The fourth book in the Pam of Babylon Series, Prayers for the Dying exposes more of what Kirkus Review said about Dream Lover, “A gritty, realistic portrait of the aftermath of deceit.” Jack Smith’s victims attempt to move forward while grappling with the pain and horror that he left behind. Pam makes a few startling revelations about herself, while Sandra hopes for a future with exciting expectations. Marie is in a most unlikely place, with the happiest news in the bleakest circumstances. Ashton’s story of a lifetime love affair with Jack is finally told, with its heartache revealed.
Suzanne Jenkins lives at the west Michigan lakeshore. She is the author of Pam of Babylon and the series; Don’t You Forget About Me,Dream Lover, Prayers for the Dying, Family Dynamics and The Tao of Pam. The Greeks of Beaubien Street,and The Princess of Greektown from the Greektown Stories, Alice's Summertime Adventure, The Savant of Chelsea and Someone Like You. https://www.facebook.com/suzannejenki... Twitter @suzannejenkins3
Just finished reading Prayers for the Dying. Loved it and now can't wait for number five to be published. Pam is finally coming to terms with so much deception. She seems to be evolving as a strong woman, determined to make her way through the pain and sadness put upon her by her late husband, Jack. Really enjoyed the the way this sequel took you back to Jack's childhood to uncover the beginning of his relationship with Ashton. This sequel uncovered some of the pivotal characters' pasts, then takes you to their present lives "post Jack" in a superbly woven drama. Looking forward to finding out what lies ahead for Pam.
I got the first book for free but I was hooked and couldn't put them down. After the first book I had to see what happened to Pam. So many twists and turns. How one person's actions affected so many others!! You just want to keep reading to find out what happens next. Pam might have been naive but some of us are when it comes to loving someone! I loved these stories!!
But there certainly were a bunch of proofreading errors that didn't need to be. I call blame to Suzanne Jenkins' publisher. I've seen too many super stories ruined by a publisher either not giving a book a final edit or publishing the first copy they receive. Sloppy!
Suzanne, you need to take control of your work, because you write fabulous stories. Please re-edit this series. Prayers for the dying touched me so much that I wrote a memorium to Marie and made me cry for Miranda, Nelda and Steve. I did report all errors through the Kindle app.
This story was interesting, real, and uplifting, but honestly the number of grammatical errors was horrifying and distracting. Once I began seeing them I was constantly on the lookout for the next one! A simple grammar check would have revealed them - it was very disappointing. I had noticed them in previous books in the series, but the occurrences were not as prevalent as in this volume. Please fix this!
Lots of people who was involved with Jack Smith die,their involvement leaves the reader mesmerized by the famous sick Jack Smith. This book showed the reader how much Pam's knowledge about her husband continues to effect and some what destroy people. Another excellent book.
I just love this series. Pam is such a strong woman, with many flaws. Jack was a sick and demented individual. I keep asking what's next you jerk. Once I started reading, it was hard to put it down. I can't wait to read more.
The BABYLON series redeemed itself with PRAYERS FOR THE DYING. We find Pam struggling with the effects of AIDS I her system, and carrying with her a stigma that feels more from the 1990s than the 2010s. She's distancing herself emotionally from Sandra, her dead husband' Jack's pregnant girlfriend and Marie, her spoiled sister who also slept with Jack. Pam is new at setting boundaries and often does so in an off putting manner that makes rooting for her at times difficult. She's judgmental about her own illness, and angry---so angry that she's often thoughtless. We're also privvy to Ashton, Jack's childhood friend and lover and his relationship with Jack.
The story held my interest, I finished it in a day, but I was unhappy with the way AIDS was treated with judgment, as a virus is punishment for not adhering to certain sexual mores. I didn't like the way one gay character was treated as if his sexual orientation was some huge secret Pam felt she had no right to share with her love interest. This is the opposite of my experience with the LGBT community and its allies. These days being gay is like having brown eyes or curly hair, just one part of a person. In the 90s, when fewer people were openly gay, before Ellen came out on tv things were different, but now it's pretty much mainstream. I wish Suzanne Jenkins had made the date of the book from that era, because I think the handling of AIDS and gay/bi might be a turn off to more progressive readers.
Wow! I've just finished this compelling page turner...it is the fourth book in the series of Pam of Babylon. We meet all of our old friends again, and find out more about Jack Smith. He really was a "ME" person. Only out for his own satisfaction, and we visit with the survivors he has left behind. As we observe the beginning of the first Holiday season without him. Pam is still having a hard time, but Dave seems to be there for her. We wrap up some of the loose pieces, or the end of some of the Jack's featured players. Some of them so needy to be with him, he knew how to pick them to fit his needs. He was one "sick" individual. There are more, if you can believe it, shocking discoveries, and we wonder where or when it is all going to end. For me Pam is a trooper, and having to tell her Children about her AIDS had to be terrifying. If you have never read any of the books in this series, don't miss this one. Yes it can be read alone, but read the others also...they are excellent.
I received this book from the Author Suzanne Jenkins, and was not required to give a positive review.
One word "Intense" I don't know at this point I just want the last book the need to know what happens is making me feel like I am holding my breath lol...each book is building the tension more ***SPOILER ALERT*** the fact Marie dies and leaves behind this dear little innocent baby brought tears to my eyes...yes even in death Jack is still calling the shots...he's now taken Marie...I wonder all the time how Pam doesn't just walk away from the madness...when I think of all the people touched by Jack's evil ways I don't know that she could walk fast enough or far enough for peace of mind...in the end she is the glue holding it all together...BRAVO Suzie...once again you have given us a story that is mind binding...Thank you for the chance to read ahead big ((hugs))
Reading this on Kindle. Started the day I finished the third one. Compelling and fascinating read as are all 4 of the books in the series. How could a man be so deceptive and uncaring yet appear to be a loving father and husband? Brave subjects for the novels - abuse and denial are so difficult to come to terms with. Thanks to Suzanne Jenkins for these books. Health issues like these have not gone away even though most people would like to think that they have and some family dynamics can be so complex and potentially damaging while others are hopefully more nurturing. I would definitely recommend the Pam of Babylon series.
This is the fourth book in the Pam of Babylon series. The beginning was a bit difficult for me to connect with but as it moves on it quickly becomes another book in the series that I couldn't put down. I love the characters in this series. This book (and all the ones in the series) are not the type of book you can figure out what is going to happen. The fourth book in the series was as good at the ones before it. I can't wait to read the 5th and last one in the series!
In this book Pam, Sandra and Marie are still struggling with the loss and deceit of Jack but are all moving on some in surprising ways. We look back to the early days of Pam and Jacks marriage and see the gaps and cracks that were overlooked at the time and read in shock at just how manipulative and conniving Jack actually was. We finally get Ashton's story which as with all rest it's an unsettling read but still compulsive.
They’re all dying in one way or another, and prayers are certainly needed. Jack Smith keeps reaching from the grave and taking more from each of these characters. Pam, Marie, Sandra, the kids, in-laws…No one can move on because of the baggage Jack has left behind.
Just when the reader thinks there’s the possibility that happiness will prevail, you get sucker punched.
Still not sure if I'm happy or sad about Marie's death as she was someone who may have been a victim of circumstances. Really want to know how this series ends and wonder if it will end as strongly as it began.
I don't know how she does it.just when I think it is going to get to get bordering she takes it to a whole new level .,and your on the edge of y out ur seat again.can't Waite to start the next book,
I love this series. The author does an excellent job of developing the characters and makes me want to keep reading. Deducted one star because of poor editing.
another good read, book 4. continuing saga of pain ,deceit ,betrayal,lies . That one wife finds out after the death of her husband she never knew him about his secret life and all his lovers. and how she and one of his pregnant lovers become friends. the loss of her husband child with one of his lovers. every time she thinks there can't be any more secrets, it just keeps gets worse she see how sick and perverted he was. all the while thinking he was a good husband .she hears the story of how his father sexually abused and raped him ,from his longest relationship from his gay lover.and each book just gets better. well written,and nice to read a book like this without erotic sex scenes.