Just Jake

by Jaimie Engle

An emerging country star returns to his hometown to overcome his serious writers's block, and reunites with his high school sweetheart. Together they rediscover love and learn that the best music is the music you make together. Now, a TV Movie on UpTV Faith & Family Network through Prime!!

Order signed copies from the author's webpage!!

Genres: Romance

190 pages, Paperback

Published August 29, 2023

About the author

✍🏼 Screenwriter ✍🏼
🎬 Cinefile 🎬
🤓 Nerd 🤓
🐾 MKL 🐾

Jaimie Engle is a multiple award-winning writer of stories with a magic touch. With 15 published books, she is a seasoned storyteller who has taught at national conferences, state libraries, and local schools on writing, publishing, and marketing books.

In 2021, she began writing for film & television and optioned her first feature film JUST JAKE produced by True Brand Entertainment and streamed on the UpTV Faith & Family Network in 2023. She sold the book rights too!

Several of her award-winning tv shows, based off her published work, were also optioned and in the hands of major producers, networks, and studios. Follow her newsletter for the news that can't be shared outside the Engleverse!

When not telling stories, Jaimie spends time with her husband, watches her oldest son on the stage and cheers her youngest sons on Varsity football. Fun fact? Jaimie danced at the Aloha Bowl halftime show. Follow the journey on YouTube.com/@JaimieEngleWrites.

Reviews

[Colorado · Rating 2 out of 5]

Just Jake is a Christian themed romance. The characters engage in dialogs with God, talk about God's path for their lives, quote the Bible and compare romantic feelings to Heaven's pearly gates. Obviously, this is a closed door romance with nothing more than a kiss.

It's also a small town second chance story. Jake escaped a life in an orphanage to become a music star. However, his heart still yearns for high school girlfriend, Amber. Having lost his inspiration, he returns home, reunites with Amber and begins volunteering at the music program for underprivileged kids where Amber teaches.

I was frustrated by this book. The characters viewed Jake's future choices as either / or - return to the small hometown and give up the professional music career or leave to go on the road to make music. There was no consideration to any compromise options. I also found the heroine to be very rigid- it's me or your career.

Not my cup of tea.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[a.vangasse · Rating 4 out of 5]

First of all, thank you Netgalley and Jaimie Engle to give me the chance to ARC this book.

If you like small town and swoony second chance romance this is the book for you! It's so cute.
Jake, a famous country singer, who needs to go back to his hometown Lincoln to find his spark again. And what's better then his highschool sweetheart Amber? What's he going to do when he sees Amber?

Amber, still in her hometown, running Pops diner and teaching music to underprivileged kids. Jake broke her heart the moment he left to chase after his dream of becoming a famous countrysinger. What is she going to do when she sees Jake back in her hometown?

If you want to know what happends to Jake and Amber you've got to read this book!

[Shilo Goodson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked the premise of this story. Jake's left his hometown to make it big as a country music star, only he didn't find the happiness in the fame and fortune that he expected. It reminded me that sometimes what I think I want in life and what I actually want/need in life are two very different things.

This book was clearly written for a Christian audience, but it's not overly preachy. I feel like the Christian values and lessons were seamlessly woven into the story in such a way that we feel like the characters are learning them without feeling like they're distracting from the story.

My one complaint, and the reason this was a 4.5-star book for me, was that I wanted to understand more about Jake and Amber's relationship as teenagers. I want to understand more about what drew them together and what made them both continue to care deeply about the other person even after years of being apart. The ending of the book was good enough that I rounded up to make this a 5-star book.

This is a clean novel, so there's no swearing, sexual content, or violence. I appreciated that as I was reading this book. This is my first book by Jaimie Engle, but I would definitely be willing to read another book by her. Yes, the book's a little cheesy in places, but it's a sweet cheesy, and it's not too cheesy.

I received an ARC of this book for free from BookSirens, and I am leaving a voluntary review of this book.

[BookAddict · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is exactly the book I’ve been looking for! Small-town, swoony second chance romance, tons of heart and so uplifting and inspiring!

Jake Collins is a country music superstar, but he's lost his muse for writing music. The one place he can get his mojo back is the place he left the other half of his heart, home in Lincoln, CO. When he left home as a teenager to find fame, he left his first love, Amber Gibson, behind.

Amber took over running her family's diner when her father had a health crisis. She also donates her time to The Learning Center, a place where underprivileged children get training and encouragement for their musical talent. She loves the life she has, and her wounded heart may not have room for anything, or anyone, else.

When Jake shows back up in town, he works on winning that second chance with Amber as well as mentoring the kids in The Learning Center band, getting them a gig on the big stage during the town's October fest celebration. When his old life calls Jake back to it, Jake has a decision to make.

i love this one so much I’m now hunting down the movie. The small-town setting and the foundations of faith, family, and community all kept me reading straight through. The elements of a divine plan, found family, and finding new faith in an old love make this a compelling, heartfelt read sure to please readers of all genres and ages.

[Serlina Rose · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a sweet second chance story that's filled with ups and downs. The MFC held on to the past tightly and judged the MMC not trying to understand or listen to what he truly wants, despite her family figuring it out. And the MMC was headstrong missing the true point and purpose of his life by being stubborn walking away from something so worth it. But in the end it took the MFCs in law to point out something to her that's been told to her before and it took having a reunion with the one the MMC needed most to get them back on path. God directs our path despite we wanting to go our own way. He's the one in control and rightly so. God also lets us become who we're meant to be in other to touch others & make a difference.

The writer did a wonderful job putting this story together. It was filled with bittersweet memories, jokes or two, sweet banters, fun teens with the cool conversations and knowing eyes, deligghtful parents with love for each other & siblings with love that makes you relate or picture to scene in real.

If you like: small town, christian rom, clean rom, contemporary, second chance, inspirational romance then this book is worth a chance.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jake Collins is a superstar, but he's lost himself and and is sent back to his hometown of Lincoln to try and find it. Coming back means facing everything he left, even the love of his life, Amber Gibson. Being around Amber and her work with the kids at the music center brings the sparkle back to Jake's music. Amber and the kids are his muse, but is it enough?

I thought this was a good story and glad Jake and Amber found their way back to each other. I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily providing my review.

[Karen · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn't love Amber. She was extremely self centered regarding Jake. She did not extend any regards to his contracts and obligations but just hurt she had from the past. I don't understand why this story is so revered.

Amber did care for those kids at the center and her family. I liked that about her. She was totally unwilling to see anything beyond her world.

So it's not a winner read for me.

[Becky Durstenfeld · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an enjoyable sweet clean love story. It seemed like the relationship of Amber and Jake lacked good communication about what happened during their time apart, their feelings and their goals and dreams because they weren't always on the same page. They wanted the other to join them in fulfilling their dream without really considering whether they could join the other person in their world. I wish they could have come up with a solution that would honor both of their dreams. There was a touch of faith in the story.

[Michal · Rating 4 out of 5]

I actually watched the movie on uptv before reading the book. This is a great story about second chances and coming home, where you belonged all along. I recommend both the movie and the book to anyone looking for an uplifting read.

I received an arc of this book and I'm leaving a voluntary review.

[Carol Ackerman · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great, lighthearted, easy read. I loved this story! It caught my attention on the first page and didn't let go until I'd finished the entire book.

Jake grew up in a broken home looking for the love and feelings of worth he never knew as a child. When he became a country music star he embraced the attention and adoration his fans lavished on him. Until one day he realized it wasn't enough. He went back to his hometown looking for inspiration and found more than his heart had ever known. This story is Hallmark move worthy in my opinion.

I received an advance copy of this for free, and am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Christie Hayman · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Novel for the Soul
By Multi-Optioned Screenwriter, Christie E. Hayman

Writer Jaimie Engle serves up a delectable Octoberfest romance filled with faith, hope, love, and inspiration in this novel based on her first feature film, “Just Jake.” Her vivid descriptions will transport you to small town Colorado ablaze with autumn foliage, leave your mouth watering for spicy brats and tangy German potato salad, and fill your heart with a romance even sweeter than the warm apple strudel!

[Kerrific Kerr · Rating 4 out of 5]

Second chance romance is the best! This hometown happenings book will make you fall in love with the whole group of characters.

[Margaret P Medberry · Rating 3 out of 5]

Whenever I see something that Brian Bird recommends I am interested in reading it. Brian is a film producer and writer who I dearly respect. So, after reading Just Jake I can see how this story of a superstar Country Western singer Jake Collins and the small-town girl he left behind would make a nice film. Unfortunately, the author Jamie Engle doesn’t deliver a particularly compelling novel. Her background as a screenwriter seems to make her storytelling choppy and uneven. The book gets off to a very slow start by introducing Amber (Jake’s former high school girlfriend) who now runs a diner and teaches music to at-risk kids. Jake has lost his mojo and comes to town for the dedication of an arts center to him, and soon finds himself falling back in love with her. The story happily picks up once their relationship kicks into high gear and ultimately, they find their way back to the love they shared in school.

There are some additional characters that would have been interesting to see more of, such as Amber’s students, the pastor of the church, etc. The book is a good recommendation for the film but I always hope that novels films are based on should give the reader more than a plot line. Novels give the reader an opportunity to get inside the characters’ heads and watch them wrestle with their emotions and demons and desires. Novels offer readers the chance to hear what a character is thinking as opposed to just seeing it played out on an actor’s face. After reading this book I felt the author who does have a good eye for storytelling, and possibly screenwriting, needs to brush up on her novel-writing skills.

[Linda J · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. It has a Christian theme, but not in a "cram it in your face" style. Jake and Amber were together in high school, and then he left his hometown and made it big as a country music star. When he returns to town, will they get a second chance at love? Maybe, but they have some baggage to get past first.

I received an ARC of this book and this is my voluntary review.

[Ellen Hogan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jake has lost his inspiration. So, his manager told him to go home and find it. Amber was not happy to learn Jake was back in town. He left her to start his career and found stardom. Now Jake is everywhere she is until he breaks her heart again. A sweet, clean romance with all the elements of a good story. I really enjoyed it.

[Kimberly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just Jake by Jaimie Engle is a good, and enjoyable sweet clean inspirational second chance romance read. The story has a good story line. The characters are good, engaging, and they have good chemistry. This story is an entertaining inspirational romance read. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Namrata Ganti · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just Jake truly reads like all those wonderful rom-coms we enjoy watching on TV. The story is familiar and yet unique due to the writing style of the author. The author has written this story both for us to read and enjoy as well as a television film and I must admit that I quite enjoyed it.

I am a huge fan of rom-coms with happy endings and forever endings and the author delivers a wonderful story through Just Jake. The story follows country singer Jake who grew up in a small town and made it big in the music industry. He is now at a point where he is trying to find his inspiration again and when his manager suggests he take a break, he does so quite reluctantly. Returning home was not something he thought of but now that he is here, he realizes just how much he missed his high-school sweetheart who is perhaps his one true love? You'll just have to read on to know what happens.

This is a quick read but is worth all the time spent. Readers are in for a nice cozy evening and will be left feeling pleasantly happy and delighted from having finished this book! I'm sure fans of romance will truly enjoy this read!

[Lia Lorimer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Two young adults, separated by ambition, meet up again, discovering that their high-school attraction for one another is as strong as ever,
Celebrity singing star, Jake, returns to Lincoln, ostensibly to open a new arts center at his old school but, in truth, because he lacks the inspiration he needs to compose a new song. Hearing that Amber, his high school sweetheart, still runs ‘Pop’s Diner’ and teaches music to underprivileged teens, triggers his inspiration.
This “Hallmark” sweet book about Jake assisting Amber with the teen band while mentoring troubled Joaquin, includes a twist towards the end that puts everything in jeopardy! Jaimie Engle keeps her readers fully involved in the outcome of her story.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[KL Cassanello · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jake left Amber behind, certain that he didn't deserve her. She was heartbroken without him. Writer's block brings him back to town, and he realizes that she's his muse. But they can't be together long-term… I think she's far too slow to forgive him for past mistakes, and she's too critical of current blunders. Neither of them has a grasp of the concept of compromise. Despite the shortcomings of both main characters, I still loved the book. The kids from the Learning Center are stars, all of them. Her family is loving and supportive, even when she really needs is a swift kick in the rear. This is my first book from the author, and I'm looking forward to more in the series. I received an advance copy of the book, and this is my honest review.

[Kath · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a nice read, but with plenty of pull and intrigue. The High School sweethearts have a second chance with each other again; Jake and Amber. Neither stopped loving the other over the past 8 years, since Jake left to take his music talent on the road.

There was natural reaching out to God in this book and their love story certainly had its ups and downs, but faith and love carried each of these Sweethearts to the end. Enjoyed the music base to this storyline

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[K Kne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am a huge fan of second chance romance with a celebrity. While Just Jake is not a bad read, it was far from my favorite read in this troupe. It isn't that the characters are bad or you aren't rooting for them, it isn't even the plot - it is the actual writing style that didn't grip me. I wish I could pinpoint what it was about the writing exactly, but I cannot, it just didn't flow for me. That said, it is a pretty good book and is a solid 3.75 read rounded up to a four.

[Jenn Hutchinson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just Jake is a cute book and easy read. It was short enough and interesting enough for me to read in just two days. I love the raw honest thoughts and emotions the author shares in the characters. A great story of second chances, love, and identity.

[Andrew · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just Jake is the first book in the brand-new series, Sweet Travels. It has also been recently released as a movie. The main characters are played by country artist, Rob Mayes and Brittany Bristow in the movie. Amber Gibson is an entrepreneur of her family’s restaurant Pop’s Place. She also working at the Lesson Center music school helping students with their gifts. The main character of the book is actually country superstar, Jake Collins. He had his first sold out performance as a headliner. When he was growing up, he used music as an outlet to deal with his parent’s constant fighting. His mother finally had enough and decided to leave. He became a musician and signed with Moose Records before he even graduated high school. They discovered him on TikTok. He was struggling in the studio and there was a disconnect with him singing the lyrics like he meant the words. He was encouraged to go home to his hometown, Lincoln. He really didn’t want to because of his abusive father and he made him feel less than. There was also an old romantic flame, Amber. They were dedicating the new performing arts center in his name. He would have to face his past and reconnect with Amber. She was very heartbroken when he left and choose to go after his musically dreams and forget about what they had. He also chooses to volunteer and help Amber with teaching the kids at the music school and getting them prepared to take the stage. This forced them to spend time together and reconnect.



I would recommend this awesome new series to anyone who enjoys country music, mixed with faith, and romantic. I liked the storyline of this book and how it touched on never giving up that hearts can’t be mended again. It was interesting to read about their struggle with forgiveness and healing and reconnecting after their broken hearts. I liked how the book contained a few Christian Bible verses throughout the book. God was still trying to reach him and reconnect with his heart. After reading this book, I’m excited to watch the new film that is already out. I really liked how they picked Rob Mayes for the role of Jake and I already have his music on my phone. It will be exciting to see how the book compares to the film and what was added and changed.



I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Jane Holloway · Rating 4 out of 5]

*POSSIBLE SPOILERS*

I clearly didn't read the 'blurb' before reading this . It is not really my type of book but that's my fault, not the authors! It had a bit of a slow start, when it felt like I was waiting for something interesting to happen. The characters, Jake Collins and Amber Gibson, didn't seem to have any chemistry even though they had been a couple back in high school. There was a faith element in the book that I wasn't expecting. It made me uncomfortable and personally for me, it didn't add anything to the story but that's just my opinion.

Amber was very upset at Jake because he left to pursue his career in music and she held a massive grudge. Jake had become jaded with the music industry and was sent home to relax and hopefully come up with some new songs. When Amber came face to face with Jake for the first time since high school she was shocked to see him again but it dragged up the feelings she had when he left and it broke her heart all over again.

I enjoyed the part about Amber teaching underprivileged children at the music centre and how much the children loved what they were doing. They were going to be performing at the Octoberfest as a band for the first time. When a young boy called Joaquin joined the class the children accepted him immediately and he became a focal point of the band. The children were very excited when country music star Jake Collins turned up at their band practice, Amber was not. Once the children found out that Amber and Jake had been a couple in high school they teased Amber mercilessly, they may have been young but they understood what was going on between Jake and Amber. Jake helped the children with their music and pulled a few strings to get them to perform on the main stage at the festival which they were thrilled with. The ending was sweet, actually the whole book was sweet, but it just wasn't for me.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Suzana · Rating 4 out of 5]

*ARC provided by Netgalley and I am leaving an honest review*

✔Small town
✔Second chance
✔High school sweethearts
✔Fast paced
✔Emotional roller-coaster
✔A country music sensation - superstar
✔A heroine who runs a popular downtown Colorado Springs diner and a music teacher for underprivileged kids
✔Feel-good, uplifting and inspiring

Just Jake is a sweet second chance, small town rom-com. It is a heartwarming, moving, redemption story. This book made me laugh, swoon and feel frustrated at times. The characters are engaging and real; the writing unique and articulate.

The premise of this book had me hooked, plus I love a good second chance stories. Jake grew up in a broken home. That's why he always felt like he isn't enough, worthy of love. He made it big becoming country music superstar, embracing that life fully. When Jake lost his inspiration and passion to write,he returns to his hometown. Amber runs a popular downtown Colorado Springs diner and teaches music to underprivileged kids. She is still bitter and hurt the way things ended up with Jake. These two lacked communication; but I loved their ups and downs that made them stronger in the end. Neither was prepared to see the other. Being around Amber and the kids, Jake's "mojo" slowly resurfaced.

Such well-written, enjoyable, entertaining and fast paced story that I really enjoyed reading. It kept my attention at all times with an engaging plot - premise. This is my first book by this author, but I will certainly be willing to read other work.

[Gail · Rating 3 out of 5]

This story was cute, but I feel it was geared more for a Hallmark movie than a book. While there was much emotional drama interwoven throughout, I felt the characters were 2 dimensional and would have appreciated that there was more in-depth character development. Many times, Amber was mad, cried, etc., but we don't really get to know her--only what she does. The same with Jake. We're told Jake's father was abusive, but we don't know anything else about his childhood other than her grew up in the Boys and Girls Home. Amber's father mostly spends his time in bed, and we're told he's not well, but that's all. I also didn't understand why the family made heart cookies for Oktoberfest!?! And what did they do with them and the collage? Just a few "holes" that left me confused. I felt this book could have been developed into a stronger storyline.

I received a complimentary ARC of this book and have voluntarily given my honest opinion in this review.

[Terry · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 Stars for this second chance romance.

This is a sweet romance with a good storyline ... I just didn't get Jake and Amber. Why did jake leave Amber behind in the first place and why is Amber so dead set on not giving him a second chance? If you are looking for a sweet Christian story then this is the one for you ... it just didn't do it for me.

Jake and Amber date during high school, but then Jake gets discovered on Tik Tok and goes to Nashville to pursue his dreams. Jaimie is heartbroken but never plans to leave her hometown. Years later, Jaimie has taken over her parent's restaurant and guides a group of kids in music. Jake has writer's block and his manager sends him home to see if that will help get him inspired to write music. But when Jake comes face to face with Amber he realizes that she is what inspires him and wants to gain her love back.

I received a copy courtesy of Vinspire Publishing through NetGalley.

[N. Quackenbush · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is about second chances in so may ways. We don't often get a second chance but when we do, we better not make the same mistakes twice. I loved the small town feel and family relationships that made this book so cozy. I loved the ambiance of the settings like the quaint diner and small town high school. I especially adored the wholesomeness that wasn't preachy. Every relationship has its ups and down and even though the relationship between Jake and Amber is fictional, it felt authentic just like every part of this story. I have read a lot of Jaimie Engle's books and this story is much different than her others. It's so perfect. It just goes to exemplify the enormous wide-rage of talent this author has to offer. Highly recommend this book for readers looking for a sweet star-studded romance.

[Giulietta Nardone · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just Jake was just fabulous! Its theme of second chances hit home immediately. I suspect we all wish for the opportunity to do-over something in our lives. And it’s that palpable tension that kept me turning the pages to discover if the main characters did or did not.

As a singer and occasional pianist, I also loved the musical connection between Jake and Amber. It’s hard to be anything but happy reading a romance comedy where most everyone’s bursting with song. A delightful read that left me feeling optimistic about all matters of the heart.

Jaimie E. scored an inspirational home run in the romance department.

[Ronald Joseph Kule · Rating 5 out of 5]

“From Page One of Just Jake, seasoned novelist Jaimie Engle places her readers inside the multicolored and multilayered external and internal environments of her main characters as they struggle with one of love's ageless dilemmas: What might have been (regret) versus what could be (hope).

"Engle's story leads us to realize how matters of the heart rest less on knowledge than trust and a belief in something larger than ourselves." -- Ronald Joseph Kule, Biographer, Clearwater, Florida