Member Reviews

I received a NetGalley copy from the publisher for review purposes.

I really enjoyed the Eternity Springs series and was glad they did a spin-off for the cousins. Emily March intertwines all of the characters in the town throughout the series you feel like your part of the community. She's created a sweet, small town romance that I adored. I can't wait for more in the series.

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I really loved this. This is a really great story about second chances, grief, found family, and forgiveness.

Our main character has had a really rough time of it. In the beginning of the book we meet her as she's leaving a nursing home, where her husband - 15 years her senior - is currently living with early onset Alzheimer. He doesn't remember her most days and she's losing hope. Of course that's the day where she runs into Celeste Blessing who asks her to go to Redemption, Texas as a favor. It's then that Caroline falls in love with the city. When her husband passes, Caroline decides to move to Redemption and open up a bookstore called the Next Chapter. This book tells the story of her finding love a second time in Redemption - with a beautiful but complicated man named Jackson.

Jackson has also had it rough, but in a different way. He's a musician and was married to the lead singer of his group, but when their relationship fell apart it did so with a bang. When Jackson finds his wife cheating on him he serves her divorce papers and things turn nasty. He sues her for stealing his intellectual property when he tries to take their music for her own and exclude him from the earnings, and in return she takes away basically every visitation right he has with his daughter other than one visit every five months. Outmatched by her wallet, there's nothing Jackson can do to fight this and is wrung out by the loss of his daughter. With good reason, he has no plans to jump into a relationship anytime soon. When he lost his wife he lost his music - until he meets Caroline.

Their relationship developed beautifully. This book takes place over a very long period of time - a couple of years if i'm not mistaken - and it really gives you time to appreciate the deep friendship they form before they ever become romantically involved. Jackson is courteous - a true southern gentleman - and allows her to choose how far and how fast things move. They spend months being happily exclusive but not defining their relationship, just enjoying each other, but eventually they become very seriously involved. This relationship is put at risk by a tragedy striking - one that brings his ex wife back into their lives - and we get to see how a true, healthy couple handles a difficult situation. Their relationship is one of the healthiest I've seen in a romance novel - it's mature, and compassionate, and trusting. There's never any question that they're both good people who love each other and will end up together.

I loved the side characters with a passion - his cousins that he was rebuilding the property they inherited with were very intriguing characters and i really look forward to reading their books.

This romance novel was SO different than anything I usually read. I would say this is targeted at a more mature audience, rather than a lot of the paranormal romance and new adult I read being able to translate on the younger end of adult. The main characters were older - both had been married, one of them has a child - rather than the typical relationship where it's their first really serious relationship. So while I would say this would probably appeal to a smaller market than a lot of the paranormal, I appreciated this book a lot because it really widened my tastes - I really look forward to reading more Emily March in the future (in fact, I'm starting her Eternity Springs series this weekend!).

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Jackson is the first book in a new series, a spin off of Eternity Springs. The scene moves to Redemption Texas after cousins Jackson, Tucker and Boone McBride inherit property from an aunt. However, many of the characters from Eternity Springs make appearances and we get to see a different side of Celeste Blessing when set against her cousin Angelica.

Being the same age by a few months, the cousins have always been close. Jackson has been through a horrible divorce four years ago, and recently lost custody of his daughter Haley, so it couldn't be a better time for him to change locales, especially since he has not been able to write any decent lyrics since the divorce. Tucker is in the military. The property they inherited is Enchanted Canyon Ranch and a ghost town, a former outlaw enclave. Still standing are the Last Chance Saloon a Dance Hall and the Fallen Angel Inn. They decide to refurbish the buildings and create a tourist destination. And Angelica will run the inn. Meanwhile, Celeste meets recent widow Caroline Carruthers and gently convinces her to follow her dreams, to move to Redemption and open a bookstore. Neither Caroline or Jackson are looking for a relationship, but that is when fate steps in.

This is a beautiful story with engaging characters and Angelica is such a nice contrast to her cousin, making this a fun read. I especially like the cover, as it depicts the scenery and characters perfectly.

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Jackson is the first book in the Eternity Springs: The McBrides of Texas series from Emily March. This is a spinoff from her popular Eternity Springs series, and while it can be read as as stand-alone, you will meet many characters from the other series in this first book. Emily March is one of my go-to authors for sweet contemporary romances, and she totally delivered with Jackson.

I adored this story. Caroline and Jackson both have so much sadness surrounding them for different reasons when they first meet. They each end up being there for one another at a very emotional time and I felt like it almost set up the connection between them from the very beginning.

I always find much humor in each book by Emily March, and while there were many super emotional times with this newest story, I still found myself laughing out loud repeatedly. I know that is part of the reason I still continue to read books from Emily March. I know going it I'm going to get a very sweet and emotional romance with lots of laughter thrown in to offset any sadness. The slow build from friends to more between Jackson and Caroline totally worked for the characters with all they had gone through in their respective pasts.

Redemption, Texas is just as much a character in this new series as Eternity Springs is in its series. I love reading romances that take place in a small town, as you get to know the town and all the other characters better with each new installment. I have to say my two favorite characters in this book were hands down Celeste and her colorful cousin Angelica. They way the fed off each other was laugh out loud funny and totally kept everyone around them upbeat.

I can't wait to head back to Redemption, Texas again to get the other McBride cousin's stories. Emily March has pulled me into her world once again, and I know each new installment will only make me fall in love with this series even more.

Rating: 4 Stars (B)

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Jackson is such a sweet romance story that you will fall in love instantly.
Jackson will bring Caroline and Jackson together. And they are going to have bumpy road in the beginning.
Caroline is sweet and bright woman that you can only feel joy around her. It's adorable. And it is more adorable when she finally open her bookshop. It has been her dream for awhile that you can condemn her for finally opening one. And she even it so much that she gets to meet new people such as Jackson.
Jackson has been through a ringer that he is kinda grumpy. It's alright to be grumpy. Life is very harsh that you need time to adjust.He does especially with the help of Caroline. She is definitely different than he expected but it was great surprise. He starts to feel himself again. And starts living.
Jackson will bring two old souls together when they are needed for each other.
3 Star

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A fun, entertaining read, that hits all the elements of a good story. The characters are complex and likable, each having issues they’re working through, but coming together to find the healing they each need. The plot is also complex, with enough different storylines to keep us engaged and wanting to see what happens next. There are several threads of humor, adding to the enjoyment. I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. This is my freely given, honest review.

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Jackson by Emily March is a 2019 St. Martin’s Press publication.

The McBride brothers have inherited some land near Redemption, Texas. As they inspect the land, they begin to see some real potential for development. Jackson, after going through a bitter divorce, is now in the midst of an even uglier custody battle. With time on his hands, he decides to remain in Redemption, giving him time to recoup and restore his equilibrium. But, the instant he first lays eyes on Caroline Carruthers, something within him stirs- the long dormant promise of hope and the reawakening of his talents and dreams.

However, Caroline is coping with some heavy emotions. Her husband’s health, his death, and the idea of standing on her own two feet for the first time in her life, as well as opening a new business, is enough to convince Caroline she should keep Jackson at arm’s length.

Jackson and Caroline are both embarking on new beginnings in their lives, but will that include a second chance at love, as well?

Forgiveness, healing, hope, fresh starts, second chances and mature romances are Emily March’s forte. I have been reading her books for a while now and normally her stories are warm and inspirational with a mild magical quality to them.

I always enjoy popping into the Eternity Springs saga to see people who are struggling with huge burdens, find peace and hope… and of course a bit of romance too.

However, on occasion a favored author will miss the mark. Unfortunately, the romantic tension, the touching emotional elements, the heartwarming inspirational moments were absent. I love Emily March and am loath to write a critical review for one of her books, but this book was bland and boring for me. I struggled to finish it and sadly, the ending was a bit odd, and seriously flat.
I’m sure this is just a one off and every author who has a healthy backlist has one. So, hopefully EM will release a Christmas book this year and I will be the first in line to read it!

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I remember enjoying it while I read, but quickly forgot about it afterwards. So I would rate it pleasant, but forgettable.

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I recieved an ARC of Jackson in exchange for an honest, unbiased review. I am huge fan of Emily March's Eternity Springs books, so when I was given the opportunity to read a trilogy in the series I jumped at the chance.

I can honestly say this was a really hard book for me to get into. It wasn't a typical Emily March book that I remember reading from her. I don't know if it was the storyline or the characters. I found myself putting the book down alot and coming back a couple days later and trying again. I finally got through it but it took me longer than normal.

I think overall the writing was great but this story and characters were not for me. I still love Emily March as an author and will keep a look out for future books from her on future stories. I would tell readers to try the book out because just because I didn't like it doesn't mean you won't.

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Jackson, the newest in the Eternity Springs series hits high in my marks as not only a great romance, but also just a great story all around. It is about chasing dreams and healing hearts. I loved Celeste. Even though a mystery, anyone that tells someone their dreams can become reality is cool in my book. Definitely a good read for those looking to find a pick me up. Nicely done!!

**thanks to the publisher for the ARC***

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I have fallen for the McBride men in this new series set in Redemption, Texas.!

Jackson McBride is a songwriter and musician who has recently gone through a bitter divorce and misses his young daughter terribly. He and his two male cousins have just learned about a mysterious inheritance of a ghost town near Redemption and Jackson is the first one to move there and explore the possibilities. He never expects to see the beautiful widow, Caroline Carruthers, again but she has also moved to Redemption to start a new life. Can these two wounded souls find a happily ever after in spite of the obstacles thrown at them?

I am looking forward to the next novel in the series because I always enjoy these stories.

Thanks to the publisher and to NetGalley for an ARC; all opinions are my own.

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I loved Jackson and Caroline’s story! These two people needed to find love again after everything they had been through and finding each other was exactly what they needed. Caroline was such an amazing character and my heart broke for her after losing her husband to dementia. Jackson lost his little girl in a bitter court battle and moving back to Eternity Springs to spend time with family was the perfect thing to heal his broken heart. I’m in love with this series and Ms. March is an extremely talented writer.

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This is book one of The McBrides of Texas and book 16 of Eternity Springs. This series is about the McBrides, cousins of thse who live in Eternity Springs . It is set in Redemption,Texas which is a small town with some similarities to Eternity Springs and some differences. Jackson McBride, a country music songwriter who is currently blocked due to a divorce and custody issue, and Carolyn Carruthers, a newly-widowed young woman, meet in Redemption after she runs into Celeste Blessing at her elderly husband's nursing home. There are enough background elements to help you see who they are and why they are the way they are. There's enough overlapping of the characters from Eternity Springs, although it did take a bit a remembering who belonged to whom, especially those from the earlier stories. There is one new-ish character, Tucker, a cousin -- I can't wait to see his story, coming up next.

Emily March makes it feel like home.

I received this as an ARC from NetGalley.

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DNF at 62%

I struggled for a long time to finish this story, and finally I just called it quits. it's just not for me.

This was my first Emily March, and I don't know if she is the author for me. Maybe if you perfect women's fiction over romance, the story might appeal more.

Jackson was... confusing. It's billed both as the start of a new series and the 16th in another series, and I felt like it would have helped me to read the previous 15 books. I felt like a lot of characters were thrown in, and it was confusing to me to keep everyone straight. There were also time skips and changing POVs, and I never felt fully settled or invested in the story.

The romance part of the story was a pretty sticky situation, and it didn't quite sit well with me. Also, the story felt very Christian romance, and I'm not sure if that was it's intention, but I definitely don't read that genre and was turned off by the religious vibe.

I think the story just wasn't my jam.

*Copy provided in exchange for an honest review*

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Your either gonna love this one or Not....
Buy buy buy buy buy
Get a cup of coffee or tea.... sit in a relaxing area and just let this book carry you away into another world. That is what I have done. It unfolded in many ways for me. I loved the characters the story line and the way it just grasped me and pulled me in to another world. It is not an exciting book instead I would say it is like talking and listening to an old friend. I sincerely will be reading more of this series as it just has captured me with the promise of more time and more imagination wondering what will happen next. So for a good romance, that brings smiles, and thoughts as well as enjoyment this is the one to read.. I was given this arc in return for an honest review. This is all my opinion. The author is definitely one to put on the good reads list for me. Regards, Anna

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Jackson by Emily March is the first in a new series called The McBrides of Texas, a spinoff of the Eternity Springs series. I give this book a solid 3.5 stars, rounded up to 4. The story was sweet, it followed the two main characters finding love after going through some pretty horrible situations in their first marriages. The story kept my interest and I enjoyed getting glimpses of characters I had "met" in previous Eternity Springs books (I have read two). It was not a favorite book of mine, but I did find myself looking forward to being able to find time to read more.

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I have voluntarily read and reviewed a copy of this title given to me via NetGalley. Wow what can I say about this title it was just an awesome read. This book was just something so wonderfully written and I just loved getting to meet these new characters and see their interactions. You should read to find out you won’t be disappointed. I’m definitely going to read more by this author.

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On the whole, I really loved this story with its unique and interesting characters, with all the drama and laughter and heartbreak. When Jackson and his cousins inherit a trust that makes them the owners of the Enchanted Canyon, the place "where troubled souls come to find peace"(chapter 14), their lives are about to change forever. Many days of hard work later, their B&B, the Fallen Angel is born and about to open. Jackson, who has been burned by a pretty bad divorce that cost him his little daughter, slowly starts to open up to the charming and fascinating, widowed owner of the new bookstore in town. Caroline and Jackson are both still hurting but at the same time, they are inexplicably drawn to each other. With a lot of things going on, it's not easy for them to trust - and to keep trusting no matter what the circumstances especially when tragedy brings people from Jackson's past back into their lives.

I really loved all the unique and quirky characters that are part of this story. All of them are well-developed and authentic, not just the main characters but also the secondary characters. The story was captivating and intense even though it sometimes felt as if there was a wee bit too much going on. I felt almost a bit breathless while reading and trying to keep up with everything that happened and all the characters involved. Apart from that, I loved this book. If you read it, you should be prepared though that dealing with the people from Redemption or Eternity Springs comes with a certain amount of mystery and belief (even if it's rather reluctantly) in mystery, higher powers and such things. It also comes with a set of unforgettable characters and vivid descriptions that make you want to pack up and Move. Right. Now. because of the beautiful scenery and the amazing things that they find when they explore the Enchanted Canyon.
I really enjoyed reading this book and can recommend it!

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This is book one of a new series and a spin-off of the many books by Emily March, also the first book I have read by this author. I enjoyed the characters and story very much and look forward to reading the next book in this series. Will this road lead the characters to Redemption or Ruin. Caroline Carruthers and Jackson McBride will find themselves in the town of Redemption both when their lives are at a crossroad.

Caroline is living a life of the past so when she has a chance to escape and help another she takes it. This one move might just we what she needs in her life at this time. Redemption is a place that may just be her second chance and the next chapter in her life journey. What will happen when a man she just meets gives her a feeling she never thought she would feel again?

Jackson has the worse day of her life when he gets a call from his cousin that may just help him move on with his life without her in it. Jackson has lost so much since the end of his marriage that he has become angry, lost, bitter, sad and lonely. Jackson gets a new start with a new adventure with his cousin in Redemption when they inherit a parcel of land called Enchanted Canyon.

This book is in two half one of loss, heartbreak and tragedy and the second half is about hope, joy, new starts, healing, forgiveness but most of all a new chapter. I did find the change between point of views to be not separated enough for the reading to realize the change but I did have an ARC copy so this may have been rectified in the final copy. This book for me was more than just a romance story but I book about second chance to find your home a place you feel happy and safe with and with the ones that matter the most with.

There are so many wonderful characters in this book and I so look forward to reading about them all in the next book of the series. Many have secrets you want to find out some that make you LOL and some you feel you need to know them better.

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This is quite conflicting. I had several expectations from this book when I started reading it and, while these expectations were not met, I cannot say that I disliked it.

Let me start with the title. Jackson’s story is definitely more elaborated than Caroline’s. Both characters have a backstory and they came to Redemption to start over. But if for Caroline the past life concludes quite quick, for Jackson we need to wait until the end. So it is somehow fitting.

This is a clean Romance book, focused on starting over, building a good life and making friends. We have a hint of a blessing here and there, which just makes the atmosphere even more warm. If you are expecting lots of skin and clothes scattered around, this is not it. Which is fine by me, as long as we feel what our characters feel.

The backstories are quite strong. Both characters have struggled a lot in life. She has had to deal with a husband who was forgetting her a little more every day and he has to deal with the absence of her daughter. Hearts mend in Redemption and the intervention of two awesome innkeepers has something to do with it.

So we have quite a good start here. However I had issues with the slow pace of the story. In some chapters, I got lost in the details and I received little if the chemistry I was expecting. For how much they were saying they wanted to stay away from love, both started an exclusive relationship quite quick, but I did not feel that emotion. I didn’t feel the Sparks and their connection. I would have expected more butterflies and more passion when these two meet.

All in all, I do have some plus and minuses her, but I cannot deny the warmth of Redemption. I do believe the other couples will be even more interesting and I expect a little more intensity. For now, I am keeping my 3 stars rating and I am looking forward for book 2 of this spinoff.

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