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Get Up, Eleanor
Eleanor Petersen’s life shatters when her mother falls on the ice outside her Wisconsin farmhouse. In the process of settling her mother’s estate and sorting loose ends, Eleanor discovers the joy her mother brought to her little town. Despite her spiritual doubts, Eleanor forms an instant bond with a widowed Lutheran pastor. And she uncovers a secret that upends her view of her parents ... and of herself.
239 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 11, 2020
165 people are currently reading
48 people want to read
About the author
Jeffrey McClain Jones
52 books127 followersAs a small boy in Lincoln, Nebraska, I listened enrapt to my grandmother reading me children’s stories, such as The Little Engine That Could. I also recall the elementary school librarian who read us Winnie the Pooh, imitating all the voices. And I remember the first summer I was allowed to ride my bike to the library on my own.
Writing started for me in school. Teachers encouraged me to pursue what they perceived as a gift. For me, my imagination was a challenge as much as a gift. I found the real world so much less enthralling.
In my Christian high school, the English teacher supplied me with unassigned novels. I wrote the senior class play and served as editor of both the yearbook and the school newspaper.
At Houghton College, I majored in writing, including coursework in poetry and fiction. But I also majored in biblical studies and was persuaded to take my writing skills in a more “respectable” direction—academia and nonfiction writing. Remember that less enthralling real world?
When all my academic work led to no great employment breakthrough, I hopped from there onto that rapid conveyor known as the tech industry. Starting in the 1990s, I shaped a new career, eventually starting my own computer consulting firm.
During those years, I focused on raising two boys and cherished the role of doing the bedtime reading, including attempting all the voices in The Chronicles of Narnia series. I also composed a few stories from scratch for my attentive little audience, usually around a campfire.
I started writing again in 2006. Following a friend’s suggestion, I meditated on scripture by imaging myself present on a day when Jesus healed an entire multitude. That meditation turned into my first novel, And He Healed Them All. Closing the gap between the sparse descriptions in the Gospels and what must have been a rich miraculous experience enticed me.
A series of unusual events (ask me someday) prodded me to write my second novel, The Reign: Out of Tribulation. I began self-publishing with those first two books. My third novel, Seeing Jesus, expanded into a series when numerous readers begged me for more. As it turns out, that kind of begging is hard to resist.
In all, I have published fifteen books on Amazon, fourteen of them as installments in one of my series. I am constantly working to improve my skills and to better share my message with the reading public.
Anyone tracking my address could guess that I’ve had some setbacks in my life. But God has stayed the same, even as I evolve and have to start over again.
Now I am married and living in Vernon Hills, Illinois, attending a vibrant church and meeting new people. I work part-time on my computer consulting business, and I devote much of the rest of my time to writing and marketing my books, with my wife as my highly motivated marketing director.
Writing started for me in school. Teachers encouraged me to pursue what they perceived as a gift. For me, my imagination was a challenge as much as a gift. I found the real world so much less enthralling.
In my Christian high school, the English teacher supplied me with unassigned novels. I wrote the senior class play and served as editor of both the yearbook and the school newspaper.
At Houghton College, I majored in writing, including coursework in poetry and fiction. But I also majored in biblical studies and was persuaded to take my writing skills in a more “respectable” direction—academia and nonfiction writing. Remember that less enthralling real world?
When all my academic work led to no great employment breakthrough, I hopped from there onto that rapid conveyor known as the tech industry. Starting in the 1990s, I shaped a new career, eventually starting my own computer consulting firm.
During those years, I focused on raising two boys and cherished the role of doing the bedtime reading, including attempting all the voices in The Chronicles of Narnia series. I also composed a few stories from scratch for my attentive little audience, usually around a campfire.
I started writing again in 2006. Following a friend’s suggestion, I meditated on scripture by imaging myself present on a day when Jesus healed an entire multitude. That meditation turned into my first novel, And He Healed Them All. Closing the gap between the sparse descriptions in the Gospels and what must have been a rich miraculous experience enticed me.
A series of unusual events (ask me someday) prodded me to write my second novel, The Reign: Out of Tribulation. I began self-publishing with those first two books. My third novel, Seeing Jesus, expanded into a series when numerous readers begged me for more. As it turns out, that kind of begging is hard to resist.
In all, I have published fifteen books on Amazon, fourteen of them as installments in one of my series. I am constantly working to improve my skills and to better share my message with the reading public.
Anyone tracking my address could guess that I’ve had some setbacks in my life. But God has stayed the same, even as I evolve and have to start over again.
Now I am married and living in Vernon Hills, Illinois, attending a vibrant church and meeting new people. I work part-time on my computer consulting business, and I devote much of the rest of my time to writing and marketing my books, with my wife as my highly motivated marketing director.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
June 2, 2020
Get Up, Eleanor is unlike any of Jeffrey McClain Jones previous books. I have read them all and cherish everything he writes. The style has slowed down and he takes more time to develop Eleanor, the main character. The slower pace allows you to enter in to the slow transformation that goes on in Eleanor's heart as she mourns the death of her mother.
You really need to take your time reading and be patient as Jeffrey unpacks the secrets of Eleanor's past. He subtly invites you, the reader, to take a moment and examine some of your own past. There are things in the story that the child Eleanor did not understand and they become clearer as she gets to know aspects of her parents now that they have passed. The clarity she gets aids her in healing some brokenness she did not even realize was there.
I love to read fiction that can transform. Jeffery never fails to do that in everything he writes. Thank you for another great work.
I recommend this book.
You really need to take your time reading and be patient as Jeffrey unpacks the secrets of Eleanor's past. He subtly invites you, the reader, to take a moment and examine some of your own past. There are things in the story that the child Eleanor did not understand and they become clearer as she gets to know aspects of her parents now that they have passed. The clarity she gets aids her in healing some brokenness she did not even realize was there.
I love to read fiction that can transform. Jeffery never fails to do that in everything he writes. Thank you for another great work.
I recommend this book.
December 15, 2022
This is one of those books that was more than I expected.
Besides a fascinating and deeply layered story, there is romance, but not overwhelming. The writing impressed me with apt metaphors: "Thoughts, scattered like rock salt on an icy driveway, crunched in her mind." (Her mom had fallen on the sidewalk ice.) I also came across a description of the small-town funeral home that matches one I've seen from the inside: "...with the indoor-outdoor carpet and pale paneling halfway up three walls...it all remained contained in that low building, with its 1950s architecture and its odd mix of florescent and incandescent lighting..."
The main character is one we can identify with, as she struggles to organize her thoughts and feelings, based on discoveries of old secrets. "...her dissatisfaction had come loose, come out of tits box, spilled on the floor around her feet, like the pipes of a toy with some assembly required."
The best part, in my opinion, is the hope that is offered: "We're all doubters, Eleanor. And we all have choices about what to do with our doubts. Willingness to learn is one of the best choices, I think."
A very good read.
Besides a fascinating and deeply layered story, there is romance, but not overwhelming. The writing impressed me with apt metaphors: "Thoughts, scattered like rock salt on an icy driveway, crunched in her mind." (Her mom had fallen on the sidewalk ice.) I also came across a description of the small-town funeral home that matches one I've seen from the inside: "...with the indoor-outdoor carpet and pale paneling halfway up three walls...it all remained contained in that low building, with its 1950s architecture and its odd mix of florescent and incandescent lighting..."
The main character is one we can identify with, as she struggles to organize her thoughts and feelings, based on discoveries of old secrets. "...her dissatisfaction had come loose, come out of tits box, spilled on the floor around her feet, like the pipes of a toy with some assembly required."
The best part, in my opinion, is the hope that is offered: "We're all doubters, Eleanor. And we all have choices about what to do with our doubts. Willingness to learn is one of the best choices, I think."
A very good read.
June 4, 2020
What happens when your mother dies - and you realize you did not REALLY know her. Everyone in the town she lived in knew her - and loved her. Can you get to know her now? Can you forgive her for things you perceived wrong (and were NOT as wrong as you thought?). Can God work thru this — even when you are not sure you even believe in Him? This is a superb book of God’s grace — even when you are ‘old’ and set in your ways!!!
I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All thoughts and comments are my own.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All thoughts and comments are my own.
June 3, 2020
With clear imagery and delightful turns of phrase, Get Up, Eleanor brings the reader up the driveway and into the old farmhouse where much of this story takes place. Meaningful connections and intentional pacing control Eleanor’s coming-home experience and keep the story from becoming a cliché.
I would have liked to see more plot development, a little more of a pause between events—but to be transparent the other novel I’m currently reading is over 800 pages long.
I would have liked to see more plot development, a little more of a pause between events—but to be transparent the other novel I’m currently reading is over 800 pages long.
June 4, 2020
Although I finished this book several days ago, I'm still thinking about it - that's a sign of a good book! Unusually, the main character is an older woman who's life is interrupted by the sudden death of her mother. Without saying too much, she finds another side of the parents that she never knew. It truly deals with grief very sensitively, and my eyes misted over more than once. I loved the ending, an unexpected twist, I'm sure my jaw actually dropped at one point!
June 10, 2020
An interesting read that tackles a variety of subjects including relationships, art, academia, religion, and life choices. I was entertained and found the way the inspirational aspects were introduced and explained refreshing. Worth the read. This book was provided by the author for me to read and review.
June 1, 2020
Get up Eleanor, was a different kind of book. Even though it was fiction it hit home. I enjoyed it and it made me think back when my Mom passed away. Very enjoyable and I loved the end of end of the book.
Read
June 2, 2020Loved the book. I loved that Eleanor took an interest in her Mothers art work and protected it.
I just really enjoyed the whole story. I loved the way it ended. I really enjoy all of Jeffreys books.
I just really enjoyed the whole story. I loved the way it ended. I really enjoy all of Jeffreys books.
June 22, 2020
( received a complimentary copy to review )
Reading ' Get Up, Eleanor ' for me, was much more than a story. A much needed reading experience causing me to reflect, repent and pray more. Was blessed by having this book placed in my path. Praying other are blessed as well.
Reading ' Get Up, Eleanor ' for me, was much more than a story. A much needed reading experience causing me to reflect, repent and pray more. Was blessed by having this book placed in my path. Praying other are blessed as well.
June 12, 2020
My rating for this book is a 3.5 (sometimes I wish there was that option!)
What I liked ...
The main character in this story is 65 years old. I liked the perspective of someone who had lived most of her professional life and was now determining if she needed to change course.
The minor characters were also strong and added a lot to the story line. The community aspect was powerful. I also liked the fact that the main character began to see that certain actions she took were prompted by God's internal leading and were for her good. Many cultural issues were a part of this book, and for the most part I feel like they were handled well.
In the middle ...
A family secret was exposed. What I liked was the fact that the focus was on how the issue affected the main character. But, that issue also remained vague and there really was not any resolution. That was true for another secret - it remained out there without understanding what exactly happened.
What I didn't like ...
This book is about how the main character deals with the loss of her mother. (This is in the book description, so I do not feel it is a spoiler). While seeing someone walk through the grief process was a good thought, the loss happened so early that I was not really connected yet to either character. I struggled with caring or feeling the loss because I did not "know them yet."
Second, this book deals with the spiritual struggles of an agnostic. Having doubts can be common. But there were enough twinges for me in some of the theology presented that I felt uneasy. Certain things did not ring true.
What I liked ...
The main character in this story is 65 years old. I liked the perspective of someone who had lived most of her professional life and was now determining if she needed to change course.
The minor characters were also strong and added a lot to the story line. The community aspect was powerful. I also liked the fact that the main character began to see that certain actions she took were prompted by God's internal leading and were for her good. Many cultural issues were a part of this book, and for the most part I feel like they were handled well.
In the middle ...
A family secret was exposed. What I liked was the fact that the focus was on how the issue affected the main character. But, that issue also remained vague and there really was not any resolution. That was true for another secret - it remained out there without understanding what exactly happened.
What I didn't like ...
This book is about how the main character deals with the loss of her mother. (This is in the book description, so I do not feel it is a spoiler). While seeing someone walk through the grief process was a good thought, the loss happened so early that I was not really connected yet to either character. I struggled with caring or feeling the loss because I did not "know them yet."
Second, this book deals with the spiritual struggles of an agnostic. Having doubts can be common. But there were enough twinges for me in some of the theology presented that I felt uneasy. Certain things did not ring true.
Read
June 11, 2020Eleanor thought she knew her mom, but when her mom died unexpectedly and Eleanor went to settle the estate, what she thought she knew so well began to change. Her opinions about herself changed also. What things do we think we understand as children, when we really have no clue about the truth of the matter. I really enjoyed reading this book. Jeffrey Jones is great with character development and descriptions that just flow, skillfully woven throughout the pages. It's a wonderful look at family relationships. A quote from the book says, " Take some time to be quiet and listen to your soul". The book helped me do just that.
November 15, 2022
Good, solid story of self awareness and burgeoning faith
This book didn’t soar above the clouds, but it got to its destination in a steady rise. I got some self insight which is always the best gift from reading. Also saw the beauty of Jesus in a new way. Major wonderful! Didn’t just grow in self awareness and in Jesus, but in seeing what holds faith back, and how gently loving like Jesus can break down walls that keep peace, forgiveness and joy from flowing within and through. Would read more by this author. Clean, thoughtful, deep story.
This book didn’t soar above the clouds, but it got to its destination in a steady rise. I got some self insight which is always the best gift from reading. Also saw the beauty of Jesus in a new way. Major wonderful! Didn’t just grow in self awareness and in Jesus, but in seeing what holds faith back, and how gently loving like Jesus can break down walls that keep peace, forgiveness and joy from flowing within and through. Would read more by this author. Clean, thoughtful, deep story.
June 24, 2020
Oh,I loved this so much.
This book really resonated with me. It’s the first book I have read in forever, where the main character is not a 20–30-year-old. The fact that at a mature age, a woman can find herself and love....encouraging....My mom passed about 18 months ago, and it changed a lot of things in my life too. I really, really loved this book and was sorry to see it end.
This book really resonated with me. It’s the first book I have read in forever, where the main character is not a 20–30-year-old. The fact that at a mature age, a woman can find herself and love....encouraging....My mom passed about 18 months ago, and it changed a lot of things in my life too. I really, really loved this book and was sorry to see it end.
April 23, 2021
PC Eleanor
I am going to start with negativity. I always see the best in every situation. This book was so full of political correctness I couldn't actually tell you what the plot was. Just talk already. If you have to watch every single word that comes from your lips stay away from the person you are talking too.
This is not like the other books this author has written. I just didn't like it. But that is my opinion. Yours could be different.
I am going to start with negativity. I always see the best in every situation. This book was so full of political correctness I couldn't actually tell you what the plot was. Just talk already. If you have to watch every single word that comes from your lips stay away from the person you are talking too.
This is not like the other books this author has written. I just didn't like it. But that is my opinion. Yours could be different.
September 19, 2023
Lacks Internal Emotion
Interesting hook but I had a hard time really connecting with Eleanor. She seemed so sterile or stoic. Maybe that was purposeful since she’s a professor. But too many times were told a son escaped her lips or something similar but there was no internal warning and nothing really to back it up or explain it afterward. Just too lacking in real emotion for my taste.
Interesting hook but I had a hard time really connecting with Eleanor. She seemed so sterile or stoic. Maybe that was purposeful since she’s a professor. But too many times were told a son escaped her lips or something similar but there was no internal warning and nothing really to back it up or explain it afterward. Just too lacking in real emotion for my taste.
June 15, 2021
A wonderful book.
Couldn’t put it down. So many relationships to discover and work through in this book. God, friends, parents, mental illness, and more. Very thought provoking about life and issues we all deal with.
Couldn’t put it down. So many relationships to discover and work through in this book. God, friends, parents, mental illness, and more. Very thought provoking about life and issues we all deal with.
December 28, 2022
It was cute, sweet. I feel like it could’ve worked a little better as a short story maybe. Some of the last 1/3rd was just a tad boring. But I really really liked the ending. Worth a go, even if you aren’t particularly religious. A good story about grief and hope.
September 23, 2023
Amazing insight for someone dealing with grief
Mr. McClain’s insight is just amazing. He really understands the trauma of grief and dealing with truths that are unearthed with a loved-ones passing. I really enjoy his books.
Mr. McClain’s insight is just amazing. He really understands the trauma of grief and dealing with truths that are unearthed with a loved-ones passing. I really enjoy his books.
November 13, 2023
Just finished this gentle but compelling read. Atmospheric with great characterisation and natural interaction between the characters. Although I’ve never been to the area I could visualise it easily. Thank you Jeffrey!
July 10, 2020
A wonderful book! I love the humor, the characters and the thoughtfulness.
August 15, 2022
Slow moving
This was a slow moving book. I had to force myself at times to keep reading. It had some good characters and for that I gave it 4 stars.
This was a slow moving book. I had to force myself at times to keep reading. It had some good characters and for that I gave it 4 stars.
January 8, 2023
Eleanor ~ “I forgive you, Mom. For not having the answers I needed.” She drew a long breath. “Please forgive me, for judging you so harshly.”
December 6, 2023
Good characters, down-to-earth feeling, hopeful...not great, but it was a good read.
June 23, 2020
Another Good Read
I thoroughly enjoyed this book even though it read a little different than the others I've read by this author. I'm not complaining. It was an interesting difference. The story of Jesus' love and His forgiveness was still the main theme. I loved quirky the characters.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book even though it read a little different than the others I've read by this author. I'm not complaining. It was an interesting difference. The story of Jesus' love and His forgiveness was still the main theme. I loved quirky the characters.
August 21, 2020
Another Christian romance
This is a different sort of story from the author’s usual style, almost just another Christian romance novel. In all his previous books I’ve actually encountered the presence of God. But this seems to be just a book. The main character’s overthinking of every experience became tedious for me. And her projection of guilt onto the handyman was frustrating. I’ll continue to follow this author because his previous books have been so impacting, but was disappointed in this one.
This is a different sort of story from the author’s usual style, almost just another Christian romance novel. In all his previous books I’ve actually encountered the presence of God. But this seems to be just a book. The main character’s overthinking of every experience became tedious for me. And her projection of guilt onto the handyman was frustrating. I’ll continue to follow this author because his previous books have been so impacting, but was disappointed in this one.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews