What do you think?
Rate this book
The Women of Merryton #1
Jessie Belle
*** 2015 Swoony Award Winner and 2016 RONE Award Nominee ***"Jessie Belle is a moving, captivating read. ... a nearly flawless read." - InD'tale Magazine"Jennifer Peel writes with superb realism ... I'd highly recommend this novel to contemporary romance and women's fiction fans." - K. C. Finn for Readers' Favorite Jessica and Blake Summers know a thing or two about what it's like to be the latest and greatest news in their small town of Merryton. Their thirteen-year marriage has had more than its fair share of heartache and loss. Then the past comes knocking, in the form of a teenage girl, a daughter Blake never knew existed. The news sets the Merryton grapevine on fire.In the wake of this revelation and amid the firestorm it creates, Blake and Jessica are forced to reevaluate their own relationship and priorities, all while learning that raising a teenage girl is not for the faint of heart. But during the chaos and uncertainty, they discover that Madeline may just be what the doctor ordered to heal their broken hearts and mend their own tattered relationship.Will they have the courage to look forward and find a greater love than they could ever imagine? Or will past hurts and the town grape vine tear them apart?
290 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 8, 2015
248 people are currently reading
622 people want to read
About the author
Jennifer Peel
64 books1,395 followersJennifer Peel is the mother of three amazing kiddos. Wife to her one and only for the past twenty-two years. Lover of late night talks, beach vacations, the mountains, pink bubble gum ice cream, tours of model homes, and southern living. She can frequently be found with her laptop on, fingers typing away, indulging in chocolate milk, and writing out the stories that are constantly swirling through her head.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 135 reviews
April 22, 2016
1.5 stars
The hero was a selfish POS and the heroine bent over backwards to do whatever he wanted, regardless of how he hurt her. Blake has a child by someone else (he knocked up her college roommate when they were on a 'break' i.e he wanted to screw around) and Jessie can't have kids. He won't adopt so they don't. In fact, they don't do anything unless it's something that Blake wants. If Jessie wants something but Blake doesn't, they don't get/do it. The mother of his child is dying (convenient) so while Blake has someone calling him 'Dad', Jessie will never have that seeing as Maddie is a teenager and already has a mum. Blake had no regard to Jessie's feelings unless it was something that directly affected him. He constantly forgot her and she was ALWAYS his last priority.
But then Jessie was an insecure doormat, I couldn't really like her.
I'll wait for reviews for the next book. Sometimes a book just doesn't sit right with you but you end up loving the others in the series. I'm hoping that's the case, but I'll wait to see how others like it.
The hero was a selfish POS and the heroine bent over backwards to do whatever he wanted, regardless of how he hurt her. Blake has a child by someone else (he knocked up her college roommate when they were on a 'break' i.e he wanted to screw around) and Jessie can't have kids. He won't adopt so they don't. In fact, they don't do anything unless it's something that Blake wants. If Jessie wants something but Blake doesn't, they don't get/do it. The mother of his child is dying (convenient) so while Blake has someone calling him 'Dad', Jessie will never have that seeing as Maddie is a teenager and already has a mum. Blake had no regard to Jessie's feelings unless it was something that directly affected him. He constantly forgot her and she was ALWAYS his last priority.
But then Jessie was an insecure doormat, I couldn't really like her.
I'll wait for reviews for the next book. Sometimes a book just doesn't sit right with you but you end up loving the others in the series. I'm hoping that's the case, but I'll wait to see how others like it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 17, 2016
Another Kindle freebie romance (now 99c). The plot of this one is pretty unique: Jessie and Blake have been married for 13 years, trying unsuccessfully to have children the entire time, which has put a major strain on their marriage. Worse, they had a stillborn baby several months before the story starts, and now Jessie definitely can't have children. As the story begins, Blake drops a bombshell on Jessie:
He had a one night stand with Jessie's old roommate right before he married Jessie, during a brief break-up, and now he's just found out that he has a 12 year old daughter with her.
The rest of the novel is exploring the ramifications of this stunning surprise and whether Blake and Jessie can work their way back to a good relationship and marriage. Both of them have fairly major issues that they need to work through -- especially after Blake's young daughter comes to live with them.
It's realistically written and doesn't pull its punches, much, but it is a little slow and repetitive and could have used some tightening up. Not a whole not happens in the novel other than the working through of relationship issues and dealing with life generally and a new child/stepchild specifically. I did like the characters, including the daughter, even when I was frustrated with them and their issues. But this story is one big huge load of relationship drama.
Maybe 2.75 stars, rounding up to 3. This novel won't be everyone's cuppa tea, but it's not bad for a self-published novel, if this type of storyline sounds interesting to you.
He had a one night stand with Jessie's old roommate right before he married Jessie, during a brief break-up, and now he's just found out that he has a 12 year old daughter with her.
The rest of the novel is exploring the ramifications of this stunning surprise and whether Blake and Jessie can work their way back to a good relationship and marriage. Both of them have fairly major issues that they need to work through -- especially after Blake's young daughter comes to live with them.
It's realistically written and doesn't pull its punches, much, but it is a little slow and repetitive and could have used some tightening up. Not a whole not happens in the novel other than the working through of relationship issues and dealing with life generally and a new child/stepchild specifically. I did like the characters, including the daughter, even when I was frustrated with them and their issues. But this story is one big huge load of relationship drama.
Maybe 2.75 stars, rounding up to 3. This novel won't be everyone's cuppa tea, but it's not bad for a self-published novel, if this type of storyline sounds interesting to you.
October 8, 2022
I wish there’s a follow up book where she leaves his ass because she deserves to be loved
August 22, 2022
There will probably be SPOILERS below, but little I felt like putting under a cut, so you have been warned.
SPOILERS
Jessie and Blake Summers' 13-year marriage is going through a rough patch. After several miscarriages, Jessie's last pregnancy ended in a near-term stillbirth followed by a hysterectomy. Jessie wants a child, but Blake won't agree to adoption. Into this tense situation, Blake drops the news that he's just been contacted by an old roommate of Jessie's who claims he's the father of her 12-year-old daughter and needs him to take the girl for the summer because she (the baby mama, not the daughter) has cancer and has to go into treatment.
For the record, Blake did not -- technically -- cheat on Jessie. Jessie and Blake met in Utah when she was apprenticing as a pastry chef at a posh resort and he was doing construction work on the grounds. When the time came for Jessie to return home to Colorado, Blake suddenly and unexpectedly declared that they should just break up rather than try to maintain a long-distance relationship, which devastated Jessie. During this break, the depressed Blake had a ONS with Sabrina, Jessie's roommate on the resort staff. When he swiftly changed his mind and followed Jessie to Colorado to propose, he never told her about the ONS. Meanwhile, Jessie spends the first thirteen years of her marriage on eggshells, never really understanding why Blake broke up with her in the first place and worried about triggering another break-up if she challenges him on issues like their separate finances or his refusal to cuddle her in bed.
The angst is one of things I appreciate about this book, though I have to admit that the couple never really confronts that big-ticket angst head on. She never says "I resent that you had a child with another woman when I can't give birth at all. And I resent that you are asking me to accept your daughter but are denying me a child by rejecting the idea of adoption." Instead, it serves as the backdrop for smaller, domestic angst. Angst-by-slighting. For example:
The other thing I appreciate -- though I'm not sure if this is the author's intent or if it's just me projecting on the character -- is that Blake is portrayed as neurodivergent. He's anti-social, blunt, lacks cognitive empathy, and is very restrictive in his eating habits (all of which contribute to those domestic angsty moments). But like the angst issue (where I love the angsty feelings, but am frustrated that very few of the angst instigators get tackled head-on), this trait is never overtly diagnosed or addressed in the story, which makes me concerned for the HEA. While it's great that we see Jessie becoming more communicative and assertive in the marriage, if Blake is neurodivergent, he can't just flip a switch and realize "it's the little things that matter to [Jessie]" and he just needs to be more attentive. That's going to come at a cost to him. He needs therapeutic help.
Jessie Belle is a book about coping and adulting and being resilient, not dramatic. But the plot is based on some very dramatic elements that may leave readers who are accustomed to dramatic solutions to dramatic problems unsatisfied.
Incidentally, I strongly recommend NOT proceeding to the second book in the series (Taylor Lynne). Peel lays the trail by featuring that book's male lead as a side character here, with the sad tale of his two broken marriages and his regrets over his first wife but that zero is no hero.
SPOILERS
Jessie and Blake Summers' 13-year marriage is going through a rough patch. After several miscarriages, Jessie's last pregnancy ended in a near-term stillbirth followed by a hysterectomy. Jessie wants a child, but Blake won't agree to adoption. Into this tense situation, Blake drops the news that he's just been contacted by an old roommate of Jessie's who claims he's the father of her 12-year-old daughter and needs him to take the girl for the summer because she (the baby mama, not the daughter) has cancer and has to go into treatment.
For the record, Blake did not -- technically -- cheat on Jessie. Jessie and Blake met in Utah when she was apprenticing as a pastry chef at a posh resort and he was doing construction work on the grounds. When the time came for Jessie to return home to Colorado, Blake suddenly and unexpectedly declared that they should just break up rather than try to maintain a long-distance relationship, which devastated Jessie. During this break, the depressed Blake had a ONS with Sabrina, Jessie's roommate on the resort staff. When he swiftly changed his mind and followed Jessie to Colorado to propose, he never told her about the ONS. Meanwhile, Jessie spends the first thirteen years of her marriage on eggshells, never really understanding why Blake broke up with her in the first place and worried about triggering another break-up if she challenges him on issues like their separate finances or his refusal to cuddle her in bed.
The angst is one of things I appreciate about this book, though I have to admit that the couple never really confronts that big-ticket angst head on. She never says "I resent that you had a child with another woman when I can't give birth at all. And I resent that you are asking me to accept your daughter but are denying me a child by rejecting the idea of adoption." Instead, it serves as the backdrop for smaller, domestic angst. Angst-by-slighting. For example:
The other thing I appreciate -- though I'm not sure if this is the author's intent or if it's just me projecting on the character -- is that Blake is portrayed as neurodivergent. He's anti-social, blunt, lacks cognitive empathy, and is very restrictive in his eating habits (all of which contribute to those domestic angsty moments). But like the angst issue (where I love the angsty feelings, but am frustrated that very few of the angst instigators get tackled head-on), this trait is never overtly diagnosed or addressed in the story, which makes me concerned for the HEA. While it's great that we see Jessie becoming more communicative and assertive in the marriage, if Blake is neurodivergent, he can't just flip a switch and realize "it's the little things that matter to [Jessie]" and he just needs to be more attentive. That's going to come at a cost to him. He needs therapeutic help.
Jessie Belle is a book about coping and adulting and being resilient, not dramatic. But the plot is based on some very dramatic elements that may leave readers who are accustomed to dramatic solutions to dramatic problems unsatisfied.
Incidentally, I strongly recommend NOT proceeding to the second book in the series (Taylor Lynne). Peel lays the trail by featuring that book's male lead as a side character here, with the sad tale of his two broken marriages and his regrets over his first wife but that zero is no hero.
January 24, 2025
Y'all. Trying to find something I'm in the mood to read is always a challenge when life gets crazy. While looking through the books on my kindle, The Women of Merryton series jumped out and said... "it's time to read us again!" My brain said... "while you're at it, update your reviews!" Who am I to say no?! It's time to show old favorites lots of love!
Jessie and Blake will forever be favorites of mine. Their journey was definitely tough but one worth watching. Before I even finished the first chapter I was hooked. I sat back and held on tight while enjoying the emotional roller coaster that is Jessie Belle. I found myself cheering them on when things were going right, growling and getting frustrated when Blake was being dense or things weren't going my way, rolling my eyes at certain characters that seriously needed to be Gibbs slapped, laughing at the antics of teenagers, getting teary eyed at the sad and even tender moments, and letting out dreamy sighs throughout the whole journey. I seriously felt like I was right there in Merryton experiencing the whole journey with Jessie, Blake and Maddie. It. Was. AMAZING!
Have you ever read a book and decided that the characters needed their own theme song? Jessie's song would be Fight Song by Rachel Platten. Not only does she have to work on strengthening and bettering her marriage with Blake and learn to be the best stepmom ever, she also has to learn to love herself again. Her poor body and self esteem have taken hit after hit after hit and she doesn't even recognize herself anymore. It was a constant uphill battle for her. But dang it... she fought every step of the way!
I also discovered Blake's song for Jessie. It is absolutely perfect in my opinion. It's another Rachel Platten song... Stand By You. Blake did a lot of growing himself and one thing he realized was that he could not go a day without Jessie. He knew that he hadn't been the best of husbands and he knew he had a lot to make up for. And make up for it he did. He was her faith, courage and strength when she didn't know if she could go on the way they were going. He set out to prove that he was always going to stand by her no matter what! *dreamy sigh* Have I told you how much I LOVE Blake?!
Ms. Peel did another FANTABULOUS job of sucking me into yet another one of her books. Just like the first time around, I had the hardest time putting it down. Even though I've read the book before, I still found myself reading late into the night and waking up earlier than usual to continue their journey. Fully immersing myself into a book is the best feeling in the world! I loved every minute of it!
As for the casting... I literally saw Jessie from the very first chapter! She just totally fit! Blake took a little longer but I love him just as much as I love Jessie! What do you think?!
Jessie and Blake will forever be favorites of mine. Their journey was definitely tough but one worth watching. Before I even finished the first chapter I was hooked. I sat back and held on tight while enjoying the emotional roller coaster that is Jessie Belle. I found myself cheering them on when things were going right, growling and getting frustrated when Blake was being dense or things weren't going my way, rolling my eyes at certain characters that seriously needed to be Gibbs slapped, laughing at the antics of teenagers, getting teary eyed at the sad and even tender moments, and letting out dreamy sighs throughout the whole journey. I seriously felt like I was right there in Merryton experiencing the whole journey with Jessie, Blake and Maddie. It. Was. AMAZING!
Have you ever read a book and decided that the characters needed their own theme song? Jessie's song would be Fight Song by Rachel Platten. Not only does she have to work on strengthening and bettering her marriage with Blake and learn to be the best stepmom ever, she also has to learn to love herself again. Her poor body and self esteem have taken hit after hit after hit and she doesn't even recognize herself anymore. It was a constant uphill battle for her. But dang it... she fought every step of the way!
I also discovered Blake's song for Jessie. It is absolutely perfect in my opinion. It's another Rachel Platten song... Stand By You. Blake did a lot of growing himself and one thing he realized was that he could not go a day without Jessie. He knew that he hadn't been the best of husbands and he knew he had a lot to make up for. And make up for it he did. He was her faith, courage and strength when she didn't know if she could go on the way they were going. He set out to prove that he was always going to stand by her no matter what! *dreamy sigh* Have I told you how much I LOVE Blake?!
Ms. Peel did another FANTABULOUS job of sucking me into yet another one of her books. Just like the first time around, I had the hardest time putting it down. Even though I've read the book before, I still found myself reading late into the night and waking up earlier than usual to continue their journey. Fully immersing myself into a book is the best feeling in the world! I loved every minute of it!
As for the casting... I literally saw Jessie from the very first chapter! She just totally fit! Blake took a little longer but I love him just as much as I love Jessie! What do you think?!
September 9, 2015
Married life hasn't exactly turned out the way that Jessica and Blake would've liked. In their perfect world, they'd be happy together, have babies together, and deal with life as it comes. After 13 years with no babies, miscarriage, and drifting apart, they're ready to call it quits. Until a teenager suddenly enters their lives. Blake never knew he had a daughter, but now that he does, he's determined to be the best dad he can be and Maddie may be exactly what this couple needs.
Teenagers have always scared me a little. Of course, I was one once and had no problem with being one and being surrounded by them at the time, but I remember how hard those years were and to suddenly become a parent to one? That would be intimidating for sure! I absolutely adored the way this couple accepted Maddie into their lives and bonded with her. I would like to think I could be as strong, loving, and willing to change as Jessica is, but it would be tough. She shows true character by the decisions she makes and the way she acts on them.
I was a little disgruntled with Blake at first, but as the story progressed, I found him worming his way into my heart. I really grew to love this little family!
I love the small town feel. I love the types of characters who are found in these types of towns and I'm looking forward to more installments in this series.
Jennifer Peel's previous books are very light-hearted and fun and although this one was a little heavier, I still connected with the characters and loved the story line. I love that her books are so easy to relate to and although this one is heavier, I still felt like I was able to escape into the pages.
Content: talk of a one night stand (no details); kissing. Clean!
*I received a copy from the author in exchange for an honest review*
Teenagers have always scared me a little. Of course, I was one once and had no problem with being one and being surrounded by them at the time, but I remember how hard those years were and to suddenly become a parent to one? That would be intimidating for sure! I absolutely adored the way this couple accepted Maddie into their lives and bonded with her. I would like to think I could be as strong, loving, and willing to change as Jessica is, but it would be tough. She shows true character by the decisions she makes and the way she acts on them.
I was a little disgruntled with Blake at first, but as the story progressed, I found him worming his way into my heart. I really grew to love this little family!
I love the small town feel. I love the types of characters who are found in these types of towns and I'm looking forward to more installments in this series.
Jennifer Peel's previous books are very light-hearted and fun and although this one was a little heavier, I still connected with the characters and loved the story line. I love that her books are so easy to relate to and although this one is heavier, I still felt like I was able to escape into the pages.
Content: talk of a one night stand (no details); kissing. Clean!
*I received a copy from the author in exchange for an honest review*
October 22, 2015
Love
I am a huge fan of Jennifer Peel. Her books have a way of sucking me in and I don't want to put them down. I think what I liked about Jessie Belle is that our main couple is already married, they've been together for thirteen (I think) years, they've drifted apart and their marriage is really put to the test when Blake has to tell Jessica that he has a teenage daughter he never knew about.
I really liked Jessica's character and the growth she goes through. I really felt her pain and loved her strength. The topic touched a little close to home in that my husband and I suffered with infertility and I know how heartbreaking it is to want a child and not be able to have one. Anyway, Jessica was a likable character and really handled everything so much better than I would have. :)
I liked Blake, in a lot of ways I understood him. But, he really drove me nuts too. It would take a special kind of person to be married to him. :) I was hoping to see him come out of his shell more, I really wanted to see him making more effort. He does a little, but in the end I still felt like Jessica was doing the majority of the work. I did like him though and how he was trying to be respectful of Jessica and what she needed. They are a good couple and work well together. They also have great chemistry. It was fun watching their relationship grow and strengthen.
Overall, another great read by Ms. Peel. I'm glad we'll be returning to Merryton with future books, can't wait to return to this charming town.
Content
Romance: Clean
Language: None
Violence: None
Religious: None-Mild, not religious or preachy
This has been nominated for a 2015 Swoony Award, you can vote for it here.
I am a huge fan of Jennifer Peel. Her books have a way of sucking me in and I don't want to put them down. I think what I liked about Jessie Belle is that our main couple is already married, they've been together for thirteen (I think) years, they've drifted apart and their marriage is really put to the test when Blake has to tell Jessica that he has a teenage daughter he never knew about.
I really liked Jessica's character and the growth she goes through. I really felt her pain and loved her strength. The topic touched a little close to home in that my husband and I suffered with infertility and I know how heartbreaking it is to want a child and not be able to have one. Anyway, Jessica was a likable character and really handled everything so much better than I would have. :)
I liked Blake, in a lot of ways I understood him. But, he really drove me nuts too. It would take a special kind of person to be married to him. :) I was hoping to see him come out of his shell more, I really wanted to see him making more effort. He does a little, but in the end I still felt like Jessica was doing the majority of the work. I did like him though and how he was trying to be respectful of Jessica and what she needed. They are a good couple and work well together. They also have great chemistry. It was fun watching their relationship grow and strengthen.
Overall, another great read by Ms. Peel. I'm glad we'll be returning to Merryton with future books, can't wait to return to this charming town.
Content
Romance: Clean
Language: None
Violence: None
Religious: None-Mild, not religious or preachy
This has been nominated for a 2015 Swoony Award, you can vote for it here.
November 4, 2015
Really enjoyed this one. Made me laugh and cry.
Content: mild language, implied intimacy between a married couple, no details
Content: mild language, implied intimacy between a married couple, no details
April 27, 2017
The dynamics of the relationships in this angsty emotion-filled story are fascinating! The author really has a way of bringing the characters to life and sucking me right in. I loved the romance and the way Jessie and Blake grow closer and stronger through their struggles. A solid first book in the Women of Merryton series that also introduces us to the characters that will star in the other books in the series.
November 19, 2015
Jessica and Blake are married and are having some issues. Right at the beginning, Blake drops a bomb on her: He has recently heard from her former roommate, Sabrina, who is dying and has just informed him that he has a thirteen-year-old daughter, Madeline. This is devastating news to her, but even more so since they have not been able to have children of their own.
Needless to say, the tension between them escalates as Jessica tries to come to terms with this news and what it will mean for them. She makes a decision to work on herself. There are ups and downs along the way as they figure out their relationship.
Jessica and Blake were dealing with a situation beyond their control: infertility. Rather than bringing them together, it was tearing them apart. Their situation was heartbreaking and there were dramatic moments. I did feel frustration with each of them at different times, but it was good to see that they were each willing to put some effort into their relationship. They were real and flawed which made them easy to relate to.
Even though this is a fairly heavy subject, there were some light moments and humor. When Madeline came, Jessica decided she was going to channel her inner Maria von Trapp and that made for some funny moments. It was an adjustment for them to have a teenager all of a sudden and it wasn't smooth sailing, but each of them grew throughout the book.
So, Jennifer Peel does it again! I have loved every book of hers that I've read and this was no exception. Once I started, it was hard to put down. It was an emotional read and I'm happy to say that I loved the ending! I'm already looking forward to reading the next book in this series!
I received a copy of this book to review. My opinion is 100% my own.
Mel's Shelves
Needless to say, the tension between them escalates as Jessica tries to come to terms with this news and what it will mean for them. She makes a decision to work on herself. There are ups and downs along the way as they figure out their relationship.
Jessica and Blake were dealing with a situation beyond their control: infertility. Rather than bringing them together, it was tearing them apart. Their situation was heartbreaking and there were dramatic moments. I did feel frustration with each of them at different times, but it was good to see that they were each willing to put some effort into their relationship. They were real and flawed which made them easy to relate to.
Even though this is a fairly heavy subject, there were some light moments and humor. When Madeline came, Jessica decided she was going to channel her inner Maria von Trapp and that made for some funny moments. It was an adjustment for them to have a teenager all of a sudden and it wasn't smooth sailing, but each of them grew throughout the book.
So, Jennifer Peel does it again! I have loved every book of hers that I've read and this was no exception. Once I started, it was hard to put down. It was an emotional read and I'm happy to say that I loved the ending! I'm already looking forward to reading the next book in this series!
I received a copy of this book to review. My opinion is 100% my own.
Mel's Shelves
February 8, 2022
Re-read 2/7 still don't like Blake
I hated the husband so much. He was a self absorbed dick head and I wish Jessie divorced his ass and moved on. He didn't deserve her or her love and forgiveness. He was still treating her like shit even at the end. Not including her in anything with his daughter ( that he recently found out he had with THE hs COLLEGE ROOMMATE!) I feel like he made the h an outsider in her own home and he was just awful. Im just greatful that she finally convinced the husband to go along with letting her adopt her own baby🙄 I rarely root for h and H to seperate or divorce but in this case I really wanted them too
I hated the husband so much. He was a self absorbed dick head and I wish Jessie divorced his ass and moved on. He didn't deserve her or her love and forgiveness. He was still treating her like shit even at the end. Not including her in anything with his daughter ( that he recently found out he had with THE hs COLLEGE ROOMMATE!) I feel like he made the h an outsider in her own home and he was just awful. Im just greatful that she finally convinced the husband to go along with letting her adopt her own baby🙄 I rarely root for h and H to seperate or divorce but in this case I really wanted them too
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 17, 2015
I really loved this book!! (And the cover... Totally gives a perfect picture of part of Merryton)... I love that Ms Peel's stories are definitely romance, but there’s so much more to them (i.e.: Maddie, other issues Jessie has in the book). This one started out feeling more like Women’s fiction…probably because the first half dealt with more of women’s fiction type issues, and the second half was more romance with Blake coming around (and realizing he was an idiot that needed to win back his wife haha!)…but it all flowed so well!! Never felt like it was dragging. In fact, if the romance had been heavier at the beginning, it would have been less believable for me, because they needed to start to repair their relationship before the romance started. So I thought it was perfect. And side note--I loved their accidental run-in in her room that caught him off guard! :)
I thought this book was so well done…I really connected with it and loved the characters. I’ve had a couple miscarriages myself, but have also been blessed with two boys of my own. I can’t imagine the pain of knowing you’ll never be able to physically have kids of your own. Heartbreaking…but I loved the healing that came for Jessie in the form of Maddie. I enjoyed every aspect of the story…I loved seeing Blake connect with Maddie…as well as watch Jessie build a relationship with Maddie. And seeing Jessie basically rebuild her relationship with herself. And most importantly, I loved reading the restoration of Jessie and Blake’s relationship. I was totally cheering them on…every step forward got a “yippee!” from me.
All in all, another wonderful story from Ms. Peel!! Can't wait to return to Merryton in the future. :)
**I was given a copy of the book from the author in exchange for an honest review**
I thought this book was so well done…I really connected with it and loved the characters. I’ve had a couple miscarriages myself, but have also been blessed with two boys of my own. I can’t imagine the pain of knowing you’ll never be able to physically have kids of your own. Heartbreaking…but I loved the healing that came for Jessie in the form of Maddie. I enjoyed every aspect of the story…I loved seeing Blake connect with Maddie…as well as watch Jessie build a relationship with Maddie. And seeing Jessie basically rebuild her relationship with herself. And most importantly, I loved reading the restoration of Jessie and Blake’s relationship. I was totally cheering them on…every step forward got a “yippee!” from me.
All in all, another wonderful story from Ms. Peel!! Can't wait to return to Merryton in the future. :)
**I was given a copy of the book from the author in exchange for an honest review**
February 19, 2016
Jessie is put in a situation not of her making. She is unable to have children. She is trying to emotionally deal with the loss of a premature baby and infertility when she finds out that her husband fathered a child before they were married. It is a fact that had been kept hidden from both of them. Their marriage was in trouble before the news and this doesn't help it at all.
Jessie goes through several emotions. I liked that she was shaken up enough by the news to start making positive changes in her life. She becomes a stronger person through the adversity. I appreciated the fact that even though the couple was having marital problems, they still worked to stay together.
This book is written well. Jennifer Peel does a great job at laying the plot and moving it forward. I enjoy her writing style and look forward to reading more of her books in the future.
Jessie goes through several emotions. I liked that she was shaken up enough by the news to start making positive changes in her life. She becomes a stronger person through the adversity. I appreciated the fact that even though the couple was having marital problems, they still worked to stay together.
This book is written well. Jennifer Peel does a great job at laying the plot and moving it forward. I enjoy her writing style and look forward to reading more of her books in the future.
September 9, 2015
Jessie and Blake have been married for 13 years. They have yearned for children, and been through a lot as a couple as their desires have not been fulfilled. Lately they've grown apart, living two separate lives. Then Blake finds out he has a teenage daughter, Maddie. He knows this will hurt Jessie, but Maddie needs them. Will her presence drive them further apart or bring them closer together?
I normally love my clean romances with only a little drama. I like them happy, without divorce or lasting pain. Jennifer Peel gets to me though. She writes characters that I relate to so well, that even though I knew I would cry going into this, I had to read it anyway. I also trust that even though she makes me cry, the journey to, and resolution at the end are very satisfying. This was the case with Jessie Belle. I understood Jessie's hurt and sense of betrayal at the beginning of the book. Even though Blake had made mistakes, I loved that he was determined to work on their marriage and not let Jessie go. I loved their renewed romance, and the dynamic that Maddie brought to their family. I also had laugh out loud moments that lightened some of the heaviness.
Jessie Belle is the first book in the Women of Merryton series. I enjoyed the small town setting and the people that know everybody's business. I'm excited to get to know more of these women, and catch glimpses of Jessie, Blake, and Maddie.
If you haven't read anything by Jennifer Peel before, I suggest that you start. Now. My favorites are Trouble in Loveland, Professional Boundaries, and A House Divided. With all of her books you can expect characters who feel real, and just draw you in.
Content: clean (kissing, talk of a one night stand)
Disclosure: I received a free copy of this book, in exchange for an honest review.
I normally love my clean romances with only a little drama. I like them happy, without divorce or lasting pain. Jennifer Peel gets to me though. She writes characters that I relate to so well, that even though I knew I would cry going into this, I had to read it anyway. I also trust that even though she makes me cry, the journey to, and resolution at the end are very satisfying. This was the case with Jessie Belle. I understood Jessie's hurt and sense of betrayal at the beginning of the book. Even though Blake had made mistakes, I loved that he was determined to work on their marriage and not let Jessie go. I loved their renewed romance, and the dynamic that Maddie brought to their family. I also had laugh out loud moments that lightened some of the heaviness.
Jessie Belle is the first book in the Women of Merryton series. I enjoyed the small town setting and the people that know everybody's business. I'm excited to get to know more of these women, and catch glimpses of Jessie, Blake, and Maddie.
If you haven't read anything by Jennifer Peel before, I suggest that you start. Now. My favorites are Trouble in Loveland, Professional Boundaries, and A House Divided. With all of her books you can expect characters who feel real, and just draw you in.
Content: clean (kissing, talk of a one night stand)
Disclosure: I received a free copy of this book, in exchange for an honest review.
September 17, 2015
Blake and Jessie have been married for 13 years, but they have become distant over the years. Unable to have children, Jessie finds herself mad at God, mad at the world, and mad at the unfairness of life. At first I didn't get how they stayed together for 13 years because they seemed so different and they never talked. But we get flashbacks to when Jessie fell in love with Blake and why.
There were times I wanted to shake Blake for not understanding her, and there were times I wanted to shake Jessie for not demanding more from him. I love that there were no insta-fixes, but that this was a journey they both had to go on together. Things had to get worse before they could get better, but in the end they were such a better couple because of the road they traveled!
I loved how accepting Jessie was of her teenage stepdaughter, Maddie, and how resilient Maddie was. Their relationship wasn't perfect but they were both willing to try and that really paid off for them. I also loved all the references to Maria von Trapp!
I loved this book! I didn't want to put it down until I knew how Blake's and Jessie's story ended. And now I can't wait to read the rest of Taylor's story... and hopefully Cheyenne's after that? :)
Content: Clean - some mild innuendo between an estranged married couple, mild swearing
Source: Review copy (opinion is 100% my own)
There were times I wanted to shake Blake for not understanding her, and there were times I wanted to shake Jessie for not demanding more from him. I love that there were no insta-fixes, but that this was a journey they both had to go on together. Things had to get worse before they could get better, but in the end they were such a better couple because of the road they traveled!
I loved how accepting Jessie was of her teenage stepdaughter, Maddie, and how resilient Maddie was. Their relationship wasn't perfect but they were both willing to try and that really paid off for them. I also loved all the references to Maria von Trapp!
I loved this book! I didn't want to put it down until I knew how Blake's and Jessie's story ended. And now I can't wait to read the rest of Taylor's story... and hopefully Cheyenne's after that? :)
Content: Clean - some mild innuendo between an estranged married couple, mild swearing
Source: Review copy (opinion is 100% my own)
November 6, 2015
2 stars.
What can I say about this book....It was well written but the characters weren't my cup of tea.
The heroine has suffered miscarriages over the years and ultimately can't have children. Her husband is someone whom is a bit of a douche canoe and to me, Unlikeable.
He seems to have taken the heroine for granted throughout their marriage, from keeping their finances separate to not eating what she makes for dinner, lunch or breakfast.
He doesn't seem to appreciate her and she seems more invested in the relationship than he is.
I didn't really enjoy this book for that reason. reading about a heroine who was ultimately a bit of a doormat (really? you waited 13 yrs to tell your husband that having separate finances bother you?) and a husband who has taken advantage of her with his chauvinistic attitude.
not my kind of book.
What can I say about this book....It was well written but the characters weren't my cup of tea.
The heroine has suffered miscarriages over the years and ultimately can't have children. Her husband is someone whom is a bit of a douche canoe and to me, Unlikeable.
He seems to have taken the heroine for granted throughout their marriage, from keeping their finances separate to not eating what she makes for dinner, lunch or breakfast.
He doesn't seem to appreciate her and she seems more invested in the relationship than he is.
I didn't really enjoy this book for that reason. reading about a heroine who was ultimately a bit of a doormat (really? you waited 13 yrs to tell your husband that having separate finances bother you?) and a husband who has taken advantage of her with his chauvinistic attitude.
not my kind of book.
avoid
August 22, 2022Note to self avoid- too much heartbreak 😭
H has a secret baby with ow - heroines roommate.
He finds out 12 years later.
MCs been together 13 yrs.
Married. Having trouble having a baby together (the h can’t have babies and he won’t allow her to adopt ) when the ow contacts him about his child.
He then puts the daughter above the h in everything. He always forgets about the h, and she was his last priority.
Technically not cheating.
He broke up with her briefly 12 yrs ago, and had a ONS - with her roommate, before getting back with the h. He never told her about the ONS, and the heroines been living quietly trying not to offend him because she was afraid he would dump her again. Wtf.😭
The h sounds like a gigantic doormat.
Reeder and Rachel K has spoilers.
H has a secret baby with ow - heroines roommate.
He finds out 12 years later.
MCs been together 13 yrs.
Married. Having trouble having a baby together (the h can’t have babies and he won’t allow her to adopt ) when the ow contacts him about his child.
He then puts the daughter above the h in everything. He always forgets about the h, and she was his last priority.
Technically not cheating.
He broke up with her briefly 12 yrs ago, and had a ONS - with her roommate, before getting back with the h. He never told her about the ONS, and the heroines been living quietly trying not to offend him because she was afraid he would dump her again. Wtf.😭
The h sounds like a gigantic doormat.
Reeder and Rachel K has spoilers.
November 7, 2015
The Levels of Insecurity This Woman Had
I couldn't like this story because of either of the leads. Jessie's insecurities allowed her to become the biggest doormat I have read in a while. And it's all her fault. Throughout the story it talked about why she fell in love with her husband or better yet the confusion around why. They didn't, and I as the reader, didn't understand that one. When he asked her why she fell in love, the 2 reasons were pretty lame. They had no connection or chemistry in this story just like the last 13 years of the marriage. This guy was also extremely clueless but he was written very one dimensional. I had no clue why they would remain together for any length of time.
She was annoying. She never expressed an opinion or told him when he was doing something she didn't like. I'm not talking about in the way that we sometimes do - she NEVER said anything. Then she expected it to miraculously happen. Frankly after the passage off time, even with him knowing what he is doing wrong it would be difficult to change. They had zero fire and no friendship.
I couldn't get into what him having a child would mean to the relationship since the marriage was already jacked and not really one. I didn't like the implication that the real mother was "bad". Just because they have a large home and financial security and the mom didn't means nothing. The mom may not have always made the best choices but there was no indication that she made the wrong ones. Jessie and Blake came in like they were saving the day.
I have read books by Peel that I have enjoyed (like 24b) and those I haven't (like this one).
I couldn't like this story because of either of the leads. Jessie's insecurities allowed her to become the biggest doormat I have read in a while. And it's all her fault. Throughout the story it talked about why she fell in love with her husband or better yet the confusion around why. They didn't, and I as the reader, didn't understand that one. When he asked her why she fell in love, the 2 reasons were pretty lame. They had no connection or chemistry in this story just like the last 13 years of the marriage. This guy was also extremely clueless but he was written very one dimensional. I had no clue why they would remain together for any length of time.
She was annoying. She never expressed an opinion or told him when he was doing something she didn't like. I'm not talking about in the way that we sometimes do - she NEVER said anything. Then she expected it to miraculously happen. Frankly after the passage off time, even with him knowing what he is doing wrong it would be difficult to change. They had zero fire and no friendship.
I couldn't get into what him having a child would mean to the relationship since the marriage was already jacked and not really one. I didn't like the implication that the real mother was "bad". Just because they have a large home and financial security and the mom didn't means nothing. The mom may not have always made the best choices but there was no indication that she made the wrong ones. Jessie and Blake came in like they were saving the day.
I have read books by Peel that I have enjoyed (like 24b) and those I haven't (like this one).
September 25, 2015
It's always a happy day when I get a book from Jennifer Peel. I've been looking forward to this book and this series and I'm glad I finally got to read it. Jennifer Peel has a gift for writing characters that feel real and bring out real emotions in me.
This book is honestly like a real life drama playing out before your eyes. Told in first person from Jessica's point of view, you really get an up close and personal look at her life and her heartache. You also get to know all the people Jessie loves. Her parents, her best friends, and Blake. All these characters had definition and by the end of the book I felt like I knew them well.
Blake and Jessie have their struggles. Blake may have made some mistakes, but honestly, his desire to keep trying and work on things makes him a hero in my eyes. He has patience and knows how to work hard.
I could related to Jessie and all her emotions. It was almost scary sometimes! There is so much emotion in this book. It is a love story but more like a rediscovering love story. Maybe more along the lines of women's fiction. All I know is when I finished the story I felt satisfied and hours later, I missed these characters.
This book has some Christian elements to it but I wouldn't necessarily classify it as Christian fiction. It is a clean romance- so swearing or described sexual situations although the couple in this book is married and their sexual relationship is mentioned.
I'm really looking forward to the next book in this series! I got a little preview of what's to come and I'm excited!
April 9, 2017
Loved it! As usual Jennifer Peel sucks me right into the story and I hated to put it down to do other things. I really felt for Jessica who had suffered several miscarriages, and just a few months earlier had gone into early labor and given birth to a stillborn son. Her marriage to Blake is limping along when he finds out he has an almost teenage daughter from a drunken one-night stand before their marriage. All of this takes place in a small town in Colorado where everyone seems to know everything about everyone--the grapevine's going to be lit up with this news.
I could relate to how Jessica feels/felt about her husband even though I've never been through any of things she had suffered through, because of how Jennifer Peel writes her characters. I can't wait to read the other two stories in The Women of Merryton series.
I could relate to how Jessica feels/felt about her husband even though I've never been through any of things she had suffered through, because of how Jennifer Peel writes her characters. I can't wait to read the other two stories in The Women of Merryton series.
February 9, 2017
The first book in The Women of Merryton series, Jessie Belle, is a simple delight. From page one readers will fall in love with the wonderful characters and invigorating and charming story. This story will truly inspire readers to better understand and work on personal relationships they have with others. Strong themes in this story include struggles, misunderstandings, hope, faith, family, relationships and love. This story will greatly be anticipated by any reader that enjoys contemporary, inspiration, romance stories.
Series: The Women of Merryton
Genre: romance, contemporary, inspirational
Publisher: Jennifer Peel
Publication date: September 8, 2015
Number of pages: 311
Content Rating: PG
Book Rating: 5 stars
A review copy of this book was provided via SLB Tours.
Series: The Women of Merryton
Genre: romance, contemporary, inspirational
Publisher: Jennifer Peel
Publication date: September 8, 2015
Number of pages: 311
Content Rating: PG
Book Rating: 5 stars
A review copy of this book was provided via SLB Tours.
September 10, 2015
I love this different take on romance, that starts off with a married couple struggling with their relationship. It sheds a lot of light and hope on a situation that most people would walk away from. I like that Jennifer Peel has a unique voice and something different to bring to the table. The story line is intriguing and will keep you reading to find out what will happen next.
I cried with the characters and laughed with them. I enjoyed each of their unique personalities and really related whole heartedly.
Highly recommend.
I cried with the characters and laughed with them. I enjoyed each of their unique personalities and really related whole heartedly.
Highly recommend.
September 19, 2015
Loved it!
I am not one who usually reads a romance about a married couple, especially one where trouble is brewing in the marriage. I'm glad I made an exception. First of all, I love Jennifer Peel's writing style. Her characters are always very believably written and well developed. She even breathes life into minor characters. Her plot pacing is also good...she doesn't drag things to the point if frustration or ridiculousness like so many authors do. I always feel like her pacing is realistic.
Jessie and Blake are a married couple who have fallen into a pattern of co-existance. They share nothing really but a home, memories and a deep heart ache for a stillborn child and empty arms that yearn for a baby that will never come naturally, now. Then Blake learns he has a child...a teenage daughter conceived during a drunken indiscretion when he and Jessie had broken up (before marriage). Jessie is devastated. How can she trust him? How can she survive this latest hurt: he finally has a child...just not with her. It sounds like a soap opera but it is far from it. There is not a love triangle...unless you count Blake's blossoming love for his teenage daughter, Maddie, her relationship with him and Jessie's guilt-causing jealousy of the bond Blake and Maddie share. This book is amazingly well-written, poignant, heart-breaking and joyful.
I am not one who usually reads a romance about a married couple, especially one where trouble is brewing in the marriage. I'm glad I made an exception. First of all, I love Jennifer Peel's writing style. Her characters are always very believably written and well developed. She even breathes life into minor characters. Her plot pacing is also good...she doesn't drag things to the point if frustration or ridiculousness like so many authors do. I always feel like her pacing is realistic.
Jessie and Blake are a married couple who have fallen into a pattern of co-existance. They share nothing really but a home, memories and a deep heart ache for a stillborn child and empty arms that yearn for a baby that will never come naturally, now. Then Blake learns he has a child...a teenage daughter conceived during a drunken indiscretion when he and Jessie had broken up (before marriage). Jessie is devastated. How can she trust him? How can she survive this latest hurt: he finally has a child...just not with her. It sounds like a soap opera but it is far from it. There is not a love triangle...unless you count Blake's blossoming love for his teenage daughter, Maddie, her relationship with him and Jessie's guilt-causing jealousy of the bond Blake and Maddie share. This book is amazingly well-written, poignant, heart-breaking and joyful.
September 9, 2015
Very poignant story of a married couple in trouble. The author did a fabulous job of creating a romance between two troubled souls who should be one…but are contemplating calling it quits on their marriage of 13 years. The tension was perfect. The scenario was believable and riveting. From page one when Jessica receives a bouquet of roses from her husband, as well as a crushing revelation, I was hooked. This story deals with marital struggles involved with baby loss, miscarriage, and being a step-mother to a teen child. I love Peel’s books because I always learn something about life or myself as I read them. She does a great job portraying a spectrum of emotions and how different characters react to a variety of hard situations. This romance shows the importance of marriage and how it is worth fighting for, even when logic tells you to call it quits and take the easy route. Jessie and Blake both have their weaknesses and struggles, but their growth is phenomenal and worth reading. I’ve read every one of Jennifer Peel’s books and think she is one of the best clean romance writers of this decade. Bravo! ***I was given this book for free from the author in exchange for a fair and honest review.
July 12, 2017
I just re read this book!! I LOVED it!!
Jennifer Peel is one of my favorite authors! I stalk her on Amazon and facebook watching for another new book. I loved Jessie Belle! The story is one that got a hold of my heart from the very beginning. A couple whose marriage has some bumps in it, faces not just one devastation, but several right in a row. Then Jessie's husband Blake, delivers the biggest devastation of all and Jessie doesn't know if she can get past this one. I felt for Jessie Belle and the slow progress of her marriage. It felt like she would get over one big hurdle and take three steps back. Darn there was even a sneak peek of the next book and now I can't wait for it to come out! I will be rereading this one. I love a clean romance!
Thanks for making a long flight home shorter!
Jennifer Peel is one of my favorite authors! I stalk her on Amazon and facebook watching for another new book. I loved Jessie Belle! The story is one that got a hold of my heart from the very beginning. A couple whose marriage has some bumps in it, faces not just one devastation, but several right in a row. Then Jessie's husband Blake, delivers the biggest devastation of all and Jessie doesn't know if she can get past this one. I felt for Jessie Belle and the slow progress of her marriage. It felt like she would get over one big hurdle and take three steps back. Darn there was even a sneak peek of the next book and now I can't wait for it to come out! I will be rereading this one. I love a clean romance!
Thanks for making a long flight home shorter!
September 9, 2015
There are a handful of books I've read that I want to re-read immediately after I have finished so I can savor every word again. And that I think about for days after I've finished it. Jessie Belle was most certainly one of those books. I will read and reread it over the years.
Jessie Belle is an emotionally charged book that touched my heart deeply. Not only does Jessica have to endure the pain of finding out her husband has a daughter with a woman she despises, she herself has been unable to conceive. The issues are handled with sensitivity and, as a woman who has had to deal with infertility, I was able to relate with the things that Jessica had to hear and endure, even from well meaning friends and relatives.
Be prepared with tissues nearby, but don't expect to cry through the entire book. There is also laughter and friendship and hope.
Jessie Belle is an emotionally charged book that touched my heart deeply. Not only does Jessica have to endure the pain of finding out her husband has a daughter with a woman she despises, she herself has been unable to conceive. The issues are handled with sensitivity and, as a woman who has had to deal with infertility, I was able to relate with the things that Jessica had to hear and endure, even from well meaning friends and relatives.
Be prepared with tissues nearby, but don't expect to cry through the entire book. There is also laughter and friendship and hope.
September 8, 2015
I was lucky enough to beta read this book. Jennifer has a real gift for writing true to life stories that make you care immensely about the characters. I loved Jessie and Blake's story about learning to love again. I can't wait for the next book in the series!
September 10, 2015
Jennifer has an amazing talent for telling stories. They draw you in and you become emotionally involved. They are real. They are powerful. They make you think and her books always leave you uplifted. I have loved each and every book I have read of hers and Jessie Belle is no exception!
November 4, 2015
Wow, I think I have found a new favorite sweet romance author! This is the first book I have read of Ms. Peel's and I am incredibly impressed! The story has depth and heart to spare. It deals real problems with real truth and compassion. This is definitely an author to follow!
September 11, 2015
A wonderful story about the need to communicate and work through life's troubles as a couple.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 135 reviews