Bring on the Blessings

Written by Beverly Jenkins

Narrated by Lynnette R. Freeman

Bestselling author Beverly Jenkins makes the move to trade paperback with this rich and moving story that introduces us to the beautiful Kansas town of Henry Adams, and the townspeople who make it unique.

Bernadine Brown is a woman with money to spend. Henry Adams is a town in desperate need of cash. But after Bernadine puts up the money, she has some ideas about how the town should be run. Will the townspeople be willing to shake up their comfortable lives to share the gift they’ve been given with others who really need it?

One of the few all Black towns founded after Reconstruction, over a century later Henry Adams was falling apart. So Mayor Trenton July took a chance and put his town up for sale on the internet. With a new owner in town, and the ex mayor and his friends up in arms and doing everything they can to turn the deal on its head, will this be the death of Henry Adams...or its rebirth?

• Language: English
• Publisher: HarperAudio
• Release date: Mar 23, 2021
• ISBN: 9780063054561

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 Bring on the Blessings

[nick · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I enjoyed the ups and downs of this book.
Black people portrayed positively helping foster kids and women supporting each other.

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

So real! A true and wholesome book! Great story! Awesome book. I’ve just discovered Beverly Jenkins. I’m so glad and I plan to read all of her books .

[Sherry Williams · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This book was so good. I am happy that there were older people in the book. The kids are something else. I can't wait to read the next book in the series.

[m4marya · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

This book is meant to be a pleasure book, one to read that makes you feel good, makes you want to do good things, and be good to other people. In that it is a success. Sometimes that I all you are looking for in a tale.The residents of Henry Adams were interesting, contrary, a bit stereotyped, but all in all even the bad guys are lovable. I went in knowing it would satisfy that book sweet tooth, and that I could put it down feeling good about the world. It succeeded, and I will read more of her books when I need that warm, snuggly feeling again.

[arlenadean · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Author: Beverly JenkinsPublished by: William Morrow PaperbacksAge Recommended: AdultReviewed By: Arlena DeanSeries # 1Rating: 5Review:"Bring on the Blessings" by Beverly Jenkins was very uplighting and engaging that turned out to be a quick, easy read. You will be presented with a vaiety of emotions from laughing and even tearing up somewhat as I read though this novel. I found "Bring on the Blessings" a moving novel about Bernadine Brown, who was a divorcee that became a multi-millionaire due to her cheating husband. With Bernadine having all of this money she wanted a more meaning and purpose in her life, so she decided to buy a historical small "Black" town in Kansas that was facing bankruptcy. Will Bernadine be excepted in this town? Bernadine also wanted to help foster children. How will Bernadine go about this? How will this town of 'Henry Adams' take to Ms. Bernadine ideas? She is 'Black' and they (town people) thought the new owner was 'White.' Some of the characters were really something ..some likable and then their were a few that I will just say I will let you decide from Bernadine Brown, Lily and Trent, Malachi and even Riley to Cletus to name a few. Now, you must pick up this well written read to see how this author will present this all it to the reader. You will find out from the read if this women will be able to save the town and help the children brings wonderful blessing to her in this new town. Be ready for some funny scenes with Amari, Malachi, Riley and Cletis."Bring on the Blessing" was a wonderful first series novel and if you are in for a good read I would recommend this read to you.

[reads4pleasure · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Henry Adams, Kansas is a small town settled by freed slaves after the Civil War and it's a community on its last leg. In desperation, the mayor puts the township up for sale on eBay. Bernadine Brown has just received $ 275 million in a divorce settlement and does what any other woman in her right mind would do, she buys a town! Bernadine's dream is to rebuild the town and create a haven for foster children needing families. While most of the town residents warm to the idea, there are a few disgruntled residents (and a pig) that will stop at nothing to discredit Bernadine and keep her dream from becoming a reality.

[kristib41 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

LOVED this book. Read it in one day. It flowed smoothly although I would like a sequel to it.

[quadmama · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Ms. Jenkins shares a very inspirational story that one can only imagine would occur in fiction. This story centers around a woman by the name of Bernadine Brown who comes into a fortune. She chooses to use this money to bring good to people. She decides to buy a small town that is in trouble and she has great plans on how to make this small town, rooted deep in history, thrive again. This is a story of faith, hope and dreams. It was a feel-good story, with a few deeply sad tid-bits thrown in that added depth to the story appropriately. The end of the book left the reader expecting a follow-up, which I hope happens I would love to see where all of the characters end up next. This is a quick read and I look forward to reading more from this author.

[saltypepper_1 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

I got this through the Early Reviewers program. It was a little more inspirational than my usual read, but it was enjoyable enough. Basically, I felt like the story was a little too forced. The final scene particularly so, in a way that I can't figure out how to describe without spoilers.

[librarymeg · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Bernadine Brown was the first wife of a man who made millions, only to cheat on her with his secretary. Bernadine walked out of the marriage with half his money and never looked back. As a single, wealthy woman with a Master's degree in social work, she can't help but feel compelled to do something more with her money. When she sees a news story about the town of Henry Adams, a historic Kansas town founded by African-Americans, which has hit hard times and placed itself up for sale, she knows what to do with her millions. She buys the town, begins to rebuild it, and works to bring the townspeople on board with her plan to bring in hard-to-place foster children.There are some conflicts and romantic subplots here, but what this book is really about is human connection and community. It's not the most complex or realistic plot on the scene, but it's a pleasant, warm-hearted book that will appeal to a wide variety of readers. There are several mentions of Christian faith and a theme of trusting a higher power to provide. It speaks to an appreciation of history, strong community ties, responsibility to youth, and lasting friendships. With nothing truly challenging, it makes for a nice read on a lazy day.

[futurebestseller · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I got this book as an Early Reviewer boo. I truly enjoyed this read. This is a touching story about a woman wanting to find her path in life. I fell in love with all the characters (even the unlikable ones) and the storyline gripped my heart.Surprisingly, my husband and I just finished classes to become foster parents so the book was even more compelling. I wish more people would be involved with their community like Bernadine did.I will be looking up other stories by Beverly Jenkins and hope she decides to write more about Bernadine and Henry Adams!

[tanya2009_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This book is about a woman who after divorcing her husband decides to buy a town off the internet. The characters are great. I laughed out loud and was quite entertained with the book.

[cyderry · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Bernadine Brown is not your typical heroine. She's not young (over 50), black, divorced not looking for romance, and rich - I mean really rich! Not the type of person that you would expect to be thinking of others but Bernadine has decided that with the MILLIONS that she received in the divorce settlement that she was going to help others.Seeing an article offering a small town that could no longer financially exist up for sale, Bernadine decides it the perfect spot to work her magic and begin her pet project.The story that develops and the residents that we meet along the way are totally lovable, laughable, and ones that you want to welcome into your own home. The adventures that push Bernadine's project forward will delight the reader and provide smiles and even out loud laughter.I bought this book after receiving the next (2nd) in the series as an ER book early in 2010. When I was looking for something light and uplifting to start 2012, I remembered that book and decided that it was the right time to read the start of the saga. IMO a perfect book to start the new year - light-hearted but serious, funny and engaging, a book that puts a positive spin on generosity and helping others. A domino effect that just keeps rolling. Highly recommended!

[liscarey · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

On her fifty-second birthday, Bernadine Brown catches her husband cheating with his secretary. This frees her from a marriage that has become dead, and with the help of a good lawyer, she gets out with $275 million. Free to do anything she wants, she spends some time indulging herself, but also looking for a purpose--because to whom much is given, from them much is expected. In time, she finds one--the town of Henry Adams, an historic all-black town in Kansas, founded by members of the Black Exodus in the 1870s, is broke, and is offering itself for sale.
Bernadine buys it, and sets about saving the town, an important piece of black American history, and a collection of dislocated children in need of a fresh start.

Money isn't magic, and things don't easily fall into place, but with the help of the mayor, a local schoolteacher, the local diner owner and veterinarian (yes, the same person), and their friends and family, as well as new residents recruited as foster parents for some of the children in need, she tackles the lack of jobs, the decaying infrastructure, the former mayor, the ex-mayor's pet pig, and a crooked banker,

This is a happy book, and a lot of fun, and saying anything more wouldn't be fair.

Recommended.

[cmbohn · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

After Bernadine's divorce settlement, she is a rich woman. But she wants to do something with that money besides sit back and count it all. She decides to use it to help others. So she buys a whole town on the internet and starts setting it up as a community that will help foster children.The children arrive, and what a mixed lot they are. One is a chronic runaway; one is a serial car thief, one just burned down his foster mother's house, plus two more little ones with their full share of troubles. Then she's got the townspeople. Most of them were happy to sell and welcome the changes. But then there's Riley and his pet hog. Throw in a bit of a love story, and you've got it all. This book had some great elements that I loved. The whole history of Henry Adams, while fictional, highlights a bit of American history that I knew little about. I liked the idea of Bernadine doing something to help others. What I wasn't expecting was the suggestive bedroom scenes. Nothing was explicit, but it was still more than I anticipated. From the book description, it sounded like a straight inspirational read. I'm betting this is the first in a series, or at least, that there will be a sequel. Most of the storylines are left open. I will probably read the next book, but at least I will know what to expect.

[sammimag_1 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

I enjoyed the story but it was a bit overly done. I really love the idea of someone who has lots helping a community that doesn't. The dialogue was a just a bit too preachy for my taste. If it could have been something a bit different it would have made it a better book. That's just me. Over all an uplifting story.

[tjsjohanna_1 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

The storyline was interesting enough to keep me reading, but I wouldn't say it was a very realistic book. The issues of foster children and their hurts was glossed over. In real life things are more complicated than just providing the things that have been missing. Still there was a good dose of humor and a faith in the magic of small towns that was appealing.

[eurohackie · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

After reading and adoring On the Corner of Hope and Main, I knew I had to go back and start this series from the beginning. It was even harder for me to put down Bring on the Blessings, so I gave in and gobbled this book up in a single day. It is a lot of fun!The series starts with our heroine, Bernadine Brown. As the blurb mentions, she has just turned 52 when she catches her husband of thirty years cheating on her with his secretary. She doesn't get mad, she gets even: she walks out, takes him to the cleaners, and comes away $275 million richer. She's always been a believer in blessings, and passing on her good fortune, so she starts asking God to show her how she can pay it back. Two years into her journey, she finds her answer: (1) the historic town of Henry Adams, Kansas, has put itself up for sale on eBay, and (2) her background and career as a social worker gives her the incentive to start a foster children project in her new town.She buys Henry Adams and heads to town to see what she's getting herself into. The town is tiny and is decaying rapidly, but there is a core of elders who care about their town and their history and upholding the ties that originally bound the town together. They welcome Bernadine and her foster care project, so she sets to work. She's picked five children to bring to Henry Adams, and sets about finding foster families to care for them. Two of the parents are Henry Adams locals, two families move to town, and Bernadine herself takes in one of the kids. This novel is their story.We meet Bernadine, the children - ranging from selectively mute 7-year-old Zoey to the hotheaded headstrong teenaged Crystal - and the people who become their families: Trent July, town mayor; his father, the ultra-smooth Malachi; his grandmother, the formidable town matriarch, Tamar; his high school sweetheart who moves back to town, Lily Fontaine; the Paynes, who move to town after retiring from the military to foster one of the children; and the Garlands, a world-famous singer and her pediatrician husband, who also move in to take one of the kids. We meet this main cast of characters' friends and enemies - including former mayor Riley Curry and his 600 lb hog Cletus, both of whom provide plenty of comic relief.I loved this. Yes, it's unrealistic how quickly and efficiently Bernadine turns the town around (and bulldozes everyone who steps into her path with her huge wealth and powerful friends), but the warmth and friendship between the OG Henry Adams people and the new people causing ripples in their wake is lush and addicting. You want to read about these people and their lives.I loved the kid characters. They each had distinct personalities and distinct shades to their personalities. My favorite is probably Amari, the 11-year-old auto thief who ends up fostering with Trent July. None of the kids bedded down easily with their new families, but there was no unnecessary drama or angst, either. Okay, the ending was OTT, but somehow, it fit =)There is a lot of God on these pages (even though the deity is not always referred to as such), so if that's not your thing you may wanna give this a pass. Me, I can appreciate it, being from a religious background growing up in the South. The overarching theme of the book is second chances: we have a couple of second chance romances (with Trent and Lily hitting the very familiar Ms. Bev romantic notes), and a lot of characters starting over in their lives. Bernadine is 52; Trent and Lily are 40; Malachi is 60-something; Tamar and her friends are in their 80s. It's rather like the Golden Girls - these "seniors" are definitely still out here, living their best lives, haha.I can't wait to dive into #2, so here I go!

[okjlsaz · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This book grabbed me on lots of levels: the foster parenting concerns, small towns slipping away as people age or move away, broken lives that need mending, family histories getting lost as generations no longer grow up near other relatives. I kept reading when I should have been doing chores, but I couldn't help it. I just had to learn how Bernadine's project turned out. I hope that Beverly Jenkins writes a sequel to let us see whether the town of Henry Adams recovered with the help of the new children and their foster parents.

[bpreed-1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This book is good clean fun. It is unbelievable but yet the story and the characters are so "feel good" that I completely enjoyed the book.