Natchez, Mississippi. 1843... At the age of 22, Jenny has lived a lifetime of experiences. She was a child kidnapped into slavery, and then freed. She’s been married and widowed, and she’s become a mother. But when an ambitious sheriff comes after her for an old crime, she flees the safety of her home at the Natchez estate known as Carefree and plunges headlong into dangers greater than any she has faced before. At 34, Cornelius Carson is wealthy, an important man in Natchez. He has inherited Carefree, and he lives there with his wife Euphonia, his small son Thomas, and his ward, a young Irish girl named May. A man of principle, he has freed all his slaves, and the former slaves live in the Dependency behind the big house at Carefree. But events are already in motion that will upend the lives of everyone at Carefree, none more so than the lives of Cornelius himself and his freed slave Jenny. In the months and years to follow, everyone at Carefree will be buffeted by the hurricane winds of change that blow through the estate. Some will find love, some will find wisdom -- and Jenny will face struggles she can't foresee as she matures into a woman wise beyond her years.
This third book in the series was a disappointment. Way too much backstory. The author jumped around more than I like, leaving plot threads incomplete. Cornelius was a bit unbelievable. There was no emotion shown for his wife's betrayal. I did like the ghosts in the attic, but would have like to have seen them developed a bit more. I did like the ending.
The final book in the Jenny series. Jenny is now a widow and mother of a little girl. She finally has memories of her life in Africa and how she and her brother Kofe, were kidnapped. Jenny might have her "freeing papers", but they are disregarded by slavers out to make money. There are many more slave years, with ups and downs, and for Jenny to face. I will miss her. "Natchez, Mississippi. 1843... At the age of 22, Jenny has lived a lifetime of experiences. She was a child kidnapped into slavery, and then freed. She’s been married and widowed, and she’s become a mother. But when an ambitious sheriff comes after her for an old crime, she flees the safety of her home at the Natchez estate known as Carefree and plunges headlong into dangers greater than any she has faced before. At 34, Cornelius Carson is wealthy, an important man in Natchez. He has inherited Carefree, and he lives there with his wife Euphonia, his small son Thomas, and his ward, a young Irish girl named May. A man of principle, he has freed all his slaves, and the former slaves live in the Dependency behind the big house at Carefree. But events are already in motion that will upend the lives of everyone at Carefree, none more so than the lives of Cornelius himself and his freed slave Jenny. In the months and years to follow, everyone at Carefree will be buffeted by the hurricane winds of change that blow through the estate. Some will find love, some will find wisdom -- and Jenny will face struggles she can't foresee as she matures into a woman wise beyond her years." synopsis copied
I only completed this book because it’s number three in a series. I hate getting stuck into a series. The first one, spinning, Jenny, was OK. I felt like there was really no need to have a sequel. They are completely different stories, just with the same characters and added new characters with each book. I feel like if I had read reviews on the first book, I probably would not have started it. However, I feel like I am vested in it now since there are four books to complete. I did feel that this one, number three, was really unnecessary. I feel like it doesn’t really tell the story of Jenny. And, I could really do without the ghosts’ input. All of it seemed unnecessary to the stories. I’m sure I will read the last one, just because I hate to leave a series unfinished, even when it is not enjoyable.
The author is a very good writer but her books always end like there will be another chapter. As a reader please just state “read the trilogy”. The worst part is almost half the book is taken up with retelling the other books so the reader is in the loop. That feels like lack of effort to me. Just write an entirely new book even if the main characters remain and keep their history brief. It felt like I had to re-read the same story three times to get to the end of the trilogy. The book at least ended on a nearly high note even though it was unrealistic. I hate sounding negative but I value honest reviews. I would try to read the author’s work again as long as it’s not a constant re-write.
Good read. I really enjoyed the series. Although it seems that Cornelius was a little too good to be true. It doesn't say whether he forgives Phony although he lets her name the baby John . She doesn't seem too ashamed . The books are named after Jenny but she is not the main character. Thought the descriptions of the explosion were very interesting. I hope this is not the end.
This is the final book in the Spinning Jenny series. It didn’t grab me like the first two books. I thought some of it was actually silly. I won’t mention that part off the story because I might spoil the plot for some readers. The first two books were wonderful. I felt like Jenny’s Dreams was grasping to keep the story going. Jenny’s story should have been wrapped up in book two.
I enjoyed Spinning Jenny more since, as a first novel, every move was a surprise. In Jenny's Dreams, I found the action more predictable. I still enjoyed it, but wished the plot was more built up since that you have two people as fugitives who live only a two away from the jail. Now, I proceed to Jenny's Dreams.
I loved the first 2 books, but the third and last book in this series was disappointing. It seemed rushed and included elements that could easily been left out, like May's boat business. Also the brief mentions of ghosts in the attic could have be left out or developed fully. I was glad for Jenny and Walker in the end. That was a surprise.
I was a little disappointed in the last book for reasons I won’t give exact detailsbut to say there was section s that did not seem completed it just jumped into another issue and not resolved some questions, mostly about Jack John,Phoney and Cornelius . Many things were great issues like Ester kids but unresolved except for one
Another entertaining book. But I feel I missed something....the "Show Boat" that could have. Been ALL Novel in itself.....what a story that could have been Thank again Mrs. McLain for sharing your talents with the rest of us 🐼
Jenny and all her family and friends have so many exciting experiences. I’m sad the books ended but it seems everyone is living their dream and that’s a truly good thing.
Many changes to everyone's lives. You'll enjoy catching up on what's happening.
Th Cornelius and Sophony? You won't believe all the changes in Jenny's life as well as Cornelius' life! If you're superstitious you'll love what's in the attic.
This is an excellent series. Sylvia McLain is a masterful storyteller. She created stories which brought tears to my eyes, sorrow to my heart, yet laughter too. I highly recommend these “Jenny” books.
I enjoyed reading this series so much. I really like the adventures that she took us on with each of the characters. It was very entertaining. I am sad that it had to end! I immediately found the author's new book "What Margot Saw" as soon as I finished reading the Spinning Jenny Series.
I found it hard to put this book down. it's even better than the first one in the series. Lots of twists and turns. Great character development. Unlike other series of the same genre these books are not repetitive with the plots. highly recommend.
Sometimes a threequel can fall short,but this one certainly did not! The previous characters draw even closer to the heart while new ones are a welcomed addition to the story.Its a laugh and a cry away from our history and this author nailed it.
This book was all over the place. Ghosts show up midway thru the book. The first so books were. Dry good, this one not so much. Very hard to follow the story line
Excellent series. But that Jenny is an airhead that makes bad decisions keeping herself in trouble with slavers. Police And her friends who care for her.
I really loved the first book in the series, and enjoyed the second, but Jenny's Dreams had several dropped plot threads, an ending that seemed inane and slapped together, and may have read one of the most badly written lines in the history of literature: "It might even be more hilly than Alexandria, his hometown, which he just left a week ago, and they certainly have hills there, gently mounding hills like soft breasts, covered with pines." No matter how hard I try I just can't picture my cleavage covered in pine trees!