So Much Better Your Way: Signed Jack

by Theresa A. Laws

Wow, even dreams defy me! My dearly departed wife has spoken to me about moving on. Why is everyone trying to get me married again? Would I be betraying my former beloved? And here I thought we were forever. Man, losing her hurt so bad, but surely, I can raise my son, finish seminary, and go on with life. I have too.
For Jack Riley, life in Jackson, Mississippi has changed since losing his ex-wife, Kelly, during childbirth. Everyone has advice for the new preacher and father, and they’re not shy about offering it. Is he ready to choose again? He knows it’s too soon. Of course, it is. Don’t they know it as well?
But a strong wind of fate blows toward him. It is unplanned, unimaginable, inconceivable, and downright hurtful. How could it happen? It’s certainly not what he nor anyone else expected, but it did happen. Will it work in his favor? Will it turn for his good? And was it planned all along?

231 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 8, 2020

About the author

Theresa Laws is the author of four published books, Diary of a Divine Relationship, Jack and Kelly, So Much Better Your Way, Signed Jack, The Man, His Woman, His Call, Chicago and In The End. She has resided in the Chicagoland area for all of her life. She has a passion for writing about the overlooked and underserved and those who have been told that they can't because they're not valued. She also enjoys writing, sewing and playing the flute. She is a published songwriter and looks forward to starting a household textile design business.

Reviews

[Cece Barnes · Rating 5 out of 5]

So Much Better Your Way is the uplifting and inspirational tale of a man coming to terms with his grief and finding his way in life after the unexpected loss of his wife. It begins on a very heavy note as Jack processes this loss but his faith in God lends him strength. If you have read the prequel to this book you will already be invested in his and Kelly’s relationship so you will feel and understand some of his pain.
As Jack navigates his challenging situation, one question keeps arising, will he find love again? But this is so much more than a love story, it is the story of one man’s deep relationship with God and the strength and blessings that this life path brings him. A heart warming and faith-filled read.

[Olivia Castetter · Rating 4 out of 5]

For years, I have believed that the right book will find you exactly when you need it. When it comes to Theresa A. Laws, this always holds true for me.
In November of last year, I read Diary of a Divine Relationship and was instantly curious about the life of protagonist Jack Riley and his beloved Kelly. Kelly’s faith was unshakable, even as the world’s cruelty tried to destroy her. In my opinion, Kelly is the ideal version of a Wife of Noble Character—flawed, yet faithful always.
Following Kelly’s death, So Much Better Your Way: Signed Jack begins with Jack working to carry on with his grief and young son. When Jack is involved in a violent accident in which others died, he finds himself admitted to the hospital for several weeks in the care of Cynthia, a spunky-yet-shy nurse.
As nurse and patient get to know one another, it’s evident that God is using all things—even a car crash—for His good.
Throughout the entire book, Laws included wondrous nuggets of faith and wisdom. Some of my favorites include:
All decisions are a choice, and sometimes our minds are not in the position to make the best ones due to many factors.
This quote stood out to me because, recently, I’ve been working on my C-PTSD recovery, and that has had my head in a not-so-great place. As a result, I’ve been leaning on friends and friends-that-are-like-family for support to help keep my mind accountable to what is right, even when my trauma draws me in the wrong direction.
life can be like burnt toast, but you scrape it off and keep going.
I liked this comedic line because I am a big believer in the phrase “improvise, adapt, overcome.” Sometimes, plans fail, and it can be hard to see the God Angle at all times. As I tell my husband, “You can either sink or swim, but sometimes treading water is all you can do, and that’s enough.” What’s happening may not be what you want to happen, but it doesn’t have to ruin your day. Make the best of it, then carry on.
The lessons within So Much Better Your Way: Signed Jack make this book a must-read for women of faith as well as those struggling because Laws does not shy away from the messy side of life. For that matter, the way the characters are quick to forgive and find a way to work together to further the Kingdom is inspirational, and I find myself resolved to be a better friend after finishing this book.
For the story, I’m awarding So Much Better Your Way: Signed Jack four well-deserved stars. I cannot wait to see what Theresa A. Laws does next!

[Carolyn Bowen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an inspirational romance novel that’ll draw you in from the beginning. The author has crafted a heart-warming story with characters that come alive on the pages.

This book is easy to read and features southern living in Jackson, Mississippi with carefully delivered dialect within the dialog. You’ll feel like you know the characters with the author’s descriptive writing style and pace as the story unfolds.

The heartbreak of Jack Riley when his wife passes leaving him with their ten-month-old son will break your heart. Jack’s mother is helping him by babysitting her grandson for him to attend seminary. The banter when the family gathers encourages Jack to move on, but he wasn’t ready for a new romance.

A chance meeting at the park awakens him for a moment. He thought it was too soon after his wife’s passing to become involved with a woman. He was attracted to Cynthia but was stuck in the past. Cynthia was fresh out of a relationship and they both had emotional debris to wrestle freedom from to begin anew. What were the chances they’d meet again and be ready for a romance to blossom?

When Jack resigns himself to the present. He realizes that God never leaves you in the darkness, his plan is so much better. Read today to experience the fullness of His power. A Christian romance story that'll give you hope for the future! A must-read!

[Toya · Rating 5 out of 5]

Let me start off by saying that I did not read the first story before reading this book. There were references to things that happened previously but I never felt lost in this story. Jack has gone through so much in his life. He’s lost his wife, is raising his son, and attending seminary school. This story brings the message of hope and how to rebuild your life after a tragic loss. I cannot comprehend how he was able to deal with the weapons that were formed against him. This is the true testament of what can happen when you place God as the head of your life.

I really enjoyed the story and the scriptures used throughout it. I feel like it reminded me of God’s word and how to apply it in real-life scenarios. I won’t forget this story anytime soon and I can’t wait to go back and read part 1. I'll be reading more from this author.

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book from this author. I have read one other book by her and I was very excited to get my hands on another one of her books. It didn’t disappoint my high expectations! I’ve gotten back into reading recently and I flew through this book. I wanted it to be longer haha. This authors writing is really beautiful and easily draws you into the story. 5 stars from me.

[Amber B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve been finding now the perfect time to read with the extra free time I’ve been given and this was a wonderful book to add to my reading marathon. So Much Better Your Way, Signed Jack was a beautiful story. The writing is fascinating and I eagerly flipped the pages to find out what was going to happen next. Well done!

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book by Theresa Laws. It isn’t my normal genre but I thought I would give it a try and I’m glad I did. The author did a great job creating the setting and added a good set of characters to go with it. I see a lot of potential with this author and I recommend giving this book a read even if it isn’t your normal genre.

[Tori · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a beautiful book with a powerful message. I just love a well written story with great meanings. It was a delight reading this. The author is very talented. I loved her writing style and how it flowed with the story. I was always quickly turning the pages to see where the story would go next. Definitely recommend this one.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my goodness, what an amazing book this was! Contemporary is my favorite genre and this author wrote it perfectly. I kept thinking it would make a great movie. I loved every second of it and read it every chance I got. I will definitely be looking into more books by this author. One of my favorite reads so far this year.

[Victoria Grace · Rating 5 out of 5]

A heartwarming contemporary story. Wonderful writing and a beautiful message.

[Anna Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

A solid contemporary story. Review to come.

[Colleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars

Great story! The writing really fit this genre. It captured my attention right away and held onto it the entire time. A strong book from this author.

[Steve M · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is nothing more bitter in this world as a young couple losing their spouse, especially during the birth of their child. One feels as if the world has been turned upside down, such as Jack Riley. Every day is a challenge to Jack, especially when facing his son, Jack Jr., who will one day want to know what happened to his mother. When we are born, God always has a purpose for us, through the goodness and bitterness of life. Having God-fearing parents could also be helpful as they steer their children in the right direction. Jack Riley and his son are blessed to have such a father figure, Antonio, God-fearing, and understanding.
Whenever a person is a staunch believer, there are bound to be temptations that a person will face. One of the temptations that faced Jack Riley is taking another wife; he feels guilty of such a thought. It would not be right to jump from one relationship to another so soon, so seeking God's guidance and intervention is crucial as He will bless every step of the way. Besides Christianity, love is the other theme of the book, love between parents, love between spouses, and love in a relationship.
I found the book enjoyable to read and can relate to the Bible and daily challenges. Every young and older adult should read this; it gives beautiful insights on standing firm when making decisions, especially those that involve life situations and those of family members. So Much Better Your Way by Laws is a must-read for anyone who wants to get into a relationship.

[Pam C. · Rating 4 out of 5]

God's way is always better and this book does a great job showcasing that especially in regards to relationships! This is a sequel but I believe you could pick this up as a stand-alone ... but you would miss the incredible beginning. Written in everyday vernacular using real-life events that leave you filled with hope. And hope does not disappoint.

I received a free ebook for my honest review.