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parklandmom's reviews
771 reviews
The Secret to Happiness by Suzanne Woods Fisher
4.0
Completed: Jan. 30/25
Series: Cape Cod Creamery, #2
Format: Audiobook borrow from Everand
Challenge Prompt: TBBS's "a book with a baking theme" - baking, ice cream making, and cooking are all elements of this novel
Book #13 of 2024: This is the middle book in a nice series centered around an ice cream business taken on by a widow and her daughter. This novel went beyond romance and actually focused more on personal and health issues.
This novel is largely about Callie, the niece to Marnie and cousin to Dawn from book 1. She is an accomplished executive chef at a young age who has lost her job and her way. Plagued and scared by a secret she's holding, she goes to see her aunt and cousin.
Gone is the vivacious, effervescent, positive person they've always known. She is a shell of her former self. Through patience and support, along with "positivity classes," based on a self-help book, Callie seeks to find the key to happiness.
I am not a fan of self-help books so I was a little concerned about that aspect. However, Bruno (author said book) is just so sincere and real that the reader can't help but respect him.
Callie's journey isn't smooth or without peaks and valleys. Like real life! Bruno is unwavering in his support as are Marnie and Dawn. However, Dawn's is more from a selfish perspective due to a lifetime of competitiveness with Callie.
Leo, a young boy, is the bonus within this novel. You can't help but fall in love with him just as Callie did. I also appreciated seeing a couple different groups of people working together as a unit, stronger together. Dawn and Marnie remain as central characters in this book as well.
The novel comes around to highlight that God's mercy, love, and direction are central to true happiness and peace. He can work through adults, children, books, life-altering moments, and everything else.
Series: Cape Cod Creamery, #2
Format: Audiobook borrow from Everand
Challenge Prompt: TBBS's "a book with a baking theme" - baking, ice cream making, and cooking are all elements of this novel
Book #13 of 2024: This is the middle book in a nice series centered around an ice cream business taken on by a widow and her daughter. This novel went beyond romance and actually focused more on personal and health issues.
This novel is largely about Callie, the niece to Marnie and cousin to Dawn from book 1. She is an accomplished executive chef at a young age who has lost her job and her way. Plagued and scared by a secret she's holding, she goes to see her aunt and cousin.
Gone is the vivacious, effervescent, positive person they've always known. She is a shell of her former self. Through patience and support, along with "positivity classes," based on a self-help book, Callie seeks to find the key to happiness.
I am not a fan of self-help books so I was a little concerned about that aspect. However, Bruno (author said book) is just so sincere and real that the reader can't help but respect him.
Callie's journey isn't smooth or without peaks and valleys. Like real life! Bruno is unwavering in his support as are Marnie and Dawn. However, Dawn's is more from a selfish perspective due to a lifetime of competitiveness with Callie.
Leo, a young boy, is the bonus within this novel. You can't help but fall in love with him just as Callie did. I also appreciated seeing a couple different groups of people working together as a unit, stronger together. Dawn and Marnie remain as central characters in this book as well.
The novel comes around to highlight that God's mercy, love, and direction are central to true happiness and peace. He can work through adults, children, books, life-altering moments, and everything else.
Serial Burn by Lynette Eason
4.5
Completed: Jan. 24/25
Series: Lake City Heroes, #3
Format: Audible audiobook
I have been enjoying this series so much. The characters are flushed out well with strengths and weaknesses. This story was very touching with the personal back stories but it was also very riveting in its suspense. A great balance is what makes a great suspense novel. I think this just may be my favourite season series. Thankfully, there is one more to come later this year.
A major point in this book is that everything we do has consequences. We need to think ahead and not act selfishly. When things do happen, we must ask for help when needed and find good support systems. Another major point, that struck me the most, is that many struggle to forgive themselves when that is impossible. Forgiveness comes only through and from God. We can't do it ourselves. It's His free and full grace alone.
*** NOTE: I simply HAVE to ask -- What sort of universe has a hospital cafeteria with food so great that people go there as though it were a restaurant??? A hospital SHOULD have great food to take care of ill and recovering people, but I've never been to one that can even get halfway on a scale of one to ten..... lol!!!😜
Series: Lake City Heroes, #3
Format: Audible audiobook
I have been enjoying this series so much. The characters are flushed out well with strengths and weaknesses. This story was very touching with the personal back stories but it was also very riveting in its suspense. A great balance is what makes a great suspense novel. I think this just may be my favourite season series. Thankfully, there is one more to come later this year.
A major point in this book is that everything we do has consequences. We need to think ahead and not act selfishly. When things do happen, we must ask for help when needed and find good support systems. Another major point, that struck me the most, is that many struggle to forgive themselves when that is impossible. Forgiveness comes only through and from God. We can't do it ourselves. It's His free and full grace alone.
*** NOTE: I simply HAVE to ask -- What sort of universe has a hospital cafeteria with food so great that people go there as though it were a restaurant??? A hospital SHOULD have great food to take care of ill and recovering people, but I've never been to one that can even get halfway on a scale of one to ten..... lol!!!😜
A Protector for Her Baby by April Arrington
4.25
Completed: Jan. 22/25
Format: Kindle E-Book
Challenge Prompt:
Book #10 of 2024: I'm not typically a Love Inspired Romance reader but this one intrigued me and came highly recommended. It just released yesterday (01/21/25) and this is a new author for me.
I like that there are layers to this story. The MFC is a divorced woman who was abused by her ex. During their separation, he kept trying to contact her. At one point, it results in an assault and she becomes pregnant. The storyline takes place AFTER all of that.
In her efforts to start over through a women's shelter, she meets the organizer's brother-in-law and takes a job caring for his mother with advanced dementia. Feelings develop but is it the baby drawing them together or is it more?
The storyline with his Mom hit me very personally and I feel it's something many can relate to. So many people have dementia or Alzheimer's and it's like enduring two deaths. However, I don't feel people should shy away from facing difficult storylines. They can help you see a different perspective and find further meaning. It can be healing.
Format: Kindle E-Book
Challenge Prompt:
Book #10 of 2024: I'm not typically a Love Inspired Romance reader but this one intrigued me and came highly recommended. It just released yesterday (01/21/25) and this is a new author for me.
I like that there are layers to this story. The MFC is a divorced woman who was abused by her ex. During their separation, he kept trying to contact her. At one point, it results in an assault and she becomes pregnant. The storyline takes place AFTER all of that.
In her efforts to start over through a women's shelter, she meets the organizer's brother-in-law and takes a job caring for his mother with advanced dementia. Feelings develop but is it the baby drawing them together or is it more?
The storyline with his Mom hit me very personally and I feel it's something many can relate to. So many people have dementia or Alzheimer's and it's like enduring two deaths. However, I don't feel people should shy away from facing difficult storylines. They can help you see a different perspective and find further meaning. It can be healing.
8 Down by Kimberley Woodhouse
4.25
Completed: Jan. 20th
Series: Alaskan Cyber Hunters, #2
Format: Everand audiobook & Kindle E-Book
Challenge Prompt: EOW's, "a book in a cold weather setting" (not a fan of the narrator!!)
Book #8 of 2024: Another great instalment in the Alaskan Cyber Hunters series! Lots of twists and turns, suspense, intrigue, but balanced with some regular moments. I particularly enjoyed the awkward, somewhat "nerdy" relationship that grew between the two main characters. I'm looking forward to the third and final novel in this series.
Series: Alaskan Cyber Hunters, #2
Format: Everand audiobook & Kindle E-Book
Challenge Prompt: EOW's, "a book in a cold weather setting" (not a fan of the narrator!!)
Book #8 of 2024: Another great instalment in the Alaskan Cyber Hunters series! Lots of twists and turns, suspense, intrigue, but balanced with some regular moments. I particularly enjoyed the awkward, somewhat "nerdy" relationship that grew between the two main characters. I'm looking forward to the third and final novel in this series.
Meant for Her by Joy Avery Melville
3.0
Completed: Jan. 18/25
Series: Intended for Her, #1
Format: Kindle e-Book
Challenge Prompt: EOW's "with a meaty topic or something you've been chicken to try" -- ANYTIME option -- kidnapping, assault, pregnancy, moral dilemma
Book #08 of 2024: My review will be a mixed bag. The premise to this book had my hopes high. Unfortunately I almost DNF'd it. After the first couple of chapters, the book floundered for quite a time. I wasn't sure where it was going. It lacked focus for me personally. There were places that it felt disjointed and where time abruptly passed and details are missed. For example, at a major part of the book, the baby is about to be born. Then suddenly it jumps ahead to after. No first reaction after all she's been through. Nada. We just skipped ahead like it didn't matter. It should have been THE moment of the novel. I felt rather cheated as a reader.
If I'm being honest, Mack's Irish brogue was very frustrating. Some of it was impossible to understand unless you're familiar with it. If it would have served a purpose to the story, I would have come to appreciate it. It's kind of like parsley on your plate of food in a restaurant. It's there but it doesn't serve any real purpose.
I absolutely loved the two main male characters, Cam and Mack. Both are masculine men with hearts of gold and gentle, caring spirits. Candi wasn't as developed as a character and it seemed like she went from being completely jumpy to major progress after one of the abrupt time jumps. Again, we missed the journey.
I also enjoyed the little girl and her parents. What an amazing family! The character of Debbie is much like my neighbour in her spirit and love for Jesus.
There were some really beautiful moments in this book. I just wish other parts were as good. The storyline had the potential for awesomeness. The first half was hard to get through. The back end was better.
Series: Intended for Her, #1
Format: Kindle e-Book
Challenge Prompt: EOW's "with a meaty topic or something you've been chicken to try" -- ANYTIME option -- kidnapping, assault, pregnancy, moral dilemma
Book #08 of 2024: My review will be a mixed bag. The premise to this book had my hopes high. Unfortunately I almost DNF'd it. After the first couple of chapters, the book floundered for quite a time. I wasn't sure where it was going. It lacked focus for me personally. There were places that it felt disjointed and where time abruptly passed and details are missed. For example, at a major part of the book, the baby is about to be born. Then suddenly it jumps ahead to after. No first reaction after all she's been through. Nada. We just skipped ahead like it didn't matter. It should have been THE moment of the novel. I felt rather cheated as a reader.
If I'm being honest, Mack's Irish brogue was very frustrating. Some of it was impossible to understand unless you're familiar with it. If it would have served a purpose to the story, I would have come to appreciate it. It's kind of like parsley on your plate of food in a restaurant. It's there but it doesn't serve any real purpose.
I absolutely loved the two main male characters, Cam and Mack. Both are masculine men with hearts of gold and gentle, caring spirits. Candi wasn't as developed as a character and it seemed like she went from being completely jumpy to major progress after one of the abrupt time jumps. Again, we missed the journey.
I also enjoyed the little girl and her parents. What an amazing family! The character of Debbie is much like my neighbour in her spirit and love for Jesus.
There were some really beautiful moments in this book. I just wish other parts were as good. The storyline had the potential for awesomeness. The first half was hard to get through. The back end was better.
Where Trust Lies by Laurel Oke Logan, Janette Oke
3.5
Completed: Jan. 16th
Series: Return to the Canadian West, #2
Format: Audible Plus audiobook borrow
Challenge Prompt: EOW's "that has been out at least 5 years" -- "anytime" option -- published 2015
Book #7 of 2024: I enjoyed the first book in "Coal Valley, Alberta." This book, though it has some great aspects to it, wasn't anything about returning to the Canadian west, as per the series title. Almost the entire book was about their cruise on the eastern coast of Canada and the USA. I kept waiting for the trip to end, thinking she'd go back out west but no....
The turn the book would take was rather obvious the entire time so it was a bit frustrating. Julie became rather tiresome with her immaturity and rebellious spirit; the "friends" even more so. The scenes with Beth were the highlights. I also appreciated the growth in her new relationship with Jarrick, even from such a distance.
Series: Return to the Canadian West, #2
Format: Audible Plus audiobook borrow
Challenge Prompt: EOW's "that has been out at least 5 years" -- "anytime" option -- published 2015
Book #7 of 2024: I enjoyed the first book in "Coal Valley, Alberta." This book, though it has some great aspects to it, wasn't anything about returning to the Canadian west, as per the series title. Almost the entire book was about their cruise on the eastern coast of Canada and the USA. I kept waiting for the trip to end, thinking she'd go back out west but no....
The turn the book would take was rather obvious the entire time so it was a bit frustrating. Julie became rather tiresome with her immaturity and rebellious spirit; the "friends" even more so. The scenes with Beth were the highlights. I also appreciated the growth in her new relationship with Jarrick, even from such a distance.
The Choice by D. L. Wood
4.0
Completed: Jan. 12th
Series: Deadly Decisions, #3
Format: Kindle e-Book
Challenge Prompt: CNL's #04 of 50 - "Features a step-parent" -- Sadie is raising her best friend's son, Matty
Book #6 of 2024: this has been quite the series of suspense and intrigue! The first one is still my favourite.
This is a book that had me screaming inside my head at the main character, Sadie. Who in the world go anywhere with a complete stranger? And then go with a second stranger on an airplane and a yacht for over a week? It's not like she was motivated by money either.
I honestly kept thinking that there has to be more to the story than meets the eye. Is it some sort of murder mystery game show or something. WRONG!
The novel keeps you guessing and I actually suspected the killer, just not with the added details learned at the end.
Series: Deadly Decisions, #3
Format: Kindle e-Book
Challenge Prompt: CNL's #04 of 50 - "Features a step-parent" -- Sadie is raising her best friend's son, Matty
Book #6 of 2024: this has been quite the series of suspense and intrigue! The first one is still my favourite.
This is a book that had me screaming inside my head at the main character, Sadie. Who in the world go anywhere with a complete stranger? And then go with a second stranger on an airplane and a yacht for over a week? It's not like she was motivated by money either.
I honestly kept thinking that there has to be more to the story than meets the eye. Is it some sort of murder mystery game show or something. WRONG!
The novel keeps you guessing and I actually suspected the killer, just not with the added details learned at the end.
Mail-Order Bride Substitute by Linda Ford
4.0
4 stars
Completed: Jan. 08th
Series: Montana Mail-Order Brides, #3
Format: Kindle e-Book
Challenge Prompt: CNL's #37 of 50 - "with a blue dress on the cover"
Book #5 of 2024: I've been enjoying this series even though mail-order brides are not my trope. This is a Canadian author as well which I like since I'm Canadian.
Riley is a little much and very hardheaded. Olivia softens him through her determination, steadfastness, art, music, and kindness. I really enjoyed Olivia's character and she'd be someone I'd want as a friend. Neither thought they'd ever marry for love and fell in love anyway!
I love how the family has their own community at the ranch and they take on anyone new with such care.
Completed: Jan. 08th
Series: Montana Mail-Order Brides, #3
Format: Kindle e-Book
Challenge Prompt: CNL's #37 of 50 - "with a blue dress on the cover"
Book #5 of 2024: I've been enjoying this series even though mail-order brides are not my trope. This is a Canadian author as well which I like since I'm Canadian.
Riley is a little much and very hardheaded. Olivia softens him through her determination, steadfastness, art, music, and kindness. I really enjoyed Olivia's character and she'd be someone I'd want as a friend. Neither thought they'd ever marry for love and fell in love anyway!
I love how the family has their own community at the ranch and they take on anyone new with such care.
With This Ring by Amy Clipston
3.0
Completed: Jan. 05/25
Format: digital advanced reader copy
Challenge Prompt: CNL's #23 of 50 - "That has a second-chance romance"
Book #04 of 2024: My review is a mixed bag. For the two-thirds of the novel, I struggled to get into this storyline. It came across as very juvenile. The last third was significantly better and saved this novel from possibly being a DNF. I wish we knew more about Hudson earlier in the book to understand him more.
The main female and male characters, Dakota and Hudson, are rather immature for two adults in their late twenties. I wanted to put them both on naughty chairs in the corner until they grew up! Hudson is completely aggravating and controlling. Dakota won't ask anyone for help or consider any input. Trouble, the cat, has his life together better than either of them.
Once Hudson completely spectacularly flubs up and Dakota has to eat crow and reach out, the storyline picks up greatly. Hudson's aunt, sister, and Dakota call him out. Dakota faces a rallying team of people to tell her like it is. It is frustrating that such horrible communication and lack of self-awareness can occur amongst adults but let this story be a sign to LISTEN and NOT ASSUME.
I think another point of confusion for me is that I enjoyed this author's previous novel so much. It was clear she had such passion for the subject matter. I didn't feel that with this story.
*** My thanks to the publisher, Thomas Nelson, and to Net Galley for a complimentary advanced copy of this novel. My review is voluntary and in my own words.
Format: digital advanced reader copy
Challenge Prompt: CNL's #23 of 50 - "That has a second-chance romance"
Book #04 of 2024: My review is a mixed bag. For the two-thirds of the novel, I struggled to get into this storyline. It came across as very juvenile. The last third was significantly better and saved this novel from possibly being a DNF. I wish we knew more about Hudson earlier in the book to understand him more.
The main female and male characters, Dakota and Hudson, are rather immature for two adults in their late twenties. I wanted to put them both on naughty chairs in the corner until they grew up! Hudson is completely aggravating and controlling. Dakota won't ask anyone for help or consider any input. Trouble, the cat, has his life together better than either of them.
Once Hudson completely spectacularly flubs up and Dakota has to eat crow and reach out, the storyline picks up greatly. Hudson's aunt, sister, and Dakota call him out. Dakota faces a rallying team of people to tell her like it is. It is frustrating that such horrible communication and lack of self-awareness can occur amongst adults but let this story be a sign to LISTEN and NOT ASSUME.
I think another point of confusion for me is that I enjoyed this author's previous novel so much. It was clear she had such passion for the subject matter. I didn't feel that with this story.
*** My thanks to the publisher, Thomas Nelson, and to Net Galley for a complimentary advanced copy of this novel. My review is voluntary and in my own words.