Crystal Clear

Blessings #4.5

by Beverly Jenkins

From Lifetime Career Achievement Rita Award winner, USA Today bestseller, and NAACP Image Award Nominee, a story from Beverly Jenkins’s acclaimed Blessings Series…

This novella—taking place after A Wish and a Prayer and before Heart of Gold—shares the inside story of fan-favorite, Crystal Chambers Brown’s adventures as a runaway.

A safe, stable life should be the everything that teenaged Crystal ever wanted; but though she knows she should count her blessings, part of her wants to scream at all the rules! She loves her new life and family…but she misses her friends and being free.

People say you can never go back home, but Crystal thinks they’re wrong, and heads back to Dallas, to see what she left behind. But on the way, Crystal learns some home truths about the real meaning of home. Sometimes a journey backwards moves you forward…

*Includes a new bonus short story, Transformation.*

Genres: Fiction, Romance, Contemporary, Short Stories, Chick Lit, Fantasy, Christian Fiction

88 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 9, 2017

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

[Lois · Rating 5 out of 5]

I actually liked the bonus story better than the Blessing novella.

While I love these novels, they are a wee-bit heavy on respectability politics, a tad bit strong on xtian themes when I prefer lighter themes, a bit fat phobic, and a bit homophobic, though gay characters exist.

The charm of this wholesome town is perfect in so many ways. I'd move there and see Ms. Bernadine about helping the town be less of all the above. 🥰

[Bryan · Rating 3 out of 5]

This little novella takes you on a quick journey to see how Crystal’s running away turns out for her. To be young and naive and realize you’ve outgrown your past can be so challenging to deal with emotionally. I can relate to that aspect of the story.

[Jewlsbookblog · Rating 4 out of 5]

2 for 1!

Crystal Clear is a Blessing series short story about where Crystal disappears to when she runs away from her new home. It’s not necessary to read if you’re reading the series in order, but does help shape Crystal’s frame of mind for doing what she did.

The surprise was the bonus fantasy short-Transformation-by Ms. B! Set in 1820, Aya goes from Africa to Charleston...and that’s all I am going to say besides this being a unique story! I wouldn’t mind seeing a longer version💚

[Brenda Larnell · Rating 5 out of 5]

While I enjoyed reading Crystal’s story, the topper of this novella was the bonus short story Transformation. Fantasy plus history was skillfully blended to give us one heck of a story. For me, Transformation was the highlight of this novella. I loved that short story.

[Mona Grant-Holmes · Rating 3 out of 5]

Count Your Blessings
Crystal yearns to return to her old life in Dallas. It has been four years since she left Dallas. She misses her old friends and her old life.Crystal feels life in Henry Adams is slow and boring. She finds her old friend, Kiki, and they are so happy to see each other. Kiki is the mother of twins and their father, Bobby, has left the streets for honest work. Crystal sees the changes in her friends. Will she see the changes in herself?

[CaroMommie · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you are up to date with the Blessings Series, SKIP this short story, it is a rehash if what you already know. Absolutely NOTHING new about this.

This is only cool if you read it without any knowledge of what the other books have in reference to Crystal. It’s a great intro into the Blessing novels if this is your first read of the series.

[Calla Reviews (كالا) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Is it worth it?( Goodreads Edition)

This book actually holds two short story's the first called Crystal and the second titled transformation. Crystal was an luxury read. I have come to realize that I do not like urban readings. But the Second story was amazing and I can only hope BJ will start to write fantasy.

Is it worth it? Crystal Clear On the fence. Transformation😍😍😍

[Gaele · Rating 4 out of 5]

Crystal has always been a bit restless in the story – and here we get a sense of her internal conflicts and questions as we see her perspective as she runs away – back to Dallas and tests the adage, you can never come home again. She doesn’t dislike her new family and the security that she’s found in Blessings, but as a teen, she’s feeling her way around her choices. As with all of Jenkins’ stories, Crystal’s voice is clear and well-developed, and her choices are often more clear to readers than characters at first. And while I’ve not read all of the stories in this series – the ability to escape into this character’s tale and see just how her past preyed (and affected) her choices, and the conflicts that she has within herself about her own new circumstances when compared to her friends in Texas was a quick and gripping read.

I love the ability to have a peek into a character’s head – and Crystal’s story is one that shows loyalty, conflicted desires, love, support and even some growing up as things in Dallas aren’t quite as rosy as she remembered, and “home” really doesn’t feel as comfortable or comforting as the new one she’s building in Blessings.

Follow that little story up with a wonderful short story called Transformations that mixes fantasy and history in ways that rarely are seen, to great effect. Highlighting Jenkins’ ability to tell a story that demands attention and engages, no matter the unfamiliarity of the genre.

I borrowed this copy of the title from the library with intentions of review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.

Review first appeared at I am, Indeed

[Jo · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a mini book. A sort of sidekick to the previous book. In the prior installment Crystal ran away to her former life in Texas to see if she could live life on her own. She quickly learned that she was no longer the street wise young girl with no prospects but to work and party. She runs back home to her adoptive mom with her tail between her legs. This short story tells us exactly what happened while she was gone and the lessons she wanted to learn the hard way. As a bonus, the author gives a short fantasy novel at the end. I loved the bonus more than the main story. I really hope the author pursues fantasy because it's rare to find fantasy books with black characters.

[Darcy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Crystal has amused me in this series. She thinks she's such a tough girl, but living in Henry Adams has made her soft and quite frankly she deserves it and it's a good thing. Her thinking she can go back to her old life was the cold water in the face she needed to fully accept her new life. The one good thing about this little adventure was Crystal doing what she could for Bobby and Kiki.

[Keeping.Volumes.Harris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Crystal just needed a moment to gather herself. It's heartbreaking to think that sometimes teenagers have to experience pain firsthand to understand the consequences of their choices. While it’s a difficult lesson, for some, going through these challenges is the only way to truly grasp the reality of a situation.

[Megan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed the journey Crystal went on to realize her home was in Kansas. However, I think a little more introspection might have been helpful. Loved the short fantasy story bonus at the end! 3.5 stars

[Tamye Whitener · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully written!

All the characters in this book were so well written that I could easily picture them in each and every scene. To the point where I wanted to shake Crystal and tell her to wake the heck up. But then that's what this story is about, Crystal's journey back to her old life. It's not all she's built it up to be.
This is the first book I've read by this author and it won't be the last. Beverly Jenkins has now been added to my "Read this author" list.

This novella is #4.5 in the Blessing series and while I'm sure having read the previous books in the series would have made for a fuller experience, it did great as a stand-alone. Of course, now I want to go back and read the earlier books to see how Crystal came to be living in "Nowheresville, Kansas".

[P. Upshaw · Rating 5 out of 5]

Big sister Crystal

Sometimes we have such a restlessness for our past, even if we know it wasn't the best. It seemed so real and currently we just know it has to be more fun. Crystal found herself in this boring place, Henry Adams, Kansas, and even how nice it can seem, it does seem so bland. Dallas calls and she answers.

[January · Rating 4 out of 5]

Crystal Clear by Beverly Jenkins
Blessings #4.5
related book Night Song
Bonus Story: Transformation
+86-page Kindle Ebook starts on page 5 and ends on page 60, Transformation starts on page 63 and ends on page 81

Genre: African-American Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Novella; Transformation: Short Story, Fantasy, Historical Fiction, African-American Fiction

Featuring: Small-Town near Franklin, Kansas, Foster Care, Adoption, Dallas, Texas, Runaway Trope, Homecoming Trope, Unappreciated, Crime, Sexual Innuendos, Wonderlust, Cautionary Tales, Alcohol, Author's Note, 1820, Central Africa, Charleston, South Carolina, Slavery, Author's Bibliography

Rating as a movie: R for adult content

My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Crystal Clear: ⭐️⭐️⭐️¾🔮💼
Transformation:⭐️⭐️⭐️¾⛓️

My thoughts: Crystal Clear: This wasn't my first guess as to what this story would be about, it was my third, and it was much darker than I imagined, although it wasn't dark at all. I just was surprised Crystal would do something so stupid yet not surprised at the same time, her actions fit with her personality. There were several continuity issues with age and years but the story was so interesting you could easily ignore them. I hope Book 5 is affected by this story, I would love to see new residents.

Transformation: This isn't the type of story I go for but it was pretty good. I would be interested in reading a novel with these characters

Recommend to others: Yes. These stories are good and as a collection, they are better.

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)

[Ranie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This short novella had a big impact on me...I love it...Ms. Jenkins is an excellent writer who demonstrates clearly that sometimes happiness is found in many varies ways and life changes, often for the better.

Crystal Chambers, is a 17 year old young lady, who lived a troubled life, in Texas. Her mother died in jail of HIV, while her father kidnapped her, demanding money, but was killed in a Tornado. She was genuinely lucky to be adopted by a very wealthy woman, Ms. Barenino, who moved her to Henry Adams, Kansas. Ms. Barenino took her traveling all of the world with her private jet, along with her other 4 adopted children.

Unfortunately, Crystal felt that her life was boring and decided to runaway back to Texas after 4 years. When she arrived there, she could not get a job, found her best friend, Kiki and Bobby, who are now married with twins. They were struggling to survived but took her of Crystal. They lived in a tiny apartment in a poor drug infested neighborhood. Bobby worked 2 job and was trying to get his GED, to provide a better for his life.

One night she begged them to go to a club, Escort, with Ross Morgan and his girlfriend Unique, who got her drunk and robbed her. They took all her money, her very expensive boots, and leather jacket. She was so humiliated as she walked back to Kiki and Bobby run-down house, crying in the heavy rain. Kiki hugged and comforted her.

Crystal decided that Texas was not what she expected. Kiki took her to the local police station where she called her foster Mom and asks her to finally come home. Highly recommended! 😇

[Dj · Rating 3 out of 5]

This novella—taking place after A Wish and a Prayer and before Heart of Gold—shares the inside story of fan-favorite, Crystal Chambers Brown’s adventures as a runaway. A safe, stable life should be the everything that teenaged Crystal ever wanted; but though she knows she should count her blessings, part of her wants to scream at all the rules! She loves her new life and family…but she misses her friends and being free. People say you can never go back home, but Crystal thinks they’re wrong, and heads back to Dallas, to see what she left behind. But on the way, Crystal learns some home truths about the real meaning of home. She’s robbed of her shoes, money, phone, and left stranded. And everyone she meets, the trucker who picked her up, previous foster mom, and best friend all tell her to plant where she can grown and stop running. Sometimes a journey backwards moves you forward…

Predictable and way short, even for novella

[Alice · Rating 5 out of 5]

What makes one long for what they initially fled?

Crystal was the first of the foster children Bernadine Brown rescued and gave a new life. Thinking she was missing something, Crystal did what she was doing when the social worker picked her up four years earlier- running away. Having lived a life of comfort and love for the past four years Crystal had lost her street edge and as a result fell victim to people who meant her no good by getting her drunk, stealing her belongings then leaving her at the mercy of a pedophile. Once she thawed out, all Crystal could think of was returning to nothing to do Kansas. Luckily for her she was well and truly loved thus being able to return to Henry Adams Kansas and pave the way for Bobby, Kiki and their twins to receive a life change in Henry Adams too. When will it be in audiobook form? I enjoyed Crystal's short runaway story.

[Vondetta Carter · Rating 5 out of 5]

The grass always looks greener

Crystal thought it was time to return to Texas where her old life and so called friends were. Once she left Henry Adams she realized slightly that she wasn't so prepared. After a kind trucker got her to her destination her woes amplified. She didn't know her social security number, the neighborhood had changed. Her bestie she finally found but her life was not the best. Her memory of what she had began to haunt her. After a night of partying with the wrong crowd, she realized home was where she belongs. Great read from a fabulous author..

[Leah · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you've read Heart of Gold, you pretty much know how everything in this novella turns out, but I really enjoyed getting inside Crystal's head for this and seeing just what in the heck she was thinking! It helped me understand her a little bit more, and gave a more insight into where she came from before she was found walking down the road in the first book. I also really enjoyed the extra short story at the end! I hope Ms Bev might decide to write more of that at some point too!

[Tina · Rating 4 out of 5]

I continue to be amazed by the writing styles of Ms. Beverly Jenkins. In this book we discover that Crystal has a good life. Unfortunately, she does not see it that way. Life has gotten boring to her, lacks action and fun. Just like most kids, Crystal has to learn things the hard way. This book allows us to walk that path with her as she learns how to appreciate what she has and how things that seem fun are not always so. A good read.

[Naika · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was nice to take a closer look at Crystal and understand what shaped her before her life in Henry Adams, as well as what will motivate and fuel her as she journeys on. But what was the true star of the show, was the bonus short story, Transformation. I mean, is there nothing Beverly Jenkins can do? Tried at hand at fantasy she did, and I am impatiently waiting for her to write more.

Crystal Clear: 3.5 stars
Transformation: 4.5 stars

[Allison Muhammad · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am invested in the ‘Bring on the Blessings’ series and I have purchased and read every book in the series. I love this short because I was able to share it with teenagers in my family and those that I teach. The teens were able to enjoy the story and identify with the character even though they were unfamiliar with the series. It is generated great discussions. I recommend this for teen book clubs, for sure.

[Marlene Edwards · Rating 5 out of 5]

Crystal Clear

I enjoyed reading about Crystal' s lifestyle when she lived in Dallas. I' m sure she learned a valuable lesson. It makes me want to go back and re-read about her before Bernadette adopted her. I truly love Beverly Jenkins. I believe I have read or listened to all of her books. Beverly, may God continue to bless you and continue your work. Thank you so much.

[Terry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good read

I really liked this short story. As I was reading, I felt like I've read it before. I then realized that it was probably a short story in one of this author's other novels. I don't like feeling like I was set up to purchase this story by being a lover's of the Henry Adams stories. Bad look on the author and publisher.

[Phillip W · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good and Quick Read

I thought I had read this before, but I had not. It was an know cell break from the setting in Kansas and a reminder that even the comfort footing parents and supportive friends and nurturing environments are not ways enough to keep old habits and desires at bay. But, but they can win out in the fullness of time.

[Rosetta Mandisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a very short read. I have read all of the Blessings novels and this was a nice glimpse into Crystal's life and why she decided to leave Henry Adams. Crystal Clear helps readers to better understand one the oldest kids in Henry Adams and why she is able to help the younger ones adjust to their new lives.

[Verity W · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn't know that I had missed out on a Blessings novella, but it turns out I had, because when MsBev reminded Twitter about it, it was totally new information to me! This fills in the gap when Crystal runs away at the end of book 4 and it's great. I enjoyed it - wished it was longer, but hey, it's a novella. And I think if I hadn't have already read the next book in the series it would have left me desperate for more!

[Mary Calton Gerard · Rating 4 out of 5]

Crystal's epiphany

My grandma used to say, (bought sense is better than I can tell you). The unpredictable acquaintances a was her wakeup call. Her best friend and husband had matured. I would like to see Crystal's last thoughts come true.( If she had her way, Kiki, Bobby, and the twins would be planting their feet in the same soil, too. Soon)

[Burgundy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Grass is not always greener on the other side

This was a quick read but it gave you enough. Crystal runs away thinking its better in Dallas. But what she finds out is thing are worse and just because you think you have it bad someone else has it worse than you