Bring on the Blessings

This was a fun ride! Sometimes a little too perfect like a Hallmark movie, the story was sweet, fun, and definitely endearing. There’s plenty of characters to keep straight so never a dull moment and I loved the family ties to Jenkins’ historical books!

What were the odds? Just two months ago I posted my annual list of Books and Authors To Watch for the Year and placed Beverly Jenkins' new novel, Bring on the Blessings, at number five. At the time, I did not know she was going to be one of the featured authors at the Savannah Book Festival, which means I certainly had no clue I would actually meet her there. Nevertheless, that's exactly what happened. I enjoyed the honor courtesy of Jenkins' escort for the event, historian and poet Vaughnette Goode-Walker, who dropped by my book exhibition tent and introduced me to the author whose groundbreaking fiction helped establish the genre of African-American historical romance novels. While this was my first time meeting her in person, I felt I already knew Jenkins to some degree through my work as a bookseller years ago when she was one of the few black authors writing romance novels with a distinctly afrocentric twist. Had it not been for her literary labors--and that of other pioneers like Eboni Snoe, Donna Hill, and Jackie Weger--a sizable contingent of my customers likely would have accused me of cultural negligence and might even have demanded that I write a historical romance or two my self in order to satisfy their passion for the genre. For sparing me the challenge and for adding to my sales goals, Ms. Jenkins was and is for me a true heroine. I was happy to tell her so and also expressed my regret that I had not been able to meet her previously when she visited Savannah with literary critic Gwen Osborne and the Diva Daze Romance Authors Tour. We did not get a chance to talk long because, like me, she was there on a literary mission and was actually on her way to give a presentation in the exhibition tent across from mine. As we parted, she presented me with the gift of an autographed copy of Bring on the Blessings: "To Aberjhani, Thanks for being one of the blessings in my life. Enjoy!" Make no mistake about it--I am enjoying it very much. by Aberjhani author of Encyclopedia of the Harlem Renaissance (Facts on File Library of American History) and The American Poet Who Went Home Again

Beverly Jenkins has blessed us with something totally new and different from her previous books. I am a big fan of Ms. Jenkins and I have thoroughly enjoyed all of her books. Having said that, some of the characters, as well as the town, in Bring on the Blessings, are connected to her previous writings. Thus giving one a strong sense of familiarity. This book is absolutely delightful. Bernadine, the main character, is the thread that ties everyone together. The unfortunate end of Bernadine's marriage results in a financial windfall that she proceeds to bestow upon others. The, mostly, good hearted folk of Henry Adams ultimately open their hearts and homes to their benefactor, Bernadine, and her small clan of lost children. I love it that the good folks in the book absolutely prevailed over the evil. I enjoyed the way Ms. Jenkins introduced the kids. There are foreshadowings that provide us with the background info on each one of them. You knew that these were going to be THE KIDS. Lost children, a lost town, a lost love; all were salvaged by the unselfish acts of Bernadine. It was unconditional love that truly made the difference for them all. Although subtly written in some ways, Ms. Jenkins has also given us a very vivid portrayal of the town and the characters. This book was an absolute joy to read and I look forward to the sequels.

Bring on the Blessings was such an enjoyable read. I could not put this book down. All of the characters were very likable...well except Cletus, Riley and the crooked banker. I found Bernadine to be a very strong, loving, yet no nonsense woman. Her dedication to breathing life into the small Kansas town, providing for its citizens and a group of foster children with some serious issues was heartwarming. I did not want this story to end. If your looking to be thoroughly entertained do not pass up your blessing...Bring on the Blessings is waiting for you.

The premise of the book, is that Bernadine Brown caught her husband cheating, She is awarded 275 million in the divorce settlement. She has the philosophy that when much is given much is expected of you. There is a black township of Henry Adams that was founded by freed slaves. The failing town has been put up for auction on e bay and Ms. Browns buys it. What follows is a heartwarming narrative of what it takes to be a community and that saying that it takes a village to raise a child. It is Bernadine dream to give homes to some foster children. The characters in the books have their foible's but as in real life they have a chance to grow. I highly recommend this book. It even has romance for us lovers of this genre.

Beverly Jenkins, who is best known for her historical and contemporary romance novels, brings readers yet another story to fall in love with. Bring On The Blessings is the story of Bernadine E. Brown and the blessings she brought to Henry Adams, Kansas. The town was in desperate need of money and they had no clue how to raise the money. Trenton July, the Mayor, decided to put the town up for sale on eBay. After all, it was worth a try. Bernadine was blessed with money, good looks and smarts. She decided to put her money to good use and purchase the town. When she arrived in Henry Adams, Bernadine was not prepared for the warm welcome she received. However, underneath the warm smiles and gestures, everyone wanted to know what she intended to do. First, she brought in contractors to restore and rebuild. After all, they could not let one of the country's oldest all-Black towns disappear. Second, she had to sell them on her idea of bringing in foster children to raise and love. Not just any foster children; there was an eight-year old pastor, an eleven-year old car theft, a fourteen-year old fly-girl, an overweight genius, and a ten-year old mute. Beverly Jenkins has written a story like none I have ever read before. Bernadine was confident and determined to bring love to a group of unwanted children. She wanted to restore a piece of history. Like all of Jenkins novel, she revisits favorite characters from her historical novels, the July Family, and the history her fans crave. Jenkins brings a cast of new characters that are funny, loving and admirable. Even though it was not her typical romance novel, I dove into the novel and cheered and cried with each blessing that was brought to this town. She also left room for sequels, which I am sure her fans will surely want after reading this novel. Jenkins proved that there is more to her than just romance. Reviewed by: Priscilla C. Johnson APOOO BookClub