Review: Homecoming (A Holiday Novella) by Beverly Jenkins

Homecoming ( A Holiday Novella) by Beverly Jenkins
on December 7, 2015
Genres: African American, Historical Romance, Romance
Pages: 78
Format: eBook
Buy on Amazon
four-stars

A historical holiday story of homecoming and second-chance romance by NAACP Image Award Nominee, Beverly Jenkins.

In 1883, Lydia Cooper is happily traveling back home to celebrate the simple joys of the holidays when an unexpected complication appears in the all-too-distracting form of Gray Dane, the man she loved as a girl; the man she left behind. Gray, a soldier, is finally returning home too. Seeing Lydia after fifteen years reignites all the temptations from years ago…and also the pain and regret.

But as Lydia and Gray make their way home together, they get a chance to mend the past, and rediscover the joy, trust —and passion — of before; to realize that love isn’t just sweeter the second time around, it’s downright decadent.

This novella was previously published in Gettin’ Merry, A Holiday Anthology

“Jenkins’s dialogue crackles ...” –Publishers Weekly

“Her stories are delicious and always leave behind both feelings of satisfaction and want...for her next novel.” –Fresh Fiction

“Jenkins is a gifted storyteller who knows how to bring special spark and sass to romance.” –Romantic Times BOOKclub

I swear that I had no intention of buying a book this holiday season. Trust me, I have no reason to. I have at least 50 unread books on my shelves and let’s not even count the ones on my Kindle. I’m actually on a book buying cleanse (this does not include pre-orders I’ve already made) until March. Honestly, I was only on Amazon to purchase a Christmas present when I scrolled through my recommendations. Big Mistake.

Lo and Behold, I saw that Beverly Jenkins released a new novella. I haven’t mentioned Jenkins much on this blog (that will be changing in 2016) but I am a huge fan. Beverly Jenkins is the queen of historical romances. QUEEN! Do you know how long I was searching for quality black historical romances (hell ANY black historical romances) until I stumbled across Jenkins about two years ago? I’ve been a fan ever since.

Anyhow, long story short, I could not in good conscience let this book pass me by. So I didn’t.

Homecoming is a classic tale of reunited lovers. Gray and Lydia were young sweethearts until a cheating scandal broke them apart and sent Lydia running from their small town. Fast forward 15 years later and they meet again while Lydia is on her way back home to Detroit to visit her mother. Both are unattached, and she is still as wary as ever, after the deceit from many years ago and a recent breakup. Gray is remorseful and has struggled with what he did for many years. Seeing Lydia, after all of this time, is a blessing and he knows without a doubt that he wants to keep Lydia in his life forever. Will Lydia let him?

Homecoming was a super short read, so unfortunately, we didn’t get any of the rich history that we’re so accustomed to from a Jenkins novel. It delivered on the romance though and in the short period of time, I was able to see, if only a little glimpse, of how much these characters cared for one another. I’m selfish so of course I wished it could have been longer. I would have loved to learn more about each character’s backstory, but I really can’t complain since I knew it was a novella before I clicked buy.

I typically don’t review novellas because they’re so short. There’s only so much you can say. Honestly speaking, I really just wanted to stan for Beverly Jenkins. This novella does have me excited for her new novel, Forbidden, which will be released in January. I pre-ordered that months ago so I haven’t broken my book buying cleanse, thank you very much!

Fans of Beverly Jenkins, pick up this novella to tide you over this holiday season. New readers, I suggest starting with some of her earlier work to get acquainted. I have all of her historical romances and Indigo is definitely my favorite.

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Natalya

Natalya is an Account Manager by day and an editor and author's assistant to passionate creatives by night. When she is not adding to her enormous book collection or stationery supply, she is catching up on her favorite television shows.

Natalya is the author of All The Things I Never Said, a soul-stirring collection of short stories, prose and love letters for the soulful wanderers, the brokenhearted and the hopeless romantics.

You can follow her rantings and occasional sparks of brilliance on Twitter @NatalyaMuncuff.