About the book:

Title: Jackson (Eternity Springs: The McBrides of Texas #1)

Author: Emily March

Published: June 25th 2019 by St. Martin’s Paperbacks

Source: St. Martin’s Press

Format: e-copy

Blurb:

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?

This is quite conflicting. I had several expectations from this book when I started reading it and, while these expectations were not met, I cannot say that I disliked it.

Let me start with the title. Jackson’s story is definitely more elaborated than Caroline’s. Both characters have a backstory and they came to Redemption to start over. But if for Caroline the past life concludes quite quick, for Jackson we need to wait until the end. So it is somehow fitting.

This is a clean Romance book, focused on starting over, building a good life and making friends. We have a hint of a blessing here and there, which just makes the atmosphere even more warm. If you are expecting lots of skin and clothes scattered around, this is not it. Which is fine by me, as long as we feel what our characters feel.

The backstories are quite strong. Both characters have struggled a lot in life. She has had to deal with a husband who was forgetting her a little more every day and he has to deal with the absence of her daughter. Hearts mend in Redemption and the intervention of two awesome innkeepers has something to do with it.

So we have quite a good start here. However I had issues with the slow pace of the story. In some chapters, I got lost in the details and I received little if the chemistry I was expecting. For how much they were saying they wanted to stay away from love, both started an exclusive relationship quite quick, but I did not feel that emotion. I didn’t feel the Sparks and their connection. I would have expected more butterflies and more passion when these two meet.

All in all, I do have some plus and minuses her, but I cannot deny the warmth of Redemption. I do believe the other couples will be even more interesting and I expect a little more intensity. For now, I am keeping my 3 stars rating and I am looking forward for book 2 of this spinoff. Happy Read.ing guys !