Thursday, June 20, 2019

Tour Review - - JACKSON





JACKSON
by Emily March
Eternity Springs: The McBrides of Texas - Book 1
Publisher: St. Martin's Press
Release Date: June 25, 2019
Reviewed by PJ
 



Sometimes it takes a new beginning

Caroline Carruthers thinks she buried her dreams along with the love of her life…until a stranger named Celeste dares her to chase a dream all on her own. Moving to Redemption, Texas, is chapter one in Caroline's new life story. Opening a bookstore is the next. Finding love is the last thing on her mind as she settles into this new place called home. But when she meets a handsome, soulful man who’s also starting over, all bets are off. 

to reach a happily-ever-after

Jackson McBride came to Redemption looking only to find himself, not someone to love. Ever since his marriage ended, he's been bitter. Sure, he used to believe in love - he even has the old song lyrics to prove it - but the Jackson of today is all business. That is, until a beautiful young widow who's moved to town inspires a change of heart. Could it be that the myth of Redemption's healing magic is true...and Jackson and Caroline can find a second chance at a happy ending after all? 

My thoughts:

I've been a fan of Emily March's Eternity Springs series since book one. The characteristics that have sent those books straight to my keeper shelf - complex, endearing characters, heart-tugging story lines, redemption, healing, starting over, and happy-ever-afters - are all on display in this first book of March's new spin-off series, along with a fair amount of humor. Moving from Colorado to the Texas Hill Country, this new series brings readers the stories of three McBride cousins: Jackson, Tucker, and Boone. 

March tells this first book in two parts with part one recounting Jackson and Caroline's first meeting as well as the events that lead each of them to move to Redemption. My heart ached for Jackson from the get-go. He's reeling from a heartbreaking child custody decision when we first meet him, is still bitter about his divorce, and has lost the desire to create the music he used to write. For some reason, Caroline, a stranger he bumps into, has lyrics floating through his mind again. Caroline, in Redemption to write a travel article, enjoys talking to Jackson and touring the property he and his cousins plan to turn into an inn, restaurant, and dance hall. They "click" but not in an overtly sexual way. Caroline is married and very much in love with her husband, even though he has Alzheimer's and no longer knows her and Jackson is an honorable man who would never make a play for a married woman, even if he hadn't already sworn off women since his divorce.

The relationship between Caroline and Jackson begins in Part Two which takes place a year after their first meeting and many months after the death of Caroline's husband. I appreciate the time March gives Caroline before bringing her back to Redemption and into Jackson's sphere. As someone who has walked her path, I found her emotions to be very realistic as she begins the next chapter of her life. I also like that her late husband isn't cast aside as if he never existed. Their years together are very much a part of her as the years Jackson was married and his child are an integral part of him. They all weave together to create the individuals Caroline and Jackson now are and the relationship they create together. March uses care and sensitivity as she slowly guides them from acquaintances, to friends, to lovers, to two people embarking upon a life together. I really liked these two, both individually and as a couple, and quickly became invested in their happiness.

As a fan of Eternity Springs, I was delighted with the appearances of cross-over characters in this novel. It's especially fun to watch unflappable Celeste get her feathers ruffled while dealing with her more free-spirited cousin, Angelica. If you haven't read any of the Eternity Springs books, you might find yourself with a little character confusion when many of the Colorado residents converge on Redemption, Texas for the inn's soft opening but, aside from that chapter, this novel stands very well on its own with the vast majority of the characters new to March's fictional world. I enjoyed meeting all of them in JACKSON (even the ones who caused waves) and am already looking forward to the next chapter in Emily March's McBrides of Texas series. 


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Have you read any of the Eternity Springs books?

Do you enjoy stories about characters starting over?

Caroline's next chapter occupation is opening an independent bookstore. What would you choose to do if you had the opportunity to start a new chapter?

One person who leaves a comment before 11:00 PM, June 21, will receive a print copy of JACKSON. (U.S. only)

27 comments:

  1. I love the Eternity Springs series and do love characters starting over.

    I am retired but if I were younger would love to own or work in a bookstore. Why not, lol, a chance to be around books. Thanks for the chance to win this book which has been on my wishlist.

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    1. I have a feeling I'll be seeing "bookstore" frequently today. ;-)

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  2. The Eternity Springs series is captivating and special. Characters who start over give me hope and bring me joy. I would love to open a cafe, a small, cozy and warm cafe filled with delightful treats and beverages.

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    1. I would love to be a customer in that cafe, traveler. It sounds delightful!

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  3. After reading Hummingbird Lake which was amazing this series continues to be wonderful. Characters who start over are brave and realize life can be difficult but strength is what matters. If I could start a new life over it would be with a business that caters to petites.

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    1. Another business that would make me happy! :)

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  4. I've only read a few of the Eternity Springs books. I do love books about people starting over. I'm not sure what I'd do if I started a new career, but of course a bookstore sounds great

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    1. My start-over career is blogging. It's really more of a hobby than a career but I sure am enjoying it!

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  5. I have read a few of them and like books about people starting over. Not sure what I would do if I wanted to start over.
    Karen T. (Natty's Mama)

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    1. Thanks for stopping by! Hope you enjoyed the ones you read.

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  6. I have not read any, but this looks so good! I am always interested in when people start over. So many stories and so many reasons why.

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    1. It's a strong launch for the new series. I'm already invested in all three cousins..and a few secondary characters too.

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  7. Oh, I love her and her books!!!
    And if I could start over I would run a mobile library bus . I remember them as a kid, and it was so fun :)

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    1. I believe some areas still run those mobile libraries. What fun that would be!

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  8. I do enjoy her books and like stories regarding starting over. I would love to have a bakery/coffee shop where people could sit and down and enjoy a treat with a cup of coffee/tea or cold beverage.

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  9. I have read a few of the Eternity Springs books. I have loved the ones I read. I do like the starting over idea. I was a librarian in a teeny tiny small town library and I loved it. I would love to own a bookstore and I believe that Caroline has fallen into a bird nest on the ground. It will be a HUGE SUCCESS!

    Now, I fell in love Jackson, the book as well as the character. I believe that Jackson will make everyone fall in love with him. And I am so very glad he began to hear his music again.

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    1. I agree, Annette. I think Caroline's bookstore will be a huge success and I fell hard for Jackson. He's just so darn lovable.

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  10. I love her books and this one sounds really great! I look forward to reading it.

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  11. I love visiting Eternity Springs! especially visiting characters from earlier stories - so glad it is continuing, even if in a different location.

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    1. You'll still get Eternity Springs connections even though it's set primarily in Texas.

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  12. I love the Eternity Springs series! I started in the middle and quickly caught up. I can't wait to start this new series! I love reading that a fresh start is about to begin.

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    1. Hope you enjoy this one as much as I did, Pamela!

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  13. I love reading Emily March's books, especially her Eternity Springs series. I look forward to reading this new series.

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  14. I do enjoy fresh-start stories! I'm not sure what I'd want to do as a fresh start--I'm thankful to be mostly doing what I love!

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  15. I have read one of the Eternity Springs series, LOVERS LEAP.

    Yes,I like to read about people starting over. They need a lot of emotional support and love to get them through life's ups & downs.

    I love being outdoors so I'd like to work for the National Park service. A bookstore sounds good too.

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