Book Review: JACKSON (Eternity Springs: The McBrides of Texas Trilogy #1) by Emily March

JACKSON 

(Eternity Springs: 

The McBrides of Texas Trilogy #1)

by Emily March

Amazon US / UK / CA / AU / B&N/
Kobo / Apple / Google / Macmillan

Synopsis:

From New York Times bestselling author Emily March comes Jackson, the newest novel in the critically acclaimed Eternity Springs series.

Sometimes it takes a new beginning

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?


My Rating:

Favorite Quotes:



While she was girly enough to appreciate being called “ pretty,” she didn’t like “little lady” under any circumstance. Consequently, she had starch in her spine and scissors on her tongue as she lifted her face.



Boone was a flirt, but he was an honest flirt. And being a lawyer and a man with baggage, he hardly kissed a woman without getting a permission slip beforehand, signed in triplicate and notarized, prior to lips touching lips.



She was terrible. Stiff and awkward. She froze up the same way she did like when she needed to do math in public. She got the choreography of the dance step down, but it wasn’t pretty. It wasn’t dance. It was more Frankenstein stumbling out of the castle.



She’s a piece of work, Caroline. I know she’s been through a trauma, but she’s a Southern girl. Where’s her grit? Where’s the steel in her magnolia?




My Review: 

Jackson was an easy, sweet, and pleasant read cast with endearing and interesting characters, and was an excellent introduction to bridge an established series and begin a new one. As with the previous books of hers I’ve read, Ms. March’s writing was lushly detailed with periodic hits of wry humor and amusing observations. I was stunned to noticed she currently has thirty-nine books listed on Goodreads, thirty-nine! Of which I’ve only read three, I need to rectify the error of my ways and get crackin’.

About The Author

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Goodreads
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Emily March is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of the heartwarming Eternity Springs series. A graduate of Texas A&M University, Emily is an avid fan of Aggie sports and her recipe for jalapeño relish has made her a tailgating legend.

Book Review: The Christmas Wishing Tree by Emily March

The Christmas Wishing Tree

(Eternity Springs #15)

by Emily March

Goodreads

Buy Links:

Macmillan / Amazon

Barnes & Noble / Books-a-Million

Indie Bound / Powells

Summary: 

Sometimes life’s most magical journeys bring you back to where it all began…From USA Today bestselling author Emily March comes The Christmas Wishing Tree, an enchanting account of the magic and miracle of Christmas.

A man who loves adventure and the open sea, Devin Murphy returns for a short Christmas trip to his small hometown of Eternity Springs. Immersed in the joy and magic of the holiday season all around him, he doesn’t hesitate to play along when a young boy phones Santa to ask for a very special wish. Devin never guesses that a wrong number has the potential to make everything in his life so right.

Jenna Stockton adopted Reilly when he needed a mother and she intends to keep him safe. A small town across the country called Eternity Springs seems like a good place to hide from their past without any complications —until sexy Santa himself discovers her secrets. When Devin proposes a daring plan to face down the danger together and defeat it once and for all, she is tempted. Maybe Devin really is capable of making wishes come true? Perhaps in a Christmas wish they’ll both find the miracle they’ve been looking for all along…

A delightful Christmas novel in the New York Times bestselling Eternity Springs series.

My Rating: 

Favorite Quotes:

Her son could be a terrier when he got an idea in his head, and lately, every time she turned around, he’d been yipping and yapping about needing a daddy. How about I just order one online?

Those are really big antlers.”  “They’re called a rack,” Michael informed Reilly. “My brother Devin says guys really like big racks.” Jenna made a strangled noise in her throat.

I choose to live my vision, not my circumstance.

Devin didn’t dream about finding The One. His MO was The Many. He liked having a harem, to use his father’s term.

If Cam dyes his hair and starts wearing turtlenecks, I’ll lose my mind.

My Review:

Although it is not primarily a holiday story as the events span more than a year, this was a sweet, light, and effortless read and a gentle way to ease into the season.  The premise was original with several active and engaging storylines of light suspense and contemporary romance.  I don’t recall many books were all of the primary and secondary characters were as considerate and likable as those inhabiting this unusually relaxed and accommodating small town.  The writing was well-paced, easy to follow, and pleasantly amusing.  

Empress DJ

Author Bio:

Emily March is the New York Times, Publishers Weekly, and USA Today bestselling author of over thirty novels, including the critically acclaimed Eternity Springs series. Publishers Weekly calls March a "master of delightful banter," and her heartwarming, emotionally charged stories have been named to Best of the Year lists by Publishers Weekly, Library Journal, and Romance Writers of America. A graduate of Texas A&M University, Emily is an avid fan of Aggie sports and her recipe for jalapeño relish has made her a tailgating legend.

Social Links:

Emily March Website

Twitter: @EmilyMarchBooks

Facebook: Emily March

Pinterest: Emily March

Spotlight: Nightingale Way by Emily March

Eternity Springs is a magical place where hearts come to heal--with a little help.

As Emily March's beloved series continues, a broken marriage finds new wings to fly.

Title: Nightingale Way

Author: Emily March

Series: Eternity Springs (may also be read as a standalone)

Genre: Contemporary adult romance, Second Chance Romance, Romantic Suspense

Synopsis

Dark, brooding Jack Davenport hides his secrets well, never telling his wife about the dangers of his job, never sharing his thoughts or worries . . . never sharing himself. After tragedy strikes, their marriage shatters. Now a threat to Catherine Blackburn's life brings her back into his--and gives them a second chance. A reporter whose most recent investigation has ignited a national controversy and put her in harm's way, Cat thinks she can handle herself. So when Jack grabs her off the street and sweeps her to his home above Eternity Springs, she's furious. In the warm sanctuary of the Eternity Springs community, Jack and Cat face the heartache that drove them apart. But can they find the courage to pick up the pieces of a shattered love?

Includes a preview of Emily March's next Eternity Springs novel, "Reflection Point"

Excerpt

Feeling better about the world than she had in weeks, Cat relaxed. She dozed for a bit, then awoke slowly, soaking in the sun and drinking in the sound of water crashing over stones, and the comfort of the small dog resting beside her. This was a little piece of paradise, wasn't it? When a yellow butterfly danced across the air above her, she watched it until something higher in the sky caught her notice. The bird was huge, with a wingspan of at least six feet as it soared and circled above the valley. Cat sat up and shielded her eyes with her hand, watching the bird's majestic presence. Was that an eagle? She wasn't sure. She'd never seen an eagle in the wild, but since Jack had told her his estate was named Eagle's Way, she wouldn't be surprised. As she watched, the bird suddenly turned and dived toward the ground. As he came closer, she saw the familiar bald head and decided that yes, he had to be an eagle. How cool was this? He swooped down upon the meadow and she heard a cry, then he rose with his prey - a rabbit - wiggling in his talons. Cat gave a little shudder, and murmured to Peanut, "I'd better keep a close eye on you whenever we're outside."  

She turned her attention back to the water, and that's when she saw him. Jack stood downstream some fifty yards or so with a fly rod in his hands. She watched him work the line with a fluid, artistic grace, and an old, familiar yearning washed through her.

Those hands. Those talented hands. They'd made her body sing like none before and none since.

Suddenly he yanked back on the rod. Color flashed on the surface of the stream as he reeled the rainbow trout in. Once he had the wriggling fish gripped securely in his hand, he looked her way. The predatory triumph in his eyes brought the eagle to mind.

A frisson of apprehension skittered up Cat's spine. This might be her opportunity, but she was in his territory. She'd best keep watch on more than the sky while she was in Eagle's Way.

Available in eBook & Print Formats via this  Amazon Universal Purchase Link!

About Emily March

Emily March is the New York Times, Publishers Weekly, and USA Today bestselling author of over thirty novels, including the critically acclaimed Eternity Springs series. Publishers Weekly calls March a "master of delightful banter," and her heartwarming, emotionally charged stories have been named to Best of the Year lists by Publishers Weekly, Library Journal, and Romance Writers of America. A graduate of Texas A&M University, Emily is an avid fan of Aggie sports and her recipe for jalapeño relish has made her a tailgating legend.

Pseudonym(s): Geralyn Dawson

Stalker Links

Facebook Twitter (@emilymarchbooks) Website Amazon Author Page Pinterest

Praise for the Eternity Springs Series...

"For a wonderful read, don't miss a visit to Eternity Springs."--Lisa Kleypas

"With passion, romance, and revealing moments that will touch your heart, [Emily March] takes readers on an unhurried journey where past mistakes are redeemed and a more beautiful future is forged--one miracle at a time."--USA Today

Spotlight: Lover's Leap by Emily March

Readers have fallen in love with Eternity Springs, the magical town in Emily March’s beloved series where something wonderful happens to hearts in need of healing.

Title: Lover's Leap

Author: Emily March 
  Series: Eternity Springs (may also be read as a standalone) Genre: Adult contemporary romance, inspirational romance, second chance romance

Synopsis

Twenty years ago the town bad boy, Cam Murphy, left Eternity Springs in handcuffs, riding in the back of a sheriff’s van . . . and breaking young Sarah Reese’s heart. The defiant teenager vowed never to return.

In Australia, Cam makes a new beginning. He builds a successful business and suffers few regrets until Sarah—and their daughter—walk into his life, and then immediately run away. Realizing it’s time to right yesterday’s wrongs, he follows Sarah home to Colorado—and turns her world upside down. Cam wants to know his daughter. He needs to prove to Sarah, the town, and himself that he’s changed. Will the residents of Eternity Springs offer forgiveness—and will Sarah have the courage to trust this man who is asking for a second chance?

Excerpt

"You know, I've been a lot of places in this world, but this place is still one of my favorite spots."

"It is beautiful."

"That's not it. The world has plenty of beautiful places. What made this so great is that I was happy here."

"In Eternity Springs?"

"No. Here at Lover's Leap. With you."

He sounded so sincere. Sarah's heart hitched. Was he trying to seduce her all over again? Is that what this is about? What that kiss was about this afternoon?

She was vulnerable to him. Well, vulnerable to the old, or make that the young Cam.

"I expect everyone is a little nostalgic about their teenage days to some extent."

"I'm not talking about nostalgia. I've never been nostalgic about those days; I have nightmares about those days. I'm talking about happiness, which for me means Lover's Leap. I never bought into the whole thrill of the forbidden thing. I hated sneaking around with you. This was the only place we were honest."

He gave his head a shake, then said, "I'm sorry. I sound like a whiny kid. I don't know what's wrong with me. I'm in the weirdest mood tonight."

He's talking about his feelings and emotions. He's a guy. Of course he thinks it's weird.

Buy Lover's Leap on Amazon.com!

About Emily March

Emily March is the New York Times, Publishers Weekly, and USA Today bestselling author of over thirty novels, including the critically acclaimed Eternity Springs series. Publishers Weekly calls March a "master of delightful banter," and her heartwarming, emotionally charged stories have been named to Best of the Year lists by Publishers Weekly, Library Journal, and Romance Writers of America. A graduate of Texas A&M University, Emily is an avid fan of Aggie sports and her recipe for jalapeño relish has made her a tailgating legend.

Pseudonym(s): Geralyn Dawson

Stalker Links

Facebook Twitter (@emilymarchbooks) Website Amazon Author Page Pinterest

 

Spotlight: Heartache Falls by Emily March

Title: Heartache Falls

Author: Emily March 
  Series: Eternity Springs 
  Genre: Adult contemporary romance, inspirational romance

Synopsis

Married for more than twenty years, and with her children out of the nest, Ali Timberlake has come to Eternity Springs alone. She’s looking for answers to heartbreaking questions and searching for something that’s missing deep within herself. Taking a lease on the Bristlecone Café in pursuit of a lifelong dream, Ali feels revitalized as she becomes part of this charming mountain town. But a big piece of her is still back in Denver with her husband, Mac, a successful judge—and a man who isn’t going to let the woman he loves leave without a fight.

When Mac shows up in Eternity Springs—sexy, seductive, and determined to win his wife back—he experiences the wonder of the place that has given Ali such feelings of happiness and belonging. He wants that for her, but even more, he wants that with her. Ali has found a special place for her heart. But is there still enough room left in that heart for him?

Excerpt

"Very funny, Timberlake. This is the first time I've worn this shirt and I've spilled wine on it. It's probably ruined."

"Take it off and rinse it in the creek before the stain sets." When she paused and looked worriedly around, he added, "No one will see you but the steer, and not only is it impossible for him to tattle on you, he doesn't have the equipment needed to take advantage of the situation. I, on the other hand..." He waggled his eyebrows wolfishly.

Ali frowned at him.

The amusement in his eyes transformed to heat. "Take off your shirt, Ali-cat."

A ribbon of heat fluttered through her. "I guess I do need to soak the stain."

"You certainly do."

After glancing around the meadow one more time, she reached down to pull the shirt up and off, then hesitated. "If I do, will you give me your shirt to wear on the way back to town?"

"I certainly will."

He sucked in an audible breath when she revealed the sexy red bra. When she knelt beside the creek and leaned over to rinse the shirt, he shifted to get a better view. Ali tended to the shirt, honestly fretful over the stain.

When she'd done her best with the shirt, she stretched it out to dry atop the boulder where she'd fished. When she turned around, Mac sat stretched out on their blanket, propped up on his elbows. He said, "I want to make love to you, Ali. Here. Now."

Buy Heartache falls on Amazon.com!

About Emily March

Emily March is the New York Times, Publishers Weekly, and USA Today bestselling author of over thirty novels, including the critically acclaimed Eternity Springs series. Publishers Weekly calls March a "master of delightful banter," and her heartwarming, emotionally charged stories have been named to Best of the Year lists by Publishers Weekly, Library Journal, and Romance Writers of America. A graduate of Texas A&M University, Emily is an avid fan of Aggie sports and her recipe for jalapeño relish has made her a tailgating legend.

Pseudonym(s): Geralyn Dawson

Stalker Links

Facebook Twitter(@emilymarchbooks) 

Website Amazon Author Page Pinterest

 

New Release: Hummingbird Lake by Emily March

Spend a Romantic Summer in Eternity Springs, Colorado

Featured Book: Hummingbird Lake

Author: Emily March

Series: Eternity Springs (although part of a series, each book may be read as a standalone novel)

Genre: Contemporary Adult Romance, Inspirational Romance, New Adult Romance

Synopsis

Haunted by painful memories, pediatric surgeon Sage Anderson gives up medicine and moves to Eternity Springs. There she finds a place to call home, but even her newfound success as a gifted artist isn’t enough to keep her nightmares at bay. Colt Rafferty is about to change all that.

Eternity Springs is a refuge for Colt, a place to ground himself when the stress of investigating tragedies takes its toll. He has come here for a little R & R, but instead of relaxing, he finds himself fascinated by the mysterious redhead whose secrets beg to be discovered—a beauty running from her past, a heartsick woman in desperate need of the sweet sanctuary of a devoted man’s embrace. And he is just the man to show her the true path to peace—by offering her the healing power of love.

 

Excerpts

The past two weeks had changed her world, mostly for the better, but not entirely. She would miss Colt Rafferty when he was gone. However, thinking it through while she mopped her kitchen floor, she decided she was still glad he was leaving. The man was like a dog with a bone, always pushing, always prodding, always wanting to discover a fact, solve a mystery, and piece together a puzzle. He did it in a nice way. Most of the time you didn't even notice he was doing it. Still, she'd had enough of it. Sage would only be pushed and prodded so far. With today's revelation, she'd pretty much reached her limit. Were he not already on his way out of town, she suspected she might have been forced to give him his walking papers. Because Colt Rafferty might push, but Sage Anderson planted. When she absolutely, positively, established a boundary or claimed a position, she sank her roots as deep as Murphy Mountain was tall. She'd learned that she had to do it that way. It was how she managed to survive.

-----------

He looked at the blank screen on the television, then back at her. "I don't like my dates to be bored."

"Oh?"

There came that damned smile again, and Colt was suddenly reminded of the look in her eyes when she'd thrown that last snowball at him. He'd had it all wrong. Forget the name Cinnamon -- he should call her Vixen. She'd been leading him down the pine forest path all along, and he'd been too dense to recognize it.

Well, the blinders were off now.

"No. Boredom won't do." He reached out with his index finger to trace the V of her neckline, where her skin was as soft as the cashmere that caressed it. "Gonna let me entertain you?"

"What do you have in mind?"

"I thought we'd start with that dip in the hot tub."

"I didn't bring my swimsuit."

"That's handy." He skimmed his hand down her torso, grabbed the hem of her sweater, and whipped it up over her head. "You're not gonna need it."

About Emily March

Emily March is the New York Times, Publishers Weekly, and USA Today bestselling author of over thirty novels, including the critically acclaimed Eternity Springs series. Publishers Weekly calls March a "master of delightful banter," and her heartwarming, emotionally charged stories have been named to Best of the Year lists by Publishers Weekly, Library Journal, and Romance Writers of America. A graduate of Texas A&M University, Emily is an avid fan of Aggie sports and her recipe for jalapeño relish has made her a tailgating legend.

Pseudonym(s): Geralyn Dawson

Stalker Links

Facebook Twitter(@emilymarchbooks) Website Amazon Author Page Pinterest

Purchase Links

Hummingbird Lake on Amazon

All of Emily's best-selling romantic novels can be found here: on Amazon or her website!

Check out the Eternity Springs Book Club on Goodreads!

a 160-member reading group, moderated by Paula Radell, with guest appearances by Emily March.

Spotlight: Eternity Springs by Emily March

Calling all Romantics ...

Have you discovered the Eternity Springs series by Emily March?

If not...consider spending your summer in Eternity Springs, Colorado!

Come with us on a virtual journey to Eternity Springs and fall in love ... 

Join the Eternity Springs Book Club on Goodreads!

You are enthusiastically invited to be part of a truly unique networking and reading opportunity for anyone who loves heartwarming, romantic reads complete with happy-ever-afters. The Eternity Springs series, by USA Today, Publishers Weekly, and NY Times bestselling author Emily March will take you to a world you will never want to leave. Fans of Robyn Carr, Susan Mallery, and Debbie Macomber will feel right at home in Eternity Springs, Colorado, where broken hearts come to heal. 

This summer, Emily, her publisher, and her promotions team are collaborating to sponsor a re-read of the first nine books in this popular series ... all leading up to the release of its tenth novel, HeartSong Cottage, (coming to readers on  November 3rd from Emily's new publisher, St. Martin's Press). New readers are more than welcome. Emily's romantic novels are contemporary, romantic and passionate, heartwarming and uplifting. Suitable for audiences of young adult, new adult, and adult contemporary romance ages 16 and over. The setting for the series is a rural, western, small town - with traditional social values. The sexual scenes are descriptive, but not explicit. The series is also classified as inspirational romance, because of Eternity Springs is a place where broken hearts come to heal. The overall theme of the series is that new beginnings are always possible - even when you least expect them, or don't believe you're worthy of them. Life happens, love heals.

The Eternity Springs Book Club has been created on Goodreads so that current Emily March fans - and new readers - may experience these contemporary romance novels together. The club has attracted 137 members already - and we haven't started reading yet! Reading "officially" begins June 17th and continues through October 13th.  Each book in the series will be featured for reading/re-reading every two weeks, with discussions, Q&A, author appearances, contests, lots of giveaways and so much more. We even have a Pinterest board and a Spotify playlist for members to add to and enjoy. A complete schedule is posted on the group page, with links to the book series.

About the Author

Emily March is the New York Times, Publishers Weekly, and USA Today bestselling author of over thirty novels, including the critically acclaimed Eternity Springs series. Publishers Weekly calls March a "master of delightful banter," and her heartwarming, emotionally charged stories have been named to Best of the Year lists by Publishers Weekly, Library Journal,and Romance Writers of America. A graduate of Texas A&M University, Emily is an avid fan of Aggie sports and her recipe for jalapeño relish has made her a tailgating legend.

Social Media Links

Facebook Twitter(@emilymarchbooks) Website Pinterest

Angel's Rest: Book 1 of the Eternity Springs Series

Named one of the Top 100 Books of 2011 by Publishers Weekly magazine

  John Gabriel Callahan has lost everything that mattered. All he wants is solitude on an isolated mountain estate. Instead, he gets a neighbor. Vibrant, no-nonsense Nic Sullivan is Eternity Springs' veterinarian, and she has an uncanny plan to lure this talented architect back to the world of the living. First with a dog, next with a renovation project, and, finally, with a night of passion that ends with a surprise. Now a man still raw from tragedy must face the biggest struggle of his heart. Can he forgive himself and believe in the power of second chances? Dare he trust in the promise of a future and brand-new family here in Eternity Springs?

 

Excerpt

Gabe gave in to both their desires. He tugged off his shirt and it wasn’t until he heard her shocked gasp that he realized just what he’d done. The scars had been a part of him for so long now that he forgot he even had them. He unconsciously straightened, bracing himself against the barrage of questions sure to come. Questions he had no intention of answering. That part of his life was a closed book.

The pretty veterinarian surprised him. But for that one betraying inhalation, her professionalism never slipped. Maybe her gaze was a bit softer, her touch as gentle as the snowfall, but she never once recoiled or eyed him with pity. Gradually Gabe relaxed. For a few stolen moments he allowed himself to pleasure in the sensation of human touch upon his skin.

“I’ll quarantine the boxer,” she said. “You should drive into Gunnison and see Dr. Hander at the medical clinic. He’ll put you on prophylactic antibiotics. When was your last tetanus shot?”

“Last year.”

“Good.”

Next she ran through a series of basic questions about his medical history, and then asked him to lie on his back. “Your legs will hang off the table, I’m afraid, but this way will keep your pants dry.” His jeans had been wet since he wrestled with the dog, but he kept that detail to himself and studied her through half-closed eyes as she prepared to bathe his wounds with saline. Her beauty was the wholesome, girl-next-door type. He figured the lack of a ring on her finger was due to work-related safety factors rather than marital status. Bet she was married with a couple of kids...

Buying Links

Excerpts are available on Emily's Website and on the book sites listed below.

amazon.com B & N iTunes Kobo