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sistahgirl's review
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
5.0
Mal’s behavior in the last few chapters was shocking. In the beginning I was so against Bernadine giving him any of her time then I kinda just went with the flow but now I’m like girlllllllll! Wish she would’ve stood her ground.
Also so happy for Jack and Rocky she deserves all the love Jack has to offer. 💍❤️
Also so happy for Jack and Rocky she deserves all the love Jack has to offer. 💍❤️
turtleberry's review against another edition
5.0
I really enjoyed this book but this one made the romance lover in me sad.
Can't wait to read the next book to find out what happens.
Can't wait to read the next book to find out what happens.
passionatereader78's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
I love this series! This was such an emotional story for me. I think this one envokes emotion like the first book did. The things the children have been through before they come to Henry Adams brings tesrs to my eyes. Lucas and Jasmine are traveling through Henry Adams with their new adopted father when a tornado hits. When the terrifying storm passes; the kids are orphans again. They walk the road until Ms. Gemma drives by. The kids immediately feel safe with her and she decides to become their foster mother with Ms. Bernadine's help. It was so sad hearing the kids story. Mal and Ms. Bernadine argue about bringing a new restaurant to Henry Adams. Mal leaves town leaving Rocky and Ms. Bernadine in a pickle. Rocky is getting ready for her wedding to Jack. Tamar and the Oklahoma Julys plan a celebration of life for one of their relatives. Henry Adams is growing and expanding!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death of parent and Death
Minor: Emotional abuse, Physical abuse, and Racism
laileanah's review against another edition
emotional
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.25
First gay significant character, though romance happens outside of storyline.
An interesting visit with old and dear friends.
The true but rarely known US history included in 6 elements of this novel are each handled with a very deft hand. So the harsh history is honored, but the sad/bad feeling is muted so to seamlessly fit into an otherwise cozy story without interrupting the sweet after taste.
That's a real skill and helps me swallow my complaints below.
Spoilers below:
This novel bothered me.
The ridiculous sexism involved in Mel's storyline. Like in what world are we blaming the victim for his own bad behaviors because his grown ass didn't know how to speak to the town minister/therapist? Plus, why is he cruel?
I'm tired of the main drama in the novels being the sexist and boneheaded behavior of the male love interest in a heterosexual relationship. It's always just kinda forgiven and overlooked. It's like a Tyler Perry dramedy encouraging women to be patient with sorry ass men. It's so dated.
The addition of more police, like why they have hardly any citizens. Usually, in small towns, crime is low and usually vandalism. Now cameras are being extended to cover more of the town. I realize it's to drive the story, but yikes.
Foster kids don't need to be raised in such a heavily monitored and policed environment.
The town is in the literal middle of nowhere. A single sheriff, voted in by citizens, would be standard. The state police would handle large or conplicated crimes. This just ruins the town for me.
In addition, I disliked how trauma resulting from transracial adoption was treated. White parents struggle to raise children of color.
This is addressed in Colin in Black & White on Netflix really well.
I think this particular foster parent was clearly the better choice but to dismiss that these types of foster/adoptions create adults that often require decades of therapy.
My mom is white, she carried me in her body and is racist as fuck. We no longer speak. Her family was also awful. I don't speak to any of them. They were all liberal with the exception of my youngest aunt who has a biracial child and is a maga-Karen. Its a fucking mess.
I can't imagine what this is like for fostered and adopted kids but from what I've read it's much worse.
Also are we gonna ignore that conservative racists often adopt Black kids to try to prove their racist agendas? This is a well documented history and the story didn't need to deal with race in this way at all. This manufactured conservative storyline was uncomfortable
I think I'll pass on the Henry Adams in this novel.
An interesting visit with old and dear friends.
The true but rarely known US history included in 6 elements of this novel are each handled with a very deft hand. So the harsh history is honored, but the sad/bad feeling is muted so to seamlessly fit into an otherwise cozy story without interrupting the sweet after taste.
That's a real skill and helps me swallow my complaints below.
Spoilers below:
The ridiculous sexism involved in Mel's storyline. Like in what world are we blaming the victim for his own bad behaviors because his grown ass didn't know how to speak to the town minister/therapist? Plus, why is he cruel?
I'm tired of the main drama in the novels being the sexist and boneheaded behavior of the male love interest in a heterosexual relationship. It's always just kinda forgiven and overlooked. It's like a Tyler Perry dramedy encouraging women to be patient with sorry ass men. It's so dated.
The addition of more police, like why they have hardly any citizens. Usually, in small towns, crime is low and usually vandalism. Now cameras are being extended to cover more of the town. I realize it's to drive the story, but yikes.
Foster kids don't need to be raised in such a heavily monitored and policed environment.
The town is in the literal middle of nowhere. A single sheriff, voted in by citizens, would be standard. The state police would handle large or conplicated crimes. This just ruins the town for me.
In addition, I disliked how trauma resulting from transracial adoption was treated. White parents struggle to raise children of color.
This is addressed in Colin in Black & White on Netflix really well.
I think this particular foster parent was clearly the better choice but to dismiss that these types of foster/adoptions create adults that often require decades of therapy.
My mom is white, she carried me in her body and is racist as fuck. We no longer speak. Her family was also awful. I don't speak to any of them. They were all liberal with the exception of my youngest aunt who has a biracial child and is a maga-Karen. Its a fucking mess.
I can't imagine what this is like for fostered and adopted kids but from what I've read it's much worse.
Also are we gonna ignore that conservative racists often adopt Black kids to try to prove their racist agendas? This is a well documented history and the story didn't need to deal with race in this way at all. This manufactured conservative storyline was uncomfortable
I think I'll pass on the Henry Adams in this novel.
tamaralgage1's review against another edition
5.0
Well I could cut and paste my previous reviews of this series of books. The characters and plots are fabulous. I have to say that the thing that gives me greatest pleasure is the respectful relationships between old and young, rich and poor, and of all cultures. People for the most part treat each other with respect and work as a community.
Of course there is is drama because you have to have suspense to create a story. But in the end, the results leave you with a good feeling.
Of course there is is drama because you have to have suspense to create a story. But in the end, the results leave you with a good feeling.
ceritalashone93's review against another edition
5.0
Wonderful
She has yet done it again..what a wonderful read..i truly have been enjoying the blessing..now I have to sit and wonder what's gonna happen with Mal and Bernadine..cant wait
She has yet done it again..what a wonderful read..i truly have been enjoying the blessing..now I have to sit and wonder what's gonna happen with Mal and Bernadine..cant wait
deltagirl81913's review against another edition
emotional
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
jg12389's review against another edition
3.0
I enjoyed this book and even got a little but emotional which is rare for me. I didn't read the rest of the series and it seemed clear as I read that I was missing some deeper context from the other books. It was enjoyable as a standalone although I do feel that it was written for a younger audience than my 30+ year old self. A great book though!
shannanh's review against another edition
5.0
Wow. Beverly Jenkins did an amazing job with this story. From the Matriarch Tamar, her grandson, the Mayor, and all of the other characters. There were character you love, as well as some that you hate and you're glad they got what they did.
lspmmc15's review against another edition
5.0
Another great trip to Henry Adams -- I can't wait until my next visit.