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The Jade Emperor: A Twisty Family Drama About Sisterhood, Secrets, and Second Chances
After a stranger appears on their doorstep, a picture-perfect family takes a side trip to crazy town in this story of a soldier's last chance at love.
A marriage of nearly half a century faces its greatest challenge when a stranger arrives, bearing life changing news. Although Steve and Kelly Boyd live together, they barely tolerate each other. Marrying in their teens and quickly becoming parents, the separation due to the war in Vietnam forms the foundation for the next forty-five precarious years.
Filling the empty marriage with the companionship of her twin sister, Karen, and the family she made with Steve, Kelly’s life revolves around her six adult children.
The stranger’s sudden appearance clarifies so much about Steve’s lifetime behavior to Kelly.
Heartfelt conversations at the local coffee shop where son Reggie works as a barista, help the family resolve differences, build new relationships, and grow in acceptance of one another.
At the end, love outweighs everything.
A marriage of nearly half a century faces its greatest challenge when a stranger arrives, bearing life changing news. Although Steve and Kelly Boyd live together, they barely tolerate each other. Marrying in their teens and quickly becoming parents, the separation due to the war in Vietnam forms the foundation for the next forty-five precarious years.
Filling the empty marriage with the companionship of her twin sister, Karen, and the family she made with Steve, Kelly’s life revolves around her six adult children.
The stranger’s sudden appearance clarifies so much about Steve’s lifetime behavior to Kelly.
Heartfelt conversations at the local coffee shop where son Reggie works as a barista, help the family resolve differences, build new relationships, and grow in acceptance of one another.
At the end, love outweighs everything.
248 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 21, 2017
174 people are currently reading
213 people want to read
About the author
Suzanne Jenkins
259 books364 followersSuzanne Jenkins lives at the west Michigan lakeshore. She is the author of Pam of Babylon and the series; Don’t You Forget About Me,Dream Lover, Prayers for the Dying, Family Dynamics and The Tao of Pam. The Greeks of Beaubien Street,and The Princess of Greektown from the Greektown Stories, Alice's Summertime Adventure, The Savant of Chelsea and Someone Like You.
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December 30, 2017💝 FREE on Amazon today (12/30/2017)! 💝
Blurb:
After a stranger appears on their doorstep, a picture-perfect family takes a side trip to crazy town in this story of a soldier's last chance at love.
A marriage of nearly half a century faces its greatest challenge when a stranger arrives, bearing life changing news. Although Steve and Kelly Boyd live together, they barely tolerate each other. Marrying in their teens and quickly becoming parents, the separation due to the war in Vietnam forms the foundation for the next forty-five precarious years.
Filling the empty marriage with the companionship of her twin sister, Karen, and the family she made with Steve, Kelly’s life revolves around her six adult children.
The stranger’s sudden appearance clarifies so much about Steve’s lifetime behavior to Kelly.
Heartfelt conversations at the local coffee shop where son Reggie works as a barista, help the family resolve differences, build new relationships, and grow in acceptance of one another.
At the end, love outweighs everything.
Blurb:
After a stranger appears on their doorstep, a picture-perfect family takes a side trip to crazy town in this story of a soldier's last chance at love.
A marriage of nearly half a century faces its greatest challenge when a stranger arrives, bearing life changing news. Although Steve and Kelly Boyd live together, they barely tolerate each other. Marrying in their teens and quickly becoming parents, the separation due to the war in Vietnam forms the foundation for the next forty-five precarious years.
Filling the empty marriage with the companionship of her twin sister, Karen, and the family she made with Steve, Kelly’s life revolves around her six adult children.
The stranger’s sudden appearance clarifies so much about Steve’s lifetime behavior to Kelly.
Heartfelt conversations at the local coffee shop where son Reggie works as a barista, help the family resolve differences, build new relationships, and grow in acceptance of one another.
At the end, love outweighs everything.
October 23, 2017
Kelly Boyd’s life was quite predictable with every day planned out and the routine set. Her husband, Steve, is a Vietnam veteran who deployed shortly after their first child, Augie, was born. Now married with six adult children, Kelly and Steve were comfortable with their lives, until a stranger arrives at their door and their routines are flipped upside-down. The Jade Emperor by Suzanne Jenkins quickly sucked me into the storyline.
That stranger turns out to be the son of Steve and his mother is from Vietnam. Wait, what? Yes. Apparently, Steve had some fun when he was in Vietnam thinking he was going to die at any moment. He even convinced Kelly all those years that he was suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) when in reality he was internally hiding that he was in love with someone else in a different country and he never kept in touch with her.
When this stranger arrives, his mother is with him a well. Knowing this, Steve suddenly spends tons of time with the two. When Kelly finds them at a restaurant outside of town, she observes how he treats this Vietnamese woman and realizes that he has never treated her like that. The moment that Steve hasn’t been suffering from PTSD, rather from heart-break hits her. Kelly begins to understand that they’ve both been living a lie all these years.
It doesn’t take long before Kelly brings the family together, a common occurrence. Unexpectedly, Steve and his Vietnamese love, Lee, shows up in the middle of the gathering. Talk about awkward moment! Kelly uses this moment to begin getting to know this lady and her son, Titan, while containing her composure and encouraging her children to be polite.
Then, everything seems to happen quickly in the story and I went from being lost in the story to wondering what just happened and how did everything progress so quickly. The Jade Emperor was mentioned in the story until more than halfway through and there wasn’t much of a history about this Jade Emperor. Personally, I feel like the ending of this story was rushed. The detail of the beginning was lost about halfway through.
The Jade Emperor by best-selling author, Suzanne Jenkins, was provided complimentary through readingdeals.com for an honest review. I feel this story is a 3-star because it begins so well and the detail so realistic, then it lost me as the ending felt rushed and thrown together haphazardly.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 19, 2017
Sad
Interesting what people accept just to have peace in their lives. Steve did not appear to be involved in living a life & has many issues. Very sad to know that there are many people like Steve who simply exist.
Interesting what people accept just to have peace in their lives. Steve did not appear to be involved in living a life & has many issues. Very sad to know that there are many people like Steve who simply exist.
August 13, 2021
Interesting plot and characters. It also serves to remind one that maybe his or her own family isn't so dysfunctional after all!
January 3, 2018
QUIRKY EMOTIONAL STORY OF A WOMAN'S LOVE
Suzanne Jenkins, definitely has a 5 star winner here with this quirky emotional story of love in many different ways. Kelly, a woman that I have laughed with, she's tears with, and wanted to slap her face and scream "snap out of it"; has 6 children, 62, and been married to Steve for a little over 40 something years working very hard to forge a loving relationship with all of her children, being a diligent nurse at work, and making excuses for her husband Steve who works then retires to his basement man cave for sports. Kelly is the together woman, her children are her as perfect mom, work as perfect nurse, and her husband as perfect cleaner and cook, he is also just a little jealous of all the fuss she makes over the children. Steve an unemotional and involved husband and father, is surprised by a 40+ yr old part Asian man that claims to be his son, he has gotten his mother Lee pregnant back while in Vietnam, but only found out when his step-father died. The dynamics in Kelly and Steve's marriage, are predictable at the onset, only; from there my emotions were like in a rollercoaster, then; hello Lee, I felt like I had for on a tilt-a-while laughing at some points, itching to either yell or slap a face or just slam a door was a accompanying feeling at times. Now, Kelly's kids all get involved, some have wives, other's partners, one - nothing, and not to forget her twin sister. You will call in love with some of her children, hate a few , think you need to grow up, but all in all the main focus of this book is the emotions and interactions of Kelly to her family, and her family to her, ( including Lee and the new unknown son). What a terrific read. I could not put it down, and will not put any spoilers. Run now it's not to be missed!
Suzanne Jenkins, definitely has a 5 star winner here with this quirky emotional story of love in many different ways. Kelly, a woman that I have laughed with, she's tears with, and wanted to slap her face and scream "snap out of it"; has 6 children, 62, and been married to Steve for a little over 40 something years working very hard to forge a loving relationship with all of her children, being a diligent nurse at work, and making excuses for her husband Steve who works then retires to his basement man cave for sports. Kelly is the together woman, her children are her as perfect mom, work as perfect nurse, and her husband as perfect cleaner and cook, he is also just a little jealous of all the fuss she makes over the children. Steve an unemotional and involved husband and father, is surprised by a 40+ yr old part Asian man that claims to be his son, he has gotten his mother Lee pregnant back while in Vietnam, but only found out when his step-father died. The dynamics in Kelly and Steve's marriage, are predictable at the onset, only; from there my emotions were like in a rollercoaster, then; hello Lee, I felt like I had for on a tilt-a-while laughing at some points, itching to either yell or slap a face or just slam a door was a accompanying feeling at times. Now, Kelly's kids all get involved, some have wives, other's partners, one - nothing, and not to forget her twin sister. You will call in love with some of her children, hate a few , think you need to grow up, but all in all the main focus of this book is the emotions and interactions of Kelly to her family, and her family to her, ( including Lee and the new unknown son). What a terrific read. I could not put it down, and will not put any spoilers. Run now it's not to be missed!
February 5, 2018
Poignant
This book, similar to Pam of Babylon, features a protagonist who is Pollyanna-ish in the extreme. Kelly has her moments of self-revelation and doubt, but her ability to quickly pull herself out of the doldrums is fascinating and a little bit strange. Even her kids comment on it. In the beginning there were a few strange homonyms and I couldn’t figure out of the baby’s name was Nicole or Nichole - both names appear. But overall the story is fascinating in a sort of soap opera style, and you find yourself picking the good in people and hoping they’ll succeed. The characters are all very likable - with the except of Steve, but he’s developing too - and you sort of think, “If I knew these people I would want to be friends with them, too.” Strangely, you feel as though reading about their readiness to embrace one another - foibles and all - give you the freedom to be who YOU really are, and to love that person in spite of your shortcomings - both real and imagined.
This book, similar to Pam of Babylon, features a protagonist who is Pollyanna-ish in the extreme. Kelly has her moments of self-revelation and doubt, but her ability to quickly pull herself out of the doldrums is fascinating and a little bit strange. Even her kids comment on it. In the beginning there were a few strange homonyms and I couldn’t figure out of the baby’s name was Nicole or Nichole - both names appear. But overall the story is fascinating in a sort of soap opera style, and you find yourself picking the good in people and hoping they’ll succeed. The characters are all very likable - with the except of Steve, but he’s developing too - and you sort of think, “If I knew these people I would want to be friends with them, too.” Strangely, you feel as though reading about their readiness to embrace one another - foibles and all - give you the freedom to be who YOU really are, and to love that person in spite of your shortcomings - both real and imagined.
October 13, 2017
I don't know what possessed me to buy this book, but I am glad I did! I'm strictly a mystery/thriller reader (well, I guess not strictly anymore), loving the 'who-dun-its', police procedurals, etc., certainly not a family saga (ugh). This book came up on one of the email lists I subscribe to and I was intrigued - got the sample and was hooked!
A very complicated list of characters was woven together seamlessly -- although a few times I had to stop and ask myself 'okay, who is this person again?' But for the most part I followed it easily. Great writing style and character (Lots of characters!) development, and of course the storyline! I could hardly put it down and didn't want it to end! I will be trying another by this author. I'm sure this can't be a one-off fluke! :-)
(only negative - quite a few typos, grammar issues or wrong words, but didn't distract too much from the enjoyment of the story)
A very complicated list of characters was woven together seamlessly -- although a few times I had to stop and ask myself 'okay, who is this person again?' But for the most part I followed it easily. Great writing style and character (Lots of characters!) development, and of course the storyline! I could hardly put it down and didn't want it to end! I will be trying another by this author. I'm sure this can't be a one-off fluke! :-)
(only negative - quite a few typos, grammar issues or wrong words, but didn't distract too much from the enjoyment of the story)
July 31, 2017
I loved this story so much. It is one of the best books I've read. Of course I expect no less from Suzanne Jenkins's books. She is an amazing author and story teller.
I had so many emotions during this book. From tears to laughter to absolute anger. I hated a couple of the characters because they were mean(but they tend to sort of grow on you), loved the main one and her antics and love for her family, laughed at a couple of the children. It was just an amazing story from start to finish and I also wish there would be another that will tell more about Kelly's new relationship.
Suzanne Jenkins is a wonderful and amazing author that can write stories with lots of characters and you can always keep up with who is who and what is what. It was just a very good book that I hated to see end but couldn't put down.
LOVED IT!
I had so many emotions during this book. From tears to laughter to absolute anger. I hated a couple of the characters because they were mean(but they tend to sort of grow on you), loved the main one and her antics and love for her family, laughed at a couple of the children. It was just an amazing story from start to finish and I also wish there would be another that will tell more about Kelly's new relationship.
Suzanne Jenkins is a wonderful and amazing author that can write stories with lots of characters and you can always keep up with who is who and what is what. It was just a very good book that I hated to see end but couldn't put down.
LOVED IT!
August 7, 2017
This story grabbed my attention from the definition of Tet at the beginning and was also recommended by a friend. I have friends who live in Vietnam and they have told me about the Tet holiday and thought it would be interesting to read a book that included that in the storyline. This isn't the type of story that I usually read but it got my attention from the beginning and I got pulled into the lives of the characters. Each one had their own ups and downs but the thing that I realized was how just one person's choices could affect the decisions and choices of the rest of the family. They all cared so much about each other even after growing up with a father who didn't have anything to do with them much. It's a good story on how love will overcome if it's given the chance. I was provided with a complimentary copy of this book, through Reading Deals, so I could give an honest review.
October 5, 2022
The Jade Emperor - a review by Rosemary Kenny.
The Jade Emperor, by the incredible Suzanne Jenkins probes a formerly-intimate scenario experienced by millions of middle-aged spouses, drifting along in increasingly resentful, or semi-detached marriages for decades, without anything causing a complete break.
Yet just as you might think maybe buying the book wasn't such a great move after all, a dramatic thunderbolt strikes at the heart of one couple's lives in a dramatic way, when an unexpected visitor arrives on their doorstep!
A far from 'cozy' mystery/ romance, The Jade Emperor, is many things - a modern morality tale, how unexpected events can rise phoenix-like from the past and much more. Don't miss it!
Recommended to fans of Kristy Nicholle, Courtney Sharpe and Toby Jane.
The Jade Emperor, by the incredible Suzanne Jenkins probes a formerly-intimate scenario experienced by millions of middle-aged spouses, drifting along in increasingly resentful, or semi-detached marriages for decades, without anything causing a complete break.
Yet just as you might think maybe buying the book wasn't such a great move after all, a dramatic thunderbolt strikes at the heart of one couple's lives in a dramatic way, when an unexpected visitor arrives on their doorstep!
A far from 'cozy' mystery/ romance, The Jade Emperor, is many things - a modern morality tale, how unexpected events can rise phoenix-like from the past and much more. Don't miss it!
Recommended to fans of Kristy Nicholle, Courtney Sharpe and Toby Jane.
July 29, 2018
The mysteries of life always changing
The Jade Emperor is a story that is about Kelly Boyd and her family. Her life centers around her adherence to a strict routine to manage her life, her work as a nurse and her six children. Suddenly her life is disrupted by the appearance of a young man who claims that he is the son of her husband. The story takes you through the drama of the lives of all those involved with Kelly and her family. The dynamics are so real. Kelly is a very positive person who keeps the balance in a family when it seems that some around her are falling apart. This story is a page turner - you want to know what is going to happen next. Great read!
The Jade Emperor is a story that is about Kelly Boyd and her family. Her life centers around her adherence to a strict routine to manage her life, her work as a nurse and her six children. Suddenly her life is disrupted by the appearance of a young man who claims that he is the son of her husband. The story takes you through the drama of the lives of all those involved with Kelly and her family. The dynamics are so real. Kelly is a very positive person who keeps the balance in a family when it seems that some around her are falling apart. This story is a page turner - you want to know what is going to happen next. Great read!
November 23, 2018
Don't miss this book!
I am very happy that I gave this book a chance. Not one I would have bought because I don't like romance novels. I got it free and I enjoyed reading it! I couldn't put it down and had to for dinner tonight (family dinner and holiday) but I grabbed it as soon as I got home! Good story and characters that I enjoyed a lot. Large families have lots of personalities and sometimes it is hard you deal with some of these people. I have a large family and I get it. Interesting dynamics and characters. Recommended by this reader.
I am very happy that I gave this book a chance. Not one I would have bought because I don't like romance novels. I got it free and I enjoyed reading it! I couldn't put it down and had to for dinner tonight (family dinner and holiday) but I grabbed it as soon as I got home! Good story and characters that I enjoyed a lot. Large families have lots of personalities and sometimes it is hard you deal with some of these people. I have a large family and I get it. Interesting dynamics and characters. Recommended by this reader.
January 4, 2018
I loved the book - read it in two days.
It was hard to keep track of all the characters, yes, and some weren't very fully fleshed out (they couldn't have been: there were too many!) and the amount of drama of all those characters stretched the imagination.
But - none of that seemed to matter? It was a page turner and I read it in two days!
The plot twists were original and unexpected and engaging. The ending was satisfying.
It was hard to keep track of all the characters, yes, and some weren't very fully fleshed out (they couldn't have been: there were too many!) and the amount of drama of all those characters stretched the imagination.
But - none of that seemed to matter? It was a page turner and I read it in two days!
The plot twists were original and unexpected and engaging. The ending was satisfying.
January 20, 2018
A page Turner!
The Jade Emperor is a complex well written story written by the master of storytelling. You will be dragged into the lives of a family with six children who are grown with lives of their own. You Wii love some, hate some, cry and laugh, but won't stop reading until the final page is turned.
suzanne Jenkins gives us another cast of characters to love.
The Jade Emperor is a complex well written story written by the master of storytelling. You will be dragged into the lives of a family with six children who are grown with lives of their own. You Wii love some, hate some, cry and laugh, but won't stop reading until the final page is turned.
suzanne Jenkins gives us another cast of characters to love.
September 24, 2017
Fun Little Book!
I really enjoyed reading this book. I got so enthralled by the characters and the story that I couldn’t put it down. It had so many twists and turns that I had no idea where it was going!
I really enjoyed reading this book. I got so enthralled by the characters and the story that I couldn’t put it down. It had so many twists and turns that I had no idea where it was going!
June 2, 2018
Different
This book is very different than what I normally read, however, I really enjoyed it. I was rooting for Kelly through the entire book. Will definitely read more by Ms. Jenkins.
This book is very different than what I normally read, however, I really enjoyed it. I was rooting for Kelly through the entire book. Will definitely read more by Ms. Jenkins.
July 26, 2017
Another great book from Suzanne Jenkins
October 14, 2017
Another amazing book. I was blown away with the story, I could not put it down. Wonderfully written with strong characters. I want more.....I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
February 3, 2018
Good read
As usual, I can only give praise to Suzanne Jenkins for yet another novel. Kelly's family is huge and their problems even bigger, but I couldn't get enough.
As usual, I can only give praise to Suzanne Jenkins for yet another novel. Kelly's family is huge and their problems even bigger, but I couldn't get enough.
March 16, 2018
The Jade Emperor
Being married to a man like this made this an almost painful read. This book gave hope people can change. I so identified with Kelly.
Being married to a man like this made this an almost painful read. This book gave hope people can change. I so identified with Kelly.
April 14, 2018
This book showed that change is possible. It was sad but the dynamics of the family was delightful. The book showed that a mother wants only for her children to be happy.
September 3, 2018
Not at all what I expected when I read the title, but a great read all the same!
November 30, 2018
Awesome story!
This was an interesting story. It sucked me in and I fell in love with the characters. I would highly recommend this book.
This was an interesting story. It sucked me in and I fell in love with the characters. I would highly recommend this book.
August 26, 2020
MI. Mrs. Kelly Boyd (wife/mother, Nurse, Karen’s twin sister, nee Dailey) was interrupted in her Friday house cleaning.
A stranger appeared on their doorstep late at night.
As Beaver (shepherd/boxer mix) was growling he apologized & introduced himself as Augustus Boyd (39).
Their 6 children lived close by. Augie Jr. Boyd (husband, OCD, Sandy wife), Ben Boyd (husband/father, twin son/brother, OCD, Liz wife/mother, Nichole baby), Lisa Boyd (twin daughter/sister, obese), Kenny “Ken” Boyd (son/brother, Nurse, alcoholic, Terry Cramer GF), Reggie Boyd (26, Steve’s son/brother, barista, 2nd MS degrees, obese), & Alice Boyd (daughter/sister, internet firm, lesbian).
Steve Boyd (husband/father, pipe fitter, retired Vietnam vet Sergeant) took Augustus down to his man cave to talk in private.
Steve had to tell Kelly (62) who Dr. Titan Baker (pediatric orthopedist, nee Augustus Boyd) is.
It is his son from Lee Baker (73, widow/mother, Steve’s mamasan’, nee Nguyen) from over in Vietnam.
Chicago, IL. Dr. Titan Baker had to get Jean Baker (Titan’s wife, MS, former pediatric orthopedist Dr.) some home health care.
Steve took Maxine (Alice’s lesbian partner, Steve’s daughter) out for coffee.
What news did Alice have for everyone?
Steve & Lee were looking for an apartment.
What news did Detective Sanders have for Kelly?
What did Detective Marty Sanders ask Kelly?
I do not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing free books from publishers & authors. Therefore, I am under no obligation to write a positive review, only an honest one.
Warning: This book contains descriptive accounts of adult content, violence, or expletive language &/or uncensored sexually explicit material (heterosexual or Lesbian relationships) which is only suitable for mature readers. It may be offensive or have potential adverse psychological effects on the reader. If you are especially sensitive to this type of material, it is strongly advised not to read any further.
An awesome book cover, great font & writing style. A very professionally written family drama book. It was extremely easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a great description list of unique characters, settings, facts etc. to keep track of. This could also make another great family drama movie, or better yet a mini TV series. There is no doubt in my mind this is an extremely easy rating of 5 stars.
Thank you for the free author; Amazon Digital Services LLC. book.
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
A stranger appeared on their doorstep late at night.
As Beaver (shepherd/boxer mix) was growling he apologized & introduced himself as Augustus Boyd (39).
Their 6 children lived close by. Augie Jr. Boyd (husband, OCD, Sandy wife), Ben Boyd (husband/father, twin son/brother, OCD, Liz wife/mother, Nichole baby), Lisa Boyd (twin daughter/sister, obese), Kenny “Ken” Boyd (son/brother, Nurse, alcoholic, Terry Cramer GF), Reggie Boyd (26, Steve’s son/brother, barista, 2nd MS degrees, obese), & Alice Boyd (daughter/sister, internet firm, lesbian).
Steve Boyd (husband/father, pipe fitter, retired Vietnam vet Sergeant) took Augustus down to his man cave to talk in private.
Steve had to tell Kelly (62) who Dr. Titan Baker (pediatric orthopedist, nee Augustus Boyd) is.
It is his son from Lee Baker (73, widow/mother, Steve’s mamasan’, nee Nguyen) from over in Vietnam.
Chicago, IL. Dr. Titan Baker had to get Jean Baker (Titan’s wife, MS, former pediatric orthopedist Dr.) some home health care.
Steve took Maxine (Alice’s lesbian partner, Steve’s daughter) out for coffee.
What news did Alice have for everyone?
Steve & Lee were looking for an apartment.
What news did Detective Sanders have for Kelly?
What did Detective Marty Sanders ask Kelly?
I do not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing free books from publishers & authors. Therefore, I am under no obligation to write a positive review, only an honest one.
Warning: This book contains descriptive accounts of adult content, violence, or expletive language &/or uncensored sexually explicit material (heterosexual or Lesbian relationships) which is only suitable for mature readers. It may be offensive or have potential adverse psychological effects on the reader. If you are especially sensitive to this type of material, it is strongly advised not to read any further.
An awesome book cover, great font & writing style. A very professionally written family drama book. It was extremely easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a great description list of unique characters, settings, facts etc. to keep track of. This could also make another great family drama movie, or better yet a mini TV series. There is no doubt in my mind this is an extremely easy rating of 5 stars.
Thank you for the free author; Amazon Digital Services LLC. book.
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
June 30, 2020
THE JADE EMPEROR
SUZANNE JENKINS
Review by Author Roy Murry
Young men go off to war, and when they come back, that experience changes them. Steve left Kelly and a child behind with her parents.
Vietnam's life turned Steve into an introvert. Kelly, a strong-minded person, knew what she wanted - a large family.
In reaching her goal, she took control while Steve became disconnected over the thirty-plus-year marriage. The reason did not become apparent until one day when a man showed up at the front door claiming to be Steve's son.
From that point on, Kelly's family started to deteriorate; chaos took over. Steve was in love, not with her, but Lee, the man's mother, and some of their six children seemed to be dysfunctional.
Kelly's twin complained things might have been different had Steve sought help when he returned from Vietnam. Or if Kelly was a weaker person or listened to the people who loved her about Steve.
Conflicts turned into fights and one attempt of murder. Coming together after that event, Kelly's family healed somewhat.
Ms. Jenkins' tangled web of relationship novel is a drama that keeps the reader engaged. Her well-written prose helps turn the page to find out the next layer of conflict.
A delightful and captivating read.
SUZANNE JENKINS
Review by Author Roy Murry
Young men go off to war, and when they come back, that experience changes them. Steve left Kelly and a child behind with her parents.
Vietnam's life turned Steve into an introvert. Kelly, a strong-minded person, knew what she wanted - a large family.
In reaching her goal, she took control while Steve became disconnected over the thirty-plus-year marriage. The reason did not become apparent until one day when a man showed up at the front door claiming to be Steve's son.
From that point on, Kelly's family started to deteriorate; chaos took over. Steve was in love, not with her, but Lee, the man's mother, and some of their six children seemed to be dysfunctional.
Kelly's twin complained things might have been different had Steve sought help when he returned from Vietnam. Or if Kelly was a weaker person or listened to the people who loved her about Steve.
Conflicts turned into fights and one attempt of murder. Coming together after that event, Kelly's family healed somewhat.
Ms. Jenkins' tangled web of relationship novel is a drama that keeps the reader engaged. Her well-written prose helps turn the page to find out the next layer of conflict.
A delightful and captivating read.
May 9, 2022
This is about a family with lots of problems. The Mom kept everything going even though she knew her husband of 40 years really didn't love her or the children. Then came the day when a stranger appeared at their door saying he wanted to speak to her husband. It turns out that it was his son. He had been with a women in Vietnam but never knew she was pregnant. She married a different soldier and told him it was his son. When he died she finally told her son the truth.
This obviously threw the entire family for a loop especially when the Dad left his wife of 40 years for this woman. All except for the Mom--started acting out. Well. she did a bit also. Mom kept trying to make everything okay. She even allowed her step son to stay with her--His Mom-a Vietnamese woman was a bit of work with a mouth that wouldn't quit!!
It was she who finally brought everything to a happy ending just in time for Tet!!
This obviously threw the entire family for a loop especially when the Dad left his wife of 40 years for this woman. All except for the Mom--started acting out. Well. she did a bit also. Mom kept trying to make everything okay. She even allowed her step son to stay with her--His Mom-a Vietnamese woman was a bit of work with a mouth that wouldn't quit!!
It was she who finally brought everything to a happy ending just in time for Tet!!
February 11, 2018
An interesting read
There was a definite lack of tension all the way through this that gave a lack-lustre feel to the story. Whilst I did enjoy it to a certain extent the characters were without real dimension and the lack of depth prevented a real connection and lent a bland air to the pages as we followed the action. It was a good plot, a little too contrived at times, it nevertheless managed to hold reader attention because there was a realistic edge at times representative of families and their dramas.
There was a definite lack of tension all the way through this that gave a lack-lustre feel to the story. Whilst I did enjoy it to a certain extent the characters were without real dimension and the lack of depth prevented a real connection and lent a bland air to the pages as we followed the action. It was a good plot, a little too contrived at times, it nevertheless managed to hold reader attention because there was a realistic edge at times representative of families and their dramas.
August 16, 2019
Why did I wait so long?
I have had this book in my Kindle since it was released. Suzanne Jenkins is my favorite author. The book didn't sound that interesting to me. I decided to start it and I couldn't put it down. The characters are so down to earth. By the time I was at the end I loved them all. Kelly is the perfect wife and mom. Or is she? That is the main theme of the book. One of my favorite books by Suzanne Jenkins!
I have had this book in my Kindle since it was released. Suzanne Jenkins is my favorite author. The book didn't sound that interesting to me. I decided to start it and I couldn't put it down. The characters are so down to earth. By the time I was at the end I loved them all. Kelly is the perfect wife and mom. Or is she? That is the main theme of the book. One of my favorite books by Suzanne Jenkins!
March 15, 2022
I wasn't sure what this story was going to be about. The title suggested an Asian flair, which is the kind of book I wanted to read about, but the story itself was poor and had nothing to do with an Emperor or foreign monarchy. The story had WAY too many characters that you couldn't keep them straight and sometimes was too wordy. The stories didn't go anywhere and it had a "fairy tale" type ending.
December 8, 2017
I wanted to like it. I really did. However, the garbled sentences, awful punctuation, unnecessary plot twists tossed willy-nilly into the story without preamble or follow-up, misused words, and even a made-up word really bothered me. An implausible story which could use an editor.
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