series Reading Order

Blessings Books in Order

12 Books
2009 – 2021 Published
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Reading order

How to Read the Blessings Series

The Blessings series is best read in publication order. Because the books follow the collective evolution of the town of Henry Adams, its residents, relationships, and municipal developments, reading them in order ensures you won't spoil major plotlines or character milestones. While each novel spotlights a different couple or focal conflict, they are highly interconnected and build on the events of previous books.

The Blessings Books in Order

Here is the list of books in the Blessings series in their recommended reading sequence, including the standalone novella and the latest additions to the series:

  1. Bring on the Blessings (2009) — Bernadine Brown, armed with a multi-million dollar divorce settlement, buys the dying historic Black town of Henry Adams on eBay to save it and build a sanctuary for foster children.
  2. A Second Helping (2009) — Life in Henry Adams is moving forward, but new challenges arise as the foster families expand and the town's revival efforts face modern complications.
  3. Something Old, Something New (2011) — The community prepares for a major wedding, but family secrets and new arrivals threaten to disrupt the celebration.
  4. A Wish and a Prayer (2012) — Romances blossom, but things take a wild turn when a 600-pound hog is put on trial, bringing plenty of humor to the town.
  5. Crystal Clear (Novella #4.5) — Centered on Crystal Chambers Brown, this story originally appeared in the 2012 holiday anthology Gettin' Merry and was released as a standalone ebook and paperback in 2017. It fits chronologically between books 4 and 5.
  6. Heart of Gold (2014) — Henry Adams receives an influx of visitors, and residents must navigate the trials of love, career changes, and community preservation.
  7. For Your Love (2015) — The town's beloved mayor and other residents deal with the realities of aging, new romances, and unexpected family drama.
  8. Stepping to a New Day (2016) — Genevieve McMillan attempts to pick up the pieces of her life in Henry Adams, finding support in the community and a potential new romance.
  9. Chasing Down a Dream (2017) — Naailah Sherrills has a chance to make her career dreams come true, but she has to balance personal ambitions with her ties to the town.
  10. Second Time Sweeter (2018) — Second chances at love take center stage as older residents and newcomers alike find healing in Henry Adams.
  11. On the Corner of Hope and Main (2020) — A highly anticipated mayoral election, hidden agendas, and long-kept family secrets put the town's unity to the test.
  12. A Christmas to Remember (2023) — The holiday spirit warms Henry Adams as residents navigate personal crossroads, family reunions, and seasonal romance.
  13. Calling All Blessings (2025) — Town matriarch Tamar July grapples with unexpected secrets from her past while the town continues to band together to support its own.

Reading Order Caveats and Chronology

The chronological order is almost identical to the publication order, with only a couple of minor adjustments for maximum enjoyment:

  • Crystal Clear: As book #4.5, this novella is best read between A Wish and a Prayer (Book 4) and Heart of Gold (Book 5) to follow Crystal's personal arc sequentially.
  • A Christmas to Remember: Although focused on the winter holidays, this book contains significant progression for the overall community timeline. It should be read after On the Corner of Hope and Main and before Calling All Blessings rather than treated as a separate, non-canon holiday story.

Frequently Asked

QWhat is the best starting point for the Blessings series?

You should start with the first novel, Bring on the Blessings (2009). The series follows a continuous timeline with recurring characters, making the first book essential for understanding the town's origin and setup.

QIs the Blessings series connected to Beverly Jenkins' historical romances?

No. While Beverly Jenkins is famous for historical romances like the LeVeq Family series, the Blessings series is a contemporary women's fiction saga set in modern times and does not cross over with her historical settings.

QWhere is the town of Henry Adams, Kansas?

Henry Adams is a fictional town. However, Beverly Jenkins based its concept and rich history on real post-Civil War all-Black towns established in the American Midwest, paying homage to African American history and resilience.

QAre the books in the Blessings series standalones?

Not entirely. While each book spotlights specific relationships and individual subplots, they feature a large, evolving ensemble cast and a continuing town narrative. It is highly recommended to read them in order rather than as standalones.

QWhen does the novella Crystal Clear take place?

Crystal Clear is chronologically book #4.5. It takes place between A Wish and a Prayer (Book 4) and Heart of Gold (Book 5).

QIs A Christmas to Remember required reading for the series?

Yes. Although it is a holiday-themed novel, A Christmas to Remember (2023) is officially book #11 in the series timeline and advances the stories of the Henry Adams residents, bridging the gap before Calling All Blessings (2025).