Caroline Carruthers thinks she buried her dreams along with the love of her life…until a stranger named Celeste dares her to chase a dream all on her own. Moving to Redemption, Texas, is chapter one in Caroline’s new life story. Opening a bookstore is the next. Finding love is the last thing on her mind as she settles into this new place called home. But when she meets a handsome, soulful man who’s also starting over, all bets are off.
to reach a happily-ever-after Jackson McBride came to Redemption looking only to find himself, not someone to love. Ever since his marriage ended, he’s been bitter. Sure, he used to believe in love—he even has the old song lyrics to prove it—but the Jackson of today is all business. That is, until a beautiful young widow who’s moved to town inspires a change of heart. Could it be that the myth of Redemption’s healing magic is true…and Jackson and Caroline can find a second chance at a happy ending after all?
Emily March’s novel Jackson is fabulous! The author’s descriptive writing sets the scene for this novel of second chances. I could envision the waterfall in the Enchanted Canyon, the rugged Last Chance Saloon and the rooms in the Fallen Angel Inn. The McBride cousins, Caroline and Angelica are not perfect; each has issues to resolve. I was drawn into the story because the characters and their stories were relatable.
Songwriter Jackson McBride has hit bottom. His ex-wife has obtained full custody of their daughter. And to make matters worse, she has issued a restraining order against him. The legal bills have emptied Jackson’s bank account and he is at a standstill artistically—he hasn’t written a music lyric in months. He accepts an invitation and meets his cousins Boone and Tucker in Redemption, Texas. I loved how Jackson grabbed the lifeline Boone tossed him.
Caroline Carruthers husband is in a memory care center. She meets Celeste Blessing outside of the center and helps Celeste to a bench. Celeste gives Caroline a bit of advice; she tells her that “when you stand on your own, you stand tallest.” Celeste works her magic and Caroline agrees to travel to Redemption, Texas to write an article for a travel magazine.
Sparks fly when Jackson and Caroline meet--- Jackson sees Caroline and a lyric begins to form in his head. He realizes that he might be able to write music again. Caroline is trying her best to accept that her husband doesn’t remember her and she needs to move forward with her life. Emily March does a fabulous job portraying Caroline and Jackson’s inner conflicts. Jackson put his anger behind him and stepped up to handle a tragic event. Caroline grieved for her husband and their life together. She came to understand that she could start over, moved to Redemption and opened a bookstore. Loved Jackson and Caroline’s friends to lovers romance – the slow burn worked perfectly for this couple. Caroline knows in her heart that what they have is special and her trust in Jackson is tested several times in the novel.
I enjoyed the bantering between Celeste and her cousin Angelica, the characters of Boone, Tucker and Maisy and the small town feel of Redemption. The author writes a fabulous epilogue for the couple and hints at Boone and Tucker’s stories.
Second chance romances are my favorite—and Emily March has hit a homerun with Jackson! The novel has all the feels-the beautiful setting, the charming characters and their heartfelt stories will captivate you.
I received an Advanced Reader Copy of this book from the publisher and am voluntarily reviewing it.
Reviewed by Susan Gorman
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