A sweet, inspirational women's fiction novel, where family, friends, and small town living are in the front and center of the tale, with second chances and new beginnings for the protagonists. The romance that is mentioned in the blurb does happen, but is on the background, more of an afterthought, that the main event.
This spin-off from the Eternity Springs series lies heavily on the foundation that was laid down in the previous series. The characters and families overlap somewhat, and the vibes of the Eternity Springs are there. The book Jackson is riddled with characters and keeping them all in line came to be a bit of a game to me, like the BYH game at the Thanksgiving table.
Both Jackson and Caroline Carruthers are in desperate need of new beginnings and fresh starts. I detest the third-person drama in the romance novels and purposely skip the once I know that have it - considering Jackson's ex is a major part of the tale, and Caroline is married at the beginning of the book, I felt awkward through most of the story, all the way to the arrangement at the last chapter of the book... A major turn off for me, the situation, and the protagonist actions surrounding it.
But, the romance between Jackson and Caroline, like I said earlier, is not the main storyline. Yet when it does start to happen way after the halfway mark, it is sweet in nature.
The main focus was on Caroline and all the people of the town, the new life Caroline was starting with her new business. The plot is carried on mostly through conversations between people in Redemption, Texas. And I love a great dialog, that is tight and focused and takes the tale forward. Unnecessary ramblings, on the other hand, drive me batty.
There is a lot of heartache and sorrow, loss in the story. Jackson's ex provides some angst-filled moment with her diva style demands, but there are also moments of joy and laughter, humor and adorably sweet reactions from Jackson's daughter.
Celeste Blessing is there to provide some magical, divine moments, her foretelling eerie at times.
I am not sure if this is 'not for me' or misplaced genre and/or a blurb that focus on just one aspect of the whole novel, or not for me because of those two factors, but I thought Jackson felt idle at times, with some elements that were no interest to me. Still, the epilogue gives a romantic conclusion, and I am sure the fans of Women's Fiction will enjoy the story.
~ Three Spoons

Both Caroline and Jackson are looking to start over. They both start a new business. Caroline a bookstore called The Next Chapter and Jackson a music/dance place in Redemption. An easy to read story of second chances.

Both Caroline and Jackson have experienced heartbreak and tragedy. So sad for both of them but here's the thing, they're both living in the small Texas town of Redemption, which seems to have some sort of totally positive energy we'd all like to experience. This relationship started slow but then, well, you know this is a second chance, happy ever after story so, settle in for a good romance. Thanks to the publisher for the ARC. I'd not read March before but I'm going to look for her books in the future.

I received an advanced reader’s copy of this book.

This is an enjoyable story set in a small town. The characters are lively and each had their own backstory. The relationships between the characters are realistic. Some have close relationships and tease each other, others bicker with those they love all the time. I loved that the characters looked out for each other and could be counted on to help with the smallest of tasks.

Jackson and Caroline are great characters. They are loving and kind. Their romantic relationship develops over time as they get to know each other and doesn’t feel rushed. They are considerate of the other’s feelings and always keep each other clear on where the relationship stands. Even when there was some hesitation over creating conflict they faced it and talked about it.

The story is about family and friendships and how to be there for those you love even when it’s hard.

This series continuation/trilogy beginner was decently written but fell a bit flat for me.
Ms March has a large cast of characters from previous series. The McBride cousins trilogy seems to be bringing the Callahan worlds and Eternity Springs worlds together in a new setting.
Jackson McBride and Caroline are a couple that I liked and enjoyed spending time with. I actually wanted more of their story. Unfortunately, the need to world build and the large secondary cast seemed to overtake the Jackson/Caroline story.
Jackson to me is a bit of a cautionary tale for authors with a large body of work - at some point, start fresh. Tying multiple long running series together in a new work makes things a bit hard to follow. I wanted to know more about Jackson, Caroline, and how they dealt with their relationship struggles as new businesses began to grow. The first book in the trilogy may not have been the best time to bring in such a large secondary cast.
I am curious about Boone and Tucker, the other two cousins, but I am not sure I will be running out to get their books on release day.

First time reading this author and I got a bit bored in places, there was a lot of long winded chatter. But in saying that I enjoyed the story line, I just would have preferred more of a connection with the main characters and less of everyone else and their problems. The setting of Texas sounds as vast and different as my country of Australia, the author described it well. This is the journey of two people that are untouchable at first until life's circumstances change their paths and they connect again.

Jackson is a fantastic read. I love how Jackson and Caroline meet. Yes there may have been some meddling along the way. But Jackson and Caroline have this amazing bond from the start. Both trying to get a new chapter of their life. One being Caroline moving on and start a new life and Jackson trying to figure how to fight for his daughter. I have to say there is some kind of magic with in Redemption. Watching Caroline and Jackson's relationship grow is so beautiful to watch. The drama that follow Jackson will get you riled up some. But it is worth it. I can't wait for more from Emily March. I really enjoyed reading Jackson and hoping for more Tucker and Boone to come.

Jackson
Emily March
Published June 25, 2019

The stories of Eternity Springs, Colorado continue with Boone McBride being notified that he will be returning to Texas to settle legal business there. After arrival he calls upon his two cousins, Jackson McBride and Tucker McBride to join him in Redemption, Texas. He has big news for them and they must be there ASAP. When all are together at the Erosung Gastehaus, Boone reads from the letters he tightly holds in his hands. The 3 men are now the proud owners of the Enchanted Canyon Ranch and all of the holdings. Their Great Aunt Mildred left them the huge acreage and all of the buildings. They had played there as young boys. She was charmed by their wild adventures. All decided to spend the next days touring the holdings and camping out in the canyon.
At the B&B they met a Texas journalist, Caroline Carruthers, there to cover a program being held at the hotel. Her local guide, Maisey Baldwin of Redemption, was there to walk her through all of the necessary tasks. Upon meeting up with the McBrides, they decide it would be a great article for Caroline’s magazine, Texas Monthly. Maisey was invited along to help with the local history involved at the Last Chance Saloon, the old Brothel, the dance hall, and the all of the land surrounding the canyon. It had the possibility of becoming a huge tourist windfall. The McBride cousins needed to develop a business plan. As well as searching all of the buildings to see what treasures they will find.
Emily March has brought us amazing tales of the families and friends from the Colorado town of Eternity Springs. Celeste Blessing is on hand to provide emotional support for all as well as Angelica Blessing who appears as a new character that will run the Bed and Breakfast at the Enchanted Canyon Ranch.
I have read the entire Eternity Springs series as many readers have. The stories revolve around characters and their families that we come to know and look forward to learning more about. The McBride family will bring us tales of Redemption, Texas. In the case of Jackson, the reader can enjoy it while meeting the characters of Eternity Springs and those Ms. March brings to Redemption, Texas. Jackson Eternity Springs: The McBrides of Texas will be published on June 25, 2019 by St. Martin’s Paperbacks. I always enjoy another new book in a series. It is finding new friends with all of the warmth of the old.

Beautiful, slow-building romance ties all the story threads together.

As expected with a new series, even if it's a spin-off, there's a lot of world-building happening in the first part of the book. We meet Caroline and Jackson when they each are at a decidedly low point in their lives, and neither is anywhere close to being ready for a new relationship. But by the time the second part begins, we know these people well, and we are likewise well-acquainted with the town of Redemption, Texas where the story is centered.

The author uses time as her friend in telling this story, giving her characters a realistic shine that can't be found in quick insta-love novellas. Truly tragic days lie ahead for Jackson, and having his and Caroline's friendship fully developed into a strong romantic attachment before those troubles arrive worked beautifully to allow us to see how their relationship stands up to a really huge test. No spoilers here, but you will need tissues.

This is immersive storytelling at its best. I was completely absorbed, start to finish, and only came up for air after the breathtaking HEA (with a bit of a hint, maybe, to the next book?) that very neatly tied the two series - Eternity Springs and McBrides of Texas - together in an unbreakable bond. If you've read any of the Eternity Springs books, you won't want to miss this one. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.

I think it was the cover, which drew my attention. And although I hadn't read anything of Emily March Eternity Spring Series, it was very easy to read the book. And the story is also quite lovely: Caroline Carruthers is turning over a new leaf, ever since she buried her husband at a far too young age. She decides (or gets persuaded) to move to Texas and open up a bookstore. In Redemption, she meets one of the other business owners: Jackson McBride, a hot country singer/songwriter. Or should we say: ex-songwriter, because his ex was also his muse and since they had a nasty break-up, Jackson hasn't written any songs again.
But after meeting Caroline, the sweet widow, Jackson can feel a song brewing. Could Caroline be his new muse? However, before he can find out, his ex acts up again, by keeping their daughter from him. With difficult decisions to make (for both Jackson and Caroline), how will they fare in Redemption?
A wonderful read, a bit slow, but sweet all the same. But because it didn't blow me off my socks, three out of five stars from me and a special thank you to Netgalley for providing the arc.

Jackson is a cute and sweet small town second chance romance. While technically this book is the first in The McBrides of Texas Series, It is the 16th book in the Eternity Springs Series. So, it is a spin-off that can be read as a stand-alone novel. The author did a good job trying to make it so that you didn't feel like you were missing anything, but there were a few moments where I felt like I was missing something from the previous series.

Jackson is my first book by this author and it follows the story of Jackson and Caroline. Since losing her husband, Caroline has wanted nothing more than to grieve and have a fresh start. Moving to Redemption, seems like the perfect place to call home and get that fresh start she was looking for. She wasn't looking for love, but when Jackson enters her life, she doesn't stand a chance....Ever since his divorce and bitter custody battle, Jackson has been blocked. He's lost his love for music and belief in true love. A fresh start in Redemption, might just be what the doctor ordered. And when Jackson lays his eyes on Caroline, his whole world gets kicked off its axis. Will Redemption heal these poor lost souls??? There's only one way to find out....

Overall, I thought this book was an ok read. It's one of those books that's going to be great for some and a miss for others. Jackson is built as a romance, and while it does have some romantic elements, this story is more about family, the small town Caroline & Jackson have come to call home, and finding oneself again.

I enjoyed getting to know Caroline and Jackson. I thought their romance was sweet and their story was interesting. However, I felt like something was off with them. They had some really good moments, but at times, I struggled to connect with them. I think they worked well as friends, but as far as romance goes, I guess I just needed more. Maybe see their relationship develop more and maybe add just a touch of steam. I know this is supposed to be a clean romance and that's fine, but I could have used some really good, heart-clenching kisses.

For me Jackson was a quick and easy read. I thought it was written well and had a nice flow to it. However, there were moments where we were introduced to a lot of characters and it just kind of felt like there was too much going on. I found those moments to be distracting and it made me want to just skim over it. As I previously states, I also had some issues with the overall romance between Jackson and Caroline, but loved the moments with his daughter. It was clear that he was devoted to her and would do anything for her.

Jackson isn't one of my typical reading styles. It was a lot cleaner than I was used to and this is coming from someone who reads YA books. While I did have some issues with this story, it wasn't all bad. There were a lot of good moments, I just was left wanting more. All that being said, I'm still glad I picked up this book and gave it a chance.

Sweet story of divorced songwriter Jackson and widow Caroline. It is a story about grieving, but taking a second chance at happiness. This is the first book in a new trilogy set in Redemption, Texas. I can’t wait to read the next one, Tucker, in February of 2020. I received an ARC for my honest review.

This is part of a series based on two families, the McBrides and the Callahans. There are so many of them, I can't even remember which ones I've read, lol. This story is about Jackson McBride and I really enjoyed it. He is recently divorced, and lost custody of his daughter. As a songwriter, he feels like he's lost the ability to write songs. He finds out that a distant relative has left some property to him and his two cousins, Boone and Tucker in Redemption, Texas. While in Redemption, he meets Caroline, who starts to inspire his music again. They both are not looking to get involved in a serious relationship, and develop a close friendship. This is a sweet story, that I really liked. I enjoyed all the characters and am looking forward to reading more of the previous stories. I think all the books can be read as stand alones, but it's helpful if you know who all the other characters are.

I keep trying to read this, I feel like the story I want is in there somewhere but I am struggling with keeping my interest. I am not ready to put it on my did not finish list but I will take a while to finish.

If you’ve read any of Emily March’s novels taking place in Eternity Springs novels, you’re ready for this new series that takes place in the town or Redemption, Texas. Celeste and quite a few of March’s Eternity Springs characters show up in this novel. The premise revolves around Jackson, a songwriter who has been devastated by his celebrity wife’s denying him shared custody of their daughter. He comes to Redemption where he and his two cousins have inherited property that includes a ghost town and some historic buildings. They decide to build a resort and it seems to get built pretty quickly.

Jackson is totally heartsick until he meets Caroline whose husband had tragically died after suffering from early-onset dementia. She’s also heartsick and ready, like Jackson, to start over in Redemption.

So we get a typical March novel with angels, a bit of spookiness, romance, and camaraderie among a collection of people all ready to be the subject of future romance novels. If you enjoyed her other novels, you’ll enjoy this.

I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book that I received from Netgalley; however, the opinions are my own and I did not receive any compensation for my review.

I have read several of this author's books in the Eternity Springs series and enjoyed every one. And this spin-off to Redemption and the McBride family was just as enjoyable. I loved both of the main characters; Caroline, who has just lost her husband who was the love of her life and Jackson, who has gone through a bitter divorce and come up on the losing end of an even worse custody battle. Loving again is the last thing on either of their minds.
This story was an easy read, well written with likable characters. I enjoyed the connections to Eternity Springs characters and the descriptions of Redemption and the people who live there. This book is about a sweet romance with just enough steam to make it interesting.
I look forward to reading about the other McBrides, Boone and Tucker.

Jackson is a story about love, redemption and second chances. March creates a story book world that is easy to escape to.

Emily March is branching out of Eternity Springs into Redemption - Texas. It seems that this is the first in a trilogy, and its Jackson's story. However his two cousins Boone and Tucker look like they will have their day in the sun.

The two communities are well linked, and there was some inter linking of the two towns that was very pleasant.  The part that amused me the most was that we see a slightly different side to Celeste - the all knowing angel of Eternity Springs. Here in Redemption her cousin Angelica is all set to oversee the Inn that Jackson and his brothers establish. Angelica is very into dented halos and imperfection and I just loved her dress sense.

Jackson is wounded - his ex wife has every excuse under the sky to prevent him from being with their daughter Haley. It breaks his heart. He has lost his passion for life and most especially his great love of music. Will he ever regain it back?

Caroline the heroine of the story is someone who has had to stand strong. She has lost the love of her life and now must start a new chapter.  And she does that beautifully by deciding she wants to open an independent bookshop. Well who can argue with that? And I noted it has a quilt shop right next to it. I so want to visit Redemption!

From half way through this book it began to move along at a great pace with enough "flies in the ointment" to keep things interesting. It reeled me in. I guess I'll be back for more! And I am just noticing the cover perfectly fits the book

I have read all of the Eternity Springs books and I was thrilled to see another in the series. It looks like this is also starting a new series which is also good news! Jackson and Carolyn are both wounded in love, him with a divorce and her with her husbands death. Redemption, Texas is a place of starting over for both of them. Beautiful story of rebirth and romance. Can't wait to see what comes next in the series.

This review is based on an ARC from NetGalley, courtesy of the publisher. All opinions are my own.

Jackson by Emily March

First in a new series, a spinoff from the Eternity Springs series. While it can be read as a standalone, there are many characters from the prior books that would make them more dimensional if some of the prior books were read.

Family centric, contemporary small town romance. Clean. Beautifully written with emotional high and low points.
I admire Jackson for his actions in the face of tragedy but mostly for his love of his daughter. He knows when to speak up and actually follows through in sharing his thoughts and feelings.

A wonderful romance and start of a new series. Hints are dropped in the epilogue on whose romance may be next in the town of Redemption, Texas. I’m looking forward to further books.

Excerpt:
“Jackson had made a serious mistake when he’d accepted Tucker’s suggestion shortly after their arrival at Caroline’s house to turn the phrase “Bless Your Heart” into a private drinking game. At the rate things were going, they’d both be blotto before halftime of the Cowboy game. Shoot, they’d even had to toss back a gulp because Celeste of all people threw down a BYH. Celeste!
Both men held up their glasses in silent toast, threw back a drink, then returned to their task. McBride men traditionally handled KP duty following holiday dinners and today was no exception.”
Excerpt from Jackson by Emily March.

I received a copy of this from NetGalley. I also purchased a copy to share.