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Homecoming
A historical holiday story of homecoming and second-chance romance by NAACP Image Award Nominee, Beverly Jenkins.
In 1883, Lydia Cooper is happily traveling back home to celebrate the simple joys of the holidays when an unexpected complication appears in the all-too-distracting form of Gray Dane, the man she loved as a girl; the man she left behind. Gray, a soldier, is finally returning home too. Seeing Lydia after fifteen years reignites all the temptations from years ago…and also the pain and regret.
But as Lydia and Gray make their way home together, they get a chance to mend the past, and rediscover the joy, trust —and passion — of before; to realize that love isn’t just sweeter the second time around, it’s downright decadent.
This novella was previously published in Gettin’ Merry, A Holiday Anthology
“Jenkins’s dialogue crackles ...” –Publishers Weekly
“Her stories are delicious and always leave behind both feelings of satisfaction and want...for her next novel.” –Fresh Fiction
“Jenkins is a gifted storyteller who knows how to bring special spark and sass to romance.” –Romantic Times BOOKclub
In 1883, Lydia Cooper is happily traveling back home to celebrate the simple joys of the holidays when an unexpected complication appears in the all-too-distracting form of Gray Dane, the man she loved as a girl; the man she left behind. Gray, a soldier, is finally returning home too. Seeing Lydia after fifteen years reignites all the temptations from years ago…and also the pain and regret.
But as Lydia and Gray make their way home together, they get a chance to mend the past, and rediscover the joy, trust —and passion — of before; to realize that love isn’t just sweeter the second time around, it’s downright decadent.
This novella was previously published in Gettin’ Merry, A Holiday Anthology
“Jenkins’s dialogue crackles ...” –Publishers Weekly
“Her stories are delicious and always leave behind both feelings of satisfaction and want...for her next novel.” –Fresh Fiction
“Jenkins is a gifted storyteller who knows how to bring special spark and sass to romance.” –Romantic Times BOOKclub
108 pages, ebook
First published December 7, 2015
68 people are currently reading
314 people want to read
About the author
Beverly Jenkins
71 books4,842 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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Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews
December 4, 2022
As always, reading a Beverly Jenkins novel fills my heart right up. This was gorgeous!
Second chance, Black love, historical romance and Christmas goodness.
Second chance, Black love, historical romance and Christmas goodness.
November 18, 2022
Nabbed this as part of the Happy Ever Afters for Trans Kid Winter Wonderland bundle. (Holy crap, the company I'm keeping.)
Read this today and it was lovely (and hot!)
I know quite a few people don't like cheating-and-reconciliation as plot devices between love interests, but this was handled so deftly (not to mention Gray's self-awareness) that I think even die-hards might find it worth giving a shot.
I'm not as sure how I felt about the epilogue. I rather liked his declarations in light of the reality they were facing as a couple, and so that last little bit landed oddly for me. But I think that's a "me" thing.
Read this today and it was lovely (and hot!)
I know quite a few people don't like cheating-and-reconciliation as plot devices between love interests, but this was handled so deftly (not to mention Gray's self-awareness) that I think even die-hards might find it worth giving a shot.
I'm not as sure how I felt about the epilogue. I rather liked his declarations in light of the reality they were facing as a couple, and so that last little bit landed oddly for me. But I think that's a "me" thing.
November 24, 2025
A short, sweet, and sexy second-chance romance set in Detroit in 1883. Lydia and Grayson were teenage sweethearts until he broke her heart-15 years later they reunite at Christmas.
I read this one via kobo-plus (it's included in the kobo-plus library!)
(4.5 stars)
I read this one via kobo-plus (it's included in the kobo-plus library!)
(4.5 stars)
December 16, 2020
Beverly Jenkins can flat out write, but her historical romances are where she really shines, IMHO. What's better than getting a wonderful, passionate love story and a history lesson all in one? Nobody does it better, than our dear Ms. Bev! This is a novella, so I tried to read it slow, so I could savor it, but Ms. Bev has a way of drawing you in from the first page that makes it virtually impossible for me to read her books slowly.
Can't wait to read Forbidden! Come on January!!!
Can't wait to read Forbidden! Come on January!!!
July 20, 2025
3.5/5
— This was my first read by this author, but definitely won’t be my last. This novella was a cute second chance romance.
— This was my first read by this author, but definitely won’t be my last. This novella was a cute second chance romance.
August 24, 2022
Probably my least favorite of all her histroms simply because while I do love a second chance romance a lot, I don't love the fact that the hero cheated on the heroine the first time around and slept with another woman. The only reason I stayed with it is because he was young and careless with Lydia's heart and in the intervening 15 years, grew up a lot and really matured into the kind of man that Lydia deserved. Plus, he groveled and I liked that.
November 11, 2019
This was short and very sweet.
December 6, 2020
Book: African-American Historical Romance, Michigan 1883. Bev drops some cool historical nuggets.
Length: Novella, eight chapters with an epilogue
Trope: Second Chance
Sensuality Rating: Warm
🌲
What's it about Lydia Copper, daughter of a domestic worker and Gray Dane, wealthy lumber and coal heir, shared love and friendship as kids, teens, and young adults. A disastrous misjudgment derails their love for 15 years, Lydia is meh on men, and Gray is carrying more baggage than Greyhound. Will Lydia's Homecoming rebuild burnt bridges?
🌲
Thoughts: Homecoming is a short but heartwarming holiday novella. My goal is to end the year filled with love, hope, and thoughtfulness. Bev's novellas are a perfect antidote for my ailing soul. Second chance romances rarely occur, but I believe these unions are the most winsome when they do. The notion of catching the one that "got away" or "righting a wrong" is my weakness.
🌲
Lydia and Gray circled each other carefully before broaching the past, and I relished the slow build-up of trust and bridge-mending. Even the comedic and semi-ribald raillery stoked the rhythmic hum of my heart into a frenzy. Gray illustrated his love with subtle and overt acts of kindness. Lydia eventually consented to the wooing and much more. Additionally, Gray and Lydia's parents' play a pivotal role in their decision-making without being overbearing. I cherish seeing healthy and positive family interactions.
🌲
I'm vague about minute details because it will spoil the plot. If you haven't read this novella and need something to warm your heart while drinking eggnog, hot chocolate apple cider, or coquito, look no further.
🌲
Favorite quote: "Don't close yourself up in the past. I tried that road, and it led nowhere." I've done this for years. It's truly a bridge to no man's land.
Length: Novella, eight chapters with an epilogue
Trope: Second Chance
Sensuality Rating: Warm
🌲
What's it about Lydia Copper, daughter of a domestic worker and Gray Dane, wealthy lumber and coal heir, shared love and friendship as kids, teens, and young adults. A disastrous misjudgment derails their love for 15 years, Lydia is meh on men, and Gray is carrying more baggage than Greyhound. Will Lydia's Homecoming rebuild burnt bridges?
🌲
Thoughts: Homecoming is a short but heartwarming holiday novella. My goal is to end the year filled with love, hope, and thoughtfulness. Bev's novellas are a perfect antidote for my ailing soul. Second chance romances rarely occur, but I believe these unions are the most winsome when they do. The notion of catching the one that "got away" or "righting a wrong" is my weakness.
🌲
Lydia and Gray circled each other carefully before broaching the past, and I relished the slow build-up of trust and bridge-mending. Even the comedic and semi-ribald raillery stoked the rhythmic hum of my heart into a frenzy. Gray illustrated his love with subtle and overt acts of kindness. Lydia eventually consented to the wooing and much more. Additionally, Gray and Lydia's parents' play a pivotal role in their decision-making without being overbearing. I cherish seeing healthy and positive family interactions.
🌲
I'm vague about minute details because it will spoil the plot. If you haven't read this novella and need something to warm your heart while drinking eggnog, hot chocolate apple cider, or coquito, look no further.
🌲
Favorite quote: "Don't close yourself up in the past. I tried that road, and it led nowhere." I've done this for years. It's truly a bridge to no man's land.
September 1, 2020
This was a cute story about true love and the things you are willing to forgive. Hurt is inevitable in life. Forgiveness is our choice. True love is our prize. Read about Lydia and Gray as they face the hurdles of the past and plot their path to a future if they are just willing to take the first step.
December 23, 2020
Lydia is on her way home to see her mother for Christmas when she runs into her first love Gray. A vicious lie tore them apart and Lydia fled to her aunt's home. Now both are back, working through the lies, hurt feelings and with the blessing/push of both mom's, Lydia and Gray find love again. It was a low angst, sweetly sexy and full of Christmas magic.
December 26, 2024
Ms. Bev manages to pack a history lesson into even an 80 page novella. This was an enjoyable second chance romance where the hero really messed up in the past, and acknowledges it, and makes amends. The pacing was a little too fast for my taste, but that comes with the territory a little bit. I think Ms. Bev is a bit more skilled with at least 300 pages, but I still enjoyed this one.
February 3, 2021
Beverly Jenkins is one of my favorite romance authors. Her work is both sweet and sexy, and as someone who loves love, her style is perfect for me.
July 30, 2020
I love second chance romances and Holiday romances . I loved Ms. Beverly's spin on a holiday romance. It is mixed with historical facts with I loved as well . I loved how both characters had to overcome regret to move into their future.
December 24, 2015
Homecoming was heartwarming, steamy, and shared history as only Beverly Jenkins can! Merry Christmas to me!
December 15, 2017
This is the first novel by beloved doyenne of the historical romance genre, Beverly Jenkins, that I have read. I was concerned. Everyone loves her so much and my track record with hugely loved and highly touted works is iffy at best.
Well, I liked the premise. A second chance at love type of thing, with a school teacher, headmistress, and a buffalo soldier. Mature characters both. Lydia comes back to her childhood home from Chicago and crosses paths with Gray Dane, her first love. Turns out that his love for her as well as hers for him hasn't dimmed, but most probably grown. So we have some angst, some winsomeness, sexiness, and some humour. It should all work. Yet...
I wish I could say I adored the book, but colour me not overly impressed. Mostly with the style of writing. Very flowery, especially in the love scenes. For instance, I don't think I'd ever heard/read about one's nipples being dazzled by a lover's fingers, but now I can say that I have. Also, some of the dialogue didn't work for me, at times I found it stilted and at times it just sounded a wee bit too modern. And I don't know, there was just something about the writing that felt dated and unrefined (?) to me. (And not because it's a historical, sillies!) So I checked. This novella was published in 2007 according to the author's website, as part of the Gettin' Merry anthology. Okay, 10 years ago. Maybe that's why.
Anyway, I have another Beverly Jenkins in my TBR, a more recent one - Forbidden - from 2016. Hopefully I'll enjoy it more. :)
Well, I liked the premise. A second chance at love type of thing, with a school teacher, headmistress, and a buffalo soldier. Mature characters both. Lydia comes back to her childhood home from Chicago and crosses paths with Gray Dane, her first love. Turns out that his love for her as well as hers for him hasn't dimmed, but most probably grown. So we have some angst, some winsomeness, sexiness, and some humour. It should all work. Yet...
I wish I could say I adored the book, but colour me not overly impressed. Mostly with the style of writing. Very flowery, especially in the love scenes. For instance, I don't think I'd ever heard/read about one's nipples being dazzled by a lover's fingers, but now I can say that I have. Also, some of the dialogue didn't work for me, at times I found it stilted and at times it just sounded a wee bit too modern. And I don't know, there was just something about the writing that felt dated and unrefined (?) to me. (And not because it's a historical, sillies!) So I checked. This novella was published in 2007 according to the author's website, as part of the Gettin' Merry anthology. Okay, 10 years ago. Maybe that's why.
Anyway, I have another Beverly Jenkins in my TBR, a more recent one - Forbidden - from 2016. Hopefully I'll enjoy it more. :)
October 12, 2020
This was a quick read about second-chance lovers. "Homecoming" follows Lydia, a schoolteacher who seems to be successful in multiple aspects of her life - except for romance. She is returning home for the holidays after hearing that her mother suffered an injury. On her journey back, she encounters her childhood sweetheart, Gray. Although loving him deeply, she decided to let him go after an indiscretion. It has been 15 years since their last encounter; sparks fly, but can Lydia allow herself to revisit a past flame?
Even though this was a novella, the pacing felt right and the characters had enough to them to keep me reading. For the most part, this is low angst. Although this takes place during the Christmas holiday, it does not play a huge role in the story, which was absolutely fine for me.
Overall, I would say this is closer to a 3.5 star rating.
Even though this was a novella, the pacing felt right and the characters had enough to them to keep me reading. For the most part, this is low angst. Although this takes place during the Christmas holiday, it does not play a huge role in the story, which was absolutely fine for me.
Overall, I would say this is closer to a 3.5 star rating.
December 23, 2022
I have decidedly mixed feelings about this story.
The good: There were so many scenes and moments that put a smile on my face. I found Lydia fetching her Christmas tree particularly delightful. As always with one of Jenkins's histroms I enjoyed the setting and historical detail and fleshing out my mental picture of African American possibilities in the 19th century. I liked the warm relationships both Gray and Lydia have with their mothers.
The less good: I was irked when Lydia thought of Gray's penis as the part of him that would "make her a woman." I felt there was a real consent problem when And I really didn't like the epilogue giving us
The good: There were so many scenes and moments that put a smile on my face. I found Lydia fetching her Christmas tree particularly delightful. As always with one of Jenkins's histroms I enjoyed the setting and historical detail and fleshing out my mental picture of African American possibilities in the 19th century. I liked the warm relationships both Gray and Lydia have with their mothers.
The less good: I was irked when Lydia thought of Gray's penis as the part of him that would "make her a woman." I felt there was a real consent problem when And I really didn't like the epilogue giving us
June 28, 2023
Such a great homecoming!
Gray and Lydia are back in each other's lives after a conniving, greedy young girl gave his inexperienced young hormonal manhood what he would not seek from Lydia the good girl. Fast forward fifteen years later and they meet on their way to her once hometown and his still hometown! A frank discussion from her mother led to her accepting dinner invitations and ultimately his marriage proposal. She initially turned down his proposal because doctors had pronounced that an earlier illness left her barren. His love he told her was greater as Han whether she could conceive! Turns out the doctors were either wrong or unaware of how the body treated well could heal itself! This was a beautiful novella that made me glad these two found themselves together again.
Gray and Lydia are back in each other's lives after a conniving, greedy young girl gave his inexperienced young hormonal manhood what he would not seek from Lydia the good girl. Fast forward fifteen years later and they meet on their way to her once hometown and his still hometown! A frank discussion from her mother led to her accepting dinner invitations and ultimately his marriage proposal. She initially turned down his proposal because doctors had pronounced that an earlier illness left her barren. His love he told her was greater as Han whether she could conceive! Turns out the doctors were either wrong or unaware of how the body treated well could heal itself! This was a beautiful novella that made me glad these two found themselves together again.
December 15, 2025
Cute short novella centering the second-chance trope.
Summary: Lydia and Gray were in love as teenagers until Gray slept with another girl. They haven't seen each other in 15 years until a chance encounter over the Christmas holidays. Gray regrets his actions and wants to win Lydia back.
I'm not really a fan of a second chance for cheaters, though I didn't mind this novella as much as Jenkins' novella "I'll be home for Christmas," which is a modern second-chance-for-a-cheater storyline. Maybe it was the time period, with more leeway for men to sleep with anyone so long as she isn't innocent, or due to the characters' young age when the cheating occurred. Either way, it's a big ask to regain trust in a novella, rather than a full story.
I think this is a nice story if you don't mind the trope. But it wasn't really for me. That said, it's not bad writing.
Summary: Lydia and Gray were in love as teenagers until Gray slept with another girl. They haven't seen each other in 15 years until a chance encounter over the Christmas holidays. Gray regrets his actions and wants to win Lydia back.
I'm not really a fan of a second chance for cheaters, though I didn't mind this novella as much as Jenkins' novella "I'll be home for Christmas," which is a modern second-chance-for-a-cheater storyline. Maybe it was the time period, with more leeway for men to sleep with anyone so long as she isn't innocent, or due to the characters' young age when the cheating occurred. Either way, it's a big ask to regain trust in a novella, rather than a full story.
I think this is a nice story if you don't mind the trope. But it wasn't really for me. That said, it's not bad writing.
Read
December 31, 2020A quick, warm second-chance reunion romance. I liked Lydia's sense of humor so much, and I really enjoyed reading how she worked through her feelings.
Infertility related content warning:
Infertility related content warning:
dnf
December 9, 2022I'm obviously in the minority. I found the dialogue stilted and the character arcs nonsensical. And terms like 'angel wings' for labia just ... ugh, not my thing. The mom saying Lydia should
I wish someone could explain to me why I found this so yetchy to read. Maybe because it's hyper sentimental, and I am not. The earnestness without humour maybe.
Jenkins is a popular author, there was nothing wrong with this story, it just wasn't for me.
I wish someone could explain to me why I found this so yetchy to read. Maybe because it's hyper sentimental, and I am not. The earnestness without humour maybe.
Jenkins is a popular author, there was nothing wrong with this story, it just wasn't for me.
June 20, 2019
Too short
I love her writing but this was way too short. It could have started earlier with their youth and young love, given more to the back story of her time with her aunt and his time as a soldier, his marriage, her engagement, and more. So any opportunities missed. And very little integration of the historical events of the time as her other books did.
I love her writing but this was way too short. It could have started earlier with their youth and young love, given more to the back story of her time with her aunt and his time as a soldier, his marriage, her engagement, and more. So any opportunities missed. And very little integration of the historical events of the time as her other books did.
April 21, 2021
I read Ms. Bev's beautifully written historical love story "Homecoming" in the "Gettin' Merry" anthology (along with three other wonderful stories by three more equally as talented writers)! Such a charming story about how destiny brings a couple back together. Her stories inspire us with timeless elements of rich information and hope for today. Love Bev Jenkins! ❤️
March 14, 2023
Second Chances
Lydia and Gray spent 15 years apart, yet still loving one another. A chance meeting on the way back to their hometown ignites old flames, stokes new ones, and gives Gray the opportunity to get it right this time. The Queen does it again with a short beautiful read of a second chance with wit and heat to warm a Michigan winter night.
Lydia and Gray spent 15 years apart, yet still loving one another. A chance meeting on the way back to their hometown ignites old flames, stokes new ones, and gives Gray the opportunity to get it right this time. The Queen does it again with a short beautiful read of a second chance with wit and heat to warm a Michigan winter night.
November 18, 2020
Beautiful and heart warming
Excellent story line and Lydia and Dane were believable characters who got a second chance at love. I wish it played out more. I enjoyed this story. Thanks
Excellent story line and Lydia and Dane were believable characters who got a second chance at love. I wish it played out more. I enjoyed this story. Thanks
May 12, 2021
A Wonderful Love Story
I really enjoyed this quick read, a true love story. I love the fact that the characters found one another the second time around which bond them as one. A quick read but well worth it.
I really enjoyed this quick read, a true love story. I love the fact that the characters found one another the second time around which bond them as one. A quick read but well worth it.
December 27, 2021
Homecoming
Short but sweet story. Great Christmas story ! The heroine of this story is strong and determine to live her life as she sees fit.
Beverly Jenkins never disappoints you😍
Short but sweet story. Great Christmas story ! The heroine of this story is strong and determine to live her life as she sees fit.
Beverly Jenkins never disappoints you😍
January 7, 2025
This falls in the category of “tropes I’d never read if Beverly Jenkins hadn’t written them”. The trope in question is cheating. Very cute novella, the character study was excellent for such a short story. I loved the bits of history.
November 17, 2025
This holiday romance beautifully captures the essence of heartfelt emotions, sweetness, and passion—it's genuinely touching. The way everything unfolds feels just right, offering comfort, resolution, and steam!
December 1, 2017
Love anything Beverly Jenkins writes!!!!!;
Love her, her characters. Her strong men & women!! I recommend her writing to everyone. Men would learn much, if they would read her!!
Love her, her characters. Her strong men & women!! I recommend her writing to everyone. Men would learn much, if they would read her!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews