Jane's Harmony: A Novel

By: Ryan Winfield

Narrated by: Emily Beresford

Length: 10 hrs and 2 mins

Publisher's summary

From the New York Times best-selling author of Jane's Melody comes the next chapter in Jane and Caleb's breathtaking love story.

Starting over is hard to do.That's what 40-year-old Jane McKinney learns when she quits her job, sells her home, and leaves Seattle behind to start a new life and pursue the man she loves in Austin.

After the death of her daughter, Melody, Jane never thought she would find happiness again - until she met Caleb Cummings. Sensitive, loving, and mature beyond his years, Caleb is a handsome young musician struggling to make ends meet. But when his fortunes take an unexpected and drastic turn for the better, Jane is left wondering where exactly she fits in.

Can you ever leave the past behind? Jane must now decide if she really is willing to commit to a new beginning with Caleb, or if some wounds are just too deep to ever truly mend.

©2014 Ryan Winfield (P)2014 Ryan Winfield

Love is the Answer

Jane and Caleb are such wonderful characters. I thoroughly enjoyed the continuation of their story~as in the first book, I laughed (example: Dr. Oz) and I cried. Such a sweet love story, great narration, and a satisfying ending. Hoping there will be more books in this series.

Audiobook provided for an honest review.

Love wins

I enjoyed this book - it is an ideal love story. Jane encourages Caleb to pursue the opportunity of a lifetime. this pursuit leads to loneliness, frustration, and sacrifice on both parts. Caleb struggles with being away from her and Jane has her own demons. Great read.

Music to my ears

If you could sum up Jane's Harmony: A Novel in three words, what would they be?

very predictable woman,

What was one of the most memorable moments of Jane's Harmony: A Novel?

Spoiler ALERT




when she found out she was with child and fearful of not losing another Meldoy, and questioning her Mother skills

Have you listened to any of Emily Beresford’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

No , i will look forward to hearing (listening to her again) she brought drama to area when needed and tones very well on! her narration was very on!

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

I did on a quite Saturday while sewing I placed it on and shut off all Tv's radios and sat sewing for hours then as night approached I placed head set on,

Any additional comments?

I loved how RW brought a ending and possible door to open for a 3 rd book based on his music career, it was a wonderful concept having the clever book names , just a wonder read! or listen

A Must Listen to!!!

What did you love best about Jane's Harmony: A Novel?

The continued love story between Jane and Caleb.

What did you like best about this story?

The humor that never ends in this book. Jane is the funniest gal and she doesn't disappoint in this book. Caleb is an old soul and the love he feels for Jane oozes out in this story. It's sweet and fills your heart.

Which character – as performed by Emily Beresford – was your favorite?

Jane of course is my favorite. She had me laughing so hard, she had crying and she had my heart filled with love. She thinks she's weak but she's very strong.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Several Jane letting Caleb follow his dream, phone sex and shawn (whom I loved) walking in on Caleb (laughed till I cried) the bed breaking , the record studio, the new house and the baby GIRL!! Harmony Grace Cummings!! Mrs. Hawthornes gift, and I cried like a baby at the wedding. Loved Harmony walking Jane down the isle. As you can tell I adored this book.

Any additional comments?

Ryan Winfield is one of my favorite authors. I love all of his books especially this series.

4.5 stars! More Caleb! Happy with the sequel.

If you could sum up Jane's Harmony: A Novel in three words, what would they be?

Funny, quirky, romantic

What did you like best about this story?

I liked how it ended best. I liked the decisions that were made separately by Caleb and Jane. The outcome of which worked out well.

Which character – as performed by Emily Beresford – was your favorite?

I liked her rendition of Jane the best. Overall, she was easy to listen to, which added to my enjoyment of this story.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

I laughed at some of the incidents that occurred at Singer/Songwriter/Superstar reality TV show. It was believable and humorous. Also with Jane's new job...

Any additional comments?

4.5 stars! Jane's Melody captivated me; this one took me home. Jane's decision to go to Austin at the end of Jane's Melody left her unemployed and homeless. I love how the author got her to end up where Caleb began. In this one, Caleb gets to chase his dream of becoming a singer/songwriter. I loved the reality show and the description of the contestants and the 'behind-the-scenes' action. There is much manipulation to attract viewers, which is not too surprising. An interesting bunch of characters populate this story.

Jane is having to find herself and to support herself, while he is away. I wasn't sure how I felt about this turn of events. The job was not one I'd ever like to have! But it also showed the level of commitment between them. Caleb matured and was worth Jane's faith in him. This has romance, decisions, and consequences.

And then there was that unexpected twist, and Jane's decision about it. I was scared and worried. I loved how Caleb put his personal life first. Caleb is still one of my favorite book boyfriends. I love that he isn't the alpha male, but strong enough to be himself and to give Jane enough room to discover herself.

My only complaint (and reason for 4.5, not 5 stars) is that I would have liked just a bit more with Caleb and Jane together. This was almost as good as Jane's Melody.

And then I enjoyed the ending. Perfect! I enjoyed this so much I bought the audio book!

As good as the first

This book works as a stand alone story of Jane and Caleb but even better as the continuance of their love story. So realistic, I laughed and I cried. To me a good book tells the whole story and yet leaves you wanting more. This one could go on forever.

suspenseful

i love this book couldn't get enough of it. It's very suspenseful, exciting, painful, wonderful

Beautiful

What made the experience of listening to Jane's Harmony: A Novel the most enjoyable?

So loving.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Caleb. He was tender and true blue.

What about Emily Beresford’s performance did you like?

She captured the gentle nature of the characters.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

Emotional journey that's so rewarding.

Any additional comments?

Ryan Winfield is one of my new favorites. Never dreamed any book could be as good as the first.
He must have a gentle heart like Caleb's.

So Much Love

Where does Jane's Harmony: A Novel rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

tied for first

Which character – as performed by Emily Beresford – was your favorite?

I have no favorite. I enjoyed and loved each character

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Of course I had extreme reactions to this book... I laughed and cried!

A great follow up to a sweet story

At the end of Book 1, Jane’s Melody, Jane quit her job and moved from Seattle to Austin, Texas to join Caleb who went there to pursue his singing career. This book picks up right soon after Jane’s relocation. The narrator kept the same tone and the same cheekiness with Caleb.

In this sequel, we find Jane still unemployed but unwilling to return to selling insurance. She is still deliriously in love with Caleb and they are making their relationship work. Caleb gets an opportunity to be on reality show similar to American Idol but this show requires the contestants to sing only original songs. Caleb is concerned with the invasiveness and lack of privacy that comes from being on a reality show, as well as the fact that he is constantly separated from Jane.
In addition, they are starting to have disagreements stemming from finances, and we all know that economic issues can wreak havoc on the dynamic of a young couple. With this obstacle, Jane and Caleb had to decide what they were willing do and what they were willing to give up, in order to stay together.

I have to tell you that this sequel was just as heartwarming as book 1. In the beginning I was mindful of the 15 year age difference, but I soon forgot about it as Jane and Caleb just complimented each other so well. The writing was just seamless and there was no doubt in my mind that Jane and Caleb would make it. The author delivered this story in a way that the reader just felt their love and devotion to each other.

I am giving this story a 4-star instead of a 5-star because I felt like Caleb’s history and background was largely ignored/forgotten, whereas Jane’s family was touched upon in both books. With Caleb being the younger one, I would have expected to have some more connections with his past that what the reader was treated to. I also felt that Caleb’s friends were not there when as a young man, I expect him to go out more and do more things outside his woman. Also, the last major meltdown Jane had, I felt the author glossed over how Jane resolved to handle the situation. I would have liked more insight as to why she determined her end game.

But for my first taste of what Ryan Winfield cooked up with this series, I am more than satisfied. I chuckled a lot, I smiled a lot and I just felt good overall. This story really hit the right notes for me.