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Their Stories #1
Jenny's Story
A powerful first novel in a series about three lifelong friends. Jenny is a young widow struggling with grief over the sudden loss of her husband and the subsequent deception she discovers. The love and support of her two best friends help Jenny find the healing love her heavenly Father longs to give her.
261 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2000
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54 people want to read
About the author
Judy Baer
105 books125 followersaka Judy Kaye
Judy Baer was born and grew up on a farm on the prairies of North Dakota, USA. An only child, she spent most of her days with imaginary people-either those she read about or those she made up in her head. Her most ambitious conjuring did not succeed, however. She kept a clean stall with hay and oats for the horse she imagined would come but unfortunately, it never did. As an adult, however, she managed to make that dream come true and raised foundation quarter horses and buffalo for some years. A voracious reader, Judy learned to read with comic books, anything from Little Lulu and Superman to the Rawhide Kid. She sold her first story for $10.00 to a farm magazine. She still has the $10.00.
She graduated from Concordia College, Moorhead, Minnesota with a major in English and education and a minor in religion. At the time, she was simply studying what interested her, but now realizes that she was educating herself for her future career as an inspirational christian romance writer.
Judy wanted to write for Harlequin even in high school but it wasn't until her youngest child learned to say "No" that she realized that she'd better consider a second career to fall back on when mothering was done. Her first book was written with her little girl on her lap. Judy would type a few words, say "Now, Jennifer," at which time her daughter would hit the space bar before Judy continued typing. It wasn't the fastest way to work, but it offered a lot of mother-daughter time together. An over-achiever, she's written 71 books for various publishers. The mother of two and step-mother of three, she now has lots of family to enjoy.
In 2001, she went back to school and became a certified professional life coach. Currently she is working on her Master's in Human Development in the areas of writing, coaching and spirituality and writing inspirational Chick Lit which, she says, is the most fun she's ever had writing.
Judy Baer was born and grew up on a farm on the prairies of North Dakota, USA. An only child, she spent most of her days with imaginary people-either those she read about or those she made up in her head. Her most ambitious conjuring did not succeed, however. She kept a clean stall with hay and oats for the horse she imagined would come but unfortunately, it never did. As an adult, however, she managed to make that dream come true and raised foundation quarter horses and buffalo for some years. A voracious reader, Judy learned to read with comic books, anything from Little Lulu and Superman to the Rawhide Kid. She sold her first story for $10.00 to a farm magazine. She still has the $10.00.
She graduated from Concordia College, Moorhead, Minnesota with a major in English and education and a minor in religion. At the time, she was simply studying what interested her, but now realizes that she was educating herself for her future career as an inspirational christian romance writer.
Judy wanted to write for Harlequin even in high school but it wasn't until her youngest child learned to say "No" that she realized that she'd better consider a second career to fall back on when mothering was done. Her first book was written with her little girl on her lap. Judy would type a few words, say "Now, Jennifer," at which time her daughter would hit the space bar before Judy continued typing. It wasn't the fastest way to work, but it offered a lot of mother-daughter time together. An over-achiever, she's written 71 books for various publishers. The mother of two and step-mother of three, she now has lots of family to enjoy.
In 2001, she went back to school and became a certified professional life coach. Currently she is working on her Master's in Human Development in the areas of writing, coaching and spirituality and writing inspirational Chick Lit which, she says, is the most fun she's ever had writing.
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
July 29, 2018
This books tells the story of Jenny Owens who has lost her husband, unexpentantly and quite tragically. Soon after his death, Jenny realizes that she has strayed from her faith and from God. Her best friends since childhood, Tia and Libby, try to be there for her during these difficult times and help strengthen her faith. The book started off having really good potential to being a page turner, but, unfortunately, for me, it turned into a frustrating read. I read the book til the end because I hate not finishing what I've started. But, this is a book I will not reread. And, I have no desire or interest in reading the other books in this series.
****SPOILERS AHEAD****
Tia and Libby: Ugh! For a group of ladies that can recite scriptures from the Bible, they are pretty pretentious and judgemental. Anyone else find them unlikable? Jenny, who was devoted to being Lee's "perfect" housewife, hadn't held a job since high school. Therefore, she had to find a job to support herself now that she was not only penniless, but in debt. With the help of her friends she looks through the newspaper to find job opportunities (pg. 134). "babysitters needed... housekeeping and front desk opportunities, janitorial.." "Libby, get to another page," Tia ordered. "Jenny can't do any of that." Seriously? Insert dramatic eye roll here. Or when they're talking about Mike (pg. 178), "Why would anyone that smart choose to muck around in the dirt? He could have been any kind of businessman. But a gardener?..". Judgemental much? And what also bothered me about them, was that they wanted Jenny to get over Lee and start dating again soon after Lee's death! The guy didn't even have a headstone yet and Tia and Libby were already trying to play matchmakers!
Jenny: I liked her and felt for her when the story started. But, eventually, I disliked her, too. Especially, towards the end. She prays and then just sits around waiting for her prayers to be answered? Ummm... ok? Anyone else wanted to see her metamorphosis into a strong, independent, slef-driven woman? She went from being helpless and penniless to (basically) getting handed over an *already established* business and marrying a well off entrepreneur. Like, wut? The author had an opportunity to make Jenny her own person who didn't rely on someone else to live. But, everything just got handed to her. Also, this may sound silly. But she gets a dog and names him Spot. After that, he's just the dog that's always laying around... huh? Did she ever walk him? Or play fetch with him? Who knows? lol..
Mike, Luke, and Spot: the only likeable characters of the story. Mike was real. He was a character that I could relate to because it was obvious that he was not perfect and had to work hard to get to where he was in life. Luke is adorable! Most authors tend to write child characters like they're cute even when they're misbehaving and acting a fool. Luke was not any of those, at all! And, Spot. Who doesn't like dogs? After all, he is man's best friend. And, Spot was there to comfort Jenny when no one else was.
****SPOILERS AHEAD****
Tia and Libby: Ugh! For a group of ladies that can recite scriptures from the Bible, they are pretty pretentious and judgemental. Anyone else find them unlikable? Jenny, who was devoted to being Lee's "perfect" housewife, hadn't held a job since high school. Therefore, she had to find a job to support herself now that she was not only penniless, but in debt. With the help of her friends she looks through the newspaper to find job opportunities (pg. 134). "babysitters needed... housekeeping and front desk opportunities, janitorial.." "Libby, get to another page," Tia ordered. "Jenny can't do any of that." Seriously? Insert dramatic eye roll here. Or when they're talking about Mike (pg. 178), "Why would anyone that smart choose to muck around in the dirt? He could have been any kind of businessman. But a gardener?..". Judgemental much? And what also bothered me about them, was that they wanted Jenny to get over Lee and start dating again soon after Lee's death! The guy didn't even have a headstone yet and Tia and Libby were already trying to play matchmakers!
Jenny: I liked her and felt for her when the story started. But, eventually, I disliked her, too. Especially, towards the end. She prays and then just sits around waiting for her prayers to be answered? Ummm... ok? Anyone else wanted to see her metamorphosis into a strong, independent, slef-driven woman? She went from being helpless and penniless to (basically) getting handed over an *already established* business and marrying a well off entrepreneur. Like, wut? The author had an opportunity to make Jenny her own person who didn't rely on someone else to live. But, everything just got handed to her. Also, this may sound silly. But she gets a dog and names him Spot. After that, he's just the dog that's always laying around... huh? Did she ever walk him? Or play fetch with him? Who knows? lol..
Mike, Luke, and Spot: the only likeable characters of the story. Mike was real. He was a character that I could relate to because it was obvious that he was not perfect and had to work hard to get to where he was in life. Luke is adorable! Most authors tend to write child characters like they're cute even when they're misbehaving and acting a fool. Luke was not any of those, at all! And, Spot. Who doesn't like dogs? After all, he is man's best friend. And, Spot was there to comfort Jenny when no one else was.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 12, 2021
This was a good story, although slow-moving with repetitious dialogue that was too clever and cliche.
There were some discrepancies in plot, but much good offered in the experiences of the characters. I liked the dream garden progression and the flower folklore info.
There were some discrepancies in plot, but much good offered in the experiences of the characters. I liked the dream garden progression and the flower folklore info.
July 14, 2025
While a very sweat and wholesome story, it just missed the mark in a lot of areas. There were gaps in the story line, inconsistencies with the characters, and the ending was rushed.
September 5, 2012
I picked this up because I thought it sounded interesting...young widow with two best friends who struggles after her husband dies. I was surprised that it was really about losing God and finding your way back. Yes the book was predictable....but glad I took the time to read. Lead to some self reflection which isn't all bad.
September 26, 2009
Predictable, but enjoyable. A lot of good advice. Likable characters. And I liked how she treated the romance. Not in your face. Sweet. I'm having a hard time deciding whether to give it a three or a four, but I'm sticking with three. Not one I'll go back and read even though I did like it.
April 28, 2008
predictable, but enjoyable
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews