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A Bold Bargain
A Young Man With the Heart of a Wolf
Eighteen-year-old Jack Barlow Blaine is driven by unwavering compassion for all, and a thirst for knowledge. Born into poverty and haunted by a violent past, he’s determined to escape his history by helping others—whether human or animal, no matter the cost.
But when Jack discovers an elderly woman in crisis, he faces a choice that challenges everything he thinks he knows about living and dying. The bargain she offers promises a better future, if the price isn’t higher than he’s capable of paying.
As Jack grapples with his decision, he must summon the courage to honor their bargain if he accepts her offer.
How far is he willing to go to keep his word?
The greatest acts of kindness are the ones that demand the most from us—and every decision can unlock destiny’s doors.
Eighteen-year-old Jack Barlow Blaine is driven by unwavering compassion for all, and a thirst for knowledge. Born into poverty and haunted by a violent past, he’s determined to escape his history by helping others—whether human or animal, no matter the cost.
But when Jack discovers an elderly woman in crisis, he faces a choice that challenges everything he thinks he knows about living and dying. The bargain she offers promises a better future, if the price isn’t higher than he’s capable of paying.
As Jack grapples with his decision, he must summon the courage to honor their bargain if he accepts her offer.
How far is he willing to go to keep his word?
The greatest acts of kindness are the ones that demand the most from us—and every decision can unlock destiny’s doors.
346 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 11, 2025
4 people are currently reading
3 people want to read
About the author
Jan Sikes
31 books256 followersFollow Jan on BOOKBUB: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/jan-s...
Jan Sikes writes compelling and creative stories from the heart.
She openly admits that she never set out in life to be an author. But she had a story to tell. Not just any story, but a true story that rivals any fiction creation. The entertaining true story comes to life through fictitious characters in an intricately woven tale that encompasses four books.
And now, this author can’t find a way to put down the pen. She continues to write fiction and has published numerous award-winning short stories. She published her debut paranormal romance novel, Ghostly Interference, Book 1 in The White Rune Series, in 2020, which won a bronze medal award from Reader’s Favorite. Jagged Feathers releases January 31, 2022, as Book 2 of that series, and Saddled Hearts will release later in 2022.
She is an active blogger, an avid fan of Texas music, and a grandmother of five. She resides in North Texas.
Jan Sikes writes compelling and creative stories from the heart.
She openly admits that she never set out in life to be an author. But she had a story to tell. Not just any story, but a true story that rivals any fiction creation. The entertaining true story comes to life through fictitious characters in an intricately woven tale that encompasses four books.
And now, this author can’t find a way to put down the pen. She continues to write fiction and has published numerous award-winning short stories. She published her debut paranormal romance novel, Ghostly Interference, Book 1 in The White Rune Series, in 2020, which won a bronze medal award from Reader’s Favorite. Jagged Feathers releases January 31, 2022, as Book 2 of that series, and Saddled Hearts will release later in 2022.
She is an active blogger, an avid fan of Texas music, and a grandmother of five. She resides in North Texas.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
September 20, 2025
I have enjoyed the previous books in this series very much, and I was very happy to catch up with the characters from those stories in this latest by Jan Sikes. Wonderful to see how the blended family was coping with the changes in their lives.
The focus in this book is on Jack, who despite a violent and tragic start in life, has become a caring and delightful young man, determined to protect animals and humans alike. He forms relationships with animals and humans who are in need of support and nurturing and through him we meet some wonderful new characters.
From an elderly woman who is struggling on her own, a family who has been abandoned, a half-drowned part wolf puppy, an old man with treasure hunting his passion, to a young woman who sees something special in him, Jack offers hope and comfort.
The author writes with emotion and it is very easy to become attached to the characters and invested in their lives and the outcomes of the events as they unfold. Written about life in the 1950s it is uncluttered with technology and reflects a simpler time when people had little but still found it in them to offer what they could to others.
Heartwarming and filled with wonderful moments as well as some close calls as Jack runs down violent poachers, this book will keep you turning the pages from first to last.
Although I can recommend you read the previous books in the series, the author does offer enough back story so that this book can be read separately. Highly recommended.
The focus in this book is on Jack, who despite a violent and tragic start in life, has become a caring and delightful young man, determined to protect animals and humans alike. He forms relationships with animals and humans who are in need of support and nurturing and through him we meet some wonderful new characters.
From an elderly woman who is struggling on her own, a family who has been abandoned, a half-drowned part wolf puppy, an old man with treasure hunting his passion, to a young woman who sees something special in him, Jack offers hope and comfort.
The author writes with emotion and it is very easy to become attached to the characters and invested in their lives and the outcomes of the events as they unfold. Written about life in the 1950s it is uncluttered with technology and reflects a simpler time when people had little but still found it in them to offer what they could to others.
Heartwarming and filled with wonderful moments as well as some close calls as Jack runs down violent poachers, this book will keep you turning the pages from first to last.
Although I can recommend you read the previous books in the series, the author does offer enough back story so that this book can be read separately. Highly recommended.
August 27, 2025
This is my favorite book of the Bargainer series, and what a wonderful way to end these feel-good stories. The tale will resonate with anyone who loves an old person, has chosen to overcome a difficult childhood, or wants to make a difference in the lives of others, especially those in need. It’s an uplifting story, and at times, quite emotional.
Jack Blaine had a role in the previous books, and in this tale, he takes the lead. He’s nineteen and has a job with the Missouri Conservationists, responsible for dealing with illegal poaching, among other wildlife and land-use issues. One plot line of the story is Jack’s investigation into the poaching of minks on private property. This task is responsible for most of the book’s danger and action. It also delivers him to the doorstep of Coralee Fletcher, one of several characters that Jack befriends and is committed to helping. Coralee is an elderly woman very near the end of her life, and she makes a bold bargain with Jack.
The pace moves along, and I read the book in one sitting. As a caregiver, I related strongly to Jack, his personal commitment, and how life can get very, very busy quickly when people depend on you. The story also dives into end-of-life topics: declining health, frailty, fear of death, the dying process, and grief. It’s written with heartfelt care and compassion, and it felt authentic based on my experiences with hospice. Jack has a heart of gold.
A delightful part of the story was reconnecting with the characters from the other books. There’s a lot of goodness happening here, and the series is a testament to the strength of family, and the power of kindness to transform lives. A highly recommended series to readers who enjoy uplifting stories about good people overcoming obstacles and choosing to make a difference.
Jack Blaine had a role in the previous books, and in this tale, he takes the lead. He’s nineteen and has a job with the Missouri Conservationists, responsible for dealing with illegal poaching, among other wildlife and land-use issues. One plot line of the story is Jack’s investigation into the poaching of minks on private property. This task is responsible for most of the book’s danger and action. It also delivers him to the doorstep of Coralee Fletcher, one of several characters that Jack befriends and is committed to helping. Coralee is an elderly woman very near the end of her life, and she makes a bold bargain with Jack.
The pace moves along, and I read the book in one sitting. As a caregiver, I related strongly to Jack, his personal commitment, and how life can get very, very busy quickly when people depend on you. The story also dives into end-of-life topics: declining health, frailty, fear of death, the dying process, and grief. It’s written with heartfelt care and compassion, and it felt authentic based on my experiences with hospice. Jack has a heart of gold.
A delightful part of the story was reconnecting with the characters from the other books. There’s a lot of goodness happening here, and the series is a testament to the strength of family, and the power of kindness to transform lives. A highly recommended series to readers who enjoy uplifting stories about good people overcoming obstacles and choosing to make a difference.
August 13, 2025
“A Bold Bargain” is the third book in the Bargainer Series. I loved the first two books and was eager to read this one. Jack, who was a minor character in book two, had a tough childhood. Now grown up, he is working to protect animals, but his dream is to go to college. His past did not break him but made him into a kind, caring man whose first instinct is to rescue those who need help, whether a human or an animal. His first save is a dog drowning in the river, which ends up staying with Jack. Named Wolf after his mixed breed, this character becomes one of my favorites. What Wolf brought home touched my heart. When Jack finds an older woman who needs his help, he doesn’t hesitate. He finds not only her dog but also a friend. Their developing relationship is not only sweet, but what she offers him becomes the bargain. Although being the person he was without the bargain, he would have helped out. In this mix were a gold miner and his granddaughter, who added another layer that I fully enjoyed. The human connections and setting were amazing, but there was a dark side too, that included dangerous mink trappers, illness, and an abusive ex in the mix. Another great addition to the series that might be my favorite one. I can highly recommend this!
August 13, 2025
What a wonderful heartwarming book! I’ve followed this series from the start, and Jan Sikes really hit a home run with the concluding novel. Bold Bargain is a superb close for characters—old and new—I’ve come to love. There’s no need to read the previous installments (though I highly recommend it). This work stands on its own. It will alternately leave you reaching for Kleenex and prompting satisfied smiles. A true heart-tugger about everyday people from different walks of life who come together in unexpected ways. Sikes said it best in the book—“family didn’t always mean blood kin.”
The characters, from main to secondary, are fully fleshed out with distinct personalities. As an animal lover, I also enjoyed the inclusion of several four-legged companions, all of whom stole my heart, especially Wolf and his “baby.” I wanted to scoop up and hug “furball” Mitzi too. She was so loyal to her mistress!
The writing flows easily, the dialogue is spot on, and the 1950s setting resonates through vivid descriptions and earthy storytelling. This is Sikes at her best—laying out slices of life which bring both heartache and joy. If you want a feel-good novel with three dimensional characters and polished writing, look no further. One of my favorite reads of the year!
The characters, from main to secondary, are fully fleshed out with distinct personalities. As an animal lover, I also enjoyed the inclusion of several four-legged companions, all of whom stole my heart, especially Wolf and his “baby.” I wanted to scoop up and hug “furball” Mitzi too. She was so loyal to her mistress!
The writing flows easily, the dialogue is spot on, and the 1950s setting resonates through vivid descriptions and earthy storytelling. This is Sikes at her best—laying out slices of life which bring both heartache and joy. If you want a feel-good novel with three dimensional characters and polished writing, look no further. One of my favorite reads of the year!
August 21, 2025
Still only a teen, Jack Blaine has matured so with all he's been through--as a boy escaping a violet father, living in poverty, learning that blessings often come out of troubles. He makes a bold bargain that changes his his future, giving him options. Characters from an earlier book are included in this one, although it is satisfying as a stand-alone. But do yourself a favor and read all three. You'll enjoy watching Jack meet life head-on, but with such a kind heart.
December 30, 2025
A Bold Bargain follows Jack Blaine, an eighteen-year-old conservation agent in 1950s Missouri who keeps stumbling into danger, mystery, and unexpected connections. The story moves between tense encounters with poachers, the quiet bond between a boy and a half-wolf pup, and Jack’s growing involvement with vulnerable people near the Sac River. The book blends rugged outdoor life with soft moments of compassion, and it ties everything together with a thread of personal history that Jack can’t quite outrun.
Jack's mix of grit and gentleness lands with a real thump in the chest, and the writing makes his inner world feel close enough to touch. The scenes along the river pulled me in fast. The pacing shifts from calm to sharp in a blink, and that rhythm kept me turning pages even when I told myself I should stop. The dialogue feels natural, plain spoken, and warm. I liked how it brought out the heart of the community around him. No big speeches. Just people trying to make sense of life as it comes.
I also felt a tug of emotion watching how Jack steps into other people’s pain without hesitation. His encounters with Mrs. Fletcher and the French family hit me harder than I expected. The writing paints poverty, loneliness, and aging with a simple brush, and it still lands heavy. Nothing feels overplayed. I appreciated how the book lets kindness show up quietly, almost shyly. At the same time, I wanted just a touch more complexity in a few side characters. Still, the sincerity in the storytelling made me forgive that pretty quickly. I could tell the author cares deeply about these people and this place, and that care shines through.
A Bold Bargain is a book for readers who enjoy heartfelt stories set against open sky and rough country roads. If you like character-driven tales with danger, tenderness, and a little old-fashioned grit, this one will be perfect for you. In many ways, A Bold Bargain reminded me of Where the Crawdads Sing, because both stories mix raw nature, quiet resilience, and the fierce pull of human connection into something that stays with you.
Jack's mix of grit and gentleness lands with a real thump in the chest, and the writing makes his inner world feel close enough to touch. The scenes along the river pulled me in fast. The pacing shifts from calm to sharp in a blink, and that rhythm kept me turning pages even when I told myself I should stop. The dialogue feels natural, plain spoken, and warm. I liked how it brought out the heart of the community around him. No big speeches. Just people trying to make sense of life as it comes.
I also felt a tug of emotion watching how Jack steps into other people’s pain without hesitation. His encounters with Mrs. Fletcher and the French family hit me harder than I expected. The writing paints poverty, loneliness, and aging with a simple brush, and it still lands heavy. Nothing feels overplayed. I appreciated how the book lets kindness show up quietly, almost shyly. At the same time, I wanted just a touch more complexity in a few side characters. Still, the sincerity in the storytelling made me forgive that pretty quickly. I could tell the author cares deeply about these people and this place, and that care shines through.
A Bold Bargain is a book for readers who enjoy heartfelt stories set against open sky and rough country roads. If you like character-driven tales with danger, tenderness, and a little old-fashioned grit, this one will be perfect for you. In many ways, A Bold Bargain reminded me of Where the Crawdads Sing, because both stories mix raw nature, quiet resilience, and the fierce pull of human connection into something that stays with you.
October 3, 2025
“The year was 1950.” Hard to overlook that mid-century year stated in the first four words, but I did. As I read along, getting to know Jack Blaine, I wondered how an eighteen-year-old could be so adult. He had a responsible job and was already respected. He made mature decisions, putting the needs of others over his own. He talked to and cared about older people. He treated girls with respect.
Immediately, it seemed like it was from a different era. Fortunately, there were other context clues throughout the book, so it didn’t take me long to figure out the time period of the book.
Having lived with parents who were not much older than he was at that time, I saw their values reflected in him. Mom taught me to consider the needs of older people. She expected me to help without expecting anything in return. This young man picked up those cultural norms at the time, even if they were not explicitly taught in his home.
I struggled with the fact that someone whose mother had died when he was young, and he’d been left with an abusive alcoholic father, would not reflect that behavior a mere two years after his father’s death. He didn’t wallow in “poor me,” but just got busy. He wanted a better life, but he was determined to make the best of the life he had.
I wondered how a woman could make him such a bold bargain after barely meeting him. But he was kinder to her than anyone, with no reason to be so kind. At that point, I relaxed and began to fall in love with this impressive, gentle giant. I watched the bad guys fall all around him as though he were a bug zapper. I enjoyed how his life unfolded, one good deed after another.
I’d recommend this book for middle schoolers and older. It was an easy read that I couldn’t put down until I had finished it - another late nighter!
Immediately, it seemed like it was from a different era. Fortunately, there were other context clues throughout the book, so it didn’t take me long to figure out the time period of the book.
Having lived with parents who were not much older than he was at that time, I saw their values reflected in him. Mom taught me to consider the needs of older people. She expected me to help without expecting anything in return. This young man picked up those cultural norms at the time, even if they were not explicitly taught in his home.
I struggled with the fact that someone whose mother had died when he was young, and he’d been left with an abusive alcoholic father, would not reflect that behavior a mere two years after his father’s death. He didn’t wallow in “poor me,” but just got busy. He wanted a better life, but he was determined to make the best of the life he had.
I wondered how a woman could make him such a bold bargain after barely meeting him. But he was kinder to her than anyone, with no reason to be so kind. At that point, I relaxed and began to fall in love with this impressive, gentle giant. I watched the bad guys fall all around him as though he were a bug zapper. I enjoyed how his life unfolded, one good deed after another.
I’d recommend this book for middle schoolers and older. It was an easy read that I couldn’t put down until I had finished it - another late nighter!
September 11, 2025
Jack Blaine didn’t have an easy childhood – physical and emotional abuse, little to eat, the death of his mother. Despite that and now at age 18, he has a heart of gold. In this novel he saves a dog from drowning (which immediately makes him good people in my book), helps a family get back on their feet, and protects a woman from a dangerous domestic situation, among other good deeds. He rarely, if ever, puts himself first. After locating her lost dog, Jack also befriends an elderly woman and cares for her, something that will change the course of his life.
I was delighted characters from the previous two books dropped by, which allowed me to catch up with what’s happened in their lives. I’d halfway expected the loss of one character, but the confirmation of that death still saddened me. My favorite new character is the dog Jack saved from drowning. Wolf (Jack suspects he’s part wolf) stole my heart. He’s loyal to Jack and protects him and others in dangerous situations. Wolf also possesses a soft side and “adopts” an abandoned baby bobcat.
I experienced the gamut of emotions with this novel due to a happy reunion of old friends, a wedding engagement, family additions (both human and the four-legged kind), new friends, found family, and the sadness of death. I listened to the beautiful ending on the treadmill at the gym and nearly had to stop and get a tissue. I’ll miss these characters, and I’m willing to bribe the author if she’ll continue this series.
Highly recommended for readers who enjoy stories about characters overcoming odds, strong family bonds and found family, and heartwarming stories.
I was delighted characters from the previous two books dropped by, which allowed me to catch up with what’s happened in their lives. I’d halfway expected the loss of one character, but the confirmation of that death still saddened me. My favorite new character is the dog Jack saved from drowning. Wolf (Jack suspects he’s part wolf) stole my heart. He’s loyal to Jack and protects him and others in dangerous situations. Wolf also possesses a soft side and “adopts” an abandoned baby bobcat.
I experienced the gamut of emotions with this novel due to a happy reunion of old friends, a wedding engagement, family additions (both human and the four-legged kind), new friends, found family, and the sadness of death. I listened to the beautiful ending on the treadmill at the gym and nearly had to stop and get a tissue. I’ll miss these characters, and I’m willing to bribe the author if she’ll continue this series.
Highly recommended for readers who enjoy stories about characters overcoming odds, strong family bonds and found family, and heartwarming stories.
August 15, 2025
Jan Sikes' Bargainer series is a delightful story of a family that suffers mightily from dysfunction, injustices, and lack of assistance in solving serious family problems. The children are seemingly on a path to destruction until both parents die for different reasons leaving the children to find their own way to adulthood. While this sounds like one more horrendous setback for them, it becomes instead the start to fixing their problems. With the support of each other and well meaning friends they make a series of good decisions that are outlined in the Bargainer series. Each book deals with different children, this one, the oldest, Jack. While the rest of his siblings move on to live with a distant relative, Jack chooses to attend school through the kindness of a family they meet. He graduates, finds a job as a Missouri Conservationist Agent using his own organic skills of tenacity, hard work, and moral clarity. It is not permanent, but he hopes will give him time to find his next steps. As he tries to stop poachers, he befriends an old man panning for gold, finds an old lady's lost dog as she struggles to do it herself despite failing health, saves a wolf mix pup from drowning who turns out to be as smart as most people, and meets a girl he would love to get to know better if only she didn’t have a boyfriend. All of these begin to define who he wishes to be as an adult and we, the reader, get to go along as he does so.
Overall a delightful story of hard work, believing in oneself, and family. I award it a spirited 5/5
Overall a delightful story of hard work, believing in oneself, and family. I award it a spirited 5/5
October 18, 2025
This is the third book in the Bargainer Series and my personal favourite. I am really enjoying these uplifting stories filled with kindness. These books restore my faith in the goodness of humanity, and I appreciate that in our current world of endless bad news.
Jack made his entrance in book 2 as the younger brother of the main character, Rose. His strength of character and innate goodness were evident in that book and this one builds on the reader's previous interactions with this interesting young man. It is not necessary to read the earlier novels to appreciate this book, but it does help with a greater understanding of Jack's past and the childhood setbacks he has overcome to get where he is at the beginning of this book.
I was delighted to discover Jack working as a substitute conservationist and knocking heads with vicious poachers of wild animals. Jack's deep love of animals really resonates with me, and I was also thrilled at his adoption of first a young puppy (possibly part wolf), and then other creatures in need. Jack's willingness to help other in need leads to his meeting and assisting and elderly woman who is slowly going blind and suffering other effects of an illness and also, a young lady who is on her own mission to help her aging grandfather.
These threads of catching poachers, helping Mrs Fletcher, meeting Finley, and developing bonds with various animals, all weave together into a beautiful and uplifting story. This is a wonderful book to read in the lead up to the Christmas season or at any other time when your spirits need lifting.
Jack made his entrance in book 2 as the younger brother of the main character, Rose. His strength of character and innate goodness were evident in that book and this one builds on the reader's previous interactions with this interesting young man. It is not necessary to read the earlier novels to appreciate this book, but it does help with a greater understanding of Jack's past and the childhood setbacks he has overcome to get where he is at the beginning of this book.
I was delighted to discover Jack working as a substitute conservationist and knocking heads with vicious poachers of wild animals. Jack's deep love of animals really resonates with me, and I was also thrilled at his adoption of first a young puppy (possibly part wolf), and then other creatures in need. Jack's willingness to help other in need leads to his meeting and assisting and elderly woman who is slowly going blind and suffering other effects of an illness and also, a young lady who is on her own mission to help her aging grandfather.
These threads of catching poachers, helping Mrs Fletcher, meeting Finley, and developing bonds with various animals, all weave together into a beautiful and uplifting story. This is a wonderful book to read in the lead up to the Christmas season or at any other time when your spirits need lifting.
October 3, 2025
Just like the other two books I have read in The Bargainer Series, I felt like I was getting reacquainted with dear friends I had known all my life. Sikes has a talent for developing compelling characters who are relatable, lovable, and real. This story focuses on Jack Blaine, the youngest brother who we met in the previous books. Jack is an extremely loyal, compassionate, and determined young man who puts other people’s needs above his own. He is working part time as a Conservationist in Dade County, Missouri, a perfect occupation for this caring animal lover. Having escaped from poverty and an abusive childhood, Jack wants to help others by providing kindness, support, dignity, and the resources they need to thrive… he goes to great lengths to achieve it. When he meets Mrs. Fletcher, an elderly rich woman in failing health, his life changes in ways he never dreamed possible.
This is a heartwarming story that will stay with me for a long time. The vivid descriptions and dialogue are perfect for the times. It took me back to the 1950’s as a young child visiting my grandparents, when times were so much simpler in some ways, but much harder in others. I love how Sikes so beautifully weaves animals into her stories, giving them almost human qualities. Wolf and Mitzi are amazing characters on their own. This is a perfect slice of Americana. I will miss visiting and following the lives of these dear friends.
This is a heartwarming story that will stay with me for a long time. The vivid descriptions and dialogue are perfect for the times. It took me back to the 1950’s as a young child visiting my grandparents, when times were so much simpler in some ways, but much harder in others. I love how Sikes so beautifully weaves animals into her stories, giving them almost human qualities. Wolf and Mitzi are amazing characters on their own. This is a perfect slice of Americana. I will miss visiting and following the lives of these dear friends.
August 11, 2025
I’ve really enjoyed the first two books of this series, so when I saw a third installment, I couldn’t wait to read it.
I was not prepared.
This is a beautiful tale of the value of life in all its forms, at any (and every) part of our journey.
We’re treated to babies, teens, wedding engagements, adulthood, advanced age, and even death. We see long-lasting love, burgeoning love, tainted love, familial love, human love, and even a glimpse at a love that could have been. We learn the value of all life, whether it be person, animal, or even the flowers in the field. Every page shows how special is our world and how precious is all life. A tip of the hat to the author for this profound message.
This story follows Jack, who was a side character in an earlier work. We have the pleasure of visiting with friends and family from the other books in the series and also getting to know new characters who burrow into our hearts and take up residence there. Queenie shines, and Wolf steals the show on every page he graces.
This one really grabbed my heart. Maybe even bruised it a little before warming and strengthening it. Fans of this genre won’t want to put this down. I know I didn’t. I easily read it in one sitting. Highly recommend.
I was not prepared.
This is a beautiful tale of the value of life in all its forms, at any (and every) part of our journey.
We’re treated to babies, teens, wedding engagements, adulthood, advanced age, and even death. We see long-lasting love, burgeoning love, tainted love, familial love, human love, and even a glimpse at a love that could have been. We learn the value of all life, whether it be person, animal, or even the flowers in the field. Every page shows how special is our world and how precious is all life. A tip of the hat to the author for this profound message.
This story follows Jack, who was a side character in an earlier work. We have the pleasure of visiting with friends and family from the other books in the series and also getting to know new characters who burrow into our hearts and take up residence there. Queenie shines, and Wolf steals the show on every page he graces.
This one really grabbed my heart. Maybe even bruised it a little before warming and strengthening it. Fans of this genre won’t want to put this down. I know I didn’t. I easily read it in one sitting. Highly recommend.
December 22, 2025
I really enjoyed this lovely story of a young man striking a bargain with a dying woman.
Jack Blaine, the protagonist, loves to help others whenever and wherever he can. He isn’t perfect, and there’s no sugar-coating the reality of things such as turkeys and chickens pecking sick fowl to death and knowing that ‘People aren’t much different’, but his heart is in the right place and his goodness is appreciated by those who know him. In the beginning of the book, Jack risks his life to save a dog that is a crossbreed he calls Wolf. I loved Wolf and I’m sure the author must know and love dogs because every scene featuring him stole my heart.
The natural speech patterns in the book are excellent and ring true – ‘Might ought to put a splint on that leg’ for example’. There are also some memorable and well-written characters including the quirky, the good and the loathsome.
There’s danger in the story and a few light touches of the paranormal that add to the building tension of the tale.
I now realise that this is the third book in a trilogy and I recommend that you read the others in order. This book does read perfectly as a standalone, but I enjoyed it so much I now need to read the first two which form the background to the present one.
Jack Blaine, the protagonist, loves to help others whenever and wherever he can. He isn’t perfect, and there’s no sugar-coating the reality of things such as turkeys and chickens pecking sick fowl to death and knowing that ‘People aren’t much different’, but his heart is in the right place and his goodness is appreciated by those who know him. In the beginning of the book, Jack risks his life to save a dog that is a crossbreed he calls Wolf. I loved Wolf and I’m sure the author must know and love dogs because every scene featuring him stole my heart.
The natural speech patterns in the book are excellent and ring true – ‘Might ought to put a splint on that leg’ for example’. There are also some memorable and well-written characters including the quirky, the good and the loathsome.
There’s danger in the story and a few light touches of the paranormal that add to the building tension of the tale.
I now realise that this is the third book in a trilogy and I recommend that you read the others in order. This book does read perfectly as a standalone, but I enjoyed it so much I now need to read the first two which form the background to the present one.
August 11, 2025
Jack Blaine had a rough childhood—growing up in poverty, a mother who died when he was young, and a violent and abusive father. As a teenager, he lived with a young couple who began to show him what family was really like.
Now eighteen, Jack has a part-time job as a Missouri Conservationist. While searching for poachers, he meets Coralee Fletcher, an elderly woman whose little dog is missing. Jack can’t resist helping others, so he sets off in search of the wayward canine. He finds it in a trap, returns it to Mrs. Fletcher, and the two of them strike up a deep friendship. She makes a bargain with him that can change the course of his future.
Along the way, Jack meets a cast of characters—Ol’ Sandy Gray and his granddaughter, Finley. Naomi Jones and her two sons. Characters from the previous books in the series, Layken and Sara Beth Martin, Oliver Quinn, as well as Jack’s siblings, Rose and Harlan.
This book has a feel-good ending and is a reminder that despite the evil in this world, there are still a lot of good and caring people.
Now eighteen, Jack has a part-time job as a Missouri Conservationist. While searching for poachers, he meets Coralee Fletcher, an elderly woman whose little dog is missing. Jack can’t resist helping others, so he sets off in search of the wayward canine. He finds it in a trap, returns it to Mrs. Fletcher, and the two of them strike up a deep friendship. She makes a bargain with him that can change the course of his future.
Along the way, Jack meets a cast of characters—Ol’ Sandy Gray and his granddaughter, Finley. Naomi Jones and her two sons. Characters from the previous books in the series, Layken and Sara Beth Martin, Oliver Quinn, as well as Jack’s siblings, Rose and Harlan.
This book has a feel-good ending and is a reminder that despite the evil in this world, there are still a lot of good and caring people.
September 24, 2025
A Bold Bargain is much more than just a bargain. It is a heartwarming story of kindness and love. It highlights the loneliness of an old woman, Mrs. Fletcher, and the plight of Naomi, who is struggling to raise her two sons alone. Jack comes like an Angel into their lives. He knows what hunger is; he understands the importance of love, and is immediately pulled by the need to provide support. His sterling qualities unfold as the plot progresses.
The story flows at a steady pace, keeping you invested with new developments. A parallel plot of mink poachers adds an interesting angle to it. Sikes’ characters will win your heart, as they emit positive vibes, and have been crafted with great respect and tenderness, especially Wolf, Kitten, and Mitzi. There is an amazing relationship between Jack and his furry friends. Jack is just eighteen, but circumstances have molded him into a responsible and caring person.
Some delightful moments that bring joy into Queenie’s life won my heart, elevating this book above the average. The ending is extremely well-written. Highly recommended.
The story flows at a steady pace, keeping you invested with new developments. A parallel plot of mink poachers adds an interesting angle to it. Sikes’ characters will win your heart, as they emit positive vibes, and have been crafted with great respect and tenderness, especially Wolf, Kitten, and Mitzi. There is an amazing relationship between Jack and his furry friends. Jack is just eighteen, but circumstances have molded him into a responsible and caring person.
Some delightful moments that bring joy into Queenie’s life won my heart, elevating this book above the average. The ending is extremely well-written. Highly recommended.
December 19, 2025
An emotional and heartfelt read with strong characters that propel the story forward. The main character, Jack, had a rough upbringing and does all he can to be a better person by helping others including animals in need.
He rescues a wolf dog and a motherless bobcat along with an elderly woman. This woman is sick and in need of assistance which Jack readily provides.
As I read along and witnessed all the kindnesses that Jack exhibited toward others, it brought tears to my eyes.
The author created such a memorable and beautiful story that I didn’t want it to end.
He rescues a wolf dog and a motherless bobcat along with an elderly woman. This woman is sick and in need of assistance which Jack readily provides.
As I read along and witnessed all the kindnesses that Jack exhibited toward others, it brought tears to my eyes.
The author created such a memorable and beautiful story that I didn’t want it to end.
August 26, 2025
A Bold Bargain by Jan Sikes is the third book of The Bargainer Series. I have read and enjoyed them all. Each book has a theme. I think the primary theme in this one is how committing to acts of kindness and caring for others can bring unexpected growth to a person. In this story, Jack learns that lesson at the early age of eighteen.
In a Bold Bargain, good rises above evil as illegal poachers are caught and punished as one would want them to be. I enjoyed the character links back to the first two books and reading about how those characters have also survived and developed. This book, in fact the entire series, would make a great gift for a friend. -- Pat Spencer, author of Sticks in a Bundle (trilogy) and Golden Boxty in the Frypan.
In a Bold Bargain, good rises above evil as illegal poachers are caught and punished as one would want them to be. I enjoyed the character links back to the first two books and reading about how those characters have also survived and developed. This book, in fact the entire series, would make a great gift for a friend. -- Pat Spencer, author of Sticks in a Bundle (trilogy) and Golden Boxty in the Frypan.
September 11, 2025
In this heartwarming story, the author concludes The Bargainer Series on the hopeful themes of survival and innate goodness. Readers are brought into the lives of ordinary folks who choose kindness over self-interest, and as a result, their lives (and others) are transformed. Set in the 1950s, this is an insightful journey into the challenges of this period in U.S. history. I highly recommend reading A Bold Bargain!
June 29, 2025
This is my voluntary review of a copy I was given.
Wow, this story had a bit of suspense, a bit of action, and an emotional punch.
Jack is genuinely kind and caring and those traits lead him to meet kind and caring people that change his life for the better.
Wow, this story had a bit of suspense, a bit of action, and an emotional punch.
Jack is genuinely kind and caring and those traits lead him to meet kind and caring people that change his life for the better.
August 20, 2025
I absolutely LOVED this story! Jack is such a great character and his story deeply touched me. His thirst for knowledge is gripping. He yearns to go to college and learn but a bargain made with an old woman contains more lessons than he ever thought possible. This is a gentle story about one man's struggle to overcome immense odds. It's a great finish to an awesome series.
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