What do you think?
Martin Family #1
Loved Bayou
Jacob Fox, son of the notorious Neil Fox, wanted nothing more than to disappear. There had been a media frenzy during the arrest of his parents and their subsequent deaths, and Jacob couldn't escape all the negativity surrounding the ordeal. He decided to buy a house in south Louisiana on a private, wooded lot in the middle of the bayou so he could drop off the face of the earth for a while.
He certainly hadn't come to Louisiana to make friends. Unfortunately for him, the neighbors surrounding his property were overly friendly. With the help of his Doberman Pincher, Jacob ran off anyone who tried to welcome him to the area.
That seemed to be working pretty well until he met Alex Martin. She simply wanted to offer a little southern hospitality at first, but eventually she realized she might be the only person who could help Jacob rediscover the man he used to be.
He certainly hadn't come to Louisiana to make friends. Unfortunately for him, the neighbors surrounding his property were overly friendly. With the help of his Doberman Pincher, Jacob ran off anyone who tried to welcome him to the area.
That seemed to be working pretty well until he met Alex Martin. She simply wanted to offer a little southern hospitality at first, but eventually she realized she might be the only person who could help Jacob rediscover the man he used to be.
210 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 29, 2016
About the author
Brooke St. James
114 books963 followersBrooke St. James is a USA Today bestselling author and Amazon Kindle All-Star. She writes contemporary romance novels with Christian and inspirational themes and happy endings. She was born and raised in south Louisiana but has had the opportunity to travel and live throughout the U.S. An avid reader, writer, audio book addict, and fan of all things artistic, Brooke constantly has her hands in some creative activity. She's currently back home in Louisiana enjoying life with her husband, children, and two lazy dogs.
To find out more about Brooke visit her Facebook page at:
https://www.facebook.com/brookesaintj...
Her Official website at:
http://www.brookesaintjames.com/
Follow her on Twitter or Instagram:
@brooke_stjames
To join her mailing list or for specific inquiries:
brookesaintjames@gmail.com
Listen to her audiobooks on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/@BrookeStJames
To find out more about Brooke visit her Facebook page at:
https://www.facebook.com/brookesaintj...
Her Official website at:
http://www.brookesaintjames.com/
Follow her on Twitter or Instagram:
@brooke_stjames
To join her mailing list or for specific inquiries:
brookesaintjames@gmail.com
Listen to her audiobooks on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/@BrookeStJames
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 82 reviews
August 28, 2023
I love this book! Definitely reading again. Very sweet story with depth, very well written. I'll have to read the rest of the series and more from Brooke St James. I found another favorite author ♡
June 23, 2019
It took me a little while to get into this story, but once Alex and Jacob met I was sucked in. I love how honest and stubborn Alex is and that she's able to break down his walls. This was a sweet story and I loved it was on the bayou, even though I kept worrying about crocodiles or alligators. This was a fun start to the series, I can't wait to read the stories about the rest of the Martin cousins.
November 5, 2018
Ok, where do I start?
How about I start with Alex Martin. I tried really hard to like her, but it got to a point where I couldn't stand her intrusions in the poor man's life. Perhaps it was her own feelings of insecurity that led her to believe that everyone would respond to her alleged kindness. No matter what the reason was, it just got to be too much for me.
While Alex's character did aggravate me, I really enjoyed Jacob Fox's character. His journey of faith led him to reconsider his choice to live a life isolated from the world. I loved seeing his personal story flourish in the midst of Alex's constant nagging. While I find it hard to believe that in a matter of days his walk of faith was suddenly reshaped and straightened out, I like that he said that he was determined to "try" to be worthy of Alex.
In the same line of thought, I truly enjoyed the interaction between the Martin family members. That gives me enough motivation to keep going through the series.
Finally, on the matter of physical contact and intimacy, the story was rather clean. Some excessively descriptive kissing (in my humble opinion). This should be left to the reader's discretion.
Overall, short read, fast-paced (but mostly believable), enjoyable characters (for the most part). While I cannot say that this was a favorite for me, I still look forward to reading more from Miss St-James.
How about I start with Alex Martin. I tried really hard to like her, but it got to a point where I couldn't stand her intrusions in the poor man's life. Perhaps it was her own feelings of insecurity that led her to believe that everyone would respond to her alleged kindness. No matter what the reason was, it just got to be too much for me.
While Alex's character did aggravate me, I really enjoyed Jacob Fox's character. His journey of faith led him to reconsider his choice to live a life isolated from the world. I loved seeing his personal story flourish in the midst of Alex's constant nagging. While I find it hard to believe that in a matter of days his walk of faith was suddenly reshaped and straightened out, I like that he said that he was determined to "try" to be worthy of Alex.
In the same line of thought, I truly enjoyed the interaction between the Martin family members. That gives me enough motivation to keep going through the series.
Finally, on the matter of physical contact and intimacy, the story was rather clean. Some excessively descriptive kissing (in my humble opinion). This should be left to the reader's discretion.
Overall, short read, fast-paced (but mostly believable), enjoyable characters (for the most part). While I cannot say that this was a favorite for me, I still look forward to reading more from Miss St-James.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 14, 2018
While it took a little for me to get into this story, about a quarter of the way through I was hooked, and really enjoyed this rather simplistic tale of two souls coming together and finding belonging, acceptance and love. I also really loved the author's choice to write in first-person purely from the heroine's perspective, who was a little quirky, and entirely lovable.
November 21, 2016
Fantastic start
So,I accidentally read this one second, but I still loved it! The characters are awesome and the conflict wasn't crazy! Hurray! It had some weird moments, but was very real. I can't wait to read the other books!
So,I accidentally read this one second, but I still loved it! The characters are awesome and the conflict wasn't crazy! Hurray! It had some weird moments, but was very real. I can't wait to read the other books!
August 8, 2016
This book was so lame , I can't even describe it. I don;t think I've ever disliked a main character as much as I disliked Alex Martin.
September 27, 2018
Loved Bayou: Martin Family Book 1 is by Brooke St. James. This book is the start of a series about the Martin Family. This family consists of three sisters and their two mail cousins and their finding their love of their life in the middle of Louisiana. If the others are like this one, they will be easy to read and just plain fun.
Alex Martin is the financial operator of Martin Outfitters owned by her Father and uncle. Her cousins, Cam and Cole, work for them too. Her sisters are in college and high school. Alex is a fixer. If someone has a problem, she sets out to fix it for them, whether or not they want the help. When she finds out that Jacob Fox, the son of an evangelical preacher who went wrong, moved in down the road from her and does not want to associate with anyone, she sets out to greet him and bring him out of seclusion. She finds he has set up a pair of locked gates to his house and has a large dog to guard the place, she is momentarily stopped; but decides to go on anyway. When she meets Jacob, he is rude and mean and insistent that she leave immediately. She does leave with her feelings hurt; but that doesn’t mean she will stay gone.
Will she be able to break down his barriers and bring him out into Louisiana society? What will it take
Alex Martin is the financial operator of Martin Outfitters owned by her Father and uncle. Her cousins, Cam and Cole, work for them too. Her sisters are in college and high school. Alex is a fixer. If someone has a problem, she sets out to fix it for them, whether or not they want the help. When she finds out that Jacob Fox, the son of an evangelical preacher who went wrong, moved in down the road from her and does not want to associate with anyone, she sets out to greet him and bring him out of seclusion. She finds he has set up a pair of locked gates to his house and has a large dog to guard the place, she is momentarily stopped; but decides to go on anyway. When she meets Jacob, he is rude and mean and insistent that she leave immediately. She does leave with her feelings hurt; but that doesn’t mean she will stay gone.
Will she be able to break down his barriers and bring him out into Louisiana society? What will it take
September 30, 2025
This was a cute short book. To be honest Alex annoyed me in the beginning with how she would not leave Jacob alone then whined that he hurt her feelings when he got mad at her. I would have gotten mad at her too lol. I also found some of the explanations long winded. At the beginning especially it felt like an info dump. I feel like it could have been shortened and then maybe explained more in an author blurb at the end. But it ended up being a sweet story and I found myself enjoying it. I especially loved the big family get togethers. I liked it enough to continue the series and see what happens to the other characters.
November 13, 2017
😃😃😃😃😃
This is a sweet romance with a nice thread of faith woven through it. The plot is good, the storytelling fast paced, and the characters engaging. What moves it from liked it to loved it is the execution of the first person narrative. The writer does an excellent job of creating the feeling that Alex is actually telling you this story over a cup or several of coffee. Happily that is consistent throughout the series. The only complaint is with misses in proofreading that create disruptions in the flow.
This is a sweet romance with a nice thread of faith woven through it. The plot is good, the storytelling fast paced, and the characters engaging. What moves it from liked it to loved it is the execution of the first person narrative. The writer does an excellent job of creating the feeling that Alex is actually telling you this story over a cup or several of coffee. Happily that is consistent throughout the series. The only complaint is with misses in proofreading that create disruptions in the flow.
July 24, 2018
Sweetest thing ever!
Aww... this book was so sweet and so clean, but not boring at all! I love a book that can make me laugh and feel emotional! Brooke St. James just earned another reader! I look forward to reading more of her work. I read the look in one night and the only time I do that is if it's really interesting to me! Finally, another author worth one-clicking! (I have very few)
Aww... this book was so sweet and so clean, but not boring at all! I love a book that can make me laugh and feel emotional! Brooke St. James just earned another reader! I look forward to reading more of her work. I read the look in one night and the only time I do that is if it's really interesting to me! Finally, another author worth one-clicking! (I have very few)
August 12, 2018
I have never been to Louisiana and the Bayou, but this sweet, clean easy summer read was just delightful. One does not often think of the affect of having a TV Evangelist as parents, does to the children. This book skims the surface in the character of Jacob. We all know people like Alex and her family who just want to help everyone and that is just what she did with Jacob. Thank you Brooke St. John for your talents in writing this book.
May 2, 2018
It should not have taken me this long to read a 200 page book. The death of my precious fur baby had some to do with it but more than that just getting into the book was difficult. The writing didn’t flow well and I felt like sections of the book were just added as filler because it added nothing to the story. The best part of the whole book was the epilogue. 🤦♀️
June 16, 2017
I love the sweet and simple goodness of Brooke books. No boy loses girl or girl loses boy angst. I thought her pursuit of Jacob as a friend was perfectly balanced with his pursuit of her, right up to the epilogue. looking forward to book 2!
February 10, 2018
Loved it
I thoroughly enjoyed this story. I enjoyed the location in Louisiana and the friendly people there. I really loved the chemistry of the two main characters. This was a really sweet, clean romance.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story. I enjoyed the location in Louisiana and the friendly people there. I really loved the chemistry of the two main characters. This was a really sweet, clean romance.
March 18, 2018
Great book
I enjoyed reading this book about Louisiana. I am from Houma, Louisiana. When it was mentioned in the book I got so excited. I could relate so much to the places. I am looking forward to the next book in this series.
I enjoyed reading this book about Louisiana. I am from Houma, Louisiana. When it was mentioned in the book I got so excited. I could relate so much to the places. I am looking forward to the next book in this series.
March 29, 2018
Starting over
Jacob came to Louie to get away from all the bad his parents had done to their church. Cam & Caleb knew him from camp, but Alex felt she needed to get past his barriers. It was great.
Jacob came to Louie to get away from all the bad his parents had done to their church. Cam & Caleb knew him from camp, but Alex felt she needed to get past his barriers. It was great.
March 29, 2018
A super cute, funny, & easy read! I love reading clean love stories! The main character has a self confidence that's admirable, & a personality that makes me laugh. This is book 1 of a series of 5, & I'm excited to read the rest of the story.
April 2, 2018
Great Read!
Totally enjoyed the story of Alex and Jacob.. Alex certainly had tenacity and Jacob was a rather hard sell. Loved the way the large family interacted with one another. Brooke St.James is a favorite author!
Totally enjoyed the story of Alex and Jacob.. Alex certainly had tenacity and Jacob was a rather hard sell. Loved the way the large family interacted with one another. Brooke St.James is a favorite author!
April 13, 2018
Light reading
A sweet story that’s easy to read in one day. Alex is a sweetheart and all of her family is nice as can be. Can she turn a grumpy neighbor into a friend, or would that be asking too much? A fun book to munch on.
A sweet story that’s easy to read in one day. Alex is a sweetheart and all of her family is nice as can be. Can she turn a grumpy neighbor into a friend, or would that be asking too much? A fun book to munch on.
April 23, 2018
The Bayou is loved
The main character has some over the top audacity to keep trying to make an unfriendly guy her friend. It took awhile into the book before the story really began. In the future, the story needs to jump more into the thick to keep me.
The main character has some over the top audacity to keep trying to make an unfriendly guy her friend. It took awhile into the book before the story really began. In the future, the story needs to jump more into the thick to keep me.
May 2, 2018
Interesting story
I don't usually like 1st person narratives but this was an interesting story. I liked the humor. I did find several misspellings and inappropriate grammar usage. I would recommend editing prior to publication
I don't usually like 1st person narratives but this was an interesting story. I liked the humor. I did find several misspellings and inappropriate grammar usage. I would recommend editing prior to publication
July 14, 2018
Yes!
This is a good read for sure! Being a native Louisianan I am always skeptical when I pick up a book set in the the place I call home. I was not disappointed this time.
If you’re looking for a new series to pick up you’ve found it!
This is a good read for sure! Being a native Louisianan I am always skeptical when I pick up a book set in the the place I call home. I was not disappointed this time.
If you’re looking for a new series to pick up you’ve found it!
August 15, 2018
Cute
Cute and sweet story in some ways. Too much physical for me but it probably won't be as much to others. :) Definitely a different approach relationally and I loved hearing the Loisiana type of ideas here and there.
Cute and sweet story in some ways. Too much physical for me but it probably won't be as much to others. :) Definitely a different approach relationally and I loved hearing the Loisiana type of ideas here and there.
September 6, 2018
I loved this book! It was clean and kept me reading. I finished it in two days. I related Alex Martin in her taking on people's struggles and wanting to help. A beautiful, clean love story! I can't wait to read more about the Martin Family in the rest of the series!
January 17, 2019
This is a beautiful story about a man that is broken and lost and it’s through the power of God’s love that he is found again. Jacob’s healing comes from the love of Alex his heart opens and he learns to trust and have hope again. Highly recommended!
January 22, 2019
I'm not a big fan of Christian romance books but this one had just the right dose of it to be a sweet read. Loved the story and the Martin family very much. Maybe I'll read the next one in the series as well. This one was really cute.
July 12, 2019
Recommend
Loved reading this. Like others I didn’t want to put it down. It’s nice to read a book that is clean and lets you use your imagination. You can just picture the characters.
Loved reading this. Like others I didn’t want to put it down. It’s nice to read a book that is clean and lets you use your imagination. You can just picture the characters.
December 30, 2019
Couldn't finish it
After reading over halfway through, there was no reason to continue. Dull story, no plot other than to force herself into a man's life. Glad I only wasted a couple of hours.
After reading over halfway through, there was no reason to continue. Dull story, no plot other than to force herself into a man's life. Glad I only wasted a couple of hours.
May 5, 2020
This was the cutest thing I have ever read, I think. I've enjoyed every Brooke St. James book I've read so far, but I absolutely ADORED this one. I had the biggest crush on Jacob and Alex was soo sweet and fun to read about. Wow. This book put me in the best mood.
April 25, 2021
What a great book! I loved the whole book, I read it in one sitting. The characters were wonderful and the storyline grabbed my heart from the very first page! I am so looking forward to reading the rest of this series!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 82 reviews