What do you think?
Rate this book
Montana Weekend #2
Jen's Keeper
Being a fishing guide on Montana's Bighorn River is a dream job, but peace isn't flowing like a river in Jen Olson's life. Working for her parents has taken over her own plans and dreams. To make matters worse, Jen has to guide a reporter for the weekend, and she suspects Zeke Smith has come to smear, not cheer. It isn't long before things come crashing down in the most unflattering way for her, and her parents' business. But even trips to familiar places can be life-changing if you can see those places with new eyes. Jen's about to see the river in a whole new way—and maybe even snag herself a keeper. Includes book club questions.
207 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 4, 2015
51 people are currently reading
554 people want to read
About the author
Cynthia Bruner
10 books31 followersCynthia grew up in Colorado, lived in Arizona, and was born somewhere east of there. Then she married a Montanan and that was the end of that. She pursued several degrees and a couple careers, but found God's best job for her when she became a wife and mom. Now her kids are grown-up enough to write their own stories, and so is she. She writes inspirational romance and takes photos of her favorite places in Montana and Yellowstone Park.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
March 17, 2015
This is the second Montana Weekend Novella I’ve read, and I love this one as much as the first. You know when you just want to relax with a fun, sweet book? This is that kind of book.
Jen, the main character, is well written and easy to identify with, but I also loved Jen’s family, Zeke (even when he was frustrating!), and the other guests at the lodge. They were all people I feel I know or have met at some time in my life. And I never thought I’d say this, but fly fishing sounds like fun! The fishing isn’t a big part of the story, but when it pops up, it’s intriguing--and even beautiful. (The descriptions of the river and the Montana landscape around it are lovely.) I highly recommend this book for an enjoyable weekend read!
Jen, the main character, is well written and easy to identify with, but I also loved Jen’s family, Zeke (even when he was frustrating!), and the other guests at the lodge. They were all people I feel I know or have met at some time in my life. And I never thought I’d say this, but fly fishing sounds like fun! The fishing isn’t a big part of the story, but when it pops up, it’s intriguing--and even beautiful. (The descriptions of the river and the Montana landscape around it are lovely.) I highly recommend this book for an enjoyable weekend read!
March 26, 2015
Another sweet tale from the wonderful Cynthia Bruner! Pack your bags and head for Montana! ENJOY! :D
January 14, 2023
I really enjoyed reading this book, although it's my husband who is an avid fisherman! Our 3 daughters enjoy fishing as well. Admittedly, I personally would enjoy fishing if I were able to catch them! (Give me a chair and a book any day!)
All that to say, I was excited to share what I had read about fly fishing with my husband, and though that's not what he typically does, we were able to discuss it! I was thrilled that I actually knew something! I also enjoyed the character development as well as the food descriptions! Now, I want to learn how to make crepes!
Definitely recommend this book to anyone!
All that to say, I was excited to share what I had read about fly fishing with my husband, and though that's not what he typically does, we were able to discuss it! I was thrilled that I actually knew something! I also enjoyed the character development as well as the food descriptions! Now, I want to learn how to make crepes!
Definitely recommend this book to anyone!
January 7, 2019
Fun, insightful read
The characters were delightful. Zeke was funny, kind, awkward and reels in the family.
Imperfect people teaching each other and us about life, fishing and the Lord. Charming. Hated to have it end what happens next?
The characters were delightful. Zeke was funny, kind, awkward and reels in the family.
Imperfect people teaching each other and us about life, fishing and the Lord. Charming. Hated to have it end what happens next?
February 17, 2020
A bit confusing at times
Seem like the author had things in .mind rg that did not get on the page.
Sometimes not clear
H
Seem like the author had things in .mind rg that did not get on the page.
Sometimes not clear
H
July 11, 2015
I really love this series. Each book is novella-length and is a meet-cute told from the perspective of a young woman. The stories take place over a weekend so there's just enough of that frisson of meeting and realising that this relationship can go somewhere.
That said, this is my least favourite entry in the Montana Weekend series. Why?
I like the atmosphere where the heroine is visiting her happy family for a special occasion. Meg's Best Man centered around a wedding, while Sky's Fireworks took place at 4th of July. By contrast, this book takes place at a fishing camp where Jen works alongside her parents. Even though they're guiding sport fishermen it's still hanging out at somebody's job. Unlike in the other books in the series, this family is not happy and accepting. The mother is, but the father is angry and bullying.
The biggest drawback for me, however, is that Jen, our heroine, is very unpleasant. There's one particular scene where she becomes irate with the man who has come to do an in-depth story on her family's fishing camp. Her anger is ignited because...he asks her questions about information he found out when doing background research on the company.
Yes. That's right. She gets mad at a reporter for researching the business he's writing an article about. She has some hyper meltdown about him being a gossip. That was the point where I lost interest in her happiness. She seemed determined to be angry at the slightest provocation, real or imagined.
I imagine that these issues I have with the story are personal quirks and that other readers will likely enjoy the story fully. The author is a good writer--that hasn't changed--and things that press my buttons may not bother other readers. So I'm giving it 3 stars, although I personally felt like it was a 2.5 for me, just because I didn't like the setting and protagonist.
That said, this is my least favourite entry in the Montana Weekend series. Why?
I like the atmosphere where the heroine is visiting her happy family for a special occasion. Meg's Best Man centered around a wedding, while Sky's Fireworks took place at 4th of July. By contrast, this book takes place at a fishing camp where Jen works alongside her parents. Even though they're guiding sport fishermen it's still hanging out at somebody's job. Unlike in the other books in the series, this family is not happy and accepting. The mother is, but the father is angry and bullying.
The biggest drawback for me, however, is that Jen, our heroine, is very unpleasant. There's one particular scene where she becomes irate with the man who has come to do an in-depth story on her family's fishing camp. Her anger is ignited because...he asks her questions about information he found out when doing background research on the company.
Yes. That's right. She gets mad at a reporter for researching the business he's writing an article about. She has some hyper meltdown about him being a gossip. That was the point where I lost interest in her happiness. She seemed determined to be angry at the slightest provocation, real or imagined.
I imagine that these issues I have with the story are personal quirks and that other readers will likely enjoy the story fully. The author is a good writer--that hasn't changed--and things that press my buttons may not bother other readers. So I'm giving it 3 stars, although I personally felt like it was a 2.5 for me, just because I didn't like the setting and protagonist.
August 15, 2015
This book’s subtitle is A Montana Weekend Novella, and it certainly made me want to spend a weekend in Montana’s Bighorn River area. Author Cynthia Bruner paints a finely detailed picture of this area, and her characters are delightfully realistic. Not perfect, but real and charming.
Heroine Jen and I have little in common, and yet within the first paragraph of this story, I felt we were long-lost friends. Her life should be fantastic, but she’s struggling with insecurities and restlessness. Enter Zeke Smith, a man who is entirely too intriguing, given his power to crush her family’s business.
I loved this story, its gentle faith message, and the descriptions of fly fishing that made me want to try it at least once. Beautifully written, Jen’s Keeper easily earns five stars. Highly recommended.
Heroine Jen and I have little in common, and yet within the first paragraph of this story, I felt we were long-lost friends. Her life should be fantastic, but she’s struggling with insecurities and restlessness. Enter Zeke Smith, a man who is entirely too intriguing, given his power to crush her family’s business.
I loved this story, its gentle faith message, and the descriptions of fly fishing that made me want to try it at least once. Beautifully written, Jen’s Keeper easily earns five stars. Highly recommended.
November 6, 2015
This is the fourth Cynthia Bruner publication I have read and, by far, my favorite. As always, the characters are complicated, just like in real life. They frustrate us and draw us to them at the same time because the process of struggling through life issues is so familiar. Bruner's detail of the setting, particularly the fishing scenes, is amazing in this novella! She whisks readers away to the Big Horn and teaches quite a bit about the habitat and the local wildlife. I really appreciate a story that can both entertain and educate at the same time. The best aspect of the story for me was how Bruner beautifully wove Scripture with character thoughts. The characters model how the Bible is relevant for all stages of our lives. I didn't want to put this down! I received a free copy of this in exchange for my honest review.
August 5, 2015
I really enjoyed this book. Jen leaves her life And dreams behind to come home and help her family by being a river guide for their company! She has to guide a reporter for the weekend and he seems to be someone who is more than a reporter! There is beautiful descriptions of the river, fish, and environment. I love fishing and would love to try fly fishing one day! It think that it would be an amazing time! Jen and Zeke have a wonderful adventure on the river! Read the book for yourself to find out more! I would highly recommend it!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Read
July 6, 2015Simple read in 1 1/2 day
Started reading while in the car on our trip and read while on the beach between play time with my daughter. When I first came across the book in the free section of Amazon I liked the cover, that's normally how I pick a book. My husband is a active fisherman so I thought I would enjoy it. I did! It was a good setting the story was simple and sweet and had a easy to follow story line. I would recommend to anyone. I am not one to give details about the story. Pick it up and see for yourself it's a great read.
Started reading while in the car on our trip and read while on the beach between play time with my daughter. When I first came across the book in the free section of Amazon I liked the cover, that's normally how I pick a book. My husband is a active fisherman so I thought I would enjoy it. I did! It was a good setting the story was simple and sweet and had a easy to follow story line. I would recommend to anyone. I am not one to give details about the story. Pick it up and see for yourself it's a great read.
May 29, 2015
I really enjoyed reading this book. The scenery was delightful, it was so descriptive! The author made you want to visit Montana & get out on a boat & go fishing! I also enjoyed how the characters developed throughout the storyline. The book was very calming & a sweet story to read. Thank you to First Reads giveaway for the opportunity to read a great book, I will definitely be passing it on to a friend to read!
April 15, 2015
WAY too much fishing information but still a sweet enjoyable tale with a message.
May 31, 2015
A lot happens in just two days, and it's not all romance. I liked that the story included family relationships, career plans, and faith as well as romance.
June 6, 2015
Cute and short
Funny and great characters. A little too short. I like my books 300-400 pages so it takes longer to read them.
Funny and great characters. A little too short. I like my books 300-400 pages so it takes longer to read them.
August 18, 2015
Christian Romance. Quick read. Not sure what to think. A little iffy how it all worked out. But not a bad read.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews