Jackson Rule

I have never read anything by Dinah McCall (also known as Sharon Sala), but this book has definitely sets me thinking. Jackson Rule is an emotional read, and a story about redemption.

Jackson Rule (the book title as well as the hero's name) is a convicted killer. To anyone, he has committed a hideous crime by killing his own father, thus spending his fifteen years behind the bars. The years has passed, and finally he is released from prison and he tells himself he wants to start a new life again.

Rebecca Hill is a preacher's daughter. She first meets Jackson when he helps her with a car problem. She later meets him again when he applies for a job at her own landscaping business, even though he tells her he was an ex-convict because she believes anyone should be given a second chance. Slowly, their attraction for each other grows but Jackson is scarred by his childhood's memories, while Rebecca struggles to come to terms not only with her father who disapproves of everything but also to Jackson who believes they have no future together.

I like the main characters in this story. I really sympathize with Jackson but I also admire his strength. I like Rebecca because she is kind, and she believes in herself regardless what the others think, and in my opinion this needs a lot of courage (especially the scene where she hires Jackson even though he is an ex-con).