Parolee Amy Breeden held herself together during nearly two thousand days of incarceration with a single-minded focus: to destroy the dude who did her in.
Within hours of her release, Amy hits the lotto mega-million jackpot.“ Living well is the best revenge,” her parole officer advises, but Amy is hellbent on revenge.
A former Chicago crime boss, an estranged brother, a substitute mom, a zany house painter, a pre-imprisonment pal – and the handsome parole officer – complicate Amy’s quest for empowerment. When Amy’s longtime nemesis invades her haven, her ire ignites. She becomes more determined than ever to avenge herself.
The aging crime boss enjoins her mission. Victory is finalized when she’s able to buy her mortal enemy’s thriving bar in a fire sale… and becomes the Boss. But is that enough? Will revenge result in satisfaction? Will her personal redemption require more than revenge and the monetary reward to live well?
Steve and Jacquie are the perfect Midwest farm couple. You sense their love for one another with each turn of the page. In Book One, called “Stashes,” Jackie and Steve Breeden, your average hard-working, dairy farming, salt of the earth type folks who live on a rural farm in Michigan. Their son Brandon and his wife, Amy, hatch a scheme to expand the Breeden’s micro dairy business by growing and selling marijuana edibles with hilarious results.
Book Two is called, “Hashes & Bashes.” When Carl, who is Steve’s brother from his mother’s WWII love tryst who had been given up for adoption, suddenly arrives on the scene, the Breeden family welcomes him into their nest. The author introduces many new characters in this book, and you’ll laugh and cry at the same time.
By book three, “The Winner’s Circle,” you wonder what could happen next. How about throwing some lotto winnings into the mix? Jacquie’s friend, Bonnie, has fallen in love with Steve’s brother, Carl. When Bonnie hits it big with a lotto win, their relationship is changed in ways they never imagined. And that’s just the beginning! The four friends embark on a journey of discovery which leads them to some startling revelations about each other and how they view themselves.
Now, we arrive at book four, “The Jailbird’s Jackpot,” which gives a voice to Amy Breeden after she’s released from prison for embezzling funds from the local bank.
And what a story Amy has to tell. I felt like she got more blame than she probably deserved, but her early release from prison sets up the story unexpectedly. Guess who also strikes it big in the lottery? You got it… the parolee ends up stinking rich!
Amy finds herself with more money than she knows what to do with… Add in a crazy friend, an unstable brother, and a drill sergeant parole officer, along with a host of other memorable characters, and you’ve got the setting for a story that you won’t be able to put down! I never saw the ending coming!
There’s plenty of unexpected twists and turns as Amy learns how to deal with her newfound wealth. Yet, this story reminds me of the hero’s journey as Amy learns more about herself as she deals with unexpected circumstances. If you love powerful women characters, Amy Breeden just might teach you a thing or two!
Many thanks to the author for providing me with a pre-release copy of the book. I’ve read and enjoyed the entire “Faith, Family, Frenzy” Series by PJ Colando. Find my book reviews for the other books below:
Title: Stashes – What Ever Happened to Earn? Author: P. J. Colando File Size: 1011 KB Print Length: 350 pages Page Numbers Source ISBN: Publisher: Bookbaby, 1 edition Publication Date: June 19, 2014 Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc. Language: English ASIN: B00LIAZBKK Formats: Paperback and Kindle Goodreads Genres: Women’s Fiction, Humor, Contemporary Fiction *The author provided me with a copy of the book in exchange for…
Title: Hashes and Bashes: Jackie & Steve Book 2 Author: P J Colando File Size: 1337 KB Print Length: 225 Pages Publisher: BookBaby Publication Date: September 13, 2016 Sold By: Amazon Digital Services LLC Language: English ASIN: B01LWV02LG Formats: Paperback and Kindle Goodreads Genres: Genre Fiction, Family Life, Humor, Literature & Fiction *I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader’s Copy of this book* “FAITH… FAMILY… FRENZY! Nine…
IN THE AUTHOR’S WORDS: FAITH… FAMILY… FRENZY! Life in rural small town can dull the senses. A trio of gal pals–mired in middle age, Middle America, and other people’s problems–long to escape. When Bonnie wins the Boffo Lotto, her circle of friends urge her to lawyer up, invest, and sequester herself. But secrets are inconceivable…
I was born and raised in the Midwest, yet unabashedly aspired for adventure elsewhere, following my parents’ model.
I live in southern California, where seasons seldom matter, where any promise can be conjured and fulfilled. I write while my husband watches TV sports, which are always in season = often.
I wrote a series titled Faith, Family, Frenzy! about the small town & rural Midwest. I know the characters and settings very well and my fertile imagination creates the plots. None of the escapades I create have happened to anyone anywhere, not even me.
Perhaps my series is a form of memoir…
I write humor and satire with a literary bent. Besides the four novels, I’ve published two short story anthologies and have a third in mind… I’m available to speak to your group or book club. I’m eager to engage with other writers and readers of my books.
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16 Comments on “COLLEEN’S 2020 #BOOK #REVIEWS – “The Jailbird’s Jackpot (Faith, Family, Frenzy! Book 4),” BY AUTHOR, P J Colando”
A wonderful review, Colleen! The whole series sounds hilarious. I just might have to add the whole series to my TBR, even though I rarely read a series. I love the title “The Jailbirds Jackpot!” Stay safe, Colleen. Hugs!
Michelle, PJ’s books are hysterical! It’s a snapshot of life that we all fantasize about: winning the lottery! It one of my favorite contemporary series. ❤️
This series has been really fun. The characters are excellent and could be your neighbors! PJ’s style of writing is different from what I usually read, but I love her style!
Oh my goodness, I’ve been following this series for a couple of years now. I think each subsequent book gets better and better. Great laughs, and characters you swear you know. LOL! 😀
Great to hear, Colleen! I am fine. Thank you! But the situation is so horrible, as the virus thing is going on here too. Be well and stay save. Michael
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—Dylan Thomas
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A wonderful review, Colleen! The whole series sounds hilarious. I just might have to add the whole series to my TBR, even though I rarely read a series. I love the title “The Jailbirds Jackpot!” Stay safe, Colleen. Hugs!
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Michelle, PJ’s books are hysterical! It’s a snapshot of life that we all fantasize about: winning the lottery! It one of my favorite contemporary series. ❤️
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Can these be read as stand-alone books?
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Actually, I think they could, but the back story is as good as the series continues.
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Thank you very much for your reviews and you got awesome pages also!
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Thanks so much. ❤️
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Thanks for sharing this book, Colleen! It sounds like one I would really enjoy!
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This series has been really fun. The characters are excellent and could be your neighbors! PJ’s style of writing is different from what I usually read, but I love her style!
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Great review, Colleen. Sounds like a fun series, I think I’ll have to pick up the first book:)
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Oh my goodness, I’ve been following this series for a couple of years now. I think each subsequent book gets better and better. Great laughs, and characters you swear you know. LOL! 😀
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Fabulous review Colleen. Such books are so rare! Thanks for sharing and wishing great success to PJ.
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We all need some humor right now. PJ is a wonderful writer. I really enjoy her books. ❤
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Thank you for the great review, Colleen.I apologize for the longer delay, and hope you are staying save. Michael
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Hello, Michael! How are you? Yes, we’re well and staying out of trouble. Thanks for the visit. Always a joy to see you. ❤
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Great to hear, Colleen! I am fine. Thank you! But the situation is so horrible, as the virus thing is going on here too. Be well and stay save. Michael
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I’m adding this! LOL, sounds fun. Do they have to be read in sequence, are they stand alones? ❤
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