Jackson
Eternity Springs: The McBrides of Texas Trilogy, Book #1
By Emily March
ISBN: 9781250314918
Author Website: emilymarch(.)com
Brought to you by OBS reviewer Caro
Synopsis:
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? (Goodreads)
Review:
Cousins Boone, Jackson, and Tucker McBride have inherited land in Redemption, Texas from their great aunt who they barely knew. The boys decide to put the land and what they find there to use, such as an old brothel, a saloon, and a dance hall. With Boone and Tucker busy at the moment, Jackson is tasked to oversee reparations and remodelations where needed. Jackson is newly divorced and is not having the best time of his life after his ex-wife, a famous singer, has limited the time he can spend with his daughter.
Caroline Carruthers has been having a difficult time seeing her husband forget her day after day. Now in a care center, he has been spending more time with another patient and that breaks Caroline’s heart even though she knows his actions are due to his illness. When a sudden opportunity presents itself to Caroline she takes it and visits the town of Redemption. Here is where Caroline meets the McBride cousins and Maisy Baldwin, who for a moment help Caroline feel happy again. Her visit is cut short when she receives bad news from home. Jackson offers to drive a nervous Caroline to Austin. Since the moment Jackson met Caroline, inspiration and music came back to him after so long of not writing or feeling music like he used to, but he knows that she is taken and loves her husband very much, letting her go.
This was a nice story to start the trilogy with. The book introduces new characters and mentions characters from previous Eternity Spring stories by the same author. The main bridge between the books is Celeste Blessing the owner of Angel’s Rest Healing Center and Spa in Colorado. Celeste introduces her cousin Angelica to the McBride cousins as the innkeeper of their new inn. The interaction between these two is hilarious. Angelica is described as being more down to earth with a touch of hippie, while Celeste is just like her name describes her. Both cousins play important roles in this story and give good advice.
The death of Caroline’s husband took a great toll on her. They had been together for years and starting a new life without him made Caroline think of what changes and opportunities she should take. A relationship was not in her plans. At the same time, Jackson had been hurt by his ex-wife and his main priority was his daughter, but both found comfort in friendship and getting to know each other first making sure not to forget their priorities. This was an aspect I liked about the story because they both needed to find themselves before starting a relationship in order to give each other their full attention.
Redemption has several interesting characters and the story already sets up potential main characters and a very obvious couple for future books which I’m really excited for! It will also be fun to see how the Fallen Angel inn progresses and the McBride cousins trying to run it along with Angelica. I also hope to see more of Jackson and his music, especially now that he has a muse to inspire him.
The McBride trilogy starts off with a good story and great characters finding new adventures in Redemption, Texas. The book has romance, sad and hilarious moments, but above all it has an enchanted canyon that can change people’s hearts.
