STORIES TOO GOOD NOT TO SHARE: CALLING ALL BLESSINGS by BEVERLY JENKINS

Some books entertain you, and then some books become part of your soul. Beverly Jenkins' Blessings series has been the latter for countless readers, and now, with Calling All the Blessings, we must say goodbye to Henry Adams, Kansas (with an invitation to visit again and again, with the beauty of rereads). Grab your tissues and your favorite cozy drink, because this finale is everything we hoped for and so much more.https://amzn.to/4qZicuw

Blessings Series

BOOK 12

Publisher: ‎ Avon

Publication Date: ‎ October 28, 2025

Genre: Small Town & Rural Fiction

Tamar July, town matriarch of Henry Adams, KS, is being haunted by dreams of her humiliating wedding day, sixty years ago, when she discovered her intended, Joel Newton, was already married. The truth left her furious, heartbroken, and carrying a child, her son Malachi “Mal” July. Why are these dreams coming to her now? And is the great horned owl perched on her backyard shed somehow connected? When Joel’s legitimate son comes to Henry Adams wanting to meet his half-brother, Mal, Tamar must deal with her past, her anger, and explore what it means to truly forgive.

Tamar isn’t the only one being tested. Teenager Devon July wants to be anyone but himself. When he first arrived in Henry Adams as an eight-year-old foster child, he wanted to be a preacher. Then, to be like his adopted brother, Amari. Now, he’s decided to be a variant of James Brown—wig included—rather than who he really is, a boy who lost his beloved grandmother and is the son of a mentally challenged woman. Will Tamar be able to guide his spirit quest and place him on the road to finally being at peace within himself?

As the big August 1^st celebration nears, town owner Bernadine Brown has a lot on her plate, chief among them, what to do with former mayor Riley Curry’s monstrous tribute to his hog Cletus. There are no secrets in Henry Adams, but there’s never a dull moment either.

My Thoughts...

Legendary Beverly Jenkins weaves together the threads of the series we've been following for years, giving each beloved character the send-off they've earned. Tamar July’s reckoning with her past and Devon July’s search for home are rendered with such empathy and truth that every setback and triumph feels personal. The romance still sizzles, the humor still sparkles, and at the heart of this series, it’s a

unique celebration of Black love, resilience, and community that inspires and is needed in today’s times. You'll laugh, you'll cry, and you'll feel the weight of every triumph because the author has made you care so deeply about these people.

What makes this conclusion truly special is how the journey came together. She doesn't rush to tie up loose ends; instead, she savors the moments, reminding us why we kept coming back. The characters we've watched evolve over multiple books get their flowers, and new connections feel like natural extensions of the world we've grown to love. I especially enjoyed the cameo with the Spinsters.

This is more than a finale…it's a homecoming. Beverly Jenkins reminds us that while stories may end, the love, laughter, and legacy of a community like Henry Adams lives on in our hearts. If you've been part of this series, prepare yourself: this ending will absolutely wreck you in the most beautiful way possible.

Thank you, Beverly Jenkins, for the blessing that is Henry Adams.

Sweet Tea with a Splash of Bourbon 

Why? This book is pure comfort with a kick, just like the South meets Midwestern warmth.

The sweet tea represents the heartwarming community spirit and gentle humor of Henry Adams, while the bourbon adds that depth and complexity Beverly Jenkins brings to her storytelling. It's sophisticated, soulful, and goes down smooth. Plus, it's the kind of drink you'd sip on the porch while catching up with friends—which is exactly the vibe of this entire series.

Alternative: A glass of celebratory champagne, because this ending deserves to be toasted!