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Sovereign #1
Hens and Chickens
Two women downsized by corporate America during the Great Recession move to Maine to raise chickens and sell organic eggs, and discover more than they bargained for, including love! A gentle-read romance, "Hens and Chickens" is the first book in the five-volume Sovereign Series by Maine farmer and author Jennifer Wixson. The Sovereign Series is set in the mythical farming town of Sovereign, Maine (pop. 1,048) noted for goodhearted and lovable characters, who weave in and out of the five novels like old friends dropping in for a cup of tea. "Peas, Beans and Corn," the second book in the series, was released to rave reader reviews in June 2013 and the much-anticipated third book, "The Songbird of Sovereign," was published July 19, 2014. The fourth installment, "The Minister's Daughter," Jennifer's best work (according to readers) was published in the fall of 2015, and the fifth and possibly final book in the series, "Maggie's Dilemma," in October 2017. You can follow Jennifer's daily life on the farm in Maine via Twitter @ChickenJen. Readers have warmly embraced the series, a blend of Maine history and modern rural living, describing "Hens & Chickens" as "a modern-day Jane Austen romance" and echoing the wishes of one enthusiastic reviewer who wrote: "I want to get in my car and drive to Sovereign, Maine!" Kick your shoes off; curl up in a comfy chair; and prepare to lose yourself in the wonderful world of Sovereign, Maine!
- GenresRomance
309 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 5, 2012
28 people are currently reading
320 people want to read
About the author
Jennifer Wixson
15 books38 followersBorn on a dairy farm in Winslow, Maine, Jennifer's writing is heavily influenced by her childhood running free in the Maine pastures and woods near her rural home. She received a Master's degree in Divinity from Bangor Theological Seminary in 2001 and has served as an itinerant Quaker minister for several different denomination churches. Jennifer writes (in winter) from her farm in central Maine, where she and her husband (affectionately known as the Cranberry Man) raise Scottish Highland cattle. In addition to her novels and two non-fiction titles, Jennifer also writes a regular column, "Letter from Troy," for the oft-heralded Maine publication, Islandport Magazine. You can follow her daily adventures on Twitter @ChickenJen and discover the latest on her writing via her Facebook author's page https://www.facebook.com/Jennifer.Wix.... Find more about The Sovereign Series at http://www.thesovereignseries.com/
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
September 12, 2012
I really wanted to like this book - I do so enjoy series about towns with interesting characters and amusing storylines. I had hoped for another lovely read like the Jan Karon books, or something more comical like the Lumby series. Unfortunately there are some things about this that I just can't get past.
For one, the narrator breaks in at the worst (for me) moments, and spends pages talking philosophically about life - which ... why do I care what they think about life? I want to hear from the characters! We're given no reason to need or want to know what the narrator thinks. Who is this person talking at me? It breaks up the flow of the story and yanks me out of the book right when I'm wanting more than ever to be lost in the book! It's an easy trick way of putting in exposition without having to think about how to have your characters deal with it. But it breaks the flow and it's information that I have no idea what to do with - why am I being told this stuff? I'd say "read on and just wait and see" except it keeps happening and no real reason is ever revealed.
Another issue is the ever so convenient happenings in the book. Inheritances, low prices on houses, nobody's chickens arrive sick or dead, no eggs are bad, etc. It just felt too much like the author was deliberately making things WAY too easy for her characters. I'd have enjoyed the book a lot more if the characters had had to work for what they got, instead of having everything handed to them or when tense situations were resolved via deus ex machina. Plus, we never actually see the main female character WORK. We're told about how much work she does, she's described as ever so busy and tired, but we see her gather eggs once so far, and I'm two thirds of the way through the book. One gathering, one work session, one painting session, bam! Busiest woman around! Except, no. We don't ever SEE it. We see her partner working. We see secondary characters working. Her boyfriend works all day every day.
Then there's the author/narrator's habit of calling the readers all sorts of cutesy names, very off-putting for me. I want story, not cutesy! And the ever-repeated drawn out words trying to show us how people talk - "Oooooooooooooooo!" and "Nooooooooooooo!" etc - it's getting to be as bad as Barbara Cartland. Every time the main character squeals or tinkling giggles or titters or etc again, I roll my eyes.
I am hoping that the last third of the book redeems itself, but the ever-so-obvious seeeeecret of one character, which is supposedly seeeeecret, is writ large upon the sky for everyone to see - except no one sees it. And we're getting to the supposedly heavy "wah wah wah poor little me" section and all I want to do is yell at the author: TELL ME MORE ABOUT THE CHICKENS AND LESS ABOUT PEOPLE'S Seeeeecrets!
I had SUCH high hopes. Darrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrlings. Such high hopes. Such eggspectations. My little pips. My peeps. My little chickies. My .... yeah, the cutesy names are annoying. Dashed high hopes, dashed.
For one, the narrator breaks in at the worst (for me) moments, and spends pages talking philosophically about life - which ... why do I care what they think about life? I want to hear from the characters! We're given no reason to need or want to know what the narrator thinks. Who is this person talking at me? It breaks up the flow of the story and yanks me out of the book right when I'm wanting more than ever to be lost in the book! It's an easy trick way of putting in exposition without having to think about how to have your characters deal with it. But it breaks the flow and it's information that I have no idea what to do with - why am I being told this stuff? I'd say "read on and just wait and see" except it keeps happening and no real reason is ever revealed.
Another issue is the ever so convenient happenings in the book. Inheritances, low prices on houses, nobody's chickens arrive sick or dead, no eggs are bad, etc. It just felt too much like the author was deliberately making things WAY too easy for her characters. I'd have enjoyed the book a lot more if the characters had had to work for what they got, instead of having everything handed to them or when tense situations were resolved via deus ex machina. Plus, we never actually see the main female character WORK. We're told about how much work she does, she's described as ever so busy and tired, but we see her gather eggs once so far, and I'm two thirds of the way through the book. One gathering, one work session, one painting session, bam! Busiest woman around! Except, no. We don't ever SEE it. We see her partner working. We see secondary characters working. Her boyfriend works all day every day.
Then there's the author/narrator's habit of calling the readers all sorts of cutesy names, very off-putting for me. I want story, not cutesy! And the ever-repeated drawn out words trying to show us how people talk - "Oooooooooooooooo!" and "Nooooooooooooo!" etc - it's getting to be as bad as Barbara Cartland. Every time the main character squeals or tinkling giggles or titters or etc again, I roll my eyes.
I am hoping that the last third of the book redeems itself, but the ever-so-obvious seeeeecret of one character, which is supposedly seeeeecret, is writ large upon the sky for everyone to see - except no one sees it. And we're getting to the supposedly heavy "wah wah wah poor little me" section and all I want to do is yell at the author: TELL ME MORE ABOUT THE CHICKENS AND LESS ABOUT PEOPLE'S Seeeeecrets!
I had SUCH high hopes. Darrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrlings. Such high hopes. Such eggspectations. My little pips. My peeps. My little chickies. My .... yeah, the cutesy names are annoying. Dashed high hopes, dashed.
September 21, 2015
I wrote 7-8 novels (so many I've lost count) before Hens and Chickens but never one that I thought was REALLY good enough to publish, until now. Practice? Maybe. Vanity? Probably. But that's why I'm giving this little tale of mine 5-stars.
In addition, when I finished Hens and Chickens I missed my characters and the town so much so that I decided to create The Sovereign Series, thus Hens and Chickens is just the 1st book in a three-book (well, maybe four-book) series. (Quite a few readers have advocated for Miss Hastings to have her own book; the jury is still out.) You see, I don't want the story to end, and apparently my readers don't either.
Get yourself a comfy chair, kick your shoes off, and prepare to be transported to the charming town of Sovereign, Maine. Maybe I'll see you there...
September 29, 2014
I really enjoyed this book, but it wouldn't be for everyone. It was a sweet story with little suspense - you knew exactly how things would come out. Personally, I like that! The author stepped in now and then with some writing on her own ideas. She is a minister, both in the book and in real life, but not an ordinary one. I liked that also, but maybe some wouldn't.
August 17, 2012
I got this book from giveaways. 1st time I ever won anything! Read it in 2 days-loved the small town feel. The story has many fun quirky people that live in the town. It was not that preachy as the author thinks! As I read i could thing a several friends that would like it!Thanks for a good read!
June 29, 2017
My friend and I stopped at a yard sale and noticed they had a table with Hens&Chickens (the plants). I was looking for some of them, then I noticed a stack of books named Hens and Chickens. There was a sign stating, buy the plant and get a free book autographed by the author. After a nice chat with the author we both bought plants and got the free book.
I really enjoyed the book. The story takes place in a fictional town of Sovereign Maine. It's a multigenerational story of life-love and friendships, when 2 women leave the business life to move to Maine and raise chickens and organic eggs.
The setting-characters and everything else seemed all to real. The story was wonderful and I recommend it to anyone who likes sweet love stories .sorry I'm not good at writing the best reviews, but I don't want to giveaway the whole story. I can't wait to read the next book in the series
I really enjoyed the book. The story takes place in a fictional town of Sovereign Maine. It's a multigenerational story of life-love and friendships, when 2 women leave the business life to move to Maine and raise chickens and organic eggs.
The setting-characters and everything else seemed all to real. The story was wonderful and I recommend it to anyone who likes sweet love stories .sorry I'm not good at writing the best reviews, but I don't want to giveaway the whole story. I can't wait to read the next book in the series
June 30, 2017
I tried really hard hard to like this book, but it was just too unbelievable. Even for me..
June 22, 2017
Pretty good although it gets a bit preachy.
July 8, 2012
I've always been fascinated by Maine - quaint villages, lighthouses, rocky shores. I've never been there, but it looks and sounds beautiful. Jennifer Wixson's book, "Hens and Chickens", just added to my love of Maine. Ms. Wixson's vivid descriptions of the people and the countryside have me ready to book my plane tickets.
"Hens and Chickens" is a lovely story of two women who leave the city and their corporate jobs to start a business together in rural Maine. There's both romance and mystery, but what I loved most were the people. The story is cleverly told through a narrator, who's identity we don't discover until late in the book. The ability of the narrator to speak directly to the reader - an "aside", as they call it on stage - made the story unique.
I appreciated Ms. Wixson's romantic couple, who valued honor and respect above sex. I also enjoyed her depiction of the lifestyle and craftsmanship of earlier generations, and a return to that simpler way. The story is a perfect blend of old and new - sewing, raising chickens in a farmyard, baking, mixed with cell phones and computers.
The story of The Egg Ladies, Lila and Mike's romance, the secrets in Lila's past - all weave together to make a great read but, for me, it was all about the characters and location. I'm in love with the charming village of Sovereign, Maine, and it's inhabitants and can't wait to go back. Good thing there are at least two more books planned in this series.
"Hens and Chickens" is a lovely story of two women who leave the city and their corporate jobs to start a business together in rural Maine. There's both romance and mystery, but what I loved most were the people. The story is cleverly told through a narrator, who's identity we don't discover until late in the book. The ability of the narrator to speak directly to the reader - an "aside", as they call it on stage - made the story unique.
I appreciated Ms. Wixson's romantic couple, who valued honor and respect above sex. I also enjoyed her depiction of the lifestyle and craftsmanship of earlier generations, and a return to that simpler way. The story is a perfect blend of old and new - sewing, raising chickens in a farmyard, baking, mixed with cell phones and computers.
The story of The Egg Ladies, Lila and Mike's romance, the secrets in Lila's past - all weave together to make a great read but, for me, it was all about the characters and location. I'm in love with the charming village of Sovereign, Maine, and it's inhabitants and can't wait to go back. Good thing there are at least two more books planned in this series.
August 18, 2012
I was gifted this book in one of the GR giveaways and am happy to review it.
What a sweet story! The characters are so likable and you find you are really wanting the best for them. I also found myself wanting to visit Maine, raise chickens, try Bakewell biscuits, and picnic on Millet Rock. But most of all, I was wishing that Sovereign was a real place so I could move there!
Mrs. Wixson manages to work into a sweet love story, gentle commentary on corporate America, the issue of abuse and its lasting effects, and one seriously jerky jealous guy. But mostly its a story about having to find one's way in life, when the life you had falls apart. It's about learning to trust and heal and be the best version of yourself. I really enjoyed this book very much!
The only complaints I'd have were a heavy use of CAPITALS and drawn out words to convey how the speaker sounded (you are SOOOO right!). Its not a big deal, it just got to me after awhile. That, and it got a little heavy on the cheesy sweetness, especially in conversations, toward the end.
But overall it was a very positive and fun story to read, and I look forward to the other 2 books in her series!
What a sweet story! The characters are so likable and you find you are really wanting the best for them. I also found myself wanting to visit Maine, raise chickens, try Bakewell biscuits, and picnic on Millet Rock. But most of all, I was wishing that Sovereign was a real place so I could move there!
Mrs. Wixson manages to work into a sweet love story, gentle commentary on corporate America, the issue of abuse and its lasting effects, and one seriously jerky jealous guy. But mostly its a story about having to find one's way in life, when the life you had falls apart. It's about learning to trust and heal and be the best version of yourself. I really enjoyed this book very much!
The only complaints I'd have were a heavy use of CAPITALS and drawn out words to convey how the speaker sounded (you are SOOOO right!). Its not a big deal, it just got to me after awhile. That, and it got a little heavy on the cheesy sweetness, especially in conversations, toward the end.
But overall it was a very positive and fun story to read, and I look forward to the other 2 books in her series!
March 29, 2016
First of all, the author reviewed this book- her own book. That's seems so... What's the word I'm looking for? Tacky? Tasteless? Needy? Just scroll down and read Jennifer's review.
Secondly, she overuses exclamation points. She uses so many that at one point I felt the need to count them and found 12 of them on one page. And it wasn't even a full page- it was the first page of a chapter, so it was maybe only 65-75% text.
Thirdly, the author stops telling the story to get philosophical. For pages at a time. Thanks but no thanks, I'm looking for a lighthearted read, not her thoughts on life and love. If you can't incorporate those thoughts into the story, maybe you need to take a different approach.
Fourthly, the entire story was extremely predictable. The characters were one-dimensional; the secret causing one character's conflict is a serious one that is touched upon and then very neatly resolved (not very realistic, especially considering the conflict); and everyone lives happily ever after. Way too neat and tidy for my liking.
In closing, if I were stuck on a deserted island with nothing else to read, I would probably read this book again to pass the time.
Secondly, she overuses exclamation points. She uses so many that at one point I felt the need to count them and found 12 of them on one page. And it wasn't even a full page- it was the first page of a chapter, so it was maybe only 65-75% text.
Thirdly, the author stops telling the story to get philosophical. For pages at a time. Thanks but no thanks, I'm looking for a lighthearted read, not her thoughts on life and love. If you can't incorporate those thoughts into the story, maybe you need to take a different approach.
Fourthly, the entire story was extremely predictable. The characters were one-dimensional; the secret causing one character's conflict is a serious one that is touched upon and then very neatly resolved (not very realistic, especially considering the conflict); and everyone lives happily ever after. Way too neat and tidy for my liking.
In closing, if I were stuck on a deserted island with nothing else to read, I would probably read this book again to pass the time.
January 29, 2013
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this story. It's a familiar fantasy - escaping from the rat race, this time by moving to small town Maine and starting an egg farm. Two co-workers who are also best friends make this move after the older woman is fired and the younger woman quits in support of her. Through a Twitter (!) acquantance they decide to check out a farm for sale in rural Maine. They fall in love with the town and the people they meet there. And of course, the town falls in love with them. Are some of the characters a little too good to be true? Perhaps, but that didn't affect my enjoyment in reading about them. There are trials and tribulations, of course, but the main theme is one of support and friendship and love.
A charming tale, delightfully told. Looking forward to the sequels.
A charming tale, delightfully told. Looking forward to the sequels.
May 26, 2013
The first in the Sovereign Series about fictional Sovereign, Maine, this book perfectly captures exactly what makes Maine magical: unique characters, simple pleasures and the wonderful beauty of nature.
Lila and Becca split the big city of Boston after Becca is laid off from a large insurance company and Lila quits in solidarity with her friend. Invited to visit Maine by a Tweep (which is exactly how the Maine Twitter Community worked in the early days), they head north and start an organic egg business. Life, love and (small) adventure ensues. The good guy wins and all live happily ever after.
The narrator was a bit more a part of the story than I'd prefer, but there are so many tiny nuggets of wisdom that she shares, I can forgive that.
I look forward to reading the next in the series. Highly recommend for those "from away" who want a glimpse into real Maine life.
Lila and Becca split the big city of Boston after Becca is laid off from a large insurance company and Lila quits in solidarity with her friend. Invited to visit Maine by a Tweep (which is exactly how the Maine Twitter Community worked in the early days), they head north and start an organic egg business. Life, love and (small) adventure ensues. The good guy wins and all live happily ever after.
The narrator was a bit more a part of the story than I'd prefer, but there are so many tiny nuggets of wisdom that she shares, I can forgive that.
I look forward to reading the next in the series. Highly recommend for those "from away" who want a glimpse into real Maine life.
June 29, 2013
Sweet and uncomplicated, this was an enjoyable book with a fun plot and a lovely set of quirky characters that you just have to love. Every once in awhile the author's voice would interrupt the flow of the story to take us on a digression that wasn't really necessary for plot development and if you're not a religious person (I'm not particularly) some of the religious overtones might be a little frustrating. On the other hand, it was definitely a relief to read a romance where real caring and attraction to the personality of the other is the driving force behind the romance. Lots of hand holding and sweet kisses and no graphic sex scenes.
I read this book largely because I one the second one in the series as a First Reads giveaway and I wanted to have read this one first. It was definitely an enjoyable read for a couple of quiet evenings at home.
I read this book largely because I one the second one in the series as a First Reads giveaway and I wanted to have read this one first. It was definitely an enjoyable read for a couple of quiet evenings at home.
August 24, 2014
I received the third book in the Sovereign series as an Early Reviewers book, but I decided that I really needed to read the first two books first. This is the first one. It is a quaint love story in the fictional town of Sovereign, Maine, complete with interesting characters and a philosophical minister. The action was fairly predictable, but it was an enjoyable read. I like the minister's reflections sprinkled throughout the book - it makes the book different from many books of the same type. I enjoyed all of the characters, and while everything was a bit innocent and too-good-to-be-true at times, the book is still a nice diversion in a hectic life. The only thing that really bothered me, oddly enough, was the overuse of capital letters in conversations!
July 18, 2013
Hens and Chickens is a great story about love in a small New England town. After leaving her corporate job in Boston, Lila decided that she needed to get back to her roots and move to a tiny town to become an organic egg farmer. While starting and exploring her new life she finds love. But before she can truly accept this love she must heal the pain from her childhood. Being an egg farmer in a "one-horse town" is the best therapy!
There are a few slower parts of the book but overall it was a fun read. If you like reading about love and small towns, this is the book for you!
There are a few slower parts of the book but overall it was a fun read. If you like reading about love and small towns, this is the book for you!
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February 12, 2015Different and heartwarming
I really liked this book and it's characters. They each had their own little quirks and they were delightful. The storyline is different from anything else that I have read and that's a good thing. I did have an issue with the book though. There are quite a few sentences that have excess punctuation in them. For instance, it's seems like the main character is in a constant state of excitement, because there are a lot of exclamation points after a few sentences. I thought that was a bit too much, but overall a good book. I recommend.
I really liked this book and it's characters. They each had their own little quirks and they were delightful. The storyline is different from anything else that I have read and that's a good thing. I did have an issue with the book though. There are quite a few sentences that have excess punctuation in them. For instance, it's seems like the main character is in a constant state of excitement, because there are a lot of exclamation points after a few sentences. I thought that was a bit too much, but overall a good book. I recommend.
September 3, 2012
Thoroughly enjoyed the story line. Liked all the info on organic chicken farming and the on going love stories, and difficulties to get past. Which is relatively easy with the power of love by family and friends. Sometimes it is not those people tied by blood that make up our real family and support system. Love the idea of the simple life!.
September 23, 2012
I won this book as a Goodreads giveaway. As one of the other reviewers indicated, the characters are quirky, but they are also loveable. The town of Sovereign, Maine seems like a wonderful place to live where life is slower but happier. This was a really quick and fun read and one that did not require a lot of heavy thinking. I plan on reading the other books in the series sometime.
June 25, 2013
Excellent read! Living in rural NH (though not quite as rural as the book) so many aspects of the story spoke to me. A quick, enjoyable read with characters that really could step right out of the pages. Looking forward to the remaining two books in the series.
As an aside, I was the first to check out the author inscribed copy from my local library and it was quite daunting!
As an aside, I was the first to check out the author inscribed copy from my local library and it was quite daunting!
March 10, 2015
It was a sweet story but before long I found myself skimming to get through a lot of text that did not move the story forward. All the trademark symbols used in the book were annoying. I doubt I will pick up any other books in the series.
October 6, 2015
Peep peep
This was a good book, but a bit unrealistic in some areas. If one of the main characters had a cell phone, the way they were acting was way too primative. I liked the overall concept of the story, but some points were difficult to follow along.
This was a good book, but a bit unrealistic in some areas. If one of the main characters had a cell phone, the way they were acting was way too primative. I liked the overall concept of the story, but some points were difficult to follow along.
April 14, 2016
I had absolutely no idea what this book would contain, and I am so happy darlings that I read it! I love the "fairy tale" aspect of the writing & the wise narrator. Just a lovely, sweet & funny story. Absolutely delightful & magical!
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February 6, 2017I read this on the kindle
I tried to read this but just couldn't get in to it I did read quite a few chapters but gave up
I did really like the synopsis of this book just not the way it's written
I tried to read this but just couldn't get in to it I did read quite a few chapters but gave up
I did really like the synopsis of this book just not the way it's written
May 9, 2019
Charming story and an enjoyable read!
December 27, 2013
had a hard time reading this book. I felt like the author had to many little nicknames, weird sayings and words she would call things. I couldn't even bring myself to finishing this book.
May 10, 2015
How Sweet
A true 21st century fairy tale. The characters were offset but pleasant. The plot moved along smoothly. I thoroughly the book and would like to read the sequels
A true 21st century fairy tale. The characters were offset but pleasant. The plot moved along smoothly. I thoroughly the book and would like to read the sequels
May 24, 2015
Apparently, having completed my quest to read every Shannon Hale book ever written, contemporary hipster Christian romance novels are my new guilty pleasure.
June 30, 2013
Good trip to rural Maine.
September 1, 2020
Loved it! The story is about two women who move to Maine to a neglected old farm to raise organically raised chickens and eggs. Lots of twists and turns to the plot and all about hens and chickens, pips and peepers, and best of all, love and friendship. Happy endings really do happen!
December 21, 2022
Good wholesome read
A little preachy but for good reason
Uplifting story but its the characters that are going to hook you into reading the whole series
Enjoy this author there aren't any better out there.
A little preachy but for good reason
Uplifting story but its the characters that are going to hook you into reading the whole series
Enjoy this author there aren't any better out there.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews