Second Time Sweeter - (Blessings) by Beverly Jenkins (Paperback)

About the Book

A redemption-seeking recovering alcoholic and foster-child mentor seeks forgiveness from the woman he betrayed, while a store owner and his high school sweetheart consider a second chance at love.

Book Synopsis

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

Malachi "Mal" July has run into trouble in the past. With a reputation as a player, he's now a recovering alcoholic and has made progress in redeeming himself in the eyes of his family and the citizens of Henry Adams, Kansas. He's not only turned his diner into a profitable business, but also mentors the town's foster kids. And he's even staying true to one woman--Bernadine Brown.

But all it takes is a moment of pride to blind Mal to his blessings--a moment that makes him betray his friends and family, and lose Bernadine's trust and love. Will he ever be able to win her forgiveness?

Meanwhile Homecoming Weekend is fast approaching, and store owner Gary Clark is reunited with his high school sweetheart. All it takes is a few minutes for them to realize the spark is still there, but is it too late for second chances?

A little help from the good people of Henry Adams may give both Mal and Gary the best second chance at the happiness they missed the first time around...

From the Back Cover

For the folks in Henry Adams, Kansas, lessons from the past can bring new hope for the future. . . .

With a reputation as a player, Malachi "Mal" July is now a recovering alcoholic who has made progress in redeeming himself in the eyes of his family and the citizens of Henry Adams, Kansas. He's not only turned his diner into a profitable business; he also mentors the town's foster kids. And he's even staying true to one woman--Bernadine Brown.

But a moment of pride makes Mal betray his friends and family, and lose Bernadine's trust and love. Can he win back her forgiveness?

Meanwhile, homecoming weekend is fast approaching, and store owner Gary Clark is reunited with his high school sweetheart. The spark is still there, but is it too late for second chances?

A little help from the good people of Henry Adams may give both Mal and Gary their best second chance at the happiness they missed the first time around. . . .

Review Quotes

Praise for novels by Beverly Jenkins: "A story like none other, and done in a way that only Beverly Jenkins can do. Simply superb!" - Brenda Jackson, New York Times bestselling author
Praise for Chasing Down a Dream: "Smart and highly enjoyable [...] The talented, insightful Jenkins infuses tragic stories with emotion and hope. Fans of Debbie Macomber's Cedar Cove novels will love the Blessings series." - Library Journal (starred review)
"It's easy to lose hours at a time caught up in this book. An achingly sweet feel-good story of love and redemption of all kinds." - Kirkus Reviews
"Every visit to Henry Adams, Kansas, is like a warm hug... All is not perfect because humans make mistakes, but the knowledge that the people of this town will rise to the challenge, together, is a blessing." - RT Book Reviews (top pick)
"Beverly Jenkins charms in a way that only she can." - Angela Benson, National bestselling author
"If you haven't yet gotten your hands on [this] author's work, you should do so immediately." - Shondaland
"Mal's path to atonement and restitution is full of surprises as Jenkins employs her signature layered, thoughtful storytelling style. Though the entire cast is appealing and faceted, the teenage characters are written especially well, with respect and intelligence. Readers will want to move to Henry Adams, where, when problems intrude, people respond with hope. Another of Jenkins' excellent Blessings tales." - Booklist
"The town of Henry Adams once again emerges as a vibrant character... Jenkins's many fans will love this installment." - Publishers Weekly