Backseat Saints

Joshilyn Jackson is such a wonderful writer that it almost doesn't even matter what she is writing about. Her prose is so arresting that she could bring any subject to life. Her voice reading the story is the perfect voice for Rose May too. she has that Southern sweet girl/bad girl voice down pat.

I highly recommend this audio. I've purchased and listened to all her other books and loved them all but I think she's really topped herself with this one.

Looking forward to the next book!

Perhaps because of the very dark subject matter, this was not quite as enjoyable as previous Jackson books. In the first half there was the familiar edgy southern sass that I so love from this author, but as Rose Mae hits the road and reaches California, the charm is quickly diminished. Jackson's narration suffers as she tries to voice Rose Mae's mother's affected non-southern accent. The mother's character is less well developed, and is not very sympathetic, which is problematic considering the pivotal role she plays in Rose Mae's own development. The violence she has experienced makes this somewhat understandable, but difficult to warm up to. Still, the story is compelling and has a ring of authenticity regarding the family violence. Just not as strong a recommendation as her other books in my opinion.

I usually tire of really descriptive verbage but so enjoyed the analogies that I actually could see and enjoy "seeing" Joshilyn's descriptions. I loved her narration. I find that over 50% of how well I like the book is how well the voice fits the character and I thought it was perfect.

This book is absolutely amazing! It kept me on the edge of my seat the entire time & had me sympathizing with the main character (due to the excellent in-depth character development) throughout the audiobook. Ms. Jackson's naration is beyond superb; she isn't just a fabulous writer, she's a marvelous voice over artist! This is one of my favorite three books/audiobooks of-all time. I simply can't recommend it enough! Get it for yourself AND gift it to all your friends!

It is such a treat to have the author narrate her own book. This is another fabulous read/listen from Ms Jackson.

I have to say that I love Audible.com! And listening to the actual author read her words brings such a depth and breadth to the story that you just don't find anywhere else. This was one of the first stories that I could not put down. I listened to this from start to finish, I wanted to know what was going to happen next. The author holds you spellbound from one chapter to the next, weaving you seamlessly through the lives of her characters, so you forget where one ends and another begins. Very richly told. Would recommend to all as a cautionary tale of the perils of the "perfect romance".

Brief Description: Ro Grandee is the sweet-looking, dutiful wife of Tom Grandee, living in Amarillo, Texas in a tiny house the color of toothpaste. If you met her, you might think it odd that Ro wears long sleeves in summer. But how else can a wife hide the bruises that her husband’s been giving her? So when Ro is told by a gypsy that she must choose between her life or Tom’s life, her long-buried “true” self (Rose Mae Lolley) surfaces and attempts to shoot Tom dead. But things don’t quite go as planned, and Rose Mae realizes she needs to find another way out.


My Thoughts: This is a book that I think I liked more because I listened to it on audio. Much of the appeal for me was listening to Joshilyn Jackson’s narration. She has this cute Southern voice that just made the book come alive for me. The way she phrased things and her inflections at particular times was very entertaining, and certain details (like the toothpaste color of the house) stuck with me in a way I don’t think they would have had I physically read the book. However, upon assessing the book with a little bit of distance, I do think it is a bit unbelievable in terms of the plot. I’m willing to overlook that, though, because I enjoyed the narration so much. I do plan on listening to Gods Of Alabama, the precursor to this book, as it apparently answers the question of what happened to Jim Beverly.

At first I was hesitant to select this book because of its subject matter--domestic violence. However, the story is beautifully written and exquisitely well read by the author. Several times, I wanted to pick up the phone to quote a particularly brilliant line or two to my daughters. Joshilyn Jackson surprises me with every new book. I loved the characters and hated to come to the end.

EVERYTHING, THE STORY, THE CHARACTERS, THE READING. AND I LIKED THE ENDING TOO.

THE STORY ITSELF AND THE CHARACTERS. IT WAS MOST ENJOYABLE. MAYBE MORE FOR WOMEN THAN MEN BUT I THINK MY SIGNIFICANT OTHER WILL LIKE THIS AS HE LIKES THIS KIND OF STORY.

I HAVE READ THREE OF HER BOOKS SO FAR. I DID LIKE A GORN UP KIND OF PRETTY THE BEST BUT I THINK THEY ALL WERE GREAT.

GETTING AWAY FROM IT ALL. OR THINGS AREN'T ALWAYS AS THEY SEEM.

I WISH THERE WERE MORE BOOKS BY JACKSON ON AUDIBLE. FOR PEOPLE WHO CAN'T READ BOOKS ANYMORE LIKE ME.

LIKE GODS IN ALABAMA SOME PARTS OF THE STORY SEEMED TO NOT FIT TOGETHER BUT IN THE END IT ALL FIT TOGETHER PERFECTLY.

I THINK JACKSON CREATES COLORFUL CHARACTERS.

This was a fantastic listen. The author is perfect as the narrator, the sassy southern accent is spot on. The story was engaging and I didn't want to stop listening. This book was suspenseful, funny, touching and was over too soon cause I didnt want to leave Rose Mae. Highly recommended. This is definitely not a predictable book.