Damage Control

The Pancake Club #3

by J.W. Stacks

Teenage love is a road fraught with heartache and Jennifer Defoe was no exception. Hers is an unrequited love for a boy who thought her a friend. When he left for the Navy, Jennifer gave up on her future and any hope of love.

Michael Harrison left Mercy Ridge with grand plans of travel and adventure only to have it come crashing down upon him after a tragic accident leaves him scarred. He flees back to the only home he has ever known for the chance to heal.

Jennifer Defoe hurts from a future that never was. Michael Harrison hurts from a past that he gave up. What happens when the fear of being close to someone collides with the fear of being hurt again? And can either of them overlook the past long enough to envision a future with each other?

86 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 12, 2014

Reviews

[Carol Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

War is hell and it has invaded the Pancake Club. Having dealt with a veteran husband with PTSD, this story hit home and brought me to tears. In this third installment of those sweet and wonderful pancake eaters, Navy veteran returns to his hometown, sees his high school sweetheart, and things heat up. It's a simple story, but told with depth and honesty. Post traumatic stress disorder is a relevant issue today and I for one was glad to see the story written from the veteran's point of view. I highly recommend it.

[Amber Daulton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jennifer and Mike were friends but they were secretly in love with one another back in high school. He left for the Navy while she stayed home in the little town of Mercy Ridge. He returned after several years and they meet up again after she has car trouble. He’s living with a secret and she’s a reporter, determined to find out the truth. What she learns, however, wasn’t what she expected.
This sweet story focuses on second chances and a love that never died. I really enjoyed watching Jen and Mike come to terms with their past, work through his emotional problems, and look forward to a future together.
Story flowed smoothly with no typos that I noticed. I like JW’s writing style and I look forward to reading more of the author’s work.
4 Stars


Disclaimer - Thank you, JW Stacks, for sending me an ebook copy for an honest review. I am a reader. I am not paid or compensated in any way, shape or form for this review. I will not change or alter this review for any reason.

[Ali Mosa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ms. Stacks opens up a trunk of sweet memories for those readers who have ever asked: What if I had a second chance to reunite with the "one who got away?"

Stacks takes the reader back to a time of first love and first heartbreak only now the two people, Jennifer and Michael, are adults. This is a new chance to put the pain of the past behind them. The story does a lovely job of making the challenges for two lonely people very real and very poignant.

[Tammy Tate · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a great story... I really enjoyed reading this from start to finish and couldn't stop until I'd finished the last page. It was well written and had me smiling, laughing and tearful at times. It's the third book in The Pancake Club series and it was just as amazing as the others.

Now I am off to read the fourth installment!

[Alison · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lots of questions come up right away in this short but intense and thoughtful story. Why is Mike back in the small town he left behind years ago to "find himself" -- and is Jennifer going to let him break her heart again? Is Mike really as strong and confident as he looks? Has Jennifer got the courage and compassion he needs? This is a love story with some real resonance for our times.

[Serena · Rating 3 out of 5]

My Rating System:
* couldn't finish, ** wouldn't recommend, *** would recommend, **** would read again, ***** have read again.

[Norma · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet

Another short but sweet book. The author touches a little on PTSD. I wish there had been a bit more to the story, like an epilogue. It was still a very good story.