Jem

Coral Canyon™ Cowboys #7

by Liz Isaacson

He's hung up his championship rodeo belts in favor of being a father to his two children. She's his high school sweetheart...and the woman he stood up last summer. Can Jem make amends in order to have a second chance with Sunny?

Jem Young is still healing from his vices, but he's determined to dedicate everything he has to his two kids. He's ready to move forward on his own, and he's got the house and responsibilities to prove it.

But yes, he's still lonely, and one morning, he texts his only single brother with a dating They each need a date before the family luncheon in a few days.

Jem knows who he wants to ask—the same woman he asked out last Sunny Samuelson. He dated her in high school too, and now that she's moved back to small-town Coral Canyon, he can't think about anyone else.

Too bad he went on tour and forgot to cancel with her. He had a lot going on at the time, in his defense, but she hasn't spoken to him since.

But when Sunny's father is the one who opens the door at the pancake house and causes Jem to fall and break his wrist, the nurse inside her roars to life. Her feelings for the hot rodeo cowboy haven't changed; they've just been dormant.

But now that he's back in her life, Sunny's not sure how long she can resist him. He's always been charming and charismatic, and she's definitely ready for some excitement in her life.

Can Sunny somehow rope this cowboy's heart? Or will his large family and their needs leave her standing out in the cold?

Meet the next Young brother and continue the family saga in this clean, Christian cowboy romance by USA Today and Top 10 Kindle All-Star author Liz Isaacson!

Genres: Romance

441 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 6, 2023

About the author

★ USA TODAY BESTSELLER, AMAZON BESTSELLING AUTHOR, and KINDLE ALL STAR! ★

Liz Isaacson writes inspirational cowboy romances. Her Three Rivers Ranch Romance series has multiple #1 bestsellers in half a dozen categories. She loves all things to do with contemporary cowboys, and will write romance in Texas, Montana, Vermont, Wyoming, and anywhere else she can find horses and mountains. Find out more at lizisaacson.com. Join her fandom by texting COWBOY to 801-618-2114 for exclusive sales and freebies.

Reviews

[Paula Bond · Rating 5 out of 5]

Get your chores done first, because you won’t want to put this one down! Seriously, I’ve loved every one of the books in this series, and Jem did not disappoint. Liz Isaacson has created such a magical, heartwarming family in the Youngs and her characters are so lovable and real. This is a great story of rising above the past to become a better person as Jem faces and overcomes challenges while caring for his two small children and developing a relationship with Sunny. A great read that entertains, touches the heart and definitely fits Isaacson’s Feel-Good Fiction theme. I received this book as an ARC reader and this is my honest opinion.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jem, is the 7th book in the Coral Canyon Cowboys. Every Young brother's book is a chance to catch up on the entire Young family. This book tells the love story of Jem and Sunny which is up and down until he finally tells her he loves her and that until they are living together in his home It won't truly feel like home to him. He has turned his life completely around, no more drinking, or partying with women. He cares for Cole and Rosie and does everything in his power to make Sunny happy. He also has 8 brothers and 6 sister in laws plus his parents to be there for and he even started being there for Sunny's parents to help her out. Her sister, Laura that is so star struck over Jem even agrees to help him make a weeks worth of prepared meals for Sunny to come home to after work. But, each brother helps the others out when they need help. Several of the wives still have jobs but it is their choice. The brothers help out with babysitting for each other and live everyday lives with everyday problems. Their celebrity status does not play out at home. They believe that home is for family and they try to keep their work to a minimum. Country Quad decided when they went on their last tour that their family would go with them for part or all of the tour. They said that made it better for them not being away so long from their family.

There were 3 blessings born to the Young brothers. Trace and Ev, Blaze and Faith, and Mav and Dani each gets a baby girl added to their family. This softens Blaze and Trace up. Tex and Abby just found out they will be having another little baby. Gabe and Hilda has their wedding and Luke finally gets the nerve to ask Sterling out. With Jem proposing to Sunny, that just leaves one single Young brother, Luke. Yes, the Young family has truly been blessed.

I received an advanced copy for review. I give this book 5🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟.

[Wren Woodland · Rating 5 out of 5]

With each book in this series, you become more deeply entrenched in the Young family of Coral Canyon Wyoming. These nine bigger than life, successful, charming, men have been making their way back to their physical, emotional and spiritual roots throughout the series. Each of these have found that their family means everything and faith is more important than they ever thought as each makes his way back from a myriad of bad life choices leaving them all as single dads. Jem, the former rodeo star embodies this more than any of his brothers when in previous books he battled his way back from an alcoholic haze to try to become the man and single father he should be. Now his motto is “slow down, calm down, kneel down” and many days taking care of his kids is all he’s able to do. But beautiful Sunny, his high school crush keeps showing up and Jem thinks that just maybe he’s ready for more and Sunny matches her name and is his Ray in his life. Their story is definitely not smooth sailing and there’re many bumps and stops and starts. Jem’s courting of Sunny, especially his many and varied gifts is so fun and shows how much he sees her.
Like in all of her family sagas, even though the focus is on Sunny and Jem, Liz keeps the story continuing on in the bigger family as babies are born and Gabe and Hilde get married, and ongoing storylines are continued. Their lives are interconnected with the Whittakers and the Hammonds of Coral Canyon and even with Three Rivers Texas which are two of the main story worlds that Liz has created. Warning this is a great read but it’s not a short book. This is Christian themed, but is shown in the way imperfect people live and try to overcome mistakes and seek guidance from a higher source, not in it being preached to you. Clean. I received this as an ARC.

[Victoria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jem blew his first and second chances with Sunny, his former high school girlfriend. In fact, he had blown a lot of things in his life and had spent the last year doing some hard work with a therapist. He was finally getting things into a better place with his kids and other family members. But he couldn’t stop thinking about Sunny although she was more like “stormy” when in Jem’s presence. But providentially, Jem got his third chance and as the old saying goes: Third time’s the charm! But it wasn’t charm that won Sunny’s heart and it took some effort to find out how to love her the way she needed to be loved. I loved how the author portrayed the struggle of these two people to become one in heart and I also love the ongoing stories of other characters in the series that have already been introduced. It feels so real that I wish I could jump into the wives’ friend group. Highly recommend!

[Elaine Kiefer · Rating 5 out of 5]

As always this book is not just about Jem, but the whole Young family. As Jem struggles against his insecurities and his alcohol problem, he is surrounded by his 8 brothers and their families who love him unconditionally and support him. His relationship with Sunny has ups and downs, but he is determined to not let her go even when he makes mistakes and she pulls away. I laughed and cried at the antics of this big, loud, crazy, loving family and no one writes weddings and proposals like this author. The characters are wonderful, flawed real people who are proof that wealth does not shelter one from problems and it is what is on the inside that defines a person. I loved Jem's mantra "Slow down, Calm down, Kneel down" and it was great to watch him overcome his demons and strive to become the man he wants to be as he finds his happily ever after.

[Barb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jem , like all the other books in the Young Family series, does not disappoint. While this book focuses on Jem and Sunny, their struggles and perseverance to build a lasting future together and the faith that guides them, there are also continuing looks into the lives of the other family members and updates to their stories. There is no doubt the Sunny loves Jem and he’s totally committed to her, however, circumstances seem to always create problems for them. Jem’s past choices and mistakes haunt him as he tries to become the man and father he wants to be. He loves his children and wants to be sober and strong for them. His brothers are there to support him. Sunny has trouble trusting Jem after he missed their date and didn’t even call her. Twists and turns and faith lead them back to each other. I really enjoyed this book. I received an ARC copy and this is my honest review.

[CrazyGal609 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another addicting book!!! Sunny’s a great gal, realistic, big heart, and knows her limits, I like that she does what needs/has to be done to protect herself, her heart, & her sanity -being an ER Nurse has to hurt the soul sometimes… Jem has real problems with his own personal demons, a fantastic family & their love, & great kids❤️ Have to admit, this was more confusing to keep characters straight as Jem & Sunny VS Luke & Sterling stories too close together… but was cute another highschool re-match-up 💛💙❤️🤎🖤

🎁Those gift boxes were awesome🎁
📖Liked that there’s chapters for other characters too👍👍
🤣🤣🤣😂🤣🤣😂😂🤣 These boys…scratch that, these “Young” men are worse than highschool drama gossip queens!!!

🪼🪼 “Jem’s attention span didn’t last much longer than a jellyfish’s”🪼🪼~ that’s a new one😉

[Denice · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a fantastic story; I didn’t want to put it down. I love everything in this series of the Young Family. I love reading about them all as the series goes on to keep up with all of their lives. Liz Isaacson has really done an amazing job with this story, I loved Jem and Sunny, I loved Cole and Rosie. There are so many things that happen in this book, such tender moments I found tears forming in my eyes. I felt myself smiling at all the fun creative things that Jem did to surprise Sunny and I loved the sweet proposal. Jem was trying to overcome alcohol addiction, Sunny had some of her own insecurities she had to overcome and it was beautiful reading about how they achieved what helped them to become better. This is such a fantastic book and series, love, love, love!

[Kylene · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, wow, wow. I felt like I was at my favorite ice cream store and got served a cone with 10 different flavors. First scoop was, Tex, then Trace, Blaze, Otis, Mav, Jem, Luke, Morris, Gabe and the cherry on top was Bryce. This book had all the family members included, even Mom, Cecily and Dad, Jerry. I loved Jem and Sunny’s story so much, I will probably be thinking about it for weeks. Liz Isaacson you hit it out of the park with this one. This story is fantastic and makes my romantic heart hope there are actually men out there like this. When you start reading this story make sure you have plenty of time because you won’t be able to put it down. I was given this copy for a honest review and I highly recommend this book

[Shelley Wahls · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the story of Jem and Sunny, Liz Isaacson draws you in from the first page, this book is a continuation of the Young brothers series/saga, and it is FABULOUS. Jem's fight with addiction is so real and Sunny is a nurse who loves her job. They have some things to overcome, can they do it? This family will steal your heart, and though I think you could start with this book and go back, I think you would get more out of it if you read the previous books first. As always with this author, it is clean and no cliff hangers, THOUGH she does dangle a few storylines with other brothers. If you are looking for a swoony escape this is the series and book for you. I cannot devour them fast enough.

[Gail · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely LOVE this series! Jem is done with the rodeo and rodeo lifestyle. He's a recovering alcoholic, finally taking responsibility of caring for his children seriously. He's moved out from his brother's basement and into a big, gorgeous house of his own, but he's still lonely. When he runs into Sunny, his former high school sweetheart, is there a chance to have it all? I enjoyed the humor, romance (with an electrifying "first kiss"!), and the tough cowboys (and the women who wrangle them) that make for one big loud family! For example, when they all gather together to welcome the birth of the newest Young family member, the question is asked: "Is the hospital equipped to deal with 15 levels of crazy?" Yeah, Jem is a great, fun book that I highly recommend.

[Amanda Marlowe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jem has decided he doesn't want to be the last single brother, so he makes a pact with Luke, but really he only wants to go out with Sunny. He puts off asking her and ends up with a broken wrist and she's the person for his therapy. Jem has had lots to put up with in his life, he has an addictive personality so succumbed to alcohol, needing his family to help with his children, now he needs to persuade Sunny to go out and to carry on going out.
As usual with Liz's books we get a catch up with other members of the family. The new babies, weddings, girlfriends etc.

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.

Another good read in the series from Liz, nearly the last!

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

You’ll love Coral Canyon! Jem is a former rodeo star and recovering alcoholic. He is now back home in Coral Canyon with his 2 young children and all of those Young brothers. He knows that he messed things up with his former high school sweetheart Sunny, but he finally has things together and wants to try again. This new clean, inspirational romance has mature characters and they are all dealing with things in their pasts. Faith and family helps get them through. Don’t miss this new, exceptional book from Liz Isaacson! (This is a standalone book. But if it is your first book in the series, I recommend starting at the beginning!)

[Kristen Lewendon · Rating 5 out of 5]

These two have a lot to work out, both together and for themselves. Especially since Jem and Sunny are each prone to retreating and/or shutting down when they’re not prepared to deal with something. I loved the way these two learned to open up to one another and prioritize their relationship. I also adored that we got to see the rest of the family coping with ‘Happily Ever After’ and all the emotions that brings when you don’t have it yet or it’s not exactly what you thought it would look like. I can’t wait to see what the author has planned for the next Young family member.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author.

[Samantha Ball · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another wonderful addition to the series!

I've loved every book in this series, and this one is no exception! It's always great to catch a glimpse into the other brothers' lives alongside the two main POV's in each book. Liz Isaacson sure knows how to keep one turning the page. Her distinct voice and writing style are simply wonderful.

Ex rodeo star, Jem, might not have been perfect, but he was perfect for Sunny. Add in adorable kids, amazingly supportive brothers and their families, and some drama, and you have an entertaining, thoroughly enjoyable book. Definitely recommend this and all the others in the series.

I can't wait for Luke's story next!

[Char K · Rating 5 out of 5]

I started this series in the middle with Gabriel and loved it so much I bought the rest of the series. When given the opportunity to receive an ARC of Jem, I jumped at the chance. This book did not disappoint! Once again, we keep up with the entire Young family and all their lives and activities. Many touching and moving scenes. We watch as Jem finds the love of his life and learns to pick up the pieces of his shattered life. The author makes you feel part of the family and just like you are living in Coral Canyon. I can't wait for the Luke!

[Marilyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I like all of Liz's characters, they are so full bodied. Plus she keeps you up to date on what is happening with the other family members. Jem was a rodeo star and recently conquered his addiction to alcohol. He has two children. He used to date Sunny in high school and since he moved back to his home town, he keeps running into her. She is a nurse. Jem has an accident and broke his wrist. Sunny's dad is to blame and she also shows up to be his physical therapist. There are many ups and downs. Can they work things out? I received an ARC of this book and I am giving an honest review.

[Joan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jem and Sunny

I love seeing the Young men find their happily ever afters. They all have different personalities and different problems to overcome. It’s great that Jem and Sunny are both well defined characters with true to life issues. I enjoyed reading as they worked through them. I love the family dynamics and how they support and help each other. And I like reconnecting with the family members and feeling like I kind of know them all. I recommend you grab this book and read it now.

[Karen L Ledee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jem is finally sober and is starting to take an active role in raising his two kids. His family have been pinch hitting for him, time to step up. Sunny was his high school girlfriend who stepped back so he could pursue a rodeo career. Now he’s back and the air is cleared of the past. They both want to be together but they need lessons in communication. Through the story are little subplots i.e. Brice. As you read through, there are updates on milestones in the lives of his brothers. Another great book for this series!!!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.

[Margie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow what can I say about a Liz Isaacson story that hasn’t already been said. I love her characters, family values, even when not perfect. I’ve loved coming to Coral Canyon and am thankfully we aren’t out of brothers yet. I’m comforted by the fact that our favorite characters and families show up again in new ways and stories. It is hard to leave old friends, even for wonderful new ones. Jem isn’t a perfect person, he’s flawed but he’s trying with all he has. He has as much support from his brothers as he needs. I keep asking myself how hard it must have been to been 1 of 9 in a family of overachievers. I hope Luke is ready for a bumpy ride.

[Teresa Marzec · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book made me cry.

This is the only book that made me cry. Jem hadn't had the best life happenings other than his rodeo days. He turned the wrong g way and the thought of losing his family made him fight his addiction every day! Then he ran into his high school sweetheart and her life had been turned upside down as well! And together they found they could deal with the unhappy days together! The other books are great as well! Just don't read the family tree until you finish the series!

[Lucia Valenzuela · Rating 5 out of 5]

Totally love this one. Jem and Sunny have a very complicated relationship. Jem is getting his life together more and more each day. Working Sunny into his life is hard for him. Sunny has her own issues to deal with. The Young family is so amazing. They support each other always. I love that we continue to see into the lives of the rest of the family. I really enjoy this series and this book did not disappoint.
I received a free copy of this book and this is my voluntary, honest review.

[Mary Jane McLeod · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this Series

I'm so enjoying this series and getting to know all the Young family. Each book just pulls me more and more in. I'd been waiting for Jem to get his story and it didn't disappoint. Jem and Sunny make such a great couple and are so good for each other. This book captivated me from the very beginning. It made me laugh and it made me smile. I'm really looking forward to the next book in the series.

[Michaela | Reading in the Heartland · Rating 5 out of 5]

I adored this slow burn romance. These books are lengthy and everything good. Christian, small town, plenty of second chances, and full of faith and family. I adore all of the connections between characters and series. Multiple series, multiple families, multiple brothers. It’s just amazing and a warm and cozy read. I’m so looking forward to more and I’ll be ever so sad when this series ends.


I received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

[wendy crane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another fantastic work by Liz. Once I started reading, I did not put it down. A story of hope, recovery, redemption. The characters are so relatable that you feel like you are a part of the story. I want to go to Coral Canyon to meet the Young’s, the Whittakers, and all the other families she weaves together throughout her novels. You don’t want to miss this! You won’t be able to put it down, not will you want to wait for the next book in the series!

[Tabitha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jem is a recovering alcoholic. In this series of books we as readers have seen him fight his personal demons for his kids and his family. In this book he is finally trying to win Sunny. So many sweet and even goofy moments. Clean romance. So many babies in this family. Lots of hard moments too, between her job and his needing to call his sponsor. Worth reading, means a lot more as part of the series but Jem and Sunny get a happy ending.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series just gets better and better. The twinning of characters and situations draws from your memories of previous books but also can stand alone. Jem show all the aspects of dependency with recovery and the turmoil of life.
Sunny is the reason to push for more. Their story wraps around all the brothers and what it takes to be a Young. It also depicts life of fame has loads of flaws. Grab a copy and see what is happening in the Young family.

[Karen Brasher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jem: A Young Brothers Novel

Wonderful to be back in Coral Canyon with the Young family saga once again. Jem hit bottom when his ex wife walked out on him. Only the threat of losing his children brought him back to his senses. He and Sunny had a history when they were much younger. Now she has also returned to care for her father and work at the local hospital. Will these two be able to find their happily ever after?

[Lynn Hyman · Rating 5 out of 5]

People Aren't Perfect

These stories are perfect, but the author does such a good job of showing how people aren't perfect yet life can be good. Everyone has strengths and weaknesses, and relationships can show how these work together or not. So many relationships are shown in this book, and I love the honesty and the ability to keep on loving and making things work. There's a lot going on, but I loved reading about each couple, especially Gem and Sunny.

[De · Rating 5 out of 5]

Don’t you love how when night is over the sunrise starts a new day?
So many people suffer with addictions. So many are unable to overcome them. Jem Young gives readers a glimpse of the constant anguish involved with an addiction and the victory of overcoming. The beauty of a fathers deep love for his children and the devotion of real love.
My favorite part was the proposal and I enjoyed the creative use of all the boxes!
What will be your favorite part?!