Meetings with Jake and Joe

by Roger W. Buenger

Love and Tragedy. Loyalty and Betrayal.In the end, there is only Truth.Beautifully imagined, Meetings with Jake and Joe is a poignant tale of loss, betrayal, and redemption. Set in 1997, Henry Engel lives alone on an estate near the sleepy rural town of Lewis, MO. His is a seemingly simpler world not dominated by smart phones, technology, or social media. He is a good and decent man; a patriot and philanthropist. He is well-liked and greatly respected within the community. However, Henry’s emotional walls allow no one to get close to him. The events of his life and his own subsequent decisions have created a solitary existence very much of his choosing. Henry is quite happy, but blissfully oblivious to the intimacy and richest parts of humanity he is forgoing.A stray Siamese cat’s mysterious appearance on the estate, and Henry’s inability to dispatch it, set in motion events and flashbacks from Henry’s life that captivate and entertain. In a surprising conclusion, salvation is had by some and denied to others.Well-crafted and vividly told, Meetings with Jake and Joe is a complex and delightful story full of twists, turns, and surprises that leave the reader wanting more.

294 pages, Paperback

First published May 3, 2014

About the author

My Story - http://www.rogerwbuenger.com/my-story...

Reviews

[Lct · Rating 5 out of 5]

I like good stories that capture my heart but necessarily for romantic reasons. This is a great, fast read because you get caught up in the characters and unfolding plot line and you want to know what happens next. I like when characters are able to face the past and realize that hope and healing can still occur in life when we are open to it. I felt good at the end of this book and I don't get that very often from my book club recommended books and yet I still felt like I had read something of substance that had me thinking and feeling. I hope you will get to know Henry for yourself and the town of Lewis. You might be surprised at how much the characters remind you of someone you know and you might be surprised at how much you care about what happens at the end. I plan to read this one again.

[Martha · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. It might be because of my age, being retired and growing up in a small town, I'm not sure, but I think they all had a lot to do with it. It's a simple story that opens up slowly, but it pulled me in from the beginning. I enjoyed the rural setting and through the authors eyes and descriptive words I felt like I was there. There are few characters in the book so I also felt that I got to know them better. At first I thought that the main character Henry was sad and depressed, but then I slowly came to realize that he was guarded and had been hurt in the past and was shielding himself from any further heartache. He has a housekeeper Millie that keeps his house in tip top shape and sees that he's well fed. She also truly cares about him and worries about his seclusion. It's actually a love story of sorts that slowly is revealed in bits and pieces as the book progresses and we get glimpses into his past. The ending is a slow coming to terms with people in his past that shaped him into who he is today. He is also enlightened by things that he misunderstood and took the wrong way which changed his relationships with people through the course of his lifetime. My highest compliments go to Mr. Buenger for such a wonderful book.

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet story!

[Kim · Rating 2 out of 5]

Long and drawn out. Not much happens. Very descriptive. Boring

[Lenora J Hutson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Siamese cats and the relationship between Henry and Joe is wonderful . Having a cat to talk to about your thoughts without any judgement is very helpful and therapeutic.

Well written and thought provoking. Shows no one is perfect and can survive alone. We all need a true friend.

[Laura · Rating 2 out of 5]

Very disappointing. I had high hopes for this book, but alas. The only reason I kept reading it at all was the main character reminded me a little of my dad. VERY little.

The characters stayed on the page - never really engaged me the way I really hope a book will. Then the author just stopped writing. I turned the page for the next paragraph or chapter, and that was it!!

Probably won't read anything else by this author - just not my style.

[beth walker · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this story. It brings to your heart forgiveness to self for your past mistakes. Allowing you to move forward and to live a life worth living.

I loved the his story. It brings to your heart forgiveness to self for your past mistakes allowing you to move forward and live a life worth living.

[Katrina · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was very descriptive in the day to day activities of the characters, but was very long and drawn out. I was three quarters of the way through the book before the real story started to develop.

[Nancy Wilcox · Rating 4 out of 5]

Surprised in the end.

I would have given five stars if the beginning wasn't so slow. It was so beautifully written I decided to read on and I am glad I did. I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys a vivid journey and a few life's lessons along the way.

[Becky · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book because it was a down to earth, relaxing book to read. It was not a sit on the edge of your chair book. It was just plain enjoyment!

[Paula Parsons · Rating 5 out of 5]

Different concept

I really enjoyed this book. Main character was well thought out. It wasn't a fast paced story, but well worth the time.

[Roland Brawner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Charming

This is such a sweet book. Life is full of twists and turns, tragedy and hope. Sometimes the unconditional love of a cat named Joe can change a life. I loved this book.

[Betsy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unreal how much I can relate to this character. Such a well written book with just the right amount of everything. I am anxious to start the sequel.

[Pinkie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this story. Characters, setting, very real sentiments expressed and understood.