On the Corner of Hope and Main

Jenkins returns to Henry Adams, Kans., for her 10th Blessings novel (after Second Time Sweeter) in this pleasing tale centered on a mayoral election. Trent July is stepping down as mayor, and his predecessor, Riley Curry, is planning to run—despite not being liked by anyone. It is a comfort to everyone in town when Col. Barrett Payne decides to run for mayor, but his plans are complicated when the town reacts enthusiastically to his wife, Sheila, entering the race as well. As everyone claims to have the best interest of the community at heart, tensions rise further when series regular Bernadine Brown’s ex-husband, Leo, returns to become Riley’s campaign manager. Bernadine must also decide whether to forgive Mal July, her former lover, or to let him go. Jenkins’s characters come to vivid life, and the town is as well developed as those who live there. As strife and foibles mount and the town finally chooses the next mayor, Henry Adams remains a place of faith where marriages deepen and relationships are mended. This is the best of the series so far. (Mar.)