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Bring on the Blessings
(Blessings #1)
by
On Bernadine Brown's fifty-second birthday she received an unexpected gift—she caught her husband, Leo, cheating with his secretary. She was hurt—angry, too—but she didn't cry woe is me. Nope, she hired herself a top-notch lawyer and ended up with a cool $275 million. Having been raised in the church, she knew that when much is given much is expected, so she asked God to s
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Paperback, 366 pages
Published
January 27th 2009
by William Morrow Paperbacks
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Start your review of Bring on the Blessings (Blessings, #1)
Contemporary small-town story (exceedingly small) set in Beverly Jenkins' fictional Henry Adams, a Black-founded town in Kansas. This means the inhabitants are descendants of some of my favourite ever Jenkins characters, including my beloved July family and the Fontaines. I did a lot of squeaking at surnames.
This is probably what they call women's fiction rather than romance, but what it actually is, is soap opera. Let me state clearly that soap is one of my highest terms of praise. What it mea ...more
This is probably what they call women's fiction rather than romance, but what it actually is, is soap opera. Let me state clearly that soap is one of my highest terms of praise. What it mea ...more
Well, I do have to admit that at first I had a hard time putting this book down. It's because I am a social worker and I was really excited to see how the author managed the characters she'd created.
Then I had a hard time putting it down because I just couldn't believe that the book wasn't getting good anywhere. The elements were all there: Millionare divorcee buys a historical african-american community to revamp it and use it as a treatment site for especially troubled foster kids.
What's not ...more
Then I had a hard time putting it down because I just couldn't believe that the book wasn't getting good anywhere. The elements were all there: Millionare divorcee buys a historical african-american community to revamp it and use it as a treatment site for especially troubled foster kids.
What's not ...more
Beverly Jenkins' only contemporary fiction series! I have been meaning to start these books forever, and am so glad I finally did. Jenkins is best known for her romance titles, and while this series is very different than her other books, her author's note does tell what real life events and other writings of hers led to the creation of Blessings. This book is completely unbelievable, but in a totally "I don't care if any of this could ever actually happen, I'm just going to to fall into it and
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I really liked this character why? because she didn't go off on her husband, just got the goods on him, calmly and took him to court and got what she was entitled to. After travelling, she decided to settle down and buy a town in disrepair as well as bring children who have been in foster care and bring them into the town after reading about a similar situation in Illinois. Of course, the folks are expecting a white woman to come, but after seeing a sister, they warm up to her a bit, and then ju
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I was hoping to like this book more than I actually did.
Woman catches husband cheating on her & wins big in the divorce settlement. She buys a failing midwestern town and populates it with foster children and their new foster parents.
The premise was good, but overall, it was a big letdown.
While I liked all the characters, every single one of them was one dimensional and I eventually lost interest in all of them. Every troublesome situation encountered throughout the book was quickly and easil ...more
Woman catches husband cheating on her & wins big in the divorce settlement. She buys a failing midwestern town and populates it with foster children and their new foster parents.
The premise was good, but overall, it was a big letdown.
While I liked all the characters, every single one of them was one dimensional and I eventually lost interest in all of them. Every troublesome situation encountered throughout the book was quickly and easil ...more
Beverly Jenkins, best known for steamy African American historical romances, goes contemporary with this sweet,life-affirming story. Wealthy black divorcee Bernadine Brown hears 2 news story that awaken her philanthropic impulses: a historic African American town in Kansas is about to go bankrupt, and a clutch of hard luck foster children are in desperate need of homes. Deciding to rescue 2 birds with one trust fund, Bernadine buys the town, rebuilds it, and then imports 5 hand-picked foster kid
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I loved this book!
As I have stated, I have a Beverly Jenkins addiction that I do not want to overcome. However, this book wasn't just great because of said addiction. The story formula is totally different than her historical romances.
Bring on the Blessings is about Bernadine Brown, who pretty much becomes stinking rich after she divorces her lying cheating husband of 30 years. That is what people mean when they say channel your anger. After seeing the world, she decides she wants to do good wit ...more
As I have stated, I have a Beverly Jenkins addiction that I do not want to overcome. However, this book wasn't just great because of said addiction. The story formula is totally different than her historical romances.
Bring on the Blessings is about Bernadine Brown, who pretty much becomes stinking rich after she divorces her lying cheating husband of 30 years. That is what people mean when they say channel your anger. After seeing the world, she decides she wants to do good wit ...more
Loved this book! The whole time I was reading it I could see it playing out like a Hallmark or Lifetime movie! Looking forward to the sequel!
This was a wonderful, heart-warming read! Jenkins creates a utopia where elders are valued, children are cherished no matter their bloodline or skin color, and civic engagement is an imperative. Going to live in this world a little longer. Worth reading! 4 stars
Jan 09, 2012
Sarah Weathersby
rated it
really liked it
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
african-american,
women-s-fiction
This is a "feel good" book, first of the Blessings Series. Bernadine Brown, a wealthy black woman, buys herself a struggling all-black town in Kansas...on eBay. In restoring the town, she also builds homes for foster children.
The book is full of interesting characters, many senior citizens who have a long history in the town of Henry Adams, and some not-so-old who have returned to share the legacy with the children Bernadine brings in to foster. Good people, bad people and even a 500 pound pet h ...more
The book is full of interesting characters, many senior citizens who have a long history in the town of Henry Adams, and some not-so-old who have returned to share the legacy with the children Bernadine brings in to foster. Good people, bad people and even a 500 pound pet h ...more
Truly enjoyed this book and all of the characters involved. Can't wait to continue reading the rest of the series.
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Good. Nice read. Fun. Makes you curious what will happen to the all the different families in the book.
I've read a few books by this author and have liked them. Everyone keeps talking about this series and I knew I should get to reading it, but I kept putting it off. When Jenkins announce it had been picked up for a tv series that gave me the push to read it as I thought I would catch up with the series before the tv series came out. I went to my library to get the book and was shocked to find out there was a waiting list for a book that was 11 years old. That made me want to read it even more. F
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This book was a welcoming breath of fresh air. Bring on the Blessings by Beverly Jenkins is a heartfelt novel that portrays the fictional town of Henry Adams, home to a small community of Black Americans with a rich cultural history. Although an easy read, this book was certainly a page-turner. This was the first book that I’ve read from author Jenkins, who has written a slew of other novels. I especially like that this book is one of nine in the ‘Blessings’ book series, which allows readers to
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Okay, I'll admit I was a bit confused in the beginning when we were introduced to a seeming cast of thousands. But I quickly settled into the story with its rotation between numerous adults and children. But what I didn't expect initially, was that at around the 70% mark I'd purchase the second in the series, so that I could immediately pick up again with these characters.
Sure, as some people say, seemingly difficult problems get solved very easily when Ms. Bernadine "throws" her money at the pr ...more
Sure, as some people say, seemingly difficult problems get solved very easily when Ms. Bernadine "throws" her money at the pr ...more
Mar 13, 2017
Angelia
rated it
it was amazing
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
kindle-book,
i-own
Great read! Can't wait to read the next one
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It's hard to say you didn't like a book with such an inspiring premise, but I just could not get into this book. I picked it up on free Friday for my Nook, hoping that it would give me the chance to read something I might otherwise pass by yet ultimately find enjoyable. Unfortunately, this wasn't one of those books.
The story itself is inspiring. A woman walks in on her husband with the secretary, divorces him, gets millions, and decides to buy a historical town in which to raise troubled foster ...more
The story itself is inspiring. A woman walks in on her husband with the secretary, divorces him, gets millions, and decides to buy a historical town in which to raise troubled foster ...more
Maybe 2.5 stars? This was the March selection for my bookclub. Bernadine is a 52 year old woman who divorces her husband after catching him cheating. The divorces leaves her very wealthy. She buys a struggling historical African American town in Kansas and decides to use the town to rescue some difficult foster kids.
Premise seemed interesting enough but the book was way too light for the subject matter it was trying to address. The few problems that arose were too easily solved with Bernadine's ...more
Premise seemed interesting enough but the book was way too light for the subject matter it was trying to address. The few problems that arose were too easily solved with Bernadine's ...more
I enjoyed this book, so I give it a 3.5 rating, which is low for me with a Beverly Jenkins book. I was disappointed with the references to the bible that were incorrect. I think. Maybe my bible is wrong? This series is inspirationally themed with blessing from above so that was unexpected and hard to ignore. It is a library e-book and when I checked to see what book was next in the series, I accidentally ordered it also, without realizing it. I lost 4 days of my 2 week loan, so I'm reading book
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I’ve been stuck in the paranormal romance genre for awhile, so it was nice to read about regular humans falling in love and doing extraordinary things. I somehow read Bring on the Blessings without realizing it was part of a series until my book club discussion. Thus, I can confirm the story is very self-contained and open to pick up future books at your leisure. I’d recommend this book if you’re looking for a funny, light read about unexpected events in a small town. And if you haven’t read any
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I don’t know why this took me longer than normal to read, but it was really sweet and relaxing to read. There isn’t a lot of stress or long-term conflict in this novel and I found that very refreshing. Aside from a few moments that could have been written better, this was a cute story. I probably won’t continue the series, but I’m for sure going to read more Beverly Jenkins within the next month or so.
4 out of 5 stars
4 out of 5 stars
I was intrigued by the premise when I first heard this book mentioned on a podcast. The book got my interest but I did have a few peeves: the solution to almost everything was about Bernadine spending money, there were some things that were just too easily resolved in ways that required suspending disbelief (Prell) and I didn’t really buy the romance that was rekindled.
I did like the supporting characters and the way Ms Jenkins worked some history into the narrative.
I did like the supporting characters and the way Ms Jenkins worked some history into the narrative.
Good book
I have had this book on my kindle for a long time. This was a good story that didn't include any unnecessary drama. I enjoyed reading this and look forward to reading the other books in the series. Definitely recommend to others looking for a good read. ...more
I have had this book on my kindle for a long time. This was a good story that didn't include any unnecessary drama. I enjoyed reading this and look forward to reading the other books in the series. Definitely recommend to others looking for a good read. ...more
This was a fun ride! Sometimes a little too perfect like a Hallmark movie, the story was sweet, fun, and definitely endearing. There’s plenty of characters to keep straight so never a dull moment and I loved the family ties to Jenkins’ historical books!
Can’t wait to read the rest of the series! 💛💛💛
Excellent novel.
This is my first read by author Beverly Jenkins. I have had this downloaded on my Kindle for at least 2 years, and I hate that it took me this long to actually read it. I am currently looking at what other titles I can delve into of Ms. Jenkins, and fervently adding them to my TBR list.
Bernadine Brown, having recently been awarded a cool $275 million in a divorce settlement, asked God for direction over life. She knows that to whom much is given, much is required, so she takes he ...more
This is my first read by author Beverly Jenkins. I have had this downloaded on my Kindle for at least 2 years, and I hate that it took me this long to actually read it. I am currently looking at what other titles I can delve into of Ms. Jenkins, and fervently adding them to my TBR list.
Bernadine Brown, having recently been awarded a cool $275 million in a divorce settlement, asked God for direction over life. She knows that to whom much is given, much is required, so she takes he ...more
Author: Beverly Jenkins
Published by: William Morrow Paperbacks
Age Recommended: Adult
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Series # 1
Rating: 5
Review:
"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 ...more
After coming into a large amount of money - $275 million dollars, to be exact - Bernadine Edwards Brown wanted to do something good. She found out about Henry Adams, Kansas, a town with boarded up and abandoned storefronts sliding into debt and foreclosure, and she bought it so she could rebuild it.
There are lots of things a person could do with millions of dollars and Bernadine chose to help others. I applaud her; especially because she reached out to foster children in need of love and safe h ...more
There are lots of things a person could do with millions of dollars and Bernadine chose to help others. I applaud her; especially because she reached out to foster children in need of love and safe h ...more
What would you do with 275 million dollars? That was the question Bernadine Brown had to answer after divorcing her husband of thirty plus years. After asking God to send her a purpose for this money, she purchases the small, historical, black town of Henry Adams, Kansas. Henry Adams was founded by freed slaves in the 1880's and was financially depleted. It's current mayor, Trent July, placed the town on E-bay, hoping for a financial save. Enters Bernadine Brown. Not only does Bernadine want to
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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 troubl ...more
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 troubl ...more
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Beverly Jenkins is the recipient of the 2018 Michigan Author Award by the Michigan Library Association, 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 in both the documentary Love Between the Covers and on CBS
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Blessings
(10 books)
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It’s perhaps a little too early to talk, so while she’s dealing with a morning-voice rasp, Beverly Jenkins is doing what she has to...
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“I’ve always believed the Spirit puts people in our lives for a reason. I’m not sure if that applies to eleven-year-old carjackers, but we’ll work with what the Spirit sends.”
—
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