Jordan: A Baxter Cove Christian Romance

by Robin Merrill

His faith is on rocky ground. Then he meets the rock star.

Jordan has spent his whole life working to be a “good Christian,” but one disappointment after another has left him wondering what’s real.

Grammy-winning rock star Vega Smith is as real as they come.

When Jordan’s mother signs their small town worship band up for a Battle of the Bands in the mountains of New Hampshire, she puts judge Vega Smith squarely in Jordan’s path—which changes everything.

Can a little headbanging rock and roll breathe some life back into Jordan’s flailing faith? Do the Green Brothers have a shot at winning this thing and getting a Nashville contract?

Will the famous rock star notice the quiet worship leader from Maine?

This standalone novel is the first in the completed Baxter Cove Christian Romance Series. Read the entire
Book 2: Cody
Book 3: Warren
Book 4: Zane

Genres: Christian Fiction, Romance, Contemporary

294 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 25, 2024

Reviews

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

what it really means to be a Christian

I think every Christian should read this book. Jordan learned some important lessons. I can’t wait to read the other books.

[Tracey Cramer-Kelly · Rating 3 out of 5]

This story begins with 27yo Jordan experiencing a crisis of faith. But the reader soon realizes he’s been drifting in this faith (and his life) for much longer. I enjoyed seeing a realistic portrayal of Jordan’s uncertainties, although I felt he was a bit immature for 27. I also felt the mother (and previously, the pastor) played too much of a part of his life and had too much influence over him and his brothers (and I say this as a parent of young adults!), even to the point of counselling him to NOT go to college, for example. I did enjoy the brothers, although the only one that really interested me was the one in prison. When Jordan goes to the festival and meets Vega it is… kind of boring. The only thing we really know about Vega is that she’s a famous rock star who volunteers feeding the homeless. Apparently I’m not a fan of insta-love even when it’s utterly non-sexual, because with one semi-deep conversation on a chair lift and a couple kisses, he and Vega are together. There’s no obstacles to their relationship or ‘dark moment’; the next thing we know, he’s visiting her in Nashville and… the story ends. I guess we just assume they live happily ever after. It just didn’t have enough depth for me.

[Cinnabug · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jordan is a faithful follower of Christ when his faith gets shaken in an unexpected way. Vega is a superstar who spreads God’s love everywhere she goes. I just loved these two characters so much! Their hearts, their connection, and their deep conversations!

I also loved this family of brothers, and let’s not forget Mom and Gram! Their bond and their respect for each other’s individual wants, needs, and dreams—even as they sometimes struggled to agree—made me fall in love with them.

This book had so much depth, and handled some hard truths, but the exciting backdrop of an outdoor music competition, intermixed with lots of fun and love, made it feel hopeful not heavy.

I love this family and I loved their message. I can’t wait to read about the rest of these brothers!

[Rhonda Sledge · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jordan experienced something that shook his faith to the core. So many people have experienced something similar and can easily relate to Jordan. Vega is a Christian rockstar with a downhome personality. She enjoys sharing God's love with those around her especially the unhoused. This attitude is totally unexpected from such a famous entity. But when Vega and Jordan meet, God starts working. This book is entertaining and easy to read but holds a much deeper meaning than just the surface story.

[Charity · Rating 4 out of 5]

There were some really great moments that literally gave me chills. But then other things that didn't feel developed.

The insta-love didn't work for me in this book. Yes, they had a couple deep conversations, but not sure about how quickly the love came.

The church hurt? So believable. And the reaction of the congregation was sadly just as believable.

And the song lyrics? Literally gave me chills.

[Pam Merrill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Two people who don't know each other, end up living beside each other when they both need a break. Why do they feel something for each other? Why does she look familiar to him? You'd be surprised. Even the Grandparents seem to like each other. I liked my ARC and thought I had left a review. You have to be touch and double check yourself constantly when you are a senior. Hoping better late than never works.

[Malgorzata · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was engaged by the story from the beginning. Author, with attention to details, wrote about struggles which could be part of life of each of us. It is a first book in the four book series and I enjoyed reading it and following closer lives of two protagonists. It is clean, well written story, which is pointing to God.

[Cm · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve been reading Robin’s books for many years & this series promises to be another winner! A crisis of faith due to a leader’s sin, makes Jordan question everything he has believed. Through his family’s love & God’s providence, he finds that while people aren’t perfect, God is & will use all things to work together for our good.

[Shirley Henderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pleasantly surprised

Though not particularly musically inclined and never having been to a concert I was surprised by how quickly I was drawn into the story line and how interesting I found the experience of participating in the makings of a concert. It was an easy read which I polished off in one evening and was left wanting more when it ended.

[Michelle Cron · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a very good, thought provoking book. I am still thinking about some of the thought provoking aspects. While I didn’t like some of the responses of people in the book, but they were realistic. I would recommend this book to anyone.

[Anita · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read, I especially liked the added bonus of the QR code that pertained to each section. I plan to continue the series.

[Barbara Campbell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Robin Merrill is a master at crafting stories that makes faith and heart issues, life, and love all together. And she does it so well Jordan is no exception.

Jordan comes from a solid Christian upbringing, but in spite of that it’s going through a rocky season in his faith. A lot of doubt and questioning surrounding what he’s been taught and what he sees.

His mother enters he and his brothers into a battle of the bands, and despite their reluctance they follow through. While they’re Jordan begins to work through some of his faith issues, reconnect with God and discovers more than he expected.

[Mary Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jordan

A wonderful story of Jordan, City and Warren, their family and faith and gift of music. Love d the chracters from Karbos and very realistic. Would highly recommend.

[Jana · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an interesting twist to a story about someone losing their faith due to unforeseen circumstances. It shows the miraculous way God has of Shepherding us back into the fold.