Letting Go of September: A Thriller

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Pub Date Jul 31 2024 | Archive Date Dec 13 2024

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Description

A year after his wife leaves him, Garrett Emerson is still struggling with the loss. Tired of the loneliness and the constant feeling something just isn’t right, he finally decides to put it all behind him. Will reacquainting with an old friend be the push he needs to move on?

After moving with her husband into yet another new house, Elizabeth Parsons finally feels at home. But is she ready to start a family? How can she even be a good mother when hers abandoned her?

Garrett and Elizabeth’s lives couldn’t be more different, but a series of events bring them together. As shocking secrets are revealed, they both learn more about each other - and that they are stronger than they think.

A year after his wife leaves him, Garrett Emerson is still struggling with the loss. Tired of the loneliness and the constant feeling something just isn’t right, he finally decides to put it all...


Advance Praise

Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite

Letting Go of September by Sandra J. Jackson is a thriller that explores the intersecting lives of Garrett Emerson and Elizabeth Parsons. A year after his wife leaves him, Garrett struggles with loneliness and a sense of unease, prompting him to reconnect with an old friend in hopes of moving on. Meanwhile, Elizabeth, who has just settled into a new home with her husband, grapples with her fears of motherhood, which are shaped by her own mother's abandonment. Their seemingly different lives converge as a series of events reveals shocking secrets, testing their strength and rekindled connection to one another.

Author Sandra J. Jackson packs this exciting and dramatic novel with suspense and emotional depth from cover to cover, creating a gripping thriller that keeps readers on edge. Her characters are richly developed, with complex inner struggles that make their journeys compelling and relatable, and there’s a strong feeling of genuine humanity in the dialogue and thought presentation. Nothing ever felt fabricated or melodramatic about the central leads, and their actions are sometimes shocking, but always realistic and in keeping with their emotional journey. Jackson’s ability to balance tension with moments of vulnerability makes for an interesting take on the thriller genre where moments of interpersonal drama halt the action for some powerfully introspective moments. These big moments may pause the action, but in turn, I felt a lot more informed about Elizabeth and Garrett as a result and became even more invested in the story when the pace picked up again. Overall, Letting Go of September is a thrilling and thought-provoking read that will certainly entertain fans of thrillers and emotional drama.

Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite

Letting Go of September by Sandra J. Jackson is a thriller that explores the intersecting lives of Garrett Emerson and Elizabeth Parsons. A year after his...


Available Editions

ISBN 9798334717602
PRICE $3.99 (USD)
PAGES 436

Available on NetGalley

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Average rating from 10 members


Featured Reviews

I have read all of Ms. Jackson’s books, just finishing Letting Go of September! I thought this was her best yet! The characters were extremely believable and the plot(s) kept twisting and turning with no predictability of what was going to happen next! The short chapters made it more like “eating popcorn”…just one more chapter kept me awake long into the night! If you enjoy reading a good “who done it”, THIS is the book for you! Excellent read!!!

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The integrating of characters was done flawlessly. The story moved at a good pace, varying view points and kept you interested to see how it all interconnected.

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I really enjoyed this book. Nice plot, good mystery, interesting characters.
This was a nice read. Kept me interested and guessing. A few things easily stood out and a few others were interesting surprises.
The connections between the murders was a neat detail that kept me very curious to see how many more would be found.

Thank you NetGalley for the copy.

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In the story, Garrett Emerson has lost his wife, Ember, who disappeared one day after leaving a note of farewell, which he finds both puzzling and uncharacteristic of her. He lives alone now in his big house with his dog Sam, at the edge of his acres of forest land. flipping houses for a living.

Life goes on until there is tension when the remains of unidentified women begin to crop up around the area, making Garrett and the others uneasy.

A young couple, Elizabeth and Josh, move in nearby.The lives of the couple and Garrett intersect, their history seemingly connected through a past romantic fling of Garrett's and the unknown mother of Elizabeth who had disappeared from her life when she was only 11-years-old.

The theme of disappearing women flows through the book, as the lives of those people who knew or who miss the women are affected. This was a well planned thriller that leads the reader to read on, even though connections become clear before the book's ending. I like the suspense, the main characters, and the surroundings.

The writing is clear, descriptive, and effective. The poetic view of the natural surroundings in autumn and winter are excellent, especially as nature plays such an important part in the drama of the story.

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I hadn’t come across Sandra J Jackson’s books before and was happy to get a review copy of LETTING GO OF SEPTEMBER: A THRILLER recently. It was a well written book that kept me turning pages through the night. Jackson made her characters come alive with her descriptive writing and well placed figurative language.
Her characters are relatable, and the reader keeps hoping for a happy ending to their stories.
Elizabeth Parsons is fighting her own demons while considering her future as a mother. Garrett Emerson had his world torn apart when his despondent wife left only a vague note when she disappeared one day. Will her camera hold a clue?
I enjoyed watching relationships develop along with an interesting plot and recommend Letting Go of September for a good weekend read.

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Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC.

"Letting Go of September: A Thriller" by Sandra J. Jackson is an exhilarating ride from start to finish, weaving suspense, intrigue, and emotional depth into a masterfully crafted narrative. Jackson's storytelling is nothing short of compelling, drawing readers into a labyrinth of secrets and betrayals.

This plot centers around a protagonist who finds herself entangled in a mystery that begins with the disappearance of her sister, September. As she delves deeper into the search, she uncovers a series of shocking truths that challenge everything she thought she knew about her family and herself. Jackson expertly balances the elements of thriller and psychological drama, ensuring that readers are constantly on edge, eager to turn the next page.

One of the most striking aspects of this novel is Jackson's ability to create complex, multi-dimensional characters. The protagonist is particularly well-developed, showcasing a blend of vulnerability and strength that makes her journey both relatable and inspiring. Her determination to uncover the truth, despite the obstacles and dangers she faces, serves as the driving force of the story.

The supporting characters are equally well-crafted, each contributing to the rich tapestry of the narrative. Jackson excels in creating individuals with distinct personalities and backgrounds, making the interactions between characters authentic and engaging. The relationships in the book are nuanced, adding layers of emotional depth to the suspenseful plot.

Jackson's writing style is another highlight of the novel. Her prose is crisp and evocative, painting vivid pictures in the reader's mind. The settings, from small-town America to chillingly isolated locations, are described with a keen eye for detail, enhancing the overall atmosphere of the story. The pacing is perfectly balanced, with moments of intense action interspersed with quieter, introspective scenes that allow for character development and reflection.

The themes explored in "Letting Go of September" are universal and deeply personal, touching on issues such as family bonds, trust, and the quest for identity. Jackson's treatment of these themes is thoughtful and poignant, adding depth to the thriller elements of the story. The novel also delves into the psychological impact of trauma and loss, providing a nuanced exploration of the protagonist's inner struggles.

"Letting Go of September: A Thriller" is a must-read for fans of suspense and psychological drama. Sandra J. Jackson has crafted a gripping and emotionally resonant story that will keep readers hooked until the very last page. This book is a testament to Jackson's talent as a storyteller, offering a thrilling and thought-provoking reading experience.

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