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 105 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! Also, I have a printable book list on my website. Use that, my website and my social media to confirm that a book was written by me.)

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

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!

[Jasmine Dennis · Rating 2 out of 5]

rushed ending

Most of the book was catty behavior from the fmc and before anyone says it’s because he worked so much, she was catty from their first meeting when he approached her table. Fmc had a smart mouth and I’m honestly tired of reading books where the black Fmc always has a smart mouth but I figured it’s only 100+ pages, can’t be that bad. Wrong. The cattiness and back and forth went on until page 97 when they finally talked and got back together then the next chapter is the epilogue and it’s over. There wasn’t a balance, wished it was more of them together and less attitude/cattiness from the fmc.

[Shavon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! *Thankful* by Tina Martin was such a good, short read that I finished it in one sitting. I was invested in the characters almost immediately. They were relatable, and the story pulled me in from the beginning. I especially appreciated that the author didn't drag things out unnecessarily. The pacing was just right, and the story was engaging from start to finish. Tina Martin has definitely earned a spot on my list of authors to read more from. I'm looking forward to checking out her other books!

[eryn · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5
Brix had a lot of work and self-reflection to do when it came to his career, marriage, and Cyn. The parents were a lot to handled and needed that reality check but Brix finally got the nerve to say his piece and live his life on his terms. Liked how Cyn stood her ground and wouldn’t accept less than.

[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.

[Lee Holden, E. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read

Great read, I enjoyed the characters and storyline. Brixton was a workaholic, which caused a rift in his marriage to Cynnamon. This is their second chance at forever love. Their journey to reconciliation. Forgiveness and understanding.

[Brina B]

I’m in a novella mood, so down the rabbit hole I go. This was a good one. I enjoy marriage in trouble novellas the most. I’m also gone look into this author’s backlist.

Note: I no longer rate novellas

[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.

[Carolyn Norman · Rating 3 out of 5]

This novella is a story about a man and wife who lose their way in their marriage and how they find their way back to each other.

[Anita · Rating 4.75 out of 5]

Great read about a couple’s non communicating about what both they really need to be happy.

[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. 🤷🏾‍♀️‼️

[crazidoll · Rating 4.5 out of 5]

4.5