Customer Reviews

Jackson's Way

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I really, really, really liked this story. The character development, intricate plot, secondary characters and overall writing style was superb. There is a bit of hesitancy in my review because at first I had a very hard time getting into the plot. First, I'll expound upon what I liked of the book and then I will give my reasons for what I didn't like.

First and foremost, I loved the relationship between our hero and heroine. They are up front and honest throughout the entire story. There are no missish airs, no mincing words, no real misunderstandings. Lindsay has a "past" and although is ashamed of it, does not pretend that sex does not exist. Jack is also forthright and honest in his outlook on relationships. He has been burned and really does not want to go through that again. He is attracted to Lindsay and makes no excuses for that. They actually talk about their attraction like adults, as opposed to allusions, innuendos, or assumptions that lead to misunderstandings.

The plot was wonderfully complicated and I honestly did not figure out what was going on until it was all unveiled (an extreme rarity for me). I can't compliment Ms. LaFoy enough on her writing skill on this book. Thus saying, I did have a few issues with the story. I felt that Lindsay was way to modern for 1838. Her character was well written, but might have been better set in the 1920's with the women's movement or in modern times. To have a bold woman, free thinking and independent, (frank about sex), a business associate in a wheelchair, a maid without an arm (even though it is all explained) seems a bit modern and jerked me out of the story at first. There are also euphemisms used, such as "looking at the world through rose colored glasses" that felt too modern in the context. These incidents all happened in the beginning of the story, which is why I had a hard time getting into it. Once I got past these issues and suspended my beliefs a bit, I had a much more enjoyable read.

One last, quick, praise: KUDOS for writing about the Panic of 1838 and explaining the economic ramifications at the time. Most people do not know this happened, let alone what effect it had on the people around the country.

Here's an oldie I found in the library. A first for me of Leslie LaFoy. Jackson Stennet has just been left property in Texas and New York by his foster father and he goes to NY to claim it. His foster father has a 'family' in NY that Jackson discovers! And it goes on from there. I love tension between hero and heroine and this author is not at all bad at this genre.

The characters are interesting. Lindsay, the heroine, is keeping her siblings in the style to which they have been accustomed. There are living on another planet but Lindsay desperately wants their approval and will do anything to get it. As ususal, she doesnt. Enter Jackson and the fun begins.

Very nice read. A little mystery thrown in which was fairly interesting. I didnt guess the 'bad guy'. I liked the heroine and especially the hero!

In 1838 in the Republic of Texas, Billy Weathers dies from natural causes. Jackson Stennett inherits most of the estate because Billy felt that his friend would clean up the mess he left behind in New York when he followed Austin into Texas. For no one else but Billy would Jackson travel east, but the man was like a father to him.

When he reaches the big city, Jackson learns that mess is not quite the word he would have used, as he now knows that Billy changed his name and abandoned his family including three children almost two decades ago. He visits Billy's daughter Lindsay MacPhaull who struggles to save the family business. He informs her that her father died and that he owns everything. Lindsay tries to persuade Jackson not to sell off the business. However, someone wants either one or both of them dead forcing the pair to unite, but neither one expected to fall in love.

Americana romance and mystery readers will gain much pleasure from the vividly descriptive story line of JACKSON'S WAY. The tale uses real events like the Panic of 38 to provide depth to a strong historical romantic suspense that could easily be labeled romantic mystery. Jackson and Lindsay make for quite a pair as they struggle with the varying memory of Billy, an unknown assailant and why he or she wants them dead. Anyone of these calamities threatens their love. Leslie LaFoy has written a powerful novel that fans of historical fiction, regardless of sub-genre will find absolutely engaging.

Harriet Klausner

I might be in the minority here, but I could not like this book. I didn't like Lindsay's attitude toward Jackson, she was too uptight and stuck-up. I also didn't like the way this book was written. At times it was simply boring, at others I didn't even understand what was happening, and then at those few times when it was starting to get interesting, Miss Prim and Proper wouldn't shut her mouth and just be nice to the poor guy.

"Well, I do it this way and that's the way we've always done it and you don't know anything about this and I'm a very smart and successful business woman and blah blah blah blah."

She was also too modern for the times. A business woman in the 1800's? I couldn't even finish the book. I skimmed it through and wasn't really that impressed. But I might try others from Lafoy.