parklandmom's reviews
771 reviews

Completed: Feb. 24/25
Format: audiobook borrow from Everand 
Challenge Prompt: EOW's "SWEET or SWEETS in the title" -- ANYTIME IN 2025 option 

Book #23 of 2024: This novel was a mixture for me. There were parts that I really liked - the friendships, the sense of community, etc. I like the main character's attitude in changing the trajectory of her life and taking ownership of her aspirations and need to chart herself a course. 

I wish there had been more specifically about tiny home living and storage. I felt that would have added to the book because it's a whole other niche in multi-purpose items, etc.

The main character's adult children treated her abominably more than once and I found that really awful.  I did find my mind wandering often because some of the book felt unnecessary. There wasn't really a high point in this story. The romance aspect seemed to go nowhere and then it abruptly changed which isn't really believable for the reader. 

Completed: Feb. 22/25
Series: Cape Cod Creamery, #3
Format: audiobook borrow from Everand
Narrators: Stephanie Cozart - good but not great 
Challenge Prompt: TBBs's "Feb. - A book with romance"

Book #22 of 2024: This is the final book in the series. Like the other two, I found myself enjoying parts and feeling impatient with others. It took a long time before the story came around to truly address the opening of the book. It felt as though the novel was still more about Dawn and Marnie than anyone else. 

Meeting and marrying someone within 24 hours is not particularly believable for me, or something I would ever encourage or suggest. Marnie's advice of "follow your heart" was really not fleshed out well. Yes, God gives us intuition but we should be seeking His leading in prayer above all else. Wisdom above feelings. 

The family drama and aftermath with Lincoln's family was well done. There is a fantastic analogy used about getting ice cream out of the process and into the freezer before it becomes rock hard. The comparison is to Bear's teen years. In one day his baseball career was forcibly ended AND his father wasn't even there to see him play. This was the very league Bear believed would please his Dad. 

Sometimes there can be points in our lives where things turn hard and it becomes very difficult to soften again without a lot of prayer and effort. This is especially true when it comes to hardening our hearts against God, blaming Him for the things of man, when we should be seeking Him to soften and teach us. 

The character of Dawn was like a burr in a saddle through this series so I was glad to see her growth arc come around in this book. I think Lincoln was my favourite character throughout, along with Cowboy Leo.  Callie has inspired me to practice "mise en place" more often during cooking and baking. 

Completed: Feb. 19/25
Series: Sanctuary, #1
Format: Advanced Reader Copy
Challenge Prompt: ARoCF's "with animals featured in the cover or the book"

Book #21 of 2024:
Paradise (FMC) has returned home to work as a vet at a wildlife sanctuary owned by her young love's mother. She doesn't relish working with Blake (MMC) or revisiting the hurt. She  felt betrayed by him during the tumultuous days of her foster care experience which came after her parents' double murder many years before. Things go extremely awry at the sanctuary shortly after she arrives. Activists? Her parents' murderer? A greedy businessman who wants the land? 

A lot happens. A LOT. I actually felt that there was too much happening and it became hard to keep track of after a while. It wasn't just the sanctuary but Paradise's past, Blake's Past, his mom's past, AND the threats against the sanctuary. Thankfully there is some balance with family moments (Blake's little brothers especially!) and time that the couple spend together in healing the past. There is a strong faith and growth arc as well. 

A wildlife sanctuary is a very interesting setting for this story. I learned more about  various wild animals, including hyenas. SIDE NOTE: I truly hope that I never become a snack! I had the heebie-jeebies in a few scenes with the hyenas and a tiger. 

The twists and turns will keep readers guessing as to who the bad guy/gal is and what the motive is. This is the first book in a new series with little, fun connections to the Tupelo Grove series. I will definitely be continuing this series. 

>>> Huge thanks to Thomas Nelson (publisher) and Net Galley for an advanced reader copy of this novel. My honest review is in my own words.

Completed: Feb. 14/25
Series: The Forever Duet, #2
Format: Kindle e-Book 
Challenge Prompt: FFF's "February: romance stories"

Book #20 of 2024: I enjoyed the first book in this series and I enjoyed this one. Actually, even a little more. I highlighted several passages, both the humorous and the spiritual truths. 

Dana definitely didn't have the best of luck in the romance department, but in the end she saw that it's about God's timing and bringing the right person at the right time. The author's purpose or intention behind this book shines through: God has a plan for each woman in regard to love but fulfillment In Jesus is first. 

Rhett made a lot of mistakes in his past that he felt defined him and followed him. He came to learn that there is freedom in Christ, not guilt and shame. 

My only two 'negatives' are not huge but they're still worth mentioning:
(1) I am not a fan of the illustrated covers. I much preferred the original and unique cover of the first book and I had hoped the second book would go with that one. The illustrated books, especially with no faces, just don't fit romance for grown women, in my opinion. The market is so full of them. I don't care for the blank faces ever. 
(2) My second issue is the nickname Rhett had for Dana - Little Siren. A siren is one who promotes lust and temptation; therefore it doesn't fit this Christian story. I honestly would not want a man to associate me with that word. I'm sure that wasn't the view the author had but I wanted to be honest in how I saw it. 

This novel made me smile, encouraged me, and made me tear up. She particularly spoke to me through Dana's struggle to come out of her funk-her dry spell with the Word. I remember in Bible College how I worried that the Bible could become another textbook. And sometimes it did feel  that way, unfortunately. I still have moments where I feel my attitude isn't right and my approach isn't either. God is always there. We are the ones not listening, having misplaced motivations, and neglecting praise.

Completed: Feb. 13/25

Series: Sweethaven Circle, #1
Format: audiobook borrow from Everand 
Narrator: Vanessa Daniels (okay)
Challenge Prompt: EOW's February prompt, "a book with SWEET or SWEETS in the title" -- DURING option 

Book #19 of 2024: I am a big fan of Courtney's books. This one just didn't work for me. 🤷🏼‍♀️ I was intrigued by the premise, location, and theme of friendship but it just fell flat. Sometimes I can love 95% of what an author writes but one or two books just don't click. It's all subjective. I'll still be reading her books, just not this series. She's a fabulous writer. My favorites include The Summer of Yes, Holidays with Hart (series), and Merry Ex-mas. 

There are still elements that I like: scrapbooking, old friends coming together, the beach locale, and a mystery of sorts. I am wondering if I maybe would have enjoyed the book/e-book more than the audiobook? The narrator was just okay for me. I would prefer a more energetic tone that doesn't sound so 'subdued' and controlled." I found myself getting sleepy and distracted. 

Despite this book/series not being for me, I strongly recommend people read for themselves and it may work for others. She has a large variety of works to choose from and she excels at humor (romcoms). They always bring a smile to my face. 

Completed: Feb. 10/25
Series: The Mercie, #3
Format: Kindle e-book 
Challenge Prompt: to be decided 

Book #18 of 2024: I enjoyed the series prior but I found myself frustrated with this concluding e-book. It said 130 pages yet it ended before 90. That's misleading. Promotions of other books aren't part of the story. 

It felt as though Scottlyn went backward in this book. For a very smart and perceptive young woman, who had been through a lot, fell for an obvious scam hook, line, and sinker.

I understand that people want to know where they came from but it was DIANA that was there for her. She was going to ask the father who kicked her out of the house to walk her down the aisle? Regardless of any changes he may have possibly made, DIANA was the one who was there for her. Then she turns around and practically alienates her future husband and was rather irresponsible and immature. The two people who were there for her more than anyone else were just cast aside for parents that weren't there for her. 

I guess this book brought a few letdowns to mind regarding the time jumps between each mini novella. This would have been better as one book with the information and major parts included. 

- Readers missed Brad's parents becoming a part of the picture and Penny's mental health turnaround
- Missed her time in college thus far 
- Missed almost all of the dating relationship and engagement between her and Grant
- We miss almost all of the actual wedding ceremony

As a reader, I am being honest in saying that it was disappointing. 

Completed: Feb. 09/25
Series: The Mercie, #2
Format: Kindle e-Book 
Challenge Prompt: CNL's #32 of 50 - "that includes more than 2 POVs"

Book #17 of 2024: I'm enjoying this series but I am very confused as to why these short books weren't released as one book?

Mercie is now a year old, Scottlyn is nearing her time at college and she has a good boyfriend. She learns that the man who assaulted her has died in prison. Unfortunately, Bradley's parents suddenly sue for custody. Scottlyn learns dependence on God in a whole new way as she navigates this unexpected trial and a new romance. 

It's hard to really say something about such a short book that is under 90 pages. Diana is such a lovely support to Scottlyn and the reader can seen that Scottlyn has been positively influenced by her.  

It ended abruptly but I'm looking forward to the conclusion to this series.

Completed: Feb. 08/25 
Format: Advanced Reader Copy from Net Galley
Challenge Prompt: CNL's #43 of 50 -- "with an illustrated or typography cover"

Book #16 of 2024: I had not read this author before but I'm not one to shy away from reading a new-to-me author. It often works out. It didn't this time, I'm sorry to say. I started and stopped multiple times. I finally just read through in spurts but it just never piqued my interest. It wasn't a fit for me, or what I was expecting, but others may enjoy it. Books are so subjective. 

NOTE: I was expecting a Christian fiction publication but there was no faith content at all. It was clean but not what I was expecting. I wish I had known beforehand so my expectations could have been adjusted. I don't mind clean content but I expect Christian content from a Christian publisher. 

That aside, this book just wasn't for me. I have enjoyed many rom-coms but this didn't really read like a rom-com in my opinion. For me, a rom-com is funny but still has something to chew on to keep it grounded. Much of the content felt shallow and superfluous. The first 55-60% of the book didn't really go anywhere and I really struggled to keep going many times. The last 15% was the best part of the novel. 

I found Bryony a weird mixture of dedicated and flighty. (???) I didn't care for Jack and considered him iffy and untrustworthy. Amelia, the untalented, annoying person that Bryony did the ghostwriting for, was just a mean-spirited, spoiled narcissist with no growth. However, I really liked the assistants, Bryony's Grandma, and her students. The scenes with them were the best scenes. They were very likeable. There were two passages that I highlighted but I did not find this book funny otherwise. That was disappointing. 

[To be honest, the entire concept of ghostwriting is something that I find distasteful and dishonest. Someone takes credit for someone else's hard work and the readers are lied to. Why can't talented writers use their own name rather than giving credit to another? It makes zero sense to me. The mainstream publishing world seems to be incredibly cutthroat.]

>>> My thanks to Net Galley and Thomas Nelson (publisher) for an advanced copy of this novel. My words and opinion are my own.

Completed: Feb. 5/25
Format: Audible audiobook 
Narrator: Susan Bennett (always a treat!)
Challenge Prompt: TBBS's "a book with a nature theme"

Book #15 of 2024: This book had a beautiful emphasis on God's gift of nature. I learned a great deal about Redwood trees and the importance of preservation, even though it's something I had already believed in. 

This novel is a split-time that goes between the early 1920s and 1972. It flows back and forth easily. Susan Bennett does a fantastic job of narrating each and every character. Barnett has a knack for vivid descriptions and well-defined characters. Marion and Frank are the main characters in the earlier timeline while June and Adam are in the 1972 timeline. 

Marion is a staunch defender of preserving the Redwoods and Frank is the son of the lumber company wanting to profit. Things are pretty strained early on but they fall in love. Then a major event puts a whole new spin on everything. 

June is a niece of Marion's by marriage. She strives to follow in the footsteps of her late uncle, her Aunt Marion, and her late brother by becoming a park ranger. Her gender and the damage left by polio are a sore issue with her. When she meets Adam, it doesn't go well. He has arrived to possibly take her job over due to questions about her handicap and ability to do the job. Late on the two strike a friendship and work together on a documentary to try and highlight the park, with a focus on her reluctant aunt. Their research uncovers question after question and June begins to wonder if her aunt isn't who she claims to be. 

Completed: Jan. 31/25

Series: Beignets for Two, #2
Format: advanced reader copy 
Challenge Prompt: CNL's #26 of 50 - "Set in a bakery or restaurant" - Books & Beignets (bakery/café)

Book #14 of 2024: I'm a gargantuan fan of book 1 (Julia Monroe Begins Again) of this series and I think I unconsciously went into this book with Julia firmly on my brain. It's like I was expecting Kate to do and say things like Julia! Once I realized that, I had to stop myself. I made an internal switch to turn Julia off and enjoy Kate for who she is. Once I did that, everything clicked. It just got better and better as I read. Incidentally, Kate is Julia's best friend and she has a minor role throughout this novel. 

Kate is 40 and a single parent to her niece of 13. Let's just say her wealthy parents are...... difficult. 😬 She has a wonderful beignet shop that she had opened with her sister years before. When her Claire and her husband were killed in an accident, she became the legal guardian of Hayley and sole proprietor of the café. Kate is striving to do everything she can to be a good parent, a good businesswoman, etc. She feels she has no room on her life for love. After all, her last relationship a decade before resulted in disaster. She just needs to put her nose to the grindstone and continue the plans her and her sister made. 

Micah, her first kiss back in seventh grade, is back to town. Their friendship is renewed and then feelings arise. Kate finds herself coming up with every excuse she can to fight her feelings and a relationship. But Micah has other plans..... Cue the swoon! 

Just like with book 1, there is humour. Whereas Julia is sarcastic and hilarious, Kate is more of a 'nerd' that likes alliteration and following the rules. She also tends to make a verbal blunder here and there. From her unusual word expressions to her semi-helicopter-ish parenting, she's a woman of honour and faith. One of her favourite expressions is the name of a celebrity. It reminded me of a Steve Carell movie where the actor groans, "Kelly Clarkson!" 

And just like with book 1, there is far more to the novel than romance and humour. There are several layers. There are family conflicts, grieving, a girl's love for a dog, discovering one's talents, letting go of pain, etc. 

I enjoyed learning more about New Orleans, owning a café, sweet Hayley and her pitifully ugly dog, and more. I especially loved Micah, despite his ugly Hawaiian shirts! 🍍🥥🌴 I appreciated his swoony, yet quirky, unabashed pursuit of Kate and being so patient with her. The staff at Books & Beignets is so special and I loved seeing Julia and Sam pop into the book. The honest friendship between the two is beautiful. 

One of my favourite quotes from the novel: 
"He'd taken the question marks I'd had of his interest in me and replaced them with exclamation marks. Exclamation marks in bold font.”

― Rebekah Millet, Kate Landry Has a Plan (Beignets for Two), p. 175

I highly recommend this novel. I just wish I had some delicious beignets to enjoy while I read it.... 😉 Maybe when I get my hands on the audiobook with the amazing Susan Bennett narrating , I'll make some beignets ahead of time!

-- Many thanks to the publisher, Bethany House, and Net Galley for an advanced reader copy. My honest review is voluntary and in my own words. This novel will publish on March 18, 2025.