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The Jolvix Episodes #3
What January Remembers
A dysfunctional family holiday, a possible murder, and a partridge in a pear tree.
The Jaggers were once a tight-knit family. But after their mother’s tragic death years ago, the four children and their father have drifted further apart. The children grew up, moved away, and now have lives of their own. And Dad? Well, let’s just say his new live-in friend January also has a permanent residence in the uncanny valley.
After a disturbing, violent Christmas two years ago the Jaggers wish they could forget, they’re reuniting in their childhood southern California home dubbed “the Pink Castle” to give celebrating the holidays one more shot this year. But in the days before they gather, the children each get a sinister note that reads Your mother was murdered.
Could this be the bizarre work of January?
Or is one of the Jaggers hiding a horrible, guilty secret?
The Jaggers were once a tight-knit family. But after their mother’s tragic death years ago, the four children and their father have drifted further apart. The children grew up, moved away, and now have lives of their own. And Dad? Well, let’s just say his new live-in friend January also has a permanent residence in the uncanny valley.
After a disturbing, violent Christmas two years ago the Jaggers wish they could forget, they’re reuniting in their childhood southern California home dubbed “the Pink Castle” to give celebrating the holidays one more shot this year. But in the days before they gather, the children each get a sinister note that reads Your mother was murdered.
Could this be the bizarre work of January?
Or is one of the Jaggers hiding a horrible, guilty secret?
262 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 1, 2022
About the author
Faith Gardner
18 books454 followersFaith Gardner is the author of adult suspense and YA novels. She lives in the Bay Area with her family.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 115 reviews
December 10, 2022
💖💖 IM HOSTING AN INSTAGRAM LIVE WITH FAITH GARDNER ON SUNDAY, DEC. 11 @7PM EST. Follow me @girlwiththepinkskimask on IG and join our discussion about writing, publishing, and what authors really think of salty reviews 🤣
Thank you Mirror House Press and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review. IYKYK, my reviews are ALWAYS honest.
🚨SOUND THE ALARM!!!! IT'S A BANGER ALERT!!!!!!!🚨
One sentence review: A wonderfully written family drama and exploration of human behaviours and right vs. wrong
SYNOPSIS
Two Christmases ago, Jesse tried to kill January, his father's humanlike "companionship bot." For the first time since The Incident, the Jagger gang is back together for Christmas ... including January, who allegedly had her memory wiped and doesn't remember Jesse's attack. Or does she?????
MY OPINION
OKKKURRRTTTTTTTT!!!!!! Faith Gardner is back again with another banger. And I'm not just saying that because she gave me a shoutout in Violet Is Nowhere 💅 #notsohumblebrag. On the real though... three books in one yr??? The devil works hard, but Gardner works harder LOL.
Ya'll KNOW I love Amen Maxine but I think this is my new fave. Like Amen Maxine, it prominently features near-future-fi aka companionship bots. We already have sex bots so I don't consider a companionship bot far off in the future – and tbh, some ppl are just using sex bots for companionship so just throw in a lil AI and ta-da! But heed my warning thrillerheadz, this isn't your typical twist on twist on twist thriller – this is a family drama with a lil suspense.
IMO What January Remembers is better because it goes deeper than Amen Maxine – it has layerz. It tackles complex family relationships centred around a mentally unwell (to put it lightly) mother AND the malleability of someone's (or somethings) moral compass. My brain was ✨activated✨ in the second half as we see January transcend her original programming. Many thoughts and opinnis were formed, but I don't want to give away too much.
We spend a lot of time exploring the different relationships between the Jagger siblings and their mother... and each other. Gardner pens unique and dynamic characters – each Jagger had its own personality and voice. I loved the humour Jada brought with her whole true crime obsession. And btw I would totally read a book about The Freezer Man LOL.
All in all, a solid addition to the Jolvix Episodes. I can't wait to see what Gardner comes up with next. Usually I'm a greedy hoe who DEMANDS a new book right after, but GURL you've been working too hard. Step away from the laptop LOL. Go to the Maldives and come back in a year or so with three more books 🤪
PROS AND CONS
Pros: writing gets you caught up in the story – flows beautifully, jokey jokes, thought-provoking, great use of companionship bots as a literary device to explore morality, distinct characters (none of them annoyed me!!!!!!!), great ending ... not OTT at all
Cons: nada
Thank you Mirror House Press and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review. IYKYK, my reviews are ALWAYS honest.
🚨SOUND THE ALARM!!!! IT'S A BANGER ALERT!!!!!!!🚨
One sentence review: A wonderfully written family drama and exploration of human behaviours and right vs. wrong
SYNOPSIS
Two Christmases ago, Jesse tried to kill January, his father's humanlike "companionship bot." For the first time since The Incident, the Jagger gang is back together for Christmas ... including January, who allegedly had her memory wiped and doesn't remember Jesse's attack. Or does she?????
MY OPINION
OKKKURRRTTTTTTTT!!!!!! Faith Gardner is back again with another banger. And I'm not just saying that because she gave me a shoutout in Violet Is Nowhere 💅 #notsohumblebrag. On the real though... three books in one yr??? The devil works hard, but Gardner works harder LOL.
Ya'll KNOW I love Amen Maxine but I think this is my new fave. Like Amen Maxine, it prominently features near-future-fi aka companionship bots. We already have sex bots so I don't consider a companionship bot far off in the future – and tbh, some ppl are just using sex bots for companionship so just throw in a lil AI and ta-da! But heed my warning thrillerheadz, this isn't your typical twist on twist on twist thriller – this is a family drama with a lil suspense.
IMO What January Remembers is better because it goes deeper than Amen Maxine – it has layerz. It tackles complex family relationships centred around a mentally unwell (to put it lightly) mother AND the malleability of someone's (or somethings) moral compass. My brain was ✨activated✨ in the second half as we see January transcend her original programming. Many thoughts and opinnis were formed, but I don't want to give away too much.
We spend a lot of time exploring the different relationships between the Jagger siblings and their mother... and each other. Gardner pens unique and dynamic characters – each Jagger had its own personality and voice. I loved the humour Jada brought with her whole true crime obsession. And btw I would totally read a book about The Freezer Man LOL.
All in all, a solid addition to the Jolvix Episodes. I can't wait to see what Gardner comes up with next. Usually I'm a greedy hoe who DEMANDS a new book right after, but GURL you've been working too hard. Step away from the laptop LOL. Go to the Maldives and come back in a year or so with three more books 🤪
PROS AND CONS
Pros: writing gets you caught up in the story – flows beautifully, jokey jokes, thought-provoking, great use of companionship bots as a literary device to explore morality, distinct characters (none of them annoyed me!!!!!!!), great ending ... not OTT at all
Cons: nada
March 11, 2023
Update (03/09/2023): Bonus Epilogue Chapter for What January Remembers titled "The Most Beautiful Time of the Year" is available now!
An intriguing addition to the story! Many thanks to author Faith Gardner! Check out the author's newsletter (sign up on her website www.faithgardner.com) for details on all Bonus Epilogues out now!
Review for What January Remebers:
4.5⭐
It’s Christmas and we’re back in the world of luxury solar-powered cars, flying feather dusters (I could really use one!) and lifelike companion bots designed and manufactured by Jolvix.
It’s been two years since all of the Jagger siblings came home to Santa Barbara for Christmas. The last time they were together with their widowed father Jeremy and his new companion bot January ended in an act of violence toward January committed by Jesse, the third sibling. The siblings’ mother committed suicide years ago and Jeremy’s acquisition of January came as a surprise for all the siblings. But while Josiah, Julianna and Jada keep their opinions to themselves, Jesse in a fit of rage, attacks January causing severe damage.
Fast forward two years and the family is together again with January (who has been repaired completely with a wiped memory, or so we are made to believe). It’s going to be an interesting (to put it mildly!) Christmas at the Jagger family home, “The Pink Castle”. January’s equation with each of the Jagger siblings is different but there is a subtle but noticeable adverse reaction in her when Jesse is around. What does January remember?
Before their Christmas get-together each of the siblings received a cryptic message in the mail stating “YOUR MOTHER WAS MURDERED” – a fact that they initially hide from one another. The narrative is shared from the perspectives of the siblings and January with flashbacks to the siblings’ childhood from where we get to know more about their complicated relationships with their mother and January’s observations about the members of the family and her interactions with the different members.
Was there more to their mother’s death than what they know? If so was it one of the family members who was responsible? Who sent that cryptic message? Was it January?
With elements of domestic suspense, family drama and sci-fi, What January Remembers is a worthy addition to Faith Gardner’s fabulous The Jolvix Episodes series – the third one in the same year! Keep them coming, please! It’s hard to top Amen Maxine but What January Remembers comes really close! I loved that the author gives distinct voices to all the characters in this story (including January and her fellow bot friend Six/June owned by their neighbor). The dysfunctional family dynamics, the mystery behind their mother’s death and the suspense around what January truly knows/remembers and how, make for an atmospheric, gripping read that reels you in and keeps you absorbed till the very last page!
I received a complimentary copy from the author and publisher via BookSirens. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. What January Remembers is due to be released on November 1, 2022.
Please note each of the books in this series can be read as a standalone novel. My reviews for the other books in the series:
Book#1: Amen Maxine
Book#2: Violet is Nowhere
An intriguing addition to the story! Many thanks to author Faith Gardner! Check out the author's newsletter (sign up on her website www.faithgardner.com) for details on all Bonus Epilogues out now!
Review for What January Remebers:
4.5⭐
It’s Christmas and we’re back in the world of luxury solar-powered cars, flying feather dusters (I could really use one!) and lifelike companion bots designed and manufactured by Jolvix.
It’s been two years since all of the Jagger siblings came home to Santa Barbara for Christmas. The last time they were together with their widowed father Jeremy and his new companion bot January ended in an act of violence toward January committed by Jesse, the third sibling. The siblings’ mother committed suicide years ago and Jeremy’s acquisition of January came as a surprise for all the siblings. But while Josiah, Julianna and Jada keep their opinions to themselves, Jesse in a fit of rage, attacks January causing severe damage.
Fast forward two years and the family is together again with January (who has been repaired completely with a wiped memory, or so we are made to believe). It’s going to be an interesting (to put it mildly!) Christmas at the Jagger family home, “The Pink Castle”. January’s equation with each of the Jagger siblings is different but there is a subtle but noticeable adverse reaction in her when Jesse is around. What does January remember?
Before their Christmas get-together each of the siblings received a cryptic message in the mail stating “YOUR MOTHER WAS MURDERED” – a fact that they initially hide from one another. The narrative is shared from the perspectives of the siblings and January with flashbacks to the siblings’ childhood from where we get to know more about their complicated relationships with their mother and January’s observations about the members of the family and her interactions with the different members.
Was there more to their mother’s death than what they know? If so was it one of the family members who was responsible? Who sent that cryptic message? Was it January?
With elements of domestic suspense, family drama and sci-fi, What January Remembers is a worthy addition to Faith Gardner’s fabulous The Jolvix Episodes series – the third one in the same year! Keep them coming, please! It’s hard to top Amen Maxine but What January Remembers comes really close! I loved that the author gives distinct voices to all the characters in this story (including January and her fellow bot friend Six/June owned by their neighbor). The dysfunctional family dynamics, the mystery behind their mother’s death and the suspense around what January truly knows/remembers and how, make for an atmospheric, gripping read that reels you in and keeps you absorbed till the very last page!
I received a complimentary copy from the author and publisher via BookSirens. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. What January Remembers is due to be released on November 1, 2022.
Please note each of the books in this series can be read as a standalone novel. My reviews for the other books in the series:
Book#1: Amen Maxine
Book#2: Violet is Nowhere
November 3, 2022
Rockin' around the Christmas tree ...🎄🎁🤖
4.5⭐
You do not want to miss the Jaggers' family Christmas this year. "What January Remembers" is an amazing domestic suspense with a bit of Sci-Fi that will keep you guessing. Be sure to add this one to your holiday read list folks!
It's been twelve years since Janelle Jagger died at the family home. It's ruled a suicide. Now adults, the children Josiah, Julianna, and Jesse have moved from Santa Barbara to live and work in the Bay Area, only Jada with addiction problems lives at home in the guest house. None of the kids really want to be home for Christmas because of what happened two years ago when one of them stabbed dad's companion in the eye.
It's bad, but not as bad as it sounds. Jeremy's companion is a model 8 companion bot. Her name is January. She helps with house chores and maybe more... After the incident, she was sent to be fixed and memory wiped, or did it?
This is one dysfunctional family for sure. The story has creepy vibes as well like the robot wearing mom's clothes or that she sleeps with the dad! 😬 January is friendly with a neighbor's bot whom she calls June. There are multiple PoVs and I have to say, my favorites are the bot's perspective.
Love that this episode adds a wonderful holiday atmosphere to the whodunit suspense. I'm kicking myself for getting it wrong. I love the ending though. Jolvix episode 3 is the best one yet.
Thank you Mirror House Press and Netgalley for my DRC.
Published, Nov 1, 2022.
4.5⭐
You do not want to miss the Jaggers' family Christmas this year. "What January Remembers" is an amazing domestic suspense with a bit of Sci-Fi that will keep you guessing. Be sure to add this one to your holiday read list folks!
It's been twelve years since Janelle Jagger died at the family home. It's ruled a suicide. Now adults, the children Josiah, Julianna, and Jesse have moved from Santa Barbara to live and work in the Bay Area, only Jada with addiction problems lives at home in the guest house. None of the kids really want to be home for Christmas because of what happened two years ago when one of them stabbed dad's companion in the eye.
It's bad, but not as bad as it sounds. Jeremy's companion is a model 8 companion bot. Her name is January. She helps with house chores and maybe more... After the incident, she was sent to be fixed and memory wiped, or did it?
This is one dysfunctional family for sure. The story has creepy vibes as well like the robot wearing mom's clothes or that she sleeps with the dad! 😬 January is friendly with a neighbor's bot whom she calls June. There are multiple PoVs and I have to say, my favorites are the bot's perspective.
Love that this episode adds a wonderful holiday atmosphere to the whodunit suspense. I'm kicking myself for getting it wrong. I love the ending though. Jolvix episode 3 is the best one yet.
Thank you Mirror House Press and Netgalley for my DRC.
Published, Nov 1, 2022.
November 9, 2022
Jolvix Episodes #3
Dysfunction Junction
It is Christmas time and the Jaggers are reunited at last.
The dad, Jeremy Jagger is happy because he has acquired one of the new and rare companion bots. Only manufactured by Jolvix. Her name is January. There is something chilling about the way she stares with her flat expression.
Jesse thinks she's "a stupid robot". He thinks its downright weird, but his sister Julianna tells him he needs to chill. "Dad's happy" she says. After all, its Xmas and its only 3 days.
A murder mystery with a twisty twist like a light horror scene. I wasn't sure if I wanted to giggle or gasp! Can you murder a robot? I know I killed my robot vacuum, I think I expected too much!
Enjoyed the thought provoking robot POV's. A little heavy on the family drama at times though, So Much Drama.Julianna was exhausting. Like an episode of Housewives when you need to change the channel for a bit (No, I don't watch any of the series). Jesse scared me a bit, Josiah was nerdy, Jada was the wild card,obsessed with true crime and The Freezer Man.
I wouldn't want to spend the holidays at "The Pink Castle", but enjoyed peeking in.
Pub November 1, 2022
Dysfunction Junction
It is Christmas time and the Jaggers are reunited at last.
The dad, Jeremy Jagger is happy because he has acquired one of the new and rare companion bots. Only manufactured by Jolvix. Her name is January. There is something chilling about the way she stares with her flat expression.
Jesse thinks she's "a stupid robot". He thinks its downright weird, but his sister Julianna tells him he needs to chill. "Dad's happy" she says. After all, its Xmas and its only 3 days.
A murder mystery with a twisty twist like a light horror scene. I wasn't sure if I wanted to giggle or gasp! Can you murder a robot? I know I killed my robot vacuum, I think I expected too much!
Enjoyed the thought provoking robot POV's. A little heavy on the family drama at times though, So Much Drama.Julianna was exhausting. Like an episode of Housewives when you need to change the channel for a bit (No, I don't watch any of the series). Jesse scared me a bit, Josiah was nerdy, Jada was the wild card,obsessed with true crime and The Freezer Man.
I wouldn't want to spend the holidays at "The Pink Castle", but enjoyed peeking in.
Pub November 1, 2022
November 1, 2022
MOVE OVER MAXINE!
JANUARY is now the latest model of Companion ROBOTS!
TIS THE SEASON!
Two years ago, the four Jagger children (Josiah, Julianna, Jesse, and Jada) were summoned to sunny Santa Barbara to meet their father’s new companion, January. It was going to be hard to spend Christmas in the family home, with a woman who wasn’t their Mother, but it has been 10 years since she took her own life, and with all of them grown and gone, Dad must be lonely.
Initially, they had no idea that January, was the latest Jolvix creation, a companion robot SO life-like that she could even drive the family car to run errands.
To say that the Jagger clan found it disturbing, that “January” was wearing their mother’s clothes, and living in their mother’s house, would be an understatement.
In fact, Jesse found it to be unacceptable, and the holiday ended in the “murder” of January.
“HAVE YOURSELF A MERRY LITTLE CHRISTMAS”
Fast forward, two years.
Each of the Jagger siblings have been asked to come home for the holidays again, after receiving an identical sinister note-“Your Mother Was Murdered”.
Each has wondered if their Mom had really committed Suicide, and each had wondered if something that they had said or done, had been a contributing factor…
Reluctantly, they return home again, to the scene of the crime(s)?, confident in the knowledge that January has been repaired, and her memory of what happened two holidays ago, has been erased-eager to solve this mystery.
But, why does it seem like January still remembers? And, is she the one who sent the note that brought them all together again?
“JOY TO THE WORLD”
I didn’t think that Faith Gardner could top “Amen Maxine” but she has managed to do just that, with this holiday story set with the backdrop of chapter headings of all of our favorite holiday songs!
If you can relate more to dysfunctional family holiday stories, than the Sappy, Hallmark kind, then THIS is the book for you this holiday season. (Smuggle it in your suitcase home! 🧳)
Told primarily from Julianna’s first person POV, with occasional chapters from all of the other Jaggers, INCLUDING JANUARY, this latest Jolvix episode is one that you will NOT want to put down!!
So, make yourself a hot toddy, and settle in when you won’t be interrupted, because the this domestic suspense story with a sci-fi twist, is AVAILABLE NOW!!!
Each of the Jolvix episodes are set in the same, near Dystopian future, and have their own stories and characters, but reading Amen Maxine FIRST really helps to set up the others-so although you can read each as a stand-alone, I recommend you start there!
Thank You to Indie author Faith Gardner and Mirror House Press for allowing me to read a gifted ARC, provided through NetGalley. It was my pleasure to offer a candid review!
JANUARY is now the latest model of Companion ROBOTS!
TIS THE SEASON!
Two years ago, the four Jagger children (Josiah, Julianna, Jesse, and Jada) were summoned to sunny Santa Barbara to meet their father’s new companion, January. It was going to be hard to spend Christmas in the family home, with a woman who wasn’t their Mother, but it has been 10 years since she took her own life, and with all of them grown and gone, Dad must be lonely.
Initially, they had no idea that January, was the latest Jolvix creation, a companion robot SO life-like that she could even drive the family car to run errands.
To say that the Jagger clan found it disturbing, that “January” was wearing their mother’s clothes, and living in their mother’s house, would be an understatement.
In fact, Jesse found it to be unacceptable, and the holiday ended in the “murder” of January.
“HAVE YOURSELF A MERRY LITTLE CHRISTMAS”
Fast forward, two years.
Each of the Jagger siblings have been asked to come home for the holidays again, after receiving an identical sinister note-“Your Mother Was Murdered”.
Each has wondered if their Mom had really committed Suicide, and each had wondered if something that they had said or done, had been a contributing factor…
Reluctantly, they return home again, to the scene of the crime(s)?, confident in the knowledge that January has been repaired, and her memory of what happened two holidays ago, has been erased-eager to solve this mystery.
But, why does it seem like January still remembers? And, is she the one who sent the note that brought them all together again?
“JOY TO THE WORLD”
I didn’t think that Faith Gardner could top “Amen Maxine” but she has managed to do just that, with this holiday story set with the backdrop of chapter headings of all of our favorite holiday songs!
If you can relate more to dysfunctional family holiday stories, than the Sappy, Hallmark kind, then THIS is the book for you this holiday season. (Smuggle it in your suitcase home! 🧳)
Told primarily from Julianna’s first person POV, with occasional chapters from all of the other Jaggers, INCLUDING JANUARY, this latest Jolvix episode is one that you will NOT want to put down!!
So, make yourself a hot toddy, and settle in when you won’t be interrupted, because the this domestic suspense story with a sci-fi twist, is AVAILABLE NOW!!!
Each of the Jolvix episodes are set in the same, near Dystopian future, and have their own stories and characters, but reading Amen Maxine FIRST really helps to set up the others-so although you can read each as a stand-alone, I recommend you start there!
Thank You to Indie author Faith Gardner and Mirror House Press for allowing me to read a gifted ARC, provided through NetGalley. It was my pleasure to offer a candid review!
December 29, 2022
This may not be most people's idea of a Christmas story, but I'm gonna consider it an early gift!
In Amen Maxine, Faith Gardner introduced us to Jolvix - creator of futuristic technology for the home. In that book, Maxine was a personal assistant device in the shape of a small silver box. Think a more evolved Alexa with a hint of feelings. In this third book of the Jolvix Episodes series, we meet January: a lifelike female companion robot to Jeremy, the widowed patriarch of the Jagger family.
That's great for him, but not so much for his adult children, Josiah, Julianna, Jesse and Jada, who are still reeling in all sorts of dysfunctional ways from their mother, Janelle's, suicide 12 years prior. Everyone is still on high alert after their last Christmas gathering two years prior when Jesse tried to kill January. She was repaired and her memory was wiped, so why is she still keeping her distance from them? There's also the mystery of those notes each sibling was sent with just four words: Your mother was murdered.
There's clearly something more going on. Everyone in this family has secrets ... can a robot have them too?
After loving Amen Maxine, I was nervous that nothing else could live up to it, but I needn't have worried. Though I liked the story and plot just a tiny smidge less, this domestic suspense with sci-fi seasoning was another deliciously fun one from Gardner, and just the holiday story my dysfunctional family-loving heart could want! I thought Jeremy was a little OTT with his Christmas cheer and family togetherness, but hey - he also lets January wear his dead wife's clothes, sooo ... yeeeah. 👀 To each his own!
I highly recommend this book and series if you enjoy smart writing, great characters, mystery, suspense and moments of dark humor!
★★★★ ½
Thanks to Mirror House Press, NetGalley and author Faith Gardner for this ARC and the opportunity to share my honest opinions. It's now available.
In Amen Maxine, Faith Gardner introduced us to Jolvix - creator of futuristic technology for the home. In that book, Maxine was a personal assistant device in the shape of a small silver box. Think a more evolved Alexa with a hint of feelings. In this third book of the Jolvix Episodes series, we meet January: a lifelike female companion robot to Jeremy, the widowed patriarch of the Jagger family.
That's great for him, but not so much for his adult children, Josiah, Julianna, Jesse and Jada, who are still reeling in all sorts of dysfunctional ways from their mother, Janelle's, suicide 12 years prior. Everyone is still on high alert after their last Christmas gathering two years prior when Jesse tried to kill January. She was repaired and her memory was wiped, so why is she still keeping her distance from them? There's also the mystery of those notes each sibling was sent with just four words: Your mother was murdered.
There's clearly something more going on. Everyone in this family has secrets ... can a robot have them too?
After loving Amen Maxine, I was nervous that nothing else could live up to it, but I needn't have worried. Though I liked the story and plot just a tiny smidge less, this domestic suspense with sci-fi seasoning was another deliciously fun one from Gardner, and just the holiday story my dysfunctional family-loving heart could want! I thought Jeremy was a little OTT with his Christmas cheer and family togetherness, but hey - he also lets January wear his dead wife's clothes, sooo ... yeeeah. 👀 To each his own!
I highly recommend this book and series if you enjoy smart writing, great characters, mystery, suspense and moments of dark humor!
★★★★ ½
Thanks to Mirror House Press, NetGalley and author Faith Gardner for this ARC and the opportunity to share my honest opinions. It's now available.
October 16, 2022
4.5⭐
It’s the Christmas season, and the Jagger family are all gathering to enjoy this special time together. It’s been two long years since all the adult children came home. But it's time, as they try to celebrate the holidays once again.
You see, the last time they were together there was what you might call “an incident” (to say the least). But there may be even more drama awaiting them now as each receives a disturbing note stating...
“Your mother was murdered”😱
Their mother died years ago after what was considered a suicide. Their father never remarried.
And instead of pursuing a new love interest he purchases the latest companion bot, and named her January.
This 'human-like' robot is as close to life like as they come. And familiar question arise: Just how life like are these bots? They’re programmed to follow commands. But can they also think on their own? Feel? Or…remember? (EEKS!!😱)
Book three of the Jolvix series that can certainly be read as a stand-alone. But why would you? This series is so good I strongly recommend starting at the beginning with Amen Maxine. All are light sci-fi thrillers. But don’t be concerned if sci-fi isn’t your thing. It’s more just futuristic.🤷🏻♀️
I’ve thoroughly enjoyed this entire series and cannot wait to see what Faith Gardner has in store for us next!
Thank you to NetGalley and Mirror House Press
It’s the Christmas season, and the Jagger family are all gathering to enjoy this special time together. It’s been two long years since all the adult children came home. But it's time, as they try to celebrate the holidays once again.
You see, the last time they were together there was what you might call “an incident” (to say the least). But there may be even more drama awaiting them now as each receives a disturbing note stating...
“Your mother was murdered”😱
Their mother died years ago after what was considered a suicide. Their father never remarried.
And instead of pursuing a new love interest he purchases the latest companion bot, and named her January.
This 'human-like' robot is as close to life like as they come. And familiar question arise: Just how life like are these bots? They’re programmed to follow commands. But can they also think on their own? Feel? Or…remember? (EEKS!!😱)
Book three of the Jolvix series that can certainly be read as a stand-alone. But why would you? This series is so good I strongly recommend starting at the beginning with Amen Maxine. All are light sci-fi thrillers. But don’t be concerned if sci-fi isn’t your thing. It’s more just futuristic.🤷🏻♀️
I’ve thoroughly enjoyed this entire series and cannot wait to see what Faith Gardner has in store for us next!
Thank you to NetGalley and Mirror House Press
October 24, 2022
This is the 3rd book in Gardner's Jolvix Episodes series and while they all occur in the same "world" it is not necessary to read them in order. This book is what I'd refer to as sci-fi lite--it's futuristic and has some sci-fi elements, but overall it's more a novel about people and technology and what it means to be alive.
The Jagger siblings are returning to their father Jeremy's home for Christmas. It's the first time they've all been together since the disastrous Christmas two years ago. That year, Jeremy had introduced the siblings Jesse, Josiah, Julianna, and Jada to his new companion bot, January. Their mother had committed suicide years before, and although they are now adults with their own lives, they all feel uneasy about January's presence, especially when she comes to a meal wearing their mother's clothes. Jesse snaps and stabs January through the eye, meaning that she has to go back to Jolvix to be repaired and have her memory erased.
But when the siblings arrive, it seems like January might actually remember what happened...or does she? In turn, it is revealed that each of the siblings received a message stating that their mother was murdered. Did January send the messages, and are they true?
Told from many alternating points of view, the picture gradually comes into focus about the dysfunctional family both in the past and the present. I liked the mystery element, but it doesn't overshadow the discomfort the various family members have with January and with each other.
I truly enjoyed this story, it's fast paced and interesting. Gardner has a way with storytelling that keeps the reader thoroughly engaged even when the characters might be awful people, there's always someone to root for. I loved the ending, it was perfect for the book and everything is wrapped up beautifully. I cannot believe that this is the third book this writer has released within just a few months, I'm in total awe at her ability to craft a unique and original tale that keeps readers clamoring for more.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, all opinions are my own.
The Jagger siblings are returning to their father Jeremy's home for Christmas. It's the first time they've all been together since the disastrous Christmas two years ago. That year, Jeremy had introduced the siblings Jesse, Josiah, Julianna, and Jada to his new companion bot, January. Their mother had committed suicide years before, and although they are now adults with their own lives, they all feel uneasy about January's presence, especially when she comes to a meal wearing their mother's clothes. Jesse snaps and stabs January through the eye, meaning that she has to go back to Jolvix to be repaired and have her memory erased.
But when the siblings arrive, it seems like January might actually remember what happened...or does she? In turn, it is revealed that each of the siblings received a message stating that their mother was murdered. Did January send the messages, and are they true?
Told from many alternating points of view, the picture gradually comes into focus about the dysfunctional family both in the past and the present. I liked the mystery element, but it doesn't overshadow the discomfort the various family members have with January and with each other.
I truly enjoyed this story, it's fast paced and interesting. Gardner has a way with storytelling that keeps the reader thoroughly engaged even when the characters might be awful people, there's always someone to root for. I loved the ending, it was perfect for the book and everything is wrapped up beautifully. I cannot believe that this is the third book this writer has released within just a few months, I'm in total awe at her ability to craft a unique and original tale that keeps readers clamoring for more.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, all opinions are my own.
October 19, 2022
This book had absolutely everything. It was so good that I’m a bit dazed right now. I liked her previous books too, but this is my new favorite.
The Jaggers were once a tight-knit family. But after their mother’s tragic death years ago, the four children and their father have drifted further apart
After a disturbing, violent Christmas two years ago the Jaggers wish they could forget, they’re reuniting in their childhood southern California home dubbed “the Pink Castle” to give celebrating the holidays one more shot this year. But in the days before they gather, the children each get a sinister note that reads ‘Your mother was murdered’
Everything in the book appealed to me; The superb writing, that blew my mind away. Her writing style just flows effortlessly, and there are tons of interesting and sometimes funny dialogues.I have added some of my favorite quotes to show how skilled Gardner is. The plot and the alternating POVs were to my liking. My favorite character was January herself. It was interesting to see how she reasoned and found ways to overcome her programming.
The ending was really something. I won’t say too much, other than it was genius. You will understand if you pick up this gem and I promise you hours of satisfying reading. I want to read it AGAIN immediately.
Quotes I liked
‘I put a cork in my secret bottle of wishes’
‘I find it interesting that humans can exist in the past and present at the same time’
‘I think I might be discovering that a world exists between a lie and a truth’
‘It seems like the more we talk, the more I have to say’
‘It seems like a house of card ready to blow over at a whisper’
Thank you mirror house press and netgally for this very much appreciated ARC.
The Jaggers were once a tight-knit family. But after their mother’s tragic death years ago, the four children and their father have drifted further apart
After a disturbing, violent Christmas two years ago the Jaggers wish they could forget, they’re reuniting in their childhood southern California home dubbed “the Pink Castle” to give celebrating the holidays one more shot this year. But in the days before they gather, the children each get a sinister note that reads ‘Your mother was murdered’
Everything in the book appealed to me; The superb writing, that blew my mind away. Her writing style just flows effortlessly, and there are tons of interesting and sometimes funny dialogues.I have added some of my favorite quotes to show how skilled Gardner is. The plot and the alternating POVs were to my liking. My favorite character was January herself. It was interesting to see how she reasoned and found ways to overcome her programming.
The ending was really something. I won’t say too much, other than it was genius. You will understand if you pick up this gem and I promise you hours of satisfying reading. I want to read it AGAIN immediately.
Quotes I liked
‘I put a cork in my secret bottle of wishes’
‘I find it interesting that humans can exist in the past and present at the same time’
‘I think I might be discovering that a world exists between a lie and a truth’
‘It seems like the more we talk, the more I have to say’
‘It seems like a house of card ready to blow over at a whisper’
Thank you mirror house press and netgally for this very much appreciated ARC.
January 7, 2023
You can’t miss the Jaggers family 🎄
This is dysfunction to the max!!!!!
The Jaggers return to their family home for Christmas to remember the good times they spent there. They all want to forget what happened to their mother Janelle who was murdered years earlier.
Jeremy Janelles husband has found a new companion bot who doesn’t remember what happened that day or does she?
The siblings all receive a note saying four words YOUR MOTHER WAS MURDERED!!!
This is the 3rd in the Jolvix series which I want shares in this book has layers that delve deeper than Amen Maxine& deals with mental heath I found this very believable as we are moving in that direction with electronics, I loved this one could not put it down a murder takes place but who did it & why?
This was a compulsive read I could not put down a stunning 5 ⭐️
This is dysfunction to the max!!!!!
The Jaggers return to their family home for Christmas to remember the good times they spent there. They all want to forget what happened to their mother Janelle who was murdered years earlier.
Jeremy Janelles husband has found a new companion bot who doesn’t remember what happened that day or does she?
The siblings all receive a note saying four words YOUR MOTHER WAS MURDERED!!!
This is the 3rd in the Jolvix series which I want shares in this book has layers that delve deeper than Amen Maxine& deals with mental heath I found this very believable as we are moving in that direction with electronics, I loved this one could not put it down a murder takes place but who did it & why?
This was a compulsive read I could not put down a stunning 5 ⭐️
October 20, 2022
Bite or be bitten......
Kind of a mantra for the Jagger family of Santa Barbara, California. This little group wears dysfunction like the crown jewels. Each has their own set of quirks and maladjustments. Some carrying higher carats of malfunction than the others.
But it's Christmas and they're expected to descend upon the "Pink Castle" once again even though their last holiday together two years ago was a disaster. Nevermind. Santa's reindeer on the roof and an elf's cap on the fountain should make amends.
Let's see whose stockings are hanging by the fireplace. There's Jeremy, anesthesiologist and father to this group; Josiah, the oldest, and a self-made millionaire; Julianna, tutoring in place of a career; Jesse, responsible for the fiasco of last time, and Jada, the youngest, who has a black belt in rehab.
And who's missing is their mother who tragically committed suicide 12 years ago. Her beautiful portrait casts eyes upon you as you enter into the foyer. Mom had a difficult personality and was intense in everything that she did. Each of these individuals have separate memories of her.
Enter a new face in the mix. January is a companion bot purchased by Jeremy. Her purpose seems to be to fill in the gap in Jeremy's lonely life after the death of his wife. January can mix a fine drink in seconds and refresh bathrooms in a heartbeat. January's memory has been wiped since that last Christmas with the family. Oh, momma, you must read to find out why.....
And then there are those little scraps of paper that each of the adult children have received. "Your mother was murdered." Now, that will get your attention and set the tone for the holiday. Just who was responsible for their mother's death and why? Each will tumble out their self-imposed guilt in a variety of fashions.
Faith Gardner jingles those bells as only she can. She's on a high-powered roll with all three of the editions to the Jolvix Episodes. (My favorite is Amen Maxine.) Gardner has been blessed with a mega mind wrapped in creativity and tied with a giant red analytical bow. Each of these editions can be read as standalones, but you'd be depriving yourself of quality writing if you forego the other two. Move over, January, you'll be remembering this one for a long time to come. Bravo, Gardner.
I received a copy of this book through NetGalley for an honest review. My thanks to Mirror House Press and to the talented Faith Gardner for the opportunity.
Kind of a mantra for the Jagger family of Santa Barbara, California. This little group wears dysfunction like the crown jewels. Each has their own set of quirks and maladjustments. Some carrying higher carats of malfunction than the others.
But it's Christmas and they're expected to descend upon the "Pink Castle" once again even though their last holiday together two years ago was a disaster. Nevermind. Santa's reindeer on the roof and an elf's cap on the fountain should make amends.
Let's see whose stockings are hanging by the fireplace. There's Jeremy, anesthesiologist and father to this group; Josiah, the oldest, and a self-made millionaire; Julianna, tutoring in place of a career; Jesse, responsible for the fiasco of last time, and Jada, the youngest, who has a black belt in rehab.
And who's missing is their mother who tragically committed suicide 12 years ago. Her beautiful portrait casts eyes upon you as you enter into the foyer. Mom had a difficult personality and was intense in everything that she did. Each of these individuals have separate memories of her.
Enter a new face in the mix. January is a companion bot purchased by Jeremy. Her purpose seems to be to fill in the gap in Jeremy's lonely life after the death of his wife. January can mix a fine drink in seconds and refresh bathrooms in a heartbeat. January's memory has been wiped since that last Christmas with the family. Oh, momma, you must read to find out why.....
And then there are those little scraps of paper that each of the adult children have received. "Your mother was murdered." Now, that will get your attention and set the tone for the holiday. Just who was responsible for their mother's death and why? Each will tumble out their self-imposed guilt in a variety of fashions.
Faith Gardner jingles those bells as only she can. She's on a high-powered roll with all three of the editions to the Jolvix Episodes. (My favorite is Amen Maxine.) Gardner has been blessed with a mega mind wrapped in creativity and tied with a giant red analytical bow. Each of these editions can be read as standalones, but you'd be depriving yourself of quality writing if you forego the other two. Move over, January, you'll be remembering this one for a long time to come. Bravo, Gardner.
I received a copy of this book through NetGalley for an honest review. My thanks to Mirror House Press and to the talented Faith Gardner for the opportunity.
November 4, 2022
What readers should remember is to read this book!
the season for another dysfunctional family Christmas story …
This time, with murder. And robots.
Who doesn't get a little upset and want to stab someone or something at Christmas? Especially if the victim is wearing your late mother's robe!
Two years ago, the adult Jagger children gathered for Christmas with their father. They have drifted apart, and this was supposed to be a time of reconnection and bonding. Instead, they were shocked to see that their father had January, a companion robot. Let the shock set in! After being attacked, January had her memory wiped. She doesn't remember the attack, she shouldn't, but does she?
They are all back together again and have received notes telling them that their mother had been murdered. Was she murdered? Does someone know something? Who is sending the notes?
This was another brilliant book by Gardner. I loved Amen Maxine and had high hopes for this book. Luckily, I was just as happy reading this one! I love her imagination, characters and well thought out plots. Such a great book that can be read in one sitting.
Highly recommend!
4.5 stars
Thank you to Mirror House Press and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com
the season for another dysfunctional family Christmas story …
This time, with murder. And robots.
Who doesn't get a little upset and want to stab someone or something at Christmas? Especially if the victim is wearing your late mother's robe!
Two years ago, the adult Jagger children gathered for Christmas with their father. They have drifted apart, and this was supposed to be a time of reconnection and bonding. Instead, they were shocked to see that their father had January, a companion robot. Let the shock set in! After being attacked, January had her memory wiped. She doesn't remember the attack, she shouldn't, but does she?
They are all back together again and have received notes telling them that their mother had been murdered. Was she murdered? Does someone know something? Who is sending the notes?
This was another brilliant book by Gardner. I loved Amen Maxine and had high hopes for this book. Luckily, I was just as happy reading this one! I love her imagination, characters and well thought out plots. Such a great book that can be read in one sitting.
Highly recommend!
4.5 stars
Thank you to Mirror House Press and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com
November 22, 2022
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/montre...
The story takes place in the near future that may arrive sooner than we think.
What January Remembers is the third book this year by author Grace Gardner in the Jolvix series. Jolvix is the tech company that manufactures companion bots. In the first book, one meets the lovely Maxine, and now we learn about the intriguing January. I will be reading the second book today and hope there will be further additions to this splendid series.
This is a suspenseful family drama built around an estranged family during two Christmas gatherings at their father, Jeremy's home. They feel some guilt as they have seldom been in touch with their father, whom they feel is living alone in sorrow and loneliness ever since the death of their volatile, emotionally ill mother. The Christmas dinners two years apart are attended by four adult children. The males are Josiah and Jesse. Their sisters are Jada and Julianna. Each had varied unresolved problems resulting from their upbringing and the death by suicide of their mother twelve years earlier. Each has received an anonymous note saying, YOUR MOTHER WAS MURDERED.
They are determined to find clues confirming this among her belongings. Who sent the note?
They are suspicious that her murderer could be one of them.
This is one of the most dysfunctional families you could read about. This was a family drama where I felt that the two robots mentioned, January and June, were more appealing than the humans involved. The entertainment value, story-telling, and characterization were brilliant and kept me at the edge of my seat in suspense while dreading the outcome.
Two years earlier, the Christmas dinner ended in disaster. There is reason to believe that this reunion could be even worse. Tense and riveting throughout.
The story takes place in the near future that may arrive sooner than we think.
What January Remembers is the third book this year by author Grace Gardner in the Jolvix series. Jolvix is the tech company that manufactures companion bots. In the first book, one meets the lovely Maxine, and now we learn about the intriguing January. I will be reading the second book today and hope there will be further additions to this splendid series.
This is a suspenseful family drama built around an estranged family during two Christmas gatherings at their father, Jeremy's home. They feel some guilt as they have seldom been in touch with their father, whom they feel is living alone in sorrow and loneliness ever since the death of their volatile, emotionally ill mother. The Christmas dinners two years apart are attended by four adult children. The males are Josiah and Jesse. Their sisters are Jada and Julianna. Each had varied unresolved problems resulting from their upbringing and the death by suicide of their mother twelve years earlier. Each has received an anonymous note saying, YOUR MOTHER WAS MURDERED.
They are determined to find clues confirming this among her belongings. Who sent the note?
They are suspicious that her murderer could be one of them.
This is one of the most dysfunctional families you could read about. This was a family drama where I felt that the two robots mentioned, January and June, were more appealing than the humans involved. The entertainment value, story-telling, and characterization were brilliant and kept me at the edge of my seat in suspense while dreading the outcome.
Two years earlier, the Christmas dinner ended in disaster. There is reason to believe that this reunion could be even worse. Tense and riveting throughout.
August 10, 2023
I liked this one.
The Jagger family is meeting again two years after their last Christmas together. The siblings Josiah, Julianna, Jesse, and Jada are all coming back to the family home in southern California known as the "Pink Castle".
Why has it been 2 years since their last time together?
Well, at that time, their father introduced them to his new companion bot, January. One of the siblings couldn't tolerate the idea of someone else replacing their mother (who killed herself many years ago) so January was violently attacked. Per their father, January was able to be fixed and her memory was wiped out completely about the event.
In the present, all the siblings have received an anonymous letter saying their mother was murdered. At first, they don't share the information but as the time together progresses, they will learn that they all got the same note.
I enjoyed this one so much. Love January and Six (the bot next door). From the Jaggers, I was very interested in Jada and her true crime obsession with the Freezer man (hoping there is a book about that). I thought Jesse needed mental health for life. Julianna had the weight of the world on her shoulders and I felt bad for Josiah's childhood.
This was a great installment of the Jolvix Episode series!
Cliffhanger: No
4/5 Fangs
A complimentary copy was provided by Mirror House Press via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
MrsLeif's Two Fangs About It | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
The Jagger family is meeting again two years after their last Christmas together. The siblings Josiah, Julianna, Jesse, and Jada are all coming back to the family home in southern California known as the "Pink Castle".
Why has it been 2 years since their last time together?
Well, at that time, their father introduced them to his new companion bot, January. One of the siblings couldn't tolerate the idea of someone else replacing their mother (who killed herself many years ago) so January was violently attacked. Per their father, January was able to be fixed and her memory was wiped out completely about the event.
In the present, all the siblings have received an anonymous letter saying their mother was murdered. At first, they don't share the information but as the time together progresses, they will learn that they all got the same note.
I enjoyed this one so much. Love January and Six (the bot next door). From the Jaggers, I was very interested in Jada and her true crime obsession with the Freezer man (hoping there is a book about that). I thought Jesse needed mental health for life. Julianna had the weight of the world on her shoulders and I felt bad for Josiah's childhood.
This was a great installment of the Jolvix Episode series!
Cliffhanger: No
4/5 Fangs
A complimentary copy was provided by Mirror House Press via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
MrsLeif's Two Fangs About It | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
November 3, 2022
The Jagger family Christmas comes with a lot of baggage. Father Jeremy has a companion robot named January who seems to have replaced his dead wife, Janelle. Jeremy has summoned his adult children home for the holiday. Josiah, Juliana, Jesse, and Jada find their old habits and patterns are just waiting to reclaim them. There is a mystery surrounding Janelle's death. They all have their own version based on their own perceptions. Gardner explores many themes in this third episode: the effect of the holidays on strained relationships, the trauma of living with a suicidal parent, the value of a human life, the ethics surrounding the robot companions, and rogue robots. Multiple POVs give us nuggets of information and shed new light on the family past and present -- the neighbor's household, too. Especially creative was the way Dickinson's poetry was woven into the plot. An intriguing chapter in the Jolvix Episodes.
Thank you to Mirror House Press and NetGalley for a DRC in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to Mirror House Press and NetGalley for a DRC in exchange for an honest review.
October 19, 2022
This series just won't let up! Each time I see a new installment I request and hope I'm accepted. I'm never disappointed in the book or being accepted for the early read. Thank you as always to Netgalley, the publisher and author for my advanced copy for an honest review.
I think this is a great Christmas read as it takes place during obviously that time of year where the Jagger family all comes together for that one special time of year to celebrate. You have all four siblings whose names start with "J" along with the father and companion Robot whose name is January. Yes you read that right, companion robot! There is so much dealt with in regards to the family dynamics. Jesse and Julianna were my favs in regards to character development. But January and June stole the show. There is just so much packed into this read and while its a standalone I did like the quick nod to the previous book with Violet and her band.
To rate the entire series this one and Amen Maxine are my favs but they all are so good. As I said in other reviews i need a robo feather duster....I'M NOT KIDDING.....its seriously on my xmas list and someone needs to gift me one.
I think this is a great Christmas read as it takes place during obviously that time of year where the Jagger family all comes together for that one special time of year to celebrate. You have all four siblings whose names start with "J" along with the father and companion Robot whose name is January. Yes you read that right, companion robot! There is so much dealt with in regards to the family dynamics. Jesse and Julianna were my favs in regards to character development. But January and June stole the show. There is just so much packed into this read and while its a standalone I did like the quick nod to the previous book with Violet and her band.
To rate the entire series this one and Amen Maxine are my favs but they all are so good. As I said in other reviews i need a robo feather duster....I'M NOT KIDDING.....its seriously on my xmas list and someone needs to gift me one.
October 31, 2022
A Christmas story with murder and robots”. What could be better?! This is the third installment to the Jolvix Episodes and it does not disappoint! More creepy technology, more drama. I loved it!
The Jaggers are coming back together to Christmas. Things between them drastically changed after their mother committed suicide. Their Dad moved on with his robot companion January and the kids have mixed feelings.
The kids each get disturbing notes saying their mother was murdered. Who wrote the note and why? Was it January or is someone hiding a terrible secret?
What January Remembers is available November 1,2022.
Thank you to netgalley and mirrorhousepress for this arc in exchange for my honest review.
The Jaggers are coming back together to Christmas. Things between them drastically changed after their mother committed suicide. Their Dad moved on with his robot companion January and the kids have mixed feelings.
The kids each get disturbing notes saying their mother was murdered. Who wrote the note and why? Was it January or is someone hiding a terrible secret?
What January Remembers is available November 1,2022.
Thank you to netgalley and mirrorhousepress for this arc in exchange for my honest review.
November 15, 2022
I have quickly devoured all 3 books in the Jolvix series and I am hooked!
I will pump the brakes on What January Remembers as I think it's a distant third from smash hits Amen Maxine and Violet is Nowhere. The concept is intriguing as always with Faith Gardner's Jolvix series: a dysfunctional family gathers for a nice Christmas weekend for the first time in 2 years. Only the last time they were together, the youngest sibling tried to murder the father's companion bot, January. The bot's memory was wiped, but she just might remember what he did to him.
The concepts explored here are super compelling, especially the idea that bots can learn human emotions and rationalize ways around their programming. Gardner has convinced me that we don't need to advance AI in reality haha.
Unlike my favorite in this series, Violet, this really only explores the intriguing concepts at surface level. Most of this story focuses on the drama of the dysfunctional family. There are some interesting parts and the ending was good, but it never reached the level of suspense that Maxine achieved. I wanted more bot POVs!
3.5 stars, rounding up. I'll be eagerly awaiting the next Jolvix installment! Cheers!
I will pump the brakes on What January Remembers as I think it's a distant third from smash hits Amen Maxine and Violet is Nowhere. The concept is intriguing as always with Faith Gardner's Jolvix series: a dysfunctional family gathers for a nice Christmas weekend for the first time in 2 years. Only the last time they were together, the youngest sibling tried to murder the father's companion bot, January. The bot's memory was wiped, but she just might remember what he did to him.
The concepts explored here are super compelling, especially the idea that bots can learn human emotions and rationalize ways around their programming. Gardner has convinced me that we don't need to advance AI in reality haha.
Unlike my favorite in this series, Violet, this really only explores the intriguing concepts at surface level. Most of this story focuses on the drama of the dysfunctional family. There are some interesting parts and the ending was good, but it never reached the level of suspense that Maxine achieved. I wanted more bot POVs!
3.5 stars, rounding up. I'll be eagerly awaiting the next Jolvix installment! Cheers!
October 8, 2022
Thank you NetGalley, Mirror House Press and Faith Gardner for letting me read “What January Remembers” in exchange for an honest review.
Yea yes yes!!!! The Jolvix Episodes part three! I was so happy when I was approved for it! I think the series is genius. “Amen Maxine” was a solid 10/10 and “Violet is Nowhere” was not far behind! I am so happy to get another glimpse into the Jolvix Universe. I would have seriously cried if I did not get approved for this book. I wanted it that much!
I know a banger when I see one. I smelled it from far away! I think this is even better than Amen Maxine. It’s close. The story is different but so similar. It has a different tone. It’s not a psychological thriller but focuses more on the relationships within a family.
The stories Faith writes are so unique. She is a true storyteller of the highest class. I don’t know how she comes up with these things. While her stories feel so real, they do have the sci-fi aspect. I did like this one from the start. It has a very similar feel to “Amen Maxine” with January the companion bot.
We have the Jaggers family. Who all start with a J. The four siblings (Josiah, Jada, Jesse and our heroine Julianna) are reunited with their dad for celebrate Christmas. Their mother died 12 years - I think - ago. The father lived alone for most of the time. Two years ago - at the faithful Christmas Eve - he introduces January to the kids. She is his new companion not. January was dressed in the clothes of her mother, which triggered Jesse. A lot. The others try to understand the motives of their dad for taking this step, but Jesse can’t take it. After a night of too much bourbon l, he Stabs January.
Two years later they are again reunited, January still there, but her memory whipped clean. But there is something nagging at her, memories? Also the kids received each an anonymous message that someone knows that her mother was murdered.
So intriguing!
I marvel at the ability Faith has, to make her characters so real. It’s an inside look into a broken, estranged family. More like a domestic drama with the sci to touch.
Companion boys. We have Alexa, we have sex bots (I guess that’s a thing?), why can’t we have a companion bot? It’s not real, it’s a machine, but can it learn and have feelings? What’s morally right and what’s wrong?
Would the siblings have accepted a new “real” woman that much easier than January!?
As I did in Amen Maxine, I love Faith’s choice of names (can you call an author by her first name or should I have said Gardner?!)
I am a greasy with here. We got already three books this year (beast!) but I want more more and more. ❤️❤️❤️ one of the best books this year!
Yea yes yes!!!! The Jolvix Episodes part three! I was so happy when I was approved for it! I think the series is genius. “Amen Maxine” was a solid 10/10 and “Violet is Nowhere” was not far behind! I am so happy to get another glimpse into the Jolvix Universe. I would have seriously cried if I did not get approved for this book. I wanted it that much!
I know a banger when I see one. I smelled it from far away! I think this is even better than Amen Maxine. It’s close. The story is different but so similar. It has a different tone. It’s not a psychological thriller but focuses more on the relationships within a family.
The stories Faith writes are so unique. She is a true storyteller of the highest class. I don’t know how she comes up with these things. While her stories feel so real, they do have the sci-fi aspect. I did like this one from the start. It has a very similar feel to “Amen Maxine” with January the companion bot.
We have the Jaggers family. Who all start with a J. The four siblings (Josiah, Jada, Jesse and our heroine Julianna) are reunited with their dad for celebrate Christmas. Their mother died 12 years - I think - ago. The father lived alone for most of the time. Two years ago - at the faithful Christmas Eve - he introduces January to the kids. She is his new companion not. January was dressed in the clothes of her mother, which triggered Jesse. A lot. The others try to understand the motives of their dad for taking this step, but Jesse can’t take it. After a night of too much bourbon l, he Stabs January.
Two years later they are again reunited, January still there, but her memory whipped clean. But there is something nagging at her, memories? Also the kids received each an anonymous message that someone knows that her mother was murdered.
So intriguing!
I marvel at the ability Faith has, to make her characters so real. It’s an inside look into a broken, estranged family. More like a domestic drama with the sci to touch.
Companion boys. We have Alexa, we have sex bots (I guess that’s a thing?), why can’t we have a companion bot? It’s not real, it’s a machine, but can it learn and have feelings? What’s morally right and what’s wrong?
Would the siblings have accepted a new “real” woman that much easier than January!?
As I did in Amen Maxine, I love Faith’s choice of names (can you call an author by her first name or should I have said Gardner?!)
I am a greasy with here. We got already three books this year (beast!) but I want more more and more. ❤️❤️❤️ one of the best books this year!
January 8, 2023
Faith Gardner is quickly becoming a go-to author for me. Part mystery + light sci-fi + family drama equals an entertaining read. Although What January Remembers is set around Christmas, by no means will it give you warm and fuzzy holiday vibes. Quite the opposite! I'm a sucker for dysfunctional family drama (in books) and that is exactly what this book gave me in the form of the Jaggers.
The last time the Jagger family was all together at Christmas, the youngest sibling Jesse tried to murder January, his father's companion bot. It has been 2 years since that fiasco and January has been repaired and her memory wiped clean, but what exactly does she remember from that day.
What I love about the Jolvix Episodes is that it delves into some interesting thoughts on AI, both good and bad. The subject matter of her books have actually started a few interesting dinner conversations in my house about AI. I especially loved January's POV and really wish there were more chapters from her perspective. She was easily my favorite character and actually probably the only character I actually liked other than June. My one major critique was the abruptness of the ending. I was actually surprised to see the author’s note when I turned the last page. Amen Maxine is still my favorite but I have enjoyed all 3 books in the series and hope there will be more. 4 stars.
The last time the Jagger family was all together at Christmas, the youngest sibling Jesse tried to murder January, his father's companion bot. It has been 2 years since that fiasco and January has been repaired and her memory wiped clean, but what exactly does she remember from that day.
What I love about the Jolvix Episodes is that it delves into some interesting thoughts on AI, both good and bad. The subject matter of her books have actually started a few interesting dinner conversations in my house about AI. I especially loved January's POV and really wish there were more chapters from her perspective. She was easily my favorite character and actually probably the only character I actually liked other than June. My one major critique was the abruptness of the ending. I was actually surprised to see the author’s note when I turned the last page. Amen Maxine is still my favorite but I have enjoyed all 3 books in the series and hope there will be more. 4 stars.
October 16, 2022
My rating system: 3.5 rounded up to 4⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ ticked a lot of boxes and was reliable and FUN!!!
The Jaggers were once (from the outside) a tight knit family who spent every Christmas together, but after the Janelle’s (the mother’s) death they have drifted ever further apart. From the inside though the effects of Janelle Jagger and her ever changing moods has left lasting damage on each and every member of the family.
All the kids have moved away, save for one who stays and has an unhealthy addiction and Dad well, he has his own unusual habits. Mr Jagger has a live in ‘companion robot’ named January. January suffered an unfortunate fate two years earlier at the hand of one of the Jaggers and no one has returned - until now.
With January having a sufficiently wiped memory (or does she) and everyone has cleaned up their act (or have they) the Jaggers are back together for a loving and fun filled Christmas together…. or is that just what it looks like from the outside??
Each member of the family receives an ominous note in the mail simply stating ‘Your mother was murdered’ is this a sick joke? Is it a warning from January? Or does someone in the family have more to hide?
Fa-la-la-la-ing Hell this will be one Christmas that will not be forgotten!!
So I was a little hesitant to get this one after - Violet Is Nowhere- which I did not enjoy at all. But after reading some really good reviews I jumped in feet first and went for it. 👣
I found the style of this one to be really fun and fast paced. I always like alternating POVs and dark humour which we have in spades. The very ‘real’ way each of the family members deals with life is such a familiar thing. Each of us have our own issues, childhood problems and things we would rather forget. I would venture a guess that no one (YET) has a robot family member and that made this super fun. 🤗
Every time I imagined January I couldn’t help but think of ‘Rosey the Robot’ from the Jetson’s (showing my age there) which made me giggle. IMAGINE having a robot in your home doing your housework - aside from the fact that I would be afraid it would kill me in my sleep - that alone would have me half sold 🤣. And boy does January like to clean!!!
I liked the dynamic of each of the Jagger’s and finding out a little more about the things that make them the way they are was not only interesting but disturbing. Their mother is some piece of work and I don’t mind saying also somewhat a little close to home 😲. Mentally unstable is probably the right word for Mrs Jagger - and she managed to cast an everlasting shadow over everyone’s life in the worst kind of way even after her death. These chapters where we went back in time to learn more about mother dear’s relationship with her children were the most interesting to me as they were very real and very familiar but also super sad. I felt for the Jagger kids and understood why they were the way they were. BUT were they capable of murder ??? You will have to read it to find out. 😵
I found myself feeling sad for January - although she is a robot - she has a pretty average life and a lot of people hate her guts. Here’s lookin at you Jesse!!! 🤖
Overall this is not what I would call a thriller - but it was a really good look at domestic chaos in all its glory. I think many a family would have a familiar tale to tell (save for the robots) at Christmas time. When too many Rums are flowing and punches start flying, emotions are high and it is by far not a Silent Night! 🤶
The story was written really well in relatable language that kept me engaged. I would say that some of the chapters were slightly too long but thats me being picky. I absolutely did not pick who the baddie was as there were simply too many options, although I quite liked everyone enough for me not to suspect anyone. 🤷��♀️
I still think from this series Amen Maxine is my favourite - it was the first and the best in my opinion but this one is a close second. You don’t need to read these in any order to enjoy them but there are some nice little ‘Easter Eggs’ from the other books if you have read them in sequence. 🙌
Thank you Mirror House Press, NetGalley and Faith Gardner for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
The Jaggers were once (from the outside) a tight knit family who spent every Christmas together, but after the Janelle’s (the mother’s) death they have drifted ever further apart. From the inside though the effects of Janelle Jagger and her ever changing moods has left lasting damage on each and every member of the family.
All the kids have moved away, save for one who stays and has an unhealthy addiction and Dad well, he has his own unusual habits. Mr Jagger has a live in ‘companion robot’ named January. January suffered an unfortunate fate two years earlier at the hand of one of the Jaggers and no one has returned - until now.
With January having a sufficiently wiped memory (or does she) and everyone has cleaned up their act (or have they) the Jaggers are back together for a loving and fun filled Christmas together…. or is that just what it looks like from the outside??
Each member of the family receives an ominous note in the mail simply stating ‘Your mother was murdered’ is this a sick joke? Is it a warning from January? Or does someone in the family have more to hide?
Fa-la-la-la-ing Hell this will be one Christmas that will not be forgotten!!
So I was a little hesitant to get this one after - Violet Is Nowhere- which I did not enjoy at all. But after reading some really good reviews I jumped in feet first and went for it. 👣
I found the style of this one to be really fun and fast paced. I always like alternating POVs and dark humour which we have in spades. The very ‘real’ way each of the family members deals with life is such a familiar thing. Each of us have our own issues, childhood problems and things we would rather forget. I would venture a guess that no one (YET) has a robot family member and that made this super fun. 🤗
Every time I imagined January I couldn’t help but think of ‘Rosey the Robot’ from the Jetson’s (showing my age there) which made me giggle. IMAGINE having a robot in your home doing your housework - aside from the fact that I would be afraid it would kill me in my sleep - that alone would have me half sold 🤣. And boy does January like to clean!!!
I liked the dynamic of each of the Jagger’s and finding out a little more about the things that make them the way they are was not only interesting but disturbing. Their mother is some piece of work and I don’t mind saying also somewhat a little close to home 😲. Mentally unstable is probably the right word for Mrs Jagger - and she managed to cast an everlasting shadow over everyone’s life in the worst kind of way even after her death. These chapters where we went back in time to learn more about mother dear’s relationship with her children were the most interesting to me as they were very real and very familiar but also super sad. I felt for the Jagger kids and understood why they were the way they were. BUT were they capable of murder ??? You will have to read it to find out. 😵
I found myself feeling sad for January - although she is a robot - she has a pretty average life and a lot of people hate her guts. Here’s lookin at you Jesse!!! 🤖
Overall this is not what I would call a thriller - but it was a really good look at domestic chaos in all its glory. I think many a family would have a familiar tale to tell (save for the robots) at Christmas time. When too many Rums are flowing and punches start flying, emotions are high and it is by far not a Silent Night! 🤶
The story was written really well in relatable language that kept me engaged. I would say that some of the chapters were slightly too long but thats me being picky. I absolutely did not pick who the baddie was as there were simply too many options, although I quite liked everyone enough for me not to suspect anyone. 🤷��♀️
I still think from this series Amen Maxine is my favourite - it was the first and the best in my opinion but this one is a close second. You don’t need to read these in any order to enjoy them but there are some nice little ‘Easter Eggs’ from the other books if you have read them in sequence. 🙌
Thank you Mirror House Press, NetGalley and Faith Gardner for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
February 21, 2023
This is a mildly suspenseful family drama where the siblings gather at their father’s house for the Christmas holidays. Despite the holiday festivities, the mood is sombre given that each received a one-line note suggesting that their mother’s suicidal death over a decade ago is a murder! Suspicion is heavy in everyone’s hearts during the forced merriment and cheer. And then, there is January, the companion bot, who is an upgraded form of Maxine, and she walks and talks as does a human, wears the deceased mother’s clothes, and even shares a bed with the father.
I would say this one is my least favourite in the series, but still enjoyable - especially the chapters that are from January's PoV. It was very heavy on the drama and a large part of the plot centred on the family and sibling relationships, going into the backstory of their dysfunctional upbringing, and how each went their separate ways. The present time makes you see how the siblings’ past influenced the decisions and paths they took in life. I would have preferred perhaps a higher degree of suspense. I liked the ending and thankfully it was not severely shocking as in Book 2.
Also, there are no references to the other two books, apart from the mention of the Jolvix company where the companion bots are made, so can be read independently if you prefer! But honestly – Amen Maxine is the very best one to go to in my opinion!
I would say this one is my least favourite in the series, but still enjoyable - especially the chapters that are from January's PoV. It was very heavy on the drama and a large part of the plot centred on the family and sibling relationships, going into the backstory of their dysfunctional upbringing, and how each went their separate ways. The present time makes you see how the siblings’ past influenced the decisions and paths they took in life. I would have preferred perhaps a higher degree of suspense. I liked the ending and thankfully it was not severely shocking as in Book 2.
Also, there are no references to the other two books, apart from the mention of the Jolvix company where the companion bots are made, so can be read independently if you prefer! But honestly – Amen Maxine is the very best one to go to in my opinion!
November 5, 2022
I absolutely LOVED this book!
It was a cool story, clever writing and truly engaging and relatable characters. Omg, it had it all!
It’s been ages since I’ve read a book I’ve been so happy with and can’t wait to now dive into the author’s others books!
Truly a fun read and I can’t wait to read the first two books from the series now!
Thank you for the ARC, NetGalley!
It was a cool story, clever writing and truly engaging and relatable characters. Omg, it had it all!
It’s been ages since I’ve read a book I’ve been so happy with and can’t wait to now dive into the author’s others books!
Truly a fun read and I can’t wait to read the first two books from the series now!
Thank you for the ARC, NetGalley!
December 9, 2022
If there was a robot that could cook, clean and maintain your yard for you, would you buy it?
What January Remembers is free on Kindle Unlimited and will absolutely blow your socks off! It is the third book in the Jolvix series, but they can be enjoyed as stand alones.
The plot is set at Christmas with a futuristic feel, family dysfunction, and an intriguing mystery! Faith Gardner's writing is amazing, and I usually don't read this genre. It has a well-thought-out plot, is fun and mind-blowing. I'm looking forward to reading the fourth book in this series in February. It's a book series you don't want to miss.
(5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐)
#WhatJanuaryRemembers #FaithGardner #bookishcommunity #bookstagramcommunity #readingcommunity #Books #bookfriends #booksbooksbooks #booksta #bookstagram #newtobookstagram #bookreview #bookreviews #instabookstagram #bookish #bookishielife #Audible #newtobookstagram #newtoinsta #newtoinstagra #Bookishcom #trending #bestsellingbooks
What January Remembers is free on Kindle Unlimited and will absolutely blow your socks off! It is the third book in the Jolvix series, but they can be enjoyed as stand alones.
The plot is set at Christmas with a futuristic feel, family dysfunction, and an intriguing mystery! Faith Gardner's writing is amazing, and I usually don't read this genre. It has a well-thought-out plot, is fun and mind-blowing. I'm looking forward to reading the fourth book in this series in February. It's a book series you don't want to miss.
(5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐)
#WhatJanuaryRemembers #FaithGardner #bookishcommunity #bookstagramcommunity #readingcommunity #Books #bookfriends #booksbooksbooks #booksta #bookstagram #newtobookstagram #bookreview #bookreviews #instabookstagram #bookish #bookishielife #Audible #newtobookstagram #newtoinsta #newtoinstagra #Bookishcom #trending #bestsellingbooks
January 5, 2023
Dysfunctional domestic shenanigans with a side order of AI, and a little bit of mystery on top, what's not to like? The concept of AI developing emotions and using their intelligence to circumnavigate programming is always fascinating, and even though the human characters were a pretty unpleasant bunch, this was a fast, entertaining read. This is the second Jolvix book I've read and now I'm looking to read the third.
October 31, 2022
"But life has a way of surprising me, often in the worst ways. What’s scariest of all are the horrible things that could happen that I haven’t even dreamed of yet."
'Tis the season for a dysfunctional family Christmas with the Jaggers. Right before gathering together for the first time since an unspeakably violent incident two years earlier, the Jagger siblings each received a note saying their mother was murdered twelve years ago, suggesting she did not commit suicide as had been previously assumed. But who could have sent the notes? And what role could their father's new companion bot, January, have played in all of this? What started out with a promising idea embracing the evolution of technology to include companion bots and the roles they could potentially play in humans' lives quickly turned into a family drama rather than the suspenseful thriller it originally seemed to be.
"Would be a real heartwarming story if it didn’t begin with robot murder."
I thought some interesting concepts were introduced in this book, particularly regarding robots and the possibilities of their unimagined capabilities. What are the limits of their intelligence? What kinds of thoughts and feelings are they able to have? Can they feel empathy or fear? Can they form friendships? But the space they occupied in the Jagger household was unsettling and borderline creeptastic at times. The Jaggers were also an insufferable bunch, each unlikable in his or her own way and without much character development aside from their brokenness. I would have liked to see more of a focus on solving the potential murder of the Jagger matriarch instead of a constant run through of the trials and tribulations of their individual lives.
"I’m not apt to think hard on it, to be honest, because either way it’s creepy: robots becoming their own individual beings, or robots being replaceable machinery we treat like human beings. Neither option is exactly comforting."
I liked the look at the complexities of memories shadowed by the ghosts of the past as well as the look at the space that exists between the truth and lies, including those that we tell ourselves. How do we choose who to trust? Can we even trust ourselves? I also thought the inclusion of Emily Dickinson's poetry was a brilliant part of the story. And after enjoying the unique and mind bending Violet is Nowhere, I truly thought this book would be so much more. Less melodrama, less family dynamics and a lot more suspense describe the direction I was expecting it to go. I thought I had an interesting ending figured out but the actual one was disappointing and anticlimactic. I do like the author's writing style, however, and I'm intrigued by the expanse of her imagination, and so I look forward to seeing what she comes up with next.
"When we come back— and this is why we don’t usually come back— we not only feel the ghosts, but we become them."
** Special thanks to Mirror House Press and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this ARC. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own. Quotes subject to change at time of publication. Available November 1, 2022. **
'Tis the season for a dysfunctional family Christmas with the Jaggers. Right before gathering together for the first time since an unspeakably violent incident two years earlier, the Jagger siblings each received a note saying their mother was murdered twelve years ago, suggesting she did not commit suicide as had been previously assumed. But who could have sent the notes? And what role could their father's new companion bot, January, have played in all of this? What started out with a promising idea embracing the evolution of technology to include companion bots and the roles they could potentially play in humans' lives quickly turned into a family drama rather than the suspenseful thriller it originally seemed to be.
"Would be a real heartwarming story if it didn’t begin with robot murder."
I thought some interesting concepts were introduced in this book, particularly regarding robots and the possibilities of their unimagined capabilities. What are the limits of their intelligence? What kinds of thoughts and feelings are they able to have? Can they feel empathy or fear? Can they form friendships? But the space they occupied in the Jagger household was unsettling and borderline creeptastic at times. The Jaggers were also an insufferable bunch, each unlikable in his or her own way and without much character development aside from their brokenness. I would have liked to see more of a focus on solving the potential murder of the Jagger matriarch instead of a constant run through of the trials and tribulations of their individual lives.
"I’m not apt to think hard on it, to be honest, because either way it’s creepy: robots becoming their own individual beings, or robots being replaceable machinery we treat like human beings. Neither option is exactly comforting."
I liked the look at the complexities of memories shadowed by the ghosts of the past as well as the look at the space that exists between the truth and lies, including those that we tell ourselves. How do we choose who to trust? Can we even trust ourselves? I also thought the inclusion of Emily Dickinson's poetry was a brilliant part of the story. And after enjoying the unique and mind bending Violet is Nowhere, I truly thought this book would be so much more. Less melodrama, less family dynamics and a lot more suspense describe the direction I was expecting it to go. I thought I had an interesting ending figured out but the actual one was disappointing and anticlimactic. I do like the author's writing style, however, and I'm intrigued by the expanse of her imagination, and so I look forward to seeing what she comes up with next.
"When we come back— and this is why we don’t usually come back— we not only feel the ghosts, but we become them."
** Special thanks to Mirror House Press and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this ARC. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own. Quotes subject to change at time of publication. Available November 1, 2022. **
August 30, 2023
4 Stars- Entertaining story about a dysfunctional family who owns a companion robot. These future stories aways fascinate me and have my mind spinning about what’s coming for us with technology growing as fast as it is these days.
October 30, 2022
I devoured this book all in one day, it was that good! Stories about dysfunctional families are my jam and What January Remembers totally slayed.
The characters are outstanding (I love how everyone's names start with the same letter) and January is my absolute favourite!!! I stan. The author captured her voice so perfectly — robotically detached but also reflective with a touch of humanity, if that makes sense? Simply brilliant.
Just like its predecessors, this book makes really sharp-witted and relevant observations about society and humankind despite its futuristic setting. Not only does the story flow well, Faith Gardner also explores issues such as morality and abuse in depth.
What a shrewd, highly inventive and entertaining novel! Suffice to say I'm obsessed with The Jolvix Episodes after 3 books. They can all be read as standalones but going in order will allow you to catch the occasional reference and Easter egg. More please!
Thank you Mirror House Press and Netgalley for an ARC of this book.
Favourite quotes:
✨ "Memory is really just a story you tell yourself."
✨ "It is curious, the lengths humans go to to harm themselves. It is one of the most confusing things I find about people."
✨ "These theories all sound bananas, but we are bananas. We are a bunch of fucking bananas."
The characters are outstanding (I love how everyone's names start with the same letter) and January is my absolute favourite!!! I stan. The author captured her voice so perfectly — robotically detached but also reflective with a touch of humanity, if that makes sense? Simply brilliant.
Just like its predecessors, this book makes really sharp-witted and relevant observations about society and humankind despite its futuristic setting. Not only does the story flow well, Faith Gardner also explores issues such as morality and abuse in depth.
What a shrewd, highly inventive and entertaining novel! Suffice to say I'm obsessed with The Jolvix Episodes after 3 books. They can all be read as standalones but going in order will allow you to catch the occasional reference and Easter egg. More please!
Thank you Mirror House Press and Netgalley for an ARC of this book.
Favourite quotes:
✨ "Memory is really just a story you tell yourself."
✨ "It is curious, the lengths humans go to to harm themselves. It is one of the most confusing things I find about people."
✨ "These theories all sound bananas, but we are bananas. We are a bunch of fucking bananas."
November 20, 2023
January – I discovered this third installment of the Jolvix series after reading the sixth installment, which is very weird for me because I’m a real stickler about starting a series from the beginning. However, I was assured, by Gardner, that the installments are truly standalones, which I agree with now that I’ve read two of them.
The book summary lays out the primary storyline so I won’t repeat it here. However, what the book summary doesn’t reveal is that January is a Jolvix companion bot. Additionally, that violent Christmas two years ago? That was Jesse Jagger (the youngest Jagger son), who in a drunken rage, attacked January and stabbed and beat her with a fireplace poker until she malfunctioned and “died” in the only way a robot can die, it’s operating system is so damaged and destroyed it no longer functions. This is not a spoiler alert since it is revealed in the first chapter of the story.
Fast forward two years and all the Jagger siblings make another return to their dad’s house for Christmas. January is still there, good as new. She was completely repaired and her memory was wiped and supposedly has no memory of what happened to her two years ago. Key word here being “supposedly”. A sober and remorseful Jesse shows up too. Julianna, however, is still a little creeped out by January and becomes very suspicious of her. There is also another storyline of how prior to coming out to their father’s house for Christmas again, all of the Jagger siblings received a note that their mother was murdered and didn’t commit suicide like they all thought.
The story flips back and forth between the siblings: Josiah, Julianna, Jesse, Jada, as well as January with a lot of passages flipping back and forth between past and present. The past sections covered the Christmas two years ago as well as flashbacks of the sibling’s childhood with an abusive, alcoholic, narcissistic mother and a workaholic and ignorant father who enabled their mother’s bad behavior. The siblings also discovered a trove of their mother’s diaries, journals and writings and they believe that if their mother was murdered, they may be able to find out by who by reading all of her stuff. January’s chapters covered what she does remember from Christmas two years ago and her budding friendship with June, the bot next door who is being physically abused by her human companion.
Well into the second half, a major revelation is dropped and all the storylines begin to merge and comes together in a satisfying ending, especially for January and June. This was a really strange Christmas story, basically the Christmas from #%!! for the Jaggers. My fave characters were January and June and Gardner left their futures open so maybe there is more about them later. I struggled to connect to the Jaggers and not interested in anything else with them.
The book summary lays out the primary storyline so I won’t repeat it here. However, what the book summary doesn’t reveal is that January is a Jolvix companion bot. Additionally, that violent Christmas two years ago? That was Jesse Jagger (the youngest Jagger son), who in a drunken rage, attacked January and stabbed and beat her with a fireplace poker until she malfunctioned and “died” in the only way a robot can die, it’s operating system is so damaged and destroyed it no longer functions. This is not a spoiler alert since it is revealed in the first chapter of the story.
Fast forward two years and all the Jagger siblings make another return to their dad’s house for Christmas. January is still there, good as new. She was completely repaired and her memory was wiped and supposedly has no memory of what happened to her two years ago. Key word here being “supposedly”. A sober and remorseful Jesse shows up too. Julianna, however, is still a little creeped out by January and becomes very suspicious of her. There is also another storyline of how prior to coming out to their father’s house for Christmas again, all of the Jagger siblings received a note that their mother was murdered and didn’t commit suicide like they all thought.
The story flips back and forth between the siblings: Josiah, Julianna, Jesse, Jada, as well as January with a lot of passages flipping back and forth between past and present. The past sections covered the Christmas two years ago as well as flashbacks of the sibling’s childhood with an abusive, alcoholic, narcissistic mother and a workaholic and ignorant father who enabled their mother’s bad behavior. The siblings also discovered a trove of their mother’s diaries, journals and writings and they believe that if their mother was murdered, they may be able to find out by who by reading all of her stuff. January’s chapters covered what she does remember from Christmas two years ago and her budding friendship with June, the bot next door who is being physically abused by her human companion.
Well into the second half, a major revelation is dropped and all the storylines begin to merge and comes together in a satisfying ending, especially for January and June. This was a really strange Christmas story, basically the Christmas from #%!! for the Jaggers. My fave characters were January and June and Gardner left their futures open so maybe there is more about them later. I struggled to connect to the Jaggers and not interested in anything else with them.
September 24, 2023
What a great read! I love the characters and all their various iterations of dysfunction. What a treat to read a suspenseful drama/sci-fi/domestic thriller with an AI Companion at the center of the story. Almost too much focus on the mother's mental issues and suicide at times, but that was important to the overall story. Faith Gardner is a new favorite author.
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