2020 Book 57: ON THE CORNER OF HOPE AND MAIN by Beverly Jenkins

On The Corner of Hope and Main A Blessings Novel by Beverly Jenkins
ISBN: 9780062952202 (hardcover)
ISBN: 9780062699282 (trade paperback)
ISBN: 9780062699299 (ebook)
ISBN: 9780062960887 (audiobook – digital)
ISBN: 9781094115788 (audiobook – CD)
ASIN: B07TLY72N8 (Audible audiobook)
ASIN: B07T66G3T4 (Kindle edition)
Publisher: William Morrow Books
Publication Date: March 3, 2020

NAACP nominee and USA Today bestselling author Beverly Jenkins celebrates her beloved Blessings series with a heartwarming novel set in Henry Adams, Kansas.

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

Citizens of Henry Adams, Kansas, know there’s never a dull moment in their small town…

Trent July has been the mayor of this historic town for the past four years, but now he’s ready to let someone else take up the mantle. Barrett Payne, a former Marine, decides he wants the job. But when a surprise candidate also enters the ring, the town has opinions on who would be the best candidate.

And of course that’s not the only drama, as Malachi “Mal” July continues to make reparations for the damage he’s caused and to the people he’s betrayed, especially his lady love Bernadine. Is she finally ready to forgive him and let the past go?

As the residents of Henry Adams have learned, life will throw obstacles their way, but it’s how they come together and rise above these challenges that keep the bonds of their close-knit community strong.

Welcome back to Henry Adams, Kansas. It’s time for an election now that Trent July, the current mayor, has decided to pass the reins on to someone else, anyone else as long as it’s not former mayor Riley Curry. This small-town may not have much to offer in many people’s eyes since it doesn’t have any big-box stores or franchise restaurants, but it does offer a strong sense of history, family, and community. To that end, Barrett Payne, current VP of Security for the town has decided to run for mayor. Initially his only competition is found with former disgraced mayor Riley Curry and Thaddeus July, brother to town matriarch Tamar July and a native son and known trickster until his wife, Sheila decides she also wants to run for mayor. The Payne family drama coupled with Riley Curry running for office would be drama enough for one small town, but add in the reappearance of Bernadine’s ex-husband, Leo Brown and his behind-the-scenes scheming, this is going to be one election that the people of Henry Adams may be talking about for years to come.

I found On the Corner of Hope and Main to be a fast-paced and enjoyable read and devoured it in one afternoon. I welcomed the return to the setting of Henry Adams and almost feel as if the families there were friends that I was revisiting. I love the small-town setting and the drama. And yes, there’s always some small-town drama happening and this story offers quite a bit including: seed and oil company conglomerations trying to cheat and steal from area farmers under the guise of helping them out, Riley’s continual delusions of grandeur and payback, Leo’s delusions of returning to the top of the food chain in his industry after being fired, new business developments within the town, gambling addictions, helicopter parenting, misogyny unveiled, dysfunctional families revisited, forgiveness, trust, hope for a better tomorrow, and yes, some romance. On the Corner of Hope and Main offers a little bit of something for everyone and Ms. Jenkins pulls it together in one neat package. And for those of you that have read the previous books in this series, look out for the return of your favorite hog, Cletus! (No, I’m not going to explain that last sentence, read the books and you’ll understand!) I’ve recommended books by Ms. Jenkins to you before, some historical romance and others from the Blessings series. If you haven’t taken my advice in the past, I encourage, no, I urge you to add this series to your TBR list immediately. For those of you that have read the previous books in this series, make sure you get yourself a copy of On the Corner of Hope and Main. In all seriousness, On the Corner of Hope and Main is an excellent addition to the long list of outstanding reads by the one and only, “Slayer of Words,” Beverly Jenkins. (Just in case you couldn’t tell, I enjoyed this book!)

Happy Reading y’all!

Disclaimer: I received a free digital review copy of this book from the publisher via Edelweiss+. I was not paid, required, or otherwise obligated to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Author: thebookdivasreads

I'm a reader, an avid reader, or perhaps a rabid reader (at least according to my family). I enjoy reading from a variety of different genres but particularly enjoy fiction, mystery, suspense, thrillers, ChickLit, romance and classics. I also enjoy reading about numerous non-fiction subjects including aromatherapy, comparative religions, herbalism, naturopathic medicine, and tea. View all posts by thebookdivasreads