What do you think?
Rate this book
Coyote Canyon #3
The Messy Life of Jane Tanner
When your life is chaotic, what’s one more complication?
Jane Tanner’s friends are settling down, while she’s been settling for less. She longs for adventure and the big city, but caring for her ailing grandfather means she's shackled to her small town. She’s excited her vintage gift shop is finally up and running, but it’s not enough.
Longing to fulfill at least one dream—to become a mother before her biological clock ticks out—Jane drunkenly propositions the worst possible candidate for Dad . Kurt Elway is off-limits with a capital O . He’s a good friend, but he's too young, too busy running his family’s ranch. Plus, he and Jane’s sister, Kate, used to date. That kind of off-limits.
Unbeknownst to Jane, Kurt’s pining for her. When he’s fully on board to father her baby, she sees him in a new light. Then lingering baggage between Kate and Kurt suddenly surfaces and Jane is reminded of just how messy life is. But…so is parenting. Maybe it’s time to embrace the mess?
Jane Tanner’s friends are settling down, while she’s been settling for less. She longs for adventure and the big city, but caring for her ailing grandfather means she's shackled to her small town. She’s excited her vintage gift shop is finally up and running, but it’s not enough.
Longing to fulfill at least one dream—to become a mother before her biological clock ticks out—Jane drunkenly propositions the worst possible candidate for Dad . Kurt Elway is off-limits with a capital O . He’s a good friend, but he's too young, too busy running his family’s ranch. Plus, he and Jane’s sister, Kate, used to date. That kind of off-limits.
Unbeknownst to Jane, Kurt’s pining for her. When he’s fully on board to father her baby, she sees him in a new light. Then lingering baggage between Kate and Kurt suddenly surfaces and Jane is reminded of just how messy life is. But…so is parenting. Maybe it’s time to embrace the mess?
369 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 20, 2024
331 people are currently reading
804 people want to read
About the author
Brenda Novak
239 books7,006 followersIt was a shocking experience that jump-started Brenda Novak’s bestselling author career.
“I caught my day-care provider drugging my children with cough syrup and Tylenol to get them to sleep while I was away,” Brenda says. “It was then that I decided that I needed to do something from home.”
However, writing was the last profession she expected to undertake. In fact, Brenda swears she didn’t have a creative bone in her body. In school, math and science were her best subjects, and when it came time to pick a major in college, she chose business.
Abandoning her academic scholarship to Brigham Young University at the age of 20 in order to get married and start a family, Brenda dabbled in commercial real estate, then became a loan officer.
“When I first got the idea to become a novelist, it took me five years to teach myself the craft and finish my first book,” Brenda admits. “I learned how to write by reading what others have written. The best advice for any would-be author: read, read, read….”
Brenda sold her first book, and the rest is history. Now a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, she continues to publish two or three novels a year, in a variety of genres.
Brenda and her husband, Ted, live in Sacramento and are the proud parents of five children—three girls and two boys. Now that they are empty-nesters, she spends her free time babysitting her two grandchildren.
When she’s not with her family or writing, Brenda is usually raising money for diabetes research. To date, she's raised almost $2.6 million. Her youngest son, Thad, has diabetes, and Brenda is determined to help him and others like him. She also enjoys traveling, watching sporting events and biking--she rides an amazing 20 miles every day!
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Author-...
“I caught my day-care provider drugging my children with cough syrup and Tylenol to get them to sleep while I was away,” Brenda says. “It was then that I decided that I needed to do something from home.”
However, writing was the last profession she expected to undertake. In fact, Brenda swears she didn’t have a creative bone in her body. In school, math and science were her best subjects, and when it came time to pick a major in college, she chose business.
Abandoning her academic scholarship to Brigham Young University at the age of 20 in order to get married and start a family, Brenda dabbled in commercial real estate, then became a loan officer.
“When I first got the idea to become a novelist, it took me five years to teach myself the craft and finish my first book,” Brenda admits. “I learned how to write by reading what others have written. The best advice for any would-be author: read, read, read….”
Brenda sold her first book, and the rest is history. Now a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, she continues to publish two or three novels a year, in a variety of genres.
Brenda and her husband, Ted, live in Sacramento and are the proud parents of five children—three girls and two boys. Now that they are empty-nesters, she spends her free time babysitting her two grandchildren.
When she’s not with her family or writing, Brenda is usually raising money for diabetes research. To date, she's raised almost $2.6 million. Her youngest son, Thad, has diabetes, and Brenda is determined to help him and others like him. She also enjoys traveling, watching sporting events and biking--she rides an amazing 20 miles every day!
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Author-...
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 293 reviews
May 29, 2024
The Messy Life of Jane Tanner by Brenda Novak is the third book in the contemporary romance Coyote Canyon series. The Coyote Canyon series is like a lot of romance series that changes the main characters within each new book with the setting being the tie between them. With the main characters changing each of these book can be enjoyed as a standalone but there are glimpses of previous characters for those that have followed the series from the beginning.
Jane Tanner has always longed for a life more adventurous than the one she’s leading but her dreams of heading to the big city were doused when she needed to care for her aging grandfather. Jane is excited to be opening her vintage gift shop if Coyote Canyon though giving her one thing of her own to enjoy in the small town as her friends are all settling into relationships and families.
Jane is pretty sure that prince charming isn’t going to march into her small town and sweep her off her feet at this point in her life. So with her store up and running and no husband in sight Jane thinks maybe she can skip that whole stage and just have a baby on her own. One night she tosses the idea out to Kurt Elway while drinking. Kurt is the last person Jane should look at for a sperm donor, her sister’s ex and younger than Jane but there isn’t many prospects in town so maybe Kurt would help Jane out.
Brenda Novak is one of those authors that I go to when I want to pick up a book that I know I’ll love even before I begin reading it. Where it’s her romance or suspense I haven’t found a story I didn’t like and the entire Coyote Canyon series was no exception to that. I loved that we have a main character strong enough to stand on her own if need be but vulnerable enough to accept a partner when the time was right. This was sort of a friends to lovers crossed with a second chance with previous feelings involved and I was all for it from start to finish and am now sad that I believe the Coyote Canyon series is ending.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
Jane Tanner has always longed for a life more adventurous than the one she’s leading but her dreams of heading to the big city were doused when she needed to care for her aging grandfather. Jane is excited to be opening her vintage gift shop if Coyote Canyon though giving her one thing of her own to enjoy in the small town as her friends are all settling into relationships and families.
Jane is pretty sure that prince charming isn’t going to march into her small town and sweep her off her feet at this point in her life. So with her store up and running and no husband in sight Jane thinks maybe she can skip that whole stage and just have a baby on her own. One night she tosses the idea out to Kurt Elway while drinking. Kurt is the last person Jane should look at for a sperm donor, her sister’s ex and younger than Jane but there isn’t many prospects in town so maybe Kurt would help Jane out.
Brenda Novak is one of those authors that I go to when I want to pick up a book that I know I’ll love even before I begin reading it. Where it’s her romance or suspense I haven’t found a story I didn’t like and the entire Coyote Canyon series was no exception to that. I loved that we have a main character strong enough to stand on her own if need be but vulnerable enough to accept a partner when the time was right. This was sort of a friends to lovers crossed with a second chance with previous feelings involved and I was all for it from start to finish and am now sad that I believe the Coyote Canyon series is ending.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
September 14, 2024
the setup…
Jane Tanner owns and operates a vintage thrift shop in Coyote Canyon, Montana while caring for her grandfather who has early onset dementia. Her two best friends, Talulah and Ellen, are now in committed relationships and she feels like life is passing her by. One night while she was at the pub with her friend Kurt Elway and had maybe one or two drinks too many, she asked him if he’d consider being her sperm donor. Prospects for a relationship look dim and Jane wants a baby before she gets too old to have one. Kurt has wanted to move out of the friend zone for a long time and sees this as an opportunity to get a step closer. Did I mention that Kurt is her sister’s ex-boyfriend and his brother is married to Jane’s best friend?
the heart of the story…
Jane’s life was complicated before she made that offer to Kurt and after? Messy is an understatement, especially as she opts to keep Kurt’s involvement a secret from everyone, including her best friends and sister. They don’t even know about her decision to try to have a child. Then her sister breaks off her engagement and starts giving Kurt a second look. And, Kurt wants to impregnate Jane the “old fashioned way.” Every decision Jane makes seems to exacerbate the mess.
the narration…
McFadden has narrated the entire series and does an admirable job of making Jane sound normal. Her storytelling skills are wonderful.
the bottom line…
I like family drama and this was beyond the pale. Jane’s original decision to hide her plans from everyone just snowballed into a soggy mess that even I couldn’t figure a way out. Kurt was such a good guy and hung in there when I thought he should just run. I was glued to the story, needing to see how this played out. It wasn’t a perfect ending but pretty realistic. It was a good time, despite and because of Jane’s terrible choices. And, I could see one more book…
Posted on Blue Mood Café
Jane Tanner owns and operates a vintage thrift shop in Coyote Canyon, Montana while caring for her grandfather who has early onset dementia. Her two best friends, Talulah and Ellen, are now in committed relationships and she feels like life is passing her by. One night while she was at the pub with her friend Kurt Elway and had maybe one or two drinks too many, she asked him if he’d consider being her sperm donor. Prospects for a relationship look dim and Jane wants a baby before she gets too old to have one. Kurt has wanted to move out of the friend zone for a long time and sees this as an opportunity to get a step closer. Did I mention that Kurt is her sister’s ex-boyfriend and his brother is married to Jane’s best friend?
the heart of the story…
Jane’s life was complicated before she made that offer to Kurt and after? Messy is an understatement, especially as she opts to keep Kurt’s involvement a secret from everyone, including her best friends and sister. They don’t even know about her decision to try to have a child. Then her sister breaks off her engagement and starts giving Kurt a second look. And, Kurt wants to impregnate Jane the “old fashioned way.” Every decision Jane makes seems to exacerbate the mess.
the narration…
McFadden has narrated the entire series and does an admirable job of making Jane sound normal. Her storytelling skills are wonderful.
the bottom line…
I like family drama and this was beyond the pale. Jane’s original decision to hide her plans from everyone just snowballed into a soggy mess that even I couldn’t figure a way out. Kurt was such a good guy and hung in there when I thought he should just run. I was glued to the story, needing to see how this played out. It wasn’t a perfect ending but pretty realistic. It was a good time, despite and because of Jane’s terrible choices. And, I could see one more book…
Posted on Blue Mood Café
February 2, 2024
Welcome to Coyote Canyon, Montana - where nothing goes according to plan, but it all works out in the end!
This is the final installment of the Coyote Canyon trilogy. It begins with Talulah’s Back in Town, continues with The Talk of Coyote Canyon, and ends with The Messy Life of Jane Tanner. Each book features strong, independent businesswomen who struggle to keep afloat in a small town.
Talulah runs a dessert diner, Ellen has a well-digging enterprise and Jane owns a vintage gift store. Each woman has her struggles and relies on the support of the friendship circle to balance happiness in their personal life as well as in their businesses.
Book three is Jane’s story. As the title suggests, her life is messy. It wasn’t what she had planned for herself and in trying to align it closer to her goals, she ends up making it worse. Her drive is a two-edged sword and is the cause of her tunnel vision. She wants to spread her wings and everyone around her is settling down. She harbours bitterness at being forced into a life she hadn’t planned through no fault of her own. The angst and the courage complement each other well and the sprinkling of hope/love rounds off the story well. They say opposites attract, and Kurt Elway is just that. He is cautious whereas Jane is spontaneous, but they both stand tall for what they want. Novak has written a fantastic trilogy that gives readers pause to consider choices and consequences and encourages embracing the mess.
I enjoyed the friends-to-lovers trope and appreciated the focus on daring to make one’s dreams come true….even if it makes life messy.
I was gifted this copy by Harlequin Trade Publishing, MIRA and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
This is the final installment of the Coyote Canyon trilogy. It begins with Talulah’s Back in Town, continues with The Talk of Coyote Canyon, and ends with The Messy Life of Jane Tanner. Each book features strong, independent businesswomen who struggle to keep afloat in a small town.
Talulah runs a dessert diner, Ellen has a well-digging enterprise and Jane owns a vintage gift store. Each woman has her struggles and relies on the support of the friendship circle to balance happiness in their personal life as well as in their businesses.
Book three is Jane’s story. As the title suggests, her life is messy. It wasn’t what she had planned for herself and in trying to align it closer to her goals, she ends up making it worse. Her drive is a two-edged sword and is the cause of her tunnel vision. She wants to spread her wings and everyone around her is settling down. She harbours bitterness at being forced into a life she hadn’t planned through no fault of her own. The angst and the courage complement each other well and the sprinkling of hope/love rounds off the story well. They say opposites attract, and Kurt Elway is just that. He is cautious whereas Jane is spontaneous, but they both stand tall for what they want. Novak has written a fantastic trilogy that gives readers pause to consider choices and consequences and encourages embracing the mess.
I enjoyed the friends-to-lovers trope and appreciated the focus on daring to make one’s dreams come true….even if it makes life messy.
I was gifted this copy by Harlequin Trade Publishing, MIRA and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
February 28, 2024
This is the third book in the Coyote Canyon series and it was just as enjoyable as the first two. In this book we meet Jane Tanner, a young lady who runs her own store and takes care of her grandfather, who is in the first stages of dementia. Jane has no time to find a boyfriend and date, but she wants a child. During a night out with friends, Jane drunkenly propositions, Kurt Elway, a man 5 years her junior and one of her younger sister's ex-boyfriends. She asks if her will be the father of her baby. She is thinking artificial insemination, but what Kurt agrees to is plain, old fashioned, sex. Jane finally agrees, but it is to be a secret. What both of them don't know is that the other is attracted to them, but is keeping it a secret as they are sure it is not reciprocated. Complicating this relationship is that Jane's sister Kate, has broken up with her longtime, live-in boyfriend when she finds out that he has been fooling around on her. Boy is that title accurate.
I enjoyed catching up with the characters from the previous two books and finding out what is happening in their lives. The ladies are friends, and are trying to reconcile with Avril, a friend who has caused problems in their pasts. Jane is a great character, but tries to be too much to too many people and not think about what she really wants. Kurt and Jane have some baggage to get past, and they need to decide what they really want out of life. Kurt is an amazing hero, one who can be depended on and makes the right choices. With some roadblocks to get beyond, there is a happily ever after, but there is a lot to deal with and get beyond. This is a romance, but it is also a story of community, family and friendship. I love the relationships in these books and the strength and value of female friendship shines. I hope there will be another Coyote Canyon book. Will Avril ever get her happily ever after, Brenda Novak?
I listened to this book and enjoyed the experience. The narrator, Amy McFadden, had narrated all three books in this series and I have become familiar with her style and voices. If you enjoy audiobooks, I don't hesitate to suggest you listen to this one, or do a read/listen if you aren't sure.
I enjoyed catching up with the characters from the previous two books and finding out what is happening in their lives. The ladies are friends, and are trying to reconcile with Avril, a friend who has caused problems in their pasts. Jane is a great character, but tries to be too much to too many people and not think about what she really wants. Kurt and Jane have some baggage to get past, and they need to decide what they really want out of life. Kurt is an amazing hero, one who can be depended on and makes the right choices. With some roadblocks to get beyond, there is a happily ever after, but there is a lot to deal with and get beyond. This is a romance, but it is also a story of community, family and friendship. I love the relationships in these books and the strength and value of female friendship shines. I hope there will be another Coyote Canyon book. Will Avril ever get her happily ever after, Brenda Novak?
I listened to this book and enjoyed the experience. The narrator, Amy McFadden, had narrated all three books in this series and I have become familiar with her style and voices. If you enjoy audiobooks, I don't hesitate to suggest you listen to this one, or do a read/listen if you aren't sure.
February 11, 2024
Book 3 in the series. I alway love how Brenda creates realistic conflicts with her characters. I couldn’t get enough of Jane and Kurt. I love how the main characters from book 1 and 2 were apart of the storyline.
March 17, 2024
Jane's life is certainly messy. I am a fan of the Coyote Canyon series; this book is no exception. Jane cares for her grandfather, who has dementia. She runs her shop and spends time with friends, but she can't help but feel that something is missing. She wants a baby...and she's worked out a few possible ways to have one.
I love the characters and the town. Kurt, Jane, and Papa had so much depth. Surprisingly enough, I was delighted to see Averil back in the fold. I'm hoping she is going to get a redemption story. If you are a fan of contemporary romance and especially of Brenda Novak, you will enjoy this story as much as I did.
I purchased this book and am sharing my honest review.
I love the characters and the town. Kurt, Jane, and Papa had so much depth. Surprisingly enough, I was delighted to see Averil back in the fold. I'm hoping she is going to get a redemption story. If you are a fan of contemporary romance and especially of Brenda Novak, you will enjoy this story as much as I did.
I purchased this book and am sharing my honest review.
February 20, 2024
This book was really great. And by the title, very messy! That's the best way I can explain Jane and her decisions! But one thing for sure is that Jane wants something, but she didn't exactly think about ALL of the reproduction's that would happen.
Jane is living through some big changes. She has her grandfather she's taking care of, (I was just shocked at how many people told her how great she is for taking care of him) her best friends were in serious relationships, and she wants to leave her small town. Which with all the drama I was like, "a baby too?" But I understand, sometimes we reach a certain age and our lives aren't looking like how we think they should.
One person she's gotten close to is a town friend Kurt. And who better to help her with her boyfriend/manless situation than someone who also isn't in a relationship? Thing is, Kurt's brother is married to her best friend. He "dated" her younger sister. And he's younger than her (which is everyone else's issue, not ours!)
With the complications of her personal life, there's also been some changes in some old friendships. Which I felt was one of the best part of the book. There's nothing better than someone apologizing for past mistakes and friendships being reborn. I hope we get Averil's story next.
Jane is living through some big changes. She has her grandfather she's taking care of, (I was just shocked at how many people told her how great she is for taking care of him) her best friends were in serious relationships, and she wants to leave her small town. Which with all the drama I was like, "a baby too?" But I understand, sometimes we reach a certain age and our lives aren't looking like how we think they should.
One person she's gotten close to is a town friend Kurt. And who better to help her with her boyfriend/manless situation than someone who also isn't in a relationship? Thing is, Kurt's brother is married to her best friend. He "dated" her younger sister. And he's younger than her (which is everyone else's issue, not ours!)
With the complications of her personal life, there's also been some changes in some old friendships. Which I felt was one of the best part of the book. There's nothing better than someone apologizing for past mistakes and friendships being reborn. I hope we get Averil's story next.
March 20, 2024
Normally I love all of Brenda Novak's books. This book the last in the trilogy just did not strike my fancy. You had two people in their 30s still acting like teenagers that snuck around. And Coyote Canyon has way too many people pleasers and not enough worrying about their own life. However the first two books in the trilogy I loved.
March 9, 2024
This book is aptly titled, Jane's life is messy, mostly due to choices she's made. I get that Jane had a vision of her life and how she felt like it was derailed when her grandfather got sick, but she didn't or wouldn't see the good in her life either. From the start I wanted her to see more in Kurt than she did, you could tell that if given the chance, Kurt would treat her like a queen! It was interesting to see how all of their friends and family felt about things as they were clued in on what was happening. I was glad when Jane was finally able to listen to what Grant said and took a chance at happiness.
March 13, 2024
I really struggled reading this book. I read for enjoyment and did not really enjoy this one. The first two in the series were good, but this one was tedious. I was pretty disappointed and couldn’t wait to get to the end. In the first two, I liked Ellen and Talulah in their stories, but their personalities seemed to have changed in this one. Apparently I’m in the minority because others really liked it and I’m glad they did. Just not my favorite.
March 20, 2024
What an awesome book. I so hated to see it end. Filled with so many twist and turns plus surprises along the way. This was the best book of the series. Hoping for more to be added to the series.
April 15, 2024
I didn’t read/listen to the first two books, and it definitely felt like I missed out on story stuff cuz of it. All the angst with the previous couple, especially the ones from book one, played such a huge role in this story. Some people may like that, but I hate it. I’m ok with precious couples having cameos or small side roles, but I don’t like feeling like I HAVE to read the previous books to understand what’s going on.
Also the stuff with Averil was confusing. Why is she such a big part of this story? Why was it important that she becomes “redeemed”?
Finally, these people are grown-ass adults, as they keep mentioning fifty billion times. Why are they acting like children? Like Kate getting upset over her sister getting together with a former hookup. They live in a small town, everyone’s bound to have slept with everyone else! And why can’t Kurt just tell Kate he’s not interested instead of having her hounding him like a horny dog and him dancing around her?
And why are people soooo obsessed over the age gap? It’s only five years for two people in their thirties. It’s not like he’s a teenager. People search dating apps with larger age gaps on the regular. Most people would call you too picky if you refuse to date someone only five years younger.
About the only thing this books does well is depict life in a small town more accurately than other typical romances. Small towns may be “quaint” and “charming” but there’s fewer job opportunities and the dating pool is tiny and getting access to medical care can be difficult.
Also the stuff with Averil was confusing. Why is she such a big part of this story? Why was it important that she becomes “redeemed”?
Finally, these people are grown-ass adults, as they keep mentioning fifty billion times. Why are they acting like children? Like Kate getting upset over her sister getting together with a former hookup. They live in a small town, everyone’s bound to have slept with everyone else! And why can’t Kurt just tell Kate he’s not interested instead of having her hounding him like a horny dog and him dancing around her?
And why are people soooo obsessed over the age gap? It’s only five years for two people in their thirties. It’s not like he’s a teenager. People search dating apps with larger age gaps on the regular. Most people would call you too picky if you refuse to date someone only five years younger.
About the only thing this books does well is depict life in a small town more accurately than other typical romances. Small towns may be “quaint” and “charming” but there’s fewer job opportunities and the dating pool is tiny and getting access to medical care can be difficult.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 4, 2024
It's a bad sign when you are reading a kindle book and you look down to see where you at and you say ugh ,when you see your only at 25 percent.
I do not understand Jane at all. She's all determined to move to San Francisco, but there doesn't seem to be a clear reason why. Shes determined to have a baby now and not wait until she is in San Francisco, so she can have a baby at the same told as Talulah. But why, if your moving away anyway. Why would you want to bring a baby into a situation where you are planning to move away, with no clear plan for a job or a home?? This girl just doesn't make any sense. At all. And the whole "redeeming of Averil" I'm sorry, after the first 2 books, she is not redeemable. Clearly the author plans to give her her own book and needs us to like her all of a sudden.
I don't think I'm going to finish this one, or the series.
I do not understand Jane at all. She's all determined to move to San Francisco, but there doesn't seem to be a clear reason why. Shes determined to have a baby now and not wait until she is in San Francisco, so she can have a baby at the same told as Talulah. But why, if your moving away anyway. Why would you want to bring a baby into a situation where you are planning to move away, with no clear plan for a job or a home?? This girl just doesn't make any sense. At all. And the whole "redeeming of Averil" I'm sorry, after the first 2 books, she is not redeemable. Clearly the author plans to give her her own book and needs us to like her all of a sudden.
I don't think I'm going to finish this one, or the series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 31, 2024
~~~ I received a copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review ~~~
The Messy Life of Jane Tanner is Novak's final book (so far- hoping for more) in the Coyote Canyon series. Obviously this book follows the story of Jane Tanner, a woman facing eternal singlehood and her biological clock. In this book, Jane does some pretty crazy things to get what she wants, not considering anyone else's feelings... and it all creates a big mess! But... her new found sorta-relationship with Kurt just might be the real deal that can offer her all she wants, if she will just overcome her trust issues. The Messy Life of Jane Tanner is a great continuation of the Coyote Series and we get to see more of the characters from the first two books. This would be a great light-hearted vacation read. I highly recommend the books in the Coyote Canyon series and Brenda Novak!
The Messy Life of Jane Tanner is Novak's final book (so far- hoping for more) in the Coyote Canyon series. Obviously this book follows the story of Jane Tanner, a woman facing eternal singlehood and her biological clock. In this book, Jane does some pretty crazy things to get what she wants, not considering anyone else's feelings... and it all creates a big mess! But... her new found sorta-relationship with Kurt just might be the real deal that can offer her all she wants, if she will just overcome her trust issues. The Messy Life of Jane Tanner is a great continuation of the Coyote Series and we get to see more of the characters from the first two books. This would be a great light-hearted vacation read. I highly recommend the books in the Coyote Canyon series and Brenda Novak!
April 4, 2024
There are patterns in the first book and third, whereby women get dibs on a guy. The guy doesn't reciprocate the attraction and claims. But, the wonen get angry and jealous at other gals who date their choices. As my steno teacher said, "Repetition makes for learning, girls." Then, Avaril is still awkward with her friends. There's still hostility, because Tallulah, from book one, stood up her brother at the alter. So, over-all, awkwardness, poor communication, immaturity, and shame are recurring themes.
February 25, 2024
It has taken me forever to sit down to write this review. I have so many conflicting feelings about this book. There are things I love about the story and things that really didn’t work for me at all. I don’t know if my expectations were too high after the first two books in the series, which were fabulous. One thing I do know is that there were too many secrets! I hate secrets. At least the kind that end up getting either too convoluted or drag on too long, and this book had both kinds.
When it comes to the main couple, Jane and Kurt are amazing people. Jane is kind and loyal; she’ll bend over backward for her friends and family even if they sometimes don’t deserve it. But she also tends to have tunnel vision and focus on the wrong things. There were so many times I just wanted her to look around her to see what was happening in her world, not what she thought was happening in her world. Kurt made some questionable decisions at times, but he is a completely lovable guy. I still got frustrated with him for not speaking his truth when it came to Jane.
I felt the way the author redeemed Averil blindsided me. I truly thought she was not redeemable so kept waiting for the other shoe to drop when it came to her part of the story. And while Averil and Jane’s other friends were great side characters in this book, Jane’s sister Kate was the new bad guy in my eyes. I could not stand how proprietory she was about Kurt and can we please quit making a big deal about a 5-year age difference when the characters are in their 30s? I know it was just because the woman was older and it got annoying, especially when her sister brought it up. There is more in her sister’s story that just sent me over the edge. I believe the author was trying to make a point about domestic violence and I was trying to look at it that way, for its realism, but it was hard.
There were pockets in this book where Jane and Kurt would relax with each other and those were the times I could see their chemistry and it would make me root for them. Yet there is something about Jane’s quest for a baby and the way single motherhood and IVF were treated by some characters that gave me an icky feeling. As much as I love Kurt, there is a part where he’s thinking about “how babies are supposed to be made” that just…ugh! No. Not in 2024 dude.
Overall, this book was okay. Not up to my expectations when it came to this series, but it still kept me engaged. Plus, I’m still hoping for more. Maybe Averil can find her HEA, or one of Kurt’s brothers. I’d love to see more of these characters and this town…without all the secrets.
**I received an ARC of this book courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions expressed in this review are my own and given freely**
When it comes to the main couple, Jane and Kurt are amazing people. Jane is kind and loyal; she’ll bend over backward for her friends and family even if they sometimes don’t deserve it. But she also tends to have tunnel vision and focus on the wrong things. There were so many times I just wanted her to look around her to see what was happening in her world, not what she thought was happening in her world. Kurt made some questionable decisions at times, but he is a completely lovable guy. I still got frustrated with him for not speaking his truth when it came to Jane.
I felt the way the author redeemed Averil blindsided me. I truly thought she was not redeemable so kept waiting for the other shoe to drop when it came to her part of the story. And while Averil and Jane’s other friends were great side characters in this book, Jane’s sister Kate was the new bad guy in my eyes. I could not stand how proprietory she was about Kurt and can we please quit making a big deal about a 5-year age difference when the characters are in their 30s? I know it was just because the woman was older and it got annoying, especially when her sister brought it up. There is more in her sister’s story that just sent me over the edge. I believe the author was trying to make a point about domestic violence and I was trying to look at it that way, for its realism, but it was hard.
There were pockets in this book where Jane and Kurt would relax with each other and those were the times I could see their chemistry and it would make me root for them. Yet there is something about Jane’s quest for a baby and the way single motherhood and IVF were treated by some characters that gave me an icky feeling. As much as I love Kurt, there is a part where he’s thinking about “how babies are supposed to be made” that just…ugh! No. Not in 2024 dude.
Overall, this book was okay. Not up to my expectations when it came to this series, but it still kept me engaged. Plus, I’m still hoping for more. Maybe Averil can find her HEA, or one of Kurt’s brothers. I’d love to see more of these characters and this town…without all the secrets.
**I received an ARC of this book courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions expressed in this review are my own and given freely**
April 18, 2024
I went into this book so excited and then realized how hopeful I was for me to have the same ending that … I ended up being disappointed because it’s just not real life. So nothing against the author or anything like that but if you are similar to Jane (mid to late 30s, contemplating motherhood, or have infertility issue) this book might not be for you.
It was a good book, but, idk - it hurt. So this review is more on feelings than anything else.
It was a good book, but, idk - it hurt. So this review is more on feelings than anything else.
March 7, 2024
This is Brenda Novak’s 3rd and final book in her Coyote Canyon Trilogy. Jane Tanner felt like she’s been left behind amongst her friends. She has been wanting a baby for many years now. So one night in their local bar she propositioned to a long time friend from years past to become her baby’s father. She didn’t want to go the conventional way. She wanted to know the baby’s Daddy. She owned her own vintage shop in town, watched over her grandfather and now trying to be a mother. Could she do all this? There are many twist and turns along the way. There are some endearing moments with her Grandfather who was suffering from dementia. This brought a feel of real life introduced into the story. Brought all kinds of emotions too. So touching! Brenda brings back the past characters from the previous books in the trilogy but this can be read as a stand alone. It was a most enjoyable read! Looking forward to her next book.
Thank you NetGalley and the publishers in letting me read this book and allowing me to leave an honest review.
Thank you NetGalley and the publishers in letting me read this book and allowing me to leave an honest review.
March 17, 2024
This was a fun conclusion to the Coyote Canyon series. I feel like there are more opportunities for additional stories, so I'm not giving up hope on that.
This was a fun read and a little surprising. I enjoyed the addition of Papa, Jane's grandfather who has dementia. The character and portrayal of a caregiver's role was well written in a thoughtful way.
This was a fun read and a little surprising. I enjoyed the addition of Papa, Jane's grandfather who has dementia. The character and portrayal of a caregiver's role was well written in a thoughtful way.
March 20, 2024
As always 5 stars isn’t enough! I loved this book/series. If you’re looking for romance,then you’ve come to the right place! I didn’t want it to end & hopefully there’s at least 1 more story to tell 💕
May 18, 2024
Captivating Story
Brenda Novak does it again with another great series.
This story addresses some real issues. The desire to have a child even without a relationship is not an unusual situation, but it gets messy when Jane chooses to get pregnant the old fashioned way rather than use a sperm bank.
The twisted and turns in her relationship with Kurt are fueled by her desire to move away from her small home town, and the fact that Kurt is her sister's former boyfriend who is also 5 years younger than she is.
Watching the relationships in this story develop, and the twisted and turns with everyone involved make for great drama!
If I could change one thing it's what felt like an abrupt ending, which suprised me and left me feeling somewhat dissatisfied, not only as an ending to this book, but also this series.
Brenda Novak does it again with another great series.
This story addresses some real issues. The desire to have a child even without a relationship is not an unusual situation, but it gets messy when Jane chooses to get pregnant the old fashioned way rather than use a sperm bank.
The twisted and turns in her relationship with Kurt are fueled by her desire to move away from her small home town, and the fact that Kurt is her sister's former boyfriend who is also 5 years younger than she is.
Watching the relationships in this story develop, and the twisted and turns with everyone involved make for great drama!
If I could change one thing it's what felt like an abrupt ending, which suprised me and left me feeling somewhat dissatisfied, not only as an ending to this book, but also this series.
February 15, 2024
This was book 3 of a trilogy! I loved all of them!
February 28, 2024
Loved this book!
March 31, 2024
Loved this book. So really excellent story.
Brenda never lets her readers down! Great story.
Brenda never lets her readers down! Great story.
July 18, 2024
3.75⭐️
December 17, 2024
I enjoyed the first two in the series, but this one didn't do it for me. It dragged on and the story didn't keep my interest like the other two did.
July 27, 2025
This book pissed me off. Bullheaded characters and the two love interests aren’t together for what feels like 90% of the time. The reason they aren’t together is the same the entire book which felt really one-noted.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 19, 2024
As another reviewer pointed out, seems like alot of repeats due to require page count by publisher:-(
This Summary/Review was copied from other sources and is used only as a reminder of what the book was about for my personal interest. Any Personal Notations are for my recollection only.
***
The Messy Life of Jane Tanner is the third book in The Coyote Canyon series.
We are once again whisked away to Coyote Canyon, a small town in Montana. Much like all small towns, everyone seems to know everyone and everything, or at least they think they do. We are reunited with the characters in the first two books. Every good storyline needs an antagonist and at times it felt as though the antagonist was the main character, Jane Tanner. Then again we all can be our own worst enemy, right?
As stated this story centers around Jane Tanner. She grew up in Coyote Canyon and wants out. There has to be more than this small town, right? She wants more! While she is happy that her gift shop, Vintage by Jane, is up and running and dong well, she longs for adventure. She is also taking care of her grandfather, "Papa", who helped raise her. Her parents had divorced when she was young. Her mother remarried and left town. Her father had remarried several times and just kept wondering from place to place, relationship to relationship. Perhaps this is where Jane's wanderlust comes from. But Papa was consistent in her life, he loved and adored her, she would do anything for him including staying in Coyote Canyon to care for him now that he had dementia. Papa would be lucid one moment and the next want to know when Grandma would be home (even though she had died several years ago). Their love was the kind that Jane wanted but there just wasn't any chance of that in this small town. She tried online dating...yuck! And even dating in the towns near by but there was no spark. The only thing she wanted more than a committed relationship, and leaving this town was a baby.
She could hear her biological clock ticking..tick tock TICK TOCK! She had to do something soon or she would miss her window! Sperm bank? Well that was an option, a cold impersonal option. Could they be trusted? Recent media stories flashed in her mind and well no, no they could not be trusted. She wanted to know her child's father. She wanted to be able to tell her child about him (and his family). But how could she go about that, here, where everyone knew everything? The answer came one drunken night. No not that way, the answer came to her. While dancing and having fun she asked Kurt Elway to be her child's DNA donor. The only problems were he was her best friend's brother in law, he was five years younger and he had previously had sex with her sister! To her surprise he agreed! Kurt had for years been pining for Jane and well this was his chance to convince her he was a good guy. A guy that would do anything for her. But could he just have sex with her, make a baby and walk away?
*That's what Jane wanted, but could he?
He wanted Jane and the whole package. You know the wife, the house, the kids, he wanted it all. But he could not leave Coyote Canyon, his family and his business was there. How could he change her mind and did he really want to? He wanted Jane but he didn't want to trap her and make her stay, unless she wanted to be with him too!
Neither of them took into thought the ripple effect. This didn't just affect them it affected their entire family and friends. How could they navigate all of this and not hurt anyone? Could Jane love Kurt? Would their love be like her parents or her grandparents? Would it last the test of time?
***
This is the final installment of the Coyote Canyon trilogy. It begins with Talulah’s Back in Town, continues with The Talk of Coyote Canyon, and ends with The Messy Life of Jane Tanner. Each book features strong, independent businesswomen who struggle to keep afloat in a small town.
Talulah runs a dessert diner, Ellen has a well-digging enterprise and Jane owns a vintage gift store. Each woman has her struggles and relies on the support of the friendship circle to balance happiness in their personal life as well as in their businesses.
Book three is Jane’s story. As the title suggests, her life is messy. It wasn’t what she had planned for herself and in trying to align it closer to her goals, she ends up making it worse. Her drive is a two-edged sword and is the cause of her tunnel vision. She wants to spread her wings and everyone around her is settling down. She harbours bitterness at being forced into a life she hadn’t planned through no fault of her own. The angst and the courage complement each other well and the sprinkling of hope/love rounds off the story well. They say opposites attract, and Kurt Elway is just that. He is cautious whereas Jane is spontaneous, but they both stand tall for what they want. Novak has written a fantastic trilogy that gives readers pause to consider choices and consequences and encourages embracing the mess.
****
his is the third book in the Coyote Canyon series and it was just as enjoyable as the first two. In this book we meet Jane Tanner, a young lady who runs her own store and takes care of her grandfather, who is in the first stages of dementia. Jane has no time to find a boyfriend and date, but she wants a child. During a night out with friends, Jane drunkenly propositions, Kurt Elway, a man 5 years her junior and one of her younger sister's ex-boyfriends. She asks if her will be the father of her baby. She is thinking artificial insemination, but what Kurt agrees to is plain, old fashioned, sex. Jane finally agrees, but it is to be a secret. What both of them don't know is that the other is attracted to them, but is keeping it a secret as they are sure it is not reciprocated. Complicating this relationship is that Jane's sister Kate, has broken up with her longtime, live-in boyfriend when she finds out that he has been fooling around on her. Boy is that title accurate.
I enjoyed catching up with the characters from the previous two books and finding out what is happening in their lives. The ladies are friends, and are trying to reconcile with Avril, a friend who has caused problems in their pasts. Jane is a great character, but tries to be too much to too many people and not think about what she really wants. Kurt and Jane have some baggage to get past, and they need to decide whey really want out of life. Kurt is an amazing hero, one who can be depended on and makes the right choices. With some roadblocks to get beyond, there is a happily ever after, but there is a lot to deal with and get beyond. This is a romance, but it is also a story of community, family and friendship. I love the relationships in these books and the strength and value of female friendship shines. I hope there will be another Coyote Canyon book. Will Avril ever get her happily ever after, Brenda Novak?
Now for the hard part...there seemed to be a lot of repetitive information that truly wasn't needed. It became boring. I think this was done to stretch the story line to meet word or page length. Sadly this reflects on the author not the publisher or editor. I would have enjoyed let's say several pages of Kurt taking care of Jane as her pregnancy continued. Or preparing the nursery for when the baby came. I mean there may have had to be three! At Papa's, the ranch, and at Vintage by Jane! And Grandma Elway would most certainly need one. She's finally getting a grandchild..no make that grandchildren!!
The true value of a great book and author is when you reach the final page and that final period you want more. Sadly this is the final in the Coyote Canyon Series, I want more (I always do) there are still answers not given, HEAs not given. I don't think I am the only one who wants Averil, Kate, Ranson, Miles and even Charlie to have a story!
***
Negative reviews
Epilogue
This Summary/Review was copied from other sources and is used only as a reminder of what the book was about for my personal interest. Any Personal Notations are for my recollection only.
***
The Messy Life of Jane Tanner is the third book in The Coyote Canyon series.
We are once again whisked away to Coyote Canyon, a small town in Montana. Much like all small towns, everyone seems to know everyone and everything, or at least they think they do. We are reunited with the characters in the first two books. Every good storyline needs an antagonist and at times it felt as though the antagonist was the main character, Jane Tanner. Then again we all can be our own worst enemy, right?
As stated this story centers around Jane Tanner. She grew up in Coyote Canyon and wants out. There has to be more than this small town, right? She wants more! While she is happy that her gift shop, Vintage by Jane, is up and running and dong well, she longs for adventure. She is also taking care of her grandfather, "Papa", who helped raise her. Her parents had divorced when she was young. Her mother remarried and left town. Her father had remarried several times and just kept wondering from place to place, relationship to relationship. Perhaps this is where Jane's wanderlust comes from. But Papa was consistent in her life, he loved and adored her, she would do anything for him including staying in Coyote Canyon to care for him now that he had dementia. Papa would be lucid one moment and the next want to know when Grandma would be home (even though she had died several years ago). Their love was the kind that Jane wanted but there just wasn't any chance of that in this small town. She tried online dating...yuck! And even dating in the towns near by but there was no spark. The only thing she wanted more than a committed relationship, and leaving this town was a baby.
She could hear her biological clock ticking..tick tock TICK TOCK! She had to do something soon or she would miss her window! Sperm bank? Well that was an option, a cold impersonal option. Could they be trusted? Recent media stories flashed in her mind and well no, no they could not be trusted. She wanted to know her child's father. She wanted to be able to tell her child about him (and his family). But how could she go about that, here, where everyone knew everything? The answer came one drunken night. No not that way, the answer came to her. While dancing and having fun she asked Kurt Elway to be her child's DNA donor. The only problems were he was her best friend's brother in law, he was five years younger and he had previously had sex with her sister! To her surprise he agreed! Kurt had for years been pining for Jane and well this was his chance to convince her he was a good guy. A guy that would do anything for her. But could he just have sex with her, make a baby and walk away?
*That's what Jane wanted, but could he?
He wanted Jane and the whole package. You know the wife, the house, the kids, he wanted it all. But he could not leave Coyote Canyon, his family and his business was there. How could he change her mind and did he really want to? He wanted Jane but he didn't want to trap her and make her stay, unless she wanted to be with him too!
Neither of them took into thought the ripple effect. This didn't just affect them it affected their entire family and friends. How could they navigate all of this and not hurt anyone? Could Jane love Kurt? Would their love be like her parents or her grandparents? Would it last the test of time?
***
This is the final installment of the Coyote Canyon trilogy. It begins with Talulah’s Back in Town, continues with The Talk of Coyote Canyon, and ends with The Messy Life of Jane Tanner. Each book features strong, independent businesswomen who struggle to keep afloat in a small town.
Talulah runs a dessert diner, Ellen has a well-digging enterprise and Jane owns a vintage gift store. Each woman has her struggles and relies on the support of the friendship circle to balance happiness in their personal life as well as in their businesses.
Book three is Jane’s story. As the title suggests, her life is messy. It wasn’t what she had planned for herself and in trying to align it closer to her goals, she ends up making it worse. Her drive is a two-edged sword and is the cause of her tunnel vision. She wants to spread her wings and everyone around her is settling down. She harbours bitterness at being forced into a life she hadn’t planned through no fault of her own. The angst and the courage complement each other well and the sprinkling of hope/love rounds off the story well. They say opposites attract, and Kurt Elway is just that. He is cautious whereas Jane is spontaneous, but they both stand tall for what they want. Novak has written a fantastic trilogy that gives readers pause to consider choices and consequences and encourages embracing the mess.
****
his is the third book in the Coyote Canyon series and it was just as enjoyable as the first two. In this book we meet Jane Tanner, a young lady who runs her own store and takes care of her grandfather, who is in the first stages of dementia. Jane has no time to find a boyfriend and date, but she wants a child. During a night out with friends, Jane drunkenly propositions, Kurt Elway, a man 5 years her junior and one of her younger sister's ex-boyfriends. She asks if her will be the father of her baby. She is thinking artificial insemination, but what Kurt agrees to is plain, old fashioned, sex. Jane finally agrees, but it is to be a secret. What both of them don't know is that the other is attracted to them, but is keeping it a secret as they are sure it is not reciprocated. Complicating this relationship is that Jane's sister Kate, has broken up with her longtime, live-in boyfriend when she finds out that he has been fooling around on her. Boy is that title accurate.
I enjoyed catching up with the characters from the previous two books and finding out what is happening in their lives. The ladies are friends, and are trying to reconcile with Avril, a friend who has caused problems in their pasts. Jane is a great character, but tries to be too much to too many people and not think about what she really wants. Kurt and Jane have some baggage to get past, and they need to decide whey really want out of life. Kurt is an amazing hero, one who can be depended on and makes the right choices. With some roadblocks to get beyond, there is a happily ever after, but there is a lot to deal with and get beyond. This is a romance, but it is also a story of community, family and friendship. I love the relationships in these books and the strength and value of female friendship shines. I hope there will be another Coyote Canyon book. Will Avril ever get her happily ever after, Brenda Novak?
Now for the hard part...there seemed to be a lot of repetitive information that truly wasn't needed. It became boring. I think this was done to stretch the story line to meet word or page length. Sadly this reflects on the author not the publisher or editor. I would have enjoyed let's say several pages of Kurt taking care of Jane as her pregnancy continued. Or preparing the nursery for when the baby came. I mean there may have had to be three! At Papa's, the ranch, and at Vintage by Jane! And Grandma Elway would most certainly need one. She's finally getting a grandchild..no make that grandchildren!!
The true value of a great book and author is when you reach the final page and that final period you want more. Sadly this is the final in the Coyote Canyon Series, I want more (I always do) there are still answers not given, HEAs not given. I don't think I am the only one who wants Averil, Kate, Ranson, Miles and even Charlie to have a story!
***
Negative reviews
Epilogue
March 1, 2024
The third chapter in the Coyote Series. I enjoyed the first novel the best. The series revolves around 4 good friends. The series was ok but I don’t think I will read a 4th installment of it comes round.
February 20, 2024
Jane Tanner does not do things the expected and usual way. She wants to have a baby before her biological clock stops ticking and sets out to make it happen by pursuing a likely candidate as the father. Kurt Elway is a hard working rancher and has been attracted to Jane for years, but he cannot believe that Jane wants him to impregnate her and then walk away. What an unique plot with all of the characters reacting and interacting in different and very realistic ways! I enjoyed the fast-moving plot, all of the drama that such a situation evoked and the well-developed characters. I liked how old friendships were restored and new ones begun. I think my favorite part of the book was Jane’s caring concern for her beloved grandfather. Those scenes were so touching that they brought tears to my eyes. Reading a book that made me think, laugh, and cry was a perfect use of my reading time. I enjoyed everything about the book and appreciated that sometimes hard choices have to made for the good of everyone. I’m just glad that Jane was the one making those decisions and not me! This is fiction at its best, to be enjoyed, discussed and remembered.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. I have also purchased my own copy to keep. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16th CFR, Part 255, “Guidelines Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. I have also purchased my own copy to keep. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16th CFR, Part 255, “Guidelines Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”
Displaying 1 - 30 of 293 reviews