Reviews

On the Corner of Hope and Main by Beverly Jenkins

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.

ezichinny's review against another edition

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3.0

3.5 stars

I haven't read this series in order. I could tell immediately that I jumped into an already moving train. I don't know how much that lack of knowledge hurt me but I get that the heroine Bernadine Brown is divorced and it was quite messy. She is currently separated from Malachi, the man she loves, because of some embezzlement scam.

Bernadine is an independent, strong-willed business woman who has plans to help her town grow. She has to learn to navigate the men who are on the town council as well as what she wants out of life. The author did a great job establishing a strong heroine who is capable, intelligent and clever.

There is a lot going on in this book but the story revolves around relationships. Multi-generational family drama takes front and center as its clear that some of the characters mentioned are from prior books. I enjoyed it but I did wish I had more foundation on Malachi and Bernadine as well as her weasel ex husband.



booksnbubbly7's review

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emotional funny hopeful informative inspiring lighthearted fast-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? Yes

5.0

remigves's review against another edition

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emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted mysterious reflective relaxing 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? Yes

4.0

verityw's review

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4.0

I love this series. And this is another great instalment. I love the characters and the setting and the ongoing dramas. Just lovely.

nidzi_c's review

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challenging funny lighthearted tense 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? Yes

5.0

mmdecoteau08's review against another edition

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5.0

I have followed Beverly Jenkins since her first book Indigo, many moons ago. I love how she spins a three dimensional character with historical facts. On the Corer of Hope and Maine is no different. If you haven't read Indigo, find it. You will thank me later.

regencyfan93's review

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1.0

This was going so slowly for me that I jumped from the middle of chapter 8 to the start of the last chapter. The last chapter moved quickly enough for to hold my attention. I think that it would have been better for me to skip from chapter 3 or 4 to the last chapter. I found a few people interesting, the ex-husband despicable, and most of the characters just there but not interesting to me. Bernadine kept me going as long as I did.

ssejig's review against another edition

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3.0

Bernadine probably thought she had seen the last of her ex. Regular Blessings readers probably thought so as well since we haven't seen him in a couple of books (at least that I remember). But he's going to pop up again trying to cause trouble for the town while making money for himself. His plan this time is to back disgraced former mayor Riley Curry.
Riley has some competition though. Barrett Payne, formerly in the military, currently in charge of security for the town thinks that he is going to be a shoe-in. But his wife, Sheila, decides that she's tired of hiding her light under a barrel and decides to run herself. Of course, the Julys have to through in a family member as well.
We also get updates on various town members. Robyn, now living with her aunt, Pastor Paula, is slowly starting to learn how to live in Henry Adams. Mal and Bernadine work toward a better resolution of how their relationship ended. Cletus, the pig who formerly belonged to Riley is now famous and his team would like to bring him back to Henry Adams for a home town parade.
Jenkins is an incredibly steady writer. Readers who have loved previous books (and there are so many characters with intertwined stories, I really would recommend reading those books first) will enjoy this one to the same extent. I personally enjoy the books but there is something that keeps me from diving right in and enjoying the story. Part is just the flow - with so many stories you don't stick on many for long. Part is also the characters. We've gotten to know the characters over the course of 10 books but there are sometimes big life changes without really getting to see the character's motivation or getting to see why certain decisions are made because we are looking at so many people. To be fair, this series has always been that way so it's not like Jenkins is just piling on more characters. We do get one or two more in each book but the additions are judicious.