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Sunday Morning #3
A Good Book
Gabriella Jacobson has one goal for her freshman year of Get Matthew Cory to fall in love with her.
Lucky for Gabby, her best friend, Ben, is attending the same college on a music scholarship. He is the perfect resource—girls love him, and he's more experienced with relationships than her, since she’s never had a boyfriend.
When Gabby panics before her first date with Matt, she begs Ben to show her how to kiss. But Ben has a secret, one he’s been keeping from Gabby for years. He’s in love with her.
One kiss turns into two, leaving Gabby confused and scared that their friendship might not survive the unforeseen emotions. She avoids Ben until something unexpected changes his life forever, and he’s forced to drop out of school.
Gabby tries to contact him, but he won’t respond. And Matthew Cory, her sister’s ex-boyfriend and handsome law student, is ready to fill the void Ben left behind.
Now that Gabby has the man she thought she wanted, can she forget about the boy who kissed her twice?
Dive into this unforgettable coming of age romance today!
Lucky for Gabby, her best friend, Ben, is attending the same college on a music scholarship. He is the perfect resource—girls love him, and he's more experienced with relationships than her, since she’s never had a boyfriend.
When Gabby panics before her first date with Matt, she begs Ben to show her how to kiss. But Ben has a secret, one he’s been keeping from Gabby for years. He’s in love with her.
One kiss turns into two, leaving Gabby confused and scared that their friendship might not survive the unforeseen emotions. She avoids Ben until something unexpected changes his life forever, and he’s forced to drop out of school.
Gabby tries to contact him, but he won’t respond. And Matthew Cory, her sister’s ex-boyfriend and handsome law student, is ready to fill the void Ben left behind.
Now that Gabby has the man she thought she wanted, can she forget about the boy who kissed her twice?
Dive into this unforgettable coming of age romance today!
438 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 22, 2025
918 people are currently reading
6860 people want to read
About the author
Jewel E. Ann
60 books10.8k followersJewel is a Wall Street Journal & USA Today best selling author with a quirky sense of humor. When she's not saving the planet one tree at a time, you can find her role modeling questionable behavior to her three boys, binge-watching Netflix with her husband, and writing mind-bending romance.
Her newest release is The Homemaker, a contemporary romance.
Upcoming Projects: The Muse, book 2 in the Chain of Lakes Series coming in May.
Stay in the loop by subscribing to her newsletter!—> Sign up here!
Her newest release is The Homemaker, a contemporary romance.
Upcoming Projects: The Muse, book 2 in the Chain of Lakes Series coming in May.
Stay in the loop by subscribing to her newsletter!—> Sign up here!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 886 reviews
June 22, 2025
4.5⭐️ Gabriella Jacobson has been in love with Matthew Cory, her sister’s ex, for as long as she can remember. So when she gets the opportunity to attend the same university, alongside her best friend Ben, she becomes more determined than ever that he is her soulmate and this is her chance.
When Gabby panics at her inexperience, she turns to Ben for help. Little does she know, he has been in love with her since the beginning. But just as an innocent kiss leaves Gabby more confused than ever, Ben must grapple with a health scare that will change the course of his life forever.
This series has been such a breath of fresh air, and I am entirely too sad to see it end. Set in the eighties, each book has been told from the perspective of the three Jacobson sisters— daughters of the local evangelical preacher. Gabby, considered the good girl, while not my favorite of the sisters (that honor is reserved for the very spunky Eve of Apple Tree), is nonetheless a very interesting and unique character. The dichotomy of what she longs to do versus what she has done thus far really sets the stage for all she is about to endure, while also facing so many of the issues young people have faced for generations, including the all-consuming nature of first love.
Ben, however, is more of the focus as we see his progression from a college freshman with the world at his feet to someone completely lost in his own world as he faces new challenges he’s ill-equipped to deal with. When the story starts, I was all but in love with Ben myself. He, the quintessential good-guy, was willing to do any and everything for Gabby. And their chemistry, ignited through a seemingly innocent kiss, was electric. Like Gabby, I wanted so much more of *this* Ben. But alas, this is an angsty romance…
A Good Book is terrific in many ways, but Ben’s hardships and more specifically his attitude towards them, although they do so much to advance and add depth to the story, left me endlessly frustrated. There were moments I wanted to throw the book at the wall. For three-quarters of the book, we witnessed Gabby’s tremendous growth from adolescent to a mature, well-grounded adult, while Ben literally took the opposite path. He made me straight up mad! In many ways, his disability began to overshadow the love story even as Gabby did double time through her romantic and sometimes harsh love letters to him. And then when his perspective shifted, near the end, it was so fast, it was dizzying.
When all is said and done, no matter how frustrated I was with Ben or the story, I still found that I could not put this down and have continued to think about it long after finishing it. The journey these characters took, through the good, the bad, and the ugly, was still an important one, and I am so glad I was there for it.
Read if you like:
▪️new adult romance
▪️ college setting
▪️ unrequited love
▪️ love triangles
▪️ friends-to-lovers
▪️ emotional angst
▪️ ASL rep
▪️ sisterly bonds
▪️ epistolary format
Thank you to the Alisᵗᵐ for buddy reading this one with me. What will we do without this series…
Check out my Bookstagram post here ♥
Thank you Valentine PR for the advanced copy.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
NOTES WHILE READING:
Update at 100% - it’s a very good story, no doubt. But I felt endlessly frustrated for a good chunk of it. It’s not my fave of the series but probably not a bad ending. Leaning towards 4.5 rounded up to 5. Full review to come.
I am so ready for my buddy read of this one. I literally stalked my email today waiting on its arrival. I’m a little stressed over how many books I am currently reading, but what’s one more? 🤪
Thank you Valentine PR for the gifted copy!
When Gabby panics at her inexperience, she turns to Ben for help. Little does she know, he has been in love with her since the beginning. But just as an innocent kiss leaves Gabby more confused than ever, Ben must grapple with a health scare that will change the course of his life forever.
This series has been such a breath of fresh air, and I am entirely too sad to see it end. Set in the eighties, each book has been told from the perspective of the three Jacobson sisters— daughters of the local evangelical preacher. Gabby, considered the good girl, while not my favorite of the sisters (that honor is reserved for the very spunky Eve of Apple Tree), is nonetheless a very interesting and unique character. The dichotomy of what she longs to do versus what she has done thus far really sets the stage for all she is about to endure, while also facing so many of the issues young people have faced for generations, including the all-consuming nature of first love.
Ben, however, is more of the focus as we see his progression from a college freshman with the world at his feet to someone completely lost in his own world as he faces new challenges he’s ill-equipped to deal with. When the story starts, I was all but in love with Ben myself. He, the quintessential good-guy, was willing to do any and everything for Gabby. And their chemistry, ignited through a seemingly innocent kiss, was electric. Like Gabby, I wanted so much more of *this* Ben. But alas, this is an angsty romance…
A Good Book is terrific in many ways, but Ben’s hardships and more specifically his attitude towards them, although they do so much to advance and add depth to the story, left me endlessly frustrated. There were moments I wanted to throw the book at the wall. For three-quarters of the book, we witnessed Gabby’s tremendous growth from adolescent to a mature, well-grounded adult, while Ben literally took the opposite path. He made me straight up mad! In many ways, his disability began to overshadow the love story even as Gabby did double time through her romantic and sometimes harsh love letters to him. And then when his perspective shifted, near the end, it was so fast, it was dizzying.
When all is said and done, no matter how frustrated I was with Ben or the story, I still found that I could not put this down and have continued to think about it long after finishing it. The journey these characters took, through the good, the bad, and the ugly, was still an important one, and I am so glad I was there for it.
Read if you like:
▪️new adult romance
▪️ college setting
▪️ unrequited love
▪️ love triangles
▪️ friends-to-lovers
▪️ emotional angst
▪️ ASL rep
▪️ sisterly bonds
▪️ epistolary format
Thank you to the Alisᵗᵐ for buddy reading this one with me. What will we do without this series…
Check out my Bookstagram post here ♥
Thank you Valentine PR for the advanced copy.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
NOTES WHILE READING:
Update at 100% - it’s a very good story, no doubt. But I felt endlessly frustrated for a good chunk of it. It’s not my fave of the series but probably not a bad ending. Leaning towards 4.5 rounded up to 5. Full review to come.
I am so ready for my buddy read of this one. I literally stalked my email today waiting on its arrival. I’m a little stressed over how many books I am currently reading, but what’s one more? 🤪
Thank you Valentine PR for the gifted copy!
June 3, 2025
5 stars
I’ve enjoyed each book in Jewel E. Ann’s ‘Sunday Morning’ series, but A Good Book is my favorite so far. It was an elite friends to lovers romance. The angst, the yearning, I was completely obsessed with Ben and Gabby.
Gabby Jacobson is the youngest of three daughters. As the preacher’s daughter, she’s always had high expectations of herself. Especially after the messes her sisters made. It’s her first year at college and she finds herself out of state with her best friend, Ben. Gabby’s in love with Matt, Ben’s in love with Gabby… it’s a lot. Until Gabby realizes who really is the one for her.
This was such a wonderful coming of age story. Gabby went through some stuff to truly find herself and I loved reading her journey. Ben’s love for her was inspiring and even though he went through a hard time and I wanted to throttle him a time or two, there was never a time I didn’t root for these two to be together. This was a special book to me and will be on my favorites list this year!
“In the beginning, there was Benjamin Ashford.”
I’ve enjoyed each book in Jewel E. Ann’s ‘Sunday Morning’ series, but A Good Book is my favorite so far. It was an elite friends to lovers romance. The angst, the yearning, I was completely obsessed with Ben and Gabby.
Gabby Jacobson is the youngest of three daughters. As the preacher’s daughter, she’s always had high expectations of herself. Especially after the messes her sisters made. It’s her first year at college and she finds herself out of state with her best friend, Ben. Gabby’s in love with Matt, Ben’s in love with Gabby… it’s a lot. Until Gabby realizes who really is the one for her.
This was such a wonderful coming of age story. Gabby went through some stuff to truly find herself and I loved reading her journey. Ben’s love for her was inspiring and even though he went through a hard time and I wanted to throttle him a time or two, there was never a time I didn’t root for these two to be together. This was a special book to me and will be on my favorites list this year!
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https://readerlinks.com/l/4489506
Listen today!
Audible: https://bit.ly/47HoEgR
Goodreads: https://bit.ly/4jplKSP
May 30, 2025
I’ve loved this series from front to back, this one probably rung out the feels more, best friends to lovers done right is my kryptonite and this was done perfectly. Throw in the angst and I was in my happy place..
♥ friends to lovers
♥ college romance
♥ small town
♥ unrequited love
♥ set in the 80s
♥ disability
These three sisters are hot messes, raised by a preacher with an iron fist in a small rural town in Missouri called Devil’s Head a place where everyone knows your name. Her parents have high hopes for their youngest daughter Gabriella. Gabby is the first one out of the sisters to attend college. And by all accounts she's saving herself until marriage.
The year is 1989. Gabriella has had a HUGE crush on Matt her sister's ex boyfriend since she was a child, so she chooses to follow him to the out of state college he's attending. This is her time to shine and spread her wings, away from her father and to prove to Matt that she's all grown up now.
Ben, Gabby's bestie since forever follows Gabby to this college also on a music scholarship. He's heard all about Gabby's infatuation over Matt for as long as Ben can remember. But Ben's hiding a secret from Gabby, he's been in love with her for years.
♥ friends to lovers
♥ college romance
♥ small town
♥ unrequited love
♥ set in the 80s
♥ disability
These three sisters are hot messes, raised by a preacher with an iron fist in a small rural town in Missouri called Devil’s Head a place where everyone knows your name. Her parents have high hopes for their youngest daughter Gabriella. Gabby is the first one out of the sisters to attend college. And by all accounts she's saving herself until marriage.
The year is 1989. Gabriella has had a HUGE crush on Matt her sister's ex boyfriend since she was a child, so she chooses to follow him to the out of state college he's attending. This is her time to shine and spread her wings, away from her father and to prove to Matt that she's all grown up now.
Ben, Gabby's bestie since forever follows Gabby to this college also on a music scholarship. He's heard all about Gabby's infatuation over Matt for as long as Ben can remember. But Ben's hiding a secret from Gabby, he's been in love with her for years.
May 11, 2025
If you've been around my reviews long enough, you know that Jewel E. Ann emotionally ambushes you with laughter, tears, and chaos... and somehow makes you thank her for it.
This one? Had a vice-grip on my heart, from page one. I felt it. Deep.
Gabriella is the preacher’s daughter with a halo and a judgmental streak so sharp, it could cut glass—and yet somehow, it works. She’s the golden girl who's watched her sisters fumble and fall, calling them "whores" as if she's immune to mess.
Umm Hello! She’s not. She spirals harder than both of them combined.
Then there’s Ben. Sweet, sincere, and painfully real. He’s the kind of character you just want to wrap in a blanket and protect from the world. He’s been through it. And when life throws a grenade at him and forces him to go back home, your heart aches with him. You understand him.
This book isn't just a romance or a coming-of-age story. It is a raw, honest look at shame, forgiveness, consequence, love, and vulnerability.
Set in the late ‘80s with all the small-town preacher’s-daughter dynamics you’d expect, it also does a brilliant job of weaving in themes of disability, self-worth, and the sheer messiness of being human.
I have received an ARC in exchange for an honest opinion.
--
Pre-read:
Love me a confused preacher's daughter being torn by romance.
Thank you Jewel E. Ann and Valentine PR for the ARC.
This one? Had a vice-grip on my heart, from page one. I felt it. Deep.
Gabriella is the preacher’s daughter with a halo and a judgmental streak so sharp, it could cut glass—and yet somehow, it works. She’s the golden girl who's watched her sisters fumble and fall, calling them "whores" as if she's immune to mess.
Umm Hello! She’s not. She spirals harder than both of them combined.
Then there’s Ben. Sweet, sincere, and painfully real. He’s the kind of character you just want to wrap in a blanket and protect from the world. He’s been through it. And when life throws a grenade at him and forces him to go back home, your heart aches with him. You understand him.
This book isn't just a romance or a coming-of-age story. It is a raw, honest look at shame, forgiveness, consequence, love, and vulnerability.
Set in the late ‘80s with all the small-town preacher’s-daughter dynamics you’d expect, it also does a brilliant job of weaving in themes of disability, self-worth, and the sheer messiness of being human.
I have received an ARC in exchange for an honest opinion.
--
Pre-read:
Love me a confused preacher's daughter being torn by romance.
Thank you Jewel E. Ann and Valentine PR for the ARC.
May 18, 2025
I absolutely loved the first two books in this series and honestly thought this one might not be able to top them—but Jewel E. Ann did it! This book shook me to my core. I stayed up reading until 4 a.m., and the moment I finished, I wanted to start over and read it again❤️🔥
The main character, Gabby, is the youngest of the three sisters. She’s all grown up now and starts college at the same place where Sarah’s ex, Matt, is studying. She’s been in love with him for years and is determined to win his heart. Her childhood best friend, Ben, also attends the same college. Gabby is still inexperienced, so she asks Ben to teach her how to kiss.
I went into this book completely blind—didn’t even read the blurb or check the tropes—and I highly recommend you do the same! There are a few unexpected twists that had me genuinely worried for the characters. Honestly, I can’t remember the last time I felt this emotionally invested in a story. I didn’t expect it to be this dramatic and raw (though the author’s signature humor is definitely still there). And that second kiss scene? Gave me chills!
I adored Gabby’s growth (actually, the development of all the sisters throughout the series has been amazing), and Ben… I just love him so much. He’s the kind of character you want to hug tightly. They’re a wild pair, but together they’re perfect🔥
I’m obsessed with this book. I’m obsessed with this series. I’m not ready to say goodbye to these characters, so I’ll definitely be coming back to reread it again and again🥹
𝐓𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐬:
✓friends to lovers
✓set in the 80s
✓coming of age
✓he falls first
✓angst
𝘛𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘬 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘵𝘰 𝘝𝘢𝘭𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘦 𝘗𝘙 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘑𝘦𝘸𝘦𝘭 𝘌. 𝘈𝘯𝘯 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘦𝘈𝘙𝘊 𝘪𝘯 𝘦𝘹𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘢𝘯 𝘩𝘰𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘳𝘦𝘷𝘪𝘦𝘸. 𝘈𝘭𝘭 𝘰𝘱𝘪𝘯𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘮𝘺 𝘰𝘸𝘯.
The main character, Gabby, is the youngest of the three sisters. She’s all grown up now and starts college at the same place where Sarah’s ex, Matt, is studying. She’s been in love with him for years and is determined to win his heart. Her childhood best friend, Ben, also attends the same college. Gabby is still inexperienced, so she asks Ben to teach her how to kiss.
I went into this book completely blind—didn’t even read the blurb or check the tropes—and I highly recommend you do the same! There are a few unexpected twists that had me genuinely worried for the characters. Honestly, I can’t remember the last time I felt this emotionally invested in a story. I didn’t expect it to be this dramatic and raw (though the author’s signature humor is definitely still there). And that second kiss scene? Gave me chills!
I adored Gabby’s growth (actually, the development of all the sisters throughout the series has been amazing), and Ben… I just love him so much. He’s the kind of character you want to hug tightly. They’re a wild pair, but together they’re perfect🔥
I’m obsessed with this book. I’m obsessed with this series. I’m not ready to say goodbye to these characters, so I’ll definitely be coming back to reread it again and again🥹
𝐓𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐬:
✓friends to lovers
✓set in the 80s
✓coming of age
✓he falls first
✓angst
𝘛𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘬 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘵𝘰 𝘝𝘢𝘭𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘦 𝘗𝘙 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘑𝘦𝘸𝘦𝘭 𝘌. 𝘈𝘯𝘯 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘦𝘈𝘙𝘊 𝘪𝘯 𝘦𝘹𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘢𝘯 𝘩𝘰𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘳𝘦𝘷𝘪𝘦𝘸. 𝘈𝘭𝘭 𝘰𝘱𝘪𝘯𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘮𝘺 𝘰𝘸𝘯.
April 15, 2026
After a long time, I read a book within 24 hours. Such a good feeling.
What an emotional and banter-filled book this was. Was it perfect? No, but did I have a great time with this? yes. Sometimes, you don't need a perfect book but a book which provides enough to hold your attention in a reading slump, and this just hit that perfect spot.
Friends to lovers did right, and I love it when he falls first, and then later both fall harder. Ben's love for Gabby is incomparable, and I love it when authors know how to show love. I loved how Jewel E. Ann wrote the tragedy and the aftermath, and how healing is not an overnight thing - it takes months and years to get there. And Life is unpredictable.
Even though some parts were a bit cringy, specifically a few words which were used, but overall I had an amazing time reading this.
pre-read~ Friends to lovers...sounds right up my alley
What an emotional and banter-filled book this was. Was it perfect? No, but did I have a great time with this? yes. Sometimes, you don't need a perfect book but a book which provides enough to hold your attention in a reading slump, and this just hit that perfect spot.
Friends to lovers did right, and I love it when he falls first, and then later both fall harder. Ben's love for Gabby is incomparable, and I love it when authors know how to show love. I loved how Jewel E. Ann wrote the tragedy and the aftermath, and how healing is not an overnight thing - it takes months and years to get there. And Life is unpredictable.
Even though some parts were a bit cringy, specifically a few words which were used, but overall I had an amazing time reading this.
pre-read~ Friends to lovers...sounds right up my alley
May 22, 2025
HAPPY PUB DAY TO THESE CUTIES 💚
man oh man reading this book was a bit of a rollercoaster for me. after loving and binge reading the absolute hell out of the first two books i was quite taken aback by how i didn’t immediately fall in love with gabbys story. four years had passed since eve’s book but gabby was still very immature and i just could not get myself to be anything but annoyed by her for the first 25%.
it was a major trust the process read for me, i found myself kind of contemplating dnfing but i just wanted to love this one as much as the others so i went to peak around at a few reviews to motivate me to keep on going and i stumbled upon this review from Abril. seeing this review and how they were at the same place i was at the time gave me ALL the push i needed to keep going!!
AND MAN AM I SO GLAD I DID, obviously this turned out to be a 5 star read for me as well.
my feelings toward gabby and the situation for the first 25% aside, i ate this up. i really enjoyed how this story wasnt set up in the normal formatting of a romance once we finally moved onto just ben and gabby. the angst was SO good. i was completely shocked by the way these two were torn apart and brought back together.
gabby & bens growth in this book both together and separately is INSANE. these two are so so perfect for one another and even though it took what felt like forever to get there theyre the kind of couple you look at and just know they were made to be together 🥹
i am so distraught that this series is over but damn what a series it was 😭 i cannot wait to see what angsty turmoil JEA makes me go through next though 🤭
man oh man reading this book was a bit of a rollercoaster for me. after loving and binge reading the absolute hell out of the first two books i was quite taken aback by how i didn’t immediately fall in love with gabbys story. four years had passed since eve’s book but gabby was still very immature and i just could not get myself to be anything but annoyed by her for the first 25%.
it was a major trust the process read for me, i found myself kind of contemplating dnfing but i just wanted to love this one as much as the others so i went to peak around at a few reviews to motivate me to keep on going and i stumbled upon this review from Abril. seeing this review and how they were at the same place i was at the time gave me ALL the push i needed to keep going!!
AND MAN AM I SO GLAD I DID, obviously this turned out to be a 5 star read for me as well.
my feelings toward gabby and the situation for the first 25% aside, i ate this up. i really enjoyed how this story wasnt set up in the normal formatting of a romance once we finally moved onto just ben and gabby. the angst was SO good. i was completely shocked by the way these two were torn apart and brought back together.
gabby & bens growth in this book both together and separately is INSANE. these two are so so perfect for one another and even though it took what felt like forever to get there theyre the kind of couple you look at and just know they were made to be together 🥹
i am so distraught that this series is over but damn what a series it was 😭 i cannot wait to see what angsty turmoil JEA makes me go through next though 🤭
June 17, 2025
The Sunday Morning series has been such a joy to read and is one of my all time favorite romance series! While I personally didn't feel very connected to Gabby, her story was still fun to read. Jewel E Ann's writing is fast paced, her characters are real and raw, and she's good about throwing a curve ball you don't see coming! This was such a unique series set in the 80's, I highly recommend it but definitely read in order so start with Sunday Morning!
Thank you to Valentine PR for this ARC
Thank you to Valentine PR for this ARC
May 22, 2025
This series has been an angsty blast to the past. There has been something about each of these sisters that I have related to on a personal level. With Sarah, it was the dream for more than the small town life and the plan it had for her. With Eve, it was needing to rebel but the desire to be loved for who she was and be noticed for herself. And for Gabbie.. for Gabbie it's the agony of wanting someone who only sees you in relation to your sisters, and possibly missing out on the person who loves you best, until it's almost too late.
By now, I know that Jewel e Ann always has a few sucker punches waiting to hit you straight in the heart. That was most definitely true in A Good Book. Gabbie and Ben are the bestest of friends, but he's secret in love with her, and she's not-so-secretly in love with Matt Corey. Yes, THAT Matt Corey, who dated her older sister in Sunday Morning.
She's into Matt so much that it determines where she goes to college. Ben follows along as well, possibly just waiting for his chance to prove his love, or maybe he's just resigned to his fate to be the Best Guy Friend. But when Gabbie, who has been saving herself for marriage AKA for Matt, needs help for "kissing practice", how is Ben to refuse her. When Ben gets unexpectedly ill, it changes his life in unimaginable ways. I truly felt for him so much, it broke my heart. I couldn't look away.
The way Gabbie stepped up to try to reach him, even as he continued to lash out, well, I hope I could be that persistent for someone I love. There were some scenes that I winced at, that I knew they would regret and I cringed for them. But it had to play out. I think they were always meant to be and the strife that they go through makes it all the more worth it in the end.
However, there will be moments when you want to slap either of them, or both. But they are only 19 and they are going through some life-changing things. I loved how their families supported them, but also let things play out to a certain degree. I also loved how Gabbie's sisters AND Matt, were there for her while she sorted through everything. I can't imagine going through all ths without them.
I cried buckets of tears at certain parts of this book. As I have all through this series. The hurt feels so real and gut-wrenching.. It was hard to read at times but I wnted thier HEA so badly.
And finally, can poor Matt Corey please get an HEA? He is a decent guy when all is said and done, and family Christmasses have to be awkward as hell for the dude.
4.5 Stars
2.5 on the spice scale
CW: Illness & disabiliity, accidental pregnancy, depression, OM/OW Drama (no cheating but... stuff)
*Thank you to Valentine PR and the author for an ALC of this title.*
By now, I know that Jewel e Ann always has a few sucker punches waiting to hit you straight in the heart. That was most definitely true in A Good Book. Gabbie and Ben are the bestest of friends, but he's secret in love with her, and she's not-so-secretly in love with Matt Corey. Yes, THAT Matt Corey, who dated her older sister in Sunday Morning.
She's into Matt so much that it determines where she goes to college. Ben follows along as well, possibly just waiting for his chance to prove his love, or maybe he's just resigned to his fate to be the Best Guy Friend. But when Gabbie, who has been saving herself for marriage AKA for Matt, needs help for "kissing practice", how is Ben to refuse her. When Ben gets unexpectedly ill, it changes his life in unimaginable ways. I truly felt for him so much, it broke my heart. I couldn't look away.
The way Gabbie stepped up to try to reach him, even as he continued to lash out, well, I hope I could be that persistent for someone I love. There were some scenes that I winced at, that I knew they would regret and I cringed for them. But it had to play out. I think they were always meant to be and the strife that they go through makes it all the more worth it in the end.
However, there will be moments when you want to slap either of them, or both. But they are only 19 and they are going through some life-changing things. I loved how their families supported them, but also let things play out to a certain degree. I also loved how Gabbie's sisters AND Matt, were there for her while she sorted through everything. I can't imagine going through all ths without them.
I cried buckets of tears at certain parts of this book. As I have all through this series. The hurt feels so real and gut-wrenching.. It was hard to read at times but I wnted thier HEA so badly.
And finally, can poor Matt Corey please get an HEA? He is a decent guy when all is said and done, and family Christmasses have to be awkward as hell for the dude.
4.5 Stars
2.5 on the spice scale
CW: Illness & disabiliity, accidental pregnancy, depression, OM/OW Drama (no cheating but... stuff)
*Thank you to Valentine PR and the author for an ALC of this title.*
June 11, 2025
3.5 Stars
Opinion Breakdown
The Good: The author's voice, the premise, and the angst.
The Not-So-Good: How long the h held on to her crush.
The Bad: The ending. It was too quick and easy to be enough for this greedy reader.
Overall: I think I'll always be a sucker for Jewel E. Ann and even though I'm always frustrated with her endings, I'll continue to read her works. I just love her voice, her character building, and how she often writes about opposites attracting. This wasn't that though. This was a friends to more themed book. While not my favorite theme, I thought she did it well. These two knew each other and they were meant to be, at least in my humble opinion. I also think she addressed the shock of Ben's tragedy well, but why or why can't she give me a good fleshed out ending at some point?! Oh well. I still enjoyed this, but it won't be going on my favorites shelf.
Brief Summary of the Storyline: This is Gabby and Ben's story. They've been best friends for most of their lives and they are starting their first year of college together. Gabby followed her sister's ex and longtime crush, and Ben also being there was a bonus. When Gabby realizes that she might have a shot with her crush, she gets Ben to teach her how to kiss. Only things change for them instantly when that happens and then tragedy strikes that causes them to separate. There are some sad scenes, some big life changes, and some groveling...and they get a HEA ending.
Point Of View (POV): This alternated between Gabby and Ben's POV.
Overall Pace of Story: Good until the very end (in typical JEA fashion for me)
Instalove: No, but they both have strong feelings when this story begins.
H (Hero) rating: 4 stars. Ben. I liked him. I didn't like the way he pushed away and was a jerk, but I also understood where he was coming from.
h (heroine) rating: 3.5 stars. Gabby. I liked her but her naive nature was a little annoying at times.
Sadness level: Moderate. This made me cry but I never needed any tissues.
Push/Pull: Yes
Heat level: Good. They have some good tension, chemistry, and scenes -- but not so much it takes away from the story.
Descriptive sex: Yes
OW (Other Woman)/OM (Other Man) drama: Yes
Sex scene with OW or OM: Almost
Cheating: No
Separation: Yes
Possible Triggers: Yes
Closure: This ends with a HEA , but it was too quick and easy for my liking.
Safety: This one is probably Safe with exception for most safety gang readers but it depends on personal preferences.
Opinion Breakdown
The Good: The author's voice, the premise, and the angst.
The Not-So-Good: How long the h held on to her crush.
The Bad: The ending. It was too quick and easy to be enough for this greedy reader.
Overall: I think I'll always be a sucker for Jewel E. Ann and even though I'm always frustrated with her endings, I'll continue to read her works. I just love her voice, her character building, and how she often writes about opposites attracting. This wasn't that though. This was a friends to more themed book. While not my favorite theme, I thought she did it well. These two knew each other and they were meant to be, at least in my humble opinion. I also think she addressed the shock of Ben's tragedy well, but why or why can't she give me a good fleshed out ending at some point?! Oh well. I still enjoyed this, but it won't be going on my favorites shelf.
Brief Summary of the Storyline: This is Gabby and Ben's story. They've been best friends for most of their lives and they are starting their first year of college together. Gabby followed her sister's ex and longtime crush, and Ben also being there was a bonus. When Gabby realizes that she might have a shot with her crush, she gets Ben to teach her how to kiss. Only things change for them instantly when that happens and then tragedy strikes that causes them to separate. There are some sad scenes, some big life changes, and some groveling...and they get a HEA ending.
Point Of View (POV): This alternated between Gabby and Ben's POV.
Overall Pace of Story: Good until the very end (in typical JEA fashion for me)
Instalove: No, but they both have strong feelings when this story begins.
H (Hero) rating: 4 stars. Ben. I liked him. I didn't like the way he pushed away and was a jerk, but I also understood where he was coming from.
h (heroine) rating: 3.5 stars. Gabby. I liked her but her naive nature was a little annoying at times.
Sadness level: Moderate. This made me cry but I never needed any tissues.
Push/Pull: Yes
Heat level: Good. They have some good tension, chemistry, and scenes -- but not so much it takes away from the story.
Descriptive sex: Yes
OW (Other Woman)/OM (Other Man) drama: Yes
Sex scene with OW or OM: Almost
Cheating: No
Separation: Yes
Possible Triggers: Yes
Closure: This ends with a HEA , but it was too quick and easy for my liking.
Safety: This one is probably Safe with exception for most safety gang readers but it depends on personal preferences.
May 23, 2025
5 Stars!
(ARC provided by Valentine PR)
Gabriella Jacobson is from a small town in Missouri called Devil’s Head. She’s a pastor’s daughter, and the youngest of three sisters. She’s ready to spread her wings and live away from home. She begins her freshman year of college at the University of Michigan with her best friend Ben. Her father only let her go out of state because he trusted her best friend who is there on a music scholarship to look out for her. The main reason she picked this school was to follow the man of her dreams. He’s her sisters ex boyfriend, and older, but she’s been crazy about Matthew Cory for years, and hoped he’d finally notice her, and see she’s all grown up now. She’d never had a boyfriend, and could use some pointers about kissing, so she asks her best friend for help. One kiss turns to two, and she’s confused because she’s seeing Ben in a whole new light. He’d always been her anchor, protector, and safe place. He was like family, and knew her better than anyone. She couldn’t cross that line, and jeopardize their friendship. When she’s suddenly blindsided by unexpected feelings she’s conflicted. Will she stick with the plan to pursue her longtime crush, or will she fall in love with her best friend?
A Good Book by Jewel E. Ann is the third book in the Sunday Morning series. It’s a small town, unrequited love, he falls first, coming of age, friends to lovers, college romance full of angst, emotion, and beautiful connections. I really loved this couple together, and couldn’t put this book down. It’s my favorite of the series. It’s a fabulous story about self discovery that touches the heart, and will hit you in all the feels! <333
***NOW AVAILABLE***
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DQM275HZ
(ARC provided by Valentine PR)
Gabriella Jacobson is from a small town in Missouri called Devil’s Head. She’s a pastor’s daughter, and the youngest of three sisters. She’s ready to spread her wings and live away from home. She begins her freshman year of college at the University of Michigan with her best friend Ben. Her father only let her go out of state because he trusted her best friend who is there on a music scholarship to look out for her. The main reason she picked this school was to follow the man of her dreams. He’s her sisters ex boyfriend, and older, but she’s been crazy about Matthew Cory for years, and hoped he’d finally notice her, and see she’s all grown up now. She’d never had a boyfriend, and could use some pointers about kissing, so she asks her best friend for help. One kiss turns to two, and she’s confused because she’s seeing Ben in a whole new light. He’d always been her anchor, protector, and safe place. He was like family, and knew her better than anyone. She couldn’t cross that line, and jeopardize their friendship. When she’s suddenly blindsided by unexpected feelings she’s conflicted. Will she stick with the plan to pursue her longtime crush, or will she fall in love with her best friend?
A Good Book by Jewel E. Ann is the third book in the Sunday Morning series. It’s a small town, unrequited love, he falls first, coming of age, friends to lovers, college romance full of angst, emotion, and beautiful connections. I really loved this couple together, and couldn’t put this book down. It’s my favorite of the series. It’s a fabulous story about self discovery that touches the heart, and will hit you in all the feels! <333
***NOW AVAILABLE***
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DQM275HZ
May 16, 2025
4.5/5⭐️ my favorite so far in the series OMGGG the unrequited love???? childhood best friends???? preachers daughter??? gosh this was full of turmoil & tragedy while also being one of the sweetest romances I’ve ever read 💓
May 22, 2025
Gabby + Ben
The year is 1989 and pastor daughter Gabby just arrived at College. She only picked this expensive out-of-state college because her crush Matt goes there too. He's her older sister's ex and Gabby has been in love with him for centuries!
Ben, Gabby's bestie since forever, also chose this college.
But of course he didn't tell her that it was because he's been in love with her forever. So for now, he's happy to just be in the same place with her. But watching her go crazy over this Matt guy is not the best way to spend his days.
And then things happen and more more things happen - some good and some very bad and suddenly Ben is back home and Gabby is alone at college with Matt.
Will the good things be enough to get that happy end for Gabby and Ben?
What will happen with our two darlings?
Will there be a HEA?
READ THE BOOK TO FIND OUT!
══════════════════
That was adorable!
Sweet and innocent and a bit sexy and a lot of growing up and finding your way. But we also get the sad and heartbreaking bits.
I really enjoyed reading this.
I wanted a bit more at the end. But it was still a cute romance.
But I still don't understand why this series needs to take place in the 1980ies? And I still hate that the dad is a pastor and that Gabby's faith is happening so much in this book. I hate religion so much.
I would still watch the TV show.
A GOOD BOOK was a sweet and sexy and heartbreaking love story.
College. Innocence. Learning. Growing Up. Heartbreak. Anger. Love. Family. Friends. Hope. So many things... READ IT!
If you can't click the buy-links
from your phone - click ► HERE!
💜
💜
April 27, 2026
2.5⭐️’s but no way am I rounding this up
You know what? Before the blurb. Before my thoughts. Before anything, just read this quote:
****FMC did 100000% think of MMC. She stood by him and was so supportive, accepting, and understanding when he’d lash out in anger, be so mean to her, hot n cold etc. She took ASL classes. Told him she loved him no matter what. MMC pushed her away vehemently. She STILL wrote him letters. Apologized (even though it was his fault). HE DIDN’T OPEN ANY OF HER LETTERS which is why he didn’t know she was fucking pregnant. So FMC is alone at college thinking MMC knows about baby but doesn’t want to be involved.
Needed to get that off my chest….anyways.
——ˋˏBLURBˎˊ——
It’s the 1980s, shes the preachers daughter and he’s her lifelong best friend. FMC is pining over her sister ex bf (from 1st book in series) & asks MMC for help learning to kiss. Sometime later something tragic happens to MMC causing him to be super hot n cold with FMC & push her away.
Story has a good little bit before MMC’s tragedy then explores during with the push/pull. Guaranteed pining & wanting to smack the shit out of MCs.
——THOUGHTS——
In order to discuss my thoughts here’s a brief story breakdown:
Starts w/ FMC crushing on sister’s ex while MMC wants her. MMC pursues her but FMC oblivious.
↓
Stuff happens between MCs under guise of practice. Sparks fly. FMC not oblivious anymore.
↓
MMC gets meningitis & loses hearing indefinitely.
↓
He moves back home.
↓
MMC struggles. Very hot n cold w/ FMC (loves & wants her vs. thinking he’s now not good enough vs. his own grief)
↓
MCs have sex.
↓
MMC again pushes FMC away (due to his issues).
↓
They have big fight & FMC goes back to college. While away finds out she’s pregnant (MMCs). She tells him through letters (he doesn’t open).
↓
MMCs sister makes him read letters. He discovers pregnancy. Wants FMC back and to be together. Wants to be involved w/ baby.
↓
They get married. Get a house. Yada yada.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Ngl, I was almost solely invested in the pining MMC vibes & breezed through the rest. So much so it almost shocked me when I was pulling quotes for thoughts/safety below. I became increasingly annoyed and simultaneously amazed at how I finished this in the first place (tunnel vision was that bad huh?).
1-Book started out good & I was enjoying the soft touches and moments between MCs. Then MMC loses hearing. Of course I understand he’s going to struggle & grieve & need time. But holy shit he was an ASSHOLE to FMC. Completely unwarranted. And again, I like to think I’m being objective here. I completely have room for MMC to be this way to a degree during his transition. But it was off the fucking wall!! Again, there’s obviously understanding during this very fragile time. But it turned in months & months of nothing but MMC pushing ppl away, lashing out, being hot n cold (pulling FMC in just to throw her back out). He needed accountability atp. He became completely self centered & saw in one color: self pity. Of which he took this out on everyone who’s taken the brunt of his anger & still came back with understanding.
For example, FMC starts taking ASL classes at night to communicate with MMC. She tells him she’s been learning some ASL. He says “go find some other deaf person who gives a shit” and “good job making it about you”. FMC was annoyed but ultimately, like every other time, caves and bows down to him. Apologizes. She’ll sorta call him out but then take it back.
2- FMC thought he only came back bc of baby, and she was right! This was brought up x2 in FMC pov & sorta skirted around by MMC. He not-so-directly confirmed that -yep- he only came back bc she’s pregnant. He thought he couldn’t give FMC was she needed (how presumptuous! it was him she needed) and pushed her away. Then decided he was eventually gonna try moving on. He ONLY stopped this bc of baby.
TBH much more I could add but with all the safety info below I’m tired and DONE thinking ab this book!
——SAFETY——
-virgin h
-no cheating
-minor OPD*
-separation**
-HEA
→MMCs past-
╰┈➤ After the time in which MMC realized his feeling for FMC (8th/9th grade) he still dated multiple women (3 senior yr) & having sex w/ all of them & hookup up w/ lots of other women. This doesn’t occur during the book, mentioned in past.
→Separation-
╰┈➤MMC has tragic event happen, pushes FMC away. FMC finds out surprise news during separation. She writes letters to MMC he doesn’t open. (Spoiler version below)
→OMD-
╰┈➤Sister’s ex bf (no angst on sister’s behalf, she’s w/ his brother🤭). FMC had been crushing on him for a longtime, she idealized him. They do kiss & fool around once (she touches his erection over jeans) but then says MMCs name.
→OWD-
╰┈➤After the separation we learn MMC made friends w/ this girl he met at church. FMC is told this by her friend & instantly jealous/hurt. MMC & her are just friends but in the one scene we get of them she does hit on him & ask him to come back to her apt.
MMCs comments about it:
***FYI, this series of quotes takes place during one chapter. This didn’t occur for duration of book, just small timeframe. But still 🙃***
**To clarify, why MMC plans to “move on” is bc he thinks he’s not good enough for FMC & can’t give her what she deserves bc of what happened to him in book**
In conclusion, I prob wouldn’t read unless u only want to read the first 25% with some decent yearning.🙃
You know what? Before the blurb. Before my thoughts. Before anything, just read this quote:
”Did you say he dumped you?” “Yeah, but he’s here now. And he wants to do the right thing. He says he loves me and he always has, but I don’t think we would be together if I wasn’t pregnant. And that really bothers me.” “Gabbs, he’s deaf. Have you even tried to imagine what he must be going through?” “No. I haven’t because I’ve been a little preoccupied being pregnant.” “You’re going to be pregnant for nine months. He could be deaf for the rest of his life. And pregnancy isn’t a disability.”
****FMC did 100000% think of MMC. She stood by him and was so supportive, accepting, and understanding when he’d lash out in anger, be so mean to her, hot n cold etc. She took ASL classes. Told him she loved him no matter what. MMC pushed her away vehemently. She STILL wrote him letters. Apologized (even though it was his fault). HE DIDN’T OPEN ANY OF HER LETTERS which is why he didn’t know she was fucking pregnant. So FMC is alone at college thinking MMC knows about baby but doesn’t want to be involved.
Needed to get that off my chest….anyways.
——ˋˏBLURBˎˊ——
It’s the 1980s, shes the preachers daughter and he’s her lifelong best friend. FMC is pining over her sister ex bf (from 1st book in series) & asks MMC for help learning to kiss. Sometime later something tragic happens to MMC causing him to be super hot n cold with FMC & push her away.
Story has a good little bit before MMC’s tragedy then explores during with the push/pull. Guaranteed pining & wanting to smack the shit out of MCs.
——THOUGHTS——
In order to discuss my thoughts here’s a brief story breakdown:
Starts w/ FMC crushing on sister’s ex while MMC wants her. MMC pursues her but FMC oblivious.
↓
Stuff happens between MCs under guise of practice. Sparks fly. FMC not oblivious anymore.
↓
MMC gets meningitis & loses hearing indefinitely.
↓
He moves back home.
↓
MMC struggles. Very hot n cold w/ FMC (loves & wants her vs. thinking he’s now not good enough vs. his own grief)
↓
MCs have sex.
↓
MMC again pushes FMC away (due to his issues).
↓
They have big fight & FMC goes back to college. While away finds out she’s pregnant (MMCs). She tells him through letters (he doesn’t open).
↓
MMCs sister makes him read letters. He discovers pregnancy. Wants FMC back and to be together. Wants to be involved w/ baby.
↓
They get married. Get a house. Yada yada.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Ngl, I was almost solely invested in the pining MMC vibes & breezed through the rest. So much so it almost shocked me when I was pulling quotes for thoughts/safety below. I became increasingly annoyed and simultaneously amazed at how I finished this in the first place (tunnel vision was that bad huh?).
1-Book started out good & I was enjoying the soft touches and moments between MCs. Then MMC loses hearing. Of course I understand he’s going to struggle & grieve & need time. But holy shit he was an ASSHOLE to FMC. Completely unwarranted. And again, I like to think I’m being objective here. I completely have room for MMC to be this way to a degree during his transition. But it was off the fucking wall!! Again, there’s obviously understanding during this very fragile time. But it turned in months & months of nothing but MMC pushing ppl away, lashing out, being hot n cold (pulling FMC in just to throw her back out). He needed accountability atp. He became completely self centered & saw in one color: self pity. Of which he took this out on everyone who’s taken the brunt of his anger & still came back with understanding.
For example, FMC starts taking ASL classes at night to communicate with MMC. She tells him she’s been learning some ASL. He says “go find some other deaf person who gives a shit” and “good job making it about you”. FMC was annoyed but ultimately, like every other time, caves and bows down to him. Apologizes. She’ll sorta call him out but then take it back.
2- FMC thought he only came back bc of baby, and she was right! This was brought up x2 in FMC pov & sorta skirted around by MMC. He not-so-directly confirmed that -yep- he only came back bc she’s pregnant. He thought he couldn’t give FMC was she needed (how presumptuous! it was him she needed) and pushed her away. Then decided he was eventually gonna try moving on. He ONLY stopped this bc of baby.
TBH much more I could add but with all the safety info below I’m tired and DONE thinking ab this book!
——SAFETY——
-virgin h
-no cheating
-minor OPD*
-separation**
-HEA
→MMCs past-
╰┈➤ After the time in which MMC realized his feeling for FMC (8th/9th grade) he still dated multiple women (3 senior yr) & having sex w/ all of them & hookup up w/ lots of other women. This doesn’t occur during the book, mentioned in past.
”Ben’s history with female “friends” involved sex.”
→Separation-
╰┈➤MMC has tragic event happen, pushes FMC away. FMC finds out surprise news during separation. She writes letters to MMC he doesn’t open. (Spoiler version below)
→OMD-
╰┈➤Sister’s ex bf (no angst on sister’s behalf, she’s w/ his brother🤭). FMC had been crushing on him for a longtime, she idealized him. They do kiss & fool around once (she touches his erection over jeans) but then says MMCs name.
→OWD-
╰┈➤After the separation we learn MMC made friends w/ this girl he met at church. FMC is told this by her friend & instantly jealous/hurt. MMC & her are just friends but in the one scene we get of them she does hit on him & ask him to come back to her apt.
MMCs comments about it:
***FYI, this series of quotes takes place during one chapter. This didn’t occur for duration of book, just small timeframe. But still 🙃***
“She was pretty enough. Curly, blond hair and blue eyes. She was shorter than me, maybe even shorter than Gabby, but she had huge breasts.
…
She bit her lip and batted her long eyelashes. Was she cute? Yes. Did I like her big boobs? Sure. Had I thought about having sex with her? Of course. Was I going to? Not likely.
…
If I went there, we were going to have sex. I wasn’t stupid. And after the fact, I would hate myself because I took Gabby’s virginity,
…
I felt an odd responsibility to let Gabby know I was moving on before actually moving on*. And I pitied whoever came after Gabby, who would always feel like the only girl for me.
…
And if we had sex, I felt certain I wouldn’t be taking her virginity, and she wouldn’t expect it to mean anything. “Maybe another time,” I said. Laurel nodded. She was cool like that.”
**To clarify, why MMC plans to “move on” is bc he thinks he’s not good enough for FMC & can’t give her what she deserves bc of what happened to him in book**
In conclusion, I prob wouldn’t read unless u only want to read the first 25% with some decent yearning.🙃
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 1, 2025
It’s finally to time to read Gabriella’s story and it was a really good one. Friends to lovers, unrequited love and I was excited and ready to go.
Gabriella and Ben’s friendship and their history was incredible and oh my goodness I swooned. Ben and his pining for Gabriella was amazing.
As with every JEA books there’s surprises along the way and A Good Book was no exception.
Gabriella is inexperienced and eighteen and Ben was the opposite. Still they worked to perfection. They gave me angst, heartbreak and love.
I had such a great time. Sarah and Eve made appearances and they were a hoot. The Jacobson sisters are a unity especially when it comes to supporting each other.
It’s the end of the Sunday Morning series and it ended on a high note.
Gabriella and Ben’s friendship and their history was incredible and oh my goodness I swooned. Ben and his pining for Gabriella was amazing.
As with every JEA books there’s surprises along the way and A Good Book was no exception.
Gabriella is inexperienced and eighteen and Ben was the opposite. Still they worked to perfection. They gave me angst, heartbreak and love.
I had such a great time. Sarah and Eve made appearances and they were a hoot. The Jacobson sisters are a unity especially when it comes to supporting each other.
It’s the end of the Sunday Morning series and it ended on a high note.
May 24, 2025
“In the beginning, there was Benjamin Ashford.”
4.5 stars! A Good Book is the 3rd book in the Sunday Morning series, a romance series set in the 1980s and following the daughters of a small town pastor. I really enjoyed this series overall and the angsty vibes we get! Books 1 and 3 being my favorites. This one I just jumped into and didn’t even read the blurb beforehand, but it’s a best friends to lovers romance, where he falls first (and has been into her for years), full of angst, heartbreak, hardship, and love.
Gabby is the youngest of the Jacobson daughters and the first to go to college. All the books in this series follow one of the sisters and take place right after they’ve graduated high school. She has been in love with Matt, her sister’s ex boyfriend for years, and even based the college she wanted to go to because he was there. She’s convinced once he sees her all grown up that he’ll realize they’re perfect for one another. Her best friend Ben came to the same college to be close to Gabby and she has zero ideas that he has been into her for years secretly.
This book definitely feels coming of age and seeing Gabby realize who she is and what she wants and needs. It also takes some turns along the way for both her and Ben’s futures. A lot of which was so hard to read after Ben gets meningitis and his life is never going to be the same after. A lot of real, raw, cruel, hurtful, emotional words and moments thrown about between him and Gabby, but I was just along for their ride and journey. I liked her relationships with her sisters, her parents, Ben’s family, even Matt. The unrequited love, the pining, the heartaches, and the emotions of this one were so good. I do think some things at the end were wrapped up or glossed over too quickly, kinda wanted more there, but all in all a super solid read!
4.5 stars! A Good Book is the 3rd book in the Sunday Morning series, a romance series set in the 1980s and following the daughters of a small town pastor. I really enjoyed this series overall and the angsty vibes we get! Books 1 and 3 being my favorites. This one I just jumped into and didn’t even read the blurb beforehand, but it’s a best friends to lovers romance, where he falls first (and has been into her for years), full of angst, heartbreak, hardship, and love.
Gabby is the youngest of the Jacobson daughters and the first to go to college. All the books in this series follow one of the sisters and take place right after they’ve graduated high school. She has been in love with Matt, her sister’s ex boyfriend for years, and even based the college she wanted to go to because he was there. She’s convinced once he sees her all grown up that he’ll realize they’re perfect for one another. Her best friend Ben came to the same college to be close to Gabby and she has zero ideas that he has been into her for years secretly.
This book definitely feels coming of age and seeing Gabby realize who she is and what she wants and needs. It also takes some turns along the way for both her and Ben’s futures. A lot of which was so hard to read after Ben gets meningitis and his life is never going to be the same after. A lot of real, raw, cruel, hurtful, emotional words and moments thrown about between him and Gabby, but I was just along for their ride and journey. I liked her relationships with her sisters, her parents, Ben’s family, even Matt. The unrequited love, the pining, the heartaches, and the emotions of this one were so good. I do think some things at the end were wrapped up or glossed over too quickly, kinda wanted more there, but all in all a super solid read!
November 18, 2025
FRTCL
*** I volunteered to listen the ALC of this book and I'll share an honest review when I finish it. Thanks to Valentine Audio PR Team. 🙏❤️
*** I volunteered to listen the ALC of this book and I'll share an honest review when I finish it. Thanks to Valentine Audio PR Team. 🙏❤️
July 13, 2025
Love the author. Did not love this book.
Gabby’s character is ridiculous. She’s pined after her sister Sarah’s ex-boyfriend, Matt. Meanwhile, Ben is pining over his best friend Gabby. They all bored me and frustrated me.
Ben turns into an arsehole. Gabby was too immature (I know she’s only 19). Matt also made some very strange decisions.
I didn’t like either character. I didn’t like the plot.
I wanted to DNF at 20% but I love her books so I really thought it would get better. It didn’t.
Gabby’s character is ridiculous. She’s pined after her sister Sarah’s ex-boyfriend, Matt. Meanwhile, Ben is pining over his best friend Gabby. They all bored me and frustrated me.
Ben turns into an arsehole. Gabby was too immature (I know she’s only 19). Matt also made some very strange decisions.
I didn’t like either character. I didn’t like the plot.
I wanted to DNF at 20% but I love her books so I really thought it would get better. It didn’t.
May 20, 2025
✩4
✦What to Expect✦
•Childhood friends to lovers
•Unrequited love
•The good girl/preachers daughter
✦Characters✦
•Gabriella Jacobson
•Ben Ashford
✦Fav Quotes✦
They didn’t know how much I ached to mean as much to her as she meant to me.
Only You You’re my first and last. My beginning and my end. My friend and lover.
We were young and stupid. Wild and free. Figuring out life one day—one happy accident—at a time.
✦Thoughts✦
I couldn’t put this one down, I stayed up until 2am reading.
Ben…. ALL THE FEELS.
Not me sobbing for him. It’s fine I’m fine!!!!!
The friendship between these two was so sweet.
I loved seeing Sarah & Eve make appearances. Eve cracks me up so much!!!
I also didn’t expect that twist/surprise at the end!
Overall I mostly enjoyed this one, but Gabby frustrated me at first. She was living in a fairy tale and was being incredibly naive, but she did grow on me once she got it together.
These two could be very frustrating at times, but given their ages & what they each were going through it wasn’t too surprising.
•ARC Read•
✦ Bookish links to follow ✦
Bookstagram • Goodreads • BookBub • Storygraph • Fable
✦What to Expect✦
•Childhood friends to lovers
•Unrequited love
•The good girl/preachers daughter
✦Characters✦
•Gabriella Jacobson
•Ben Ashford
✦Fav Quotes✦
They didn’t know how much I ached to mean as much to her as she meant to me.
Only You You’re my first and last. My beginning and my end. My friend and lover.
We were young and stupid. Wild and free. Figuring out life one day—one happy accident—at a time.
✦Thoughts✦
I couldn’t put this one down, I stayed up until 2am reading.
Ben…. ALL THE FEELS.
Not me sobbing for him. It’s fine I’m fine!!!!!
The friendship between these two was so sweet.
I loved seeing Sarah & Eve make appearances. Eve cracks me up so much!!!
I also didn’t expect that twist/surprise at the end!
Overall I mostly enjoyed this one, but Gabby frustrated me at first. She was living in a fairy tale and was being incredibly naive, but she did grow on me once she got it together.
These two could be very frustrating at times, but given their ages & what they each were going through it wasn’t too surprising.
•ARC Read•
✦ Bookish links to follow ✦
Bookstagram • Goodreads • BookBub • Storygraph • Fable
May 10, 2025
I loved this one so much! I was nervous for this book, but it blew me away! I think my favorite in the series Best friends to lovers. The chemistry and the emotion in this one was so good. I felt so deeply for Gabby & Ben! I wanted to just hug them both! A true story of love concurring all! 🥹
Thank you VPR and Jewel E Ann for this ARC Opportunity!!
Thank you VPR and Jewel E Ann for this ARC Opportunity!!
May 28, 2025
4 ⭐️'s
Thank goodness this book was sooo much better than the last one. A big part of that was Gabby going off to college and not living with her preacher father.
Ben was so sweet but predictable as a young man yearning for the woman he loves. There's some drama, of course, but I was shocked at what happened to him.
Unfortunately, not too shocked at what happened to Gabby but I did enjoy the way things played out even if I felt the ending was too rushed.
Thank goodness this book was sooo much better than the last one. A big part of that was Gabby going off to college and not living with her preacher father.
Ben was so sweet but predictable as a young man yearning for the woman he loves. There's some drama, of course, but I was shocked at what happened to him.
Unfortunately, not too shocked at what happened to Gabby but I did enjoy the way things played out even if I felt the ending was too rushed.
Read
May 13, 2025I just don’t think this one was written for me. I’ve really enjoyed the series so far, but I struggled with this installment.
Both the FMC and MMC had their moments of being bold and brave, and I truly appreciated the times they stood up for themselves. Those glimpses of strength made me root for them. But overall, they often felt selfish and emotionally immature. I know they were just starting college, but it was hard to connect with them when so many of their choices felt thoughtless or reactive.
The story itself felt like a bit of a train wreck unfolding in slow motion—I couldn’t look away, but it also left me frustrated. That said, I know plenty of people who absolutely loved this book, so it might just not have been the right fit for me.
Jewel E. Ann is still an auto-read author, and I’m looking forward to seeing what she writes next.
Both the FMC and MMC had their moments of being bold and brave, and I truly appreciated the times they stood up for themselves. Those glimpses of strength made me root for them. But overall, they often felt selfish and emotionally immature. I know they were just starting college, but it was hard to connect with them when so many of their choices felt thoughtless or reactive.
The story itself felt like a bit of a train wreck unfolding in slow motion—I couldn’t look away, but it also left me frustrated. That said, I know plenty of people who absolutely loved this book, so it might just not have been the right fit for me.
Jewel E. Ann is still an auto-read author, and I’m looking forward to seeing what she writes next.
May 22, 2025
Wow. Third book down. Bittersweet... 😢
This entire series has been such a pleasure to read! I literally inhaled all 3 books, and all for different reasons...
Sunday Morning was sexy, scandalous and dramatic. The Apple Tree was a total comfort read, a warm fuzzy blanket and a cup of hot tea on a cold, rainy day. This last one, A good book, was Jewel at her angsty best 🤣🙈
Ben and Gabby are childhood best friends. Ben has been pining for Gabby his whole life, while Gabby has been pining for another guy (her eldest sister's ex 😅). But there is SO much more to their relationship, and when life strikes and emotions are forced to the surface, they drag up very complex feelings and circumstances.
Ben and Gabby are young, barely in their first year of college. They do and say VERY stupid things, that frustrated the heck out of me. I had to keep reminding myself of how I was at 19, in order not to throw my phone repeatedly at the wall 🤣. At the same time tho, their bond is so deep that, even faced with seemingly impossible circumstances, they discover (and prove one another) that together they can get through ANYTHING. And most importantly, they learn that together they can actually be IMPOSSIBLY HAPPY, no matter what life throws their way 😭❤️
So... buckle up for the ride, but know that at the end you're going to have a ridiculous smile on your face 🥰
Friendship, family, and deep love are the foundations for this beautiful series, and I can't help hoping this isn't the end of it. I'd love another book... or a spin off? ...specifically about Tillie, Ben's sister. She played a huge part in this story and I hope we'll get to see her story and happy ending 🫶
***
“Kissing the girl that I loved beyond reason and five bear claws. What kind of idiot passed that up? Me.”
“I hated him for making me love him. I hated myself for not seeing it sooner.”
“Life is an interpretation of our dreams. You dreamed of falling in love, and life gave you Ben.”
This entire series has been such a pleasure to read! I literally inhaled all 3 books, and all for different reasons...
Sunday Morning was sexy, scandalous and dramatic. The Apple Tree was a total comfort read, a warm fuzzy blanket and a cup of hot tea on a cold, rainy day. This last one, A good book, was Jewel at her angsty best 🤣🙈
Ben and Gabby are childhood best friends. Ben has been pining for Gabby his whole life, while Gabby has been pining for another guy (her eldest sister's ex 😅). But there is SO much more to their relationship, and when life strikes and emotions are forced to the surface, they drag up very complex feelings and circumstances.
Ben and Gabby are young, barely in their first year of college. They do and say VERY stupid things, that frustrated the heck out of me. I had to keep reminding myself of how I was at 19, in order not to throw my phone repeatedly at the wall 🤣. At the same time tho, their bond is so deep that, even faced with seemingly impossible circumstances, they discover (and prove one another) that together they can get through ANYTHING. And most importantly, they learn that together they can actually be IMPOSSIBLY HAPPY, no matter what life throws their way 😭❤️
So... buckle up for the ride, but know that at the end you're going to have a ridiculous smile on your face 🥰
Friendship, family, and deep love are the foundations for this beautiful series, and I can't help hoping this isn't the end of it. I'd love another book... or a spin off? ...specifically about Tillie, Ben's sister. She played a huge part in this story and I hope we'll get to see her story and happy ending 🫶
***
“Kissing the girl that I loved beyond reason and five bear claws. What kind of idiot passed that up? Me.”
“I hated him for making me love him. I hated myself for not seeing it sooner.”
“Life is an interpretation of our dreams. You dreamed of falling in love, and life gave you Ben.”
May 11, 2025
When choosing colleges Gabby chose to follow the man of her dreams. As the youngest preacher’s daughter her parents already had two daughters fly the coop. Being away from her small town and religious upbringing illuminates how inexperienced and naive Gabby about sex.
…
A Good Book is a friends-to-lovers college-age romance. Gabby is the sweetest most innocent girl and I say girl because she’s not yet a woman. Her innocence is so precious. Gabby brings back so many fond memories of being a good girl. All she’s ever dreamed about is being a good wife and mother.
…
JEA spoils readers with romance and humor. Readers met Sarah and Eve the two older sisters. Now it’s time for the youngest to find love outside the religious bindings of her parents. Gabby is free to experience the sins of the world no longer shackled to a strict religious environment. JEA never disappoints bringing many layers into her stories. Gabby’s character blossomed from a beautiful girl into a stunning woman. She accomplished so much drawing from internal strength which was taught to her by loving and kind parents. JEA taps into that emotional state of being that blows my mind. She’s the voice of reason.
…
I can rely on JEA to provide an intoxicating read from start to finish. I’m completely engrossed in Gabby’s world hoping for the life she’s dreamed about. I’m invested in a make-believe world which feels so real. JEA makes it so easy to get lost in her book world. The words she conveys to express feelings and emotions is what makes me come back for more. I’m always going to want to read her words. Her words leave a mark that hits all my emotional strings.
…
A Good Book is a friends-to-lovers college-age romance. Gabby is the sweetest most innocent girl and I say girl because she’s not yet a woman. Her innocence is so precious. Gabby brings back so many fond memories of being a good girl. All she’s ever dreamed about is being a good wife and mother.
…
JEA spoils readers with romance and humor. Readers met Sarah and Eve the two older sisters. Now it’s time for the youngest to find love outside the religious bindings of her parents. Gabby is free to experience the sins of the world no longer shackled to a strict religious environment. JEA never disappoints bringing many layers into her stories. Gabby’s character blossomed from a beautiful girl into a stunning woman. She accomplished so much drawing from internal strength which was taught to her by loving and kind parents. JEA taps into that emotional state of being that blows my mind. She’s the voice of reason.
…
I can rely on JEA to provide an intoxicating read from start to finish. I’m completely engrossed in Gabby’s world hoping for the life she’s dreamed about. I’m invested in a make-believe world which feels so real. JEA makes it so easy to get lost in her book world. The words she conveys to express feelings and emotions is what makes me come back for more. I’m always going to want to read her words. Her words leave a mark that hits all my emotional strings.
May 22, 2025
Amazing, completely and utterly loved this one. This story was highly addictive, I seriously did not want to put it down. Such an emotional, funny, inspiring, and a total chick flick story. I read this one with smiles, laugh out loud moments and tears. There are so many emotions in this one.
Evie and Sarah were at their best. Isaac and Matt had great moments in this journey as well. I loved Gabby's parents in this story. I mean come on the moments with Mom were so touching. I just loved the connections between everyone through all 3 books.
The growth between Gabby and Ben, their struggles, their pain, their love. Jewel gave us an incredible full circle story with this family.
Definitely a top shelf book for me. Look forward to adding the paperback to my collection.
Evie and Sarah were at their best. Isaac and Matt had great moments in this journey as well. I loved Gabby's parents in this story. I mean come on the moments with Mom were so touching. I just loved the connections between everyone through all 3 books.
The growth between Gabby and Ben, their struggles, their pain, their love. Jewel gave us an incredible full circle story with this family.
Definitely a top shelf book for me. Look forward to adding the paperback to my collection.
June 5, 2025
Blah…not even the fun 80’s references were enough for me to connect to the MC’s. Gabby came off way too immature and yes I get she’s the shielded, favorite daughter, it just got annoying quickly. This isn’t my favorite trope, but I thought everything else would outshine that fact, but it was just ok. Not my favorite of the 3, but I loved the series overall.
May 31, 2025
4 Stars ⭐️
May 29, 2025
5 stars!
A Good Book is the third book and another five-star read in the Sunday Morning series. It’s a wonderfully emotive friends-to-lovers, coming of age, unrequited love story that will pull at your heartstrings and have you rooting for the last Jacobson sister to find her happily ever after.
Gabby is the youngest sister of the Jacobson clan and the third daughter of the town preacher. She’s a pleaser and hasn’t tested her parent’s patience like her two sisters. She is also the first one to go to college and have a plan for her future that her parents expect from her. What her parents don’t know is that she chose the college to be close to her longtime crush and sister’s ex boyfriend, Matt. She’s determined to make Matt fall in love with her and along for the ride is her best friend, Ben, who has been in love with her for forever but was friendzoned in eighth grade.
Gabby wants Matt and just when she thinks things could change between them she freaks out and wants Ben, who has much more experience with dating, to teach her how to kiss. That one kiss leads to two and everything changes.
I felt Ben’s longing and I felt Gabby’s confusion. Everything she thought she knew and felt is completely altered when her best friend kisses her. Gabby’s been waiting to be loved and the moment there may be something there, Ben faces a challenge he never imagined, and one I never saw coming. It’s so emotional and heartbreaking. I just wanted to be there for Ben and that's what Gabby tries to do but Ben goes back home and leaves Gabby at college.
I felt all the things Ben was experiencing. The fear and anger, it hurt so bad. Gabby is trying to be the friend he needs but there are so many ups and downs between these two. There are other twists Gabby and Ben face and there were times I was frustrated and angry myself. I wanted to yell at them because I could feel their love and they just didn’t know how to move past the pain and change they both were going through.
I loved the progression of the story and the timeline made sense to me. Ben has healing to do and Gabby realizes that she isn’t perfect either and has to face new developments head on. It takes time for Ben and Gabby to find their way back to each other and it’s not easy but it’s beautiful when they do.
I love this series so much and I am sad to see it come to an end. The Jacobson sisters are all so different but each has found a place in my heart.
*ARC generously provided by the author and Valentine PR & Literary Management.*
A Good Book is the third book and another five-star read in the Sunday Morning series. It’s a wonderfully emotive friends-to-lovers, coming of age, unrequited love story that will pull at your heartstrings and have you rooting for the last Jacobson sister to find her happily ever after.
Gabby is the youngest sister of the Jacobson clan and the third daughter of the town preacher. She’s a pleaser and hasn’t tested her parent’s patience like her two sisters. She is also the first one to go to college and have a plan for her future that her parents expect from her. What her parents don’t know is that she chose the college to be close to her longtime crush and sister’s ex boyfriend, Matt. She’s determined to make Matt fall in love with her and along for the ride is her best friend, Ben, who has been in love with her for forever but was friendzoned in eighth grade.
Gabby wants Matt and just when she thinks things could change between them she freaks out and wants Ben, who has much more experience with dating, to teach her how to kiss. That one kiss leads to two and everything changes.
I felt Ben’s longing and I felt Gabby’s confusion. Everything she thought she knew and felt is completely altered when her best friend kisses her. Gabby’s been waiting to be loved and the moment there may be something there, Ben faces a challenge he never imagined, and one I never saw coming. It’s so emotional and heartbreaking. I just wanted to be there for Ben and that's what Gabby tries to do but Ben goes back home and leaves Gabby at college.
I felt all the things Ben was experiencing. The fear and anger, it hurt so bad. Gabby is trying to be the friend he needs but there are so many ups and downs between these two. There are other twists Gabby and Ben face and there were times I was frustrated and angry myself. I wanted to yell at them because I could feel their love and they just didn’t know how to move past the pain and change they both were going through.
I loved the progression of the story and the timeline made sense to me. Ben has healing to do and Gabby realizes that she isn’t perfect either and has to face new developments head on. It takes time for Ben and Gabby to find their way back to each other and it’s not easy but it’s beautiful when they do.
I love this series so much and I am sad to see it come to an end. The Jacobson sisters are all so different but each has found a place in my heart.
*ARC generously provided by the author and Valentine PR & Literary Management.*
May 21, 2025
RATING: 5++ 'Only You' HEARTS!
There is truly nothing better than a Jewel E. Ann story—a beautiful tapestry of words that delights and devastates in equal measure, seamlessly slipping under the reader’s skin and taking root. A Good Book is no exception; stunning characters, familial camaraderie, and epic love and tragic loss all wrapped up in a story not soon forgotten.
Gabby is young at heart, at times with her head in the clouds, and a complete jumble of flaws and strengths endearingly combined to create a very human, very down-to-earth young woman. Her journey of self-discovery and finding her place in life is emotionally complex and poignant, yet through it all she holds her head high and faces the unexpected with singular focus. Ben is a good guy in every sense, prioritizing and preserving his friendship with Gabby through the trenches of unrequited love. He’s utterly sweet and charming, so when he’s dealt a life-changing blow, we can’t help but feel helpless with him, waiting with bated breath for him to get his happily ever after.
The bond between Gabby and Ben is as breathtaking as it is beautiful, childhood friendship blossoming into a tale of tender passion, making us swoon left and right.
Overall, A Good Book is a story of growing up, heartache that beats with hope like a metronome, and breathtaking emotional connections; reading Jewel E Ann’s characters and her world is an exploration of the human experience and nothing short of a decadent indulgence.
IF YOU LOVE:
♥ friends to lovers
♥ college romance
♥ small town
♥ second chance
♥ unrequited love
♥ set in the 80s
♥ disability rep
*I received an ARC from the publisher, Valentine PR, in exchange for my honest review.*
Posted: May 18, 2025
There is truly nothing better than a Jewel E. Ann story—a beautiful tapestry of words that delights and devastates in equal measure, seamlessly slipping under the reader’s skin and taking root. A Good Book is no exception; stunning characters, familial camaraderie, and epic love and tragic loss all wrapped up in a story not soon forgotten.
"My Gabby is stunning—always the most beautiful girl in the room."
Gabby is young at heart, at times with her head in the clouds, and a complete jumble of flaws and strengths endearingly combined to create a very human, very down-to-earth young woman. Her journey of self-discovery and finding her place in life is emotionally complex and poignant, yet through it all she holds her head high and faces the unexpected with singular focus. Ben is a good guy in every sense, prioritizing and preserving his friendship with Gabby through the trenches of unrequited love. He’s utterly sweet and charming, so when he’s dealt a life-changing blow, we can’t help but feel helpless with him, waiting with bated breath for him to get his happily ever after.
And maybe he could think of all the times I found solace in his arms, and how my hand always navigated to a spot over his heart because Ben had the biggest heart of anyone I had ever known.
The bond between Gabby and Ben is as breathtaking as it is beautiful, childhood friendship blossoming into a tale of tender passion, making us swoon left and right.
You are my song. I know every word and every beat. You keep me awake at night and pop into my head first thing in the morning. You inspire and consume me.
Overall, A Good Book is a story of growing up, heartache that beats with hope like a metronome, and breathtaking emotional connections; reading Jewel E Ann’s characters and her world is an exploration of the human experience and nothing short of a decadent indulgence.
IF YOU LOVE:
♥ friends to lovers
♥ college romance
♥ small town
♥ second chance
♥ unrequited love
♥ set in the 80s
♥ disability rep
*I received an ARC from the publisher, Valentine PR, in exchange for my honest review.*
Posted: May 18, 2025
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