Beverly Jenkins returns to the blog today with a novella that provides background information in her Blessings series. A book that I found by chance at the library, please read on for my review of
Crystal Clear
Crystal has always been a bit restless in the story – and here we get a sense of her internal conflicts and questions as we see her perspective as she runs away – back to Dallas and tests the adage, you can never come home again. She doesn’t dislike her new family and the security that she’s found in Blessings, but as a teen, she’s feeling her way around her choices. As with all of Jenkins’ stories, Crystal’s voice is clear and well-developed, and her choices are often more clear to readers than characters at first. And while I’ve not read all of the stories in this series – the ability to escape into this character’s tale and see just how her past preyed (and affected) her choices, and the conflicts that she has within herself about her own new circumstances when compared to her friends in Texas was a quick and gripping read.
I love the ability to have a peek into a character’s head – and Crystal’s story is one that shows loyalty, conflicted desires, love, support and even some growing up as things in Dallas aren’t quite as rosy as she remembered, and “home” really doesn’t feel as comfortable or comforting as the new one she’s building in Blessings.
Follow that little story up with a wonderful short story called Transformations that mixes fantasy and history in ways that rarely are seen, to great effect. Highlighting Jenkins’ ability to tell a story that demands attention and engages, no matter the unfamiliarity of the genre.
I borrowed this copy of the title from the library with intentions of review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
Title: Crystal Clear
Author: Beverly Jenkins
Series: Blessings #4.5
Also in this series: For Your Love
Genre: African-American, Contemporary Romance, Family Saga, Novella
Published by: NYLA
ISBN: 9781979825290
Published on: 9 November, 2017
Format:eBook
Source: Library Copy
Pages: 86
Rated:
Heat:
Get Your Copy: Amazon ♦ Barnes&Noble ♦ iTunes ♦ Kobo ♦ IndieBound ♦ Book Depository ♦ Google From Lifetime Career Achievement Rita Award winner, USA Today bestseller, and NAACP Image Award Nominee, a story from Beverly Jenkins’s acclaimed Blessings Series…
This novella—taking place after A Wish and a Prayer and before Heart of Gold—shares the inside story of fan-favorite, Crystal Chambers Brown’s adventures as a runaway.
A safe, stable life should be the everything that teenaged Crystal ever wanted; but though she knows she should count her blessings, part of her wants to scream at all the rules! She loves her new life and family…but she misses her friends and being free.
People say you can never go back home, but Crystal thinks they’re wrong, and heads back to Dallas, to see what she left behind. But on the way, Crystal learns some home truths about the real meaning of home. Sometimes a journey backwards moves you forward…
*Includes a new bonus short story, Transformation.*
2 responses to “Crystal Clear: Blessings #4.5 by Beverly Jenkins”
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Thank you! I think this is the first review of Crystal Clear. Glad you enjoyed it and Transformation.
Thank you for the story – I’ve got them all – I’m just hopelessly embroiled in a tbr that won’t end!
Gaele recently posted…Crystal Clear: Blessings #4.5 by Beverly Jenkins