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Cocker Brothers #0

The Origin of Language: MAY COCKER

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 The Origin of Language, Book 24 in Cocker Brothers: MAY COCKER

True Love ... where the Cocker Family began.

Jerald Daniel Cocker, a submarine planesman for the Navy on special leave in Georgia, USA, meets the girl we now know as "Grams" at the end of World War II. This is a period-piece romance about the beginning of the family, told with love and care.

Kindle Edition

First published October 4, 2022

313 people are currently reading
191 people want to read

About the author

Faleena Hopkins

98 books1,299 followers
An author, actress, and filmmaker, Faleena Hopkins writes primarily love stories with heat and humor. Sometimes with supernatural tendencies since fantasy and magic are a passion.

She lives in Los Angeles, CA, with her dog, Sophia, where she spends too much time behind a computer (but secretly loves every second).

Visit her website for more:
AuthorFaleenaHopkins.com

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5 stars
355 (74%)
4 stars
79 (16%)
3 stars
29 (6%)
2 stars
1 (<1%)
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10 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 94 reviews
Profile Image for Barbara Parham.
29 reviews8 followers
October 15, 2019
As always Faleena out did herself again. This love story will suck you in and not let you go until you read the last page. I felt like I was living in the era. I could feel myself being May and having Jerald looking at me like I was the only person in the world. I have read other series and as they go on the characters start to fizzle out and I loose interest because there isn't much left for they story. With Faleena the story keeps going on with lots of pizzaz and energy to keep the story going. I can't wait for the next book to come out.
Profile Image for Rebecca Orsak.
8 reviews1 follower
October 15, 2019
As one would expect it was a phenomenal read. I absolutely loved going back and hearing the story of where it all began. We could all hope for a love like May and Gerald, it gives you the foundation to understand why all the children/grandchildren are who they are.

Loved everything about this book and the entire series. I think it’s time to start all over and read them again while I wait for the next one!!
Profile Image for Stephanie Villere.
1,394 reviews6 followers
October 15, 2019
This is Cocky Origins:May and Jerald Cocker, book 24 of the Cocker Brothers series written by Faleena Hopkins. Wow!! We have known May and Jerald as we traveled through the stories of their family members. The love story that lasts through the years and creates so many more Cockers for us to love. May and Jerald will steal your heart and steal your breath.... and steal your time, because you won't want to put the book down from page one all the way to the last word! Fall in love with the original Cockers and see why their love lasts the test of time. Things built in the early years always seem to be built better, just like the Cockers. Oh, to have a man fall as hard and fast as Jerald Cocker. Sigh. It will leave you with all the feels and a massive book hangover, of the good kind. Fall in love with the 1940's and welcome to the family!
Profile Image for Gemma Crouch.
404 reviews4 followers
October 15, 2019
Cocky Origins May and Jerald Cocker (Cocker Brothers Book 24) by Faleena Hopkins This book just sent me back to a time way before I was born and sucked me into a world I have only ever seen in movies and I loved it.

This is such a lovely romance set during ww2 which I don't usually favour, I'm more of a modern girl However I couldnt not read this as it is where the cockers all begun and im so glad I did. The references and the writing reminded me of stories my own grandmother would share.

I received this ARC in return for honest unbiased feedback and I am so happy to give it a 5star.
Profile Image for Chrissy.
315 reviews
October 15, 2019
I had so much fun reading this!!! I absolutely loved it! It was so much fun to read about May and Jerald after reading about so many of their grandchildren and great-grandchildren. May was always such a great character in those books, and now to read about how it all started....*sigh*. I was completely enthralled by the characters, the friendship, and the patriotism expressed in this book. Even the 1940's setting was enchanting and the innocence of the time really shone through. May and Jerald might be my favorite of all the Cockers!!
Profile Image for Helen Veach.
54 reviews3 followers
October 19, 2019
I just knew it! I waited and waited, but in my heart I knew Jerald and May's story would be EPIC! I was not disappointed! Read to see how the legacy began. True love does not come in purer form. Thanks to this amazing author for this wonderful tale!
Profile Image for ItsMe.
25 reviews
October 16, 2019
As always Faleena Hopkins has given us a story that is so relatable. It was wonderful to final get to read the story of Grams, May Cocker, the Cocker family matriarch. There is something heartwarming about a story that shows us how beautiful it is to be kind and honorable. It has all the good feels of friends holding each other up when life is tough and celebrating with us when it is great. It is the story of how two people who might never have met have their life changed one fateful evening. Set durning the uncertain times of the 1940s, WWII, it reminds us how pericous life is and that we should cherish the time we have and not waste it on anything other than those we love, doing what we love. I had tears at parts, it brought back memories of a time similar to May's, waiting and worrying about the man she loves. Also, it shines a light on what some women faced when it came to working outside the home. It wasn't easy for some men to have a wife or daughter who wanted to or did work at a traditionally male job. It was a time of change and May and Jerald's story reflects that. You do not have to be a follower of this series to enjoy this story. If you have read the Cocker Brothers books then this is a book you do not want to miss. It gives us some insight into how and why the Cocker brothers were shaped into the men they are. Not only the brothers but it shows how Jerald's mother helped shape him, she was a strong independent woman.
One reason I so enjoy Faleena Hopkins books is that everyone takes something different away from them. A good story can be read by a vastly diverse group of people and be enjoyable to all and hers are just that. Not only that but her books are easy reads, even those with heavy issues as story lines.
4 reviews3 followers
October 18, 2019
The dilemma of “just one more chapter”, I simply cannot put it down.
When I read a book, I usually choose the one that would take me to a different ride emotionally, and the genre always depends on my current mood. Faleena’s books never failed to bring me to a different dimension with her approach to her writing, be it funny, complete silliness, intimacy or drama. She always leaves you with a pinch in your heart. I have been following the journey of Cocker Series, and I say that Faleena’s writing evolves extremely well as time goes by.
This book is the story of love between May Kearns and Jerald Cocker who serves as a navy planesman during World War II. A beautiful love story that develops in a time of uncertainties and grief, but blossoms in hope, faith and love that eventually came into a beautiful fruition (The beginning of Cocker generation of Atlanta). This story resonates with me, having a father who serves during the Second World War, and growing up listening to war stories from him but he somehow delivers it like it was an adventure. He made sure that he leaves the ugliness of the story behind and instead regaled us with the beauty of human emotions, strength, camaraderie’s, loyalty, faith and love in his stories. The same thing that Jerald would tell May on his letters and what the story implies with the community that was brought together by grief during the war. It pains me however, to know that Jerald was not able to share more of his life with May and his grandchildren as what we know in the previous books in the Cocker series. Simply put, this book is five stars for me. Love, love, love it much!
10 reviews
October 19, 2019
What an amazingly sweet book, such wonderful writing, draws you in and keeps you happy the entire book. Faleena is giving us the background of the matriarch of the Cocker family. May is a beautiful blonde haired, blue eyed sweetheart that catches the eye of Jerald Cocker, at home on leave from the navy. Jerald is 22 and has a very responsible job piloting a submarine in the second world war. His brother wants him to go to a high school dance with him. Although reluctant to do so, he considers the fact that he will be going back to the sub in few days, so he goes along. There he spots the lovely 17 year old May and is immediately smitten.

This book follows the very brief, very intense courtship of May and Jerald. Such a lovely story, well-written, it tugs on your heart strings. Awesome book by an awesome writer. Must read!
Profile Image for Terry Sasada.
1,210 reviews8 followers
October 19, 2019
A love story that makes your heart beat a little faster and your fingers turning the pages as you get immersed in the loves and lives of Jerald Cocker and May Kearns. Their story was just so amazing, not only is the reader caught up in the 1940's and the affects of WWII had on everyone, it brought to life such reality and descriptions you could feel it and live it as the characters did. Jerald and May, the beginning of the Cocker clan, and the fierce loyalty to family and country and friends holds true through the generations of the cocker clan. Their love story is one for the ages, and remind us what love realy is about. Faleena Hopkins really outdid herself on this one. Not only in this book but how you get a deeper understanding of the Cocker boys with their upbringing with parents like Jerald and May. Awesome story.
Profile Image for Sherill.
1,296 reviews38 followers
October 20, 2019
HEART-MELTING FATED SOUL-MATE ROMANCE

“Timing is everything,” such is the case of how Jerald and May meet.

Jerald is on leave and wants a night home to relax, but his brother finagles him into going to a dance. May pleads with her mom to let her go to the same dance. When their eyes meet, fated true love embraces them and the journey to their happy forever begins.

Fabulous heart-melting page-turner read of the couple who began the Cocker Brothers series. The full cast of characters springs to life with engaging dialogue, vivid scene descriptions, humor, fun romantic steamy moments, and an awesome conclusion. I love how the author portrays Jerald and May. This story shows how to make every moment count. {Relishing this read, on a volunteer basis, I chose to review an E-copy via the author.}
Profile Image for RaChelle Holmberg.
1,856 reviews24 followers
October 15, 2019
I was gifted this copy from the author's fan club, and man what a gift.

I've read the entire Cocky Brothers series, (and her other works, as well) and some Cockers I loved, only one or two were "meh" but ALL were good. This blows the series out of the water. It's just as sweet, and serious, as can be.

I'm a fan of old skool mysteries and the author managed to color this with light shades of Mickey Spillane. Its easy to see how hard she works, how much she cares, the glossary of 40's slang was a wonderful touch. (I'm proud to say I knew them all)

Do yourself a favor, read this series, but you should start with Roomie, and leave this one for last. It was perfect. I was skeptical about adding the origins so far onto the series, but it worked beautifully.
Profile Image for Kelly Taylor.
37 reviews
November 24, 2019
OMG!! This book was amazing. I love how "Language" came to be May's favorite thing to say when the family members would cuss. I can understand now why she was so true to her Jerald after he died and went on without him. She showed how amazingly strong she was and continued until the day she died.

For those of you have never read Falenna's books, I have been reading them since day one and her stories are well written and give you the most amazing ride of your life when you read them. I am never able to put them down once I pick them up to read.

Faleena,
As always you are a light in the dark and the heart of joy for all of us. We are happy you are still with us and continuing to make us laugh and cry with your characters. Another hit !!
Profile Image for Keryth Belvin.
868 reviews2 followers
October 15, 2019
Be Still My Heart!!

Getting to know the Cocker brothers and their offspring and falling in love with the Cocker family, I’ve often wondered what made them the wonderful people they are. I now know it all began with Jerald and May.
Such a beautiful story that kept me glued till the very last word.
Faleena has a way of telling a story that cannot be matched! The emotion, heat, details, and love that she so beautifully weaves together in each and every one of her Cocky tales has touched my heart and made me a Faleena Hopkins fan for life!!
Thank you Faleena for all the joy and entertainment you have brought into my world!!!
Profile Image for Shell Price.
110 reviews1 follower
October 20, 2019
I’ve always loved May and learning about her romance with sailor Jerald Cocker just confirmed my love for the matriarch of the Cocker clan. If you have read the series, you know the respect everyone holds for May and this will only increase your love for her. You will also get to meet their parents and learn that the apples don’t fall far from the trees.

This is a beautiful addition to the Cocker series or a great place to start it. It definitely proves that for a Cocker man, when they know, they know.
617 reviews2 followers
October 20, 2019
Aww. What a sweet love story! Now we know where Gram, aka May, got some of her expressions (“language”). The love that she and Jerald had transfers to their offspring and makes the rest of the Cocker Brothers series come alive all over again. Can’t wait to read more from this era, starting with the Tuck Sisters. However, after finishing this awesome book, I now want to go back and read the first books again! Just love this family and their love for one another. Thank you, Faleena, for always keeping it real!
Profile Image for Linda Newbern.
414 reviews5 followers
October 21, 2019
Beginnings of true love

Oh heavens did I love May in each and every Cocker book. Now I was able to learn how she and Jerald met and fell in love. Not only that, I got to know Jerald better and realized where all future Cocker men got their manners and their passion. Faleena Hopkins has put so much research into this book. Every book she writes is thoroughly real and the characters each have a relatable personality and story. This author loves her characters and their stories, and it shows. I heartily recommend this book!!
Profile Image for Misty Valdez.
7 reviews3 followers
October 16, 2019
Wow, what an amazing story that shows the character and strength of an entire family. From book 1 to book 23 we've learned so much about this family. Book 24 brings us back to day 1, May and Jerald and what a story that is. Faleena does an awesome job of bridging the history with the current, using actual history as well as a little Cocker family. Best part of the book is learning where LANGUAGE comes from!!!
Profile Image for Michelle.
222 reviews1 follower
October 30, 2019
This was amazing. Faleena you knocked it out of the park with this one. I was excited to be able to read May and Jeralds love story. The beginning to the amazing Cocky family. I want to say I think my favorite part other then the love story between the two and the long wait to be together was to find out how LANGUAGE started. I love this book. Can’t wait for more in this series to come and to start reading whatever you come up with next. This is a must read for sure
Profile Image for Lorraine Fritz Barrett.
30 reviews
October 15, 2019
...and in the beginning. Faleena did an amazing job of bringing the reader right into the 1940s era and having us fall in love with Jerald & May just like the rest of the Cockers. This was a sweet love story and the introduction of how those cocky men came to be. Now looking forward to the full story of Michael & Nancy.
Profile Image for Jade Coulcher.
135 reviews12 followers
October 16, 2019
Go back to where it all started. I loved May and Jerald's story. Beautifully written, as usual, and didn't disappoint. Been waiting for an origin story since the beginning and Cocky Origins was exactly what I wanted. Honestly, it was just swell! Faleena, thank you again for such a wonderful story.
Profile Image for Vikki Bulmer.
246 reviews6 followers
October 16, 2019
Loved this sweet original. There was so much nostalgia and memories created that have been read in previous Cocker books. This was a true love at first sight story and how it all began. So glad the book was written and I got a chance to read it.
Profile Image for Marguerite Robinson.
573 reviews4 followers
October 24, 2019
Fantastic Read

I absolutely loved May and Jeralds story. I laughed, cried through it. True love is told throughout this book. Not only for May and Jerald. Lily and Peter also. Can't wait for the Tuck sister's. As always Faleena you didn't disappoint. You are awesome.
Profile Image for Jae.
47 reviews1 follower
October 24, 2019
Fall in Love with this Series

Thank you for writing this story. I gain a great perspective on this family and deep, loving natures. If you enjoy love stories then this series should not be missed.
Profile Image for Coral Mitchell.
3,185 reviews
October 26, 2019
This is May and Jerald's wonderful story. It was definitely a fun read. I laughed at their antics. The Chief Petty Officer should be referred to as "Chief" not Officer. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.
Profile Image for JL.
226 reviews7 followers
November 15, 2019
THIS BOOK IS EVERYTHING!!! Omg I read it in one sitting. Could not put it down. It was such a gift to get May & Jerald's story. Everything was so detailed that you were instantly immersed in the 1940's. This is a must read for any fans of the Cocker Brothers!!
3,925 reviews31 followers
November 17, 2019
This was such a beautiful story of a time long past. Of hopes and dreams colliding with war and devastation. I loved the characters, Jerald and May get their love story told, and it's a sweetly emotional one!
6 reviews
October 20, 2019
All the Feels!! With 23 other books I often wondered how it all began and now there is a whole new reason to love this family! Can’t wait for the bonus scenes!
Profile Image for Holly.
422 reviews
October 15, 2019
Love this epic love story! This book makes my heart happy!!!
Profile Image for Rickie Kistner.
18 reviews2 followers
October 20, 2019
Wow

I loved how this book put so much in context with how grams acted in the other stories. Was an awsome read and fit right in where it needed to be.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 94 reviews

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