Series: McBrides of Texas (Book 1)Eternity Springs (Book 16)
Sometimes it takes a new beginning...
Caroline Carruthers married young to a much-older man. Now that he's gone, she's lost…until she dares 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?
Good story of new beginnings, or as Caroline puts it "starting a new chapter" in your life. At the beginning of the story, Caroline is dealing with the effects of her husband's early onset Alzheimer's. A chance encounter with Eternity Springs resident Celeste Blessing sends Caroline off to Redemption, Texas, to write a travel story. The town makes quite an impression on her, as does new resident, Jackson McBride. Jackson and his two cousins inherited some property and must decide what to do with it. When Caroline receives devastating news while in Redemption, Jackson steps in to help.
Several months later, Caroline returns to Redemption as a new widow, looking to start a new chapter in her life. She plans to open a bookstore called "New Chapters." Still grieving the loss of her husband, any new relationships are not in her plans. It isn't long before she encounters Jackson, her knight-in-shining-armor from her last visit. Jackson and his cousins decided to turn their new property into a tourist destination, with a B&B, dance hall, and saloon. Jackson threw himself into the work as a way to forget his troubles. He and his ex-wife have been through a vicious divorce and custody battle, leaving Jackson unable to see or talk to his daughter for at least six months. On top of that, he has lost his music/songwriting mojo and wonders if he'll ever get it back. However, his encounters with Caroline provide stirrings of inspiration.
I liked the development of the relationship between Jackson and Caroline. There is an attraction from the start, but neither is in a place where they want a relationship. Caroline is still grieving, and Jackson has been burned too badly to want to try again. However, both are willing to extend the hand of friendship. I liked seeing them get to know each other, sharing in the little triumphs of their days, and providing support when things don't go so well. However, underneath the façade of friendship, the attraction between them continues to simmer. Eventually, it comes to a boil, and they decide that giving in isn't out of the question. And though they intend it to be "no strings," it isn't long before it's evident that their hearts are involved after all. However, just when things look especially promising, tragedy pulls Jackson back into the orbit of his ex-wife. I was very frustrated with Jackson at this point because it was easy to see that Sharon was angling to reel him back in, and Jackson seemed oblivious to her manipulations. I ached for Caroline, who saw it happening and feared that she would lose him. I was so happy when the light went on for Jackson, though I did think that Caroline didn't make him grovel nearly enough.
The backdrop for the story was the development of the Enchanted Canyon property. I loved the vivid descriptions of the property itself and the work they were doing to develop it. It isn't just Jackson, and his cousins Boone and Tucker, either. They have help from Eternity Springs' innkeeper extraordinaire Celeste Blessing, and her misfit sister, Angelica. I haven't read any of the Eternity Springs books, but I get the impression that there is something special about Celeste by the way everyone talks about her. Angelica, on the other hand, has a much different way of looking at things which causes frequent conflict between her and Celeste. I really liked Angelica and her "dented halo" outlook. I enjoyed the interactions between Jackson, Boone, and Tucker, from their teasing to the unquestioning support when it's needed. I loved the test run of the Inn's opening, with their friends and family from Eternity Springs and Texas.
I can't wait to read Tucker's and Boone's books. I will also go back and read the other Eternity Springs books.
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