Customer Reviews

The Promise of Jenny Jones

5 star:		(23)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I originally submitted this review in 1997 (before Amazon created the About You Page) and am resubmitting it under my public account as directed by Amazon's Customer Service. The original review will be deleted via Amazon.

Don't think you'd like a heroine who smokes cigars, cusses like there's no tomorrow, and can whip the hero's butt in a fight? Then you obviously haven't read THE PROMISE OF JENNY JONES yet! Breaking all kinds of stereotypes Ms. Osborne creates an untraditional heroine you can't help but admire, laugh with and cry for.

Jenny Jones, accused of killing a man in self defense, is awaiting death by a firing squad when she is approached by a rich dying woman who offers to take her place. Naturally, there is a catch. Jenny must promise to deliver the woman's daughter safely into the arms of her Father in California. Jenny is a loner who thinks kids are barely half human but decides her life, as pitiful as it may be, is worth the aggravation.

Jenny not only finds herself saddled down with a snot nosed, prissy kid who prays for her death each night but hot on her trail are the kids' money grubbing cousin's who are bent on killing little Graciela so they can grab her inheritance. To make matters worse Jenny is also being followed by Ty Sanders, a real sexy dude, who appears to want Graciela for his own perverted reasons.

Ty, unbeknownst to Jenny, is also on the same mission. He is Graciela's uncle and has been sent by his brother to retrieve her. He'll do everything he can to save his niece from the hands of the obviously insane Miss Jenny Jones. Still, as nutty as he finds her he can't help being attracted to her. She fascinates him and this scares him more than Graciela's murderous cousins.

Eventually these two hard headed, tough as nail people realize they need to stop beating the crap out of each other and join forces if they intend to bring Graciela home safely.

The three spend time together and struggle to keep themselves alive but will they be strong enough to protect their hearts from breaking when they're forced to say goodbye at the end of the trip?

THE PROMISE OF JENNY JONES is often times hilarious and extremely touching. Ms. Osborne handled Jenny's gradual transformation from loner to big hearted woman so beautifully I had tears in my eyes throughout a major part of the book. I also liked the little girl Graciela's transformation from a stuck-up little brat to a sensitive and loving little girl. And, of course, Ty was also a terrific hero whose first mistake is assuming he is going to tame Jenny! The character growth in this story is just amazing. Because the character's are so well drawn and actually get to know each other before they jump into bed the love story between this unlikely couple is completely believable and the sexual tension intense.

The grittiness, humor, realism and emotion of this story are just a few of the things that make it so special. Maggie Osborne knows which buttons to push to melt this reader's heart. Very highly recommended

that's what Jenny Jones gives. Instead of dying in front of the firing squad, she's simply got to take a six-year-old to California. Unfortunately, some promises are easier made than kept. Graciela isn't going to make the trip easy, and neither are her greedy cousins who want her dead. Add to that, Graciela's Uncle, Ty Sanders, is hot on their trail. And eventually Ty is hot for Jenny, though she can't figure out why. Battling bad-guys across Mexico and California Jenny and Ty find that despite their differences, they have two things in common -- a love for Graciela, and a growing connection with each other. Could it be love?

This is my second Maggie Osborne book, and my only complaint is that it took me so long to discover this very talented author!

This book has become one of my all time favorites. I find myself reading it time and time again. Jenny Jones is a tough capable girl in a man's world, and she is always clever enough to survive.Each character was so well written that they actually came to life for me. Ms. Osborne has the young antagonist save herself by asking herself "what would Jenny do". I have found myself saying the exact same thing in tough situations. Jenny Jones is so real, I find myself forgetting this is a fictional book. I recommend this book frequently to my friends and I recommend it highly to anyone reading this. I will obtain all the Maggie Osborne books I can, as I can't wait to see where next she will take me.

I have read this book at least 3 times and loved it every time. the idea of giving up your life for your child is one of the highest accomplishments for a mother to do. Every mother can relate to that maternal feeling. The book is amusing and serious but most of all Jenny Jones can and does the almost impossible. A must read for all.

This author is magnificent.
Jenny Jones is magnificent. The character establishment is perfection. This author can have you hate or love someone in one sentence of description; she's a marvel. I will try to read everything she writes.
I read this book in 1 1/2 days. It was just terrific, heartwarming, different, moving, compelling, action-packed. I thought I'd kill Graciela at one point, but hey, so did Jenny. I loved this book.
This author is ONE TO WATCH!!!

I can't say that I'm a fan of Westerns. But I really enjoyed this book. The characters are so original, alive and I couldn't stop laughing. Jenny Jones is a one of a kind heroine. She can cuss, shoot, and fight with the best of them. She's been a mule driver and buffalo skinner, jobs that usually men do. Her word means alot to her. But under all that, Jenny has a heart of gold and is a unique type of lady. The story is mainly about her. Ty Sanders, the hero is a good match for her (even though she's his equal in a brawl). Graciela, Ty's niece and under Jenny's protection is the reason these two meet, fight, change and eventually fall in love.

Ms. Osborne captures two strong charaters on paper and makes them work wonderfully together. Jenny and Ty are both people of integrity who are used to working alone. An unusual situation throws them together and they must rely on each other to see their goals achieved. The writing was delightful, with witty conversation and good old fashion virtues. I found Jenny's attempts to curb her vocabulary around a 6 year old amusing (although I doubt she would have been using the work "friking" - but the stronger equivalant!). Although at first I balked at the title, Ms. Osborne chose a very clever title indeed... was it Jenny's verbal promise or her potential? Wonderful story!

Jenny Jones was brought up tough, lived the life style of a man but had a heart of a woman. Jenny- sentenced to death by a firing squad gets a second chance on life when a mother trades places so her 6 yr old daughter can live. Jenny doesn't realize that her promise was going to be a real challenge. Facing death, love, trust and the future Jenny takes this smart mouthed, cruel, hurting, sweet, loveable and confused 6 yr old to her father, and during the time of there travels Jenny finds a new peace and a new Jenny.

As a woman who has learned to set her mind to a task and finish the job with out a man. I loved the growth and developing bond between Jenny, Graciela and Uncle Ty. They are a destiny thats meant to be.This is a tear jerker. I enjoyed the correction of a six year old to an adult on bad language. The awesome fear of Graciela being ill, near death in danger. Maggie Osborne did a wonderful job turning Jenny Jones into a mother and lover.

This isn't my normal genre, but all the 5* reviews convinced me to read it. I am so glad I did. This was attention grabbing from the very first page, and FUN! Jenny Jones is one tough cookie. She gets a 2nd chance at life, but has to promise to take care of an annoying child, Graciela. I laughed through the whole book. The action scenes were great. The stuff between Jenny and Graciela were so funny, and the hero, Ty, was great, especially when being wrapped around Graciela's little finger. And all that "hankering" made me laugh and laugh!

This was a great book. I will be buying more from Maggie Osborne.