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The Jersey: A Story of Loss and Redemption
Dan West wonders which is more important to him: Helping his long-time friend win back his business after being accused of stealing money from the company or coaching his eleven-year-old son’s soccer team trying to win an improbable championship.
Money and prestige don’t motivate Dan. Rather, family, work and coaching soccer are the underpinnings of his life. He revels in the simple joys like hanging out with his wife Jill, mentoring a young lawyer at his firm and watching the boys connect on three passes before drilling the ball into the back of the net.
Dan always knew to keep it steady—not to get too high or he might get knocked off of his perch. And he did, until he, and the boys’ soccer team, achieved unimagined success. Before he can grasp how good he has it, tragedy rips a hole in his family.
James Rosenberg, author of the bestseller Legal Reserves, strikes a new chord in his exploration of what makes a life and how to put it back together after it is shattered.
The Jersey is a beautifully written, profoundly touching, and relatable story of love, loss and the redemptive power of a group of motivated eleven-year-old kids.
Money and prestige don’t motivate Dan. Rather, family, work and coaching soccer are the underpinnings of his life. He revels in the simple joys like hanging out with his wife Jill, mentoring a young lawyer at his firm and watching the boys connect on three passes before drilling the ball into the back of the net.
Dan always knew to keep it steady—not to get too high or he might get knocked off of his perch. And he did, until he, and the boys’ soccer team, achieved unimagined success. Before he can grasp how good he has it, tragedy rips a hole in his family.
James Rosenberg, author of the bestseller Legal Reserves, strikes a new chord in his exploration of what makes a life and how to put it back together after it is shattered.
The Jersey is a beautifully written, profoundly touching, and relatable story of love, loss and the redemptive power of a group of motivated eleven-year-old kids.
- GenresLiterary Fiction
332 pages, Paperback
First published November 7, 2019
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
November 2, 2019
The Review
This was a beautifully written, powerful and emotional read. A steady read that draws readers into the life of protagonist Dan, readers are left reeling as much as Dan himself after the tragic event that tears his family apart. The author does an excellent job of showcasing a detailed backstory and delving fully into Dan’s career as an attorney with a healthy balance of family life leading up to the tragedy.
What really is captured is the raw pain that comes with tragic events and loss of any kind. The author delves into the grieving process and challenges the reader to find a way to overcome that grief, vowing to live life in the face of great tragedy and heartbreak. This is a story that is fueled by powerful character development that readers can instantly connect to and most readers will be hard pressed not to have a tear in their eye as the story progresses.
The Verdict
Emotional, heartbreaking and real, author James F. Rosenberg has written another smash hit that is engaging and evenly paced throughout the entirety of the novel. Showcasing the painful process of loss and grief and searching for a way to overcome them both, the author does an amazing job of creating a protagonist and narrative that readers can engage with and care for greatly. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy of “The Jersey” by James F. Rosenberg today!
This was a beautifully written, powerful and emotional read. A steady read that draws readers into the life of protagonist Dan, readers are left reeling as much as Dan himself after the tragic event that tears his family apart. The author does an excellent job of showcasing a detailed backstory and delving fully into Dan’s career as an attorney with a healthy balance of family life leading up to the tragedy.
What really is captured is the raw pain that comes with tragic events and loss of any kind. The author delves into the grieving process and challenges the reader to find a way to overcome that grief, vowing to live life in the face of great tragedy and heartbreak. This is a story that is fueled by powerful character development that readers can instantly connect to and most readers will be hard pressed not to have a tear in their eye as the story progresses.
The Verdict
Emotional, heartbreaking and real, author James F. Rosenberg has written another smash hit that is engaging and evenly paced throughout the entirety of the novel. Showcasing the painful process of loss and grief and searching for a way to overcome them both, the author does an amazing job of creating a protagonist and narrative that readers can engage with and care for greatly. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy of “The Jersey” by James F. Rosenberg today!
May 17, 2026
I picked this book up yesterday at an event where the author was leading the discussion with another author about his new release. I learned Mr. Rosenberg is a local author so I wanted to support him by purchasing a book. Then I had a lovely conversation with him so I was excited to start this book. I immediately got caught up in the story. I became invested in the characters and couldn’t wait to learn more about them and what they were going to do next. Without spoilers, I got to a point where I was so upset about the story that I wanted to send an angry email to the author! I got lost in what was happening and that is because his writing style is easy to follow. Even going back and forth in time, I didn’t get confused or struggle to see what was happening. The story brought me to a point where I could tell something would be happening but I didn’t expect that. I will definitely read more by this author and recommend his books to others!
January 24, 2020
The Jersey tells a beautiful story, packed with emotion, humour, fun, and oodles of poignant moments.
The story surprised me, though I'm not sure what I was expecting. Much of the story centred around a reluctant Dan coaching his son's soccer team, seeing the boys bond and grow together in confidence and ability. I doubt Dan realised how rewarding the job would be, and spending quality time with his boy made it all extra special.
What I loved about this story was the way the author effortlessly moved from family time to Dan's working life. As an absolute sucker for a courtroom drama, the case Dan and his colleague were working on was right up my street. Defending not only the business but also the reputation and honour of a dear family friend, the case held my attention all the way and I was rooting for them every step. The author even managed to make those scenes emotional.
Without spoiling the story for new readers, what happened to Dan and his family was heartbreaking, and his recovery was understandably slow. But ... *** reader warning - keep tissues close by *** ... that ending was so touching, so heartfelt and so absolutely gorgeous that even the stoniest heart will melt.
This was a story that I looked forward to listening to, and each time I had to break away, I always returned with renewed interest. The storytelling drifted through various timelines with ease. The narrator brought the whole thing to life - although, I have to admit his "11 year-old boy shriek" was a force to be reckoned with (*shudders*)
A recommended book - whether on the page, but especially in the audio version - to fans of solid family dramas who aren't afraid to cry ;)
I received this audiobook as part of my participation in a blog tour with Audiobookworm Promotions. The tour is being sponsored by James Rosenberg. The gifting of this audiobook did not affect my opinion of it.
The story surprised me, though I'm not sure what I was expecting. Much of the story centred around a reluctant Dan coaching his son's soccer team, seeing the boys bond and grow together in confidence and ability. I doubt Dan realised how rewarding the job would be, and spending quality time with his boy made it all extra special.
What I loved about this story was the way the author effortlessly moved from family time to Dan's working life. As an absolute sucker for a courtroom drama, the case Dan and his colleague were working on was right up my street. Defending not only the business but also the reputation and honour of a dear family friend, the case held my attention all the way and I was rooting for them every step. The author even managed to make those scenes emotional.
Without spoiling the story for new readers, what happened to Dan and his family was heartbreaking, and his recovery was understandably slow. But ... *** reader warning - keep tissues close by *** ... that ending was so touching, so heartfelt and so absolutely gorgeous that even the stoniest heart will melt.
This was a story that I looked forward to listening to, and each time I had to break away, I always returned with renewed interest. The storytelling drifted through various timelines with ease. The narrator brought the whole thing to life - although, I have to admit his "11 year-old boy shriek" was a force to be reckoned with (*shudders*)
A recommended book - whether on the page, but especially in the audio version - to fans of solid family dramas who aren't afraid to cry ;)
I received this audiobook as part of my participation in a blog tour with Audiobookworm Promotions. The tour is being sponsored by James Rosenberg. The gifting of this audiobook did not affect my opinion of it.
January 24, 2020
Both heartwarming and heartbreaking, The Jersey is one man’s emotional journey through life’s joyous highs and tragic lows.
Dan West is an ordinary guy determined to be an honest, ethical attorney, a loving, supportive husband, and a nurturing father. Sometimes he succeeds, sometimes he falls short, but each day is another opportunity to try again.
When his son’s luckless hockey team needs a new coach, Dan reluctantly steps up, hopeful he can at least teach the boys a few life skills even if they never win a game. But as Fate doubles down on Dan, it’s the team of eleven-year-olds who teach Dan tragedies are only the end if you allow them to be.
Told entirely from Dan’s POV, the solid, skillful narration of The Jersey delivers male vulnerability all too often grazed over in contemporary literature, and uses it as a strength.
As Dan recounts the events of his life that brought him to the present moment, there were a few times his flashback went too far off-center of the story for me and took me out of the moment, but I enjoyed this family saga about not only what happens in life while we’re living it but also sometimes children have the answers… if we take the time to listen.
Enjoy!
Dan West is an ordinary guy determined to be an honest, ethical attorney, a loving, supportive husband, and a nurturing father. Sometimes he succeeds, sometimes he falls short, but each day is another opportunity to try again.
When his son’s luckless hockey team needs a new coach, Dan reluctantly steps up, hopeful he can at least teach the boys a few life skills even if they never win a game. But as Fate doubles down on Dan, it’s the team of eleven-year-olds who teach Dan tragedies are only the end if you allow them to be.
Told entirely from Dan’s POV, the solid, skillful narration of The Jersey delivers male vulnerability all too often grazed over in contemporary literature, and uses it as a strength.
As Dan recounts the events of his life that brought him to the present moment, there were a few times his flashback went too far off-center of the story for me and took me out of the moment, but I enjoyed this family saga about not only what happens in life while we’re living it but also sometimes children have the answers… if we take the time to listen.
Enjoy!
November 20, 2019
This story centers around Charley and his soccer team. Charley's dad, Dan, gets wrangled into coaching the soccer team, all the while continuing to practice law, working on a case where his friend, Arthur, is accused of stealing money from his own company. The "twist" I was expecting was Arthur admitting he stole the money when the case settled. Boy, was I ever wrong! The twist is something entirely different.
Read the book to find out!
Read the book to find out!
November 18, 2019
The Jersey is an engrossing, delightful and heartbreaking glimpse into the life of a modern American family man. With characters, living, breathing and universally human, Rosenberg captures the feel, the complexity, and the meaning of real life, true love and community; the glory of youth sports and the ongoing, universal struggle for justice. Absorbing from start to finish.
November 25, 2019
Really enjoyed this book very much and I think readers will be able to relate to a couple of the story lines as I did. The author has an excellent story telling capacity which makes both of his books not only very easy to read but entertaining while keeping the reader guessing. The author was also not afraid to take some risks in this book which led to a wide range of emotions.
January 27, 2020
Really enjoyed this book very much and I think readers will be able to relate to a couple of the story lines as I did. The author has an excellent story telling capacity which makes both of his books not only very easy to read but entertaining while keeping the reader guessing. The author was also not afraid to take some risks in this book which led to a wide range of emotions.
January 19, 2023
Good
This is my first read of any work by James Rosenberg and when I read the blurb, I was hesitant about even reading it. But I can't tell you how glad I am that I did. This author brought you in, invested you in this team and family, and helped you feel what all the characters felt. It was an amazing trip.
This is my first read of any work by James Rosenberg and when I read the blurb, I was hesitant about even reading it. But I can't tell you how glad I am that I did. This author brought you in, invested you in this team and family, and helped you feel what all the characters felt. It was an amazing trip.
December 24, 2019
Loved this book. From start to finish. Wonderful balance of legal drama and every day family life. Extreme emotion with words that tear at heartstrings. A very enjoyable work of fiction with real characters.
December 16, 2019
The Jersey
This is an emotional story that continues to build throughout the book. You will witness the great love of one man.
This is an emotional story that continues to build throughout the book. You will witness the great love of one man.
January 23, 2025
Not what I expected
This book was a real feel good book. The court cases were excellent and the family drama was heart warming.
This book was a real feel good book. The court cases were excellent and the family drama was heart warming.
March 21, 2024
Great Book
I very much enjoyed this book. There was a good portion about law but I really enjoyed the human and family interaction.
I very much enjoyed this book. There was a good portion about law but I really enjoyed the human and family interaction.
June 29, 2025
great read
Not a type of book I would normally look to read. However I found myself enjoying it the more I read. I’ll raise my book reading level to other books like this one.
Not a type of book I would normally look to read. However I found myself enjoying it the more I read. I’ll raise my book reading level to other books like this one.
January 17, 2020
James F Rosenberg has written a beautiful story with The Jersey. I have to admit, I was not sure what to expect with this one. When I was about a third of the way through, I realized I just could not stop listening to the audio version of it. The combination of the author’s writing and the superb performance of Brian Avers’s narration, brought on numerous emotions from me. I found parts of it that just warmed my heart and others that just tore me to pieces and had to grab the tissues. What a wonderful read.
I highly recommend The Jersey for all readers. I loved it and would have given it one hundred stars if I could.
I received the audio version of this book from the publisher. This review is 100% my own honest opinion.
I highly recommend The Jersey for all readers. I loved it and would have given it one hundred stars if I could.
I received the audio version of this book from the publisher. This review is 100% my own honest opinion.
April 29, 2024
The Jersey-Best Book Ever!
Reading this book started out as an interesting courtroom drama.It soon evolved into a wonder myriad of life experiences.There’s inter generational relationships, romance and children stories all woven into a remarkable context.Throw in some family life and sport , the book reads like a movie theme of the Notebook meets Bend it Like Beckham.
Take the time to savour this book , you’ll love ♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️it too!
Reading this book started out as an interesting courtroom drama.It soon evolved into a wonder myriad of life experiences.There’s inter generational relationships, romance and children stories all woven into a remarkable context.Throw in some family life and sport , the book reads like a movie theme of the Notebook meets Bend it Like Beckham.
Take the time to savour this book , you’ll love ♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️it too!
August 22, 2024
Another incredible novel by James Rosenberg. I have now read all 4 of his books and each one is special.
The Jersey deals with a trial with Dan and Jana as lawyers and a family with Dan and Jill and their soccer playing son Charley. I didn’t want it to end. James Rosenberg, hurry and write some more books. I’ll be patiently waiting
The Jersey deals with a trial with Dan and Jana as lawyers and a family with Dan and Jill and their soccer playing son Charley. I didn’t want it to end. James Rosenberg, hurry and write some more books. I’ll be patiently waiting
November 20, 2019
This slice-of-life story felt familiar and real. The trials and tribulations of parenting and coaching youth sports, combined with the love story between two of the main characters while they balanced family life and professional life were spot on. I really enjoyed this book.
January 24, 2020
The book was super good, I actually got through it in a couple of days because it was hard to put down.
September 3, 2025
This was my first time reading a work by James Rosenberg, and I was truly impressed by the storyline and characters. The book weaves together elements of law, family life, and even soccer games in a way that feels very real. The loss of Dan’s wife and son in a tragic car accident is heartbreaking, and the depiction of his grief, along with that of his family and friends, is deeply moving. The ending is powerful, offering a sense of healing and Dan’s return to a new sense of normalcy. A touching and well crafted read that I highly recommend.
October 19, 2022
A heartwarming story
The book was a little heavier than I expected it to be and it seemed to flag a little about halfway through but I'm very glad that I ended up reading the whole thing. A sweetheart warming story.
The book was a little heavier than I expected it to be and it seemed to flag a little about halfway through but I'm very glad that I ended up reading the whole thing. A sweetheart warming story.
April 9, 2024
Seemingly long book
This book was not what I was expecting just personal taste
I like more courtroom and investigation, this book is good for someone recovering from catastrophe as your life was and how to get back to it
This book was not what I was expecting just personal taste
I like more courtroom and investigation, this book is good for someone recovering from catastrophe as your life was and how to get back to it
August 7, 2024
Had to go with 4 stars instead of 5 due to erroneous scoring in baseball. Charly hits a ball back to the pitcher who throws out the base runner at 2nd and Charly is safe at 1st, NOT A HIT it's Fielders Choice. Also didn't care about all the flashbacks tot he past.
December 28, 2024
What Is This Book Supposed to be About?
I like the original story line but the author wove (IMO), too much non-stop y stuff that just drones on way more than the story could have been. More story, less other stuff.
I like the original story line but the author wove (IMO), too much non-stop y stuff that just drones on way more than the story could have been. More story, less other stuff.
August 6, 2026
Stupidest book I have ever read
Absolute absolute crap absolute crap totally out with the previous stories of this writer. Not good .Crap. Crap. Crap. Who wants to read drivel about football on an unending monologue.
Sorry not my story
Absolute absolute crap absolute crap totally out with the previous stories of this writer. Not good .Crap. Crap. Crap. Who wants to read drivel about football on an unending monologue.
Sorry not my story
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews