Something Old, Something New

Blessings #3

by Beverly Jenkins

Beloved bestselling author Beverly Jenkins introduced readers to the delightful town of Henry Adams and its unforgettable residents in Bring on the Blessings and returned for another visit in A Second Helping . Now she brings us back to the people we have grown to love in Something Old, Something New —this time for a long-awaited wedding that will live forever in our hearts!  Already one of the premier names in African-American historical romance fiction and thrilling contemporary romantic suspense, Jenkins is a wonderfully versatile storyteller who enchants with this poignant, heartwarming, and funny tale about the joys and trials of a uniquely endearing community that fans of Kimberla Lawson Roby and Angela Benson will especially appreciate.

Genres: Romance, Fiction, Contemporary, Audiobook, African American, Adult, Humor

352 pages, Paperback

First published June 7, 2011

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

[K.J. Charles]

I *am* going to read this entire ten book series in a huge glom and you can't stop me.

[Lois · Rating 4 out of 5]

And I'm in love with this small Black town and its charming residents.
If it was real, I'd move there🥰

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. 🥰

[Megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love this world! And the author’s note at the end made it all the more wonderful. Beverly Jenkins adopted a child from foster care, so this is ownvoices in so many ways! Worth reading! 4 stars

[Jewlsbookblog · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Blessing series ties in to Jenkin’s historicals through descendants of the July family-The Oklahoma July’s are a wild bunch compared to the Kansas side, but just as loving and fun😂

[Veanna Pitts · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing!!!! This series has me in a choke hold! I can’t get enough.

[Jayme Langhorst · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've enjoyed this series and will read the 4th book when it comes out. This book was not nearly as repetitive as the 2nd, which I appreciated. There were some parts in the beginning that I skimmed over b/c it just recapped what had happened in the previous books.

The series is terribly unrealistic, but I'm not reading it to get a grip on reality. I'm reading it for the "feel good" book that it is. I'm not sure how much Beverly Jenkins knows about Native American tribes and cultures, but I was rather taken aback by the personality descriptions of the Lakota. It seemed a little unfair to pit one culture against another w/ the Lakota Sioux tribe taking the brunt of the negativity. I've lived near the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation and I wouldn't exactly call them people prone to steal and vandalize. Also not really sure how probable it would have been for the Seminole and Sioux to have such an extensive familial background, but again, I'm overlooking that and taking it as the story it is. A story about family, a supportive small town and the changes one person can make to better the lives of another- big or small.

[Isatta · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love this series even though I am not binging it. I love the town of Henry Adams and all the members of the town. I must say my feelings are severely hurt because one of my favorite townies became unstable and I was not prepared. I love the easiness of this series. The problems are relatable, which makes it so much fun! The story lines are easy to follow and the characters are just so much fun. Although, there are moments of extreme seriousness, I love the way each problem is handled.

[Linniegayl · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is probably my favorite so far in the series. Parts of it were just heartbreaking, for poor little Zoey and Devon (two of the foster children brought to town). But there was also a lot of joy. We're learning more about so many of the characters in the book. These are complicated people with messy lives and messy backgrounds. None of them are perfect, and we're gradually seeing some of their imperfections (of course some, like Riley with his 600 pound hog Cletus, were pretty obvious from the beginning). I
can't wait to see what happens in the next installments, and am already starting to feel sad that the last in the series #10, is getting closer.

[Christina (A Reader of Fictions)]

Probably the lowest spot in the series for me so far, but still a delightful ride for all that. Something I did appreciate about this one a lot was the way that Zoe and Devon develop. On the other hand, I'm a bit disappointed by the turn of having Amari actually related to the family, because it feels like that's supposed to make him even more special, which is a bit ick to me. But I'm probably overthinking, and I enjoy the heck out of these. Whyyyyy is book four not on audio yet? I need it!

[Tonya Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book picked up a little from the second one. Although the second one was good, it was paced a little slower. I'm loving all the background stories of each character and how everything is coming together. The July family is a trip, they need their own story.

[Sherry · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am loving Henry Adams. I am enjoying reading about the people in this town. The kids in this series are a mess and I am loving every bit of it. I wish I can find a town like Henry Adams.

[Virginia Rounds · Rating 4 out of 5]

First class family-friendly soap opera. All the drama together with all the family and love and true emotions. Such an enjoyable series.

Only caveat for queer readers and allies: there's an off-page subplot where a husband is caught wearing his wife's underwear, and it's "a given" that she left him for that. That's really too bad.

[January · Rating 5 out of 5]

Something Old, Something New by Beverly Jenkins
Blessings #3
related book Night Song
+336-page Paperback

Genre: African-American Fiction

Featuring: Wealthy Divorcée, Small-Town near Franklin, Kansas, Historical Black Town, Foster Care, Bibliographical References, New Beginnings Trope, It Takes A Village, Crime, Sexual Innuendos, Multiple POVs, Birth Parents, Wedding Planning, Seminole, Lakota, Cliffhanger, A+ * Book Club Discussion Questions, Letter From Author; Advertisements

Rating as a movie: R for adult content

Songs for the soundtrack: Reunited by Peaches & Herb, "Make Yourself Comfortable" by Sarah Vaughan, "I'm Gonna Be Ready" by Yolanda Adams, "(Get Me Back On Time) Engine Number 9" by Wilson Pickett, "Tired of Being Alone" by Al Green, "Tell Me Something Good" by Rufus and Chaka Khan, "No Pain, No Gain" by Betty Wright, "Superstition" by Stevie Wonder, "For the Love of Money" by The O'Jays, "Ribbon In The Sky" by Stevie Wonder, "Never Too Much" by Luther Vandross, "Can We Be Lovers" by Teddy Pendergrass, "Rescue Me" by Fontella Bass

My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️½💒

My thoughts: 📖 Page 175 of 336 Chapter 12 - I didn't get to read as much as I wanted to but I enjoyed most of what I've read so far, parts are a stretch, but I don't care.

This story was good, but there were a lot of coincidences you could look at as God's plan or just a way for her to tie in additional storylines. Either way, I enjoyed this story. I've ordered the rest of the series, and I don't think I'll get burned out at all. I'm especially looking forward to the Christmas book (book 11). I read the author's note, and it seems there are more shenanigans in Book 4.

Recommend to others: Yes, forever amen. These stories have been wonderful, and the best part is they're not repetitive.

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)

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

Wow, Ms. Jenkins did it again! I’m so thrilled with this follow-up. I’m wholeheartedly invested in the July clan now; it feels like I want to know all about everyone, almost like they’re a real family to me! There were definitely some ups and downs, but by the end, I was really happy. And can you believe what they did to Tamar's car? That was just wild! 😂💕

[Rhonda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ok , it’s not great literature , so I normally wouldn’t give it a 5. But a book I couldn’t put down more than deserves it !
Really feel like I curd live in this town . Love the characters

[Jadaloves · Rating 4 out of 5]

Something Old, Something New finds us back in modern day Henry Adams, newly renovated and amongst a community of adopted kids. All of the adopted children seem to be settling into their new lives with their new parents except Devon. Always quiet and polite, Devon is an anomoly in that he’s only nine-years old but considered a preacher in the town he came from. Angling to become his new town’s preacher and marry his adoptive mother Lily, to Trent July, Devon shows another side to himself when he doesn’t get his way.

I like to think of this book as comfortable and cozy. I loved revisiting the people of Henry Adams and getting to know them all over again. The journey through Something Old, Something New produced a myriad of emotions and I loved every second of it. This novel seemed to focus less on Bernadine and what she could bestow on others, and more on the everyday blessings people make and create on their own. While I can appreciate Bernadine and what she did for the town of Henry Adams, I was happy to see that the book was less dependant on her wealth, and more dependant upon the love and friendship shared throughout the people of Henry Adams.

Devon’s story was heartbreaking. As the only foster child who comes from a loving home, we get to peek into his world and understand that adjusting to his new life is a lot harder for him than he first let on. Consumed with wanting to preach, Devon begins acting out and tries to use scripture to manipulate Lily to get his own way. I appreciate Lily because while she was understanding, she was not about tolerating his bad behavior. And with help from her betrothed, Trent July, they eventually get to the heart of the matter.

In this book we also get some answers that were left for us in the previous novels. It is also filled with fights, celebrations, newfound friends, and a search for birth parents. While most of the book is focused on the relationship between Lily and Trent, we do get a good glimpse into the lives of all the other adopted kids, and many of the original inhabitants of Henry Adams. But like the novels before, we are left wanting more and with many other unanswered questions. The author leaves some issues unresolved, effectively leaving it open for a follow-up book.

Something Old, Something New is appropriately titled in that Trent and Lily were high school sweethearts who eventually found their way back to each other. This novel is filled with colorful characters, amusing stories, and an atmosphere of love and friendship. While many moments were quite laden with mushiness and cheese, I loved every second of it and was just what I needed to read at the time. So if you’re looking for a great feel-good book I suggest you pick up Beverly Jenkins’ Blessings novels immediatley!

[Maurice Jr. · Rating 4 out of 5]

The third Blessings book did not disappoint! Trent and Lily are planning their wedding, but while they want a small ceremony, Bernadine Brown and her deep pockets want to turn it into a huge affair.

Having completed his Spirit Quest, Amari Steele is now Amari July. With family converging on Henry Adams for the wedding, Trent and town matriarch Tamar suspect that Amari was already a July, and that one of their multitude of Lakota and Seminole cousins from Oklahoma is his birth father.

Devon was the best behaved of the foster children, but he's become sullen, brooding and snarky. Lily can't figure out what to do with her foster son. Rescue may come in the form of Reverend Paula Grant, the newly recruited town clergyperson. Not only is she a child psychologist by trade, but she is a living link to Zoey's past. Can she help the mute Zoey find her voice?

Riley Curry and his hog are back, but far from welcome. He, his girlfriend Eustasia and her sow Chocolate (Cletus' "wife") have come to Henry Adams to await Riley/Cletus' trial for Cletus' killing of Morton Prell in the first book. Needless to say, his ex-wife Genevieve is not pleased to see him.

I enjoyed this return visit to Henry Adams, KS. My only confusion was trying to figure out who "Cliff" was. Took me a minute to figure out that was supposed to be CLAY Dobbs, who's been a fixture in these books from the gate. Regardless, can't wait for the next installment!

[Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

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According to Goodreads, this is the third book in a series. I honestly had no idea there were two others before this one. I definitely don't feel like I missed any parts of the series and that this book was a great stand alone book.

This was one of those feel good type books. Being that I grew up and lived (and still do) in the city, it was an interesting take reading a story about characters who lived in a town so tiny they were all practically family. Some of it felt implausible but I wonder if it's just due to my lack of small town experiences.

The characters were well developed, but the one who definitely tugged at my heartstrings was Devon. Some of the scenes involving him were so emotional (in both the good and bad) that I shed a few tears.

I definitely enjoyed this book!

I received this book via Goodreads First Reads Giveaways.

[Carolyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I chanced upon this book, which I didn't know at first was the third book in a series. I loved this book! Beverly knows how to create the most interesting and realistic characters. I had to go back and read the first and second books after this one! This story had to do about Lily Fontaine and Trent July finally getting married. A cute, but sometimes annoying part of the story was nine year old Devon determined to be a preacher who wanted to marry his foster mother, Lily. The theme of fostering and adopting children in need was refreshing. It was interesting seeing how certain kids interacted with their new parents. The several side stories have me craving for what's going to happen next in Henry Adams. I see on Amazon there is a new Blessings Novel. A Wish and A Prayer but no description. I can't wait for it to be released, this series is a great one!

[Kimberly Williams-Green · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely Love Beverly Jenkins!! She is such an amazing author! I love the way she ties African American History into her books! I have learned so much from her about our history in a way that makes it easy to remember and fun all at the same time! Also, being someone who has worked in social services for 11 years and still at it, I can appreciate the way Beverly Jenkins balances out bringing awareness to many of the issues that youth in care suffer -while also providing those who love to read, especially to get away from the cares of the world - a happy ending!!

[Patriciaw · Rating 4 out of 5]

Back in Henry Adams, right where we left off, with the entire crew loving, laughing and stirring up stuff. Trent and Lily are headed for the altar but not without the requisite amount of drama in their relationship and with their family and friends. I continue to love this series particularly because of the historical background of the fictional Henry Adams, and because of the quirky characters. In this installment, let's just say the more Julys, the merrier.

[LyfeChanges · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beverly ~Beverly has done it again!!!!!!!!!! I know there is MORE BLEESINGS...This third book of the Blessings' Series was FANTASTIC...I cried ~I laughed~I was angry/frustrated all with the CHARACTERS!!!!!! I was able to dream with the them...It was as if I was sitting with my BIGMOMMA~my favorite AUNT/UNCLE/COUSIN.....I love this book and could not stop once I started...IF YOU HAVEN'T PURCHASED THE TRILOGY YOU ARE M~I~S~S~I~N~G OOOOOOOOOOUT!!!!

[Mona Grant-Holmes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Once again Beverly Jenkins reels us in to life in Henry Adams, Kansas. On tap is the upcoming wedding of Lily and Trent. Thrown into the mix is the search for Amari's birth parents; Devon's longing for life in Mississippi, Leo (Bernadine's ex) courting Marie, and a face from Zoey's past. You have come to care about these folks and Jenkins keeps you reading as we watch characters grow, mature, face their demons, and bury past hatchets.

[Mayda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Weddings may be planned by the brides, but that doesn’t mean that the brides have their own way. Lily is finding out that her friends and family seem to know what Lily should want, but do they really? Has anyone, besides the groom, really listened to Lily? But what everyone wants is the best wedding ever for Lily and Trent, and that’s what they get. Elopement may be easier, but not half the fun.

[Vi Louise · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked it ok. Disclaimer: This is not one of my "go to" genres but I find the stories interesting and able to hold my attention. I'm pleased with foster children and adoption being one of the main themes of this series.

[Marilyn Diamond · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you kept up with Beverly Jenkins series with Henry Adams then this is a great book...Read in one night; ready for the next one...enjoy!

[Patti · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am thoroughly enjoying this series! I read them right before bed, and how this community is coming together is wonderful.

Highly recommended!

[Diva Dina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent!! Every time I read a book from this series I find myself in it! I truly hope more of this series comes out & I would love to see it played out on tv!!

[Lynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like how just when you start thinking, "This is so sickenly sweet I am going to barf," something amazing, shocking or wonderful happens and it comes back down to earth.

[Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another wonderful read

Beverly Jenkins knows how to tell a story with wit and humor. Reading it was a joy and it never was boring.