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parklandmom's reviews
713 reviews
Every Step After: A Sweet Romance with Mystery by Kate Goodwin
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
To come
Dare to Love My Grumpy Boss: Romantic Comedy by Ellie Hall
Did not finish book. Stopped at 9%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 9%.
These are women of marrying age and it felt like a group of girls in grade 9. The narrator contributed to that with the airy tone. I had to speed it up to 1.2 because it was so slow but it didn’t help. Sorry but this isn’t for me.
Upon a Spring Breeze by Kelly Irvin
emotional
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.5
Read: September 2024
Series: Every Amish Season, #1
Format: e-Book borrow from Everand
Book #98 of 2024: The premise to this book intrigued me and I hoped that it would not be the standard formula, so to speak. I used to read a lot of Amish fiction years ago but I don’t recall ever reading one where there were so many brusque, cold, unfeeling people. Some words and terms were also different than what I am used to. I realize there are different branches of the Amish and this must have been one I never encountered before.
I felt the book didn’t truly address Bess’ postpartum depression and Mattie’s dementia. It all just seemed to be written off in the end. Perhaps that is the Amish way but it seems very wrong not to properly acknowledge those things and deal with them in a healthy manner. It would have also aided in the book’s overall impression.
I did appreciate that Bess’ grief and feelings of displacement were acknowledged.
I thought there would be something included about their courtship but there wasn’t. I felt there was not a lot of good flow, clear direction, or not much resolve. I found my mind wandering often. I’m sorry but I won’t be continuing this series.
Series: Every Amish Season, #1
Format: e-Book borrow from Everand
Book #98 of 2024: The premise to this book intrigued me and I hoped that it would not be the standard formula, so to speak. I used to read a lot of Amish fiction years ago but I don’t recall ever reading one where there were so many brusque, cold, unfeeling people. Some words and terms were also different than what I am used to. I realize there are different branches of the Amish and this must have been one I never encountered before.
I felt the book didn’t truly address Bess’ postpartum depression and Mattie’s dementia. It all just seemed to be written off in the end. Perhaps that is the Amish way but it seems very wrong not to properly acknowledge those things and deal with them in a healthy manner. It would have also aided in the book’s overall impression.
I did appreciate that Bess’ grief and feelings of displacement were acknowledged.
I thought there would be something included about their courtship but there wasn’t. I felt there was not a lot of good flow, clear direction, or not much resolve. I found my mind wandering often. I’m sorry but I won’t be continuing this series.
Tactical Revival by Jessica Ashley
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: September 2024
Series: Coastal Hope, #4
Format: Audiobook borrow from Everand
Narrator: Savannah Rivers*, Jarman Day [*Rivers is great but I don’t care for the male narrator]
Book #97 of 2024: Another great instalment in the Coastal Hope series. I have the final one left now. Again, as with the other books, I really like the female narrator but I don’t care for the male narrator.
I enjoyed the setting of the B&B and the main characters’ love story. It felt organic and natural between Margot and Jaxson. His connection with her son, Mattie was a bonus.
The background of their betrayals and divorces were a source of commonalities and bonding. Both had some stuff to work through and they realized that. Having Jaxson’s father come into the picture was furtherance of the forgiveness theme. Forgiveness doesn’t come from the apology but from within one’s need for peace.
I suspected the identities of the “bad guys” but that didn’t deter me from enjoying the book. I’m enjoying the community of Coastal Springs. I look forward to the final book.
Series: Coastal Hope, #4
Format: Audiobook borrow from Everand
Narrator: Savannah Rivers*, Jarman Day [*Rivers is great but I don’t care for the male narrator]
Book #97 of 2024: Another great instalment in the Coastal Hope series. I have the final one left now. Again, as with the other books, I really like the female narrator but I don’t care for the male narrator.
I enjoyed the setting of the B&B and the main characters’ love story. It felt organic and natural between Margot and Jaxson. His connection with her son, Mattie was a bonus.
The background of their betrayals and divorces were a source of commonalities and bonding. Both had some stuff to work through and they realized that. Having Jaxson’s father come into the picture was furtherance of the forgiveness theme. Forgiveness doesn’t come from the apology but from within one’s need for peace.
I suspected the identities of the “bad guys” but that didn’t deter me from enjoying the book. I’m enjoying the community of Coastal Springs. I look forward to the final book.
Second Chance Serenity by Jessica Ashley
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
Read: September 2024
Series: Coastal Hope, #3
Format: Audiobook borrowed from Everand
Narrator: Savannah Rivers* and Jarman Day
Book #96 of 2024:
[*Again, as with Book #1, Savannah Rivers is excellent but I’m not crazy about the male narrator.]
I just began reading this author this month and this is the third book in the series I started. I will be reading the fourth and fifth (just released!) before long.
The female main character (FMC) was jilted the night before her wedding years before. To say things are tense between her and her former fiancé would be woefully inaccurate. The main male character (MMC) has been home from active military duty for a few years, still in love with her, and she isn’t having it. At all. But the sparks and emotions are there under the surface. Neither one has found anyone else that even came close.
When the FMC’s life becomes endangered, they are forced to be around each other a great deal—for her protection. Memories surface and all that nearness kicks in. She finally learns more about why he left and the ice begins cracking. The drama intensifies and feelings are pushed to the forefront. Throw in some twists and turns and you have a third great book in this series!
I will definitely read the next two books. I appreciate the prayers, Christian values, and Scripture references woven throughout.
Series: Coastal Hope, #3
Format: Audiobook borrowed from Everand
Narrator: Savannah Rivers* and Jarman Day
Book #96 of 2024:
[*Again, as with Book #1, Savannah Rivers is excellent but I’m not crazy about the male narrator.]
I just began reading this author this month and this is the third book in the series I started. I will be reading the fourth and fifth (just released!) before long.
The female main character (FMC) was jilted the night before her wedding years before. To say things are tense between her and her former fiancé would be woefully inaccurate. The main male character (MMC) has been home from active military duty for a few years, still in love with her, and she isn’t having it. At all. But the sparks and emotions are there under the surface. Neither one has found anyone else that even came close.
When the FMC’s life becomes endangered, they are forced to be around each other a great deal—for her protection. Memories surface and all that nearness kicks in. She finally learns more about why he left and the ice begins cracking. The drama intensifies and feelings are pushed to the forefront. Throw in some twists and turns and you have a third great book in this series!
I will definitely read the next two books. I appreciate the prayers, Christian values, and Scripture references woven throughout.
A Honey of a Christmas by Jessica R. Patch
funny
lighthearted
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? No
2.75
Read: September 2024
Format: Kindle e-Book
Challenge Prompt: Just reading in addition to book 1 of this series for the same challenge - EOW’s “southern-based fiction” - read anytime in 2024 option
Book #95 of 2024: I never really got into this book but I enjoyed these two main characters. I liked the parts with them but not much of anything else. I much prefer her more current books over these romcoms.
I won’t be continuing the series.
Format: Kindle e-Book
Challenge Prompt: Just reading in addition to book 1 of this series for the same challenge - EOW’s “southern-based fiction” - read anytime in 2024 option
Book #95 of 2024: I never really got into this book but I enjoyed these two main characters. I liked the parts with them but not much of anything else. I much prefer her more current books over these romcoms.
I won’t be continuing the series.
A Token of Love by Carrie Turansky
challenging
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
relaxing
sad
medium-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
5.0
Read: September 2024
Format: Audiobook from Audible
Narrator: Susan Lyons
Challenge Prompt: CNL’s #48 of 50 - “with a dual timeline” (1885 & 2023)
Book #94 of 2024: Wow! I was immersed into this novel from the very start. Both timelines were good on their own but even better together! The narration is spot on as well.
The characters were all so clear to me and everything played out in my mind like a movie. The reality of child trafficking is so important to me and it is something that must be brought out of the dark so that people know. It is not a *conspiracy theory.* Our children are our greatest treasure.
There was a line about how a 2023 timeline character had always viewed trafficking as a modern issue but yet it had happened even in the Victorian era. While that is true, it has been a sickening part of history from way before that. Even worse, it has become an even bigger and broader 8 billion per year *business* in current day. Clearly we did not learn or watch carefully enough. It is something that needs to completely end. For that to happen, it means stopping the rich and powerful that continue to do it even now.
From the first time I read Carrie Turansky in the McAlister Family series, I knew she was an author for me to continue with. I cannot recommend this novel enough. I give that recommendation with a caveat or forewarning: Be sure to carve out the time you will need because you will want to read or listen to all of it with necessary breaks only.
Format: Audiobook from Audible
Narrator: Susan Lyons
Challenge Prompt: CNL’s #48 of 50 - “with a dual timeline” (1885 & 2023)
Book #94 of 2024: Wow! I was immersed into this novel from the very start. Both timelines were good on their own but even better together! The narration is spot on as well.
The characters were all so clear to me and everything played out in my mind like a movie. The reality of child trafficking is so important to me and it is something that must be brought out of the dark so that people know. It is not a *conspiracy theory.* Our children are our greatest treasure.
There was a line about how a 2023 timeline character had always viewed trafficking as a modern issue but yet it had happened even in the Victorian era. While that is true, it has been a sickening part of history from way before that. Even worse, it has become an even bigger and broader 8 billion per year *business* in current day. Clearly we did not learn or watch carefully enough. It is something that needs to completely end. For that to happen, it means stopping the rich and powerful that continue to do it even now.
From the first time I read Carrie Turansky in the McAlister Family series, I knew she was an author for me to continue with. I cannot recommend this novel enough. I give that recommendation with a caveat or forewarning: Be sure to carve out the time you will need because you will want to read or listen to all of it with necessary breaks only.
Under the Honey Moon by Jessica R. Patch
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
Read: September 2024
Series: Honeyhaven, #2
Format: Kindle e-Book
Challenge Prompt: Part 1 of EOW’s “southern-based book” - read anytime in 2024 (Part 2 is book #2)
Book #93 of 2024: THIS REVIEW CONTAINS SPOILERS.
This was simple and funny with a very interesting cast of characters. The FMC (female main character) is fun and quirky. She knows she wants an all-encompassing love of a lifetime. Who doesn’t? However, she has some immaturity and contradictions that bothered me. Same with the MMC.
Without re-telling the synopsis (because who wants to read a review that does that?), I found it was sweet but largely unbelievable. The FMC was ready to accept a perceived proposal from someone she’s barely seen for a decade—a man who was engaged and she had no idea until he asked for the honeymoon cottage. They weren’t in touch enough for her to know that much but she would have gotten engaged to him?
The FMC and MMC both have the Christian faith and talk about God, but they didn’t really show it in their actions. Clearly there were sparks and both knew he was engaged. That doesn’t exactly fit with their beliefs about marriage. Tuck was clearly the hero of this book in speaking the truth that none of the main characters gave voice to. He interrupted their rehearsal. Sonya, the fiancée of Bowie, just bows out like it’s not completely callous. Sonya wanting a job promotion more was telling. She wasn’t really in a mature place for marriage either but at least she had the wherewithal to call a duck a duck. Sort of. She didn’t even seem hurt or angry at the dishonesty and she certainly had the right to be.
The ending was something I’d never want for a daughter. Bowie was ready to go through with a marriage, it got called off, and then he was proposing to Juliet the same day with his mom’s ring (from his unfaithful father!). That’s not romantic or upstanding. You can’t jump from one commitment to another like it’s a different weight of sweater on an unpredictable fall day.
There were several good aspects to this novella but perhaps that’s the issue — the length. A longer book with a more true-to-life storyline, and that didn’t jump from one relationship to another, would have been more satisfying.
I gave three stars for the setting, humour, fun cast of characters. There are parts I definitely liked. But I just couldn’t give more than that because of the reasons I stated above. I would never want that for myself or a daughter of mine. I just feel there was missed potential for this to be a better story that didn’t feel so dishonest.
I have the second book and will read it since they’re short. I’m hoping Tuck’s story will hold onto the maturity and honesty he showed by speaking up at Tuck’s and Sonya’s wedding rehearsal.
Series: Honeyhaven, #2
Format: Kindle e-Book
Challenge Prompt: Part 1 of EOW’s “southern-based book” - read anytime in 2024 (Part 2 is book #2)
Book #93 of 2024: THIS REVIEW CONTAINS SPOILERS.
This was simple and funny with a very interesting cast of characters. The FMC (female main character) is fun and quirky. She knows she wants an all-encompassing love of a lifetime. Who doesn’t? However, she has some immaturity and contradictions that bothered me. Same with the MMC.
Without re-telling the synopsis (because who wants to read a review that does that?), I found it was sweet but largely unbelievable. The FMC was ready to accept a perceived proposal from someone she’s barely seen for a decade—a man who was engaged and she had no idea until he asked for the honeymoon cottage. They weren’t in touch enough for her to know that much but she would have gotten engaged to him?
The ending was something I’d never want for a daughter. Bowie was ready to go through with a marriage, it got called off, and then he was proposing to Juliet the same day with his mom’s ring (from his unfaithful father!). That’s not romantic or upstanding. You can’t jump from one commitment to another like it’s a different weight of sweater on an unpredictable fall day.
There were several good aspects to this novella but perhaps that’s the issue — the length. A longer book with a more true-to-life storyline, and that didn’t jump from one relationship to another, would have been more satisfying.
I gave three stars for the setting, humour, fun cast of characters. There are parts I definitely liked. But I just couldn’t give more than that because of the reasons I stated above. I would never want that for myself or a daughter of mine. I just feel there was missed potential for this to be a better story that didn’t feel so dishonest.
I have the second book and will read it since they’re short. I’m hoping Tuck’s story will hold onto the maturity and honesty he showed by speaking up at Tuck’s and Sonya’s wedding rehearsal.
The Color of Home: by Kit Tosello
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
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? No
4.5
Read: September 2024
Format: Digital Advanced Reader Copy via Net Galley
Challenge Prompt: CNL’s #8 of 50 - “featuring a character with grey hair”
Book #92 of 2024:
This is a debut novel that releases 9-24-24. I definitely believe that there will be more books to come from this author! From the homey and cozy cover to the many beautiful passages, this book took me on a journey. I felt I was there in the quaint and caring town, with a hot beverage, a book, and just taking it all in.
This is a novel about finding our HOME. Not just our physical home but where we shine brightest and feel truly connected. Is it a place or a setting? Is it where we think we should be, or is it where our heart is? Maybe it is where we are truly happy, can find peace and a purpose to serve others with intention, wherever that may be. Moreover, our ultimate home is our eternal destination.
I found this novel prompted me to be very introspective. What do we do with our “woundedness?” Do we carry it with us everywhere or use it to help others with theirs? What is grief and how can we view it a little differently? Why are we our own worst critics? Do we use terms like “at risk (fill in the blank)” or do we see such people as full of promise and opportunity? How can we use our talents and gifts to help others AND ourselves? What are our real dreams that truly count at the end of the day?
There are so many lovely passages in this book that fill my senses and imagination. The author has a way with words that had me highlighting my digital copy often. Nature, baked goods, hot coffee or tea, the many colours of paint, decor, birds and other animals, etc. The love for color and design shone by the author shone through. (By the way: Is she available for a kitchen consultation???).
I appreciate the references to equine therapy and mentor programs. Both are such really good and lasting contributions to anyone who needs them and society as a whole.
I narrowed down my many highlighted passages to two of my favourites:
- Loc. 2633: And as dust motes dance in a wide beam of golden light spilling from the window, I’m left afterward to ponder a quote she dropped on me, something from Henri Nouwen, one of her favorite writers. “The main question is not ‘How can we hide our wounds?’ . . . but ‘How can we put our woundedness in the service of others?’”
- Loc. 3265: Grief isn’t something you move past, ever. It’s something you learn to carry. That ache, the one that won’t ever quit, that’s how you know for sure it meant something in the first place. It mattered then, and it still matters. So we pick it up and carry it every day. And honey, we have got to allow our disappointments to draw us closer to God, not give us an excuse to drift further away.”
*** Many thanks to #NetGalley and the Publisher for an advanced reader copy. This book releases September 24, 2024. I highly recommend #TheColorOfHome
Format: Digital Advanced Reader Copy via Net Galley
Challenge Prompt: CNL’s #8 of 50 - “featuring a character with grey hair”
Book #92 of 2024:
This is a debut novel that releases 9-24-24. I definitely believe that there will be more books to come from this author! From the homey and cozy cover to the many beautiful passages, this book took me on a journey. I felt I was there in the quaint and caring town, with a hot beverage, a book, and just taking it all in.
This is a novel about finding our HOME. Not just our physical home but where we shine brightest and feel truly connected. Is it a place or a setting? Is it where we think we should be, or is it where our heart is? Maybe it is where we are truly happy, can find peace and a purpose to serve others with intention, wherever that may be. Moreover, our ultimate home is our eternal destination.
I found this novel prompted me to be very introspective. What do we do with our “woundedness?” Do we carry it with us everywhere or use it to help others with theirs? What is grief and how can we view it a little differently? Why are we our own worst critics? Do we use terms like “at risk (fill in the blank)” or do we see such people as full of promise and opportunity? How can we use our talents and gifts to help others AND ourselves? What are our real dreams that truly count at the end of the day?
There are so many lovely passages in this book that fill my senses and imagination. The author has a way with words that had me highlighting my digital copy often. Nature, baked goods, hot coffee or tea, the many colours of paint, decor, birds and other animals, etc. The love for color and design shone by the author shone through. (By the way: Is she available for a kitchen consultation???).
I appreciate the references to equine therapy and mentor programs. Both are such really good and lasting contributions to anyone who needs them and society as a whole.
I narrowed down my many highlighted passages to two of my favourites:
- Loc. 2633: And as dust motes dance in a wide beam of golden light spilling from the window, I’m left afterward to ponder a quote she dropped on me, something from Henri Nouwen, one of her favorite writers. “The main question is not ‘How can we hide our wounds?’ . . . but ‘How can we put our woundedness in the service of others?’”
- Loc. 3265: Grief isn’t something you move past, ever. It’s something you learn to carry. That ache, the one that won’t ever quit, that’s how you know for sure it meant something in the first place. It mattered then, and it still matters. So we pick it up and carry it every day. And honey, we have got to allow our disappointments to draw us closer to God, not give us an excuse to drift further away.”
*** Many thanks to #NetGalley and the Publisher for an advanced reader copy. This book releases September 24, 2024. I highly recommend #TheColorOfHome
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 that you 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 that you 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.