Many years ago I fell in love with Emily March and her Eternity Springs series. I loved every book I picked up by her but unfortunately after about book 6 or 7 I started to turn away from romance books. When I got an invite to be on this blog tour it was like a call to come home. Emily March writes such heart warming books. Life has struggles and she includes that which is why her books and characters are so relatable and loveable.

Celeste Blessing is one of my favorite characters. When she’s involved you know she’s up to something so when she was introduced so early on sending Boone on a mission and then running into Caroline, I knew it was only a matter of time before her plan would start falling together. I wasn’t expecting to fall so in love with Angelica though. Her sass and unpredictableness may have changed my mind about who my favorite character is.

The struggles for Jackson and Caroline were real and tough but you can always count on Emily March to make it work. My heart is always so warmed and full by the time I am done reading an Emily March book. It may be time for me to go back and catch back up on the Eternity Springs series.

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟(5 out of 5 stars) I used to swear I wasn’t a romance fan but the more I read them the more I want. I am such a sucker for gruff, wounded men!!! It helps if there a tad bit country!!

Thanks to NetGalley and to St. Martin’s Press for providing me an ARC copy of this book, which I freely chose to review.
I read and reviewed one of Emily Barr’s novels in the Eternity Springs series, The Christmas Wishing Tree, last summer and enjoyed it, particularly the lovely town of Eternity Springs, and I could not resist checking what her new story was like.
This novel is a crossover (or a spin-off, I guess) of that other series, as it does include quite a few of the characters of Eternity Springs, and, in fact, Celeste Blessing plays quite a part in getting things started, but it focuses on three male cousins, the McBrides, who are very close in age and grew up together, share wonderful memories, but have taken very different paths in life. They are left a pretty interesting legacy from their great-aunt, and it gives them an opportunity to start a project together, in Texas.
Jackson McBride, the protagonist of the story (or one of them. Caroline Carruthers plays a very important part in the story, if not the most important), is a musician, a composer of Americana/country music, who’s been unable to compose since his marriage ended and he lost the custody battle for his little girl, Hailey. But his love for music remains unabated, and the project at Last Hope gives him a different avenue to invest it on, one that will allow him to help other performers and recover a historical venue.
We meet Caroline Carruthers at a difficult time in her life. She married a man fifteen years older than her, a professor, when he was quite young, and she seems to have become his wife, first and foremost. She writes articles about Texas for magazines, but her life is turned upside down when her husband is diagnosed with early dementia. Her sister-in-law does not accept her decision of having her husband looked after in a nursing home, and the situation brings home just how dependent Catherine has become on her husband and how limited her personal support network is. A chance encounter with Celeste makes her discover Redemption, Texas, and she gets a second chance.
This novel shares many of the characteristic that made me enjoy the previous one. Redemption is a pretty interesting and welcoming place, Enchanted Canyon Ranch, and Ruin, the ghost town, are great settings, beautiful, magical, and we get to see how Angelica (Celeste’s cousin, another cousin in a book full of them, and my favourite character), Jackson, and Boon transform the place into a haven, the Texan cousin of Celeste’s inn at Eternity Springs. The landscape and descriptions of the natural beauty of the area are vivid and make readers wish they could be there, and the writer captures well the language, customs, and local expressions (even if it some of the situations ring of an adult fairy tale). There are also great secondary characters, some that are likely to play bigger parts in other books in the series, and for those readers who are already familiar with Eternity Springs, there are plenty of familiar faces who make an appearance here (even I, who’ve only read one of the books, recognized quite a few). I also enjoyed the relationships between friends and family members, and the interactions between the cousins had that ease and familiarity that made them ring true. There is plenty of humour, some drama (yes, bad things happen and there’s grief in store for many of the characters), and a fairly gentle story, with bickering and discussions over decorating and sports, music, dogs, food, families and friendships.
The main characters are likeable, have suffered in their personal lives, and deserve a second chance. They are both reluctant to commit to new relationships because they are grieving for their last ones, but… Well, I was going to say this is a romance after all, and it is, but it also has much in common with women’s fiction, despite the male coprotagonist. Caroline grows strong throughout the book, takes control of her own life, and acquires a network of female friends who support her no matter what. Jackson already had his cousins, although they all seem to keep secrets, and his recovery involves helping his ex-wife stand tall and start behaving like an adult. Women are the ones who change and grow the most throughout the novel, and although their roles might appear conventional at first, they prove they are stronger and more determined than they thought. As I said, I found the characters likeable, but I felt about them a bit like I would about a nice couple I’d met and chatted one evening. I have the best wishes for them, and I wouldn’t mind seeing them around every now and then, but I don’t think they’ll leave a lasting impression, and there wasn’t anything particularly distinctive or memorable about them (although I liked the sound of Caroline’s bookshop, The Next Page).
I read some reviews that complained about the references and inclusion of characters not directly related to the stories, and got a bit lost. As I said, I have met some of the characters before, so I was slightly more familiar with them, but I wouldn’t let that scare any possible readers, as it is not a big part of the book, and it does not hinders the understanding of the action. (It involves the chapters around the opening of the new inn, and Boon’s friends from Eternity Springs turn up as guests, and that means a fair amount of new people who suddenly land there). On the other hand, I’m pretty convinced that readers of the series will be delighted to catch up with some of their favourite characters in the new setting.
This is a nice and gentle read, with no violent or sex scenes, in an enchanting Texan setting , likely to appeal to readers of romance, especially that set in the world of the music industry, Americana in particular, women’s fiction, and stories about second chances. The characters don’t break any molds, and it is not a particularly challenging story, but it is a comforting one. Recommended to readers of the Eternity Springs series and to anybody keen on a refreshing and gently inspiring story.

This was my first time reading this author, and despite being confused at the beginning of the story, I found myself enjoying this book a lot. The plot was a little slow in the first chapters, but little by little it was developing a steady rhythm I liked a lot. The author didn't extend in the erotic side of the romance, and I appreciated that. The romantic plot was sweet and well managed, with conflicts you can relate with. The characters were lovely, a little broken some of them, with an inner fire that surprised me, enamored me, and made me admire them. The book was titled Jackson, but he wasn't the only McBride I met while reading, now I'm looking forward for Boone and Tucker's book.

Jackson is the first book in this new Eternity Springs spin-off trilogy, The McBrides of Texas. Cousins Boone, Tucker, and Jackson McBride have inherited a large parcel of land in Enchanted Canyon which is located between Redemption and Ruin, Texas. This parcel includes the area of Last Chance, which includes a deserted dance hall, saloon, and brothel.

As the cousins arrive in Redemption, Caroline Carruthers, a Texas travel writer from Austin filling in for an injured Celeste Blessing of Eternity Springs, Colorado, also arrives to meet with Chamber of Commerce president Maisy Baldwin. While dining on the evening all arrive, the ladies and cousins begin talking about why they are all in Redemption. In their discussion, Caroline and Maisy are invited to join the cousins in touring Last Chance. Unfortunately, when they are out of signal range, emergency calls come in searching for Caroline.

Less than a year later, Caroline finds herself back in Redemption preparing to open her own bookstore, The Next Chapter. In the same amount of time, Jackson has been overseeing construction and refurbishment of the buildings at Last Chance. The B & B is set to open soon, as is the saloon and dance hall.

Jackson and Caroline, both professing to not be seeking any sort of relationship, form a fast friendship. That friendship progresses, but the tragedy that strikes with Jackson’s ex-wife puts things on hold as he rises to be the man Caroline knows he is.

With a great cast of characters from Eternity Springs, Bazos Bend, and Redemption, Ms. March has spun yet another wonderful tale of people who may easily be your friend, your neighbor, or a family member. Their adventures and experiences could easily be that of the readers. These are stories that resonate. I very much enjoyed this book and look forward to the second in the trilogy, Tucker. I do recommend this book, this series, and this author

A slow, sweet story. I loved Caroline and Jackson. Very good read.

Many thanks to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for my ARC. All opinions are my own.

I can't wait to see what happens to the other McBrides in Redemption. I love Caroline and Jackson. When they meet, there isn't big sparks or anything like that, just a quiet caring. It was good to see it blossom slowly. They both had so much to work through. Jackson had lost his muse and Caroline had lost the love of her life. Again, can't wait to see where this series goes.

3 Accepting New Chapters, Fresh Starts Stars
* * *
It is hard to start a series. There are so many things which need to be put forward. The backstories of the characters, the whys as to the location and all of the additional colorful secondary characters. Lots to cover as well as the main love story. Jackson (The McBrides of Texas #1; Eternity Springs #16) by Emily March had that task and it did touch all of the necessary bases.

Caroline Carruthers life has not proceeded as she thought it would. [We meet her as she is in the midst of carrying for the husband she so dearly loved. She met him in college and even though he was much older than her, their love was solid. Caroline was comfortable with her husband leading the way. He was educated, sophisticated and only wanted what was best for her. She did have a mind of her own and had an amazing talent in photography and writing. Her travel blog over the years had made a following for her. They were a very happy couple...

But then life turns things on its head and her husband came down with the curse of what can change everything...He became the man no one wanted to be... lost in himself. Caroline cared for him until she couldn't at home...She was his wife, she was there for him when he would resurface wishing for him to be as he was...

During a very difficult time, Caroline was sitting on a bench and came across a woman who changed her life...The woman needed to go to a place called Redemption, Texas. She was supposed to do a tour and article. When the woman was upset as to how she couldn't go, Caroline offered to step in. She had the ability and with all that had been personally going on, this would take her mind off the emotional pain of her situation. (hide spoiler)]

Jackson McBride needed a fresh start...[After suffering from a very bitter divorce, an ugly custody battle, and the pain of his music muse disappearing he decided to leave Colorado for Redemption, Texas. He was part of gifting from a long lost relative with his other siblings. The land was vast, had a ghost town, a huge old house/brothel and another building that seemed like a gathering place. He was scheduled to check out this land and didn't know in what shape this gift was in...

Jackson and his brothers meet up with the community welcome guide and there is Caroline, too. Jackson had run into her at the hotel earlier so he was familiar with her. As all of them check out this new discovery, ideas of what to do with the land came into focus...Jackson and Caroline found the dance hall and right away it called to Jackson. As he started to talk with Caroline, he knew his interest in Caroline was a NO GO. She was married and he was not that type of guy. They continued to walk the area when a truck came up fast letting Caroline she was called back to where her husband was...he had a heart attack. Jackson drove her back, got her there in time to be where she was needed.

Unfortunately, her husband passes and Caroline has to go on...on her own. She looked at her life and where she was...She wanted to have a fresh start, spread her wings and discover who exactly she was...The community welcome guide did not forget Caroline becoming a dear friend and when eight months later she shares a storefront with an apartment above was available on Main street, Caroline saw her dream possible...a bookstore named Next Chapter, something which she was determined to start. (hide spoiler)]

These two broken people deeply in the process of reworking their lives cross paths again.

When they start to see each other in town, both are careful with each other. Both are interested, both feel the sparks and are surprised they are happening. Caroline had been dead inside slowly feeling like a woman again. Jackson misses his daughter, and the only thing that is giving him hope are the musical phrases that are floating around his mind when Caroline comes near.

This is a story with a lot of details, secondary characters, and charm. We are given the romance of Jackson and Caroline, sweet and understandable... along with many seeds planted for the upcoming books for the series. Emily March fans will have a new series to enjoy.

A gifted copy was provided by St. Martin's Press via NetGalley for an honest review.

Jackson is the first book I've read by Emily March and whilst I did struggle a little to get into it. I must admit I enjoyed reading it, as it was easy and uncomplicated. Plus, the characters were likable and in some cases quite memorable too. Yet, for me it did lack romance and by the end Jackson and Caroline's relationship felt way more platonic than it did romantic. However, that didn't stop me from being completely engaged and finding it very pleasant to read.

"Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for the advance copy of this book, in exchange for an honest review."

Loved this book very much. It had just enough sweet, sexy romance and the storyline was great! I highly recommend!

I enjoyed the characters, main and secondary, in this story. I loved the idea of a patch of beauty in a desert as well. The roads to Ruin and Redemption, as well as the Last Chance were so well described that I actually want to go there. Caroline and Jackson were what the other needed to move forward with their lives. Their support of each other endeared them to me. I recommend this story, and I look forward to reading more about the McBrides.

I received a copy of this book through Netgalley, and this is my unsolicited review.

Jackson has been having issues creating songs after the bitter end of a marriage that left him with limited visitations with his daughter. He can't seem to find inspiration until he meets the lovely yet married Caroline who came into town briefly to write a paper on the town. After the death of her husband Caroline felt a connection to the town of Redemption and opens up her own bookstore she never expects to fall for the guy she couldn't stop thinking about since she first met him months ago back when she was married.

This is book with love, loss, heartbreak and healing. There was so much going on with both Caroline and Jacksons characters. With the lack of a family and her late husband's sister being bitter about how things were handled she was a bit lonely. Then there was Jackson who missed his daughter more then anything, with a vindictive ex to deal with weighed heavily on his mind. There was also the loss of not being able to write songs as he once could and it was interesting seeing how Caroline played a part by inspiring him. I loved getting to see the sweet romance between the two and loved how this book stayed clean. I loved that there was a bit of drama to keep things interesting and for me there was never a dull moment when I was reading thing. Overall really great book I really enjoyed it.

What a fabulous surprise this romance turned out to be. Jackson and Caroline provided so much depth, strength, heart and soul that I couldn’t help but be captivated. Both have suffered challenging losses and somehow, life has sent them both to Redemption. As they both navigate a new life and finding that balance needed, they are drawn to each other through their struggles. Each one is working to build a new business and have found a unique family in Redemption to help. Neither one wants to be open to love but life has a different plan for them. This book introduced a wonderful cast of characters through their family and friends that created this comforting atmosphere and has me wishing I could visit Redemption. I voluntarily read an ARC of this book and this is my honest review.

When I saw that Emily March was coming out with a trilogy that was based on the Eternity Springs series, I was happy. I was upset when that series seemed to end with The Christmas Wishing Tree.

Jackson isn’t a story about two people falling in love. It is a story of two people overcoming great hurt to find themselves.

I did feel bad for Caroline. Her situation was heartbreaking. She was so sad at the beginning of the book that I wanted to reach through and hug her. After her husband died, she became a changed person. She wasn’t afraid to open a new chapter in her life. I loved it!!

I felt awful for Jackson. He was shattered at the beginning of the book. He had lost his music (he was a songwriter). Not being able to see his daughter for five months was devastating. Again, I wanted to reach through the book and hug him. I did like him. I liked that he realized that he wasn’t perfect. I liked that he was forgiving. The latter half of the book showcased that perfectly.

I wish that Redemption, Texas, was a real place to visit. That would be somewhere I would be interested in visiting. I loved the idea of a B&B that is set in a former bordello. Again, I would be interested in staying there.

I was thrilled when Celeste Blessing made her appearance in Jackson. I loved how the author introduced another Blessing, Angelica. Celeste and Angelica were hilarious. Talk about opposite ends of the spectrum when it came to be a Blessing. I died laughing in every episode that they appeared in.

The main storyline, Jackson and Caroline’s romance, was well written. I liked that the author chose to wait until several months after Caroline’s husband died to have them kindle their romance.

I didn’t care for the sex scenes. They could have been a little more graphic. The first time they had sex, I couldn’t tell. I thought he was writing a song!! I had to reread that passage a few times before it dawned on me what they were doing.

I wasn’t a fan of the storyline that involved Jackson and his ex-wife. What she did to him at the beginning of the book was unforgivable. All the jerking around she did with Jackson’s visitation was Haley was unforgivable. The way she acted after the plane crash was normal. I would have been the same way. But when she tried to manipulate him into staying with her, no thank you. Even the way she acted towards the end of the book made me mad. But, it was a great story of forgiveness. Something I wouldn’t have been able to do.

I loved the storyline with the B&B and everything around it. I thought that it was amazing that they were going to make the former bordello into a B&B that offered guided tours to Enchanted Canyon and the ghost town of Ruin. But the book didn’t go much into the ghost town or Enchanted Canyon, which disappointed me.

The end of Jackson was heartwarming. I have a feeling the next book will be about Tucker and Gillian. The way they acted at the end of the book made me raise my eyebrows. The epilogue was perfect. I love it when everything comes together!!

I would give Jackson an Adult rating. There is sex. There is language. There is violence. I would recommend that no one under the age of 21 read this book.

I would reread Jackson. I would recommend it to family and friends.

**I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book**

The beginning of this story is heartbreaking, you have Caroline who is struggling and coming to terms with her husbands early onset dementia. You also have Jackson in the midst of a custody battle with his ex-wife. Dealing with not being able to see his daughter for 5 months.

Both come to Redemption Texas for a fresh start. Jackson came into some property from a relative, and Caroline decides to open a bookstore. The two are instantly attracted to each other but very clear that neither wants to get involved or have a relationship. They both find great strength in each other.

There are quiet a lot of characters in this town which was a little hard to keep straight but still enjoyed each one of them.

I enjoyed this book so much, it was an emotional story. It was sad, sweet, funny, mischievous & sexy. Jackson & Caroline are drawn to Enchanted Canyon by the pain of sadness with the hope of finding a way to escape from it. Both are battling loss but in different ways, Caroline is grieving the death of her husband & Jackson is grieving not being able to see his little girl. Brought together by an inheritance Jackson & his cousins received, as well as the mysterious Celeste Blessings. I enjoyed watching the friendship grow into more as they supported each other. I loved the bond they built that got them through some trying times. I’m looking forward to reading more in this series.

This is a book surrounded by new beginnings and letting go of the heartbreak of your past. Caroline is newly widowed and wants to start fresh. Jackson is an unhappy divorcee and hates the world. But when the two combine sparks fly around the small town of Redemption. Although slow in some parts the romance was beautifully written. Overall a good read.

This is a sweet clean contemporary romance and characters are well developed. There is humor as well as drama. Nothing is over the top, and for me everything moved as though it were real life rather than pages of a book.

Full Review: https://shahlas-world.blogspot.com/2019/06/the-story-is-about-family-and.html

I really liked the focus of family and community of this story, the perfect ingredients for great romantic tale.

Even though this is a series, readers can and should take a chance on picking this book up and reading it as a stand alone.

Jackson was my first book by Emily March. It's the first in a new series, but also makes reference to a past series, Eternity Springs. The references to couples from those books may cause a bit of confusion, but not so much that it will ruin this book for you. It stands alone well enough.

Jackson McBride and two cousins find out that they have inherited property in Redemption, Texas. Jackson, who is divorced from an extremely popular singer, has basically lost almost all custodial rights to his 6 year old daughter Haley; he only gets contact with her about every 5 months. Since the divorce, Jackson has also lost his songwriting creative mojo. So maybe the new property is just what he needs. When the three cousins visit Redemption, Jackson runs into Carolina Carruthers, a writer who is doing a story on the town. Jackson suddenly feels a spark of the creativity that has alluded him for so long. However, Caroline is married. Time moves forward, and Caroline has lost her beloved husband. She feels called back to Redemption, and she plans to open a bookstore. And she meets Jackson again...

If you are looking for an action packed book, this is not it. If you're looking for a steamy story, you won't find any steam here. However, you will meet characters that you can't help but fall in love with. Jackson and Caroline start out as friends before becoming lovers, and it's lovely to see their romance slowly build. I also enjoyed watching their confidence in their worth increase. There are some wonderful supporting characters residing in Redemption, TX. I normally don't care for stories that are short on action and steam, but I started this one in the morning and finished it the same day. Emily March totally drew me into this lovely town.

I received an ARC of this book courtesy of the publisher and NetGalley. I received no compensation for my review, and all thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.

Jackson is a book of second chances and starting over.

Caroline moves to Redemption to make a new start on life. Her husband had serious mental issues and had to be put in full time care where he completely forgets who Caroline is and falls in love with another woman in the facility. Her dream is to open a book store and she thinks Redemption is the place to do it.

Jackson is one of three cousins who inherit a beautiful canyon. He’s starting over and isn’t interested in finding love but is attracted to Caroline.

A friendship blooms between Jackson and Caroline as well as equally devastating heartbreaking moments.

Emily March masterfully blends heartache and healing while bringing two wounded souls together in love.

I received this ARC copy of Jackson from St. Martin's Press. This is my honest and voluntary review. Jackson is set for publication June 25, 2019.
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