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Packed And Ready To Go
Tracy Baptiste devoted her life to satisfying everyone but herself. Now it’s her turn and nothing is falling into place. Her daughter is marrying and moving away. Her husband is self-absorbed and callous. Her friends are preoccupied with their lives. This is not what she’s bargained for. Walter Baptiste’s job is in jeopardy and he’s bored at home. He’s found an acceptable outlet and she’s half his age and twice as fun. Playing house is the distraction he needs until the reality turns out to be more than he’s bargained for. While Walter’s house of lies crumbles, can Tracy find the courage to follow her instincts and put her life back together?
214 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 17, 2014
91 people are currently reading
184 people want to read
About the author
Jacki Kelly
27 books185 followersJacki Kelly has been writing since her fourth grade teacher made her keep a journal for a grade. Now she does it to keep track of all the fascinating and heartbreaking moments that life throws our way. Poetry, personal essays, short stories and novels have all occupied space in her heart and her hard drive.
Jacki loves to read almost as much as she likes to write. When she’s not reading or writing, she’s walking her adorable cocker spaniel or on the golf course. Her idea of bliss is squeezing all this stuff into one day. The first two book in her Sweet Road Series are now available – The Sweet Road Home and The Sweet Road To Love. Look for the third book late this year. Happy Reading!
Jacki loves to read almost as much as she likes to write. When she’s not reading or writing, she’s walking her adorable cocker spaniel or on the golf course. Her idea of bliss is squeezing all this stuff into one day. The first two book in her Sweet Road Series are now available – The Sweet Road Home and The Sweet Road To Love. Look for the third book late this year. Happy Reading!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
January 19, 2015
I enjoyed this one - a fun read that dealt with the falling apart of a twenty year marriage and how both parties survived.
I also loved that I got the husband's POV as well as the wife's. At times I was frustrated with the heroine because I just wanted her to kick her husband's arse to the curb. Seriously! The guy was an unredeemable arsehole! But she stuck it out, thinking to wait until their college-age daughter had graduated and gotten married. I don't understand that way of thinking. Wouldn't it be better for everyone to not be miserable in an unhealthy relationship? But then, seeing as I have never been in that situation personally, what the hell would I know?! :)
I would've liked to have the hero's character more a factor in the story, but it worked well for what it was. Decent chic lit/women's fiction read.
3.5 - 4 stars.
I also loved that I got the husband's POV as well as the wife's. At times I was frustrated with the heroine because I just wanted her to kick her husband's arse to the curb. Seriously! The guy was an unredeemable arsehole! But she stuck it out, thinking to wait until their college-age daughter had graduated and gotten married. I don't understand that way of thinking. Wouldn't it be better for everyone to not be miserable in an unhealthy relationship? But then, seeing as I have never been in that situation personally, what the hell would I know?! :)
I would've liked to have the hero's character more a factor in the story, but it worked well for what it was. Decent chic lit/women's fiction read.
3.5 - 4 stars.
January 16, 2015
Good story with interesting well developed characters. My only qualm with the story is the hero, he didn't seem as developed as the main characters Walter and Tracy (heroine) or their friends and family. Perhaps because the author spent so much time showing us how things were for Tracy she rushed her recovery and new love.
May 17, 2015
As I read the last page of this story I was cheering for Tracey and doing the happy dance, but at the same time I wished for a few more pages to see Walter get stepped on from the other side. This story was a comic relief as well as dealing with some serious issues. The editing was not the best past that this was a good story.
February 11, 2015
A very good read.
June 5, 2017
The cover is what caused me to pick this book up. I loved the cover!! Lots of drama, but soooo predictable. Also poorly edited.
February 24, 2015
Packed And Ready To Go is a story some women may be able to relate to, from one side of the fence or the other. It details the lives of Tracy and Walter, a couple in their forties whose lives carry the veneer of success. Beneath that lies mental abuse heaped on the wife and downright foolishness on the husband's part.
The story gives an up-close-and-personal look into the thought processes of a woman who knows her marriage is in serious danger, but can't summon the will do to anything about it. She finally makes a move only when forced to, but redeems herself way too late, in my opinion.
By way of overbearing men, Walter stands head and shoulders above most I've met in fiction. At the end, I don't believe he got a third of what should have come to him.
The story kept me engaged and teed off and wanting to slap both husband and wife senseless. This is probably the one time I'll feel justified in saying the other woman did the wife a favour. Tracy deserved so much more than the sleazy, worthless man she married. If I have anything negative to say about Packed & Ready To Go, it's that Tracy needed to grow a backbone much earlier in the novel.
The story gives an up-close-and-personal look into the thought processes of a woman who knows her marriage is in serious danger, but can't summon the will do to anything about it. She finally makes a move only when forced to, but redeems herself way too late, in my opinion.
By way of overbearing men, Walter stands head and shoulders above most I've met in fiction. At the end, I don't believe he got a third of what should have come to him.
The story kept me engaged and teed off and wanting to slap both husband and wife senseless. This is probably the one time I'll feel justified in saying the other woman did the wife a favour. Tracy deserved so much more than the sleazy, worthless man she married. If I have anything negative to say about Packed & Ready To Go, it's that Tracy needed to grow a backbone much earlier in the novel.
February 3, 2015
Tracy and Walter's story is atypical to modern day 21st century. I believe if you love and marry someone it should be to death do you part which I believe Tracy believed as well. Men always have to be the exception to the rule.
I stayed on the edge of my bed and read the twists and turns of this novel as I was rooting for Tracy and her crazy friends.
It was a good read but I expected a different ending.
I stayed on the edge of my bed and read the twists and turns of this novel as I was rooting for Tracy and her crazy friends.
It was a good read but I expected a different ending.
January 5, 2015
FIVE STAR REVIEW - REALLY ENJOYABLE
This is a new genre for Jacki Kelly and I think she's found her niche. This book is really really good. The plot and characters are realistic. This is a must read. I hope she writes more Women's Fiction.
This is a new genre for Jacki Kelly and I think she's found her niche. This book is really really good. The plot and characters are realistic. This is a must read. I hope she writes more Women's Fiction.
January 25, 2015
Sad and liberating.
Very well written story about the end of a 20 year marriage, a husband's terrible choices and the consequences, a wife falling apart then finding her strength and herself plus happiness again
Very well written story about the end of a 20 year marriage, a husband's terrible choices and the consequences, a wife falling apart then finding her strength and herself plus happiness again
January 16, 2015
Packed and Ready To Go
I didn't find that there was much substance in this novel.
Pretty predictable throughout. Not much to it. Not great.
I didn't find that there was much substance in this novel.
Pretty predictable throughout. Not much to it. Not great.
January 30, 2015
I enjoyed the story. There were a lot of editing issues that were aggravating, including a character changing names. But overall, I enjoyed it.
January 31, 2015
Brave
The wife was brave and true to herself like that she was a lady threw the whole book and took the high road
The wife was brave and true to herself like that she was a lady threw the whole book and took the high road
February 16, 2015
Wow!
Freaky had no idea about this book when kids purchased it. I did like the cover. But omg was I in for a ride. So glad that I had the notion! Really really good.
Freaky had no idea about this book when kids purchased it. I did like the cover. But omg was I in for a ride. So glad that I had the notion! Really really good.
Read
April 14, 2025This story follows Tracy and Walter, a couple who have been married for many years and share a daughter named Crystal. From the very beginning, it’s clear that Walter is unfaithful. He's having an affair with a woman named Sasha, and as the story unfolds, we learn this isn’t his first time—he's cheated multiple times over the years, including once in college while Tracy was pregnant, and later with his secretary. Walter is, quite frankly, a serial cheater.
Life goes on—Crystal gets married, and Tracy loses her father. During these tough times, we get a glimpse into Walter’s point of view, and even then, it seems like simply supporting Tracy is a burden to him. Eventually, Tracy returns to work, only to be confronted by Sasha, who shows up at her office and reveals everything. It turns out Walter didn’t just have an affair with Sasha—he bought her a car, and a house, and even gave her money.
That’s the final straw for Tracy. She asks for a divorce, packs up his things, and moves on with Marco, a coworker who values her.
The book ends with a powerful scene where Tracy tells Walter she’s done for good.
Overall, this book was heartbreaking. It’s painful to read about a woman being constantly betrayed and hurt by someone who’s supposed to love her. But I appreciated that Tracy eventually found the strength to walk away and choose happiness. The writing is strong and the story flows well—just be prepared for an emotional journey.
Life goes on—Crystal gets married, and Tracy loses her father. During these tough times, we get a glimpse into Walter’s point of view, and even then, it seems like simply supporting Tracy is a burden to him. Eventually, Tracy returns to work, only to be confronted by Sasha, who shows up at her office and reveals everything. It turns out Walter didn’t just have an affair with Sasha—he bought her a car, and a house, and even gave her money.
That’s the final straw for Tracy. She asks for a divorce, packs up his things, and moves on with Marco, a coworker who values her.
The book ends with a powerful scene where Tracy tells Walter she’s done for good.
Overall, this book was heartbreaking. It’s painful to read about a woman being constantly betrayed and hurt by someone who’s supposed to love her. But I appreciated that Tracy eventually found the strength to walk away and choose happiness. The writing is strong and the story flows well—just be prepared for an emotional journey.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 9, 2022
I read this book in short order. I wanted to know what’s next. From the first paragraph, I was with Tracy on her journey of finding herself. A marriage can swallow you in its dependency. A bad marriage will chew you and you should hope to find all the pieces when you’re ready to be whole again.
I love the way the author lets us deep into Tracy and Walter’s relationships by showing us all the deep cracks like canyons. A selfish and entitled man, Walter may have underestimated his wife once too many times. Tracy wants to be clear about what her heart has been trying to tell her even after she’d packed her bags planning to leave.
Once a cheater…Walter should get what he deserves and I sense whatever Tracy decides, his mistress will make his life miserable either way. He’s abhorrent.
The book is realistic in its depiction of a marriage on the brinks and the characters are like people you know that have gone through similar situations, thus making the story relatable. Great story.
I’d recommend this book and will read more from the author.
I love the way the author lets us deep into Tracy and Walter’s relationships by showing us all the deep cracks like canyons. A selfish and entitled man, Walter may have underestimated his wife once too many times. Tracy wants to be clear about what her heart has been trying to tell her even after she’d packed her bags planning to leave.
Once a cheater…Walter should get what he deserves and I sense whatever Tracy decides, his mistress will make his life miserable either way. He’s abhorrent.
The book is realistic in its depiction of a marriage on the brinks and the characters are like people you know that have gone through similar situations, thus making the story relatable. Great story.
I’d recommend this book and will read more from the author.
May 29, 2017
Walter and Tracy Baptiste have been married for nearly 20 years and are preparing for their daughter's college graduation, then elaborate wedding. In the midst of all the chaos, there are constant signs that the marriage is in trouble. Both parties are keeping secrets that threaten to come bursting thru the seams.
I don't know who recommended this book to me, but I owe them a huge thank you. This is one of the best books I've read in a very long time. It's definitely relatable, because it deals with issues that many women deal with on a daily basis…infidelity, empty nest and substance abuse. From the beginning, it out me in the mind of a Terry McMillan novel. Unfortunately, I have to give it 💎💎💎💎, because I found a few errors.
This is my first novel by @jackikellybooks, but definitely won't be my last. As a matter of fact, I'm on to the sequel entitled, 'Going Backwards.'
I don't know who recommended this book to me, but I owe them a huge thank you. This is one of the best books I've read in a very long time. It's definitely relatable, because it deals with issues that many women deal with on a daily basis…infidelity, empty nest and substance abuse. From the beginning, it out me in the mind of a Terry McMillan novel. Unfortunately, I have to give it 💎💎💎💎, because I found a few errors.
This is my first novel by @jackikellybooks, but definitely won't be my last. As a matter of fact, I'm on to the sequel entitled, 'Going Backwards.'
July 19, 2025
The story of How a shrudest and young Mistress becomes a WIFE !!!
Tracy was an absolute doormat !Her husband of 20 years having constant affairs and chain of mistresses, Even his office knew as his latest Sasha 25 years old went to his office and fucked him! How can be a wife so blind 😭
** She didn't know where he is spending his money diamonds, holidays,cars on his mistress.She was arguing over groceries and one lunch on her daughters graduation.She even didn't know how much he earned,where did he spent all his bonus 😬
Spoilers !
Yes detailed description of Walter banging his mistress Sasha six ways to sunday.
🌟🌟🌟🌟💯Balm to ears
Tracy : it's over
Walter: No, not yet.” He rubbed his chest. “I can’t do it, Tracy. I can’t raise a child. I’m too old.” He ran his hand over his close-cropped hair. “I’ve lost my job. I need you, Tracy. Please
understand.”
Tracy was an absolute doormat !Her husband of 20 years having constant affairs and chain of mistresses, Even his office knew as his latest Sasha 25 years old went to his office and fucked him! How can be a wife so blind 😭
** She didn't know where he is spending his money diamonds, holidays,cars on his mistress.She was arguing over groceries and one lunch on her daughters graduation.She even didn't know how much he earned,where did he spent all his bonus 😬
Spoilers !
Yes detailed description of Walter banging his mistress Sasha six ways to sunday.
🌟🌟🌟🌟💯Balm to ears
Tracy : it's over
Walter: No, not yet.” He rubbed his chest. “I can’t do it, Tracy. I can’t raise a child. I’m too old.” He ran his hand over his close-cropped hair. “I’ve lost my job. I need you, Tracy. Please
understand.”
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 18, 2025
Not worth the purchase price
I am very disappointed with this purchase. The story is your typical power-hungry man cheats with 20-something and walks all over his obedient wife.
Parts of the story had traction but then fell flat. Example: Mrs. called the mistress after their confrontation - why didn’t we get that account first hand? And, the discussion with the adult daughter about the divorce - we aren’t party to that dialogue either - we simply get two sentences that ‘she didn’t handle it well.’ Not only that, but there is also no talk of balancing the financial scales with all the money he spent on mistress - half of that outlay belongs to the wife.
I was left unfulfilled by this story at every turn.
I am very disappointed with this purchase. The story is your typical power-hungry man cheats with 20-something and walks all over his obedient wife.
Parts of the story had traction but then fell flat. Example: Mrs. called the mistress after their confrontation - why didn’t we get that account first hand? And, the discussion with the adult daughter about the divorce - we aren’t party to that dialogue either - we simply get two sentences that ‘she didn’t handle it well.’ Not only that, but there is also no talk of balancing the financial scales with all the money he spent on mistress - half of that outlay belongs to the wife.
I was left unfulfilled by this story at every turn.
October 2, 2020
On Point and Pivoting!
Excellent page Turner! After years of infidelity and lies Tracy is packed and ready to go. Walter's disrespect is blinding and nerve shattering. Picking up the pieces and restructuring her mental, physical and emotional state is all that's on the menu....Oh and Marco!
Excellent page Turner! After years of infidelity and lies Tracy is packed and ready to go. Walter's disrespect is blinding and nerve shattering. Picking up the pieces and restructuring her mental, physical and emotional state is all that's on the menu....Oh and Marco!
October 2, 2020
Tracy and Walter are in a marriage filled with lies, deceit and infidelity. After years of ignoring the inevitable, Tracy is ready to walk away from a marriage that's been over for years. Walter on the other hand is so self absorbed, with a pregnant twentysomething year old mistress, he can't believe Tracy is ready to move on. She is and she has....Marco!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 17, 2025
Enjoyable
For the most part the novel was very enjoyable to read. I'm a little disappointed with how it ended. Quite abrupt and quick. Walter was honestly a piece for work, wow!! It seems like she got her happy ending. Story plot was nice, I'm surprised and disappointed she stayed for long but can understand. Over all good read!
For the most part the novel was very enjoyable to read. I'm a little disappointed with how it ended. Quite abrupt and quick. Walter was honestly a piece for work, wow!! It seems like she got her happy ending. Story plot was nice, I'm surprised and disappointed she stayed for long but can understand. Over all good read!
July 6, 2020
Rollercoaster
Walter as something else. If Sasha thinks he's on lock down she'll learn. Walter loves his self. I am glad Tracy had the courage to walk away. He had something good and he lost it.
Walter as something else. If Sasha thinks he's on lock down she'll learn. Walter loves his self. I am glad Tracy had the courage to walk away. He had something good and he lost it.
June 28, 2024
A Great Read
I loved this book, this book hit home with me. It's so real. It probably happen to many older couples.
I couldn't put this book down. I finished the book in one setting. Bravo to the author, a book well written.
I loved this book, this book hit home with me. It's so real. It probably happen to many older couples.
I couldn't put this book down. I finished the book in one setting. Bravo to the author, a book well written.
June 30, 2024
Wonderful
All I can say is where can I find a Marco of my own. From finally seeing her marriage for what it is. Jacki Kelly tells the story of a heroine who fights back to find herself.
All I can say is where can I find a Marco of my own. From finally seeing her marriage for what it is. Jacki Kelly tells the story of a heroine who fights back to find herself.
July 2, 2024
conclusion
Great book but kind of wasted to know what happened with the daughter and Sasha. Also the wedding with her and Marco. Also wanted Carla to come back with the baby to find out she was pregnant.
Great book but kind of wasted to know what happened with the daughter and Sasha. Also the wedding with her and Marco. Also wanted Carla to come back with the baby to find out she was pregnant.
February 1, 2025
Aweful
Sorry but I really don't like this story..she ignores wayyyyy too many signs and his excuses suck..she should be smarter and know better..she seems pretty week to me..she being the mc
Sorry but I really don't like this story..she ignores wayyyyy too many signs and his excuses suck..she should be smarter and know better..she seems pretty week to me..she being the mc
May 14, 2025
Great story !!
In grew up with a guy just like the main male.character . The female main charactor finally did the right thing ,
The story is well worth reading emotions are up and down but the ending is the right one
In grew up with a guy just like the main male.character . The female main charactor finally did the right thing ,
The story is well worth reading emotions are up and down but the ending is the right one
December 8, 2019
Grabs you from beginning
Outstanding read. Walter was dellusional in thinking he could maintain two families. A page turner. Can’t wait to read book 2.
Outstanding read. Walter was dellusional in thinking he could maintain two families. A page turner. Can’t wait to read book 2.
April 2, 2020
I enjoyed this book. The author put a lot of time and understanding into Tracey.
August 21, 2023
Wow…
I didn’t know what to expect as this is my first time with this author. After 20 years of that husbands’ foolery, I was glad to see the MFC move on.
I didn’t know what to expect as this is my first time with this author. After 20 years of that husbands’ foolery, I was glad to see the MFC move on.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews