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Blessings #8
Chasing Down a Dream
NAACP nominee and USA Today bestselling author Beverly Jenkins continues her beloved Blessings series with a heartwarming novel about what really makes a family.
There’s never a dull day in Henry Adams, Kansas.
Tamar July has never had a great relationship with certain members of her family. In fact, she’d characterize it as a “hate/hate relationship.” But when her cousin calls her with the news that she’s dying and wants Tamar to plan the funeral, she’s shocked but is willing to drop everything for her. After a horrendous storm, Gemma finds a young boy and his little sister walking on the side of the road. She takes them in, and quickly falls in love with the orphaned siblings. But when Gemma contacts Social Services to try to become their foster mother, she’s told a white woman cannot foster African-American children. In the midst of these trials, Jack and Rocky are trying to plan their wedding. The entire town comes together to lend a helping hand.
Though the residents of Henry Adams face seemingly insurmountable obstacles, each of them will discover that family comes in many forms, especially during the most trying of times.
There’s never a dull day in Henry Adams, Kansas.
Tamar July has never had a great relationship with certain members of her family. In fact, she’d characterize it as a “hate/hate relationship.” But when her cousin calls her with the news that she’s dying and wants Tamar to plan the funeral, she’s shocked but is willing to drop everything for her. After a horrendous storm, Gemma finds a young boy and his little sister walking on the side of the road. She takes them in, and quickly falls in love with the orphaned siblings. But when Gemma contacts Social Services to try to become their foster mother, she’s told a white woman cannot foster African-American children. In the midst of these trials, Jack and Rocky are trying to plan their wedding. The entire town comes together to lend a helping hand.
Though the residents of Henry Adams face seemingly insurmountable obstacles, each of them will discover that family comes in many forms, especially during the most trying of times.
338 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 4, 2017
222 people are currently reading
861 people want to read
About the author
Beverly Jenkins
72 books4,875 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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July 9, 2025Another instalment in the wildly compelling soap opera of Henry Adams, this one bringing us new kids and a goodly portion of interpersonal drama even by Henry Adams standards. I'm just click, read, click with this series.
November 15, 2023
Three and a half stars.
I picked this up because I was interested in the story of a white woman trying to foster two black children and the issues associated with that. What I got was so much more as this is book 8 in a series about the town of Henry Adams. Since I had not read the earlier books it took me a little while to sort out all the characters of Henry Adams and their backgrounds. My fault for coming in so late in a series. But I got there and did become interested in the other stories but not as much as that with Gemma, Wyatt, Lucas and Jasmine.
Gemma is the woman who finds the children wandering along the road after a storm. She takes them on. She is a single white mother living with grandson Wyatt in this town with is otherwise a black community. Tamar July is the matriarch of this Kansas town. She has little time for family at times, but is involved and rules over the community. But when her cousin is dying Tamar has to make some hard choices. Rochelle, known as Rocky and Jack are planning a wedding. The town, being what it is, is ready and eager to help. And there is the story of Bernadine who bought the town and helped restore it, and her love interest Mal.
I enjoyed this book but still would have rather stayed with Gemma and the issues with the children rather than be taken elsewhere at times to the other characters and their stories. I suspect those who have ready met the characters and read other books in the series will enjoy it more. The way the books ends seems to suggest there will be more in this series about the town of Henry Adams.
This is my first book by this author and it had a lot to recommend it. I would be keen to read more of this author’s books, hopefully starting a different series at book 1 this time, so I am not playing catch up.
I picked this up because I was interested in the story of a white woman trying to foster two black children and the issues associated with that. What I got was so much more as this is book 8 in a series about the town of Henry Adams. Since I had not read the earlier books it took me a little while to sort out all the characters of Henry Adams and their backgrounds. My fault for coming in so late in a series. But I got there and did become interested in the other stories but not as much as that with Gemma, Wyatt, Lucas and Jasmine.
Gemma is the woman who finds the children wandering along the road after a storm. She takes them on. She is a single white mother living with grandson Wyatt in this town with is otherwise a black community. Tamar July is the matriarch of this Kansas town. She has little time for family at times, but is involved and rules over the community. But when her cousin is dying Tamar has to make some hard choices. Rochelle, known as Rocky and Jack are planning a wedding. The town, being what it is, is ready and eager to help. And there is the story of Bernadine who bought the town and helped restore it, and her love interest Mal.
I enjoyed this book but still would have rather stayed with Gemma and the issues with the children rather than be taken elsewhere at times to the other characters and their stories. I suspect those who have ready met the characters and read other books in the series will enjoy it more. The way the books ends seems to suggest there will be more in this series about the town of Henry Adams.
This is my first book by this author and it had a lot to recommend it. I would be keen to read more of this author’s books, hopefully starting a different series at book 1 this time, so I am not playing catch up.
August 30, 2017
I'm not sure how to summarize this book, since it's the 8th in an-going series ("Blessings"). I grabbed it because I'd been meaning to try a Beverly Jenkins book for a while now, and this was prominently displayed on the New Books shelf during my last library visit. I thought it might be a fun, easy read while I had a cold, and it mostly was, although because of the on-going nature of the stories, it turned out to have a cast of thousands, which made it a little hard for me to keep track of all the characters at first. That did not diminish from the book's pleasures, though, and it stands alone just fine.
The series is set in the fictional town of Henry Adams, Kansas, a historically black town that is currently owned by a wealthy black woman, Bernadine, who bought it off eBay with the proceeds from an ugly divorce. It's written in third person, moving from one character's POV to another's depending on which plot thread is being followed at the moment, but that was really well done, naturally and seamlessly. There was only one spot where I had to double back to figure out whose head I was supposed to be in, and that was more my fault than the author's. This book covered some continuing relationships that clearly have their own previous books, but also introduces Gemma, a white woman raising her grandson, who stumbles on two black orphans and wants to adopt them (foster/adopted children seem to be a huge part of this series).
I really enjoyed this book. It's like a beautiful sunshine-y fairy tale showing how things could be. No one is exempt from troubles or tragedy. But the characters in this book all live together, whatever their skin color or cultural background, as just folks. A few are bad eggs, but for the most part, the story focuses on people wanting to be kind, wanting to open their hearts to one another, wanting to do the right thing. It's not always easy; it can be downright scary. But I like to think kindness is most people's natural impulse. Getting to spend a few days of reading in a place like this book was like being on vacation. Another fairy tale aspect of the plots is that good people generally get rewarded in the end and bad people get what they deserve, so there was a nice sense of cosmic justice even in the face of painful experiences.
I can't give it 5 stars, because (a) the writing is perfectly good, but not outstanding in any way, and (b) if you're looking for a book with a realistic story about adopting children out of the system, this is not quite it. (But if these books inspire people to look into that, more power to them.)
I plan to start this series from the beginning since I enjoyed this one so much.
The series is set in the fictional town of Henry Adams, Kansas, a historically black town that is currently owned by a wealthy black woman, Bernadine, who bought it off eBay with the proceeds from an ugly divorce. It's written in third person, moving from one character's POV to another's depending on which plot thread is being followed at the moment, but that was really well done, naturally and seamlessly. There was only one spot where I had to double back to figure out whose head I was supposed to be in, and that was more my fault than the author's. This book covered some continuing relationships that clearly have their own previous books, but also introduces Gemma, a white woman raising her grandson, who stumbles on two black orphans and wants to adopt them (foster/adopted children seem to be a huge part of this series).
I really enjoyed this book. It's like a beautiful sunshine-y fairy tale showing how things could be. No one is exempt from troubles or tragedy. But the characters in this book all live together, whatever their skin color or cultural background, as just folks. A few are bad eggs, but for the most part, the story focuses on people wanting to be kind, wanting to open their hearts to one another, wanting to do the right thing. It's not always easy; it can be downright scary. But I like to think kindness is most people's natural impulse. Getting to spend a few days of reading in a place like this book was like being on vacation. Another fairy tale aspect of the plots is that good people generally get rewarded in the end and bad people get what they deserve, so there was a nice sense of cosmic justice even in the face of painful experiences.
I can't give it 5 stars, because (a) the writing is perfectly good, but not outstanding in any way, and (b) if you're looking for a book with a realistic story about adopting children out of the system, this is not quite it. (But if these books inspire people to look into that, more power to them.)
I plan to start this series from the beginning since I enjoyed this one so much.
October 19, 2020
This one opened with a bang. It really had me worried, not sure how things could have gone more wrong, but they did start turning out right when Gemma came upon those kids. I loved how Gemma instantly bonded with them, how her heart was so big that she just wanted to wrap them up in hugs and make sure their life would be good from there on. I hated the bump they encountered, but so glad things worked out in the end. I think as much as these kids needed Gemma, she needed them too. That wasn't the only big thing going on in Gemma's life, her work like while a bit rocky there turned out very good, as did the class she took. I'm so glad that Gemma stood up for herself and knew she deserved more.
Mal really disappointed me in this one. At first it was his reaction to Bernadine wanting to help the town along, then it was his action at The Dog, then finally it was his actions at the wedding. I actually found myself cursing out loud at him while listening to the book. Bernadine deserves better and she will find someone who will treat her like she should.
Tamar really took quite the journey in this one. Faced her mortality, faced feeling useless and finally faced a youngster calling her out and putting her in her place, which was a good thing. I have a feeling we might see a bit softer Tamar going forward.
Mal really disappointed me in this one. At first it was his reaction to Bernadine wanting to help the town along, then it was his action at The Dog, then finally it was his actions at the wedding. I actually found myself cursing out loud at him while listening to the book. Bernadine deserves better and she will find someone who will treat her like she should.
Tamar really took quite the journey in this one. Faced her mortality, faced feeling useless and finally faced a youngster calling her out and putting her in her place, which was a good thing. I have a feeling we might see a bit softer Tamar going forward.
May 27, 2017
Another terrific entry in a terrific series! The town of Henry Adams is experiencing some growing pains, and there's some fence painting to do, yet almost everything happens with a lot of love.
Highly recommended!
Highly recommended!
January 10, 2018
I had not read any earlier books in the Blessings series, so if you have you may give this one a better rating. The small Kansas town featured was apparently bought on eBay by the current lady mayor. I don't know any more about that. I think a couple of recap pages before the start would be a good idea as by now the soap opera nature of the series has produced many threads about very many characters.
I enjoyed the lively mix of people both incomers and long residents, kids and adults and social responsibilities. We start as two newcomer children, just adopted, are in a car struck by a tornado. Their guardian is seriously injured and they fear they will be sent back to foster care. This town has a multicultural population and social services are cranky about putting the right kids with the right carers. I liked the tale and would read more of the series but really I'd need to read some of the earlier ones first to figure out who everyone is and what is happening. This is not a standard romance story but does include romantic aspects, like life.
I downloaded an ARC from Fresh Fiction and Net Galley. This is an unbiased review.
I enjoyed the lively mix of people both incomers and long residents, kids and adults and social responsibilities. We start as two newcomer children, just adopted, are in a car struck by a tornado. Their guardian is seriously injured and they fear they will be sent back to foster care. This town has a multicultural population and social services are cranky about putting the right kids with the right carers. I liked the tale and would read more of the series but really I'd need to read some of the earlier ones first to figure out who everyone is and what is happening. This is not a standard romance story but does include romantic aspects, like life.
I downloaded an ARC from Fresh Fiction and Net Galley. This is an unbiased review.
November 18, 2025
I’m so annoyed with OG Mal!? Like why would he do this to my girl Bernadine!!!!!?? She deserves better ughh 🤣 🥲😭
July 6, 2017
Fabulous!!!
The problem with this book is that it ends! Can't wait for the next one. Jenkins addresses every day problems, infuses her stories with Black and Native American history, and wraps it all in a heartwarming story. A very good read.
The problem with this book is that it ends! Can't wait for the next one. Jenkins addresses every day problems, infuses her stories with Black and Native American history, and wraps it all in a heartwarming story. A very good read.
March 22, 2024
Chasing Down a Dream by Beverly Jenkins
Blessings #8
related book Night Song
326-page Paperback story ends on 323
Genre: African-American Fiction, Contemporary Fiction
Featuring: Author's Partial Bibliography, Town Map, Small-Town near Franklin, Kansas, Multiple POVs, Historical Black Town, Foster Care, Adoption, Dreams, Orphans, Summer Break, Sex - Off-Camera, Wedding Planning, Cancer, Empty Nests, Relationships Woes, Self-Actualization, Crime, Drama, Racism, Newcomers Trope, Feuds, Martial Issues, Secrets, Christianity, Bibliographical References, It Takes A Village, Harassment, Birth Parents, Grandparents, Author's Note, Blessings Series Books Advertisements
Rating as a movie: R for adult content
Songs for the soundtrack: "Boneyizm" by Boney James, "Mustang Sally" by Wilson Pickett, "Love Me Tender" by Elvis Presley, "Blue Suede Shoes" by Elvis Presley, "Burning Love" by Elvis Presley, "Let's Fall In Love" by Ella Fitzgerald, "If I Were Your Woman" by Gladys Knight & the Pips, "Hot For Teacher" by Van Halen, "Lift Every Voice And Sing" by James Weldon Johnson, "Use Me" by Bill Withers, "Pretty Little Ditty" by Red Hot Chili Peppers, "Stop on By" by Rufus featuring Chaka Khan, "Wedding March" by Felix Mendelssohn
Books mentioned: American Graffiti by George Lucas, Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix Harry Potter #5
My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️½💭
My thoughts: 📖 Page 80 of 323/326 two pages into Chapter 6 - Ooooh this is going to be good! I'm only pausing because of a phone call followed by dinner time. I will be staying up tonight with this one.
This was almost a 5-star for me but there were too many characters and that Mal storyline was out of left field. So the last quarter killed my vibe but it was still a good story.
Recommend to others: Yes. It's pretty consistent.
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 & Main (2020)
11. A Christmas to Remember (2023)
Blessings #8
related book Night Song
326-page Paperback story ends on 323
Genre: African-American Fiction, Contemporary Fiction
Featuring: Author's Partial Bibliography, Town Map, Small-Town near Franklin, Kansas, Multiple POVs, Historical Black Town, Foster Care, Adoption, Dreams, Orphans, Summer Break, Sex - Off-Camera, Wedding Planning, Cancer, Empty Nests, Relationships Woes, Self-Actualization, Crime, Drama, Racism, Newcomers Trope, Feuds, Martial Issues, Secrets, Christianity, Bibliographical References, It Takes A Village, Harassment, Birth Parents, Grandparents, Author's Note, Blessings Series Books Advertisements
Rating as a movie: R for adult content
Songs for the soundtrack: "Boneyizm" by Boney James, "Mustang Sally" by Wilson Pickett, "Love Me Tender" by Elvis Presley, "Blue Suede Shoes" by Elvis Presley, "Burning Love" by Elvis Presley, "Let's Fall In Love" by Ella Fitzgerald, "If I Were Your Woman" by Gladys Knight & the Pips, "Hot For Teacher" by Van Halen, "Lift Every Voice And Sing" by James Weldon Johnson, "Use Me" by Bill Withers, "Pretty Little Ditty" by Red Hot Chili Peppers, "Stop on By" by Rufus featuring Chaka Khan, "Wedding March" by Felix Mendelssohn
Books mentioned: American Graffiti by George Lucas, Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix Harry Potter #5
My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️½💭
My thoughts: 📖 Page 80 of 323/326 two pages into Chapter 6 - Ooooh this is going to be good! I'm only pausing because of a phone call followed by dinner time. I will be staying up tonight with this one.
This was almost a 5-star for me but there were too many characters and that Mal storyline was out of left field. So the last quarter killed my vibe but it was still a good story.
Recommend to others: Yes. It's pretty consistent.
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 & Main (2020)
11. A Christmas to Remember (2023)
November 28, 2017
I wasn’t sure what to expect reading Chasing Down a Dream, since this is the first book I’ve read by Beverly Jenkins. This is a contemporary story set in a fictional town Henry Adams, Kansas with true to life characters and problems. The story had different themes and filled with action and controversies that were not always easy to overcome. Past mistakes of some characters could never be forgotten by others even after multiple years had passed. A variety of ages, events and societal obstacles along with victories brought this story to life. Lucas and Jasmine Herman, two young African American children, didn’t want to return to foster care but wanted to remain with Gemma Dahl and her grandson, Wyatt. Will they be allowed to stay with Gemma or moved from Henry Adams? How will the residents come together with a wedding, fostering, and changes with businesses? Order a copy of Jenkins’ latest Blessings book to discover another beautiful story.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher as a winner with the giveaway on Goodreads. I wasn't expected to write a positive review, but to share my honest opinion which I have expressed.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher as a winner with the giveaway on Goodreads. I wasn't expected to write a positive review, but to share my honest opinion which I have expressed.
July 6, 2017
The multitude of plot threads that make up this book may be confusing to new readers, but once they realize that the town of Henry Adams rather than a single focal character is the heart of Chasing Down a Dream and all the other books in the series, all will become clear and they will likely fall under the spell Jenkins weaves in this winning series. Fans of the series will delight in catching up with favorite characters. Tamar July is as wise and endearing as ever. Rocky and Jack’s wedding is a highlight, as is Bernadine’s smackdown of one of Jack’s racist relatives. The children are growing, as is the town.
This eighth novel may not be the best in the series, but it is an engaging story nonetheless. And every visit to Henry Adams is a joy. It is a place where the evils of real life may intrude but where power is used benevolently, justice triumphs eventually, penitents are forgiven, and love thy neighbor is not a truism but a way of life in all its New Testament amplitude. I never miss a Blessings book. If you enjoy feel-good reads with a large cast of characters and some lovely romance threads, I recommend this book.
See full review at The Romance Dish:
http://www.theromancedish.com/2017/07...
This eighth novel may not be the best in the series, but it is an engaging story nonetheless. And every visit to Henry Adams is a joy. It is a place where the evils of real life may intrude but where power is used benevolently, justice triumphs eventually, penitents are forgiven, and love thy neighbor is not a truism but a way of life in all its New Testament amplitude. I never miss a Blessings book. If you enjoy feel-good reads with a large cast of characters and some lovely romance threads, I recommend this book.
See full review at The Romance Dish:
http://www.theromancedish.com/2017/07...
July 18, 2017
Beverly Jenkins does it again!! I absolutely love this series! Some classical music and time allowed me to devour this book in 2 days! Who does that :)!! Thank you Ms. Jenkins for not stopping with this series! I cannot wait to read what happens next! Henry Adams is on the grow and I look forward to reading where they go!
January 17, 2018
Another great trip to Henry Adams!
Loved Lucas and Jasmine. Their story really touched my heart; I'm so glad Gemma o p need her heart and home to them. I was hoping LeForge would be good for Gemma, but I'm happy that she found out what the deal was before it was too late.
Mal showed his whole tail in this book. I don't even have words to describe how disappointed I am in him. I hope he gets his mind right as the series continues.
Happy for Rocky and Jack. Excited for Crystal and Kelly and Bobby. Intrigued by Tina wanting to move to Henry Adams and set up shop. Looking forward to the next installment!
Loved Lucas and Jasmine. Their story really touched my heart; I'm so glad Gemma o p need her heart and home to them. I was hoping LeForge would be good for Gemma, but I'm happy that she found out what the deal was before it was too late.
Mal showed his whole tail in this book. I don't even have words to describe how disappointed I am in him. I hope he gets his mind right as the series continues.
Happy for Rocky and Jack. Excited for Crystal and Kelly and Bobby. Intrigued by Tina wanting to move to Henry Adams and set up shop. Looking forward to the next installment!
October 10, 2024
4.5⭐️
This one almost made me cry several times for Lucas and Jaz. Foster care and the system fails more times than you can imagine.
Mal done went and broke my heart. Mama’s not mad, I’m disappointed.
Tamar’s in her 90s and I want her to live forever.
I am enjoying every time I’m able to visit Henry Adams and catch up with old characters and meet new ones as the town grows.
And to Krebs “Girl, 🤬 you.”
This one almost made me cry several times for Lucas and Jaz. Foster care and the system fails more times than you can imagine.
Mal done went and broke my heart. Mama’s not mad, I’m disappointed.
Tamar’s in her 90s and I want her to live forever.
I am enjoying every time I’m able to visit Henry Adams and catch up with old characters and meet new ones as the town grows.
And to Krebs “Girl, 🤬 you.”
September 30, 2020
Well my goodness, this one was full of drama! I want to rush on to the next one but now there’s only two left until 2021. Somebody did say soap opera but have you ever watched the old Andy Griffith show? Anyway, I’m a huge fan and will keep reading about Henry Adams as long as she keeps writing about the residents.
July 5, 2017
Another Great Story
Whenever I read one of the Blessings books it feels like going home again. The family was doing well and thriving in Henry Adams. They're still supporting each other and welcoming new people into the fold. I hate that I read the book so fast but I really wanted to visit home quickly. I'll get the chance next month to visit Nicodemus Kansas for their Reunion the back drop of the series. Thanks Beverly for another wonderful read.
Whenever I read one of the Blessings books it feels like going home again. The family was doing well and thriving in Henry Adams. They're still supporting each other and welcoming new people into the fold. I hate that I read the book so fast but I really wanted to visit home quickly. I'll get the chance next month to visit Nicodemus Kansas for their Reunion the back drop of the series. Thanks Beverly for another wonderful read.
July 5, 2017
This book was soo good. I spent today catching up on what can be considered now old friends. Even though we catch up on some of the old characters in the book we are introduced to two new residents. This books tackles so many different issues and some of the scenes are true tear jerkers. I loved this book. I can't wait till we get to book number 9.
August 4, 2017
What a wonderful book! I love the quaint community and its people! Already eagerly awaiting the next book (and there HAS to be a next book!).
July 29, 2018
****** 3.5 stars ******
March 19, 2022
TW: abuse
This book was just ok. It was actually my least favorite book in the series. I'll definitely continue to read the Blessings Series
This book was just ok. It was actually my least favorite book in the series. I'll definitely continue to read the Blessings Series
April 11, 2022
You can always count on Ms Tamar to handle business.....Love love love Ms Gemma and those sweet kids of hers .....Nothing but LOVE!!!
July 5, 2017
Try as I might I could not get into this book. I couldn't find a connection with the people in this story. I forced myself to read halfway through and just had to stop. Not my cup of tea but it might be for you. I received this from LibraryThing Early review for an honest review.
July 5, 2017
Amazing
This poignant story is heart wrenching. It will have you crying,screaming and celebrating. The characters walk into your heart and never leave. The information based on facts allows you to enjoy the escape as well as educate you. I love the Blessing Series. IJS
This poignant story is heart wrenching. It will have you crying,screaming and celebrating. The characters walk into your heart and never leave. The information based on facts allows you to enjoy the escape as well as educate you. I love the Blessing Series. IJS
July 7, 2017
Love
I really enjoy the visits to Henry Adams. When ever I finish a book, I get sad because I never want them to end. Thanks for another great book!
I really enjoy the visits to Henry Adams. When ever I finish a book, I get sad because I never want them to end. Thanks for another great book!
July 4, 2017
Another roller coaster ride to the Town of Henry Adams. I love it
April 6, 2021
One more time
Beverly Jenkins has shown to me why she is reigns top in romance. I really like this series and highly recommend it. I did get some in audible and a couple the reader needs to work on her Male voices. However, it didn't take away from the story.
Beverly Jenkins has shown to me why she is reigns top in romance. I really like this series and highly recommend it. I did get some in audible and a couple the reader needs to work on her Male voices. However, it didn't take away from the story.
January 9, 2023
Even though I'm really late in getting into this series I have enjoyed each book so far. Of course this series started over dive years ago so it is a little dated that that has not stopped me from enjoying the characters and their stories. Each storyline is interesting enough that you get caught up in the lives the characters and you want to know what's next. I hate to see Henry Adams losing the small town feel and appeal as the town grows but that's progress. The only thing that driving me nuts is it is too much reintroducing each major character with each new book. Maybe at the time of release this was necessary because of the length of time between books, but being able to read them in quick succession now it gets a little annoying. Not enough to make me stop reading. On to the next one.
November 6, 2023
2.5 Stars
First significant gay character, though romance/relationship happens 'off-stage', so to speak.
An interesting visit with old and dear friends.
The true but rarely known US history included in all elements of this novel are handled with a very deft hand. So the harsh history is honored, but the sad/bad feeling is muted so to seamlessly fit into an otherwise cozy story without interrupting the sweet after taste.
That's a real skill and helps me swallow my complaints below.
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This novel bothered me.
The ridiculous sexism involved in Mel's storyline. Like in what world are we blaming the victim for his own bad behaviors because his grown ass didn't know how to speak to the town minister/therapist? Plus, why is he cruel?
I'm tired of the main drama in the novels being the sexist and boneheaded behavior of the male love interest in a heterosexual relationship. It's always just kinda forgiven and overlooked. It's like a Tyler Perry dramedy encouraging women to be patient with sorry ass men. It's so dated.
The addition of more police, like why they have hardly any citizens. Usually, in small towns, crime is low and usually vandalism. Now cameras are being extended to cover more of the town. I realize it's to drive the story, but yikes.
Foster kids don't need to be raised in such a heavily monitored and policed environment.
The town is in the literal middle of nowhere. A single sheriff, voted in by citizens, would be standard. The state police would handle large or conplicated crimes. This just ruins the town for me.
In addition, I disliked how trauma resulting from transracial adoption was treated. White parents struggle to raise children of color.
This is addressed in Colin in Black & White on Netflix really well.
I think this particular foster parent was clearly the better choice but to dismiss that these types of foster/adoptions create adults that often require decades of therapy.
My mom is white, she carried me in her body and is racist as fuck. We no longer speak. Her family was also awful. I don't speak to any of them. They were all liberal with the exception of my youngest aunt who has a biracial child and is a maga-Karen. Its a fucking mess.
I can't imagine what this is like for fostered and adopted kids but from what I've read it's much worse.
Also are we gonna ignore that conservative racists often adopt Black kids to try to prove their racist agendas? This is a well documented history and the story didn't need to deal with race in this way at all. This manufactured conservative storyline was uncomfortable.
I think I'll pass on the Henry Adams in this novel.
First significant gay character, though romance/relationship happens 'off-stage', so to speak.
An interesting visit with old and dear friends.
The true but rarely known US history included in all elements of this novel are handled with a very deft hand. So the harsh history is honored, but the sad/bad feeling is muted so to seamlessly fit into an otherwise cozy story without interrupting the sweet after taste.
That's a real skill and helps me swallow my complaints below.
Spoilers below:
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This novel bothered me.
The ridiculous sexism involved in Mel's storyline. Like in what world are we blaming the victim for his own bad behaviors because his grown ass didn't know how to speak to the town minister/therapist? Plus, why is he cruel?
I'm tired of the main drama in the novels being the sexist and boneheaded behavior of the male love interest in a heterosexual relationship. It's always just kinda forgiven and overlooked. It's like a Tyler Perry dramedy encouraging women to be patient with sorry ass men. It's so dated.
The addition of more police, like why they have hardly any citizens. Usually, in small towns, crime is low and usually vandalism. Now cameras are being extended to cover more of the town. I realize it's to drive the story, but yikes.
Foster kids don't need to be raised in such a heavily monitored and policed environment.
The town is in the literal middle of nowhere. A single sheriff, voted in by citizens, would be standard. The state police would handle large or conplicated crimes. This just ruins the town for me.
In addition, I disliked how trauma resulting from transracial adoption was treated. White parents struggle to raise children of color.
This is addressed in Colin in Black & White on Netflix really well.
I think this particular foster parent was clearly the better choice but to dismiss that these types of foster/adoptions create adults that often require decades of therapy.
My mom is white, she carried me in her body and is racist as fuck. We no longer speak. Her family was also awful. I don't speak to any of them. They were all liberal with the exception of my youngest aunt who has a biracial child and is a maga-Karen. Its a fucking mess.
I can't imagine what this is like for fostered and adopted kids but from what I've read it's much worse.
Also are we gonna ignore that conservative racists often adopt Black kids to try to prove their racist agendas? This is a well documented history and the story didn't need to deal with race in this way at all. This manufactured conservative storyline was uncomfortable.
I think I'll pass on the Henry Adams in this novel.
October 26, 2020
Chasing Down a Dream: in which we get to see all the shenanigans going down at Henry Adams’ very own grocery store. It was a pleasure getting to learn more about Gemma. There’s not much to her character, but she’s just a sweetheart, which is exactly what Lucas and Jaz need. (Especially after their brief stint in Cincinnati- oof, that was brutal.) I have a feeling that Professor LeForge might come back into the narrative at some point. There seemed to be some back story there. The man has some work to do to earn back Gemma’s good opinion.
And speaking of earning back a good opinion! Malachi, what are you *doing*? Yikes, yikes, yikes. Hopefully Mal will take a leaf out of Marie’s book, pull his head out of his ass, and right his wrongs. If Bernadine doesn’t take him back, though, I don’t blame her. Perhaps Tina can move in with her and they can be platonic soul mates.
I really am trying to ration the Blessings series out, since I’m almost at the end, but it’s HARD. They go down like candy. Right on to the next one!
And speaking of earning back a good opinion! Malachi, what are you *doing*? Yikes, yikes, yikes. Hopefully Mal will take a leaf out of Marie’s book, pull his head out of his ass, and right his wrongs. If Bernadine doesn’t take him back, though, I don’t blame her. Perhaps Tina can move in with her and they can be platonic soul mates.
I really am trying to ration the Blessings series out, since I’m almost at the end, but it’s HARD. They go down like candy. Right on to the next one!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 4, 2025
Great Read😊
This book had my emotions on full blast! I cried from anger and pain. I found myself laughing at some of the antics from the citizens of Henry Adams, and I found myself shaking my head at some of the decisions made by the key characters of the series. On to the next book in this amazing series!!!
This book had my emotions on full blast! I cried from anger and pain. I found myself laughing at some of the antics from the citizens of Henry Adams, and I found myself shaking my head at some of the decisions made by the key characters of the series. On to the next book in this amazing series!!!
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