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parklandmom's reviews
684 reviews
How Can It Be? by Kelli Galyean
4.25
Stars: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ & 1/4 (4.25 stars)
Read: September 2024
Series: A Work in Progress, #1
Format: Kindle e-Book
Challenge Prompt: CNL’s #30 of 50 - “A book I pre-ordered”
Book #91 of 2024: This novel is the author’s debut so she is subsequently an NTM author also. The book cover has a pretty watercolour scene.
An early reader recommended this novel and the storyline appealed to me. I pre-ordered it and I’m glad that I took a chance. This is a very sweet story, albeit a difficult topic with the FMC having had an abortion 10 years prior, and before she committed her life to Christ.
I felt the author dealt with this delicate topic in a realistic manner and didn’t shy away from the trauma and difficulties that resulted from her parents ultimatum. I do wish the story would have included resolve with her parents for the selfish and cruel decision they forced upon her.
As much as I enjoyed the story, I did feel there was something lacking or missing somehow. It did feel a bit like the characters seemed younger than they were at times. Sometimes I felt like the story was going through methodical steps and was missing more character development and connectivity or something.
I did enjoy the community feel though it was a little too perfect at times. I quite enjoyed this novel and I look forward to the rest of the series.
Read: September 2024
Series: A Work in Progress, #1
Format: Kindle e-Book
Challenge Prompt: CNL’s #30 of 50 - “A book I pre-ordered”
Book #91 of 2024: This novel is the author’s debut so she is subsequently an NTM author also. The book cover has a pretty watercolour scene.
An early reader recommended this novel and the storyline appealed to me. I pre-ordered it and I’m glad that I took a chance. This is a very sweet story, albeit a difficult topic with the FMC having had an abortion 10 years prior, and before she committed her life to Christ.
I felt the author dealt with this delicate topic in a realistic manner and didn’t shy away from the trauma and difficulties that resulted from her parents ultimatum. I do wish the story would have included resolve with her parents for the selfish and cruel decision they forced upon her.
As much as I enjoyed the story, I did feel there was something lacking or missing somehow. It did feel a bit like the characters seemed younger than they were at times. Sometimes I felt like the story was going through methodical steps and was missing more character development and connectivity or something.
I did enjoy the community feel though it was a little too perfect at times. I quite enjoyed this novel and I look forward to the rest of the series.
A Lady's Guide to Marvels and Misadventure by Angela Bell
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.25
Stars: ⭐️⭐️ & 1/4 (2.25 stars)
Read: September 2024
Format: Audible audiobook
Narrator: Beverley A. Crick (excellent!)
Challenge Prompt: CNL’s #26 - “Set over 100 years ago.”
Book #90 of 2024: The narrator was extremely suited to this book and did a fabulous job!
COMMENTS: I never would have chosen this on my own. It’s *way* out of my wheelhouse. It’s very eclectic with fantasy and whimsy.
I got this on an Audible deal because of all the people who loved it. I really didn’t know that it would be a fit for me but sometimes a push is a good thing.
My perspective? This wasn’t for me unfortunately. I was fine with the early part of the book but the very long trip was so repetitious for me that my mind wandered often. I struggled to finish, since it’s just not my style, but I forced myself to see it through and push my boundaries. I did feel that this story was twice as long as it truly needed to be. I loved the character of Arthur/Theo. There was some good humour and a couple of quotes that I really enjoyed.
- Ch. 4 of audiobook: “His candied promises still concealed arsenic-filled centers.”
- Ch. 14 of audiobook: “Don’t get so busy tending the garden that you never sit back and enjoy the view.”
For folks that like fantastical whimsy, this book is definitely for them. She’s a good writer for this style. It’s got a Mary Poppins vibe and it reminded me of the many Saturday matinées I saw as a kid. I think it would make a great kids’ movie in many ways. It’s a niche style but just not *my* niche. And that’s okay! :-)
It’s very difficult for me to rate a story that isn’t my “cup of tea,” but I will put it in the middle-ish. I enjoyed the beginning (prior to the trip), the character of Arthur/Theo, the creativity of the author, and the happily ever after ending. I fully acknowledge my interest bias so take that for what you will. I can only rate by my own personal experience.
Read: September 2024
Format: Audible audiobook
Narrator: Beverley A. Crick (excellent!)
Challenge Prompt: CNL’s #26 - “Set over 100 years ago.”
Book #90 of 2024: The narrator was extremely suited to this book and did a fabulous job!
COMMENTS: I never would have chosen this on my own. It’s *way* out of my wheelhouse. It’s very eclectic with fantasy and whimsy.
I got this on an Audible deal because of all the people who loved it. I really didn’t know that it would be a fit for me but sometimes a push is a good thing.
My perspective? This wasn’t for me unfortunately. I was fine with the early part of the book but the very long trip was so repetitious for me that my mind wandered often. I struggled to finish, since it’s just not my style, but I forced myself to see it through and push my boundaries. I did feel that this story was twice as long as it truly needed to be. I loved the character of Arthur/Theo. There was some good humour and a couple of quotes that I really enjoyed.
- Ch. 4 of audiobook: “His candied promises still concealed arsenic-filled centers.”
- Ch. 14 of audiobook: “Don’t get so busy tending the garden that you never sit back and enjoy the view.”
For folks that like fantastical whimsy, this book is definitely for them. She’s a good writer for this style. It’s got a Mary Poppins vibe and it reminded me of the many Saturday matinées I saw as a kid. I think it would make a great kids’ movie in many ways. It’s a niche style but just not *my* niche. And that’s okay! :-)
It’s very difficult for me to rate a story that isn’t my “cup of tea,” but I will put it in the middle-ish. I enjoyed the beginning (prior to the trip), the character of Arthur/Theo, the creativity of the author, and the happily ever after ending. I fully acknowledge my interest bias so take that for what you will. I can only rate by my own personal experience.
Searching for Peace by Jessica Ashley
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
Stars: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ & 1/4 (4.25 stars)
Read: September 2024
Series: Coastal Hope, #2
Format: audiobook borrow from Everand
Narrators: Macie Miller, Marcus Rayne
Challenge Prompt: EOW’s, “an independently published book” (read anytime in 2024 option)
Book #89 of 2024:
[NARRATORS: Even though it is a different female and male duo than book 1, I’m going to say the same thing as I did for book 1. The female narrator is really good. the male narrator was just ok. Not well-suited to me.]
I enjoyed this second book. This is a great series! I love the ties to the grandma for both the FMC and MMC because I was so close to mine. Though their backgrounds held different circumstances and different pain, it led them both to the same struggles. Moreover, it led them to each other. They are very likeable characters with great chemistry.
The storyline keeps you wondering what’s next, who did what, etc. I did figure out the person against them but not all of the connected pieces. Again, I just love the community of Hope Springs.
SIDE NOTE: Since I listened to the audio and can only listen, I am confused about something. It sounded like there was an Alex or Alec in New York and an Alex in Hope Springs? Can anyone clarify?
Read: September 2024
Series: Coastal Hope, #2
Format: audiobook borrow from Everand
Narrators: Macie Miller, Marcus Rayne
Challenge Prompt: EOW’s, “an independently published book” (read anytime in 2024 option)
Book #89 of 2024:
[NARRATORS: Even though it is a different female and male duo than book 1, I’m going to say the same thing as I did for book 1. The female narrator is really good. the male narrator was just ok. Not well-suited to me.]
I enjoyed this second book. This is a great series! I love the ties to the grandma for both the FMC and MMC because I was so close to mine. Though their backgrounds held different circumstances and different pain, it led them both to the same struggles. Moreover, it led them to each other. They are very likeable characters with great chemistry.
The storyline keeps you wondering what’s next, who did what, etc. I did figure out the person against them but not all of the connected pieces. Again, I just love the community of Hope Springs.
SIDE NOTE: Since I listened to the audio and can only listen, I am confused about something. It sounded like there was an Alex or Alec in New York and an Alex in Hope Springs? Can anyone clarify?
Pages of Promise by Jessica Ashley
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
Stars: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ & 1/2 (4.5 stars, rounded up)
Read: September 2024
Series: Coastal Hope, #1
Format: audiobook borrow from Everand
Narrators: Savannah Rivers, Jarman Day
Challenge Prompt: EOW’s, “a mystery or suspense (historical or contemporary)” — read anytime in 2024
Book #88 of 2024:
[Narrators — Savannah is spot on and perfect for the role of Eliza. She is a great narrator in general. Jarman was okay for me but some of the female voices sounded weird and forced.]
REVIEW: This is a mainstream author who changed to Christian fiction and therefore an NTM author. I had a little trepidation going in but I liked what I heard in the sample. I wanted to be fair and make a choice based on my own experience. I’m so glad that I did. I do wish the publisher name was something more appealing than B.A.D. I would recommend a change.
This was terrific romantic suspense!! I love the community and I see it as being a welcoming and lasting aspect of this series.
Eliza, female main character, is believable after all she’s been through. She was abandoned by her parents and in a ten-year abusive marriage with an unfaithful and narcissistic spouse. The reader learns all of this right away in the book. Her growth and her journey back to God and His word is a wonderful thing.
Lance, the male main character, is a former veteran who owns a security firm. He’s such a caring, giving man and makes an amazing romantic hero. He follows God’s leading despite their (way!) less than positive initial meeting and his strong attraction to her.
The book had me engaged all evening last night and I finished the last quarter this morning. This is a series that I will be continuing and I trust that the faith aspect will be woven throughout the remainder of the series. This book has balance with great suspense, swoony and clean chemistry, along with the beauty and strength of a small community.
Read: September 2024
Series: Coastal Hope, #1
Format: audiobook borrow from Everand
Narrators: Savannah Rivers, Jarman Day
Challenge Prompt: EOW’s, “a mystery or suspense (historical or contemporary)” — read anytime in 2024
Book #88 of 2024:
[Narrators — Savannah is spot on and perfect for the role of Eliza. She is a great narrator in general. Jarman was okay for me but some of the female voices sounded weird and forced.]
REVIEW: This is a mainstream author who changed to Christian fiction and therefore an NTM author. I had a little trepidation going in but I liked what I heard in the sample. I wanted to be fair and make a choice based on my own experience. I’m so glad that I did. I do wish the publisher name was something more appealing than B.A.D. I would recommend a change.
This was terrific romantic suspense!! I love the community and I see it as being a welcoming and lasting aspect of this series.
Eliza, female main character, is believable after all she’s been through. She was abandoned by her parents and in a ten-year abusive marriage with an unfaithful and narcissistic spouse. The reader learns all of this right away in the book. Her growth and her journey back to God and His word is a wonderful thing.
Lance, the male main character, is a former veteran who owns a security firm. He’s such a caring, giving man and makes an amazing romantic hero. He follows God’s leading despite their (way!) less than positive initial meeting and his strong attraction to her.
The book had me engaged all evening last night and I finished the last quarter this morning. This is a series that I will be continuing and I trust that the faith aspect will be woven throughout the remainder of the series. This book has balance with great suspense, swoony and clean chemistry, along with the beauty and strength of a small community.
Fire and Ice by Carolyn Miller
3.0
Stars: ⭐️⭐️⭐️ (3 stars)
Read: September 2024
Series: Northwest Ice Division, #1
Format: Kindle e-book
Challenge Prompt: CNL’s #40 of 50 — “featuring a journalist” (main female character is a sports journalist)
Book #87 of 2024: [I am a hockey fan. I have to be honest, this Calgary stuff for an Edmonton Oiler fan was a stretch. Lol. So allow me to make note of the line about retro Calgary uniforms being like those they wore the “last time” they won the Stanley Cup. Calgary has only won it once. Sorry, but as a true hockey fan and a lifelong Oiler fan, I had to set the record straight! Lolololol!]
REVIEW: i have mixed feelings about this book. I do see how female sports reporters have been treated poorly by some. However, I’m just so weary of the entire, woke “toxic masculinity” talking point. There are some toxic males and females out there but that doesn’t means masculinity or femininity is toxic. At all. In fact, a truly masculine man is the character of Franklin or the character of Mike.
Personal side note about sports reporting in general:
Female sports reporters in men’s changing rooms is wrong and hypocritical. It doesn’t empower women sports reporters at all. Do we want male reporters in the female changing rooms then? We now have boys and men going into girls’ women’s changing rooms and calling it their right. This is all very broken.
I just didn’t really connect to the story as a whole. I didn’t really feel invested. Some parts didn’t really strike me as believable. Some of the resulting drama felt contrived and overdone over a comment. I did love Franklin & Cassie’s family and their ranch. I did love the chemistry and history between the two main characters.
Read: September 2024
Series: Northwest Ice Division, #1
Format: Kindle e-book
Challenge Prompt: CNL’s #40 of 50 — “featuring a journalist” (main female character is a sports journalist)
Book #87 of 2024: [I am a hockey fan. I have to be honest, this Calgary stuff for an Edmonton Oiler fan was a stretch. Lol. So allow me to make note of the line about retro Calgary uniforms being like those they wore the “last time” they won the Stanley Cup. Calgary has only won it once. Sorry, but as a true hockey fan and a lifelong Oiler fan, I had to set the record straight! Lolololol!]
REVIEW: i have mixed feelings about this book. I do see how female sports reporters have been treated poorly by some. However, I’m just so weary of the entire, woke “toxic masculinity” talking point. There are some toxic males and females out there but that doesn’t means masculinity or femininity is toxic. At all. In fact, a truly masculine man is the character of Franklin or the character of Mike.
Personal side note about sports reporting in general:
Female sports reporters in men’s changing rooms is wrong and hypocritical. It doesn’t empower women sports reporters at all. Do we want male reporters in the female changing rooms then? We now have boys and men going into girls’ women’s changing rooms and calling it their right. This is all very broken.
I just didn’t really connect to the story as a whole. I didn’t really feel invested. Some parts didn’t really strike me as believable. Some of the resulting drama felt contrived and overdone over a comment. I did love Franklin & Cassie’s family and their ranch. I did love the chemistry and history between the two main characters.
The Fire in our Hearth by Rae Walsh
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
Stars: 4.5, rounded up to 5
Read: September 2024
Series: Aveline, #3
Format: Kindle e-Book
Challenge Prompt: CNL’s #32 of 50 — “author with a pen name” (author’s real name is Rachel Devenish Ford)
Book #86 of 2024: The Aveline series has been a joy to read! I really, really want the author to continue this series. I’ve fallen in love with this community and its people. I want to move there and sit under a jacaranda tree after the ladies get together to share and pray. I mean, CLEARLY Mercy and Lewis’ story needs to be told! And Francisco deserves his happy ending. I could go on and on.
I absolutely love Daniel and his refreshing honesty. What an amazing man. And Ani is the perfect match who sees those amazing qualities. She’s an incredible person. I adore their makeshift—and very REAL—family with the Venezuelan family.
I found this book culturally rich and I learned many things. I also love how the unique titles have meaning to each of the three books. This one took me a little longer to get into this one so I lowered my rating very slightly to a 4.5/5 compared to the 5/5 that I gave each of the first two. The final 2/3 of this novel are special.
I cannot recommend this series enough!!
Read: September 2024
Series: Aveline, #3
Format: Kindle e-Book
Challenge Prompt: CNL’s #32 of 50 — “author with a pen name” (author’s real name is Rachel Devenish Ford)
Book #86 of 2024: The Aveline series has been a joy to read! I really, really want the author to continue this series. I’ve fallen in love with this community and its people. I want to move there and sit under a jacaranda tree after the ladies get together to share and pray. I mean, CLEARLY Mercy and Lewis’ story needs to be told! And Francisco deserves his happy ending. I could go on and on.
I absolutely love Daniel and his refreshing honesty. What an amazing man. And Ani is the perfect match who sees those amazing qualities. She’s an incredible person. I adore their makeshift—and very REAL—family with the Venezuelan family.
I found this book culturally rich and I learned many things. I also love how the unique titles have meaning to each of the three books. This one took me a little longer to get into this one so I lowered my rating very slightly to a 4.5/5 compared to the 5/5 that I gave each of the first two. The final 2/3 of this novel are special.
I cannot recommend this series enough!!
Before We Were Us by Denise Hunter
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Book #84 of 2024
Completed: Aug. 31st
I’ve read many novels by this author but this is my favourite. It is her BEST work, in my opinion. From the gorgeous autumn cover to the epilogue that makes your heart feel like it will stretch right out of your body, this book is a must-read. I listened to the audiobook and the narrator, Kim Churchill, is fantastic! I had never heard her before but I wouldn’t hesitate to buy an audiobook with her name attached to it.
This novel has joy and heartbreak, beauty and ugliness, tears and laughter, emptiness and fullness, strengths and weaknesses, low valleys and mountain-top moments. And she does it all with the reader feeling fully invested and immersed in the characters and community.
They are not perfect characters with a Cinderella story. There are flaws. There are missteps. There are moments you want to scream in utter frustration, cry in despair, and cheer with jubilance. And swoon??? Oh, YES, there is heart-palpitating swoon that is so full of depth and meaning.
There are so many layers to this story and it keeps you reading as you peel them back one by one. I would love to see this become a series (hint-hint!!!) because I love the people and community of Pinehaven. I am, therefore, firmly invested in what comes next:
- Jonah’s sister?
- The handsome doctor returning home?
- Lauren’s best friend visits or takes a job there? (Maybe her AND the doctor!)
Two or three more books would be juuuuust right! After all, that stunning barn venue is just waiting expectantly, in all its splendor, to be the amazingly romantic setting for endless weddings to come!
*** HUGE thanks to #NetGalley and #ThomasNelson (publisher) for an advanced copy of the audiobook. My honest review is voluntary and in my own words. #BeforeWeWereUs
Completed: Aug. 31st
I’ve read many novels by this author but this is my favourite. It is her BEST work, in my opinion. From the gorgeous autumn cover to the epilogue that makes your heart feel like it will stretch right out of your body, this book is a must-read. I listened to the audiobook and the narrator, Kim Churchill, is fantastic! I had never heard her before but I wouldn’t hesitate to buy an audiobook with her name attached to it.
This novel has joy and heartbreak, beauty and ugliness, tears and laughter, emptiness and fullness, strengths and weaknesses, low valleys and mountain-top moments. And she does it all with the reader feeling fully invested and immersed in the characters and community.
They are not perfect characters with a Cinderella story. There are flaws. There are missteps. There are moments you want to scream in utter frustration, cry in despair, and cheer with jubilance. And swoon??? Oh, YES, there is heart-palpitating swoon that is so full of depth and meaning.
There are so many layers to this story and it keeps you reading as you peel them back one by one. I would love to see this become a series (hint-hint!!!) because I love the people and community of Pinehaven. I am, therefore, firmly invested in what comes next:
- Jonah’s sister?
- The handsome doctor returning home?
- Lauren’s best friend visits or takes a job there? (Maybe her AND the doctor!)
Two or three more books would be juuuuust right! After all, that stunning barn venue is just waiting expectantly, in all its splendor, to be the amazingly romantic setting for endless weddings to come!
*** HUGE thanks to #NetGalley and #ThomasNelson (publisher) for an advanced copy of the audiobook. My honest review is voluntary and in my own words. #BeforeWeWereUs
Beyond Ivy Walls by Rachel Fordham
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.75
Read: August 2024 via ARC audiobook
Format: ARC audiobook from Net Galley
Narrator: Em Eldridge, Jason Keller
Challenge Prompt: EOW’s “a book set on a farm OR has a farm as a major location in the story” (Sadie’s home is a farm and she works to help save it)
Book #83 of 2024:
This is my second book by Rachel Fordham and I enjoyed it very much, just as I did the previous one.
Em Eldridge is a fabulous narrator. I’m sorry to be blunt but Jason Keller’s voices for women were really creepy and turned me off. Em Eldridge could have narrated the book in its entirety. She was a delight to listen to.
This is a modern-day retelling of Beauty and the Beast. I’m not one for fairytales but this was well done. I grew very fond of Sadie, Otis, and the minor characters, too.
The characters illustrated that we all have scars of some sort. Not all of them are visible. There was so much raw honesty and it was beautiful. We all must see each other without judgment.
My favourite quote is: “The world needs both the timid and the bold.” I highly recommend this novel.
Format: ARC audiobook from Net Galley
Narrator: Em Eldridge, Jason Keller
Challenge Prompt: EOW’s “a book set on a farm OR has a farm as a major location in the story” (Sadie’s home is a farm and she works to help save it)
Book #83 of 2024:
This is my second book by Rachel Fordham and I enjoyed it very much, just as I did the previous one.
Em Eldridge is a fabulous narrator. I’m sorry to be blunt but Jason Keller’s voices for women were really creepy and turned me off. Em Eldridge could have narrated the book in its entirety. She was a delight to listen to.
This is a modern-day retelling of Beauty and the Beast. I’m not one for fairytales but this was well done. I grew very fond of Sadie, Otis, and the minor characters, too.
The characters illustrated that we all have scars of some sort. Not all of them are visible. There was so much raw honesty and it was beautiful. We all must see each other without judgment.
My favourite quote is: “The world needs both the timid and the bold.” I highly recommend this novel.
Target Acquired by Lynette Eason
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
Read: August 2024
Series: Lake City Heroes, #2
Format: Audible audiobook
Narrator: Lauren Pederson
Challenge Prompt: CNL’s #13 of 50 — “has a green cover”
Book #82 of 2024: This was a great second instalment to this series. I remained interested through the entire audiobook. Lauren Pederson is the best narrator out of all the audiobooks that Eason has released. Her voice is suited to the romantic suspense genre.
This novel had a good balance of suspense and regular life. I like learning more about characters and who they are, especially with a series. I loved the moments where they would chip in to help someone in need.
I loved the build in the relationship between the two lead characters. It felt natural. I also liked the hints as to who will be coming up in book 3…..
I’ve read or listened to most of Eason’s books and she is an automatic read for me.
Series: Lake City Heroes, #2
Format: Audible audiobook
Narrator: Lauren Pederson
Challenge Prompt: CNL’s #13 of 50 — “has a green cover”
Book #82 of 2024: This was a great second instalment to this series. I remained interested through the entire audiobook. Lauren Pederson is the best narrator out of all the audiobooks that Eason has released. Her voice is suited to the romantic suspense genre.
This novel had a good balance of suspense and regular life. I like learning more about characters and who they are, especially with a series. I loved the moments where they would chip in to help someone in need.
I loved the build in the relationship between the two lead characters. It felt natural. I also liked the hints as to who will be coming up in book 3…..
I’ve read or listened to most of Eason’s books and she is an automatic read for me.
Secondary Target by Angela Carlisle
dark
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Stars: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4 stars)
Read: August 2024
Format: Kindle e-book
Challenge Prompt: ARoCF’s, “a suspense book by an author you haven’t read before”
Book #81 of 2024: New author to me. This is her debut novel and it’s a strong start to a continuing series.
This novel had very likeable characters without making them ‘perfect.’ Corina’s tragic past is a lot to take in. There are a lot of tense moments and suspense in this story. I actually would have preferred a little less of that. More info about the characters would create a better balance for me. I didn’t feel I got to know them as well as I would have liked.
The dedication to friendship with Bryce and Allye (pronounced Allie) toward Corina was remarkable. I wish I knew more about what it was like before Corina and Bryce had parted years before.
The ‘hair’ scene raised the hair on my arms! That was my favourite suspense scene. Corina’s moment of surrendering it all to God was my favourite non-suspense scene.
I look forward to book 2 with Allye as the main character.
Read: August 2024
Format: Kindle e-book
Challenge Prompt: ARoCF’s, “a suspense book by an author you haven’t read before”
Book #81 of 2024: New author to me. This is her debut novel and it’s a strong start to a continuing series.
This novel had very likeable characters without making them ‘perfect.’ Corina’s tragic past is a lot to take in. There are a lot of tense moments and suspense in this story. I actually would have preferred a little less of that. More info about the characters would create a better balance for me. I didn’t feel I got to know them as well as I would have liked.
The dedication to friendship with Bryce and Allye (pronounced Allie) toward Corina was remarkable. I wish I knew more about what it was like before Corina and Bryce had parted years before.
The ‘hair’ scene raised the hair on my arms! That was my favourite suspense scene. Corina’s moment of surrendering it all to God was my favourite non-suspense scene.
I look forward to book 2 with Allye as the main character.