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Jesse & Sarah #2
Beneath the Willow
Jesse and Sarah's journey continues in Beneath the Willow, the sequel to the heartfelt novel, Across the Creek. For Jesse Malone, an architect in Chicago, life has been anything but easy. After losing the love of his life six years earlier, he is determined not to let love slip through his grasp once again. Sarah Ramsey, a business owner in the Windy City, is struggling to keep everything together through a difficult divorce. Her husband, a once brilliant attorney, is about to lose his career along with his marriage and is set on making Sarah's life just as miserable as his. When Jesse and his fiancee, Kate, walk into a local floral shop to pick out the flowers for their upcoming wedding, Jesse runs into the only other woman he has ever loved, Sarah. Their brief encounter sets off a series of catastrophic events as Sarah reveals a secret that will test the foundations of their lives, leaving them with one certainty...life will never be the same for either of them."
262 pages, ebook
Published September 17, 2012
385 people are currently reading
1270 people want to read
About the author
Jeremy Asher
11 books95 followersJeremy is an author of love stories—emotional journeys that include love found and love lost, humor, romance, danger, and twists that leave the story and characters resonating with you long after you turn the last page. Jeremy’s love for life and family are a constant in his books. Whether you’re relaxing at the pool or curling up next to a fire with a glass of wine, his characters come to life as you get lost in his stories.
Jeremy Asher is an award-winning author of seven novels. He lives in Indiana with his wife, four children, and soccer-loving dog, Wylie. When he isn’t writing, he is coaching his kids’ soccer teams, acting as chauffeur for his 13-year-old daughter, or binge-watching The Walking Dead.
Jeremy Asher is an award-winning author of seven novels. He lives in Indiana with his wife, four children, and soccer-loving dog, Wylie. When he isn’t writing, he is coaching his kids’ soccer teams, acting as chauffeur for his 13-year-old daughter, or binge-watching The Walking Dead.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 118 reviews
August 31, 2014
I could 'cop-out' and simply leave a one star review without commenting, but I think it is only fair to say 'why' I am only giving this a low rating.
I haven't read the earlier book, and as far as I was aware, this was a sequel, not a continuation of the earlier story, so I was expecting to be able to follow it without much difficulty.
However
The double-spaced formatting doesn't help with reading either.
I haven't read the earlier book, and as far as I was aware, this was a sequel, not a continuation of the earlier story, so I was expecting to be able to follow it without much difficulty.
However
The double-spaced formatting doesn't help with reading either.
October 20, 2012
Just as good as the first book in the series . . . maybe a little better! Jeremy Asher is an author I intend to follow.
November 4, 2013
I read this series mostly because I absolutely love this trope. Of second chances and enduring love stories over time. And I love to support and read new works from new authors.
The writing is flawless in these books. No grammatical errors, no choppy dialogue. Chapters flowed well. This author writes very well.
As a romance story I found it a little hard to follow. While we have Jesse's POV - I never felt like I really knew how he felt about Sarah until the end. I felt like his thoughts were always about Kate. Coming into the book I had this preconceived notion that he would have seen Sarah and there would have been more of an inner struggle of feelings for him. I mean it's their story. But, I didn't get that at all. Felt like he really loved Kate and had moved on. We read so much about how he spent months searching for the ring, how he proposed, the accident and how he cries at her bedside. For a while there I thought he was not even going to end up with Sarah. But, I knew he was since it is a 3 book series. Jesse and Kate get so close to getting married and it's Kate that calls it off at the very very last minute - like at the wedding. That was completely out of the blue. Her whole speech about Sarah being his one. I thought the timing was so poor. And it made Kate look like a complete martyr and somewhat idiotic that she chose that time to end it. Plus how much could Jesse have loved Sarah that he would have married her.
There was no resolution either really because in the next chapter drama happens. The next time the almost wedding is addressed - Jesse is looking at photos thinking about how Kate was right and he didnt love her the way she needed. Then 6 months go by and Rachael tries to tell Jesse to stop wasting time and go after Sarah. Then 3 months go by and he proposes to Sarah with the most heartfelt dialogue that was missing the entire book. It didn't even seem sincere. It almost seemed like Sarah was second best because Jesse wasn't the one that ended it with Kate.
It's a very clean book - there isn't much affection and no sex. For a romance book I feel like without those physical elements that dialogue and actions have to pretty strong to properly convey what the H and h are feeling and thinking. And I just don't think for me, it did all that.
The writing is flawless in these books. No grammatical errors, no choppy dialogue. Chapters flowed well. This author writes very well.
As a romance story I found it a little hard to follow. While we have Jesse's POV - I never felt like I really knew how he felt about Sarah until the end. I felt like his thoughts were always about Kate. Coming into the book I had this preconceived notion that he would have seen Sarah and there would have been more of an inner struggle of feelings for him. I mean it's their story. But, I didn't get that at all. Felt like he really loved Kate and had moved on. We read so much about how he spent months searching for the ring, how he proposed, the accident and how he cries at her bedside. For a while there I thought he was not even going to end up with Sarah. But, I knew he was since it is a 3 book series. Jesse and Kate get so close to getting married and it's Kate that calls it off at the very very last minute - like at the wedding. That was completely out of the blue. Her whole speech about Sarah being his one. I thought the timing was so poor. And it made Kate look like a complete martyr and somewhat idiotic that she chose that time to end it. Plus how much could Jesse have loved Sarah that he would have married her.
There was no resolution either really because in the next chapter drama happens. The next time the almost wedding is addressed - Jesse is looking at photos thinking about how Kate was right and he didnt love her the way she needed. Then 6 months go by and Rachael tries to tell Jesse to stop wasting time and go after Sarah. Then 3 months go by and he proposes to Sarah with the most heartfelt dialogue that was missing the entire book. It didn't even seem sincere. It almost seemed like Sarah was second best because Jesse wasn't the one that ended it with Kate.
It's a very clean book - there isn't much affection and no sex. For a romance book I feel like without those physical elements that dialogue and actions have to pretty strong to properly convey what the H and h are feeling and thinking. And I just don't think for me, it did all that.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 16, 2015
This was a pretty good read, but there were some pretty major glitches in the plot that bothered me. The 5-year old child had math homework and her hardest subject was science? The night after they slept together they were going to meet so she could tell him she was pregnant? Kate wakes up from a coma and has a long detailed and emotional conversation with Jesse immediately. A lot of the action just didn't come across as realistic, and much of the dialogue was stilted. I also remember wrong-case pronoun usage and other editorial issues.
October 22, 2012
WOW!!!! Jeremy, I don't know what inspired you to write this story, but it has touched me in an unexplainable way. I laughed, felt the emotions, and cried right along with each person in these two books. This story is truely one of the best I've read in a long while. I can rate you rate you right up there with the likes of Nikolas Sparks. I cant wait to read your next book....
November 1, 2014
Wow! That was an emotional roller coaster. I loved it! Only one left in the series. This is an author that has pleasantly surprised me. Can't wait to finish the series.
January 3, 2020
What Real Love Feels Like
I was in constant turmoil as i read this 2nd Book. It truly was difficult for me because there were so many things I wanted to happen.
However, as the story unfolded, I was able to see and accept what was happening and be okay with the situations.
There were so many strong characters and I loved how the author portrayed them very true to their character. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves/enjoys love stories, but thr reader needs to read the first book before reading the second book. Book one really sets the stage for book two and makes it more believeable. I must confess I shed many tears in both of the books. They captured my heart!
I was in constant turmoil as i read this 2nd Book. It truly was difficult for me because there were so many things I wanted to happen.
However, as the story unfolded, I was able to see and accept what was happening and be okay with the situations.
There were so many strong characters and I loved how the author portrayed them very true to their character. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves/enjoys love stories, but thr reader needs to read the first book before reading the second book. Book one really sets the stage for book two and makes it more believeable. I must confess I shed many tears in both of the books. They captured my heart!
February 5, 2019
Great story
I loved this sequel even more than the first book. What could've been predictable was instead thoughtfully and heartwarmingly refreshing. The main characters all were flawed in their own ways yet strung and interesting. The family dynamic between the brothers Jesse and Robbie was filled with love and selflessness just the way you want your relationship with your siblings to be, and more! I enjoyed the continued love story of Jesse and Sarah. You never know what life has in store for you and they are the perfect example of that. I'm looking forward to reading the next book!
I loved this sequel even more than the first book. What could've been predictable was instead thoughtfully and heartwarmingly refreshing. The main characters all were flawed in their own ways yet strung and interesting. The family dynamic between the brothers Jesse and Robbie was filled with love and selflessness just the way you want your relationship with your siblings to be, and more! I enjoyed the continued love story of Jesse and Sarah. You never know what life has in store for you and they are the perfect example of that. I'm looking forward to reading the next book!
July 24, 2020
These characters just sucked me into their lives, their joys, their sadness, and breathed life into reading. Years ago I would fall into a different world, even a different time. I shared the characters life. As life went on and books just didn`t have the same pull but this book and the second book in the series really was enjoyable. I had a hard time putting them down, especially the 2nd book. Thank you Jeremy Asher for your awesome books! Book 2: UNDER THE WILLOW WAS EVEN better than Across the Creek.
November 16, 2017
Losing and Gaining
This second book just completely hit the mark in this series following these two. The author just grabs your hand and you move through so many thoughts and feelings right along with the characters.
This second book just completely hit the mark in this series following these two. The author just grabs your hand and you move through so many thoughts and feelings right along with the characters.
January 24, 2020
A good sequel to Jessie, Sarah and Kate's life. I will read more of Jeremy Asher books. Unpredictable, and makes the reader want more.
We need more men writers that can reach a girl's heart. Asher can tell a good love story without sexual content.
We need more men writers that can reach a girl's heart. Asher can tell a good love story without sexual content.
March 20, 2021
Coming out on top
This book was the sadest and most shocking. Jesse and Sarah is going through a lot and of course things comming up that would normally separate them but in the end it made them stronger
This book was the sadest and most shocking. Jesse and Sarah is going through a lot and of course things comming up that would normally separate them but in the end it made them stronger
April 20, 2021
Romance
This first book is really good but this one lacks any of the charm of that one. Its a bad soap opera and Jesse and Sarah are so out of character. Plus the author killed two female characters off screen for no reason.
This first book is really good but this one lacks any of the charm of that one. Its a bad soap opera and Jesse and Sarah are so out of character. Plus the author killed two female characters off screen for no reason.
June 6, 2017
I finished the second book in this series
In a day! Quick and Gripping read, loved it, can't wait to read the final book of the series :)
In a day! Quick and Gripping read, loved it, can't wait to read the final book of the series :)
June 4, 2018
Another quick read. A little sappy, fluffy, not a great book but a good summer beach book not requiring much thinking.
May 4, 2019
Keeps you guessing
Full of twists. Just when you think you know what’s next, something different happens! But the ending is worth it.
Full of twists. Just when you think you know what’s next, something different happens! But the ending is worth it.
August 13, 2019
FANTASTIC READ!!!
Captivating characters and storyline. A Definite MUST Read! I'm so glad Jesse and Sarah finally got to and I can't wait for more!!
Captivating characters and storyline. A Definite MUST Read! I'm so glad Jesse and Sarah finally got to and I can't wait for more!!
April 1, 2020
This was just as good as the first book. Again it was easy to get into and a continuation of a great love story.
April 20, 2020
Great book
Keeps getting better. Just a great story and I am excited to read the next one. Has been a great series since we are quarantined.
Keeps getting better. Just a great story and I am excited to read the next one. Has been a great series since we are quarantined.
June 23, 2022
Romantic
A sweet love story that spans years and goes through rough times but through it all love overcomes all. Their is tragedy and sadness but there was joy and happiness too
A sweet love story that spans years and goes through rough times but through it all love overcomes all. Their is tragedy and sadness but there was joy and happiness too
November 8, 2023
Exceptional. Love reading Jesse and Sarah's journey... so many twists and turns. Awesome book... can't wait to read the 3rd now!
March 12, 2024
outstanding read!
Reading this book was enjoyable. I recommend it to everyone you enjoys a love story with a happy ending. Read this book you will love it!
Reading this book was enjoyable. I recommend it to everyone you enjoys a love story with a happy ending. Read this book you will love it!
February 27, 2014
Even though I didn't love Across the Creek, the first book in this series, I already had Beneath the Willow on my Kindle so I thought why not give it a go. I didn't hate the first book, I just found in unremarkable. This second book, even though it seemed like it would be the same story as the first but reversed, was much better. I still didn't love it, but it at least seemed to have some substance.
The story starts off with Jesse back in Chicago with his fiancee Kate. They go to get their flowers for the upcoming wedding and who do they run into? Sarah. Unlike Sarah, Jesse is committed to Kate, at least he is trying to be. Yes he has an almost mess up, but he pulls it together. He is not just going to ditch Kate now that he has found Sarah again, and not married/going through a divorce. Much better than Sarah making out with Jesse when she was engaged in the first book.
I liked Kate, though I didn't understand all of her ups and downs. At first I got it, but how everything was resolved, what she did I was just like really? So you did all of this last minute work and now you are just going to have your say and be done with this? Really? It didn't make any sense to me.
It is pretty obvious what the secret Sarah has is. I mean I guessed what it was based just on the cover, not even reading the synopsis. Sarah was a bit...I didn't really like her in this book. She had a lot of lame excuses for why she didn't tell Jesse sooner. Really would she have ever tried to find him if he hadn't stumbled into her store? And the whole not telling her then husband the truth as well...I just did not like her. She was so weak and lame.
Sarah's ex lent some drama to the story, but he was crazy. Not in a really believable way for me either. The end where he is super crazy was just a bit much for me. What happens I was just like come on. Do we really need to do this? Why can't we just leave these characters be and have everything be okay. Then the very end, Jesse's heartfelt speech under the willow tree...it was just like wait a minute. It has been almost a year and now suddenly you are in love with her again? What took you so long? I just didn't see it. I didn't see the two of them ending up together. I would have believed Jesse marrying Kate and being a friend to Sarah. Sarah can find her own other match and it would have been more believable for me.
Also posted to Jen in Bookland
The story starts off with Jesse back in Chicago with his fiancee Kate. They go to get their flowers for the upcoming wedding and who do they run into? Sarah. Unlike Sarah, Jesse is committed to Kate, at least he is trying to be. Yes he has an almost mess up, but he pulls it together. He is not just going to ditch Kate now that he has found Sarah again, and not married/going through a divorce. Much better than Sarah making out with Jesse when she was engaged in the first book.
I liked Kate, though I didn't understand all of her ups and downs. At first I got it, but how everything was resolved, what she did I was just like really? So you did all of this last minute work and now you are just going to have your say and be done with this? Really? It didn't make any sense to me.
It is pretty obvious what the secret Sarah has is. I mean I guessed what it was based just on the cover, not even reading the synopsis. Sarah was a bit...I didn't really like her in this book. She had a lot of lame excuses for why she didn't tell Jesse sooner. Really would she have ever tried to find him if he hadn't stumbled into her store? And the whole not telling her then husband the truth as well...I just did not like her. She was so weak and lame.
Sarah's ex lent some drama to the story, but he was crazy. Not in a really believable way for me either. The end where he is super crazy was just a bit much for me. What happens I was just like come on. Do we really need to do this? Why can't we just leave these characters be and have everything be okay. Then the very end, Jesse's heartfelt speech under the willow tree...it was just like wait a minute. It has been almost a year and now suddenly you are in love with her again? What took you so long? I just didn't see it. I didn't see the two of them ending up together. I would have believed Jesse marrying Kate and being a friend to Sarah. Sarah can find her own other match and it would have been more believable for me.
Also posted to Jen in Bookland
February 18, 2016
Sarah and Jesse meet for the first time when they were in elementary school in Across the Creek, when tragedy strikes both families and they move away from each other. They meet up again 10 years later, but circumstances and people prevent them from being a couple.
In this second book, Beneath the Willow, they have a chance encounter six years later. Both of them have changed during the intervening years. They have concrete goals and are fiercely protective of and devoted to their remaining family members, but they have not quite met their full maturity andare influenced by their pasts.
The characters who were so well-developed and endearing become even more so in this second book, as impossible as that might seem. The strong sense of family grows in this book, as well as the author's clever way of showing that most "bad" people have a spark of good in them, and that even the most "perfect" people can, when pushed too far or their family is threatened, succomb to an inner beast of anger. The theme thread of self sacrifice for another person is once again present.
I read each of these books in a little less than a day. Asher was a new author for me and I have already started the third book. They are lovely little romances with a lot of meat in them-- real characters, dealing with real issues that are becoming more common today. Sarah and Jesse's creek and willow tree are as magical as ever and I do highly recommend that this series.
In this second book, Beneath the Willow, they have a chance encounter six years later. Both of them have changed during the intervening years. They have concrete goals and are fiercely protective of and devoted to their remaining family members, but they have not quite met their full maturity andare influenced by their pasts.
The characters who were so well-developed and endearing become even more so in this second book, as impossible as that might seem. The strong sense of family grows in this book, as well as the author's clever way of showing that most "bad" people have a spark of good in them, and that even the most "perfect" people can, when pushed too far or their family is threatened, succomb to an inner beast of anger. The theme thread of self sacrifice for another person is once again present.
I read each of these books in a little less than a day. Asher was a new author for me and I have already started the third book. They are lovely little romances with a lot of meat in them-- real characters, dealing with real issues that are becoming more common today. Sarah and Jesse's creek and willow tree are as magical as ever and I do highly recommend that this series.
August 4, 2016
Jesse and Sarah’s journey continues in Beneath the Willow, the sequel to the heartfelt novel, Across the Creek.
For Jesse Malone, an architect in Chicago, life has been anything but easy. After losing the love of his life six years earlier, he is determined not to let love slip through his grasp once again.
Sarah Ramsey, a business owner in the Windy City, is struggling to keep everything together through a difficult divorce. Her husband, a once brilliant attorney, is about to lose his career along with his marriage and is set on making Sarah’s life just as miserable as his.
When Jesse and his fiancée, Kate, walk into a local floral shop to pick out the flowers for their upcoming wedding, Jesse runs into the only other woman he has ever loved, Sarah. Their brief encounter sets off a series of catastrophic events as Sarah reveals a secret that will test the foundations of their lives, leaving them with one certainty…life will never be the same for either of them.
For Jesse Malone, an architect in Chicago, life has been anything but easy. After losing the love of his life six years earlier, he is determined not to let love slip through his grasp once again.
Sarah Ramsey, a business owner in the Windy City, is struggling to keep everything together through a difficult divorce. Her husband, a once brilliant attorney, is about to lose his career along with his marriage and is set on making Sarah’s life just as miserable as his.
When Jesse and his fiancée, Kate, walk into a local floral shop to pick out the flowers for their upcoming wedding, Jesse runs into the only other woman he has ever loved, Sarah. Their brief encounter sets off a series of catastrophic events as Sarah reveals a secret that will test the foundations of their lives, leaving them with one certainty…life will never be the same for either of them.
November 7, 2013
Beneath the Willow is Book 2 in this series by Jeremy Asher. This was another free download from Amazon to my Kindle. Thank you, Amazon!!
I had thoroughly enjoyed Book 1, Across the Creek, in this series. I was looking forward to Book 2 and I was not disappointed. The same well-developed characters are in Book 2, but some of them had changed a lot during the 6-year time span between the ending of Book 1 and the beginning of Book 2.
There were lots of emotions running from happy to extremely sad involving the lovers, Sarah and Jesse. They had been through so much but somehow always manage to get back together.
The author does a great job of keeping the story moving along with twists and turns I didn't see coming. He also managed to tell a wonderful story without using bad language which is very refreshing to me. I am looking forward to Book 3, Close to Home.
I had thoroughly enjoyed Book 1, Across the Creek, in this series. I was looking forward to Book 2 and I was not disappointed. The same well-developed characters are in Book 2, but some of them had changed a lot during the 6-year time span between the ending of Book 1 and the beginning of Book 2.
There were lots of emotions running from happy to extremely sad involving the lovers, Sarah and Jesse. They had been through so much but somehow always manage to get back together.
The author does a great job of keeping the story moving along with twists and turns I didn't see coming. He also managed to tell a wonderful story without using bad language which is very refreshing to me. I am looking forward to Book 3, Close to Home.
June 22, 2013
I really enjoyed this two-book series. I was looking to read something a little more mature than the YA stuff I've been reading lately, so this was a refreshing change of pace for me. Both books are really just one long story, so I'm glad I was able to read them both back to back. I loved the characters. All seemed real and believable to me and I felt invested in their lives.
Overall, a very well-balanced, thought out book. It was clean which I really appreciated. The only complaint I have is that I wish the end had been a bit longer. We wait through 2 novels to see Jesse and Sarah FINALLY get together, and when they do, we only get a handful of pages. Still, it was a great story, and I'm glad I read it!
Overall, a very well-balanced, thought out book. It was clean which I really appreciated. The only complaint I have is that I wish the end had been a bit longer. We wait through 2 novels to see Jesse and Sarah FINALLY get together, and when they do, we only get a handful of pages. Still, it was a great story, and I'm glad I read it!
August 21, 2014
Sequels are usually not as good as the first and in this case, it is true again. I loved the first book and I loved this one, but I always have trouble with "seconds" that have to "re tell" parts of the story in the first and this was no exception. I found some of the things brought up from the first book to be unnecessary and I was disappointed with the storyline of the long lost mother being glossed over and not really reconciled. All that being said, the characters got to me. I related to them all. I felt the anger, the love and the sadness. Damn book got me crying again!! The author did his job by telling a story and wrapping the reader up in it. Will definitely read from this author again.
March 7, 2016
I absolutely adored Across the Creek and feel in love with Sarah and Jesse…especially Jesse. I admit that I completely forgot to keep my eyes out for the sequel Beneath the Willow…but when I saw it and I got really excited! I loved this book even more than the first! The night that I finished this book I was up pretty late because I just couldn’t find a good enough place to stop. The ending gets pretty intense and emotional. I never cry while reading a book but I couldn’t help it with this one. I hate to admit it but if it weren’t for my husband and dogs asleep next to me I probably would have been balling. This is a must read!
February 1, 2014
As I was reading this book, I kept thinking that references to Jesse and Sarah's back story seemed so much more interesting than the story that I was currently reading. Turns out that without realizing it, I was reading the 2nd book in a series, and there is, in fact, a book telling their story. Therefore I don't feel I can give a fair review, except to say that this is not a stellar stand alone book. It is an okay book.. but that doesn't mean that the series isn't exceptional. I can imagine that if I had read the first book and had gotten to enjoy some of the plot twists in the second, I might have a much different impression.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 118 reviews