Second Time Sweeter: A Blessings Novel

Written by Beverly Jenkins

Narrated by Lynnette R. Freeman

NAACP nominee and USA Today bestselling author Beverly Jenkins continues her beloved Blessings series with a new heartwarming novel set in Henry Adams, Kansas.

Malachi “Mal” July has run into trouble in the past. With a reputation as a player, he’s now a recovering alcoholic and has made progress in redeeming himself in the eyes of his family and the citizens of Henry Adams, Kansas. He’s not only turned his diner into a profitable business, but also mentors the town’s foster kids. And he’s even staying true to one woman—Bernadine Brown.

But all it takes is a moment of pride to blind Mal to his blessings—a moment that makes him betray his friends and family, and lose Bernadine’s trust and love. Will he ever be able to win her forgiveness?

Meanwhile Homecoming Weekend is fast approaching, and store owner Gary Clark is reunited with his high school sweetheart. All it takes is a few minutes for them to realize the spark is still there, but is it too late for second chances?

A little help from the good people of Henry Adams may give both Mal and Gary the best second chance at the happiness they missed the first time around…

• Language: English
• Publisher: HarperAudio
• Release date: Aug 28, 2018
• ISBN: 9780062882660

Beverly Jenkins

Beverly Jenkins is the recipient of the 2018 Michigan Author Award by the Michigan Library Association, the 2017 Romance Writers of America 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 in both 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. To read more about Beverly, visit her at www.BeverlyJenkins.net.  

Reviews for Second Time Sweeter

[lyndoniajane · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This was a great book with a cute storyline. The plot was engaging and well-written. I thoroughly enjoyed the nuances and complexities of the character relationships.

[Sunnye Simpson · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Thoroughly enjoyed listening to this book by Beverly Jenkins. Her characters are well developed, layered, and full
of real human shortcomings and strengths. The stories are believable, hopeful, and not a symphony of sorrow. Joy and sadness, hurdles and overcoming, real life. Love it.

[newsieq · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

It’s time for homecoming in Henry Adams, Kansas and everyone there is looking forward to showing off their town for the graduates who live away. And there’s lots to show off. The historically African-American town was once on its way down. But then the town was bought by a wealthy woman, Bernadine Brown, and she’s turned it around through competent management and her own generosity. Henry Adams now a haven for people who need a second chance, especially foster kids who haven’t received much love and care or who have lost the loving adults in their lives. Much of the book is centered on the four generations of the July family; this time it’s Malachi “Mal,” who’s part of the second generation, son of Tamar the town’s matriarch. Mal is a recovering alcoholic who turned his life around and, of late, has become the steady beau of Ms. Brown. But then he makes a stupid, prideful mistake that undoes all the good he has done in town. And, worse of all, he’s lost the respect of everyone in Henry Adams. What can he do to atone? A secondary plot involves Gary Clark, manager of the local grocery story, his two daughters and his toxic ex-wife, who tries to disrupt all their lives. Can she succeed?Second Time Sweeter is #9 in this series, and all of them are fun, easy and heartwarming reads that will make readers feel better about the world, if only for a few hours. Although this book can be read as a stand-alone, it would be much more satisfying to read them in order. They’re all in print.Book based on publisher-provided copy of the book.

[dionne b · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Pretty good but the ending could have been better. Romance part was a little loss near the end

[Brenda Shealey Steele · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Outstanding ! I live Beverly Jenkins! Thank you! I’m still a bit upset with Mal… lol, but he is trying! The emotions and actions of these great books are real… I love Bernadine. She is a heaven sent❤️

[cyderry · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

The town of Henry Adams has had its troubles but the town is still growing. However, right now the citizens have to deal with the return of Malachi July, the town "grandfather" who had been caught embezzling from the town diner. Malachi wasn't prosecuted because he agreed to make restitution but the citizens are all very bothered by his attitude. When he finally comes to terms with how the townsfolk, especially the children, perceive his actions, the lessons that are learned are huge. At the same time , Gary Clark, a single father, is trying to deal with a visit from his ex-wife and his former girlfriend.I love this series and the characters. Hope that the town of Henry Adams continues for a long time.

[mmoj_2 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I can't believe I didn't review this one. After reading Second Time Sweeter I was in shock about Malachi. I couldn't believe what he did. Even now I feel almost as betrayed as Bernadine. I may be a bit invested in the series. I knew that after I read the book if I reviewed it I may have lambasted Ms. Jenkins for taking Mal down the road she did. I'm calmer now but still hoped it would all have been some bad dream or bad joke.

[ollie1976 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Welcome back to the small town of Henry Adams (wish that it was stated that this was the 9th in the series when I chose it). Long time resident Mal has to make amends......lots of amends. He did something unthinkable and has to face the music as the whole town dislikes him when he returns. There is a small story about a couple that is under witness protection that does not seem to fit the overall story. Will I try to get the other books? Maybe.

[sherripo · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

This was the first Beverly Jenkins book I had read so I had a little bit of trouble figuring out who all the characters were. The story moved along fine and I did like it but I think I would have enjoyed it more if I had read the other books in the series first. Overall, it was a good book but I don't know that I enjoyed it enough to read any more in the series.

[gincam · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

"Second Time Sweeter" is Book 9 in author Beverly Jenkins long-running "Blessings Series". Ms. Jenkins has created the close-knit fictional community of Henry Adams, Kansas and populated it with unique characters and lively storylines. This book has many twists and turns, and hopes for a number of happy second chances. Bernadine Brown, the millionaire who brought prosperity and leadership to the town, has had her heart trampled upon by Mal July. When it seems as though he may be on the right path, he stumbles once again. Will Bernadine, who has given so much to so many, ever find her own true happiness? When divorced grocery store manager Gary Clark is once again face-to-face with his high school sweetheart, Nori Price, banked embers flare to life. However, Gary's unpleasant ex-wife, Colleen, has decided to stir the pot and make things difficult for Gary, who has custody of their two daughters. Now that a chance for a happy-ever-after has appeared on his horizon, will Fate be so cruel to snatch it away? The townsfolk of Henry Adams may have to offer some neighborly intervention to set things aright, but isn't that what friends are for?Book Copy Gratis William Morrow Books via Library Thing

[sultrydiva · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Another Blessings hit! I'm still in love with the characters. Who says small towns are boring? It's obvious they haven't visited Henry Adams, Kansas. Henry Adams was founded by former slaves after the Civil War. Eventually it suffered decline and was sold on eBay. Beverly Jenkins have created genealogical links back to the original settlers, but brought the story into this century.