This was a delightfully heartwarming and funny read! Jenny James is having a terrible day where literally everything you could think of goes wrong but as the story progresses you get to know her backstory, the witty and lovable Charlie, and the patient and steady Luke (and Betty!). A quick read that's the perfect for a summer afternoon.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. Thank you to Harper Collins Focus and Harper Muse for an ARC!

Jenny Jones is not a Disaster.
On the contrary…Jenny Jones is witty, real, full of heart and humor and one of my most favorite characters I’ve read this year.

Jenny is a single mom to 18 year old lovable Charlie. She has been on her own since she is 17 years old after a terrible falling out with her parents. She has always managed on her own, working hard to make sure Charlie has a happy life. Until one awful day when she finds out she will be losing her job, her car breaks down and her beloved cottage on a cliff above the ocean shockingly falls into the sea.

At this crossroads in her life, she surprisingly accepts an offer to join her standoffish neighbor Luke on an adventure in his motorhome. Jenny, Charlie and Luke set out on a roadtrip across England to various destinations that they pick from a hat. The sights, the scenery, the laughs and the companionship are healing to all of them.

This is a poignant novel exploring motherhood, love, family, grief and learning to live in the present. There are many little nuggets of wisdom scattered throughout this book and it was relatable in so many ways. The fact that we often place worth on material things instead of realizing what is truly important in life is explored deeply. The author did a great job showcasing this.

I loved the journey (literal and figurative) of Jenny, Luke and Charlie (Betty too!) it was such a heartfelt, wonderful story that made me laugh out loud, shed some tears and smile at the growth and contentment that the characters discover. This will definitely be one of my favorite books this year.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Harper Collins Focus for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Slow burn British romance. Single mom, Jenny, has a really bad day. Like, a reeeeaally bad day. With nothing keeping them in the town they’ve been living, she and her son team up with Luke to travel the country.

Jenny and Luke both have heartbreak and adversity in their pasts, so it’s not smooth sailing, but I love the chemistry between them and all the fun stops along the way.

Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest review. Watch for Jenny James is Not a Disaster to come out July 9, 2024.

This was a delightful book. Jenny James is, in fact, a bit of a disaster, but man, reading her story will leave you smiling.

I can't imagine everything that happens in this book happening to anyone. Especially all at once. The act of "Finding joy" sounds so simple. Yet, surrendering to the unknown is scary as heck. I'm so glad I read this wonderful story about a woman who finds everything she needs, after she loses it all.

Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.

3.5 stars rounded up
A heartwarming story about a struggling single mom and a life-changing journey. Jenny James is a 36 year-old single mom who has been estranged from her family since she left home as a teenager. Her boyfriend left her and their toddler son, Charlie, a couple of years later and they have been managing on their own ever since. Jenny and Charlie, now 18, live in Norfolk in a cozy rental cottage along the cliffs and Jenny works a boring job and unfulfilling as an office manager to support their small family.

On the same day that Jenny learns she might lose her job, her car breaks down and she and Charlie return home on foot just in time to see the cliff collapsing and taking their home and all their belongings with it. A nomadic man named Luke who has his motorhome parked nearby comes to their rescue providing them shelter and emotional support. A few days later when Jenny learns that she has indeed lost her job, Luke invites her and Charlie to travel with him and his adorable daschund, Betty, exploring England for a few weeks. Jenny and Charlie decide to take him up on the offer finding joy and a new sense of freedom along the way.

Jenny James Is Not a Disaster is an uplifting story that deals with serious issues but with a light touch. A story of healing, parent and child relationships, self-discovery/finding joy and a slow burn romance with a reminder that sometimes what seems to be a disaster can lead to the best adventures. Both humourous and heartfelt with engaging writing and well-developed characters - this is a book that made me laugh, cry and root for the characters to have a happy ending plus I loved travelling along to the various sites in England that they visit!

Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins Focus for sending a digital ARC of this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.

There are bad days and then there are epically horrible bad days. Jenny James is having the latter. On her best days her life is a struggle. She’s a single mom to a teenage son and she’s doing it ALL on her own. When a miserable rainy day gets worse with a broken down car and looming unemployment, it enters “are you kidding me” territory when her modest home literally slides off a cliff and into the ocean. What’s a girl to do? If you’re Jenny James, you pick up the pieces of your life, gather up your few remaining belongings, and take off on a motor home adventure with your mysterious neighbor, his weiner dog, and your teenage son - all in the hope of finding your joy.

JENNY JAMES IS NOT A DISASTER packs an emotional wallop. Debbie Johnson gives us a tender look at starting over. There’s a tremendous amount of wisdom and heart in Jenny’s story. Ms. Johnson paints a realistic portrait of family - of knowing when to hold on and when to let go, of forgiveness and shifting perspective, and of unconditional and infinite love. I adored this book, these characters, and the way in which the author allows the story to unfold.

Don’t sleep on this book. It’s utterly captivating (and there are dogs!).

Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Muse for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this book in exchange for my unbiased review.

This was a totally enjoyable story about a woman whose life has literally fallen off a cliff. Her house and everything she and her son own ended up down a hill in the surf. They end up temporarily staying with a man staying on the land in a motor home.

As Jenny and her son start dealing with the losses in their life, a friendship springs up between them and the owner of the mobile home, Luke. Luke has suffered his own losses, resulting in his isolation. As he welcomes Jenny and Charlie to join him in some travels, they all begin to heal and discover that they can share their burdens.

This was my first book by this author, and I'm hooked on her writing. This was told in the first person in a way that is contemplative, the description almost poetic because of its beauty.

Thanks to Harper Collins Focus and NetGalley for the copy. All thoughts are my own.

"Jenny James Is Not a Disaster" by Debbie Johnson centers on Jenny James, a 36-year-old single mother of an eighteen-year-old son, Charlie. Jenny is at a transitional point in her life. After losing her cliffside cottage, car, and job on the same day, and not having a family to support her, Jenny is facing the ultimate next step in her life. Jenny accepted her nomadic neighbor Luke's invitation to go on a road trip in his luxury RV as she considers her next move. So begins a journey exploring historic and scenic areas of England with Luke, his dachshund, Betty, with Jenny and her son along for the ride. The book explores complicated family dynamics, self-discovery, and the importance of finding happiness wherever you are.

I so enjoyed this storyline as it followed this struggling single mom at this transitional moment in her life. Despite Jenny’s initial suspicion of Luke’s invitation, she eventually learns more about herself, confronts her past, and discovers what really makes her happy as their journey progresses. The book examines the complex relationships between parents and children and is full of deep observations, humor, and inspirational life lessons. It also addresses issues of self-discovery, trust, friendship, and love. There is a slowly developing romance that just adds to the story’s charm. “Jenny James is not a Disaster” is an engaging and delightful read. I highly recommend it!

Thanks to NetGalley and HarperCollins Focus for a complimentary copy of an ARC of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.

A nice story of family and owning up to your past. Jenny's had a series of, well, issues and now her son Charlie is about to head off to university. Luckily though their neighbor Luke offers his camper van and then a road trip - a road trip that becomes the vehicle for Jenny to at long last tell her story to Charlie. I liked the trip (I'd like to do one too) and the characters felt so real. And the dog- gotta love a dog. Thanks to netgalley for the ARC. This is the sort of novel that goes down easy and makes you smile at the end.

What happen if everything went wrong in your life?

Single mother ✅
mother-son relationship ✅
road trip ✅
Healing ✅

Jenny James is Not a Disaster is surprisingly enjoyable read for me. I did not have a high expectation, but I really love the premise. There are certain part that are quite heavy but overall such a delightful read.

Single mother Jenny’s trying to make it day to day, supporting herself and her teenage son Charlie, working a job to make ends meet. She and Charlie come home one evening to discover there is no home. It’s pretty much fallen off the cliff’s edge thanks to the erosion caused by the daylong rainstorm. In the aftermath of this disaster, Jenny and Charlie, now homeless, befriend their neighbor Luke and his dog Betty. Luke lives in his caravan and never stays in one place for long. He invites them to join him on his cross country adventures.

What follows is a pleasantly introspective look at what happens when life gives you all the lemons in one torrential downpour. Jenny’s rolled with the punches and survived all these years so this latest event is her doing so yet again. She’s so inspiring! I love the camaraderie that forms between the three, and how their friendship is healing for all of them. There’s fun banter and dry humor that’s catnip for me. The most poignant part is her reconciliation with her parents. Being a parent now, older and wiser offers her a different perspective she hadn’t had before. It’s so touching. There’s a hint of a potential romance, but really the focus is squarely on Jenny’s growth and her aspirations.

Read this for:
* Humor/sarcasm/witty dialogue
* Mother/son bond
* Platonic friendship
* Roadtrip/adventure
* Complicated families
* Healing/reconciliation
* Inspiration

Be aware of: mention of death of a child, divorce

I related to Jenny in so many ways, and her dynamic with her son reminded me of mine with my son. Too bad she’s not real otherwise we’d be besties. This was a fulfilling read for me and I definitely recommend it!

Thank you @harpermusebooks & @netgalley for my ARC in exchange for an honest review. 𝗝𝗲𝗻𝗻𝘆 𝗝𝗮𝗺𝗲𝘀 𝗜𝘀 𝗡𝗼𝘁 𝗔 𝗗𝗶𝘀𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿 is out July 8th, 2024.

What a fun book and a wonderful reminder to all of us that our worst moments often lead to our best moments. When Jenny has everything imaginable go wrong in her life, car beyond repair, job lost, house blown over a cliff in a horrible windstorm, she has to rely on the kindness of a stranger, Luke. Although she had previously labeled him an "unfriendly," something wonderful happens when she needs his help. If you can imagine a recreational vehicle named "Joy" that is exactly what this story is about. Charlie, Jenny's son, is a true delight and the repartee between mother and son just plain wonderful. How Jenny learns to re-invent herself and truly find Joy is what this story is all about. This story wanted me to buy a recreational van and start visiting all the places I've never had time to go to in the past, whether in England, where this story takes place, or in the United States, where I live. I heartily recommend this book. Although I received an Advanced Reader Copy of this novel, my opinion are my own.

Jenny lost her job and her home, so along with her teenage son, goes off with their neighbor in his motorhome to discover England. Jenny and her son learn to grow closer, while Jenny and her neighbor also grow closer.

Jenny James may not be a disaster but disasters seem to find her. She lost her job, car, and house all in the same day. All seemed dismal until Luke invited Jenny and her son, Charlie, on a roadtrip where Jenny confronts her past and welcomes her future.

Debbie Johnson has a way of crafting stories that warm my heart. I have to admit, I was drawn to this book because it featured a single mom who had the universe seemingly working against her. Jenny's had a lot to overcome, and it's alway so inspiring and feel-good when I can root for the character.

As a single mom, I could relate to many of the battles Jenny had fought and the feelings she felt. Jenny worked hard to build a life for her and Charlie, and it was a nice life. Did she want more? Probably, and I guess all these disasters were the motivation she needed.

Taking that chance and going on the road with Luke was a fantastic decision. I have to say, these excursions were so much fun. I loved the way they selected where they would go, and I liked that I "saw" so much of England. Many of the books I read tend to be set in London. London's great and all, but there are other places to explore in that country. It was a delight that Johnson exposed me to so many other sites.

But that time in the camper van wasn't just about seeing the sites, it was a great way for Luke and Jenny to grow closer. They both carried so much pain and hurt from their past and had accepted their solitary lives. Yet, they found so much comfort in each other, trusting one another with their hurts and fears.It was so lovely seeing their relationship take root and grow while they also healed together.

Parts of this story were heavy, but overall, the book was light. Packed with lots of humor, heart, and lovely life lessons, I was left feeling so happy from reading this book. How could I resist a book with a focus on finding peace, self-discovery, and finding your happy. It was all bound to rub off on me in a good way, and it did.

This was a sweet story. I liked following along with the characters. I felt some parts were a bit rushed, but overall I enjoyed the story.

ARC Book Review: *Jenny James Is Not a Disaster* by Debbie Johnson

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4/5 stars)

Debbie Johnson’s *Jenny James Is Not a Disaster* is a heartwarming and humorous tale that captures the essence of resilience, self-discovery, and the unexpected twists life can throw at you. This novel is a delightful blend of comedy, drama, and romance, making it a perfect read for anyone looking for a story about overcoming adversity with a smile.

Plot Summary:

Jenny James, a single mother in her thirties, is no stranger to bad days. She juggles the typical challenges of motherhood, financial strain, and an uninspiring job with a commendable sense of humor. However, her life takes a turn for the worse when she experiences a Very Bad Day. Losing her job, her car, and her home all at once, Jenny is left with seemingly no options.

Estranged from her family and with no place to go, Jenny and her teenage son, Charlie, find an unexpected ally in their reclusive neighbor, Luke. Living in a cozy RV, Luke offers them a temporary refuge and an opportunity for a nomadic lifestyle. As they hit the road together, Jenny discovers a new sense of freedom and begins to reflect on her past, her present, and what the future might hold.

Characters:

- **Jenny James:** Jenny is a relatable and endearing protagonist. Her perseverance in the face of adversity and her unwavering love for her son make her a character you can't help but root for. Her journey from despair to self-discovery is both inspiring and entertaining.
- **Charlie:** Jenny's teenage son is a typical adolescent dealing with the upheavals of his life with a mix of frustration and resilience. His relationship with Jenny adds depth to the story.
- **Luke:** The reclusive but kind-hearted neighbor who opens his RV and his life to Jenny and Charlie. Luke’s character provides a sense of stability and support, and his own journey of self-discovery intertwines beautifully with Jenny’s.

Themes:

1. **Resilience and Overcoming Adversity:** Jenny’s story is a testament to the strength of the human spirit. Despite the many challenges she faces, she never gives up, showing that even in the darkest times, there is always a way forward.
2. **Self-Discovery and Personal Growth:** As Jenny adapts to her new circumstances, she learns more about herself and what she truly wants from life. This theme of self-discovery is central to the novel and is portrayed with sincerity and warmth.
3. **Community and Support:** The novel highlights the importance of community and the kindness of others in times of need. Luke’s unexpected support plays a crucial role in Jenny’s journey, emphasizing that help can come from the most unlikely places.

Writing Style:

Debbie Johnson’s writing is engaging, witty, and heartfelt. She has a knack for creating relatable characters and situations that resonate with readers. The humor in the narrative lightens the heavy themes, making the story both enjoyable and thought-provoking.

Final Thoughts:

*Jenny James Is Not a Disaster* is a charming and uplifting novel that will leave readers feeling hopeful and inspired. Debbie Johnson has crafted a story that is both humorous and poignant, with characters that stay with you long after you turn the last page.

Highly recommended for readers who enjoy contemporary women's fiction with a touch of romance and a lot of heart.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an ARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review.

I absolutely loved this book. While it's not out until July 9th, this is one of those books with an endearing lead character. Jenny James may not be a disaster, but her life turned upside down overnight. Her house falls down a cliff (literally) and it takes everything from her life so far along with it. When her neighbor (who saves her from going over the cliff after cherished photos of her son) invites her to travel with him for a few weeks to see if the "camper life" is for her, she starts a blog about her travels along with her new friend Luke and her son Charlie.

I read this book over a weekend, and I loved the character that Debbie Johnson has created. She has her flaws as we all do, but you can't help but root for her to find her way in her new life.

🌊🏡🌧From calamity city to freedom and joy!

What a transformation from the first chapters of Brit Jenny James's story to the end! Her initial problems in Norfolk were catastrophic and yet, her eighteen year-old son Charlie and a kind stranger who's a motor home nomad help her "weather the storm" and embrace the freedom of starting fresh and unencumbered. This is a nice piece of women's fiction, maybe felt a slight bit slow for me, about second chances, coming to terms with the past, and embracing joy wherever you find it.

Single mom Jenny has lived her life since a teenager making a stable environment for her precious son. But he's on the cusp of independence and that plays into her insecurities about the future. She's a very real, very sympathetic character. As is typical, perpetually-starving teen Charlie. And Luke, the caravan nomad with a tragic backstory who takes the pair under his wing and gives them a month of non-stop touring and activity throughout the English countryside in summer.

There is a very, very slow-burn bit of sweet romance, but the author focuses on Jenny's trial of fire (rain and wind?!) and how she makes her way to the other side. Inspiring, real and a good read.

Thanks to Harper and NetGalley for sharing a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest opinion.

Sweet women’s fiction, with a tiny bit of a romance.

Jenny left home at 17, had a baby at 18, and her boyfriend left them soon after. Estranged from her parents, she has lived for 18 years as a single mum to her son Charlie.

Until the day their life fell apart — she got laid off, her car broke down, and their coastal Norfolk cottage fell off a cliff into the sea.

This forces Jenny and Charlie to change their routine; and courtesy of their neighbor who lived in a motor home, they find themselves on the roadtrip of a lifetime.

3.75 stars

A sweet and simple family tale with a lot of heart and humor. Jenny James and her 18 year old son Charlie have had a good life, but with the usual single mom caveats: no money, no extras, financial and job insecurity, etc. Then one day their rented cottage literally slides down a cliff after days of heavy rain -- the same day Jenny's job becomes redundant.

Fate intervenes in the form of a nomadic gentleman traveling in his motor coach. Luke offers Jenny and Charlie a week or two of respite from reality by accompanying him on his wanderings. He, of course, has an interesting story all his own. The trio bond and have a great time. They are all good for each other, especially Jenny and Luke, the two veterans of heartache, guilt, and trust issues.

Jenny is sometimes an exasperating character. She has had to carry on by herself for so long she has lost the ability to collaborate emotionally and finds herself repeating the same mistakes her parents made with her.

It's a fun trip with this sort of family as they just enjoy each other and the unknown fun of the open road. Lessons are learned, new opportunities present themselves, and a lot of forgiveness and communication comes about. Yes, it's a little sentimental but not treacly. Jenny's banter with the two guys is especially endearing. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.