The Jenny Effect

John loves his brother's family-his family, in fact, and he adores his six-year-old niece Jenny. They are his "anchor" and she is the light of his life. Together, John and Jenny share a solemn pact: they're sticking together, always. Although John is content with his life overall, he is vaguely aware that something is missing.He has a very strong bond with his brother who is much more clear as to what is missing in John's life. He pushes him to find a wife and have some children, and the consensus of everyone around him is that he would be a great father.

A weekend babysitting Jenny leads to an unexpected encounter with his co-worker Angela, reigniting an attraction John thought to be temporary. But John's lack of confidence causes him to hesitate and default to his role as the loving uncle. He can be reckless, giving Jenny too much candy or taking her on wildly inappropriate carnival rides, but also nurturing, helping Jenny color a picture while lauding her artistry, and being a shoulder she can lean on when she's down. He is protective as well, making sure she is well secured when in a car, and being the best lifeguard ever at the pool. Jenny appreciates all of it. Ironically she gently nudges John towards a possible new love and responsibility. For a time, John believes he might be able to balance his family life and a new love interest. But when a sudden family crisis strikes, he faces an impossible choice: break his pact with Jenny and detach from the family life that anchors him, or risk it all for new love and independence.

Heartwarming, funny, and deeply moving, this is a story about family bonds, the courage to grow, and learning that sometimes love asks us to stretch in ways we never imagined.