Title: Jackson
Author: Emily March
Genre: Romance
Rating: 4 out of 5

Caroline doesn’t know what to do with herself after her much-older husband dies. Her life revolved around him, and now that he’s gone, she’s adrift. So she decides to move to Redemption, Texas, a small town that takes Caroline in as she gets ready to open her bookstore. She’s ready to start a new life in Redemption, but she’s not expecting to fall in love again.

Jackson comes to Redemption after an ugly custody battle with his famous ex-wife. He just wants peace and quiet—and maybe to start songwriting again, if he’s lucky. He’s not interested in love—look what happened last time—he just wants to make his new business venture a priority. Then he meets Caroline and wonders if maybe his life needs a little bit more than all work.

Jackson is a good place to start reading a new author. I’m from Texas, and the author does an excellent job in capturing the nuances of the culture and bringing the setting to life. I love the idea of Enchanted Canyon and look forward to reading more!

Emily March is a bestselling author. Jackson is her newest novel.

(Galley courtesy of St. Martin’s Press via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.)

Good story of new beginnings, or as Caroline puts it "starting a new chapter" in your life. At the beginning of the story, Caroline is dealing with the effects of her husband's early onset Alzheimer's. A chance encounter with Eternity Springs resident Celeste Blessing sends Caroline off to Redemption, Texas, to write a travel story. The town makes quite an impression on her, as does new resident, Jackson McBride. Jackson and his two cousins inherited some property and must decide what to do with it. When Caroline receives devastating news while in Redemption, Jackson steps in to help.

Several months later, Caroline returns to Redemption as a new widow, looking to start a new chapter in her life. She plans to open a bookstore called "New Chapters." Still grieving the loss of her husband, any new relationships are not in her plans. It isn't long before she encounters Jackson, her knight-in-shining-armor from her last visit. Jackson and his cousins decided to turn their new property into a tourist destination, with a B&B, dance hall, and saloon. Jackson threw himself into the work as a way to forget his troubles. He and his ex-wife have been through a vicious divorce and custody battle, leaving Jackson unable to see or talk to his daughter for at least six months. On top of that, he has lost his music/songwriting mojo and wonders if he'll ever get it back. However, his encounters with Caroline provide stirrings of inspiration.

I liked the development of the relationship between Jackson and Caroline. There is an attraction from the start, but neither is in a place where they want a relationship. Caroline is still grieving, and Jackson has been burned too badly to want to try again. However, both are willing to extend the hand of friendship. I liked seeing them get to know each other, sharing in the little triumphs of their days, and providing support when things don't go so well. However, underneath the façade of friendship, the attraction between them continues to simmer. Eventually, it comes to a boil, and they decide that giving in isn't out of the question. And though they intend it to be "no strings," it isn't long before it's evident that their hearts are involved after all. However, just when things look especially promising, tragedy pulls Jackson back into the orbit of his ex-wife. I was very frustrated with Jackson at this point because it was easy to see that Sharon was angling to reel him back in, and Jackson seemed oblivious to her manipulations. I ached for Caroline, who saw it happening and feared that she would lose him. I was so happy when the light went on for Jackson, though I did think that Caroline didn't make him grovel nearly enough.

The backdrop for the story was the development of the Enchanted Canyon property. I loved the vivid descriptions of the property itself and the work they were doing to develop it. It isn't just Jackson, and his cousins Boone and Tucker, either. They have help from Eternity Springs' innkeeper extraordinaire Celeste Blessing, and her misfit sister, Angelica. I haven't read any of the Eternity Springs books, but I get the impression that there is something special about Celeste by the way everyone talks about her. Angelica, on the other hand, has a much different way of looking at things which causes frequent conflict between her and Celeste. I really liked Angelica and her "dented halo" outlook. I enjoyed the interactions between Jackson, Boone, and Tucker, from their teasing to the unquestioning support when it's needed. I loved the test run of the Inn's opening, with their friends and family from Eternity Springs and Texas.

I can't wait to read Tucker's and Boone's books. I will also go back and read the other Eternity Springs books.

My Rating: 4.5 Stars

Caroline Carruthers is doing some work in a town called Redemption. While there she gets terrible news about her husband and has to return home. Before she gets that phone call she meets Jackson McBride. The two strike up a strong friendship. While it is true that they had sparks, Caroline is devoted to her ailing husband.

Jackson is home in Redemption because he and his cousins have inherited property. Jackson has a chance to make something of his life. This is especially important to him because he is now divorced and has very little visitation with his daughter. He was a very successful songwriter but has lost the ability to write music. Rebuilding a ranch with his cousins may not have been his dream in life, but it could be truly fulfilling for him.

Jackson was really hurt when his ex, who is quite a famous singer, cost him everything. So when he is drawn to Caroline, it is rather a relief that she is married. He certainly is not looking for love. While learning about Redemption, while Jackson is planning his future, he and Caroline spend a bit of time together. Due the sad news Caroline received, Jackson makes sure she gets home safe and he then plans on getting his life started. All of this is in Part One of the story, which sets a fine basis for a warm, engaging read.

Quite honestly, several things change during the course of this story. For starters, Caroline suffers a great loss and decides to return to Redemption to live. Meanwhile, Jackson has been working on finding ways to spend more time with his daughter. He also is looking for that missing magic in his life, the magic that made him a creative song-writer.

Lines were never crossed with Jackson and Caroline. Their brief friendship slowly begins to turn into something more. It was refreshing, however, to see Caroline's honesty about her feelings in her previous marriage. Being a widow isn't easy, especially in the case where she genuinely loved her husband. Jackson is still dealing with baggage from his marriage. So, things progressed for Jackson and Caroline at a very nice pace.

Jackson is rich with characters from the previous series, but it offers a fresh face, Haley, Jackson's six-year-old daughter. I loved her in this book and I think her addition to the story added quite a nice layer. Another thing that made this story refreshing - and a bit frustrating - was Jackson's songwriting and what motivated him. But, it was handled with aplomb and kept me drawn to the story. There were some very touching scenes in this book and I literally could not put it down.

Jackson is the first book in a new series by Emily March. It is a spinoff of the long running Eternity Springs series. I do wish that I read at least part of the first series, because of some of the characters that appeared in this book. However, this is Jackson and Caroline's story and it read quite well as a standalone. I look forward to reading the other two books in this trilogy.

Many thanks to St. Martin's and to NetGalley for this ARC to review in exchange for my honest opinion.

✦Review, Q&A & Giveaway: JACKSON: Eternity Springs: The McBrides of Texas by Emily March https://wp.me/p3d0RZ-b9v
Publication Date: June 25, 2019
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Reviewed by: Reading in Pajamas/ Donna
Rated 4.5 Stars

I loved this spin-off from the Eternity Springs Series, it was the perfect segue and kept me wanting more. If you’ve read the Eternity Springs books, you know that Celeste is like an earth-bound-fairy-godmother. She wove her magic and put two hurting souls together so they could lean on each other in writing the next chapters of their lives. Jackson and Caroline were likeable from the start, making my heart smile as they moved from strangers, to friends, to lovers. Their friends and family brought banter to a fun level, making me want to move into town and shove my way in. No danger, no hot and heavy sex….just a sweet love story that still has me smiling.

*Review copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

~*~*~*~

Kindle https://amzn.to/31Nc4tL

It has been quite a while since I read this author and this one seems to be a spin-off of another series. I will be honest and say I have not read that series but did not feel lost in this one as there is a lot, and I mean a lot of introduction of characters and we meet everyone in the town of Redemption, Texas. That just sounds like the place to go when you need to start over doesn't it. Jackson is newly divorced and it is not an easy one and his ex is not allowing him to see his daughter but his aunt has passed and he is one of the heirs of a large piece of land in this Texas town which gives him somewhere to go. Caroline's life is whirling out of control with her husband in the end stages of Alzheimer and putting him in assisted living when she is offered an opportunity in Redemption, Texas, and she jumps at the chance. This brings these two together. This turns out to be a clean romance (yea, I read a clean romance) but will I continue the series? that remains to be seen...

**Received this ARC for review from the publisher via NetGalley**

This is the first book in a new series, which is a sidestep from the Eternity Springs series.
While I haven't read anything of the Eternity Spring series, I felt that this book could be read as a standalone or start in this new series. I suppose if I had read the other series, I may have had a bit of "background" to the characters.
This story has lots of highs and low, and in tragedy, love for family is number one.

I feel that the story is more along the lines of a Chic Lit, and not full romance story, but is certainly a lovely story to read and I found myself drawn in and looking forward to the next in the series. I may even look at reading the Eternity Springs series.

I thoroughly enjoyed this story. I hadn’t read any of the Eternity Springs series by this author, so all the characters were new to me, but that didn’t matter in the bigger scheme of things. There were times that it was apparent that there was backstory somewhere, but I never felt lost in the plot or like I was missing anything. I got caught up in the descriptions of Enchanted Canyon and its surrounding area. They were so vivid that I found myself wishing that I could go there on vacation. I love it when an author brings a region and its inhabitants to life like that. I liked Jackson’s description of his music as well (I could relate), and the romance part of the plot was charming. It was a soothing read, and I look forward to more from this author. Thank you to NetGalley, St. Martin’s Press and the author for a complimentary pre-release digital ARC of this book.

Jackson by Emily March is so named because of one of the main characters in the book, Jackson McBride. It is the first of The McBrides of Texas Trilogy which is spin-off of the Eternity Springs Series. It is a long distance from Colorado to Texas but it is all explained in the beginning of the story. Besides Jackson was living in Nashville before going to Redemption. Also the two other cousins are introduced who I hope will receive their own stories to round out the trilogy.

Jackson reads more as woman’s fiction with a big, big portion of romance on the side. I say this because there is a lot of life that happens between family, community and within individual characters that has nothing directly to do with Jackson’s and Caroline’s relationship. However, like romance books it does give a happy ending for the main characters though not exactly asone might have predicted.

This lovely story is one of new beginnings, giving up regrets, granting forgiveness, and coming to terms with things that can’t be changed. Celeste Blessings sums up this story best when talking with Jackson’s cousin, Boone, “And remember, Boone, the trick to breaking the chains of the past is to reject it as your master and embrace it as your teacher.” Words to the wise for us all.

An ARC of the book was given to me by the publisher through Net Galley which I voluntarily chose to read and reviewed. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Tormented souls meeting in Redemption, TX.

Caroline had a marriage at first calm and good, until her husband changed because of illness. She became so dedicated to him that she eventually lost herself.
She goes to Redemption to accompany Celeste...

Jackson lost almost everything in life when faced with a difficult divorce.
Unbeliever of love - and lost in the inspiration of his art - he goes for Redemption in search of healing his wounds.
That's when the two meet.

Two halves of a broken heart, could they become a whole heart? Would there be a possibility of a new chance for love?

Interesting, dramatic plot.
3,5 stars

I love Emily March books, and have been reading her for years now. I have always said that I wanted to live in Eternity Springs. This book starts a spin off series set in Redemption, TX and involves the McBrides who are related to others living in Eternity Springs. If this is your first book,you will not be lost, but if you have read the EternitySprings books you will recognize several of the characters. This book has the feel of a small town romance with the main character being Caroline, a widow, who comes to Redemption. Jackson is a big part of the the book, but for me this book was about the relationship of women who rally around each other and give them strength. Another beautiful read, and i will be looking forward to more of this new series.

Time moves slowly in Redemption Texas. It is where people go to heal there broken heart. The story takes place over approximately a two year period. Jackson has been hurt and has a new venture while he works on healing. Caroline is also starting over in Redemption after the death of her husband. Together they find that there is life after hurt. This a sweet small town romance that explores plenty history and the heart of the people.

The McBrides of Texas trilogy is, in a way, a part of the overall Eternity Springs series – yet, you could pick up this first book as if starting a new series because any mention of the other residents that make up the Eternity Springs stories is clearly identified in dialogue or narrative in a way that makes perfect sense. In any event, most of the stories in that original series could stand on their own so it’s easy to get caught up in each individual story. I’ve previously read some of the Eternity Springs series (not all) and I had no difficulty keeping everyone straight. I will say though that JACKSON is a story you will have to give a bit of time to before the true romance of this story shows itself. Not giving away more than that, but give it time and see how things progress – that’s the best hint I can give without spoilers.

Both Jackson and Caroline have experienced harsh tragedies in their lives, and those events have left a mark on them in different ways. They’ve come to Redemption to start life over again never thinking of finding love simply living their lives as best they can. But never, ever underestimate the healing that Redemption, Texas can have on any person or situation.

I enjoyed JACKSON very much, although I do think it borders the line between Women’s Fiction and Contemporary Romance. We’ll run into old friends from the Eternity Springs series, the beginning of a new chapter for Jackson and his brothers, some quirky and adorable secondary characters, a slow burn romance that may turn into a happy forever kind of love, and an overall great introduction to this trilogy within the series.

*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley. That does not change what I think of this story. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*

My first read by the author and I wasn't blown away but I still liked the story.

Caroline and Jackson have had a rough few years and they were floating around without a sense of purpose or direction.

This story or better yet writing style of it it's not what I usually read and I was having a bit of a hard time as times to catch up with the storyline because there is a lot of internal conversation. This is a story about finding strength to start your life all over again and keeping your head above water.

All in all it was an OK read and I'm giving it a light 4*.

***Review copy requested and reviewed on behalf of OMGReads Blog***

3.75 Stars!
I wanted to love this book. I enjoyed it but it didn't have my heart pumping.
Caroline is currently married at the beginning of the story. I won't go into specifics on that. I thought she was a lovely character and deserved to be happy. Unfortunately, life happens and well...things become complicated... and very sad.

Jackson has his own demons in the way of cruel ex-wife. She takes something from him he cannot bare to lose. And so because of that, Jackson has sworn off women. When he and his two cousins inherit land, they decide to turn it into a high-end B&B. I enjoyed the way the author described the old buildings on the property. I could really see everything she was trying to write about. This particular aspects of the book were one of my favorites.

Long story short, Caroline and Jackson meet when she comes to town to write a travel piece about the land Jackson now owns. They definitely have a connection, but what that connection was, neither recognized. Many months later, Caroline moves to town and opens a book store. She and Jackson meet again and become good friends. I want to say that their relationship was a slow burn but that just wasn't the case for me. The pace of the book as well as the development of Jackson and Caroline's relationship was slow. Very. I admit I was able to put this book down too many times.

I really don't want to spoil anything for you in the way of details. I do want you to know that I didn't hate this book. As I said earlier in my review, I enjoyed it, as an overall read. I think what bothered me the most was that I couldn't feel a connection between the H/h. As friends, I thought they were believable and genuine. But when the line was crossed to an intimate relationship, I just wasn't feeling it.

There is definitely a happy ending. So be assured about that. The epilogue was another favorite part of the book for me.

This was my first read by this author. Would I like to read more from her? I would definitely like to do that. Just because I wasn't in love with this one book doesn't mean I wouldn't love another. I am a very openminded reader. I enjoy all tropes of romance and don't make set-in-stone final opinions on just one, or even two books. So yes, I'll absolutely give this author another chance to woo me, lol.

This is my honest and unbiased opinion. Thank you for taking the time to read it. :)

I received an Advanced Reader Copy from St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for my unbiased opinion of the book. Caroline Carruthers is moving to Redemption on a wing and a pray hoping to open a new business since becoming a widow. She also is trying to let go of the past and forge a new future for herself alone. Jackson McBride whom she met on earlier trips through the town makes it increasingly difficult to maintain her single ways. He is trying to keep his head on straight while his ex-wife keeps dangling his daughter's visitation schedule in front of him and changes it at her will. It makes him believe he will want to ever get married, period! When they keep running into each other sparks fly. For everyone who loves Eternity springs, there is a healthy dose of Celeste in the book and a few characters from that time to help you not miss our favorite town too much. Emily loving the new series can't wait to read more!

Jackson has just finalized a brutal divorce, but it was the outcome of the devastating custody case for his six year old daughter Haley that cuts the deepest. To make matters worse his creativity when it comes to songwriting is non-existent so when he and his brothers inherit some land in Redemption, TX it seems like the new beginning he needs.

The first time that Caroline came to Redemption, TX it was to write an article for her travel blog which is when she originally met Jackson when he came to her assistance on the most painful day of her life. She enjoyed the atmosphere of the town so much that when her husband passed away she returned to start over and open the book shop she had always dreamed about.

There is a chemistry and connection between them but both of them have a lot of healing to do before they can even consider a relationship. A friendship develops and along the way she inspires him to create music and he makes her feel for the first time since her husband passed away. This is a heartwarming story about love, romance and healing.

Jackson by Emily March is a beautifully written tale. It has an uplifting story that broke and mended my heart. I fell in love with the main characters instantly. Jackson and Caroline had my sympathy and support from the beginning to end. Jackson's marriage didn't end well. He turned away from love and all the happiness it could bring. His heart was torn and destroyed. Until he met, Caroline. Caroline inspires new faith in this handsome man who needs healing and love. Caroline is no different. She too, is hurting and didn't expect to find the happiness and love that Jackson brings out in her. It was amazing to follow these adults as their relationship grew. Emily March writes well. I was hooked with this book. The cast of characters brings a variety of flavors that only added to the overall taste. Rich, charming, and heartfelt, this was one unforgettable read. Overall, I highly recommend it to all.

Jackson is the start of a new trilogy, a Texas spinoff from the popular Eternity Springs series, which takes place in Colorado. The usual healing romance ensues, another good love story from March. I advise you to read at least a few of the Eternity Springs books before this one, and yes, Miss Em has read them all. The Texas setting is not all that's new here. The Eternity Springs books all have one character who connects them all, and indeed the entire town of Eternity Springs and the residents we haven't met yet: Celeste Blessing, an elderly woman of mystery, who acknowledges the grace and grit of overcoming obstacles to love and fulfilling life. In this book, that mystery deepens, as we meet her cousin Angelica, who seems to be as different from Celeste as chalk to cheese. We do not find out much back story there, but we do find a couple who are going to make love work and make a little girl very happy. Recommended if you like the Eternity Springs books! (I received an advance digital copy for review purposes, thanks to St. Martins and Netgalley.)

Emily March has yet to write a book I don’t love. Her books are an auto read for me and she hasn’t disappointed once since I found the first Eternity Springs book eight years ago. With quintessential small-town charm, quirky characters who are larger than life, a little humor and a huge dose of heart, these are stories that have become a part of me.

Welcome to Redemption, Texas, a place where troubled souls can find peace just a short distance from Ruin. Near the Enchanted Canyon, with its healing powers, stands the Last Chance Saloon and Dance Hall and the Fallen Angel Inn. Now, if you're thinking of another angelic inn in Eternity Springs, CO, and wondering if this might be a coincidence, rest assured, it is not.

When the three McBride cousins inherit the property by the canyon from a great aunt, Jackson, Tucker and Boone (yes, that Boone from Eternity Springs) decide to give the buildings new life and create a tourist destination. What better choice could there be to help them get their inn up and running than Celeste Blessing and her cousin Angelica. Lest you think Angelica is a carbon copy of Celeste, I assure you, that’s the furthest thing from the truth. These two ladies are night and day and seem to spend most of their time butting heads. Who knew there was another soul in existence who would disagree with Celeste? But it makes for some delightfully entertaining reading, and truthfully, we fallen angels relate much better to a fellow fallen angel than a perfect one.

But just as in Eternity Springs, the Enchanted Canyon draws in troubled souls who find healing, peace and redemption in the shadow of its towering rocks and cooling waterfalls. Caroline Carruthers has endured more hardship than most people, and when Redemption, TX, calls to her, she moves to town to open a bookstore.

If there's anyone in desperate need of healing, it’s Jackson McBride, bless his heart. His divorce has left him angry and bitter with a gaping hole in his heart. He has no trouble making the trip to Redemption from Nashville. There's nothing to hold him there and his song-writing muse deserted him long ago. But when he meets Caroline, the lyrics somehow seem to come to him. Of course, neither is ready for a relationship since both are still bruised and battered, but having a friend might be a nice change.

Eternity Springs is one of my all-time favorite series and this first book of the McBrides fits in beautifully. If you haven't yet read Emily March, you’re really, really missing out. With perfectly placed humor (“Bless Your Heart" drinking game, anyone?), unique characters you can’t help but love, and an abundance of heart-tugging and happy-sighing scenes, March delivers an enchanting, addictive, satisfying read!

*I reviewed an advance copy of this book freely and voluntarily, having made no commitment to provide a review and receiving no compensation of any kind from any source for this review.

The perfect second chance romance! While Caroline gets to live my dream of owning a bookstore, Jackson shares my mentality on love, so this book was very cathartic for me. A well-written story of finding love, even after two different kinds of loss. This was my first book by this author and I'll definitely be looking for more!