Welcome to Henry Adams, a small town who does not judge you. All are welcome in the traditionally Black town. Amari decided he wants to become a July. Henry Adams gets a new school (and teacher). Bernadine's ex, Leo shows up. Crystal gets closure with both her mom (who dies in prison) and father (who hunts her down with the goal of getting a large payday). There are so many people, I need a character guide to keep track (see below).
Characters (updated w/ this book, might have spoilers):
Bernadine (she bought the town and is funding its improvement and growth), Lily and Trent were high school sweethearts and are now engaged, Davis is Lily's son (Lily has Devon, Trent has Amari), the town Matriarchs (Agnus, Marie (she was the town schoolteacher and we find out she got pregnant as a teen and was made to give the baby up), and Tamar- Trent's grandmother), the foster parents- the Paynes (Barrett and Sheila)- they have Preston, the Garlands (Reginald and Roni)- they have Zoey. Then there is Malachi, Trent's dad (he owns the local restaurant and is the local vet, recovering alcoholic) & is dating Bernadine, Leo (Bernadine's ex, he may be moving to the town & is dating Marie), Jack and his son Eli (the new schoolteacher and son), Rocky is bacd and is the cook at the diner. Riley (the town asshole, ex-mayor, Cletus his pet pig), his soon-to-be ex wife Genevieve.
The foster kid and their history: Amari stole cars, Crystal was a runaway, Devon lived with his grandmother and preached at her funeral, Preston started a fire at last foster mother's house b/c she refused to get him proper care for his asthma & is super smart
