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
