. Since he never told his parents about their eleven-month separation, he convinces Cynnamon to pretend they're still together during their upcoming visit. Secretly, he hopes the charade will rekindle the love they once shared.

Will his plan be enough to bring them back together?

159 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 25, 2025

About the author

TINA MARTIN is a talented, romantic suspense fiction writer and the author of over 95 titles. She enjoys Hallmark movies, running and traveling. (PLEASE NOTE: There are multiple authors with this name on Goodreads. If you're following me, look for my logo!)

Amazon: amazon.com/author/tinamartin
Instagram: instagram.com/tinamartinauthor
Facebook: facebook.com/tinamartinauthor

Her books are listed below:

An Unlikely Love Series
When I Needed You
When You Needed Me
Flicker: An Ahmalee + Cain Update
-
Back to Love Series
Marriage Quarrel in Quarantine
Countdown to You
Offsides: A Superbowl Party Romance
Crushed
-
A St. Claire Novel Series:
Royal
Ramsey
Romulus
Regal
Magnus
Honeymoon With A St. Claire
Major
Zander
Zavier
-
St. Claire Life Series
Honeymoon With A St. Claire
Just Being Us (Prequel to Zander)
Keep That Same Energy (Zander & Alyssa Update
-
St. Claire Women Series
Gemma
-
Season of Love Novelettes:
Hot Chocolate
Spring Break
-
The Marriage Chronicles:
Life's A Beach
Falling Out
War Then Love
-
The Boardwalk Bakery Romance:
Baked With Love
Baked With Love 2
Baked With Love 3
-
A Lennox in Love Series:
Claiming You
Making You My Business
Wishing That I Was Yours
Caught in the Storm with a Lennox
Before You Say I Do
Winter Wonder
Winter Wedding
The Weekend
-
The Love of Elias Series:
Been In Love With You
When Hearts Cry
You Belong To Me
When I Call You Mine
Who Do You Love
Forever Mine
-
The Blackstone Family Series:
Evenings With Bryson
Leaving Barringer
Forever Us
The Things Everson Lost
Candy's Corporate Crush
-
The Champion Brothers Series:
His Paradise Wife
When A Champion Wants You
The Best Thing He Never Knew He Needed
Wives And Champions
The Way Champions Love
His By Spring (A Champion Sister Novel)
A Champion's Proposal
The Convenient Husband
At The Right Time
-
The Alexander Series:
The Millionaire's Arranged Marriage
Watch Me Take Your Girl
Her Premarital Ex
The Object of His Obsession
Dilvan's Redemption
His Charity Challenge
Different Tastes
As Long As We Got Love
-
The Accidental Series:
Accidental Deception
Accidental Heartbreak
Accidental Lovers
Accidental Vows
-
The Dying to Love Her Series:
Dying To Love Her
Dying To Love Her 2
Dying To Love Her 3
-
The Dare and Deja Chronicles
Reception Romance
Long Distance Troubles
Back to the Valley
Into Forever
-
Standalone Titles:
Secrets On Lake Drive
Can't Just Be His Friend
The Baby Daddy Interviews
Just Like New to the Next Man
Falling Again
The Crush
Vacation Interrupted
Wasn't Supposed to Love Her
What Wifey Wants
Man of Her Dreams
Bae Watch
How To Love Me
Weekend Fiance: A Jared and KeShana InstaLove Story
For Ruby: A Micah & Georgiana Short Story
Snowed in at Shenandoah Valley

Reviews

['The Book Queen' · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so thankful

A marriage and relationship in the midst of a disaster was rescued from the brink, all because the love was still there. It was just hidden by too much work and not enough play time. Moms and Dads who live to micromanage their grown children's relationship is a definitive course for the couple. Pretending all was well to please the same parents... Well, you will have to see.

[KarynReads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very nice. Brixton said gimme my wife! Lol Sometimes it takes walking away to understand what you truly had/have.

At first I was team “leave this man”! He was not fully understanding where Cynnamon was coming from. Who wants to get married and then live alone. I dont care how much money you make. Thats a pointless marriage.

Pleasing his parents was his number one priority. Huge red flag. Im glad Cyn stood up for herself.

[Cherie l brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brixton was simply too much. He was almost a narcissist. Despite Cyn being 10 years younger than he, she didn’t just take his stuff bec he was a successful and wealthy doctor. She had expectations and when it was determined that Brix would keep letting her down, she changed the dynamics-even though she still loved him. So many lines had me laughing at the characters..they were a cut up.

[KayReads__ · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked this story a lot! I love a good marriage in distress trope. I will say though Brix was way too much of a people pleaser and was at it big time when it came to his mom and his dad felt like a follower until Brix snapped. Cyn stood her ground, and I could respect that big time. I'm ready to read more about the rest of the community!

[LaShon Hawkes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another Amazing story!!!

Hats off to Tina Martin! Story was so heartwarming, I felt what Cyn was going through. Brix was charming and sweet but I couldn’t wait to see how he was going to handle the situation. I can’t wait to continue the series!

[Allison Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Way too short

Tina Martin never disappoints. I loved Brix and Cyn, just needed some more pages. But the story was great. I appreciated the message of cherishing those you love and putting them first.

[Ava Smith-forrest · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thankful

Brixton La Salle and Cynnamon communication problems she talked he listened but he didn't really hear her until she left him and he finally became a man and not his mothers little boy.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thankful

I Love Everything About This Book Love Is A Powerful And Beautiful This Is A Must Read Book. Tina Martin Did A Beautiful Job On This ❤️❤️

[Gia Cook · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thankful (Christenbury Hills)

Ms. Tina Martin keeps the awesome romance coming. Brixton and Cynnamon have a thoughtful and helpful story. Thanks for the fun and happiness.

[Tyra A]

Heartfelt

An excellent short read that completely stole my heart. I truly loved this beautiful love story. It left me smiling long after I finished.

[NubianJoí · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rescue Mission

Darn it 🤦🏾‍♀️, I just realized I never submitted my official review for the book “Thankful”. Unfortunately, one month later the characters nor the storyline generate any particular redeeming thoughts from this literary experience. …However, I think my apprehension was related to character continuity⁉️ Hmmm 🧐, there’s a few vague recollections regarding Brixton’s family ties (or the lack thereof) to the Lennox family from the same town. Nevertheless, “Thankful (Christenbury Hills) - Book 1 of ?” was a good read (4.25⭐’s) which I extracted from my literary notes as “project rescue mission. 🤷🏾‍♀️‼️