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Jenny is Free
Natchez, 1841. As a slave girl, Jenny has always yearned for freedom, but when her master Cornelius Carson abruptly sets her free and hands her a steamboat ticket to free soil in Ohio, she is completely alone. She knows she faces a future filled with dangers. Then an old acquaintance, Walker Jackson, persuades her to return with him to Carefree, the abandoned Natchez estate of her childhood. Only one person still lives Esther, a slave woman. When Cornelius unexpectedly inherits the estate, Jenny finds that her life, like the estate, is taking some unexpected turns. The lives of Cornelius, Euphonia, Walker, Esther, and many others undergo startling changes. Eventually Jenny forges a new life for herself among the free people of New Orleans, but when she returns to Carefree, the ramifications of her old crime threaten both her life and the world of Carefree.
- GenresFiction
285 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 4, 2019
277 people are currently reading
68 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
September 7, 2022
I loved the first book so much, I ordered the second without looking at the cover. Now, I am puzzled as to how it is related to the story in any way. I enjoyed the story, although the characters are not as well connected as in the first book. Perhaps it is because there are so many sub-plots. The ending left me feeling a bit dis-satisfied.
May 13, 2021
The second book in the Jenny series finds Jenny to be free and headed to New Orleans. While there, life for her is not what she expected. Meanwhile, her former master Cornelius, inherits more property and slaves. Since he made a vow to his mother and now his third wife not to own slaves, he frees them. But where will they go? He can't just turn them out into the world.
"Natchez, 1841. As a slave girl, Jenny has always yearned for freedom, but when her master Cornelius Carson abruptly sets her free and hands her a steamboat ticket to free soil in Ohio, she is completely alone. She knows she faces a future filled with dangers. Then an old acquaintance, Walker Jackson, persuades her to return with him to Carefree, the abandoned Natchez estate of her childhood. Only one person still lives there: Esther, a slave woman.
When Cornelius unexpectedly inherits the estate, Jenny finds that her life, like the estate, is taking some unexpected turns. The lives of Cornelius, Euphonia, Walker, Esther, and many others undergo startling changes. Eventually Jenny forges a new life for herself among the free people of New Orleans, but when she returns to Carefree, the ramifications of her old crime threaten both her life and the world of Carefree." synopsis copied
Abrupt ending. Need to read book three!
"Natchez, 1841. As a slave girl, Jenny has always yearned for freedom, but when her master Cornelius Carson abruptly sets her free and hands her a steamboat ticket to free soil in Ohio, she is completely alone. She knows she faces a future filled with dangers. Then an old acquaintance, Walker Jackson, persuades her to return with him to Carefree, the abandoned Natchez estate of her childhood. Only one person still lives there: Esther, a slave woman.
When Cornelius unexpectedly inherits the estate, Jenny finds that her life, like the estate, is taking some unexpected turns. The lives of Cornelius, Euphonia, Walker, Esther, and many others undergo startling changes. Eventually Jenny forges a new life for herself among the free people of New Orleans, but when she returns to Carefree, the ramifications of her old crime threaten both her life and the world of Carefree." synopsis copied
Abrupt ending. Need to read book three!
May 11, 2023
where’s Jenny Now?
I read Spinning Jenny last year and although I enjoyed it, I wasn’t looking for a sequel. Then recently the sequel just popped up on my page as a reading option. My interest wasn’t great but I purchased and downloaded it to my kindle. Last week I decided to read it. I haven’t been able to put it down and today, I was finally able to sit down and really read. Sylvia did a remarkable job in her follow up to Spinning Jenny. The characters were much more developed and interesting this time around. I’ve always been one who detested slavery and deeply believe that no one is better than another. People should be judged by their character and not the color of their skin. I appreciate the opportunity to read a good story about the freedom given to slaves, particularly in a time when slavery was still prominent. Jenny is Free certainly fills that niche. I hope you enjoy it as I have.
I read Spinning Jenny last year and although I enjoyed it, I wasn’t looking for a sequel. Then recently the sequel just popped up on my page as a reading option. My interest wasn’t great but I purchased and downloaded it to my kindle. Last week I decided to read it. I haven’t been able to put it down and today, I was finally able to sit down and really read. Sylvia did a remarkable job in her follow up to Spinning Jenny. The characters were much more developed and interesting this time around. I’ve always been one who detested slavery and deeply believe that no one is better than another. People should be judged by their character and not the color of their skin. I appreciate the opportunity to read a good story about the freedom given to slaves, particularly in a time when slavery was still prominent. Jenny is Free certainly fills that niche. I hope you enjoy it as I have.
June 16, 2022
Great characters, writing could be better
These books are full of interesting characters who shed light on different perspectives on slavery, and in this book, freed slaves. Sadly, we hear from almost all of them and this creates a jumbled story that just moves through events. It is also very unlikely that freed slaves or the whites who freed them, would not suffer some consequence from a society who violently opposed abolition. The story doesn't create tension of anticipation, even though there are some looming circumstances that could, as it meanders off to other scenes. Even though I enjoy the characters, not sure I'll read book 3...or at least I need a break.
These books are full of interesting characters who shed light on different perspectives on slavery, and in this book, freed slaves. Sadly, we hear from almost all of them and this creates a jumbled story that just moves through events. It is also very unlikely that freed slaves or the whites who freed them, would not suffer some consequence from a society who violently opposed abolition. The story doesn't create tension of anticipation, even though there are some looming circumstances that could, as it meanders off to other scenes. Even though I enjoy the characters, not sure I'll read book 3...or at least I need a break.
October 25, 2020
Newly published Author, but not new to writing!
In my review of her first book, I erroneously called her an award winning writer-because I thought Spinning Jenny was written by G.S. Carr! My bad!
But, this writer is talented, and the Jenny series should some day win awards!
One point I wanted to mention is the taking of and changing our birth names to match the tongues of the English speakers. I don't appreciate it when someone today boggles my name. I laughed when Jenny did it to Mave's; changing hers to May!
Toni Mariani, Author (pen name)
In my review of her first book, I erroneously called her an award winning writer-because I thought Spinning Jenny was written by G.S. Carr! My bad!
But, this writer is talented, and the Jenny series should some day win awards!
One point I wanted to mention is the taking of and changing our birth names to match the tongues of the English speakers. I don't appreciate it when someone today boggles my name. I laughed when Jenny did it to Mave's; changing hers to May!
Toni Mariani, Author (pen name)
October 29, 2025
I enjoyed this book and the characters. The author does a good job of description and fleshing out the characters from the first book. I especially liked the way she tells how the slaves actually feel about being in slavery and how, even if they might be treated well, are not free and can’t do or go where they would like. They also anguish over lost family who have been sold off and only wish to be reunited. The only criticism I might have is that at times the plot moves rather slowly, but the reading of it goes easily.
July 14, 2019
I liked the characters
I liked the characters and the story until the ending. It felt the author just ended it on a whim, that perhaps they grew tired. I was then disappointed to read that she had spent a better part of a year on it. Seems like maybe a full year would have brought closure to the characters.
I liked the characters and the story until the ending. It felt the author just ended it on a whim, that perhaps they grew tired. I was then disappointed to read that she had spent a better part of a year on it. Seems like maybe a full year would have brought closure to the characters.
March 26, 2021
Trouble follows trouble.
I had to find out "what happened to Jenny?"
As I leave Jenny and her baby at the end of this second story, that question is still unanswered and I must read on to the last story. Other characters have fleshed out nicely. But Jenny is still on the run. nbeing free doesn't erase the past. She is still a wanted fugitive.
I had to find out "what happened to Jenny?"
As I leave Jenny and her baby at the end of this second story, that question is still unanswered and I must read on to the last story. Other characters have fleshed out nicely. But Jenny is still on the run. nbeing free doesn't erase the past. She is still a wanted fugitive.
September 22, 2021
Enjoyed every word.
I have now finished the first two books of this series. They are great books!! I am anxious to read the third book. It contains glimpses of life back in the 1830-1840's. I love the development of the various characters, as well as the twists and turns of the story. Would recommend this series for all.
I have now finished the first two books of this series. They are great books!! I am anxious to read the third book. It contains glimpses of life back in the 1830-1840's. I love the development of the various characters, as well as the twists and turns of the story. Would recommend this series for all.
December 3, 2021
An interesting book with life constantly changing.
This book would be interesting to anyone to learn more about living in the deep South. Racial issues and customs of the time are very interesting. Travel.is so slow that it takes a long time going to other towns. There is a lot of tea do on the river with new people moving in to stay.
This book would be interesting to anyone to learn more about living in the deep South. Racial issues and customs of the time are very interesting. Travel.is so slow that it takes a long time going to other towns. There is a lot of tea do on the river with new people moving in to stay.
December 14, 2022
Story feels rushed
I was excited for part 2 and the storylines seemed incomplete and rushed. Adrien and his background could’ve been better explored. The relationship between Jenny and Adrien needed to be developed more, as opposed to what was implied. This Jenny Book 2, was way too choppy
I was excited for part 2 and the storylines seemed incomplete and rushed. Adrien and his background could’ve been better explored. The relationship between Jenny and Adrien needed to be developed more, as opposed to what was implied. This Jenny Book 2, was way too choppy
March 14, 2023
Couldnt put it down!
. This is the best series Ive read in years. I was reading till 2:00 in the morning!
Not one boring page in the entire book. Interesting from front page to the back. A great read for a cold bitter winter! You will love this Author. What a famtastic writer. I plan to put her books in my own library. It takes very special books to get into my library !
. This is the best series Ive read in years. I was reading till 2:00 in the morning!
Not one boring page in the entire book. Interesting from front page to the back. A great read for a cold bitter winter! You will love this Author. What a famtastic writer. I plan to put her books in my own library. It takes very special books to get into my library !
January 29, 2025
God book. Doesn’t get boring. Precivil war period. Slavery and the old southern culture. Blacks were considered inferior and the few that we’re against slavery in this series were poor people who became rich. Trying to fit into their new life style yet freed their slaves and made them a home and family. Rags to riches
December 6, 2019
Jenny was a slave...was.
Wonderful third person story historically accurate and an intriguing read. Well executed and edited. I loved reading it. A little dark but history is dark in many ways.
Wonderful third person story historically accurate and an intriguing read. Well executed and edited. I loved reading it. A little dark but history is dark in many ways.
December 16, 2019
Not As good
While this book is worth the read, it is not as good as the first installment. Ending without an end gets to be a little tedious. I want to know what happens to Cornelius with having to read another book.
While this book is worth the read, it is not as good as the first installment. Ending without an end gets to be a little tedious. I want to know what happens to Cornelius with having to read another book.
February 20, 2020
Great novel of personal slavery
Jenny is a wonderful novel set in days of slavery. Her personality shines through perfectly. This is a great book and very hard to stop thinking on it.
Jenny is a wonderful novel set in days of slavery. Her personality shines through perfectly. This is a great book and very hard to stop thinking on it.
January 21, 2021
This book continues Jenny's search for freedom and delights its readers through the familiar characters that walk through Jenny's life.
Always needing to stay one step away from danger keeps Jenny in and out of her life as a slave and the life that tries to keep her free.
Always needing to stay one step away from danger keeps Jenny in and out of her life as a slave and the life that tries to keep her free.
October 11, 2021
Good read
A great story about slavery that is entertaining and heartbreaking. The buying and selling of slaves is a terrible thing on master is trying to correct his wrong. I highly recommend you read this story.🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟💖💖💖💖
A great story about slavery that is entertaining and heartbreaking. The buying and selling of slaves is a terrible thing on master is trying to correct his wrong. I highly recommend you read this story.🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟💖💖💖💖
October 12, 2021
Jenny is Free (Spinning Jenny Book 2)
Wonderful! I enjoyed the first book in this series, Spinning Jenny. The characters jumped into Jenny is Free and captured my heart again. (Sounds corny, but it’s true! ). I can’t wait to start the last book in this series, Jenny’s Dreams!
Wonderful! I enjoyed the first book in this series, Spinning Jenny. The characters jumped into Jenny is Free and captured my heart again. (Sounds corny, but it’s true! ). I can’t wait to start the last book in this series, Jenny’s Dreams!
May 13, 2024
Touching and exciting !
Since the second book I'm even more attached to the people .Their lives are intertwined black and white.Corneilious is the kind of man you woukd be proud to have as a friend .Can't wait to read the third book!!
Since the second book I'm even more attached to the people .Their lives are intertwined black and white.Corneilious is the kind of man you woukd be proud to have as a friend .Can't wait to read the third book!!
January 5, 2020
Book 2
Very good book but it kinda leaves you hanging. You are left wondering what is going to happen to the characters from then on.
Very good book but it kinda leaves you hanging. You are left wondering what is going to happen to the characters from then on.
August 22, 2021
Good read
Good read. I enjoyed this book and i highly recommend and encourage you to read. This author is a talent.
Good read. I enjoyed this book and i highly recommend and encourage you to read. This author is a talent.
August 28, 2021
JENNY IS FREE
Very good book and an easy read...Thank you Mrs. McLain for sharing your talents with the rest
Of us,
THANK YOU 🐼
Very good book and an easy read...Thank you Mrs. McLain for sharing your talents with the rest
Of us,
THANK YOU 🐼
September 25, 2021
Enjoyed this book so much
I was eager to continue on Jenny’s journey after I finished the first book. This stage of her journey been just as absorbing and enjoyable.
I was eager to continue on Jenny’s journey after I finished the first book. This stage of her journey been just as absorbing and enjoyable.
November 3, 2021
She's done it again!
Awesome writing! I can't wait to start the 3rd & last book. I hope it's a long one because I don't want them to end. I will definitely miss them all.
Awesome writing! I can't wait to start the 3rd & last book. I hope it's a long one because I don't want them to end. I will definitely miss them all.
July 21, 2022
Good read
Believable characters, good story. An interesting look at that time period before the civil war Not your typical plantation/ slavery story
Believable characters, good story. An interesting look at that time period before the civil war Not your typical plantation/ slavery story
August 13, 2022
Jenny is free
The second part of the Jenny series. What a great read. The writer here has some great writing skill. I can’t put it down.
The second part of the Jenny series. What a great read. The writer here has some great writing skill. I can’t put it down.
September 9, 2022
I love this book
I think this book was even better than the 1st of the series. The author has touched on many things that I never knew about the free slaves Before the Civil War.
I think this book was even better than the 1st of the series. The author has touched on many things that I never knew about the free slaves Before the Civil War.
February 10, 2023
Another Great One
Love when the story continues and pulls you into the each character lives. What will the next book in this series bring?
Love when the story continues and pulls you into the each character lives. What will the next book in this series bring?
September 21, 2023
Great read
The characters really come alive & the writing is very captivating. Read page after page every day. It made me think hard about that era in time.
The characters really come alive & the writing is very captivating. Read page after page every day. It made me think hard about that era in time.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews