This was light hearted, cozy and delightful. I truly love this author's Christmas novels. This was light hearted, cozy and delightful. I truly love this author's Christmas novels. ...more
I'm done with this series. It's not for me. I'll stick to the historical romances in the future.I'm done with this series. It's not for me. I'll stick to the historical romances in the future....more
This just didn't work for me. The dramatic aspects border on ridiculous, this is primarily a cozy, so it's not a deal breaker but definitely eye roll wThis just didn't work for me. The dramatic aspects border on ridiculous, this is primarily a cozy, so it's not a deal breaker but definitely eye roll worthy.
Mal's storyline is awful. Look, his behaviors were way out of character in the last installment, his non-remorse paired with his shock that he was held responsible for his actions by the town just jumped the shark for me. Who is this Mal? This can't be the guy we've been getting to know since book 1.
Anyone can make a mistake. Most of us will do so even at the expense of those we love. However, this deeply horrifying betrayal was treated like his transgression was more immoral than illegal, but it was both. I don't believe in prison, but he needs to be kicked out of Henry Adams. This was ludicrous and a bad precedent to set.
This series has always been very steeped in respectability politics, but the idea that a Black person committing a crime has harmed or embarrassed 'the race' is harmful bullshit. I know Beverly Jenkins is a boomer, but this is the first time I've truly been disgusted.
Just fucking yikes. I have the next 2 installments already borrowed, but I can't imagine I'll continue with this series. There are just so many yikes....more
This is a bit formulaic but no less sweet. I love how Henry Adam's is growing and changing.
While I love these novels, they are a wee-bit heavy on respThis is a bit formulaic but no less sweet. I love how Henry Adam's is growing and changing.
While I love these novels, they are a wee-bit heavy on respectability politics, strong xtian themes when I prefer lighter themes, a bit fat phobic, and a bit homophobic, though gay characters exist.
The charm of this wholesome town is perfect in so many ways. I'd move there and see Ms. Bernadine about helping the town be less of all the above. ...more
2.5 Stars First significant gay character, though romance/relationship happens 'off-stage', so to speak. An interesting visit with old and dear friends2.5 Stars First significant gay character, though romance/relationship happens 'off-stage', so to speak. An interesting visit with old and dear friends. The true but rarely known US history included in all elements of this novel are handled with a very deft hand. So the harsh history is honored, but the sad/bad feeling is muted so to seamlessly fit into an otherwise cozy story without interrupting the sweet after taste. That's a real skill and helps me swallow my complaints below. Spoilers below: . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . .. . . . . . . . . . .. . .. .. . . . This novel bothered me. The ridiculous sexism involved in Mel's storyline. Like in what world are we blaming the victim for his own bad behaviors because his grown ass didn't know how to speak to the town minister/therapist? Plus, why is he cruel?
I'm tired of the main drama in the novels being the sexist and boneheaded behavior of the male love interest in a heterosexual relationship. It's always just kinda forgiven and overlooked. It's like a Tyler Perry dramedy encouraging women to be patient with sorry ass men. It's so dated.
The addition of more police, like why they have hardly any citizens. Usually, in small towns, crime is low and usually vandalism. Now cameras are being extended to cover more of the town. I realize it's to drive the story, but yikes.
Foster kids don't need to be raised in such a heavily monitored and policed environment. The town is in the literal middle of nowhere. A single sheriff, voted in by citizens, would be standard. The state police would handle large or conplicated crimes. This just ruins the town for me.
In addition, I disliked how trauma resulting from transracial adoption was treated. White parents struggle to raise children of color. This is addressed in Colin in Black & White on Netflix really well. I think this particular foster parent was clearly the better choice but to dismiss that these types of foster/adoptions create adults that often require decades of therapy.
My mom is white, she carried me in her body and is racist as fuck. We no longer speak. Her family was also awful. I don't speak to any of them. They were all liberal with the exception of my youngest aunt who has a biracial child and is a maga-Karen. Its a fucking mess. I can't imagine what this is like for fostered and adopted kids but from what I've read it's much worse.
Also are we gonna ignore that conservative racists often adopt Black kids to try to prove their racist agendas? This is a well documented history and the story didn't need to deal with race in this way at all. This manufactured conservative storyline was uncomfortable.
I think I'll pass on the Henry Adams in this novel....more
This was sweet, and I love the new additions to the town.
While I love these novels, they are a wee-bit heavy on respectability politics, a tad bit strThis was sweet, and I love the new additions to the town.
While I love these novels, they are a wee-bit heavy on respectability politics, a tad bit strong on xtian themes when I prefer lighter themes, a bit fat phobic, and a bit homophobic, though gay characters exist.
The charm of this wholesome town is perfect in so many ways. I'd move there and see Ms. Bernadine about helping the town be less of all the above. ...more
I actually liked the bonus story better than the Blessing novella.
While I love these novels, they are a wee-bit heavy on respectability politics, a taI actually liked the bonus story better than the Blessing novella.
While I love these novels, they are a wee-bit heavy on respectability politics, a tad bit strong on xtian themes when I prefer lighter themes, a bit fat phobic, and a bit homophobic, though gay characters exist.
The charm of this wholesome town is perfect in so many ways. I'd move there and see Ms. Bernadine about helping the town be less of all the above. ...more
This was both more hilarious and a bit darker than usual.
While I love these novels, they are a wee-bit heavy on respectability politics, a tad bit strThis was both more hilarious and a bit darker than usual.
While I love these novels, they are a wee-bit heavy on respectability politics, a tad bit strong on xtian themes when I prefer lighter themes, a bit fat phobic, and a bit homophobic, though a gay characters exist.
The charm of this wholesome town is perfect in so many ways. I'd move there and see Ms. Bernadine about helping the town be less of all the above. ...more
And I'm in love with this small Black town and its charming residents. If it was real, I'd move thereAnd I'm in love with this small Black town and its charming residents. If it was real, I'd move there...more
3.75 Stars See, I knew this series would grow on me despite the parts I don't like quite so much. Ms. Jenkins has a way of creating compelling character3.75 Stars See, I knew this series would grow on me despite the parts I don't like quite so much. Ms. Jenkins has a way of creating compelling characters that I wish to check up on and spend time with. I can see the appeal given this series has so many installments.
While I love these novels, they are a wee-bit heavy on respectability politics, a tad bit strong on xtian themes when I prefer lighter themes, a bit fat phobic, and a bit homophobic, though a gay characters exist.
The charm of this wholesome town is perfect in so many ways. I'd move there and see Ms. Bernadine about helping the town be less of all the above. ...more
Honestly this is easily my least favorite novel by Ms Jenkins. Too much respectability politics. Too much xtianity. Hated the fat phobia and casual use oHonestly this is easily my least favorite novel by Ms Jenkins. Too much respectability politics. Too much xtianity. Hated the fat phobia and casual use of crackhead, just cringey.. Plus there wasn't real conflict or mystery so it was kinda boring. Still it was Ms.Jenkins so I like some of the characters...more