Jenny James Is Not a Disaster

Who among us hasn't dreamed, at one time, of dropping everything and embarking on a journey? Jenny James did just that—with a little nudge from Mother Nature—and found herself amid a life-changing journey. "Jenny James Is Not a Disaster" by Debbie Johnson follows a 36-year-old struggling single mom who discovers happiness and joy in an unexpected place.

Jenny James is not a disaster, even though her life may have been. After her cottage on the Norfolk coast fell off a cliff, and she lost her job in the same week, Jane is at a crossroads. It's just her and her 18-year-old son - sadly, she is estranged from her family - and she has to decide what to do with her life. When her handsome nomadic neighbor, Luke, who lives in a camper van with his dachshund, Betty, offers them a road trip around England, she accepts. As they frolic around England, she is forced to take a hard look at her life and past choices, stop and smell the roses, and come to terms with her past.

I enjoyed the book very much. It was a less light read than I thought it would be, which is not a bad thing, and full of inspiring life lessons. I loved the humor and banter between the characters, the growing relationships between them, the sharing of backstories that made them close their hearts to love, and the way the heroine reinvented herself. I also loved the descriptions of the various historical sites. I could smell the roses, so to speak, and envision those vivid scenes.

I have to say that the way Jenny went on a trip with someone who was a perfect stranger until then made me raise a brow at first. I also thought that being estranged for about 18 years from her family was unreasonable, as well as her unwillingness to share her story with her son. I loved the resolution of the heroine's issues, though, and the ending warmed my heart. Some scenes were touching, causing me to shed a tear.

The book highlights the complicated relationships between parents and children, and it's done with humor and heartfelt insights. I loved the message that "home is wherever you are happy." The author paints a compelling story of a journey of happiness, self-discovery, and individual pride. With themes of friendship, trust, love, letting go of the past, and self-discovery, the author has woven a tale that I enjoyed reading. The gentle budding romance added to the enjoyment. Highly recommended!

* I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Debbie Johnson's latest novel, Jenny James Is Not a Disaster, is a heartwarming and relatable story about a single mother who finds herself at an unexpected crossroads. Jenny, a thirty-something single mom, is used to her fair share of bad days. But when her job, car, and home are all lost in one fell swoop, she's forced to face her life's trajectory and what she wants from it. Estranged from her parents and with nowhere else to turn, Jenny and her son, Charlie, find refuge in the camper of their reclusive neighbor, Luke. As the unlikely trio hit the road, Jenny begins to reflect on her past, present, and future. Along the way, Jenny learns to embrace the unexpected, finding both challenges and opportunities in her new nomadic lifestyle. She reconnects with her son, explores her own passions, and discovers a newfound sense of freedom. Johnson's writing is honest and humorous, capturing the complexities of Jenny's character and the challenges she faces. The supporting cast of characters is equally well-developed, each with their own unique story and impact on Jenny's journey. Jenny James Is Not a Disaster is a well-crafted and thought-provoking novel about resilience, self-discovery, and the power of human connection. It's a story that will resonate with readers of all ages and walks of life, reminding us that even in the face of adversity, we have the power to create a fulfilling and meaningful life.

Thank you Netgalley and Harper Muse Publishing for an eARC ♥️😍

Get ready to join Jenny on a wild ride! Her life is unraveling faster than a Norfolk coastal cliffside (yep, that actually happens!). But instead of wallowing in misery, she grabs her son Charlie and their adventurous neighbor Luke (plus his trusty sidekick Betty the dachshund) and hits the road.

As they explore England's hidden gems, Jenny faces her past head-on and starts to piece together a new future. You'll laugh at the witty banter, nod your head to the relatable struggles, and maybe even tear up a bit as Jenny confronts her fears and learns to let go.

This book is like a cozy British road trip in words - you'll feel like you're cruising along with the gang, sipping tea and snacking on scones (OK, maybe not, but you'll wish you were!). It's a heartwarming reminder that life's ups and downs can lead to unexpected adventures and new beginnings. So grab a cuppa, settle in, and join Jenny on her journey to rediscovery!

Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Collins Focus for the ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own.

I loved this book so much that I almost devoured it in one sitting. The characters were well developed and easy to root for and the writing was beautiful as well.

After a series of crazy disasters, Jenny, a 30 something single mom to a teenager, finds herself on a cross country motor home trip with her neighbor who she barely know. When Jenny, her son, Charlie and Luke travel she learns a lot about herself and what she wants in life and she forges a beautiful relationship with Luke, despite his complicated history. She also reunites with her estranged family. It's a wonderful read and I highly recommend it. Thanks for the opportunity to review it!

Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Muse for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this book.

Loved this! It was so funny, yet it also made me tear up, it was a feel good story even with all the tragic elements. The characters were fantastic. The very slow burn between Jenny and Luke was just right. And if all of these places are real, you could actually use it as a travel guide. Loved the mention of Henry Cavill - he is, indeed, a god among men.

This is my first time reading this author and now I have to check out her backlist. Highly recommend!

What a cracker of a book! It can fit into so many categories... travel guide, self help book, romance novel, blog, and best of all... a warmhearted humourous tale.
I felt for the character in so many ways and think that she has been through so much in this book, I'm happy that she is finding her joy and living for herself.
The other characters bring it to life and add in moments that really make a reader smile. Betty and Frank certainly steal the show on many occasions.
My absolute favourite part of the book has to be the humour and the banter. Hilarious! I love the double act that Jenny and Charlie have and in fact love most of Jenny's dialogue.
While I have read a few books by this author and given them 5 stars for their ingenuity and heartfelt words, this one is a definite 5 star and buying to keep on the shelf.
Thanks so much to Netgalley and the author and publisher for a temporary copy in exchange for an honest review.

5 star read! It checked so many boxes- the perfect book to grab off your shelf when you’re not sure what you’re in the mood to read. Very enjoyable, and I was over the moon to have a chance to read it. Huge thank you to NetGalley and Harper Muse for the advanced copy. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. Publication date July 9, 2024.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for this ARC.

Jenny is a single mother of an eighteen-year-old son working in a carpet store. Her life up until now has been quiet, mundane, and relatively uneventful - until the worst week of her life - and she watches her house slide into the ocean. It doesn’t help that her ancient car doesn’t start, her son is moving on to university, and her job is made redundant. What happens next for her is every kind of unknown, but sometimes the beauty of the unknown is what you can find there.

This is my favorite adult book I’ve read this year. I absolutely loved this story and its characters - Jenny, her son Charlie, and Luke, the unassuming, motorhome-living neighbor - and it just lifted me up. The banter is dynamite, and the whole thing is so, so funny while still dealing with unbelievably heavy issues; it is sort of an Eat, Pray, Love for real people. The lower-middle class struggle is real and relatable, especially the fact that one second you are hanging on, the other you are without any support system at all. This book is about finding yourself, forgiving yourself, dealing with and recovering from unimaginable grief, and trusting people to take care of you. I loved this book - I have already recommended it to anyone who will listen!

Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Muse for allowing me to read an ARC of Jenny James Is Not a Disaster by Debbie Johnson, in exchange for my honest review.

I absolutely adored this book! I loved all of the characters, the witty banter, the descriptions, everything! I related to Jenny in that, as mothers, we are learning on the fly. We don't always have the answers, and (shhh) we are not always right. I admired her for stepping back and thinking from the other person's perspective.

This book was wonderful from start to finish, and I definitely recommend it to others.

I look forward to reading more by Debbie Johnson.

I received an advance copy of this book from NetGalley with the understanding I would share a review of the book.

You can tell a lot about a person by how they handle bad times, even disasters. The main character of this book, Jenny James, responds to a series of ‘unfortunate’ events mostly with humor. I doubt I would do the same in her place. It is difficult to say any more about this book without revealing too much. I found the characters and situations compelling and throughly enjoyed reading it.

Jenny James is not a Disaster is a story that touches multiple fiction genres: a romantic comedy, English RV travel guide, a Blog and raising a teenager. After more than one life altering disasters leave Jenny and her 18-year old son, Charlie homeless, they and recent friend, Luke, embark on a RV trip through England. Along the way, Jenny reunites with her estranged family and Luke starts making peace with his tragic path. The book is a page-turner and filled with great dialogue. I enjoyed every word and every page! Thank you to NetGalley and HarperMuse for an early read in exchange for a fair review.

Have you ever had one of those days? Be honest, we've all been there. Hopefully just not quite as completely as Jenny James.

The author does a marvelous job of developing the characters. I fell in love with Jenny and her son and was rooting for them throughout the book. As Jenny struggles to make ends meet and be a good mum to a teenage boy, you'll be right there offering her a glass of wine at the end of her day. Humble and charming, Jenny's can-do attitude serves her well but when the unthinkable happens... well, you just have to read the book to find out. You'll enjoy the highs and lows of life's unplanned challenges and the joys and anxieties Jenny faces as she deals with her past decisions, tries to slog through her present predicaments, and, just possibly, finds a spark of hope as she examines her future.

I read this book in one sitting (a luxury I don't often have) and enjoyed every minute of it. I hope Debbie Johnson will allow us to go along on many more adventures with the remarkable Jenny "not a disaster" James because I can't wait to read more.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

I loved this delightfully sweet but comical coming of age look at Jenny James as she navigates through yet another tough time in her life.

In the past, Jenny had been estranged from her parents when she became pregnant at the age of 18. It was a tough time in her life, especially since the baby's father left her, but she got through it.

Fast forward to now, Jenny has her wonderful 18 year old son, Charlie, living with her. She has just recently met her fairly new but reclusive, attractive neighbor, Luke, who lives next door in a very nice RV campervan.

As if she is living in a nightmare, she loses her job, her car is dead, and she walks home just as her cute cliffside cottage literally slides into the sea during a rainstorm, all in one terrible day!

Luke is there and helps them dry off and warm up. Then, he ends up offering them a place to stay in his RV campervan with him and his cute dachshund Betty, who happily greets them until they can figure things out.

Luke is a guy who usually never stays in one place for too long as he likes to travel. He eventually offers them to travel around with him since they now have literally nothing else to do, at least until Charlie leaves for college.

They decide to travel around and have a good time. I loved that Jenny named the campervan, "Joy!"

To make their trip fun, they decide to put a bunch of destination ideas into a hat to draw from. They travel all over England, seeing all kinds of great places, hiking to remote beautiful areas, waterfalls, seeing stone circles, villages, amusement parks, etc.

And then, Charlie wants to know about what happened...in the past...with his grandparents...can they go see them?

Jenny not only finds herself for the first time but finds the best way to move forward in her life and to experience joy!

I loved this book, it was filled with a lot of fun and adventure and I recommend it!

I would like to thank #NetGalley and HarperCollins Focus for a complimentary copy of an ARC of this book. All opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Debbie Johnson's "Jenny James Is Not a Disaster" is a fun read that takes you through what many would consider if it happened to you: a rollercoaster of loss, discovery, and self-realization. This story captures the essence of resilience and shifting priorities when life throws unexpected challenges your way. (no matter how outrageous the challenges maybe)

Plot Summary:

The story revolves around Jenny James, a woman who faces significant losses that lead her to reassess her life's priorities. With the help of a stranger, Jenny embarks on a new adventure that allows her to explore a long-held secret dream, brings about reconciliation, and deepens her understanding of herself and others.

Characters:

The witty and endearing protagonist, Jenny James, stands out with her sharp sayings and quirky expressions. Her internal conflicts and resilience add depth to her character, making her relatable and lovable.

Jenny James may sometimes feel like a disaster, but her story is one of resilience, joy, and self-acceptance.

The Author:
Debbie Johnson's writing in this book is engaging and infused with a lighthearted flair that makes the book a joy to read. Her ability to balance humor with heartfelt moments kept me hooked from start to finish. However, one minor drawback is the somewhat unrealistic portrayal of blog writing and follower counts, which could have been more grounded. (as a blog writer myself)

I am so impressed with Johnson's writing that I've already added many of her other books to my wishlist for future reading.

For readers who enjoy lighthearted yet meaningful fiction, I recommend checking out Sophie Kinsella's works. I loved her book "My Not So Perfect Life." Much like Debbie Johnson's, her novels feature relatable heroines, humorous situations, and a blend of romance and personal growth that seem similar to "Jenny James Is Not a Disaster."

Thank you, NetGalley, for the early read.

Great Read!!! A positive story after disaster hits. Jenny James is a delight. With help from the neighbor that lives in a motor home Jenny is on a adventure along with her 18 year old son.

What a delight. I loved this book so much, it made me laugh and it certainly had me in tears on more than one occasion. As a mother of boys, I loved the relationship between Jenny and Charlie 💙 Just when you think nothing else can go wrong…
You’re in for a treat with this one- 5 stars from me

I absolutely loved this book. While it's not out until July 9th, this is one of those books with an endearing lead character. Jenny James may not be a disaster, but her life turned upside down overnight. Her house falls down a cliff (literally) and it takes everything from her life so far along with it. When her neighbor (who saves her from going over the cliff after cherished photos of her son) invites her to travel with him for a few weeks to see if the "camper life" is for her, she starts a blog about her travels along with her new friend Luke and her son Charlie.

I read this book over a weekend, and I loved the character that Debbie Johnson has created. She has her flaws as we all do, but you can't help but root for her to find her way in her new life.

Jenny James may not be a disaster but disasters seem to find her. She lost her job, car, and house all in the same day. All seemed dismal until Luke invited Jenny and her son, Charlie, on a roadtrip where Jenny confronts her past and welcomes her future.

Debbie Johnson has a way of crafting stories that warm my heart. I have to admit, I was drawn to this book because it featured a single mom who had the universe seemingly working against her. Jenny's had a lot to overcome, and it's alway so inspiring and feel-good when I can root for the character.

As a single mom, I could relate to many of the battles Jenny had fought and the feelings she felt. Jenny worked hard to build a life for her and Charlie, and it was a nice life. Did she want more? Probably, and I guess all these disasters were the motivation she needed.

Taking that chance and going on the road with Luke was a fantastic decision. I have to say, these excursions were so much fun. I loved the way they selected where they would go, and I liked that I "saw" so much of England. Many of the books I read tend to be set in London. London's great and all, but there are other places to explore in that country. It was a delight that Johnson exposed me to so many other sites.

But that time in the camper van wasn't just about seeing the sites, it was a great way for Luke and Jenny to grow closer. They both carried so much pain and hurt from their past and had accepted their solitary lives. Yet, they found so much comfort in each other, trusting one another with their hurts and fears.It was so lovely seeing their relationship take root and grow while they also healed together.

Parts of this story were heavy, but overall, the book was light. Packed with lots of humor, heart, and lovely life lessons, I was left feeling so happy from reading this book. How could I resist a book with a focus on finding peace, self-discovery, and finding your happy. It was all bound to rub off on me in a good way, and it did.

What a fun book and a wonderful reminder to all of us that our worst moments often lead to our best moments. When Jenny has everything imaginable go wrong in her life, car beyond repair, job lost, house blown over a cliff in a horrible windstorm, she has to rely on the kindness of a stranger, Luke. Although she had previously labeled him an "unfriendly," something wonderful happens when she needs his help. If you can imagine a recreational vehicle named "Joy" that is exactly what this story is about. Charlie, Jenny's son, is a true delight and the repartee between mother and son just plain wonderful. How Jenny learns to re-invent herself and truly find Joy is what this story is all about. This story wanted me to buy a recreational van and start visiting all the places I've never had time to go to in the past, whether in England, where this story takes place, or in the United States, where I live. I heartily recommend this book. Although I received an Advanced Reader Copy of this novel, my opinion are my own.

"Jenny James Is Not a Disaster" by Debbie Johnson centers on Jenny James, a 36-year-old single mother of an eighteen-year-old son, Charlie. Jenny is at a transitional point in her life. After losing her cliffside cottage, car, and job on the same day, and not having a family to support her, Jenny is facing the ultimate next step in her life. Jenny accepted her nomadic neighbor Luke's invitation to go on a road trip in his luxury RV as she considers her next move. So begins a journey exploring historic and scenic areas of England with Luke, his dachshund, Betty, with Jenny and her son along for the ride. The book explores complicated family dynamics, self-discovery, and the importance of finding happiness wherever you are.

I so enjoyed this storyline as it followed this struggling single mom at this transitional moment in her life. Despite Jenny’s initial suspicion of Luke’s invitation, she eventually learns more about herself, confronts her past, and discovers what really makes her happy as their journey progresses. The book examines the complex relationships between parents and children and is full of deep observations, humor, and inspirational life lessons. It also addresses issues of self-discovery, trust, friendship, and love. There is a slowly developing romance that just adds to the story’s charm. “Jenny James is not a Disaster” is an engaging and delightful read. I highly recommend it!

Thanks to NetGalley and HarperCollins Focus for a complimentary copy of an ARC of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.

This was a totally enjoyable story about a woman whose life has literally fallen off a cliff. Her house and everything she and her son own ended up down a hill in the surf. They end up temporarily staying with a man staying on the land in a motor home.

As Jenny and her son start dealing with the losses in their life, a friendship springs up between them and the owner of the mobile home, Luke. Luke has suffered his own losses, resulting in his isolation. As he welcomes Jenny and Charlie to join him in some travels, they all begin to heal and discover that they can share their burdens.

This was my first book by this author, and I'm hooked on her writing. This was told in the first person in a way that is contemplative, the description almost poetic because of its beauty.

Thanks to Harper Collins Focus and NetGalley for the copy. All thoughts are my own.

Slow burn British romance. Single mom, Jenny, has a really bad day. Like, a reeeeaally bad day. With nothing keeping them in the town they’ve been living, she and her son team up with Luke to travel the country.

Jenny and Luke both have heartbreak and adversity in their pasts, so it’s not smooth sailing, but I love the chemistry between them and all the fun stops along the way.

Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest review. Watch for Jenny James is Not a Disaster to come out July 9, 2024.

Jenny Jones is not a Disaster.
On the contrary…Jenny Jones is witty, real, full of heart and humor and one of my most favorite characters I’ve read this year.

Jenny is a single mom to 18 year old lovable Charlie. She has been on her own since she is 17 years old after a terrible falling out with her parents. She has always managed on her own, working hard to make sure Charlie has a happy life. Until one awful day when she finds out she will be losing her job, her car breaks down and her beloved cottage on a cliff above the ocean shockingly falls into the sea.

At this crossroads in her life, she surprisingly accepts an offer to join her standoffish neighbor Luke on an adventure in his motorhome. Jenny, Charlie and Luke set out on a roadtrip across England to various destinations that they pick from a hat. The sights, the scenery, the laughs and the companionship are healing to all of them.

This is a poignant novel exploring motherhood, love, family, grief and learning to live in the present. There are many little nuggets of wisdom scattered throughout this book and it was relatable in so many ways. The fact that we often place worth on material things instead of realizing what is truly important in life is explored deeply. The author did a great job showcasing this.

I loved the journey (literal and figurative) of Jenny, Luke and Charlie (Betty too!) it was such a heartfelt, wonderful story that made me laugh out loud, shed some tears and smile at the growth and contentment that the characters discover. This will definitely be one of my favorite books this year.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Harper Collins Focus for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Wow this book was absolutely amazing! The character development for Jenny James was so perfectly written that I wish I could read the Sausage Dog Diaries for myself and see where her and Luke are these days!

While I did feel like this book did start off a little slow I really enjoyed it and had me waiting to see where in the UK Jenny, Luke and Charlie would end up next. I really enjoyed that this book also showed a "grown up" relationship and how Jenny had to find herself before realizing her feelings for Luke.

I loved Jenny James Is Not A Disaster. This is my first Debbie Johnson and i’ll certainly be adding her books to my future reading list. The set-up for this book is fabulous!
Jenny James is a single mother to her eighteen year-old son Charlie and as the story opens, we find her facing a horror day. Firtly it’s pouring with rain, then she has car problems, which later transform into a car that wont start at all. In between her car issues, she discovers that the owners of the carpet store where she works as an office manager have decided to close the business, leaving her without a job.Is all this bad enough? Why no. Having met up with Charlie and caught the bus to her cottage on the Norfolk coast, Jenny discovers that the rain and the sea swell have combined to massively erode the cliff, leaving her house destroyed along with all her possessions. At this point Luke who has been living in a motorhome parked in the field next door, enters the story. What ensues is a thoroughly entertaining journey for the three of them during which Jenny discovers her inner strength and resilience. I loved reading about the gorgeous places they visited and the way Jenny faced her fears, firstly at a series of amusement parks and subsequently by reuniting with her estranged parents. I loved that both Jenny and Luke were driven by guilt and a sense of loss and that they heled each other to come to grips with those feelings. While the various topics dealt with in this story could make for very heavy reading, the story is charming, filled with witty dialogue and plenty of uplifting moments. Jenny’s journey was one of seeking her joy and for me, it has been a joy to read.

Loved this. It was touching and real, no fake meet cutes or relationship problems. Everything worked naturally. The trio of Charlie, Jenny and Luke on a road trip was adorable. Nice to just read about people loving each other for once. No deep squabbles (some past issues) and no overwhelming sadness. Betty was the best.

Thank you NetGalley and publisher for this ARC for an honest review.

This book absolutely was not a disaster! I adored it to pieces...

While Jenny James life may be a disaster at the moment, she manages to make lemonade out of lemons thanks to her neighbor (and hero!) Luke who offers her and her son a road trip in his camper after her cottage literally falls off a cliff. This is a book about finding yourself, forgiveness, facing complications and fears, letting go and starting over. There is great dialogue and witty banter. The personal growth off all the characters is a marvel to watch. The characters are filled with flaws and broken in their own way, but each are honestly trying to become a better person. There is just as much sweetness as there is emotional depth. The relationship between Jenny and Luke...From strangers to friends to something extra special...pure JOY!

5 stars