What do you think?
Rate this book
Saving Jenna
Jenna knew it was Ian Riley the second she saw him, but she refused to get her hopes up. He had left once before, and nothing would stop him from leaving again.
Coming back to West Grove was the last thing Ian wanted to do. If it hadn't been for the rental property, the small town would've never seen him again.
Two weeks and he'd be gone.
Until he sees Jenna Avery and realizes there's more than a house needing repaired.
The only problem - Two weeks may not be enough time to save her.
Coming back to West Grove was the last thing Ian wanted to do. If it hadn't been for the rental property, the small town would've never seen him again.
Two weeks and he'd be gone.
Until he sees Jenna Avery and realizes there's more than a house needing repaired.
The only problem - Two weeks may not be enough time to save her.
202 pages, Paperback
First published July 27, 2018
118 people are currently reading
78 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
Want to read
July 1, 2019🎁 FREE on Amazon today (7/1/2019)! 🎁
August 24, 2018
Another great read by Christina! This book is so good even with everything that happens throughout. Jenna is a strong, badass woman.
July 26, 2019
This was a new author for me and now I'm kicking myself for not finding her earlier. Normally, I read erotic romance but every now and then I like to switch things up and find something tamer, sweeter and clean. This fit that perfectly. The storyline was intriguing because I needed to know what was going to happen between the heroine and her boyfriend. The story is a second chance romance but also deals with the serious issue of domestic abuse. Ian, the hero, is only in town for a few weeks but once he sees his old flame, Jenna, things and plans change. And when he finds out what is going on, that's it! I totally enjoyed this story even though it was a clean and sweet romance. I will definitely be reading more books by Ms. Butrum.
July 8, 2019
Great
Second chances don't always come around. Ian left town and joined the army, but he left his heart there with Jenna. But when he was discharged after a IED explosion and loss of his dog going home wasn't happening. But his rental needs repairs he comes back. Jenna thought she found someone in John after Ian left, but he controlled everything & the abuse. Ian is giving her a second chance at love & freedom.
Second chances don't always come around. Ian left town and joined the army, but he left his heart there with Jenna. But when he was discharged after a IED explosion and loss of his dog going home wasn't happening. But his rental needs repairs he comes back. Jenna thought she found someone in John after Ian left, but he controlled everything & the abuse. Ian is giving her a second chance at love & freedom.
December 22, 2019
Emotional topic
A 5 Star story with an intense topic.Jenna has been dealing with domestic violence from her finance,and when Ian comes back to town,that adds fuel to the fire. Coming to terms with the past and dealing with the present put a strain on her.Can she deal with this on her own or will Ian end up Saving Jenna? The secondary characters G2 Cat and Todd round out the story well. I recommend this book
July 7, 2019
This author is new to me. This book was good from beginning to end. Ian came back to town. Jenna is a waitress in an abusive relationship. Ian does everything he can to get her back and protect her. In the end they live happily ever after.
July 15, 2019
Swoon worthy!
Jenna has some tough times but second chances with Ian works, after a few large obstacles are overcome. Good read! 👍👍
Jenna has some tough times but second chances with Ian works, after a few large obstacles are overcome. Good read! 👍👍
June 14, 2019
For me this book offered a love story in the middle of such a hard topic of domestic violence. The strength and courage Jenna has in this story is amazing! Ian and Jenna have such a strong bond between them that they thought they had lost years ago but was never lost to begin with as they find their way back to each other.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 4, 2019
Oh, the inconsistencies! I felt like every chapter had me going back to re-read things because nothing flowed right! It was yet another poorly planned romance novel that gave no real background, yet wants us to believe these people are madly in love?
A few things really bothered me. John treated Jenna horribly and the relationship was terrible. Yet in the beginning she says she has stayed because when things were good, they were good. So why is she on edge every single time she goes home if things aren’t always bad? There’s no examples of it. And where is her family? There’s hints, but nothing else. Ridiculously unrealistic.
Another inconsistency that wasn’t important but I noticed right away was about Ian’s first morning at the rental house, which, if we are to believe the previous chapters, was actually his second morning. It’s not important, but it’s sloppy.
The lack of chemistry between Ian and Jenna was disappointing. We’re told over and over how great they are together, but we experience none of that. They barely get along and can’t get it together to have a normal conversation until she suddenly shows up at his house and wants John to leave them alone to be in love. Some background, not just “they were friends as children, he had a bad childhood”. Why was NOTHING like that explained? His childhood had been hinted at but that’s it. Such poor planning. And making one character a protector doesn’t mean or show love when there’s no substance to their relationship. The reader doesn’t feel the relationship based on being told, we want to feel it.
Two last things: the author loved to use the words “pathetic” and “antics”. We get it. But one thing that was so odd to me was that in the end, when the police were “all over” Ian’s house, no one took care of a dog that had been shot..? They wouldn’t just overlook a dying animal and move around him. So beyond unrealistic and just sad to me that so much of the story was left out and inconsistent just to write the story one way.
A few things really bothered me. John treated Jenna horribly and the relationship was terrible. Yet in the beginning she says she has stayed because when things were good, they were good. So why is she on edge every single time she goes home if things aren’t always bad? There’s no examples of it. And where is her family? There’s hints, but nothing else. Ridiculously unrealistic.
Another inconsistency that wasn’t important but I noticed right away was about Ian’s first morning at the rental house, which, if we are to believe the previous chapters, was actually his second morning. It’s not important, but it’s sloppy.
The lack of chemistry between Ian and Jenna was disappointing. We’re told over and over how great they are together, but we experience none of that. They barely get along and can’t get it together to have a normal conversation until she suddenly shows up at his house and wants John to leave them alone to be in love. Some background, not just “they were friends as children, he had a bad childhood”. Why was NOTHING like that explained? His childhood had been hinted at but that’s it. Such poor planning. And making one character a protector doesn’t mean or show love when there’s no substance to their relationship. The reader doesn’t feel the relationship based on being told, we want to feel it.
Two last things: the author loved to use the words “pathetic” and “antics”. We get it. But one thing that was so odd to me was that in the end, when the police were “all over” Ian’s house, no one took care of a dog that had been shot..? They wouldn’t just overlook a dying animal and move around him. So beyond unrealistic and just sad to me that so much of the story was left out and inconsistent just to write the story one way.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 3, 2018
After leaving his home town behind to join the military Ian Riley didn’t plan to return to West Grove, but his rental property needed attention and he had to return to take care of it. He gave himself two weeks to get the job done and then he planned get back to his life. He had joined the military to leave the town and all its unhappy memories behind. He also left behind Jenna Avery, the woman he couldn’t seem to forget. Jenna is engaged to John. To the outside world their relationship seems ideal, but John has a dark side.
Ms. Butrum has written an engrossing book that deals with a subject that many people don’t want to talk about . . . Physical abuse.
Once I started this book, I couldn’t put it down. I highly recommend Saving Jenna to anyone who enjoys reading women’s fiction (with a heavy dose of reality) and contemporary romance.
Ms. Butrum has written an engrossing book that deals with a subject that many people don’t want to talk about . . . Physical abuse.
Once I started this book, I couldn’t put it down. I highly recommend Saving Jenna to anyone who enjoys reading women’s fiction (with a heavy dose of reality) and contemporary romance.
February 1, 2019
Loving & quick read
This book was perfect for the polar vertex. It’s thrilling, sweet, terrifying and romantic. Saving Jenna is the perfect tile. Jenna wanted to live a life like in-the fairy tales of loving and living with her knight In shining armor. Although Ian her best friend and first love broke her heart and left her, she never truly stopped loving him Jenna engaged 6 months to a terrible controlling monster wants to break free and be her own hero, but Ian comes back to town with the only intention of fixing up the renter house and making a profit within 2 weeks until he sees Jenna which he never stopped loving either. A lot of stuff goes down and Ian 2 week plans changes when he decides not to leave because he want to save Jenna, even if she thinks she doesn’t need his saving
This book was perfect for the polar vertex. It’s thrilling, sweet, terrifying and romantic. Saving Jenna is the perfect tile. Jenna wanted to live a life like in-the fairy tales of loving and living with her knight In shining armor. Although Ian her best friend and first love broke her heart and left her, she never truly stopped loving him Jenna engaged 6 months to a terrible controlling monster wants to break free and be her own hero, but Ian comes back to town with the only intention of fixing up the renter house and making a profit within 2 weeks until he sees Jenna which he never stopped loving either. A lot of stuff goes down and Ian 2 week plans changes when he decides not to leave because he want to save Jenna, even if she thinks she doesn’t need his saving
July 29, 2018
What was supposed to be a quick two weeks to renovate his rental property, ends up being way more than that for Ian. Not only does he run into the one that got away, Jenna, he also understands that not everything is what it seems. Jenna might be engaged to someone else, but when terrible things happen to her it is Ian who protects her and it is Ian she looks to for help. But can she move on from the incident and find love with Ian? Or is she destined to once again be left behind? With beautifully written characters and a storyline that made me laugh as well as cry this book is a must read.
August 9, 2018
First book I have read from Christina Butrum and I don't know why I waited so long to read something written by her.
Saving Jenna was a fantastic second chance story. It has some triggers in it but it is very tastefully written.
I loved it so much I couldn't put it down. Jenna and Ian were meant to be together but the timing wasn't right the first time around, question is, is now the right time?
This is a book that can be read in a day it is that good! I didn't want the story to end. I hope that we get another book that picks up where this one left off and we get to see their relationship bloom and grow.
Saving Jenna was a fantastic second chance story. It has some triggers in it but it is very tastefully written.
I loved it so much I couldn't put it down. Jenna and Ian were meant to be together but the timing wasn't right the first time around, question is, is now the right time?
This is a book that can be read in a day it is that good! I didn't want the story to end. I hope that we get another book that picks up where this one left off and we get to see their relationship bloom and grow.
August 1, 2018
I loved these characters. The storyline is really dynamic and well-written, with lots of realistic dialogue and situations which tear at your heart and soul. Jenna is heartbreaking in her situation and the issues she's had to deal with over the past several years, while Ian has so much anger and pain inside that you can feel it resonating right through the pages! The supporting characters are wonderful and I can't wait to read more about West Grove in Christina's coming books! I read an ARC of this story for an honest review.
March 31, 2019
Amazing story! Christina's stories pull you in and make you feel like your part of the story! You feel Jenna's fear. You can feel Ian's protectiveness. And feel their love.
August 15, 2018
There was so much good in this book! The characters were sweet. That’s something I always enjoy about Christina Butrum’s books... there’s always this good wholesomeness to the storyline and a pure, sweetness in most of the characters. Ms. Butrum brings us back to a simpler time with her charming descriptions and quaint little town.
While I really enjoyed the storyline and how the book connected so closely to real life there was a few things I wish there was more of. It could be because the storyline only seems to cover a few days. I was missing a real connection between Jenna and Ian. They seemed to have this entire past starting at kindergarten, I just wish we had gotten a few key flashbacks or something to show us why or how their feelings were so deep. I also wish there was an epilogue or a few chapters that went a few weeks, months, or years after the actual ending. I would have loved to feel like I had a real conclusion with John and got a bit more from just their relationship. I feel like we only got to know the characters on the surface. I was so curious about what all happened when Ian was in the military, why he really left Jenna... why didn’t she go. I was just left with a lot of more questions than I like.
Saving Jenna isn’t just a romance story with a second chance at love and a bit of suspense/thriller thrown in. It tells us about a common problem, domestic abuse. It’s so easy to think we know and understand it all. Ms. Butrum gives us a really clear look at how things escalate before it’s even realized. Anyone can fall prey to this situation. I loved the suspense and thrillerish ending. My heart was pumping right there with G2, Jenna, and Ian. So even though I wanted to dive in a deeper layer into this story, it still was a good and quick read.
I received an ARC of this book with the hope that I would leave an Unbiased Opinion. I was not required to leave a review, positive or otherwise, and my opinions are just that... my opinions.
Check out my Blog: Next Book Review
Check out my Facebook Page: Next Book Review Facebook
While I really enjoyed the storyline and how the book connected so closely to real life there was a few things I wish there was more of. It could be because the storyline only seems to cover a few days. I was missing a real connection between Jenna and Ian. They seemed to have this entire past starting at kindergarten, I just wish we had gotten a few key flashbacks or something to show us why or how their feelings were so deep. I also wish there was an epilogue or a few chapters that went a few weeks, months, or years after the actual ending. I would have loved to feel like I had a real conclusion with John and got a bit more from just their relationship. I feel like we only got to know the characters on the surface. I was so curious about what all happened when Ian was in the military, why he really left Jenna... why didn’t she go. I was just left with a lot of more questions than I like.
Saving Jenna isn’t just a romance story with a second chance at love and a bit of suspense/thriller thrown in. It tells us about a common problem, domestic abuse. It’s so easy to think we know and understand it all. Ms. Butrum gives us a really clear look at how things escalate before it’s even realized. Anyone can fall prey to this situation. I loved the suspense and thrillerish ending. My heart was pumping right there with G2, Jenna, and Ian. So even though I wanted to dive in a deeper layer into this story, it still was a good and quick read.
I received an ARC of this book with the hope that I would leave an Unbiased Opinion. I was not required to leave a review, positive or otherwise, and my opinions are just that... my opinions.
Check out my Blog: Next Book Review
Check out my Facebook Page: Next Book Review Facebook
August 20, 2018
This is the third book by Christina that I have read and I must say I was a bit disappointed in the length of the book. I felt the characters and plot could have had more depth and given us as a reader more story. I enjoyed the book but want more and felt the character had more to say, I hope there is more to Jenna and Ian’s story as well as Cat and Todd. This is a sweet small town second chance romance story with a suspense/thriller twist to it, this twist may be a difficult subject for some readers as it is about domestic abuse. I also felt the connection between Janna and Ian was laking within the story until the end and speaking of the end, not a cliffhanger but not place where I wanted the story to end. I received an ARC copy of this book and this is my honest and voluntary review
The town had not changed as Ian Riley drove back through West Gove after 2 years away, a drive he didn’t want to make but had to if he didn’t want to lose more money on his rental house. It was his stubbiness and his own doing as to why he left town and HER over two years ago. He was back for business and for just two weeks on longer, but for how long could he avoid seeing Jenna in this small town?
Jenna was living a life of lies, she was faking what others believed was a life full of her dreams. But what she really needed was to be saved from her life and as she looked at the man in the Dinner she knew it could not be Ian Riley back in town. Ian Riley had broken her heart but she had tried to move on and she had but that move was one she was now leaving in with a man that didn’t trust her.
Will Ian has more to repair than just the house will he have to repair a life as well?
The town had not changed as Ian Riley drove back through West Gove after 2 years away, a drive he didn’t want to make but had to if he didn’t want to lose more money on his rental house. It was his stubbiness and his own doing as to why he left town and HER over two years ago. He was back for business and for just two weeks on longer, but for how long could he avoid seeing Jenna in this small town?
Jenna was living a life of lies, she was faking what others believed was a life full of her dreams. But what she really needed was to be saved from her life and as she looked at the man in the Dinner she knew it could not be Ian Riley back in town. Ian Riley had broken her heart but she had tried to move on and she had but that move was one she was now leaving in with a man that didn’t trust her.
Will Ian has more to repair than just the house will he have to repair a life as well?
August 22, 2018
I love this author and her wholesome sweet reads and usually I can easily give her raving reviews because she takes care of all the angles crossing all the "T's" and dotting all the "I's" but this time I can't do it as easily. Don't get me wrong this is an amazing read BUT we get all of the feels from the second connection and references to their amazing love and how strong and real it was from age 5 but no flashbacks or anything to make us feel what that love was. We get plenty of suspense and action from some of the back story but this all happens over a couple of days to the two weeks he was supposed to be in town. It's a small thing but for me the missing link made it hard to connect with the relationship but not with the characters, They are amazing.
Now little Miss Author here picked one of those topics (domestic violence) which can be triggers for some people. She does it with as much style and finesse as one can with this topic realizing that it isn't something you pop in and out of. I love the story and know you will too.
Now little Miss Author here picked one of those topics (domestic violence) which can be triggers for some people. She does it with as much style and finesse as one can with this topic realizing that it isn't something you pop in and out of. I love the story and know you will too.
August 8, 2018
This was an emotional roller coaster. Jenna is the strongest woman. She watched the love of her life walk away after high school to move onto something that he felt he had no choice in doing. She was devistaed but she moved on with her life. When she met John she thought she was. Until he became abusive. I loved how she found the strength in herself with the aid of her boss ( boy is she a spitfire). And how she remembered the woman she once was while she was with Ian.
Ian has his own demons to slay. But he wants to be everything for Jenna especially since he feels he failed her once already. He lets her take the lead while protecting her at the same time.
I was pulling for all of these characters throughout the book. Jenna and Ian are starting again and things don't always go smoothly for them. And the supporting cast also finds strength in each other too. Wonderfully written about a subject that isn't talked about enough.
Ian has his own demons to slay. But he wants to be everything for Jenna especially since he feels he failed her once already. He lets her take the lead while protecting her at the same time.
I was pulling for all of these characters throughout the book. Jenna and Ian are starting again and things don't always go smoothly for them. And the supporting cast also finds strength in each other too. Wonderfully written about a subject that isn't talked about enough.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 19, 2018
...received an Advanced Reader
This is a second chance romance between childhood friends;
Jenna is the damsel in distress while Ian is the knight in shining armor who comes to her rescue. While they eventually reach a happily ever after, they have adversity to overcome.
I applaud the author for attempting to deal with the difficult subject of domestic abuse. The characters themselves appear too laid back given the circumstances and everything moves quickly. Toss in a side character who is an alcoholic who cleans up quick. Overall story seems rushed.
I have read other books from this author, and enjoyed them. This particular story did not click with me.
This is a second chance romance between childhood friends;
Jenna is the damsel in distress while Ian is the knight in shining armor who comes to her rescue. While they eventually reach a happily ever after, they have adversity to overcome.
I applaud the author for attempting to deal with the difficult subject of domestic abuse. The characters themselves appear too laid back given the circumstances and everything moves quickly. Toss in a side character who is an alcoholic who cleans up quick. Overall story seems rushed.
I have read other books from this author, and enjoyed them. This particular story did not click with me.
January 26, 2019
4.5 stars 🌟
This was my first by this author and I really enjoyed it.
A very sensitive subject was dealt with great respect and sensitivity. Knowing you are trapped in a bad situation is sometimes worse than the situation and Jen was trying to find a way out but had become too isolated. Ian was her knight in shining armour. Cat was pretty super too, I loved her character and I really like how Todd got a second chance also.
The suspense had me turning the pages quicker and quicker I just had to make sure they were going to ok.
It was a beautiful and sweet romance and I will certainly be looking for more from this author.
This was my first by this author and I really enjoyed it.
A very sensitive subject was dealt with great respect and sensitivity. Knowing you are trapped in a bad situation is sometimes worse than the situation and Jen was trying to find a way out but had become too isolated. Ian was her knight in shining armour. Cat was pretty super too, I loved her character and I really like how Todd got a second chance also.
The suspense had me turning the pages quicker and quicker I just had to make sure they were going to ok.
It was a beautiful and sweet romance and I will certainly be looking for more from this author.
August 25, 2018
I love second chance reads, and Christina knows how to write them. I love angsty reads and Saving Jenna was very emotional read. Jenna saw her high school boyfriend after he just left. Wanted to get out of small town life. But life is never that simple, Jenna was with someone and Ian was leaving in two weeks. Two weeks for lives to change. It's definitely an angst filled read that keep you guessing. I was riveted and couldn't put it down. I need to know what was going to happen.. It was so good...
August 7, 2018
Ian and Jenna childhood sweethearts until Ian left years ago now back to fix a house of his. First sight memories come back for Ian but Jenna has some problems at home and so her wall is up. I loved this book, it home with me cause I was Jenna. Ian I loved his character how he was overprotective and felt awful for leaving. I love second chance romance books definitely pick this one up! 5/5 stars
August 28, 2018
Sweet Story
A story of how true love doesn't die. Jenna & Ian were friends since childhood. That friendship grew into love. John became confused due to a bad home Life & leaves to go serve his country. Jenna goes on with life & meets John. Not a good choice in men. When John has to come back to town for business he finds out he's still in love. What happens next is true to life.
A story of how true love doesn't die. Jenna & Ian were friends since childhood. That friendship grew into love. John became confused due to a bad home Life & leaves to go serve his country. Jenna goes on with life & meets John. Not a good choice in men. When John has to come back to town for business he finds out he's still in love. What happens next is true to life.
May 13, 2020
Second chances don't always come around. Ian left town and joined the army, but he left his heart there with Jenna. But when he was discharged after a IED explosion and loss of his dog going home wasn't happening. But his rental needs repairs he comes back. Jenna thought she found someone in John after Ian left, but he controlled everything & the abuse. Ian is giving her a second chance at love & freedom.
August 25, 2018
After leaving town and the woman he loves to join the military, Ian comes back to fix up his property and comes to find the girl, Jenna, who he never stopped loving in the worst predicament ever. This book may seem long but in fact it is a quick read that sucks you in. But be warned it deals with subject matter that may be a trigger for some.
August 14, 2018
This book deals with a hard topic. Christina handled it well. There was some back and forth between what was though, and what was really done. It just showed that you never truly know what you would do until you are put in that position. I loved Todd, Cat, and G2 also. I could relate to the characters in different ways. I recommend this read!
August 21, 2018
A different twist on a second chance story.
Ian left Jenna several years ago to join the military. When he returns to town he finds Jenna in an abusive relationship. Can they keep Jenna safe?
This story is not so much of a romance as the story of finding yourself and the strength to do what must be done
Ian left Jenna several years ago to join the military. When he returns to town he finds Jenna in an abusive relationship. Can they keep Jenna safe?
This story is not so much of a romance as the story of finding yourself and the strength to do what must be done
October 2, 2019
Nice story
Well written and thoughtful insights into an all too often domestic situation. Kudos to Ian for looking back and finding Jenna again and for Jenna gaining strength to overcome abuse.
Well written and thoughtful insights into an all too often domestic situation. Kudos to Ian for looking back and finding Jenna again and for Jenna gaining strength to overcome abuse.
April 6, 2022
the book deals with domestic violence and yet I couldnt care less about the heroine.
The writing is jumbled, doesnt flow, seems unplanned and put together at the last minute
The author could benefit from beta reviews and more thorough editing
The writing is jumbled, doesnt flow, seems unplanned and put together at the last minute
The author could benefit from beta reviews and more thorough editing
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews