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Big Sky Dreams #3
Jessie
Token Creek — 1884
Jessie Wheeler knows how to take care of herself and her girls. The owner of Token Creek's general store has been doing it for a long time—nearly eight years—since the day her husband walked out on her.
Seth Redding, Jessie's husband, has done a lot of thinking in those years, some of it in a jail cell. Looking back on their marriage, he can't believe he left Jessie and their baby. It was true that Jessie had her own way of doing things and could be hardheaded. But they had shared a special kind of love too, at least early on. If only he'd known then what he knows now...
Seth is a changed man, but will he ever be able to show Jessie that? Will she even let him try?
Jessie Wheeler knows how to take care of herself and her girls. The owner of Token Creek's general store has been doing it for a long time—nearly eight years—since the day her husband walked out on her.
Seth Redding, Jessie's husband, has done a lot of thinking in those years, some of it in a jail cell. Looking back on their marriage, he can't believe he left Jessie and their baby. It was true that Jessie had her own way of doing things and could be hardheaded. But they had shared a special kind of love too, at least early on. If only he'd known then what he knows now...
Seth is a changed man, but will he ever be able to show Jessie that? Will she even let him try?
297 pages, Paperback
First published November 1, 2008
72 people are currently reading
841 people want to read
About the author
Lori Wick
101 books1,640 followersFROM THE PUBLISHER:
Lori Wick is known as one of the most versatile Christian fiction writers on the market today. From pioneer fiction to a series set in Victorian England to a contemporary novel, Lori's books (over 5 million in print) continue to delight readers and top the Christian bestselling fiction list. Lori and her husband, Bob, live in Wisconsin with "the three coolest kids in the world."
Lori Wick is known as one of the most versatile Christian fiction writers on the market today. From pioneer fiction to a series set in Victorian England to a contemporary novel, Lori's books (over 5 million in print) continue to delight readers and top the Christian bestselling fiction list. Lori and her husband, Bob, live in Wisconsin with "the three coolest kids in the world."
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 113 reviews
November 28, 2008
Wick does something in her writing that I've never seen in other books. She inserts scenes with other characters that don't tie in with the main plot line or even go anywhere. It didn't occur to me until reading this book, the third in the Big Sky Dreams series, that these scenes are like commercials. You get a little break from the action to visit with other characters that you know from other books in the series. If I hadn't already read the other books, these little commercials might have lead me to read them. However, they don't contribute much to the plot of the current book.
This book focused on Jessie, the owner of the general store in Token Creek. When we met her in other books, she was already raising two daughters single-handedly. In this book, we go back several years to find out about her life before kids and her marriage to Seth Redding. Long-time readers of Wick's books may know that Seth was a character in a book from her Yellow Rose trilogy called "A Texas Sky".
The spiritual theme of this book seems to be how to deal with people in your life who are not believers. The Bible references and devotional passages are integrated more smoothly than they were in the first two books. Wick's writing is at its best when she is describing the struggles in a male-female relationship, and the scenes between Jessie and Seth ring more true than anything else in the book.
"Jessie" is not the best book in the series, but if you have already read "Sabrina" then you will want to read this book. Jessie was a prominent figure in "Sabrina" and this book gives you a chance to learn more about her.
P.S. The "that woman" problem that Wick had in the first book is not nearly as bad in this one :-).
This book focused on Jessie, the owner of the general store in Token Creek. When we met her in other books, she was already raising two daughters single-handedly. In this book, we go back several years to find out about her life before kids and her marriage to Seth Redding. Long-time readers of Wick's books may know that Seth was a character in a book from her Yellow Rose trilogy called "A Texas Sky".
The spiritual theme of this book seems to be how to deal with people in your life who are not believers. The Bible references and devotional passages are integrated more smoothly than they were in the first two books. Wick's writing is at its best when she is describing the struggles in a male-female relationship, and the scenes between Jessie and Seth ring more true than anything else in the book.
"Jessie" is not the best book in the series, but if you have already read "Sabrina" then you will want to read this book. Jessie was a prominent figure in "Sabrina" and this book gives you a chance to learn more about her.
P.S. The "that woman" problem that Wick had in the first book is not nearly as bad in this one :-).
February 24, 2019
This was a wonderful book and a good finish to this trilogy. I loved finally getting to hear Jessie's story- and it's awesome to see what happens to Bri and Rylan! I loved Seth- he's such a complex character.
The only thing I didn't like was the ending. It almost felt as if Mrs. Wick forgot a chapter. Which was disappointing, but not the end of the world.
I'm also a little curious Sorry for the mini-rant.
Content:
Seth and Jessie are married- so there are hints of 'sharing a room' and things like that, although they never go farther than brief mentions. There are also kisses between engaged and married couples, plus hugging/hand holding.
Overall:
I really enjoyed the book! I would definitely say it's a good finish to the series.
The only thing I didn't like was the ending. It almost felt as if Mrs. Wick forgot a chapter. Which was disappointing, but not the end of the world.
I'm also a little curious Sorry for the mini-rant.
Content:
Seth and Jessie are married- so there are hints of 'sharing a room' and things like that, although they never go farther than brief mentions. There are also kisses between engaged and married couples, plus hugging/hand holding.
Overall:
I really enjoyed the book! I would definitely say it's a good finish to the series.
September 22, 2008
At about half way through I can tell you that the story is good and fun and intriguing. But the writing is irritating. Much as I said when I reviewed Sabrina by Lori Wick, the word usage is just awkward and causes a break in concentration and overall is ruining the book. I just do not understand it either, because I have read dozens of her books and never have found this in the before Sabrina and now Jessie. It is just weird, it is the same usage of "that" in all of the weirdest places. You might have to see it, to understand what I'm talking about but it is just weird.
After being completely finished, my overall opinion is that I'm disappointed. The story has so much potential and is really pretty good, but then it just ends completely abruptly. Then most of the loose ends are wrapped up in a whirl wind in the epilogue. The usage of "that" is just odd through out, but even beyond that, I do not know it just was not the best of Lori Wick that I have read. I am not saying do not read it, because it has tons of wonderful gospel lessons and heart warming plots, there is just a strangeness to the wording and then just ending. It could have been better, but it is still an okay read.
After being completely finished, my overall opinion is that I'm disappointed. The story has so much potential and is really pretty good, but then it just ends completely abruptly. Then most of the loose ends are wrapped up in a whirl wind in the epilogue. The usage of "that" is just odd through out, but even beyond that, I do not know it just was not the best of Lori Wick that I have read. I am not saying do not read it, because it has tons of wonderful gospel lessons and heart warming plots, there is just a strangeness to the wording and then just ending. It could have been better, but it is still an okay read.
August 31, 2010
I usually love the books by this author. But this one I found lacking. The story was ok, but the book failed to evoke any particular interest.
The character of Jessie was not particularly likable. As a reader I like to get some sort of 'connection' with the main character. With Jessie...even when the story was somewhat inside her head, she seemed cold, distant and emotionless for the most part. By the time she was experiencing more emotion, it felt stiff and wooden. I found for most of the book I couldn't care less what happened to her.
I found the way the storyline(s) skipped around was annoying more than entertaining. While the 'secondary' story of Heather and Nate was interesting, it did not really seem to have a place in the main story. (Although, I can understand the author was attempting something new.)And the conversation breaks jumping over to other characters entirely seemed more to break the story than anything.
The book DID end well, although I found the the point where it cut off, then the six year jump to get the 'what happened' via the characters telling a story was strange, and a bit annoying when I would have rather *seen* it. But it was a 'it all ends well' ending.
All in all, this one did not make it to the 'reread' list.
The character of Jessie was not particularly likable. As a reader I like to get some sort of 'connection' with the main character. With Jessie...even when the story was somewhat inside her head, she seemed cold, distant and emotionless for the most part. By the time she was experiencing more emotion, it felt stiff and wooden. I found for most of the book I couldn't care less what happened to her.
I found the way the storyline(s) skipped around was annoying more than entertaining. While the 'secondary' story of Heather and Nate was interesting, it did not really seem to have a place in the main story. (Although, I can understand the author was attempting something new.)And the conversation breaks jumping over to other characters entirely seemed more to break the story than anything.
The book DID end well, although I found the the point where it cut off, then the six year jump to get the 'what happened' via the characters telling a story was strange, and a bit annoying when I would have rather *seen* it. But it was a 'it all ends well' ending.
All in all, this one did not make it to the 'reread' list.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 25, 2016
Oh, wrong Jessie.
Seriously, though, I enjoyed this one.
January 30, 2021
A good ending to the series. Lori Wick's writing makes me think about my own relationship with God which is good. Re-reading the book I am challenged again
June 26, 2013
Jessie Wheeler is a single mother, the proprietor of Token Creek's only general store. Abandoned by her husband Seth before their second child was born, she lives every day with regrets of the past. Her heart shattered beyond repair, she lives a seemingly meaningless existence with no hope of the future and no love in her heart except for her girls.
Out of the blue, Seth returns to town with big words and big dreams of a future together for all of them. Jessie cannot believe a man can change overnight. But will she also underestimate the power of God's forgiveness and love - for every single member of her family?
Jessie gave me a rare glimpse of a well-written book on a soul's struggle for salvation, and showed that the beliefs of our parents can truly shape our future. Jessie is plagued by fears and doubts that Seth isn't truly a changed man, and the story really makes you empathize with her and her daughters.
As I've said before, I don't understand why the author chose to use phrases such as "that man" and "that woman" instead of "he" and "she", but the language is still simple and easy to understand. I spent my time savoring this book, because I simply did not want it to end. Saying goodbye to Token Creek in Montana Territory was a little hard, but one can always go back and start over.
Out of the blue, Seth returns to town with big words and big dreams of a future together for all of them. Jessie cannot believe a man can change overnight. But will she also underestimate the power of God's forgiveness and love - for every single member of her family?
Jessie gave me a rare glimpse of a well-written book on a soul's struggle for salvation, and showed that the beliefs of our parents can truly shape our future. Jessie is plagued by fears and doubts that Seth isn't truly a changed man, and the story really makes you empathize with her and her daughters.
As I've said before, I don't understand why the author chose to use phrases such as "that man" and "that woman" instead of "he" and "she", but the language is still simple and easy to understand. I spent my time savoring this book, because I simply did not want it to end. Saying goodbye to Token Creek in Montana Territory was a little hard, but one can always go back and start over.
April 11, 2020
I liked all the characters except Jessie. I never got a handle on exactly why she was such a hardened woman. I just didn't like her. Also, she was a jerk to Seth through almost the whole book.
The story was leading up to, I thought, some big ending - however it felt like a big let down to me as it was all just spilled out in an epilogue. I didn't care for that at all.
I'm not sure how I feel about the abrupt changes in storyline throughout each chapter. I didn't feel there was satisfactory closure to most of them.
This book was not for me, but it wouldn't keep me from reading other books by Lori Wick.
The story was leading up to, I thought, some big ending - however it felt like a big let down to me as it was all just spilled out in an epilogue. I didn't care for that at all.
I'm not sure how I feel about the abrupt changes in storyline throughout each chapter. I didn't feel there was satisfactory closure to most of them.
This book was not for me, but it wouldn't keep me from reading other books by Lori Wick.
February 3, 2009
I enjoyed the story, but it seems like the story was too small and she had to add other people's conversations in to make up enough pages. there were too many breaks, jumping back and forth between people and locations... many times with just a few paragraphs. I've always like Lori's books... but lately she has been lacking.
November 7, 2022
This one got off to a really rough start, the time jump had me confused for quite a while (in respect to where the prior Big Sky Dreams: Sabrina ended. I did not love it as much as the first two, but I would recommend it to readers of the series.
May 3, 2021
Liked the story, hated how the dates jumped.
January 20, 2023
Great story line. But OH SO HARD to follow. Trying to keep the characters strait made for a lot of rereading. And the way it jumped from one person to another with no kind of part or separation made it hard to follow too. Would have been nice to know who was talking before going strait into a condo so one didn't have to reread after you finally figure out auto switched characters. And the way the years apart were just flown into made it hard also. Such a confusing book to read, I probably missed a 3rd of it not wanting to keep rereading out of frustration trying to figure out that we just switched characters again. Good grief!! Glad it is over.
October 18, 2018
The focus of this book was bringing back together of a family. This fact is not very noticeable at the beginning because there is so much time jumping. Although, by chapter two the story is all set up. Jesse is the mother of two little girls but is also a store owner in a small town. The other residents of the town are very understanding of her plight. Then her husband Seth comes back from Texas and it’s there journey back to each other that the book is based on. I hope you enjoy this delightful read.
September 16, 2017
Jesse e Wheeler a single mother of two girls has her own business and takes care of her daughters. Her husband had abandoned her before the birth of the second child, during that time he was jailed and now back hoping to take on as before. There is much soul searching because he seems to have changed and she still has misgivings about which decision to make. Forgiveness is not easy but as a believer she has to look at all of the things and step out on faith in her decision making.
April 13, 2023
Story of a girl whose parents are deceased. She is left with the family general story. She learns to take care of herself. When a new guy comes through town he decides to stay. He and Jessie decide to marry. They are happy for awhile but Jessie is used to making all the decisions. Even tho' a baby is born the guy decides to leave for awhile. He stays away for 8 years. Interesting the events that follow.
October 8, 2017
Story is about a young woman that inherited her family general store in the 1800's. A stranger, handsome young man, walks in one day and asks for a job. She hired him, two months later married him and four years later couldn't get along with him. One day he disappeared and she is left with a young child and one on the way.
January 14, 2024
First of all, my mom suggested this book without telling me it is #3 in a series. It does stand alone, but I would have read them in order:/ It is a nice simple story. Lori weaves biblical teaching into the lives of the characters and how they live out those teachings. It does feel a little 'Hallmark movie'ish. Which are not my favorite, but I do like them on occasion:)
September 13, 2017
After despising Seth in Texas sky to loving him in this book I am really happy I started with Texas Sky first. And the change in Seth is so wonderful and shows that can really reach anyone and make something of us despite our pasts.
P.S the Jessie and all the other characters are so realistic.
P.S the Jessie and all the other characters are so realistic.
January 2, 2018
I wasn't very impressed by this book. Instead of following one protagonist it had several people it followed, in several different relationships. It also got a little bit preachy, which I didn't care much for. I lost interest in the characters and the storyline before it was over.
April 12, 2019
Pride can hold us back.
I enjoy the way Lori incorporates Gods word into her stories. You are able to see Gods love for us and our need of Him. Even fictional characters need Jesus.
I enjoy the way Lori incorporates Gods word into her stories. You are able to see Gods love for us and our need of Him. Even fictional characters need Jesus.
October 10, 2019
I love how Lori Wick deals with our humaness with sin. A true inspiration. Jessie learned from her father about the bible, none of it was true. She admires the people in her town that follow God's word not realizing it is their relationship with God that makes them different. A joy to read.
March 12, 2020
Much better than the first two books.
Still had a little issue with "that lady" and "that man", but overall well written.
I connected with the characters and loved their story. I actually finished the book in one night because I wanted to find out what happened.
Still had a little issue with "that lady" and "that man", but overall well written.
I connected with the characters and loved their story. I actually finished the book in one night because I wanted to find out what happened.
August 1, 2022
At first I thought I had gotten these books out of order, but then I realized that the first part is the backstory of Jessie and her husband. Then the story skips ahead to where it falls into place with the other books in the trilogy.
Very good book and series.
Very good book and series.
July 7, 2023
I believe
That’s what Jessie had to do and it took almost the whole book to get there. I appreciate that the author continues the story lines from the other books to keep building the actors in my mind.
That’s what Jessie had to do and it took almost the whole book to get there. I appreciate that the author continues the story lines from the other books to keep building the actors in my mind.
August 10, 2017
Interesting storyline. Several parts are a bit too simplistic for the time frame. Because this is the 3rd in the series, the extended families and numerous names are hard to keep track of.
August 13, 2017
I enjoyed this book.
August 14, 2017
I've missed Lori Wick books! This one made me want to reread the last two in this series, and I almost squealed when I realized the connection to the Yellow Rose trilogy. Very fun!
October 10, 2017
Very simple writing. Not much thought of depth. Message loud and clear.
March 24, 2018
It was a great conclusion to see the community growing.
August 24, 2018
I loved it!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 113 reviews