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Blessings #2
A Second Helping
Beverly Jenkins, the bestselling author of Bring on the Blessings, returns readers to the enchanting Kansas town of Henry Adams for A Second Helping of love, laughter, and mayhem. Filling her poignant and wonderful tale with a cast of endearingly eccentric characters—and setting it against the rich historical backdrop that has become her trademark—Jenkins (“A superstar” —Detroit Free Press) delights from page one. Kimberla Lawson Roby fans take note: A Second Helping is supremely satisfying fare…and you’ll definitely be ready for thirds!
400 pages, Paperback
First published December 16, 2009
206 people are currently reading
1290 people want to read
About the author
Beverly Jenkins
70 books4,819 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 218 reviews
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June 9, 2020Did I say I was going to glom this series unstoppably? I am glomming this series unstoppably. Black American small town roman fleuve, which is to say soap opera in books, with joyous characters, buckets of love, just enough hard edges to make us fully enjoy all the good stuff. Pure escapism. I'm literally reaching the end of one and one-clicking the next.
October 7, 2017
Such a good fun read. A little beyond the real, but so full of warm hearted characters in a small town who support each other, and where they weed out those there to cause trouble.
Why? I fell in love with the small town in the first book in the series Blessings by Beverly Jenkins.
Plot
The book takes up the stories of the various children who have been fostered. Amari wants to join the July family as a fully fledged member and must undergo a spirit journey. Preston is worried his foster parents might split, Crystal is turning into everyone's counsellor. A new teacher turns up in town with Eli who has an attitude which doesn't wash in this town.
What Appeals to Me?
This book is so warm hearted and the characters so loveable and the story lines are heart warming. They are a little beyond the real, but it is if everything was in an ideal world, and who wouldn't go for that. It is full of humour, plus characters face challenges and grow... or leave town one way or the other. It was a sit down and relax read almost done in a day kind of book.
And so...
I've ordered book #3 in the series Something Old, Something New.
Why? I fell in love with the small town in the first book in the series Blessings by Beverly Jenkins.
Plot
The book takes up the stories of the various children who have been fostered. Amari wants to join the July family as a fully fledged member and must undergo a spirit journey. Preston is worried his foster parents might split, Crystal is turning into everyone's counsellor. A new teacher turns up in town with Eli who has an attitude which doesn't wash in this town.
What Appeals to Me?
This book is so warm hearted and the characters so loveable and the story lines are heart warming. They are a little beyond the real, but it is if everything was in an ideal world, and who wouldn't go for that. It is full of humour, plus characters face challenges and grow... or leave town one way or the other. It was a sit down and relax read almost done in a day kind of book.
And so...
I've ordered book #3 in the series Something Old, Something New.
August 1, 2016
I am very happy to review this second book in the blessings series. If you choose to read this series, you will find that this is a very pleasant, easy reading, good feeling series. Nothing too deep, but just complicated enough to make you wonder what will happen next. Of course in some scenarios, things are just a bit too tidy, but that is why the easy good feeling type of writing is so refreshing. I have enjoyed this book more than the first because I've settled down with the characters that are familiar to me and situations that I've wanted answers to from book 1. Book one set up everything and this book took the ball and ran with it. I can enjoy the personalities of all of the orphans and now that they all have foster parents, the families are starting to become believable units that interact with their new environment that was established and developed in the first book. I have some other required reading to finish and then I'm looking forward to returning to this series with book 3 which is Something Old, Something New.
May 17, 2020
Can I just live in this fictional town? I’ll just walk into the pages and be quite happy. Love it! 4 stars
November 3, 2023
3.75 Stars
See, I knew this series would grow on me despite the parts I don't like quite so much.
Ms. Jenkins has a way of creating compelling characters that I wish to check up on and spend time with.
I can see the appeal given this series has so many installments.
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 a 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. 🥰
See, I knew this series would grow on me despite the parts I don't like quite so much.
Ms. Jenkins has a way of creating compelling characters that I wish to check up on and spend time with.
I can see the appeal given this series has so many installments.
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 a 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. 🥰
April 1, 2020
Too many characters to keep track of for easy listening; this might have been better for me as an ebook. That said, the narrator did a fantastic job especially making the characters sound different. There just were so many of them.
The story was sugar sweet and heartwarming, a little over the top at times, but full of hope and love with a recognition of hard times and troubles. I liked all of the characters and rooted for them. The story wraps up some threads and leaves others open. The ending is Happy For Now.
The story was sugar sweet and heartwarming, a little over the top at times, but full of hope and love with a recognition of hard times and troubles. I liked all of the characters and rooted for them. The story wraps up some threads and leaves others open. The ending is Happy For Now.
August 13, 2025
This story really felt like diving into the next episode of my favorite family movie! I loved the humor and the little nuggets of wisdom sprinkled throughout. It was like a cozy treat for my mind. Plus, it was great to see some new characters joining the familiar faces, bringing even more fun to the story!
July 14, 2020
The Blessing series by Beverly Jenkins is fast becoming a favorite series! I have grown fond of the quirky residents of Henry Adams and am loving their heartfelt adventures💗
April 28, 2010
Another clearance book that I struggled through (probably why it was on clearance). The thought behind the book was good but there were just too many characters to keep up with at the beginning. Then, once I got everyone straight, the book became very repetitive and predictable. Didn't really end either...just set up the next book.
October 12, 2020
This one was just as good as the first book. All of the residents of Henry Adams are settling in, the new families cementing their bonds. I loved how Amari was welcomed into the July family, between the spirit quest and the parade, great fun. The parde became so much more than what the adults every thought. I was glad when Preston got fed up with Amari and went to the adults for help. I think the adults were dumbfounded at all that Armari and Preson achomplished with no adult help.
Crystal's story was a bit bittersweet. The good thing to come out of all things were Crystal knowing without a doubt she belonged in Henry Adams and with Bernadine.
The new teacher was fun, his son, not so much. I did like how the son learned so much from the foster kids and realized maybe his life wasn't so bad.
I'm glad that I have the next book ready to go!!
Crystal's story was a bit bittersweet. The good thing to come out of all things were Crystal knowing without a doubt she belonged in Henry Adams and with Bernadine.
The new teacher was fun, his son, not so much. I did like how the son learned so much from the foster kids and realized maybe his life wasn't so bad.
I'm glad that I have the next book ready to go!!
Read
April 5, 2021Another delightful installment. I love the found family vibes, and the way this town gathers together to help one another in times of difficulty. There are a few moments that don't hit right (some judgment of skinny women/slut-shaming/judgment of a man for wearing women's underwear), but otherwise it's all good feelings and happiness. Even the highly dramatic moments feel relatively cozy imo, because it's just that sort of series.
The narration is also excellent, and I highly recommend the audio.
The narration is also excellent, and I highly recommend the audio.
July 30, 2025
3.5 rounded up! This had to grow on me. That's maybe because of the added characters. As I had gotten further into it, I started to enjoy it a little more. Our book club has chosen to continue with this series through the rest of the year. So let's get started on the next one!!
September 17, 2023
Totally addicted to the story of these families.
March 1, 2025
For fans of Virgin River and Sweet Magnolia this one is for you. I was able to get through most of this book in about a day. What can I say, I bought this book as a fluke during a kindle sale, not realizing it was part of a larger series. The characters are loveable, the writing is simple yet envelopes you into the town of Henry Adams. There were moments where I laughed out loud, got teary eye-ed, was on the edge of my seat, and had my heart-warmed. I also found myself highlighting passages about history and making a playlist of the music mentioned throughout the book. I am so thankful to have found this series and look forward to reading the rest.
November 28, 2025
A Second Helping is something you ask for because the first portion was really good, and the thought is that you will enjoy the seconds as much as you did the first. That definitely happened here :-).
I enjoyed the ongoing misadventures of Bernadine Brown as she oversees Henry Adams, Kansas, the town she bought and revitalized with her divorce settlement. The foster children she brought in are thriving in their new home, and welcome a new teenager into their midst. Eli James has to come along when his father Jack hires on to be a teacher at the rebuilt town school. He's grieving the death of his mother two years ago, but can't see past grief and teen sullenness to realize that his dad is hurting too.
Crystal is mourning the death of her mother, but now her father is looking for her. He heard about Bernadine adopting her and hopes to share in Crystal's newfound wealth by any means necessary,.
Amari and Preston are planning a parade for the town, the likes of which has not happened in 40 years. Can they pull it off or will the adults need to step in to make it happen? And can Preston find a kindred spirit in a girl his age who shares his love of physics?
Zoey still will not talk, but with a musical foster mother, her own musical talents begin to surface. Her blossoming musical ability dovetails nicely with her friend and fellow foster child Devon's desire to create and pastor a church for the town.
Trent July is fulfilled acting as father to Amari, but he wants more- and Lily Fontaine is that more. Will their renewed after many years courtship amount to anything?
I loved all the twists and turns and laughs this book provided and am eager to go for thirds with the next book in this series.
I enjoyed the ongoing misadventures of Bernadine Brown as she oversees Henry Adams, Kansas, the town she bought and revitalized with her divorce settlement. The foster children she brought in are thriving in their new home, and welcome a new teenager into their midst. Eli James has to come along when his father Jack hires on to be a teacher at the rebuilt town school. He's grieving the death of his mother two years ago, but can't see past grief and teen sullenness to realize that his dad is hurting too.
Crystal is mourning the death of her mother, but now her father is looking for her. He heard about Bernadine adopting her and hopes to share in Crystal's newfound wealth by any means necessary,.
Amari and Preston are planning a parade for the town, the likes of which has not happened in 40 years. Can they pull it off or will the adults need to step in to make it happen? And can Preston find a kindred spirit in a girl his age who shares his love of physics?
Zoey still will not talk, but with a musical foster mother, her own musical talents begin to surface. Her blossoming musical ability dovetails nicely with her friend and fellow foster child Devon's desire to create and pastor a church for the town.
Trent July is fulfilled acting as father to Amari, but he wants more- and Lily Fontaine is that more. Will their renewed after many years courtship amount to anything?
I loved all the twists and turns and laughs this book provided and am eager to go for thirds with the next book in this series.
July 28, 2017
#rippedbodicebingo
square: elaborate proposal scene (or maybe hero has a pet other than a dog or cat, though it turns out he was not the hero since it was such an ensemble cast story -- somebody's love interest, though!)
This was my first non-historical by the illustrious Ms. Bev and it was light and sweet... the best kind of escapist read, honestly, a soap opera but where characters do their best to be good to each other and the villains are ridiculous or get their comeuppances without causing any real pain or harm. I sometimes have a hard time with readers' advisory for readers who like small-town, non-angsty, squeaky-clean, inspirational-but-not-inspie-subgenre romance, and I'm glad to have this one to recommend.
There were a few moments that made me unhappy - especially a throwaway joke that came up several times where one character has come back to town after a marriage that failed because "she found her husband wearing her panties in the bedroom (har har)." Besides being unnecessarily, hateful/phobic, I honestly had a hard time believing that if that happened to one of their number, the flawed-but-deeply-loving members of this town would react with jeers or to make that person the butt of a joke. I think the whole reason it's so satisfying to read something about this idyllic setting and cast is that there's space and unconditional love for every member of the town family who's genuinely trying their best, and to have a nasty, dehumanizing reaction moment like that (even for an offstage ancillary character) shakes the setting apart and makes it hard to trust and enjoy again.
square: elaborate proposal scene (or maybe hero has a pet other than a dog or cat, though it turns out he was not the hero since it was such an ensemble cast story -- somebody's love interest, though!)
This was my first non-historical by the illustrious Ms. Bev and it was light and sweet... the best kind of escapist read, honestly, a soap opera but where characters do their best to be good to each other and the villains are ridiculous or get their comeuppances without causing any real pain or harm. I sometimes have a hard time with readers' advisory for readers who like small-town, non-angsty, squeaky-clean, inspirational-but-not-inspie-subgenre romance, and I'm glad to have this one to recommend.
There were a few moments that made me unhappy - especially a throwaway joke that came up several times where one character has come back to town after a marriage that failed because "she found her husband wearing her panties in the bedroom (har har)." Besides being unnecessarily, hateful/phobic, I honestly had a hard time believing that if that happened to one of their number, the flawed-but-deeply-loving members of this town would react with jeers or to make that person the butt of a joke. I think the whole reason it's so satisfying to read something about this idyllic setting and cast is that there's space and unconditional love for every member of the town family who's genuinely trying their best, and to have a nasty, dehumanizing reaction moment like that (even for an offstage ancillary character) shakes the setting apart and makes it hard to trust and enjoy again.
January 18, 2010
A Second Helping is the sequel to Bring on the Blessings. It brings us up to date on the folks of the Henry Adams, Kansas. The foster kids that have been given a real second chance with the loving families that have taken them in. Some of the adults are given 2nd chances also. We also are introduced to new residents. I laughed, cried and cussed during this book. Yes it was a roller coaster ride and I enjoyed it. Looking forward to the next book because there are questions that must be answered.
What I learned is everyone deserves a second chance. Blessings to all.
What I learned is everyone deserves a second chance. Blessings to all.
October 19, 2010
After recently being disappointed by a sequel (McMillan's Getting to Happy), I was a bit hesitant to read Jenkins' follow-up book. I was very pleased though. I happily caught up with favorite characters from the first book, especially the foster children. It was great to see how the community came together to support the kids, even when they stirred up trouble. This is a sequel that won't disappoint.
June 14, 2011
I just love the Henry Adams community. A full review will be featured on my Series Sunday blog meme.
March 8, 2024
A Second Helping by Beverly Jenkins
Blessings #2
related book Night Song
+386-page Paperback
Genre: African-American Fiction
Featuring: Wealthy Divorcée, Small-Town near Franklin, Kansas, Historical Black Town, Past Catching Up Trope, Foster Care, Bibliographical References, It Takes A Village, Crime, Sexual Innuendos, Multiple POVs, A+ * Book Club Discussion Questions, Letter From Author; Advertisements
Rating as a movie: R for adult content
Songs for the soundtrack: "The One Who Really Loves You" by Mary Wells, "P.Y.T. (Pretty Young Thing)" by Michael Jackson, "Good Golly Miss Molly" by Little Richard, "Flash Light" by Parliament, "If I Were Your Woman" by Gladys Knight & the Pips, "Chain of Fools" by Aretha Franklin, "Down Home Blues" by Z. Z. Hill, "Fire" by Ohio Players, "Function At The Junction" by Shorty Long, "Ooo Baby Baby" by The Miracles, "Early In The Morning" by The Gap Band, "Video Phone Remix" by Beyoncé and Lady Gaga, "The Best Is Yet to Come" by Grover Washington, Jr., "Smiling Faces Sometimes" by The Undisputed Truth, "War" by Edwin Starr, "For Once in My Life" by Stevie Wonder, "Mary, Don't You Weep" by Aretha Franklin, "My Girl" by The Temptations, "Going In Circles" by The Friends of Distinction, "If I Didn't Care" by Ink Spots
My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️½🫂
My thoughts: This wasn't a single sitting read but it was close. I stopped to make breakfast and take calls. I couldn't believe it when it was over. This book read itself. I'm supposed to be reading another book but I'm going to read book 3 in this series instead, I don't want to leave this town. I think I know how I'm going to spend spring break.
Recommend to others: Yes. The plot is this series is unrealistic but phenomenal.
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 #2
related book Night Song
+386-page Paperback
Genre: African-American Fiction
Featuring: Wealthy Divorcée, Small-Town near Franklin, Kansas, Historical Black Town, Past Catching Up Trope, Foster Care, Bibliographical References, It Takes A Village, Crime, Sexual Innuendos, Multiple POVs, A+ * Book Club Discussion Questions, Letter From Author; Advertisements
Rating as a movie: R for adult content
Songs for the soundtrack: "The One Who Really Loves You" by Mary Wells, "P.Y.T. (Pretty Young Thing)" by Michael Jackson, "Good Golly Miss Molly" by Little Richard, "Flash Light" by Parliament, "If I Were Your Woman" by Gladys Knight & the Pips, "Chain of Fools" by Aretha Franklin, "Down Home Blues" by Z. Z. Hill, "Fire" by Ohio Players, "Function At The Junction" by Shorty Long, "Ooo Baby Baby" by The Miracles, "Early In The Morning" by The Gap Band, "Video Phone Remix" by Beyoncé and Lady Gaga, "The Best Is Yet to Come" by Grover Washington, Jr., "Smiling Faces Sometimes" by The Undisputed Truth, "War" by Edwin Starr, "For Once in My Life" by Stevie Wonder, "Mary, Don't You Weep" by Aretha Franklin, "My Girl" by The Temptations, "Going In Circles" by The Friends of Distinction, "If I Didn't Care" by Ink Spots
My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️½🫂
My thoughts: This wasn't a single sitting read but it was close. I stopped to make breakfast and take calls. I couldn't believe it when it was over. This book read itself. I'm supposed to be reading another book but I'm going to read book 3 in this series instead, I don't want to leave this town. I think I know how I'm going to spend spring break.
Recommend to others: Yes. The plot is this series is unrealistic but phenomenal.
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)
July 30, 2022
Welcome to Henry Adams, a small town who does not judge you. All are welcome in the traditionally Black town. Amari decided he wants to become a July. Henry Adams gets a new school (and teacher). Bernadine's ex, Leo shows up. Crystal gets closure with both her mom (who dies in prison) and father (who hunts her down with the goal of getting a large payday). There are so many people, I need a character guide to keep track (see below).
Characters (updated w/ this book, might have spoilers):
Bernadine (she bought the town and is funding its improvement and growth), Lily and Trent were high school sweethearts and are now engaged, Davis is Lily's son (Lily has Devon, Trent has Amari), the town Matriarchs (Agnus, Marie (she was the town schoolteacher and we find out she got pregnant as a teen and was made to give the baby up), and Tamar- Trent's grandmother), the foster parents- the Paynes (Barrett and Sheila)- they have Preston, the Garlands (Reginald and Roni)- they have Zoey. Then there is Malachi, Trent's dad (he owns the local restaurant and is the local vet, recovering alcoholic) & is dating Bernadine, Leo (Bernadine's ex, he may be moving to the town & is dating Marie), Jack and his son Eli (the new schoolteacher and son), Rocky is bacd and is the cook at the diner. Riley (the town asshole, ex-mayor, Cletus his pet pig), his soon-to-be ex wife Genevieve.
The foster kid and their history: Amari stole cars, Crystal was a runaway, Devon lived with his grandmother and preached at her funeral, Preston started a fire at last foster mother's house b/c she refused to get him proper care for his asthma & is super smart, and Zoey; she was found covered in rats with her deceased homeless mother's body.
I read this for Ripped Bodice Summer Bingo "Title Has a Number in It" square.
Characters (updated w/ this book, might have spoilers):
Bernadine (she bought the town and is funding its improvement and growth), Lily and Trent were high school sweethearts and are now engaged, Davis is Lily's son (Lily has Devon, Trent has Amari), the town Matriarchs (Agnus, Marie (she was the town schoolteacher and we find out she got pregnant as a teen and was made to give the baby up), and Tamar- Trent's grandmother), the foster parents- the Paynes (Barrett and Sheila)- they have Preston, the Garlands (Reginald and Roni)- they have Zoey. Then there is Malachi, Trent's dad (he owns the local restaurant and is the local vet, recovering alcoholic) & is dating Bernadine, Leo (Bernadine's ex, he may be moving to the town & is dating Marie), Jack and his son Eli (the new schoolteacher and son), Rocky is bacd and is the cook at the diner. Riley (the town asshole, ex-mayor, Cletus his pet pig), his soon-to-be ex wife Genevieve.
The foster kid and their history: Amari stole cars, Crystal was a runaway, Devon lived with his grandmother and preached at her funeral, Preston started a fire at last foster mother's house b/c she refused to get him proper care for his asthma & is super smart, and Zoey; she was found covered in rats with her deceased homeless mother's body.
I read this for Ripped Bodice Summer Bingo "Title Has a Number in It" square.
May 24, 2017
As everyone should know by know I love this woman and her books. I have yet to see her do wrong, I am not saying she is incapable of doing wrong...IJS, I haven't seen it. In the second book of the Bring on the blessings series, we follow up with the members of the Henry Adams County community and the entertaining soap opera that is their lives.
I wrote a whole lot about it here: theabominablebookgirl.wordpress.com
Anywho, I just want people to read this book for the character! Like each one is just fantastic! I do have my favorites...because I feel favoritism is necessary but in general every character just pops!
I wrote a whole lot about it here: theabominablebookgirl.wordpress.com
Anywho, I just want people to read this book for the character! Like each one is just fantastic! I do have my favorites...because I feel favoritism is necessary but in general every character just pops!
October 11, 2020
Funny, Family, & Frivolity All in One
A great story that shows that family comes in all shapes and sizes; blood has very little to do with it. A small town where the neighbors are really neighbors and care about each other.
A great story that shows that family comes in all shapes and sizes; blood has very little to do with it. A small town where the neighbors are really neighbors and care about each other.
March 20, 2024
A great visit to Henry Adams. I got to check in with all my favorite characters from the first book. Also got introduced to a few new characters I have grown to love. Really enjoying this series.
February 14, 2010
The second in what I hope becomes a series, A Second Helping is the follow up to 2009's Bring on the Blessings. The residents of the historically black town of Hays Adam, KS are back for more.
Readers of the first book will remember that newly divorced millionaire Bernadine Brown bought the struggling town while looking for a project to immerse herself in after she found her husband of twenty-plus years cheating. A woman with a big heart, Bernadine began a project in the first book to unite the families of Hays Adam with hard to place foster children. In her latest sequel, we find the kids and their families thriving and readying for adoption.
Eleven year old former car thief, Amari, has found a home with the mayor of the small town and has made the decision to become a part of the July family. In order to do so, he must complete a spiritual quest guided by the matriarch of the July family, Tamar, and complete an unselfish task that brings joy to someone else. Paging through old photo albums, Amari stumbles upon pictures of the August 1st parade and decides to organize one for his new family and new town.
Prior to reading this book, I had never heard of an August 1st parade. Most of us are familiar with Juneteenth, which is celebrated on June 19 to commemorate the abolition of slavery in Texas, the last state to free their slaves in 1865. August 1st celebrates the abolishment of slavery in the British empire in 1834 and was celebrated throughout towns in the United States up until 1927. To this day it is also celebrated in Barbados, Bermuda, Guyana, Trinidad & Tobago, Jamaica, Anguilla, The Bahamas, Turks & Caicos and the British Virgin Isles.
Along with the adventures that come with planning a parade, readers are introduced to a few new characters and will be delighted to reacquaint themselves with old, familiar characters.
What did you like about this book?
I loved the introduction of August 1st. The author is known for writing historical romances. Though this is not a romance in the true sense of the word, I'm glad that she introduced the historical aspects of this fictional town.
What did you dislike about this book?
It ended too quickly. Yes, even with 386 pages, I wanted more.
How can the author improve this book?
No improvements needed. It's my hope that this becomes a series and that it doesn't take another year for the next edition to be released.
Readers of the first book will remember that newly divorced millionaire Bernadine Brown bought the struggling town while looking for a project to immerse herself in after she found her husband of twenty-plus years cheating. A woman with a big heart, Bernadine began a project in the first book to unite the families of Hays Adam with hard to place foster children. In her latest sequel, we find the kids and their families thriving and readying for adoption.
Eleven year old former car thief, Amari, has found a home with the mayor of the small town and has made the decision to become a part of the July family. In order to do so, he must complete a spiritual quest guided by the matriarch of the July family, Tamar, and complete an unselfish task that brings joy to someone else. Paging through old photo albums, Amari stumbles upon pictures of the August 1st parade and decides to organize one for his new family and new town.
Prior to reading this book, I had never heard of an August 1st parade. Most of us are familiar with Juneteenth, which is celebrated on June 19 to commemorate the abolition of slavery in Texas, the last state to free their slaves in 1865. August 1st celebrates the abolishment of slavery in the British empire in 1834 and was celebrated throughout towns in the United States up until 1927. To this day it is also celebrated in Barbados, Bermuda, Guyana, Trinidad & Tobago, Jamaica, Anguilla, The Bahamas, Turks & Caicos and the British Virgin Isles.
During the 1830s these annual events were small affairs largely organized in schoolhouses, debating halls, and black churches. Over subsequent decades, however, these annual meetings became much larger, more public, and communal affairs. Thousands of people of African descent would congregate in villages, towns, and city squares during the opening days of August to celebrate the ending of slavery elsewhere and organize for its overthrow in the United States. During the 1850s, these public meetings became breeding grounds for more militant opposition toward American slavery: through the attraction and participation of fugitive slaves; the parade of armed black militias; and, fiery speeches demanding the violent overthrow of American slavery. In British Canada, an older generation of black people, along with fugitives and more recent emigrants, also adapted August First as an important expression of their antislavery actions and political identities. In short, August First Day was to become the most important public commemorative event and popular form of mobilization among people of African descent in the English-speaking Atlantic world between the 1830s and the 1860s. - excerpt from Whatever Happened to August First by J.R. Kerr-Ritchie
Along with the adventures that come with planning a parade, readers are introduced to a few new characters and will be delighted to reacquaint themselves with old, familiar characters.
What did you like about this book?
I loved the introduction of August 1st. The author is known for writing historical romances. Though this is not a romance in the true sense of the word, I'm glad that she introduced the historical aspects of this fictional town.
What did you dislike about this book?
It ended too quickly. Yes, even with 386 pages, I wanted more.
How can the author improve this book?
No improvements needed. It's my hope that this becomes a series and that it doesn't take another year for the next edition to be released.
July 6, 2016
A Second Helping is the second in a series of books about the town of Henry Adams. If it's been awhile since you've read the first book: Henry Adams was turning into a ghost town before Bernadine (a very rich woman thanks to a divorce) bought the town and brought in five foster kids and placed them with families who agreed to live in Henry Adams. The kids are starting to settle into Henry Adams and with the families they have been placed with. Bernadine is busy continuing her plan to grow Henry Adams. This time around she's finishing the local diner improvements, building a school and hiring a teacher for the school. Amari decides he wants to be a part of the July family so must go on a vision quest and come up with a project - he decides to hold an August 1st parade which turns out way bigger - perhaps bigger than even Bernadine can handle. Crystal's mom is still in prison but her dad is back in the picture - will he take Crystal away from Bernadine?
I really enjoy these stories by Beverly Jenkins. She writes a Christian story without being too preachy - yes, perhaps everything works out better than it might in real life but don't you want, even every now and then, to have a place that everything turns out right? I enjoy getting to know the characters and the lay-out of the town. I've been reading some books that are just casual sex with no connections and characters that have been beaten down by life so this is refreshing. Looking forward to more in the series.
I really enjoy these stories by Beverly Jenkins. She writes a Christian story without being too preachy - yes, perhaps everything works out better than it might in real life but don't you want, even every now and then, to have a place that everything turns out right? I enjoy getting to know the characters and the lay-out of the town. I've been reading some books that are just casual sex with no connections and characters that have been beaten down by life so this is refreshing. Looking forward to more in the series.
April 11, 2014
This is the second book in a series. You can read it as a stand alone book because the author spends a lot of time summarizing the first book. Since I had read the first book I found that very boring. There are lots of characters in this book and I find that distracting. The author is dealing with too many characters and storylines so she doesn't have the opportunity develop any of them very well. The book also ends in a way that doesn't wrap up the story but sets us up for the next book. I will not be reading the follow up book. I only read this one because it was the April choice for my bookclub.
February 16, 2015
Life in the town of Henry Adams is many things but dull isn’t one of them. For a small town, there is a lot happening: romantic encounters, foster kids wanting to be adopted, a widower trying to connect with his own unhappy son, and a fugitive from the law, on the run with a couple of enormous pigs. And this barely scratches the surface! But if you want the real scoop, you need to hie yourself down to the Dog and Cow diner. It’s the real deal for up-to-date info. This novel, too, is many things: entertaining, thought-provoking, amusing, and well-written, but mostly, it is just a very good story told in a very good fashion.
June 16, 2011
It was great to see how the lives of the people of Henry Adams have continued. Bernandine continues to be the towns angel, and her blessings are being returned since it seems like she and Mal will get their chance. I was happy to see Trent finally come to his senses regarding Liily because those two deserve happiness, and I hope in the third book Devon gets his little brother or sister. I love the history that is being taught in these books. It realyl makes me want to go and research my own families history. I can't wait for the 3rd book!
October 23, 2020
Henry Adams, KS is having their August First Parade after fourty years. Tamar July's ancestors founded the town a century ago. And Amari and Preston are the youth organizers. It goes fairly well for the town. Newcomers Jack and his son Eli James are welcomed with open arms. Sounds like small town America.
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