Second Time Sweeter

I can't believe I didn't review this one. After reading Second Time Sweeter I was in shock about Malachi. I couldn't believe what he did. Even now I feel almost as betrayed as Bernadine. I may be a bit invested in the series. I knew that after I read the book if I reviewed it I may have lambasted Ms. Jenkins for taking Mal down the road she did. I'm calmer now but still hoped it would all have been some bad dream or bad joke.

I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Welcome back to Henry Adams, Kansas. A rural town founded by former slaves in the late 1800s known as Exodusters. This town has the dubious distinction of being sold on eBay and purchased by millionaire Bernadine Brown. Ms. Brown moved in and provided much-needed upgrades for the town (such as paving the road, improving infrastructures, providing town-wide WiFi services, building homes, providing a school and recreation center, and more). Now, this once dying town is thriving as are its residents, old and new. Ms. Brown also brought in new families to foster children and all of those children have subsequently been adopted. Along with the show more town's council, she's overseen the influx of new residents and restored old historic businesses. The one thing she couldn't control was how Malachi "Mal" July would feel when she was paying all of the bills when they went on vacation. Mal felt like a gigolo and, along with his best friend Clay, decided on a get-rich-quick scheme that quickly fell apart. Clay had the money for the "investment", but Mal embezzled the monies from the diner he is co-owner of, The Dog and Cow (it's a long story). Adding insult to injury, when the embezzlement was discovered, this 60-something-year-old man ran away only to return for his goddaughter's wedding with another woman in tow. Talk about a double slap in the face for Bernadine. Now Mal is back and providing a feeble apology at best. Is it possible for him to make financial restitution to the town and regain some semblance of trust from his friends and family? Will Bernadine ever be able to trust him again?

While all of the Mal July drama is going on, Lily July (Mal's daughter-in-law), has been busy planning the former Henry Adams high school reunion weekend. Lily is a great planner, but even she can't plan for the crazy behavior of Gary Clark's ex-wife. This woman didn't want her daughters when she divorced Gary a few years ago, moved to Atlanta and remarried. Now that she's getting a divorce from husband number two, she's decided that she's lonely and wants custody of the girls. It's bad enough she lied about being pregnant and trapped Gary into marriage all those years ago, but now she's trying to ruin their daughter's lives as well as all possibilities for Gary's second chance at love with his high school sweetheart. Will she be able to derail her girl's lives and Gary's chance to reconnect with the love of his life?

Needless to say, there's a lot more drama and intrigue going on in Henry Adams then I've mentioned, but to find out more you'll need to read Second Time Sweeter by Beverly Jenkins for yourself. I always enjoy returning to Henry Adams and feel as if I'm revisiting old friends. This town is more about the family you make as much as it is about the family you're born into. There's this greater sense of community that used to be prevalent in small communities. It's also nice to see a character such as Bernadine Brown putting her money to such great use by helping the town of Henry Adams and others. (Yes, I know it's a fictional town, but I still think it's nice.) This little town has grown so much since the first book, Bring On The Blessings, and I'm not talking land wise. The town population has expanded. It now has a grocery store, a swimming pool, a hair salon/barber shop, a coffee shop, a medical office, a recording studio, and a fire department with plans for an upscale restaurant and a bed-and-breakfast along with more housing. Obviously, there's a lot more going on in Second Time Sweeter than Mal trying to repay his debt and atone for his sins and Gary possibly finding love with his high school sweetheart, but if I told you more you wouldn't need to read the book. I enjoyed the characters, their interactions, the action, the drama (and there's a lot of drama), and the setting of Henry Adams. If you've read the previous books in The Blessings series, I won't have to tell you to grab a copy of Second Time Sweeter to read. You probably already have it on your TBR list and have pre-ordered your copy. For those of you that haven't read any of the books in The Blessings series, set aside a few evenings or weekends and begin with Bring On The Blessings and read through to Second Time Sweeter. I'm so hooked on this series that I reread it from the very first book to the latest book with each addition to the series. (Yes, I enjoy this series just that much!) Hopefully, you'll enjoy Second Time Sweeter by Beverly Jenkins as much as I did. Happy Reading!

This review originally posted on 08/26/2018 at https://www.thebookdivasreads.com/2018/08/2018-book-316-second-time-sweeter-by.h.... show less

It’s time for homecoming in Henry Adams, Kansas and everyone there is looking forward to showing off their town for the graduates who live away. And there’s lots to show off. The historically African-American town was once on its way down. But then the town was bought by a wealthy woman, Bernadine Brown, and she’s turned it around through competent management and her own generosity. Henry Adams now a haven for people who need a second chance, especially foster kids who haven’t received much love and care or who have lost the loving adults in their lives.

Much of the book is centered on the four generations of the July family; this time it’s Malachi “Mal,” who’s part of the second generation, son of Tamar the town’s show more matriarch. Mal is a recovering alcoholic who turned his life around and, of late, has become the steady beau of Ms. Brown. But then he makes a stupid, prideful mistake that undoes all the good he has done in town. And, worse of all, he’s lost the respect of everyone in Henry Adams. What can he do to atone?

A secondary plot involves Gary Clark, manager of the local grocery story, his two daughters and his toxic ex-wife, who tries to disrupt all their lives. Can she succeed?

Second Time Sweeter is #9 in this series, and all of them are fun, easy and heartwarming reads that will make readers feel better about the world, if only for a few hours. Although this book can be read as a stand-alone, it would be much more satisfying to read them in order. They’re all in print.

Book based on publisher-provided copy of the book. show less

The town of Henry Adams has had its troubles but the town is still growing. However, right now the citizens have to deal with the return of Malachi July, the town "grandfather" who had been caught embezzling from the town diner. Malachi wasn't prosecuted because he agreed to make restitution but the citizens are all very bothered by his attitude. When he finally comes to terms with how the townsfolk, especially the children, perceive his actions, the lessons that are learned are huge. At the same time , Gary Clark, a single father, is trying to deal with a visit from his ex-wife and his former girlfriend.

I love this series and the characters. Hope that the town of Henry Adams continues for a long time.

Another Blessings hit! I'm still in love with the characters. Who says small towns are boring? It's obvious they haven't visited Henry Adams, Kansas. Henry Adams was founded by former slaves after the Civil War. Eventually it suffered decline and was sold on eBay. Beverly Jenkins have created genealogical links back to the original settlers, but brought the story into this century.

"Second Time Sweeter" is Book 9 in author Beverly Jenkins long-running "Blessings Series". Ms. Jenkins has created the close-knit fictional community of Henry Adams, Kansas and populated it with unique characters and lively storylines. This book has many twists and turns, and hopes for a number of happy second chances. Bernadine Brown, the millionaire who brought prosperity and leadership to the town, has had her heart trampled upon by Mal July. When it seems as though he may be on the right path, he stumbles once again. Will Bernadine, who has given so much to so many, ever find her own true happiness? When divorced grocery store manager Gary Clark is once again face-to-face with his high school sweetheart, Nori Price, banked embers show more flare to life. However, Gary's unpleasant ex-wife, Colleen, has decided to stir the pot and make things difficult for Gary, who has custody of their two daughters. Now that a chance for a happy-ever-after has appeared on his horizon, will Fate be so cruel to snatch it away? The townsfolk of Henry Adams may have to offer some neighborly intervention to set things aright, but isn't that what friends are for?

Book Copy Gratis William Morrow Books via Library Thing show less

This was the first Beverly Jenkins book I had read so I had a little bit of trouble figuring out who all the characters were. The story moved along fine and I did like it but I think I would have enjoyed it more if I had read the other books in the series first. Overall, it was a good book but I don't know that I enjoyed it enough to read any more in the series.