The first I have read in this series (although I do have many of the earlier books in the series that I will be reading soon) For Your Love is the sixth book in the Blessings series by Beverly Jenkins. Set in Henry Adams, Kansas: a town founded in the reconstruction era by African Americans seeking a peaceful place to live. The concept of the town, and the openness and possibilities for all the residents to make a new start in a town that oozes support, community and togetherness. As is true in real life, not everyone has arrived in town with picture perfect lives: thrown away or discounted by society, not knowing one’s history or even struggling with issues of adoption and foster care, Jenkins offers backstories and the effects on the present with an openness that does not gloss over issues, but gives people the opportunity to come to terms with and rise above the difficulties. Characters are richly detailed and emotionally available; there is a sense of history underlying the current story: secondary characters add details, stories and experiences that range from funny to poignant, and imbue a feeling of connectedness for all the characters, even those that feel so separated. This is a softly hypnotic tale, you arrive for the story of the newly married Mayor, Trent and his new wife and adopted children, and before you realize it, each character you encounter has set up house in your head, breathing and listening or telling their own story. Jenkins does more than write a book: the skill in plotting arcs, characterization and the carefully placed ebb and flow of tension are all present, emotions run from smiles to tears as the more poignant moments appear to tug at your heart. For Your Love is storytelling at its best: an oral history that is passed from generation to generation, never losing import or emotion, but building and growing as each new generation learns, incorporates and shares the tale themselves. I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via Edelweiss for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.

Awesome read!! Could not put down.