A Christmas to Remember: A Novel

by Beverly Jenkins

Overview

NAACP nominee and USA Today bestselling author Beverly Jenkins returns to her beloved Blessings series with a Christmas wedding in the town of Henry Adams, Kansas.

Ever since Bernadine Brown bought the town of Henry Adams, her relationship with diner owner Malachi “Mal” July has had its share of ups and downs. But now they’re finally ready to say “I do.”

Or are they? As wedding preparations go into full swing, and families both local and extended begin to gather for the festivities, that long awaited walk down the aisle hits a speed bump that may derail everything.

But Mal and Bernadine’s relationship isn’t the only one being tested.

Preston Mays aka Brain, loves his girlfriend as much as he does physics but when she decides being a couple is no longer a good thing, his heart is broken. Will connecting with his bio dad’s family ease his pain?

Reverend Paula Grant has been patiently waiting for God to send her someone to share her life. When the town’s charming new chef arrives in town, she wonders if he could be the one.

And then there’s former mayor Riley Curry who throws a parade with his hog Cletus! There’s always a lot going on in Henry Adams, and this will be a Christmas to remember.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780063018228
Publisher:	HarperCollins
Publication date:	10/24/2023
Series:	Blessings , #11
Sold by:	HARPERCOLLINS
Format:	eBook
Pages:	304
Sales rank:	39,555
File size:	3 MB

About the Author

Beverly Jenkins is the recipient of the 2018 Michigan Author Award by the Michigan Library Association, the 2017 Romance Writers of America Lifetime Achievement Award, as well as the 2016 Romantic Times Reviewers’ Choice Award for historical romance. She has been nominated for the NAACP Image Award in Literature, was featured in both the documentary Love Between the Covers and on CBS Sunday Morning. Since the publication of Night Song in 1994, she has been leading the charge for inclusive romance, and has been a constant darling of reviewers, fans, and her peers alike, garnering accolades for her work from the likes of The Wall Street Journal, People Magazine, and NPR.

To read more about Beverly, visit her at www.BeverlyJenkins.net.

 

Editorial Reviews

10/09/2023

The lives of three couples in small-town Henry Adams, Kans., intertwine over the holidays in Jenkins’s easy and optimistic 11th Blessings contemporary (after On the Corner of Hope and Main). Bernadine Brown and her love Malachi July are preparing to walk down the aisle. They both hope to maintain their private homes after marriage and neither is aware that the feeling is mutual, leading to some friction. Meanwhile, high school senior Leah Clark, who suffers from self-esteem issues thanks to her abusive mother, breaks up with her boyfriend, Preston Mays, believing that once they go to separate colleges, he’ll find someone better. Heartbroken Preston turns to Reverend Paula for guidance. The reverend is embarking on her own relationship with new resident chef Thornton Webb, a man six years her junior who’s “never been very spiritual but understands the concept.” Jenkins eschews drama for slice-of-life storytelling that highlights the love and interconnectedness of Henry Adams’s tightly knit community. The Christmas backdrop and simple plot make this gentle wish fulfillment. Agent: Nancy Yost, Nancy Yost Literary. (Oct.)

Publishers Weekly

The books are a testament to the power of community and how love—whether romantic or between family members or friends—can heal all wounds. Strong, capable women are the core of the story, learning to love and speak up for themselves.” — Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

"Readers looking for uplifting, old-fashioned, small-town holiday celebrations should start planning out their route to Henry Adams, KS... The blend of Fannie Flagg charm and the kindness of Jan Karon’s Mitford novels will draw new fans to Jenkins’s series." — Library Journal

“If you haven’t yet gotten your hands on [this] author’s work, you should do so immediately.”
— Shondaland

“Jenkins' signature heart and meticulous character-work gets a holiday boost of cheer in A Christmas to Remember.” — Entertainment Weekly

"This storytelling is uplifting and engaging and proves it really does take a village." — Al Roker on Beverly Jenkins' Blessings series

“Jenkins’s characters come to vivid life, and the town is as well developed as those who live there... Henry Adams remains a place of faith where marriages deepen and relationships are mended. This is the best of the series so far.” — Publishers Weekly (starred review) for On the Corner of Hope and Main

“Each page in Jenkins' unique series offers insight into human nature within a well written adventure. In Henry Adams, people are offered second chances and forgiveness, with a check on foolishness. Readers will wish they could live there.” — Booklist (starred review) for On the Corner of Hope and Main

“A charming installment full of warm, interesting characters. The small-town drama is intense, but Jenkins merrily moves the plot forward, always rewarding good people and punishing wrongdoers. For longtime fans who are looking forward to catching up with beloved characters.” — Kirkus Reviews for On the Corner of Hope and Main

From the Publisher

"This storytelling is uplifting and engaging and proves it really does take a village."

Al Roker on Beverly Jenkins' Blessings series

Beverly Jenkins has reached romance superstardom .

Detroit Free Press

If you haven’t yet gotten your hands on [this] author’s work, you should do so immediately.”

Shondaland

"A romance icon.

Entertainment Weekly

09/01/2023

Readers looking for uplifting, old-fashioned, small-town holiday celebrations should start planning out their route to Henry Adams, KS. After being purchased several years ago by Bernadine Brown on eBay, the community known as Henry Adams has become an ideal small town, combining big-city diversity with tight-knit and supportive neighbors. Arriving before the holidays, well-respected chef Thornton "Thorn" Webb hopes to build relationships before he begins detailed planning with the three co-owners of the town's newest eatery, Three Spinsters. Thorn considers a more personal relationship with reverend Paula Grant, and she might also be interested. This 11th "Blessings" story (following On the Corner of Hope and Main) can be read on its own but will likely spur readers to go back to the previous 10 titles. The town is full of charming characters, each with their own backstory that is referenced while the current action unfolds, updating both new and returning readers. The book still spends plenty of time on existing romantic relationships and new partnerships. VERDICT The blend of Fannie Flagg charm and the kindness of Jan Karon's Mitford novels will draw new fans to Jenkins's series.—Stacey Hayman

Library Journal

In this captivating audiobook, listeners are transported to the enchanting town of Henry Adams and the Christmas wedding of Bernadine and Mal. Kim Staunton's exceptional delivery imbues each character with depth and emotion as she skillfully portrays the intricacies of their relationships. From Preston's heartbreak to Reverend Paula's entanglement with a chef and former mayor Riley Curry's comical parade with his hog, Cletus, Staunton portrays the characters with finesse. Her well-paced narration, varied inflections, and nuanced tones create an immersive experience, enveloping listeners in the festive ambiance of the town. This heartwarming and compelling Christmas story is an ideal companion for those seeking cozy holiday moments by the fire. F.S.M. © AudioFile 2023, Portland, Maine

NOVEMBER 2023 - AudioFile

★ 2023-07-26
People in a small town evaluate their familial and romantic relationships.

Henry Adams, Kansas has a rich historical legacy as a town that was founded by freed slaves. In the first book of this long-running series, Bernadine Brown bought the town on eBay and saved it from dying. She also found community and the love of her life, Malachi July. In this installment, Bernadine and Mal have put past dramas and betrayals behind them and are finally ready to tie the knot. While excited and committed to marriage, they each secretly worry about what will happen when they combine their households. Meanwhile, a handsome new chef named Thornton Webb relocates to Henry Adams from San Francisco. He’s attracted to the cool and capable Reverend Paula Grant, an integral member of the community. She helps her flock manage their interpersonal relationships: There’s an octogenarian remembering his first crush, a young man hurt by contact with his birth mother, and a pair of high school seniors fearing that college will break them up. Although the town is a thriving place for families and seniors, Henry Adams is losing a dynamic young teacher who feels isolated and cut off from other people his age. This forces Bernadine to contemplate a move she has long rejected: growing and expanding Henry Adams to ensure its future. The book is jam-packed with characters and ongoing plot lines, but Jenkins provides enough background to remind returning readers of past events or enable new readers to jump right in. The books are a testament to the power of community and how love—whether romantic or between family members or friends—can heal all wounds. Strong, capable women are the core of the story, learning to love and speak up for themselves. Or, as one of Thorn’s new friends explains to him, “Women here are something else. Nothing small-town about any of them at all.”

A lovely, affirming novel about the power of love.

Kirkus Reviews