The Date Night Jar

by Joey Jones

An unlikely friendship. An unforgettable love story.When workaholic physician Ansley Stone writes a letter to the estranged son of a patient asking him to send the family’s heirloom date night jar, she only intended to bring a little happiness to a lonely old man during his final days. But before long, she finds herself increasingly drawn to Cleve Fields’ bedside, eager to hear the stories of his courtship with his beloved late wife, Violet, that were inspired by the yellowed slivers of paper in the old jar. When Cleve asks her to return the jar to his son, Ansley spontaneously decides to deliver it in person, if only to find out why no one, including his own son, visits the patient she’s grown inexplicably fond of.

Mason Fields is happily single, content to spend his days running the family strawberry farm and his evenings in the company of his best friend, a seventeen-year-old collie named Callie. Then Ansley shows up at his door with the date night jar and nowhere to stay. Suddenly, she’s turning his carefully ordered world upside down, upsetting his routine and forcing him to remember things best left in the past. When she suggests they pull a slip of paper from the jar, their own love story begins to develop. Before long, their newfound love will be tested in ways they never imagined, as the startling truth about Mason’s past is revealed…and Ansley’s future is threatened.

Genres: Contemporary, Chick Lit, Romance, Fiction, Contemporary Romance

311 pages, Paperback

Published August 15, 2019

About the author

Joey Jones’s writing style is described as a mixture of Nicholas Sparks, Richard Paul Evans, and James Patterson. New York Times Bestselling Author Kristy Woodson Harvey labels Jones’s writing as “lyrical” and proclaims, “He effortlessly pulls readers into the souls of his characters.” USA Today Bestselling Author Jeff Gunhus compares Joey Jones’s work to Debbie Macomber, Nicholas Evans, and Sparks.

The ratings and reviews of Jones’s novels A BRIDGE APART (2015), LOSING LONDON (2016), A FIELD OF FIREFLIES (2018), THE DATE NIGHT JAR (2019), WHEN THE RIVERS RISE (2020), WHERE THE RAINBOW FALLS (2022), and ALONG THE DUSTY ROAD (2023) reflect the comparison to the aforementioned New York Times bestselling authors. Readers can expect the same from THE ROOTS BENEATH US (2024).

Joey Jones fell in love with creative writing at a young age and, in his early twenties, decided to write a book. His debut novel A BRIDGE APART is a suspenseful love story that was years in the making as he tinkered with the manuscript off and on while working full-time in the marketing field. In February 2016, Jones became a full-time novelist and published his second novel LOSING LONDON later that year. The average rating of Jones’s novels is 4.5 out of 5.0 stars.

In his spare time, Joey enjoys spending time with his family, playing sports, working out, reading, and embarking on new adventures. His favorite meal is a New York Style Pizza with sweet tea. He won the 8th-grade spelling bee at his school, but if you ask how many students participated, he might say, “Such minor details are not important!” He currently lives in North Carolina with his family.

Joey Jones earned a B.A. in Business Administration from the University of Maryland University College where he graduated with honors (2006). He was the owner of a full-service advertising agency and taught business and marketing courses as an adjunct college instructor.

Jones invites you to connect with him online to find out more about his upcoming novels, book signings, giveaways, exciting news, charities, and more: www.Joey-Jones.com / Facebook.com/JoeyJonesWriter / Instagram.com/JoeyJonesWriter

Reviews

[Carolyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an amazing and wonderful book this was! I never would have even known about it or had cause to read it if it had not come up in my Goodreads feed. I was so intrigued by the unique story line and the fantastic reviews, I had to read it. I am so happy I took the chance on it. The Date Night Jar has such depth and deep emotion that I was reeled in almost immediately. The characters were slowly and brilliantly developed as the story moves along. The mysteries and twists and turns mesmerized me. There were moments when I was so worried that things for the characters were going to suddenly take a wrong turn that I was a wreck. You easily become that invested in their lives. There are such beautiful, moving love stories involved, as well as such boundless familial love. I am blown away.

This is my first book by Joey Jones. It certainly will not be my last. ;)

[Michelle B · Rating 5 out of 5]

By far my favorite novel from this author. Absolutely loved everything about this book. Having read all his other books I can tell he is growing as an author and his writing style has improved( not saying previous books weren't good, cause they are, but can tell the difference in this one)
I really enjoyed every character in this book even the hated Dr. Roman just cause she was written perfectly for her part.
Being a hopeless romantic this book pulled all my heartstrings 💗 And my absolute favorite character was Callie!!!
Love the stories behind the date night Jar and hopefully one day I will have that special someone to share a date night jar with.

[Megan DiCesare · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book got me back into reading again! Highly recommend books by Joey! I’ve read three!

[Stephanie Moyle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Haven’t found a book of his yet that I haven’t loved. Can’t wait to read more!

[Suzanne Bennett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story!

This story, like all of Joey's stories before this one, engages you from the start and provokes vivid images of the area described!

[Lou · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favorites by this author. He seems to pull me right into the story.

[Suzanne Dudley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very easy to read and kept the story alive within a romance story.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

interesting premise

An interesting and absorbing story with mystery and romantic leanings. Not wanting to spoil anything, let’s just say that the Date Night Jar is used as both a literal jar full of date night ideas but also as a way of narrating events/story-telling within the main story. I enjoyed the uniqueness of the novel and the way the author wove it all together. This is a fade to black for intimate scenes and has no rough language. There are a few passages where I felt the author was making subtle political statements, but maybe that’s just be reading more into it than was intended. The “villain” of the book was a bit over the top for my taste and that subplot wound together with the main plot, but didn’t ever really get resolved beyond a sentence saying it didn’t really go anywhere. That was a bit of a let down, but since the story draws on stereotypical Southern Christian values, it wasn’t too surprising. Overall, I liked the story, the main characters including a loveable collie, and I would probably read more by this author if I happen across them.

[Anne Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I met Joey Jones at the New Bern Convention Center before Christmas. I purchased a signed copy of The Date Night Jar. I was pleasantly surprised as it had all the points I look for in a book. Suspense, a little romance, historic value (whether real or not - still entertaining) and surprise twist at the beginning and end. A tiny bit predictable but was an easy read. The romance was well written and left the reader to use their imagination. I have been to Oriental, NC numerous times for different reasons.
But my next trip will be to visit and see if I can pick out some of the mentioned locations. The concept of The Date Night Jar was very creative and clever. Enjoyed it enough to purchase another novel by him.

[Barbara Woodard · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the first novel I read by Joey Jones. Loved it! I had recently moved to the area where the novel took place when I started reading it, so I was able to relate to some of the locations, like Brantley’s Restaurant. It really kept my interest with the parallel storylines and the suspense. While I enjoyed the romance between the main characters, I was more intrigued by the back story about Mason’s parent’s courtship and the Date Night Jar. Especially the conflicting opinions I had about of his father most of the way through the book. I was eager to find out why Mason despised him so much. I couldn’t put the book down! When I finished it, my 1st words were “I did not see that coming!” It also made me want to make my own Date Night Jar. Great story!

[Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I've read all of his books to date, and they just keep getting better and better. This is a pleasant romance story, without being sappy. A bit of mystery woven in to keep you guessing.
I enjoy how the author always makes the setting of his books feel like it's a character as well. Since I live on the NC coast, it makes me want to go explore the town where the book is set.

I think this book would make a great movie.

Can't wait till his next book comes out.

[Peggy Willoughby · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sweet story

This is a decent enough book. I liked the main characters. They were realistically portrayed. However, I cannot for the life of me, understand why a professional, well educated woman would, with no second thought, agree to stay overnight in the house of a total stranger. The plot plodded along as we shared each day with the characters. It's a fine story and I know a few others who thoroughly enjoyed this book.

[Brittany Hoult Penwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn't put it down. It was the last one, the one that I read out of order (of publication). It was a great, wonderful story. Its a love story where you enjoy what the characters are experiencing, you feel along with them. Where you dislike that 1 mean character (nurse) but you know people like her. The end is what you hoped for yet it comes with a very unexpected twist. Thank you Joey Jones for another wonderful book.

[Tonya Robbins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Purchased The Date Night Jar from Joey Jones at the Holiday Festival in Beaufort NC. Started reading it that night and could not put it down. I completed it in 2 1/2 days.
It's a beautiful love story entwined with unconditional love, mystery and fate. I highly recommend this book.
I also bought the Date Night Jar. I love how the Author made available to his patrons the Jar to experience for themselves. Great for "Date Night".

[Amy Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Date Night Jar was very heart opening, brimming with selfless, unconditional love, and with quite the unexpected twist at the end. My eyes never stay dry when I'm reading books by Joey Jones. His writing plays my heart strings and creates a vibration of love that carries me away to wherever his literary adventure leads.

[Ciara Dotie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was so much fun to read! I love that it takes place in North Carolina (a state I just moved to) and follows characters that are easily lovable - well, most of them are. One you can’t stand, but that’s the whole point. 😉

Loved the writing, story, and flow of the book.
And that last line left me wanting more!

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I got this book at a festival from the author about 2 years ago. It has a wonderfully written plot and it has twist and turns that weren’t predictable in the slightest. The execution was a little confusing but it was heartwarming and very emotionally charged. It’s not overly sweet but you could tell it was written by someone with a big heart.

[Margaux · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'd like to extend a thanks to Joey Jones, the author, the publisher, Callahan, and Goodreads for the privilege of being able to win a digital copy of The Date Night Jar in a giveaway. I will share my review to Amazon & Barnes & Noble as well.

I thought this was a lovely and sweet romantic novel which reminds you of the power of "what if?" Ansley was a really loveable character, as was Mason and Cleve. I thought their story was really cute and reminded me of a sweet date night movie. I was very much drawn in by the writing and the way the narrative flowed, and I couldn't wait to find out what would happen. This novel felt so cozy and heartfelt in a really special way. I think the cover is really cute too, and gives that cozy feel. This was my first book by Joey Jones, and I'm looking forward to reading more from this author.

[Mary Reed · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book by Joey Jones. This one had some twists and turns that I didn’t expect. I did not care for the character, Dr. Roman. She was conniving resentful.
Love the main characters, Ansley and Mason. Nurse Betty was a hoot.

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well written, engaging story that will leave a special memory in the heart of its readers. This is a book I plan to share with others. 5 stars

My thanks to goodreads and the book’s giveaway sponsors for the opportunity to obtain and read a copy of this book.

[Michelle Zimmerman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quick, cute story.

This was a quick read. Perfect for simmer. I think I need to visit Oriental, NC now! ❤️

I would have given it 5 stars if it did not have an overuse of metaphors.

[Mariah Williams · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great story and plot. It had some good twist and turns. The characters were well written. I felt like the ending was a little rushed but still enjoyed the story. I also like the concepts of the date night jar and might create one for my husband.

I won this book in a goodreads giveaway.

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely must read!! Couldn't put down. Had too many late nights because I couldn't stop reading. What an amazing love story. There were some exciting twists that I didn't expect. If you like Nicholas Sparks, you will like Joey Jones!

[Addie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished reading this story! It was my first written by you! I totally enjoyed it. I especially like reading books that talk about places I’m familiar with. I live in Kinston & NC is where I’ve been my entire life. I look forward to reading more of your books!❤️

[Jenna Henderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Date Nigh Jar was an easy, relatable read. A few plot twists within this NC based novel led to a quick page turner. Enjoyed the date night jar idea, the importance of family and friend relationships, and the joy that can come from a small town.

[Danielle Pipkin · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author was such a nice genuine person! Local to me so it was nice to relate to the story line and I loved the flow of the book and it didn’t take me long to read this because I couldn’t put it down! Great read!

[Davonna Brouhard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Highly recommend. A great love story with several plot twist. I felt happy, sad, mad, angry, surprised, and definitely cried at the end. It is a quick read, feel good story. I live in eastern NC so it was neat reading all of the local references. Can't wait to read more of Joey's books!

[Vickie Dowell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I got to meet Joey, he is a sweetheart and this book was amazing. I love reading about towns I know. Do yourself a favor a check him out. The book started a little slow but quickly picked up and had me hooked. A sweet love story with twist and turns I did not see coming.

[Brooklyn Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! My mom met the author at a market and took a chance on his books. I’ve now bought them all.

I love Nicholas Sparks early works and this book gave me that vibe. Smooth writing, twists, love, and conflict. What a great book! Can’t wait to read the rest of his books.

[Lisa D'Amico · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great book with a surprise ending! I enjoy Joey Jones' books very much and I love supporting local authors too! I see him at our local markets often. His books are really worth reading, pick one up you will be hooked on them too!