Jenahra Henderson Monroe knows what it means to be pretentious but strong. While her religious behaviors come off as condescending and judgmental of others, it’s deeply rooted in pain, drama, and abuse. Not wanting to get members of her family in trouble, she chooses to keep secrets for over twenty years, drowning herself in God’s anointing. When the truth finally emerges, it comes with a cost.
Carter Wothyla thought he found forever when he met Jenahra. However, as with all good things, it comes to an end. He spends the next twenty years, wandering through the dating scene aimlessly, trying to find a woman that compares to her. Never marrying or having children of his own, Carter has found contentment in being alone. But as luck would have it, he attends a wedding that leads him back to the love of his life and he refuses to let go this time despite the obstacles before him.
Jenahra and Carter have a past that is riddled in secrets, lies, and passion, but their chemistry is undeniable. While Carter is full steam ahead to win her heart, Jenahra has life decisions to make. Will those decisions push Carter out of her life once and for all or will she choose to live for herself and possibly face ridicule for it?
Starting with poetry, writing has always been a constant in Monica's life. The interest began in her teenage years, being in love for the first time. Her love for writing has only progressed. Song lyrics and poetry led to short stories, then one day in her down time, a short story became a 56k word novel. It has been non-stop since then. Being a wife and mother, has only added to the joys of Monica's life. Attaining a BS in Sociology, helping her better understand people and their behaviors, has only helped her become a better writer, understanding characters and their complex personalities. Romance of all types has been her passion, and she plans to continue honing her skills in that genre.
Just when you thought it was over, B O O M, here comes some BS!!! I screamed this entire book!! 😩 I don’t know where to begin! It was a lot unpacked in this book, lord! I thought I loved Chrissy, but Jenahra… man please!!? Jenahra went from the “holy roller” Henderson, back to the “OG” Henderson who still loved the lord.! Her husband was trash!
Carter, was definitely a vibe! His relationship with Jenahra was like a fairytale. I’ve never heard of a man basically waiting 20 years for the love of his life to come back full circle! I kind of predicted one part of the end of their story given Carter’s back story.! I’m super happy for their outcome though & can’t wait to see what else happens with them!
It seems the ending of this Henderson series is getting thicker and thicker! All these secrets, & old beefs, etc are overwhelming, in a good way! One thing the Henderson clan is going to do always is R I D E F O R E A C H O T H E R, PERIODDDD!!!!!!! WJ had a lot going on, he had a rough time as a child and it spilled over into adulthood.! I know he’s story is going to be hectic, but I’m ready for it!!!
Let us bow to the Queen Monica! Just when I thought you had reached the pinnacle, you blow our minds again! Lawd! My heart is seizing, head spinning and eyes are crossed! I don't know what to do with all this emotion that I am feeling right now! This read was heavy! I never, ever would have imagined that Jenahra had endured all that she had with Joseph. He was a piece of💩! No wonder she was the mighty holy roller! All the secrets that were spilled, was almost too much! I love me some Henderson's, but mom and pop got me giving them the 👀 right now! Now wonder Jenahra and WJ behave the way they do! Mr. and Mrs. Henderson had to have known that their actions would impact their children negatively, and they let it fester! Carter was a huge surprise! Who knew Jenahra had it in her? Not me! But, he was perfect for her in every way! My baby Storm came through again, with laughs and his style of crazy. But, an angel? Nah! 😂 NOW, WJ revealing his truths, tore me up! You hear me? 💔 I cannot even image all of the things that he has seen, and been subjected to by Wesley Senior. Then knowing what he knew, and feeling like an outcast, just made him feel dead inside. This ending, OMG Miss Monica! 🤯 He has to be okay! Why won't the county do something about Reggie's ass? Storm and Jasper betta not have a scratch on them! Poor Jenahra! How much more can she take? Whew! Imma just head over and pre-order the next one, cause I MUST know how this is all resolved. Amazing job! 👍👍👍
I stayed up late to finish this book. After I finished, I had to go to bed before I could do a review. The Hendersons are my fave. I have been waiting on Jehanara book. When she was introduced in her siblings book, I knew then she had a lot of problems going on. I didn't think it was like this. I don't want to give out any spoilers. Carter is all that and more. Poor WJ has been catching it for a long time. I think he needs therapy and hopefully have a happy ending. I think this story was the best one out of all the Hendersons book. Waiting on book 2. Great read!
There is so much to unpack from this story. First off bravo the author definitely hit this out the park. When I read that the author would be doing the older siblings stories I was unsure how she would make them likable, lol. Yet somehow the author manages to do it. I’m so thankful that Jenahra was reunited with her love. Carter was so kind, loving and patient with Jenahra. I’m dying to see what happens with WJ. But boy did the Henderson parents do a number on their kids.
I was soo ready for this latest installment and BAYYYBE IT DID NOT DISAPPOINT! I absolutely love the Henderson Clan and I loved Jenarha's transformation. She is definitely the unknown glue and the keeper of the secrets. I love Carter and how he knew that even though her mouth said one thing her needs were more and he had to be the man for her. Can't wait for part 2.
I really enjoyed this book. I experienced an array of emotions while reading. One minute I'm laughing, next my eyes get watery, and before I know it I'm upset. The author did an amazing job telling Jehnara's story! I can't wait for Part 2.
This book is so good. The emotions while reading this book had my nerves on edge. Awesome job and I can’t wait for book 2 . Must read you will not be disappointed
The Hendersons have more drama than a little bit! To be from such a small town, they have big city drama going on in the family. I was glad to finally read Jenarha’s story. She was a protector and a true family woman willing to sacrifice herself for the good of her family. Carter was her soulmate, period. It didn’t matter how long it took for it to happen, they were always destined for each other. And WJ, there is so much there. I really can’t stand their parents right now. I don’t know if the second book will make that any better but he has endured more than any person should ever have to endure in three lifetimes.
QUEEN Monica holding on to her pen game thrown, Oh-kay!!! This beauty plays no games when it comes to the #countryhoodlove. I knew Jen was hiding some s*** from her family but dayyyuuummm😳! Then the secrets just kept being revealed and they had me really looking at momma and daddy Henderson side ways😒😔. Joseph got off easy. Like I wanted them to make his ass suffer like he did Jen. 20 plus years of physically, mentally and emotionally abusing Jen, they should've beat him, then hung him up by his balls🤷🏽. Jenahra running into Carter was most definitely a sign from God that it was beyond time for her to walk away from that POS she married. She really believed that because she sought comfort, a listening ear, etc on top of mind blowing liberating sex with Carter that she deserved all the mental, physical and emotional abuse. God allows you to go through a lot of things but h he gives you the tools to remove yourself from certain situations. She was sup concerned about what her brothers would do to that mitch Joseph that she forgot to protect the 2 most valuable blessings God gave her, her children. I was thankful her son had that conversation with her and let her know, he was not gonna stand by while his dad put his hands on her👊🏾. It's those hard conversations with are children that show us we're not as good as hiding our pain and trauma as we thought we were. Ashton did right by telling Storm about the way Joseph we acting at the wedding👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾. That as whooping they gave him was a long time coming. Carter was the true definition of a man. That man knew what he wanted and had no problem working to get out and doing the work to keep it😁. That man waited 20 years to feel the love he felt when he was with his Nahra. That man didn't care how much she pushed him away, he stood strong determined to show her she deserves a man who gives her all the love her heart desires. She deserved a man who's catering to her needs, and who gives her mind blowing sex, etc she deserved it all. Her children deserved a man who uplifted them and encouraged them, loved on them like no other. I really love me some Carter😍. Storm really is their protector. He and Jasper are true jokesters but they don't play about their family. He felt like something was of with her, just like he felt something was up worth her and Carter. Carter say "I ain't the ninja you need to be worried about"😳🤣. He was ready to no to jail because that Big Reggie couldn't catch a clue and clearly the police department forgot the Henderson's was about that life and gave zero f**** about going to jail for protecting what's theirs. Or maybe the department is tied of his ass too🤣 WJ and his demons😔. His story and part 2 are gonna be something else.
This book is emotionally explosive but only really useful if you’ve been following the entire Henderson series which if you like drama, messiness and emotional upheaval in your erotic romance, you should have been. Jenahra’s story is premised around a very unpopular romance trope of cheating. (She’s the 2nd-ish book in this series that is heavy on this theme). But this book is executed so well and her husband is so “ain’t ish” and horrible and abusive that it’s easy to get past that. The premise is that 20 years ago, Jenahra met her soulmate in Carter. The problem is that she’s already married to a neglectful, traditional, abusive husband who ups the ante into serious physical violence over the next two decades when he finds out about the affair. Meanwhile Jenahra has been keeping up appearances as being holier than thou to hide the toxic mess that is her family. But things come to a head when bigger Henderson family secrets begin to leak out.
The thing is that I don’t even mind the cliffhanger in this book. Mostly because I’m reading this ages after it has come out and so I don’t have to wait for what happens with WJ. But this book was amazingly well done. Even in the midst of all the toxicity and trauma, we get to see a family come together and support each other and be there for each other and and heal and hurt together and because of that shared vulnerability, it gives us THE BEST moments of the entire Henderson series so far. The author wrote this really difficult and painful story with a lot of empathy for the characters- even the trifling WJ. I would give this between 4 and 4.5 stars only because this story was so magnificent, I wish it had been given more time to marinate and/or merged completely with the next book to give a fuller, less rushed-feeling story. Otherwise the execution of this difficult-to-tell/sell story is fantastic. That said, it is trauma galore and if you have any mental or emotional health triggers, this might be one to sit out- I list out all the triggers on Storygraph.
Whew chile lord ham mercy and Jesus take the wheel!
Since we have known Jenahra she was this person that was judgmental and not around the other siblings beside WJ and Chrissy since she was hiding what she endured for twenty years. As we reflect on Jenahra it is heartbreaking that she hid the DV from her family. Her daughter got out of dodge and her son knew what was going on and kept it to himself. Jenahra is considered their second mom to her siblings and she hid all what was going on so she does not be considered a weak person. Joseph Joseph what a weakling, POS and tormentor. It makes me angry when a strong woman becomes weak due to all she endured. Her vibrancy diminished and her personality just dwindled.
Here comes Carter who loved this woman for 20 years. Carter had no baggage and he was so considerate, loving and all around great guy. He was a “G” and I loved the connection with Jenahra children.
Storm aka Gabriel was crazy AF and was that nicca. He’s the nosy sibling and always in everybody business. Not sure why POS trifling Reggie up to, but he will learn not to mess with the Hendersons.
WJ WJ WJ what can I say about him. It’s sad reading what he endured and held in for so young. Their parents SMH and I got no words for them. WJ and Jenahra were there for the smaller siblings, and basically raised them so it is sad to witnessed what went down with WJ.
The Henderson siblings are close knit and they will go to bat for each other come hell or high water and IMHO Jenahra and WJ should have felt comfortable discussing their trials and tribulations with the younger siblings.
Woe! This story is compacted with so much drama. It gives us a better understanding of Jenarah and why she was who she was while also giving us a deeper insight of her parents and how they were when her and WJ were growing up.
The secrets and healing that take place in this story are overwhelming but very necessary. Strong. Survivor. Resilient. And so much more are words to describe Narah and all that she endured. I'm glad that she finally chose herself and what she needed. I'm so glad that Carter's return is the catalyst that pushes her to take the steps needed to put her first. That ending tho! Wild, full of uncertainty, and I can't wait to see what happens next.
This story brought out another level to this author's penmanship, words of expression, and passion. It makes us feel even more connected to the Henderson family and draws us closer to their situations. You can't help but to get in all of your feelings because of how raw, emotional, passionate, and engaging it is. Little by little, we start seeing how the Henderson family hid their secrets well, even from each other. With this story, everything is busted wide open and out in the open. However, I believe that we still have a lot more to learn about them. They are still one of my favorite families and each one of their stories make me feel even more connected to them. I know that these stories help people to see themselves in one of the siblings because I know it has helped me to better myself for me. Bring on part two.
Romance, scandal, lies, love, anger, laughter, honesty, redemption--this author delivers it all with the latest Henderson installment! Jenahra's family never knew that behind the "better than you/holy roller" persona, not only was she hiding her true self but also suffering to protect them. Tired of tiptoeing through life trying to dodge the blows of an abusive husband, Jenahra gets a second chance at life and love when an old flame attends her sister's wedding. Carter has been pining over Jenahra and what could have been for 20 years, but the chemistry between them had fizzled at all and they picked up right where they left off. However, the devil is always busy and wouldn't let them be without a fight. Jenarha, with the support of her family, remembers who she is and gets back to loving and living. I cannot wait for part 2 because it left my two favorite Hendersons in limbo and I NEED to know they pull through and that Reggie gets whats coming to him.
I make it no secret that this author is one of my favorites and honestly this book alone proves why. It’s easy to get people to fall in love with the “good” characters but it takes to True talent to change a persons heart and get them to see deeper into a person’s character, especially when that person hasn’t shown any redeeming qualities. I’m blown away not only has my heart expanded to include the two oldest from the Henderson gang, I am completely broken by WJ’s pain. I’ve mentioned this before but this author has such a powerful of demonstrating true forgiveness and it’s such a powerful message Everytime. You truly never know what demons a person is fighting and why they may act the way they do. I’m in tears but I’m so ready to see how she brings this story through. ❤️❤️
That ending though🥲. So it’s established that we ❤️ love the Hendersons and anytime this author creates we anxiously await the work. Then the author delivers and far exceeds our expectations. This story right here was well worth the wait and anticipation. Jehnara and Carter were everything👏🏽🔥. Her struggle was so real and I was so mad 😡that she accepted that for over 20 years. It seemed like Carter put his life on hold but I think it was worth the wait. I am soooo tickled about this pregnancy😂👀. Storm cut up as usual with the t shirts😂🤣😂. I am so emotional 🥲 about WJ. This book was definitely full of the awesomeness that we expect from this author👏🏽👏🏽🔥🔥🖋🖋🙌🏽🙌🏽 and I can’t wait for the next story.
This book here... It really dug into a lot of serious issues. I always enjoy any opportunity to read about the Henderson's, and this book was just as good as the others! Jenahra had it ROUGH! Just terrible... Joseph was trash. But I'm so glad that Carter attended LaKeith's and Chrissy's wedding to give Jenahra a second chance at life and love! WJ was going through it as well, and I hope that he can get whatever help he needs to get him back on the right path. I can't wait for book 2!
Oh my Mrs Walters does it again. I’ve never read a book from this author that I didn’t absolutely love. This story was no exception, yet another Henderson’s story revealed and this was by far the deepest revelation to date. It made previous things that transpired in other stories make sense. I can’t wait to see how this is wrapped up. This story had my emotions all over the place as the Henderson’s are like family. I definitely recommend this book. I thoroughly enjoyed this read.
I love The Henderson Clan, even though they come with hella drama! We finally have an explaination of why Jen and WJ are the way they are and all the physical and emotional abuse they had to endure. I love the way Carter loved Jen even when she was at her lowest and not letting her give up on them. I really hope WJ comes out the darkness he is in! This book was so good from beginning to end. Can't wait for part 2.
I have so many words for the this book I will keep my review short because a detailed review would be extremely long. Monica Walters totally outdid herself with this entry of the Henderson siblings. This story touched on many extremely sensitive subjects while also telling a sweet and passionate love story. In the beginning the older Henderson siblings (WJ, Jonathan &Chrissy) all seemed very stuffy and stand offish but one by one we have learned their back stories and watched them overcome obstacles and reconnect with their crazy fun loving younger siblings. I am counting the days until the conclusion. Well done Monica Walters well done. 👍👌👏⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I can’t imagine being trapped in such a way that Jen was in this book although I know it happens. For someone so feisty and bold enough to cheat and then rooted in the word of God I hate that these very characteristics basically helped her husband successfully trap her and cause her harm. There is so much pain with the Henderson’s from the past still impacting their present lives. It’s good to see some real healing ❤️🩹 on the way!
Wow! My emotions are all over the place right now. Nahra went through so much in this book and my heart wept for her. Like you pointed out in the beginning, this story could be someone's reality. Waiting patiently to see what happens with W.J. and the rest of the Henderson clan.
Just when I think I have the Hendersons figured out, boom! Plot twist. I can’t wait until the second part of this book comes out. I’m glad to see how Jenahra got to be like she was and WJ too. Childhood traumas and dysfunction run so deep. I want to see the culmination of events and hope we get a HEA for all; that includes some healing. And Reggie made me want to jump through the pages and stomp him out. Monica you should know by know that I love your books. Now is it time for the next one yet??
THE HENDERSON'S!!!!! I love me some Henderson's, it seems as if a lot of the siblings issues stems from their parents. Jen, OMG I would've never guessed that she was going through all of that with her trifling husband. Storm is still my bae! I love the love Carter has for Jen. That police officer's vendetta is going to get him turned into fertilizer for the cows. WJ, my heart goes out to him. Ready for part 2.
Jenahra was an unexpected Henderson show out and I loved her and Carter’s story ❤️. What more can any family take and I am just in knots to see how this story ends and who makes this family whole again 🥰. One thing is greatly appreciated and shown is the passion between Jenahra and Carter is one for the ages and gives all women over 40 and still looking for their forever love and that passion we all read about hope🥰🍾
As always Author Monica always brings the best with the Henderson family. So many shockers, not giving spoilers, sadness, happiness and love. I hurt for Jen but I'm happy she's found her true love. Just patiently waiting for book 2 to see about the oldest Henderson brother. Great read and recommendation!
Jenhara and WJ had to endure a lot. Knowing there back story makes so much sense as to why they were the way they are. Jenhara was a good person had put up with some heavy duty stuff to make sure her siblings were ok. She endured a lot and the Lord was preparing her for her happiness her happily ever after.
I really don’t want to spoil anything in this book. I truly want you to be as emotional and shocked as I am now at the end of this book. If you are reading this book, I’m assuming you are familiar with the Henderson family. Well let me tell you this will be your favorite story so far in the Family series. Monica is truly at the top of her game with Janara’s story. You will feel all the emotions and may even shed a tear as I did. Sometimes things have to be torn down and then rebuilt. And Janara’s story is a testimony in having the strength to rebuild . This story is excellent and I was truly left on the edge of my seat. If this is the beginning of the end of the Henderson’s Monica is going out on top!
What an ending! With this author you get it all… it seems as with every Henderson book I read, more and more layers are peeled back about this family which helps to understand them better. As I read these books, all I can do is see them being played out on the big screen. This author has a way of roping you in and making you feel like either a cousin or an aunt or some family member on the sidelines and I enjoy every minute of it. There were SO many lessons to learn here and though the topic can be heavy for some, this book was not just a book to enjoy but one to also learn from. I think that’s so important as well. I look forward to part two!
Was anticipating this book and I must say I am not disappointed. Being very familiar with the Henderson family is a plus for me; although it's not necessary, I think if you haven't read the previous books pertaining to the Hendersons, you're missing out on some very interesting insight. Although domestic violence and suicide is never fun topics, and may be triggers to some, Jenahra's story mixed with a few lol moments make this an interesting read. The drama that ended this book has me anxiously awaiting part 2...