Simple Jess

P. Morsi does not pander to the sex starved reading public.Like any normal man, Jesse is interested in sex. But he is resigned to being simple. It is just his way. He is a most wonderful character to be a loving hero.Althea is bound and determined to save her farm for Baby-Paisley [I couldn't understand her marrying Paisley in the first place]and not turn it over to another man.Her mother-in-law turns out to be quite a driven character.I loved the way simple Jesse worked his way into Baby-Paisley and Althea's heart and was a little afraid when Oather suddenly commented on how beautiful was Jesse. Whoaee!The supporting characters make up a great community and I loved Pastor Jay who was heard talking to the Angels.I am more into the western frontier and military romances but THE MARRYING STONE and SIMPLE JESS was so very refreshing and fascinating that I am so glad to have added them to my library.These stories are so much more real and earthy than the bed-hoping contemporaries being spun today.I hope M. Morsi continues to spin these wonderful, refreshing tales, as these were a treat to read.HIGHLY RECOMMENDED -- great addition to most libraries.

In all senses of the word, this is a love story. Not a romance. The novel features a young widow who is forced by the community she lives in to pick a new husband. She's being courted by two handsome, elligible bachelors, neither of whom she's interested in. Her attention is instead drawn to her hired hand, Jesse Best, who is known locally as "Simple Jess" because of a brain injury as a result of his birth. In a community where he isn't treated as an equal, Jesse finds himself being viewed as a partner, by a beautiful woman who has seen past his shortcomings, and into his heart.

I've read a lot of romances and over time have come to really appreciate a well-written, non-standard story. I feel that Simple Jess is just that. One of the scenes I vividly recall is when Simple Jess is skinning a deer and patiently explaining every action to Baby Paisley just as his father did for him. You get a real sense of what is important in life. In my mind's eye, I could just see the love and patience being carried on through the generations and even though Jess wasn't "normal", he was still able to be the kind of person that they needed him to be.On a lighter note, I love how Pamela Morsi makes her characters individuals that you wouldn't find anywhere else. For instance, whenever I picture Simple Jess, I see him drifting from one group of women to another, smelling them. I love it! It makes perfect sense with his personality.Though this book can stand alone, I think The Marrying Stone should be read first to just to provide a greater understanding of the community and personalities.

This is one of the best novels I have ever read. It stirred my heart as no other book ever has (and I am a voracious reader). Jess is truly a simple man, but not a stupid one. His story is one of goodness and compassion. Read it, you'll be so glad you did!

The thing about this book that makes it so unique, is that the author gives the reader a chance to form her own opinions about the characters. The story presents the facts for you to interpret. In so many romances, the author doesn't seem to "trust" the reader. Pamela Morsi is a wonderful, thoughtful author and this book is my favorite of all of the books that she has written. It is light, tender, simple and fun. You will love Jess, too. Read Marrying Stone first to get the flavor of the town, and the gist of the traditions there.