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A Simple Plan
Once upon a time, Holden had it pretty good--a nice home, a good family, and a comfortable life. But he wanted more. With stars in his eyes, he set out to make something of himself. Now, after a few disastrously wrong turns, he's ambling aimlessly through life with his guitar, Betsy, as his only companion. So far, he's been content to wander, but when he breezes into a new town, everything begins to change. Then winter closes in, and Holden must make a choice. Keep running from himself, or face his past, and change his future.
190 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 30, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
October 7, 2023
A simple tale, beautifully told.
A Christmas story in its way, and also a hero’s journey by an ordinary young man who has lost his way. Rock bottom hits him hard and then harder, but he somehow clings to his inner sense of decency. A moving tale told in plain, heartfelt style. It should inspire many to keep going through mistakes and others to be understanding.
A Christmas story in its way, and also a hero’s journey by an ordinary young man who has lost his way. Rock bottom hits him hard and then harder, but he somehow clings to his inner sense of decency. A moving tale told in plain, heartfelt style. It should inspire many to keep going through mistakes and others to be understanding.
October 2, 2023
Tastefully written on a difficult topic. Anyone who knows someone struggling with addiction will benefit from this story. It reveals the heart of emotions an individual bears as they try to enter back into the normal world. Jessica put her heart and soul into this story. A+ story!
December 24, 2025
Holden has become a traveler. He has his reasons. He's on the road again. Walking—just a man and his guitar. He has no destination in mind. He's homeless in the sense that he owns no home or lease. His music earns enough to afford him modest, clean rooms and to keep himself groomed and fed. This town and the people he's met have treated him well, but he's preparing to move on. Yet this time, he may have a compelling reason to stay.
Holden's story is one of hope. Hope that if we stop judging ourselves by our past, there are second chances on life's journey. It is often challenging to silence the voice in our head that seems like we'll never forget what a person said to us at a moment in time. The judgement. Their judgment. For that person, the moment is long forgotten. For us, the moment is as vivid as if it happened yesterday. There are many people in our world today in need of hope. I hope this story finds its way to each of them. May each of us be the light of kindness, to say the words that uplift, to offer whatever actions we can. A casual few words by us may be a lifeline to another. Sometimes, the briefest interaction can have a lasting impact. It is up to each of us.
"A Simple Plan" is the companion to "A Simple Wish," which was published first. The books can be read in any order, but starting with "A Simple Wish" provides helpful context.
I appreciate how both "A Simple Plan" and "A Simple Wish" intentionally leave their settings ambiguous. This choice is significant: rather than prompting readers to recall or imagine a specific named place—whether or not they've ever visited it—the lack of explicit location allows the focus to shift entirely onto the characters and their situations. As a result, the story becomes more immersive and personal, inviting each reader to project their own experiences and journey onto the setting, making the narrative even more meaningful.
Holden's story is one of hope. Hope that if we stop judging ourselves by our past, there are second chances on life's journey. It is often challenging to silence the voice in our head that seems like we'll never forget what a person said to us at a moment in time. The judgement. Their judgment. For that person, the moment is long forgotten. For us, the moment is as vivid as if it happened yesterday. There are many people in our world today in need of hope. I hope this story finds its way to each of them. May each of us be the light of kindness, to say the words that uplift, to offer whatever actions we can. A casual few words by us may be a lifeline to another. Sometimes, the briefest interaction can have a lasting impact. It is up to each of us.
"A Simple Plan" is the companion to "A Simple Wish," which was published first. The books can be read in any order, but starting with "A Simple Wish" provides helpful context.
I appreciate how both "A Simple Plan" and "A Simple Wish" intentionally leave their settings ambiguous. This choice is significant: rather than prompting readers to recall or imagine a specific named place—whether or not they've ever visited it—the lack of explicit location allows the focus to shift entirely onto the characters and their situations. As a result, the story becomes more immersive and personal, inviting each reader to project their own experiences and journey onto the setting, making the narrative even more meaningful.
November 22, 2023
Once again, Jessica Marie Holt has us turning the pages, captivated by her descriptions and drawn into Holden’s world. A talented musician, Holden is trying to leave behind his life of crime and addiction. But when new friends offer him support and fresh beginnings, will this prodigal son accept their help or run away to the anonymity of the city? A wonderful story of second chances and hope.
January 23, 2024
I really enjoyed this book. I really didn't want to put it down. She takes a hard subject and just writes about it so beautifully. It kind of reminds me of the Prodigal Son story.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews