Customer Reviews

A Second Helping: A Blessings Novel

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4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(2)
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In this sequel to Bring on the Blessings, we get to know the original characters better and we're introduced to a few new characters as well. We find that the foster kids are thriving; growing and developing as they bask in the love that surrounds them. Two of the major themes are second chances and trust. It seems that quite a few characters in the book have come to the realization that not only has Henry Adams been given a second chance, but so have they. They've been given a second chance at love, a second chance at family, a second chance at finding out who they are and being true to themselves. And to my sheer delight they take complete advantage of their opportunities. This is such a heartwarming book that I am still basking in the glow that has been with me since I finished it. The themes of unconditional love and acceptance that started with Blessings continue in A Second Helping and as a result we see strong bonds and trust being formed throughout. I really enjoyed Ms. Jenkins use of symbolism especially in relation to Amari and his dreams. Henry Adams, Kansas is truly my idea of a utopia. It is a place where I would love to live. Can I please be transported there now?

Beverly Jenkins returns to Henry Adams, Kansas with another story her fans will truly enjoy. She introduced readers to Bernadine Brown, a recently divorced millionaire, who purchased the historic African-American town on eBay in Bring on the Blessings. In its sequel, A Second Helping, Bernadine, is once again off to rescue the town from what could be its biggest disaster.

Before she can save the town, she has to deal with a few other things--her ex-husband, Leo, who has decided that he wants her back; her growing relationship with Malachi July; and the project that Amari, one of the Foster kids, started that grew into more than he could handle. Like any growing town, old neighbors returned and new ones moved in. Even Riley and Cletus make an appearance on You Tube. And like any town, trouble is in the mix.

Jenkins' story will keep you turning pages and holding your breath to see what is in store for everyone. Like all of her novels, she gives you little known historical facts. I laughed, I cried, and I got upset when I finished the book. I give kudos to Beverly Jenkins for another outstanding novel.

Priscilla C. Johnson

APOOO BookClub

This wonderful book certainly has the right title. When you are sitting down to a great meal and you are enjoying it so much you have to ask for more, this is the way this book makes me feel. You know this book will be that good. The story draws you in as you immerse yourself into the lives of the people in Henry Adams. You see the growth of the characters you have already meet and meet some new ones. You are also privy to some interesting secrets. The surprises are handle with love, support and humor. Life is not perfect in this town but it does point out there is almost always a way to overcome . I gulped down this book, almost reading it in one session. Unfortunately, I started it late in the day and had to sleep for a few hours. I will go back in a few days and read again and simply savor.

In Henry Adams, Kansas, the town's fairy godmother affluent fiftyish Bernadine Brown, who saved the town when she bought it over the Internet (see Bring on the Blessings), is in Barcelona. Bernadine plans on building a school next when she comes home. However while she does Europe, a crisis occurs when the Dog and Cow Diner's new chef, Florene Maxwell, a culinary college student, introduces French cuisine to the locals who wants good old plain American food as this is Kansas not Oz or Paris.

Meanwhile eleven years old Amari Steele has one goal besides not eating puree vegetables for breakfast. He wants to be adopted by his foster father Mayor Trent July and the rest of the family who have welcomed him with love. He comes up with a plan to show he is worthy when he suggests a revival of a dead tradition, the August First parade.

Bernadine returns to town still attracted to Malachi, but her cheating former spouse has come to Henry Adams begging her for a second chance, make those 275 million dollars chances at love. However, besides tornadoes attacking the town, unwanted former spouses stalking, Bernadine's beloved Crystal becomes part of an odious abduction plot.

The third Henry Adams tale (see the super historical SOMETHING LIKE LOVE) continues the wonderful saga of a town established by former slaves in the 1880s as an oasis, now trying to survive in modern times. Once again as Beverly Jenkins did with the previous contemporary Blessings tale, the great author provides a fascinating look at African-American history inside a town's twenty-first century struggle to remain viable. Fans will enjoy A Second Helping as Ms. Jenkins provides another terrific tale.

Harriet Klausner

A Second Helping is the sequel to Ms. Jenkins book "Bring on The Blessings". We are travelling back to the town of Henry Adams where Bernadine Brown is continuing to bless the small town. The title A Second Helping is true to its word. Some of the main characters are getting a second blessing. Amari, one of the foster children has requested to become a permanent member of the historical July family. Tamar the family matriarch of the July's has told Amari in order to become a July he has to go on a vision quest and complete a project for the town of Henry Adams. He decided on having a parade. Mind you, Amari is only twelve and finds himself in some deep waters, when his dad, Trent steps in and gets the other adults involved. The parade will draw all of the community of Henry Adams in a celebration. There will be a few surprises along the way. You will definitely have to read the book and find out what the special relationship of Riley Curry and Eustasia Pennymaker, two eccentric individuals that are the pet owners of hogs, Cletus and Chocolate. Old flames find new flames. Some old Henry Adams residents return. You will find yourself amazed, laughing and maybe even shed a tear or two. Your interest will definitely be piqued. There are some surprising historical events about African Americans, little tidbits embedded into A Second Helping. The storyline will definitely have you wanting sequel number three that may be entitled, "The Third Time is a Charm". It is a true piece of literary art.

I've been anticipating the release of this book for several months now. And I must say Ms. Jenkins did not disappoint. It was such a pleasure catching up with Bernadine and the rest of the gang from Henry Adams. From the moment I picked up A Second Helping I could not put it down. I found myself so engrossed in this story that one minute I was laughing, the next fuming, and later crying. For me the absolute best part of this story was how the foster children began to live, blossom and grow under the watchful and loving eyes of the adults of Henry Adams.

The adult storylines were just as entertaining and kept me on the edge of my seat. I was shocked to learn about Marie's past, wanted to jump through the pages of the book to choke the life out of Crystal's trifling daddy, and was giddy when Bernadine and Malachi went out on their first date. And goodness gracious I'm not even going to mention Riley's and Cletus's foolishness.

A Second Blessing is a heartwarming story that will give the reader a sense of family and community. If you are looking for an entertaining read then this book is for you. I promise you won't be disappointed!

Great sequel!!! I enjoyed all of the chracters even the hog, curtis, A second Helping is a great read about good country folks and the history was a pleasure to read about..must read

I have been a Beverly Jenkins Fan since the very beginning. Her Historical romances and stories are the best and I enjoy how she connects her characters together over the generations. All the characters are wonderful and enjoyable to read. I eagerly antipate each novel that she come out with. I sincerely want her to continue the stories of Amari (my favorite car thief), Preston, Crystal, Devon and Zoey until their adult years. And this books feeds that hunger to know more. I really hope that Mrs. Jenkins to release a book three in the series.

If you are looking for a good and entertaining read, please, please check out this book.

Beverly Jenkins has started our New Year with "A Second Helping: A Blessings Novel" as a follow up to "Bring On The Blessings". We visit more with the citizens of Henry Adams, Kansas and get more history on why and how the race settled there.

Again Bernadine Brown is still making sure her little town is keeping up. The foster children and their parents each have their share of problems to work through, but everyone seems to be settling in. The conversations between the children when they get together is priceless, especially Amari and Preston.

Ms Jenkins has inserted Bernadine's ex, Leo; the new school teacher, Jack and his son Eli into the story to make sure we want to know what the next Blessings novel will bring us. Not to forget the courtship of Malachi and Bernadine and the engagement of Trent and Lily.

This was a most enjoyable read and as Ms Jenkins always does, we get another history lesson.

It was great to see how the lives of the people of Henry Adams have continued. Bernandine continues to be the towns angel, and her blessings are being returned since it seems like she and Mal will get their chance. I was happy to see Trent finally come to his senses regarding Liily because those two deserve happiness, and I hope in the third book Devon gets his little brother or sister. I love the history that is being taught in these books. It realyl makes me want to go and research my own families history. I can't wait for the 3rd book!