A Wish and a Prayer

Blessings #4

by Beverly Jenkins

Anyone worried that living in a small town could be boring certainly hasn't lived in Henry Adams, Kansas. From the wealthy divorcEe who saved this historic town founded by freed slaves to the romantic entanglements that have set tongues wagging and hearts fluttering (and everything in between), there's plenty to keep the lovably eccentric townsfolk busy. Preston Miles is happy living with his foster parents, but an e-mail from his maternal grandmother is about to change all that. . . . Riley Curry, the former town mayor, is convinced his pet hog, Cletus, acted in self-defense when he sat on--and killed-- a man. Now Riley just has to prove it in a court of law. . . . And as for Rocky, she has already had a lifetime of hurt. Will she risk opening her heart--and her life--to Jack? Warm, funny, poignant, and unforgettable, Beverly Jenkins's latest excursion to Henry Adams is a true delight--a welcome return to a place that always feels like home.

Genres: Fiction, Romance, African American, Contemporary, Adult Fiction, Christian Fiction, Audiobook

322 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 10, 2012

About the author

Beverly Jenkins is the recipient of the 2017 Romance Writers of America Nora Roberts 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 both in 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. Her critically acclaimed Blessings series has been optioned for film by John Legend’s and Mike Jackson’s production company Get Lifted, and Hollywood and Broadway powerhouse Deborah Martin Chase. 

To read more about Beverly and sign up for her newsletter, visit her at www.BeverlyJenkins.net. 

Reviews

[Nandi Crawford · Rating 5 out of 5]

Worth the five stars and THEN some, this fourth installment on the lives and loves of the citizens of Henry Adams,Kansas come back to you in a new book. In this book, Preston reaches out to his roots and finds a curious gathering. Riley and Cletus finally have their day in court, with a little help from an animal rights organization. Bernadine is threatened after she nixes the idea that her ex husband Leo and others had that caused great concern with the residents of the area. Of course, some are not so glad and trouble comes to Bernadine's doorstep. It looks as though Rocky gives Jack a chance, Preston and his family come to terms with their relationship, and good times and memories abound for all. GREAT novel, book, personally, I wish Ms Jenkins would do this TWICE a year although I know she does this once and her historical fiction later on, but still I truly love the book.perhaps one with a Christmas theme.

[Keeping.Volumes.Harris · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm a little worried that Bernadine might try too hard to make everyone happy, and that can be tricky since there's always someone who doesn’t agree! 🙄 But I really enjoyed the story and all the excitement happening. I'm so glad Preston got his happily ever after (HEA)!

[LiteraryMarie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my fourth visit to Henry Adams, Kansas. Henry Adams is the historic town founded by freed slaves that wealthy divorcee Bernadine Brown purchased off of eBay. Oh, how I've missed these characters and this beautiful, growing town.

Preston "Brain" Miles is happy living with the Colonel and Mrs. Payne. But he is still curious to know about his birth family. His biological maternal grandmother has been found and is more than willing to pay him a visit in Henry Adams. But can she be trusted? Or will this turn into a bad situation like when Crystal's birth father kidnapped her last year?

Rocky is still the manager of Dog and Cow, the town's diner. But life has made her skeptical and strong. She can pitch a softball, run a business, break down an engine and fight. The inner softer side of Rocky wants to be loved and wants to trust another man, but it's risky opening her heart again. The town's teacher, Jack, is determined to be the man in Rocky's life and prove that love is worth a chance.

Meanwhile, Bernadine had good intentions by hiring lawyers on behalf of farmers. However, some of the farmers are angry about the lost opportunity to lease their land and sell crops. Will Bernadine's plan to build a grocery store in Henry Adams fix this misunderstanding?

And good 'ole Riley, the former Mayor, is still claiming his pet hog, Cletus, acted in self-defense. Bless his heart for trying to prove it in court. I can do without reading more about this character and his precious hog.

All of the Henry Adams residents need a wish and a prayer in this 4th installment. I've never read a Beverly Jenkins book that I did not like. This latest book in the Blessings series is certainly no exception. While reading, it's like I am the nosy neighbor peeping out of the blinds. The lives of the Henry Adams residents are interesting, realistic and never dull.

Literary Marie of Precision Reviews

[Lois · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was both more hilarious and a bit darker than usual.

While I love these novels, they are a wee-bit heavy on respectability politics, a tad bit strong on xtian themes when I prefer lighter themes, a bit fat phobic, and a bit homophobic, though a gay characters exist.

The charm of this wholesome town is perfect in so many ways. I'd move there and see Ms. Bernadine about helping the town be less of all the above. 🥰

[Jovette · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series should be a movie....worth every penny if made. I would rather see this then a follow up to waiting to exhale. LoL

[Megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

4th book in Beverly Jenkins’ Blessings series, and it’s delightful! She continues to tackle some major concerns with love and an idealism that I appreciate! Definitely worth reading! 4 stars

[Darcy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Again a lot was covered in this one. The one thing I am getting tired of is Riley and Cletus, this time around it was too much, or maybe I've reached my limit with them. I can only hope what happened to them at the end will be the last we hear of them.

Peyton really went through a lot in this one. Some of it bad, some of it good, but by the end of the book I think he was in a good place, feeling secure in his life with his new parents.

I felt for Bernadine in this one. She's been doing some great things with the town and now she's run into someone who thinks they can take advantage of her and another person that is out to hurt her and anyone around her. The first Bernadine took care of swiftly with no lasting damage, the second hit the down hard. But Henry Adams and it's people are resilant and they bounced back in the only way they could, together showing everyone how talented they were.

[Verity W · Rating 3 out of 5]

This visit to BLessings sees movement on a number of running story lines. There's some closure for Preston, and some negative attention for Bernadine - who has had a fairly easy time of things until now. This has more actual physical action and drama than some of the others in the series, but it's very good.

[Gwen Cannon-Jenkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh how I love the town of Henry Adams. The historic point of view along with the characters really make this serious as great as it is. Bernadine Brown is not to b messed with and the town people love her unconditionally.

[Jewlsbookblog · Rating 5 out of 5]

A 600 lb hog on trial, a blossoming romance-yay for Jack!-Preston learns about his birth family, historical liquid gold nuggets for information, and some suspense tossed in for Bernadine...A Wish and a Prayer was a great addition to a highly addictive series!!

[Martha Ruff · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Read😊

This series just keeps getting better and better with every book I read! I laugh, I cry, and I learn something new with each story. Most of all, I'm reminded that I should ALWAYS count my blessings, both big and small.

[January · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Wish and a Prayer by Beverly Jenkins
Blessings #4
related book Night Song
+304-page Paperback ends on 304

Genre: African-American Fiction, Contemporary Fiction

Featuring: Author's Bibliography, Divorcée, Small-Town near Franklin, Kansas, Historical Black Town, Foster Care, Bibliographical References, Growing Pains Trope, It Takes A Village, Crime, Sexual Innuendos, Multiple POVs, Birth Parents, Legal Battle, Local American Idol, Fake Walmart, Development Trope, Our Kind of People Type, Piece of the Pie, Cliffhanger, A+ * Book Club Discussion Questions, Author's Note; Advertisements

Rating as a movie: R for adult content

Songs for the soundtrack: "Come See About Me" by The Supremes, "Sun Goddess" by Ramsey Lewis, "Smooth Operator" by Sade, "My Girl" by The Temptations, "Ain’t No Mountain High Enough" by Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell, "Irreplaceable" by Beyoncé, "Love for Sale" by Sonny Criss, "The Cisco Kid" by War, "Lift Every Voice And Sing" by James Weldon Johnson, "Man In The Mirror" by Michael Jackson, "Please, Please, Please" by James Brown and The Famous Flames, "My Hometown" by Bruce Springsteen
"Viva Las Vegas" by Elvis Presley, "La Cumparsita" by Gerardo Hernan Matos Rodriguez, "Fake Your Way to the Top" by Eddie Murphy, Jennifer Hudson, Beyoncé, and Anika Noni Rose, "Good Golly Miss Molly" by Little Richard, "Firework" by Katy Perry, "Respect" by Aretha Franklin, "You've Got to Earn It" by The Temptations, "(Sittin' On) the Dock of the Bay" by Otis Redding, "The Thrill Is Gone" by B.B. King, "Reunited"
Song by Peaches & Herb, "I'm Gonna Be Ready" by Yolanda Adams, "Flight of the Bumblebee" by Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov

Books mentioned: Oedipus Rex by Sophocles, A Soliloquy on Viewing My Life from the Last Decade of Its First Century: The Autobiography of W.E.B. Du Bois by Dr. W.E.B. Du Bois

My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️🌠🙏🏿

My thoughts: 📖 Page 6 of 304 Chapter 1 - I'm wired and was all set to tackle a few chapters but my son woke up my husband and now I'm going to have to go to bed in the name of health. Spring Break isn't good for my reading regime. Prologue was good.
📖 92 Chapter 8 - I didn't have much time with this book this morning but I love it. I think I have finally found my groove with this series; unfortunately, I have to get off my butt and run errands but I cannot wait to return to this story.
📖 218 Chapter 18 - That was unexpected.

This story was good but it had a lot going on and so many storylines that although they were serious topics they didn't feel deep since we spent so little time on each one. I wish they spent more time on the Franklin issue, and I think the farmers' issues should have been resolved and prevented a few books ago but it made for good drama. The ending felt incomplete but I'll take it. I have all of the book in a stack waiting to be read, except for the next one which is waiting in my Kindle library; I'm assuming Crystal Clear is about Crystal looking at colleges or realizing Eli isn't going to wait around, but we shall see. With each book I'm more invested in these characters, I'm already sad at the thought of the series ending.

Recommend to others: Yes. This series is very different from other Jenkins novels I've read but the heart is the same. It has many elements I think it would be difficult for most readers not to find something to love about it.

Blessings
1. Bring on the Blessings (2009)
2. A Second Helping (2009)
3. Something Old, Something New (2011)
4. A Wish and a Prayer (2012)
4.5. Crystal Clear (2017)
5. Heart of Gold (2014)
6. For Your Love (2015)
7. Stepping to a New Day (2016)
8. Chasing Down a Dream (2017)
9. Second Time Sweeter (2018)
10. On the Corner of Hope & Main (2020)
11. A Christmas to Remember (2023)

[L. · Rating 4 out of 5]

While this is the forth installment in the Blessings series I'm reading them out of sequence and it doesn't seem to have caused a problem. In this book the foster kids and their families are facing many decisions. One or two of the families want to adopt their child and we find two of the adults have become a married couple and are now the proud couple of two boys who consider themselves brothers. Two couples are having marital problems and are trying to resolve their differences and not just to save their marriages but also remain a family because they love their foster children and want to give them a stable environment to grow up in. Bernadine is facing threats of physical harm which endangers the whole community and causes her to reconsider some of her actions. Reilly and Cletus finally get their day in court and fame when attention is drawn to their case by an animal activist group.
PHEW! Lots going on in this sequel and it will keep you turning the pages to see what happens next. I'm eagerly awaiting my next books in this series, book #2 and #3 so I can find out what I missed.

[J Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this next chapter in the lives of the citizens of Henry Adams, Kansas. Preston, also known as Brain, is one of the main topics in this story. Although he is very happy, the desire to learn about his birth family is threatening to consume him while destroying the tenuous relationship with his new dad. Jack’s continued pursuit is quite unnerving to Rocky, and both of them are trying to figure out where, if any place, that will lead them while each struggles with the knowledge of past failures. Cletus, the hog, gets his day in court. Bernadine Brown, who purchased the town off EBay, is learning that, while numerous folks are pleased with her agenda, there are a few spiteful people who were hoping to capitalize on another avenue of ‘easy money’. Each book in this series brings more clarity to different characters, while adding to the picture of the town in general. Ms Jenkins’ descriptions allows the reader to be transported to the town limits and become involved, as if one were actually part of the town’s citizenship.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am loving this series. Yeah it's almost fairy tale-ish, but it makes me want to be a part of the small town of Henry Adams, Kansas. The story is light and enjoyable. I read this while reading a not so light and enjoyable book club selection. So this was a refreshing read. Although, this installment had some jarring happenings and deaths. They conveniently weren't Henry Adams residents. All of the characters I've grown to accept as part of the Blessings series family are still all intact. And as usual everything turns out in the end. There are indications at the end that suggest more Crystal drama, so now I'm ready to read the next one.

[Kimberly Williams-Green · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely Love Beverly Jenkins!! She is such an amazing author! I love the way she ties African American History into her books! I have learned so much from her about our history in a way that makes it easy to remember and fun all at the same time! Also, being someone who has worked in social services for 11 years and still at it, I can appreciate the way Beverly Jenkins balances out bringing awareness to many of the issues that youth in care suffer -while also providing those who love to read, especially to get away from the cares of the world - a happy ending!!

[T · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved the Henry Adams Idol. So much fun! Oh and Ms. Odessa Stillwell sure is something else lord have mercy

[A, the library rat · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am so happy that Preston finally got the spotlight! He is such a lovable character. It’s about damned time the colonel got over himself and started appreciating Preston and Sheila. Henry Adams has been so good for all of them. Preston deserves all the happiness that a loving family, a telescope, and wide open Kansas skies can give him.

And, holy moly, this installment was a little more dramatic than the previous three. Not that Henry Adams is a stranger to interesting events, but there was actual peril for main characters this time. I don’t want to get too spoilery, but I’ll just say that I KNEW nothing good could come of Leo rolling into town. But, Bernadine handles challenges with grace, strength, and kindness as always. It’s no wonder the whole town adores her.

I hope this isn’t the last we’ve seen of the FUFA folks and Henry Adams idol, either. Talk about entertainment value.

[Octavia · Rating 4 out of 5]

After finishing this book, I began to appreciate the town of Henry Adams even more. This town has flourished, tremendously with the help of the main character, Bernadine Brown. With her Vision, she has brought this town back to Life; including adding a new foster program to this town that includes 5 children: Crystal, Amari, Zoey, Preston (Nickname: Brain), and Devon. And, there is great pleasure reading about each child's story. In this portion of the Series, we learn more details about Preston's family background. This book had me pondering how his situation would end. It all made so much sense why he should carry the nickname: "Brain". I could not read fast enough!! The special treasure within Beverly Jenkins' books is heartwarming, community love. And, the guidance the young children receive from the Elders. This is a Blesssing!

[Sister · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was ok. I do like returning to Henry Adams & seeing what the folks are up to. There always seems to be some big drama [in this case, someone threatens to kill Bernadine - because of her intervention, there will be no pipeline and some of the farmers will lose their land. The smaller dramas revolve around Riley & his hog [I wish they had stayed away], as well as Preston and his search for his biological parents. This is the first book where Bernadine needs and gets help [though she still gets to play fairy godmother]. I like how the author focuses on a different foster child in each book - I can’t wait to see who’s next.

[Judy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book #4. I’m in love with this sweet series of book. Too bad Henry Adams is fictional: I’d love to visit. Again the author shows a real heart for foster children. So far each book has featured on of the children finding out about their birth families and finding peace and love with their new families. This time Preston in the featured child. The fence gets painted again and the trouble in town is taken care of. Cletus even gets his day in court. Each story ends with some hints of what is to come.

[Kathi Evans · Rating 5 out of 5]

EXCEPTIONAL NOVEL AND SERIES!! I'm in the process of reading ALL of Beverly Jenkins's books in the Blessing Series for a second time. It is QUITE enjoyable to read them all in order, picking up a new book as soon as I complete the previous book in the series. In February 2009, I read her first novel in the Blessings Series, Bring On the Blessings. And the showers of blessings continue in novel in the series!! You will thoroughly enjoy this book and each one you read. GREAT storyline that continues with each novel!! THANK YOU, BEVERLY!! KEEP THE BLESSINGS NOVELS COMING!!

[Mary Calton Gerard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Extraordinary!

I toured , "Bring on the Blessings" by Amazon prime reading and loved it. I arranged to explore the second book in the series. I arranged an extended stay at book number three. By book # four, i planned a relocation to Henry Adams town. I smiled, I laughed out loud and chuckled at some of the banter. I teared, I cried, and was angry and appalled at other storylines. The move is completed just in time for "Crystal Clear". Love the writing style, coming back for more.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Wish and a Prayer is the fourth book in the Blessing series by Beverly Jenkins. I enjoyed this installment just as much as I enjoyed the first 3. I love Bernadine and Mal. and the entire cast of extremely colorful characters. They all have such a unique story to tell and I am here for it! I can't wait to read the rest of this series, and then maybe I can go on the long list of other books that Ms. Jenkins has in her catalog.

[Robin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another winner

Life continues in bernadines 's town. The kids each meet with some sort of knowledge regarding their prior situations , New buildings go up, New people are introduced as the become part of the growing town, love comes to young and old alike, and a couple harrowing situations happen, one of which results in tragedy. Then of course for comic relief there's Cletus and Riley.

[PEGIANNE BLACKSHEAR · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another beautiful book by an outstanding author. I an avid "gothic novel reader" now turned Beverly Jenkins' favorite reader, thoroughly enjoyed this exciting book. The attempt on Bernadine's life was very dramatic and moved this story into a new genre. I absolutely loved it. I can't wait to get into the next book.

I recommend this book to every woman who is sitting home, and bored during these trying times. Bon Appetite friend!

[P. Upshaw · Rating 5 out of 5]

Title tells half

Title tells half of what is best for us. The prayer half is truly the real story. We can only pray that God will grant our desires according to the plan he has for each of us. This story tells about the good and bad we are each capable of if granted the opportunity to do what seems to be right for how we feel.

[Pam Dolen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful read! Ms. Jenkins writes stories in this series that should be read by everyone!

In today's times this is how the world should work! People working together to make theirs and others lives better! I just this was a true life story! How many young people could have better lives! So many lost young people could know there is a better way to live!

[Dani · Rating 3 out of 5]

This story had a few more ups and downs than the previous three books. There were the usual comical villains, but there were some scary incidents, as well. Not all the situations in this installment could be cleared up with Bernadine Brown's bottomless bank account. Still, it was fun to visit the residents of Henry Adams, KS, once again.

[Sharmaine · Rating 3 out of 5]

A little corny to me

I love Beverly Jenkins' historical romances, but had definitely fallen for the Blessings series. This book was my least favorite. I enjoyed reading more about the Henry Adams residents, but some of the story was just too much for me. I don't want to read another thing about Cletus the pig. Also, why didn't Bernadine hire security?