Friday, January 9, 2009

Bring on the Blessings-Beverly Jenkins

Bring on the Blessings
Beverly Jenkins
Avon, Feb 2009, $13.99
ISBN: 9780061688409

Fiftyish Bernadine Brown feels strongly she has wasted her life when she chose a high society marriage to Leo the cheat instead of social work. When she receives over $275 million in a divorce settlement, Bernadine decides to use that money for some common good. She learns that the town of Henry Adams, Kansas is in trouble. She wants to help one of the few surviving historical oasis founded by former slaves in the 1880s, which is now up for sale on the Internet.

Bernadine also sees the town as a way to find homes for needy foster children. She is the buyer and quickly finds an ally in Henry Adams Mayor Trenton July; but there are those who oppose her dream as they do not want troubled children in their town.

Even when writing a contemporary Beverly Jenkins always provides her audience with a fascinating look at African-American history; this time with the return to Henry Adams (see SOMETHING LIKE LOVE). The story line is fast-paced from the moment that Bernadine begins to format her project and never slows down as the tidbits of historical information are interwoven into the strong contemporary plot. Fans will enjoy this delightful tale and want sequels; those who have not read this great author are missing a treat.

Harriet Klausner

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