Second Time Sweeter

July 1, 2018
In the town of Henry Adams, Kansas, intrigue and second chances abound.Jenkins' (Tempest, 2018, etc.) ninth jaunt into Henry Adams continues the story of Bernadine Brown, who bought the town on eBay in the first Blessings novel. Several years into the new history of a budding small town, Bernadine has fallen in love with Malachi July and finally decided to pursue a relationship. Unfortunately, due to misplaced male pride and momentary stupidity, Mal has screwed up and embezzled money belonging to the town only to lose it all to a con man. Word travels quickly, and Mal loses the trust and respect of everyone in town and the surrounding areas--but most poignantly, Bernadine has decided to never forgive him. While Mal is working to earn back the money lost and the trust of everyone in the county, grocery store manager Gary Clark is preparing for a high school reunion with both his ex-wife and the woman he loved before getting cruelly manipulated into marriage. In the meantime, a hired hit woman is after two of the town's newest residents. Finally, the continued coming-of-age of the town's collection of adopted teenagers evolves through family troubles, new teachers, attitude problems, and potential crushes. An ever growing cast of characters and a lack of a constantly engaging plot limits the reach of the novel, leaving the reader to experience an uneven balance of empty filler and engrossing moments. The format feels like an ongoing television series, with episodic moments that sometimes lead nowhere; this might work for some readers. Award-winning author Jenkins knows how to create sympathetic characters, but the residents of Henry Adams seem to have outlasted her capability to keep us interested in the goings-on of their lives for more than bits at a time.Only for readers waiting with bated breath for the next Henry Adams story.

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September 3, 2018
The ninth Blessings novel from Jenkins (after Something Old, Something New) thoughtfully considers notions of forgiveness and second chances. Malachi “Mal” July has a lot to atone for after years of belligerence and home-wrecking in Henry Adams, Kans. After seeking treatment for alcohol addiction, Mal establishes a diner and sets his eyes on Bernadine Brown, the woman who once gave him her heart. Readers will root for Mal as he comes to terms with the consequences of his actions and seeks forgiveness. Series fans will find all their favorite characters here, including Trent and Lily July, who are planning their high school reunion, and grocery store manager Gary Clark, whose ex-wife arrives in town demanding custody of their daughters. Though many subplots run throughout, Mal’s story remains the focus, and it’s through his experiences that the town of Henry Adams once again emerges as a vibrant character. Although the book will be tough to follow for readers new to the series, Jenkins’s many fans will love this installment.

July 1, 2018
In Jenkins' latest Blessings novel, Mal July returns to Henry Adams, Kansas, after embezzling from the diner and treating his longtime girlfriend, Bernadine, badly by bringing another date to a town event. He can't believe how angry everyone is with him, including his grandsons, Amari and Devon. Grocery-store owner Gary Clark is excited about the high-school reunion so he can have another chance with his former girlfriend, as long as his ex-wife leaves him and their daughters alone. When one of the new caf� owners is shot during the town's movie night, everyone is rattled, yet Bernadette and the townspeople protect and support each other. Mal's path to atonement and restitution is full of surprises as Jenkins employs her signature layered, thoughtful storytelling style. Though the entire cast is appealing and faceted, the teenage characters are written especially well, with respect and intelligence. Readers will want to move to Henry Adams, where, when problems intrude, people respond with hope. Another of Jenkins' excellent Blessings tales.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2018, American Library Association.)