Reviews

On the Corner of Hope and Main by Beverly Jenkins

turtleberry's review against another edition

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5.0

I love these characters so much. Really enjoying this series. 

balletbookworm's review against another edition

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4.0

Rolling this up to a 4 star rating. If you’ve been reading Ms Bev’s Blessing series, this is a really solid entertaining continuation of the lives and happenings and shenanigans of the population of Henry Adams, KS. There’s an election for mayor that doesn’t go NEARLY as anyone planned, Bernardine’s trash ex-husband shows up to cause problems, and a certain felonious porcine character makes a reappearance.

However, if you, like me, had not read any of the previous books you might be at sea for a bit until you catch up. I was expecting a series more like Bev’s romance series, where there’s a bit more separation between the stories so they can read more as linked stand-alones. But the Blessings series is true serialized storytelling, much like a soap opera, where the “main character” is the population of the town. The characters move forward and back in prominence depending on whether their subplot needs to come to the fore. So I kept backing up to re-read so I could keep the many characters and their relationships straight. But it was a fun read once I had everyone straightened out. Ms Bev really lets her sarcastic side fly at times. Someday, I’ll back up and pickup the earlier books.

Thanks to William Morrow for the review copy.

chocodippedlibrarian's review against another edition

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3.0

I enjoyed this one although I am completely surprised about Leo. I felt like he got off easy, he was never truly humbled. And for the love of Kansas, why wont somebody do something with Cletus?!

readincolour's review against another edition

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4.0

While some authors have problems maintaining the momentum with series, Beverly Jenkins rarely has that problem with the characters and story lines in her Blessings series. With so many existing and new characters to choose from, the author continues to give readers new and interesting stories, instead of recycling through previous story lines.

On the Corner of Hope and Main brings back town owner Bernadine Brown's arch nemesis, her ex-husband, at a time when she's still struggling to deal with her breakup with town OG, Malachi July. I love that Jenkins has created an independent "seasoned" female character who's smart, compassionate and business savvy without letting any of that be the reason why she's without a love interest. Often these traits serve as an excuse for why a protagonist is without. Jenkins let's us know that Bernadine is more than enough without Malachi and any reconciliation with him with be on her terms.

Between the return of former mayor Riley and his world famous pig, Cletus, along with Bernadine's ex-husband and a mayoral election, plenty of hijinks ensue, but at the heart of this book is relationships, which serve as the foundation for everything in Henry Adams. I love how Jenkins keeps the friendships of the women and men in town front and center.

The author also preps readers for the next book in the series as we see one of the town's original "kids" preparing for life outside of the small town, another kid struggling to find her place within the town, the continuation of a newcomer's place in town, and two potential residents (and a potential romance for an existing resident) who will hopefully arrive in town soon.

I've often told Ms. Bev that I wish a place like Henry Adams existed. I would gladly move there in a heartbeat!

samanthakayla's review against another edition

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3.0

Full disclosure: for some reason my library had this book but not the others so it was out of context for me but overall, great story of a small town and the residents of Henry Adams.

laileanah's review against another edition

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lighthearted slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

2.0

I'm done with this series.
It's not for me.
I'll stick to the historical romances in the future.

scoodle42's review against another edition

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lighthearted slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.5

Bernadine Brown owns the town Henry Adams, and it's one trip after another. In this book, her ex-husband is coming back to ruin the mayor's race for revenge, her ex wants forgiveness, she's opening a restaurant and getting ready for Halloween, and there's a pig who is persona non grata??

So I love a good small town soap opera and Henry Adams definitely is one. I love seeing the historical families from Ms. Bev's older books featured. It was a nice modern look into a place you know as old. It's number ten in the series, but it's not urgent for me to read the others. I'll read them as I stumble upon them. The stories were cute, but not super compelling. Bernie and Mal July figuring out their very complicated romance was an intriguing story, as was Sheila and her husband. The kids were adorable, the Julys were a ruckus and Riley and the ex-husband went right off the rails. It was entertaining enough. I liked it.

ollie1976's review against another edition

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3.0

Seemed scattered and rushed.

shannanh's review against another edition

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5.0

Welcome back to Henry Adams, a small town founded by free African Americans. Trent July, descendent of the original founders has been the mayor for several years, but want's to pass the mantle. several people are running to take his place, , some for the betterment of the town, (including a former marine and his wife) and some for scrupulous reasons (Percy and Theo). Who will decide the future of Henry Adams. Bernadette, who bought the town (off ebay, no less) has to decide if she wants to give former beau, Mal July another chance and let him back in to her life.

I love this series, and this book doesn't disappoint. I had to truly force myself to put it down so I could sleep. To me there was just enough drama and excitement to keep me interested without going over the top. I also enjoy seeing the relationship between Bernadette and Mal. It is probably a very good idea to read several of the older books in the series so that you won't get too lost when reading this one. I would definitely read any future books in this series.

lspmmc15's review against another edition

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5.0

It is always a wonderful feeling to return to Henry Adams. This visit was no different. I enjoyed catching up with old friends and getting to know new ones. I won't say too much, because I don't want to spoil any surprises for those who have yet to make the trip back. Hurry up! What are you waiting for? You won't be disappointed.