Jackson: Eternity Springs: The McBrides of Texas

Jackson is an outstanding western romance by Emily March. Ms. March has given readers a well-written book. I suppose this book is a crossover between this new series and another series by Ms. March. We meet delightful new characters while also getting a visit with characters from the older series. Jackson is a musician/songwriter that just lost visitation with his daughter when his cousin calls him to meet him in Texas. Caroline is struggling with the fact that her husband no longer knows her and to top it off, he's in love with someone else. Caroline and Jackson's story is packed with drama, humor and spice. I totally loved reading Jackson and can't wait for the next book in the series. Jackson is book 1 of The McBrides of Texas Series and book 16 of the Eternity Springs Series but can be read as a standalone. This is a complete book, not a cliff-hanger. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book that I received from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Jackson is well-written and Emily March certainly knows her stuff when it comes to creating atmosphere and setting up a scene. Everything is described wonderfully and at times, I felt like I was right there seeing it all. That said, I wouldn't exactly call this a romance. It's more like women's fiction with a side of romance. The story was a little slow, but it does have it's moments. There is quite a lot of conversation, and some of it - especially between the cousins - is witty and fun. As far as romance, we know Jackson and Caroline are attracted to each other, but other than a stolen kiss or two, the romance doesn't really start until around seventy percent into the book - and then we have the required angst for the couple to overcome. Being deliberately vague so as not to give spoilers, I wasn't a fan of some of that angst. I felt like it went too far, and had I been in one person's shoes, I don't think I could've been that understanding. Even so, the characters are likable, and while I found the story to be too slow for me, it was certainly worth the read.

AMAZING!! I just loved, loved, loved reading Jackson and Caroline’s story in Jackson by Emily March; the first book in her new The McBrides of Texas series. I loved how this story had broke the story into two parts, the first as the meet see as they become friends and the second when they are more than friends. Caroline is such a strong person, dealing with her husband’s illness, then his death, and finally beginning her next chapter in Redemption, Texas; opening a bookstore. Jackson McBride was a singer-songwriter who had loss his muse after his marriage ended and he was denied visitation with his young daughter. His move to Redemption was to find himself, not someone to love and who loved him. Meeting Caroline enabled Jackson to once again find the music and the words. When the time was right, two loss and battered souls found not only themselves but also another chance at love with the right person; someone who not only understood them but loved them. I almost wonder why the book wasn’t named The Next Chapter with all that it implies and how it was incorporated into this story. Ms. March wrote a wonderfully sweet and moving story that is not to be missed. It was a story filled with sexual attraction, fun dialogue, and endearing characters. Many of the residents from Eternity Springs played a small role in this story, including Celeste Blessing. You do not need to read the previous books to enjoy this one. I highly recommend this book to other readers and look forward to Emily March’s next book. I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.