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parklandmom's reviews
767 reviews
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.
What Momma Left Behind by Cindy K. Sproles
5.0
Finished: Jan. 04/25
Format: audiobook from Chirp
Narrator: Erica Sullivan (Ahhhhhhmazing!)
Challenge Prompt: EOW's *anytime in 2024* option for "book set during a time in history with an epidemic"
Book #03 of 2024: Cindy K. Sproles is a new-to-me author and... WOW!!! This is a fantastic novel and Worie is now a top favourite book heroine for me. She's 17, feisty, compassionate, strong, brave, and possesses a heart bigger than the Appalachian Mountains she lives in. She won me over immediately.
I can't even imagine how awful it must have been to go from living in the Appalachians, free of much of what ailed the general public in "civil" society, to having epidemics rain down and killing off your loved ones.
The novel opens with Worie burying her mother and acknowledging that she had become an orphan. Her entire area already had many orphaned children and the numbers are growing. She lovingly takes them in as a 17 year old and loves them fiercely from the get-go, regardless of her own grief.
Worie's two brothers consist of one caught up in alcohol and one that is a greedy, heartless sociopath. Yet this spitfire fights on with her new family. After a couple kids were taken from her, and one brother takes the house for himself, her priority is finding those kids. Help comes in the form of longtime family friends, who were formerly slaves, and a young pastor. One of her brothers comes to find purpose and identity through their struggles. As more secrets unfold, Worie battles with her patience and temper but God does amazing things in her life despite her circumstances. His plan unfolds to something that is just truly heartwarming to the core.
This novel had me smiling and chuckling in parts and eyes full of tears in others. While I experienced anger and disappointment during the rough times, I also wanted to stand up, applaud, and cheer myself hoarse amidst their triumphs. A novel that can draw out a gamut of emotions is an author I will read again and again.
I knew this would be a 5-star novel within the first hour or two of listening to this audiobook. Erica Sullivan gives a powerful performance as Narrator and if I knew her in person, she'd forever be Worie Dressar to me!
Format: audiobook from Chirp
Narrator: Erica Sullivan (Ahhhhhhmazing!)
Challenge Prompt: EOW's *anytime in 2024* option for "book set during a time in history with an epidemic"
Book #03 of 2024: Cindy K. Sproles is a new-to-me author and... WOW!!! This is a fantastic novel and Worie is now a top favourite book heroine for me. She's 17, feisty, compassionate, strong, brave, and possesses a heart bigger than the Appalachian Mountains she lives in. She won me over immediately.
I can't even imagine how awful it must have been to go from living in the Appalachians, free of much of what ailed the general public in "civil" society, to having epidemics rain down and killing off your loved ones.
The novel opens with Worie burying her mother and acknowledging that she had become an orphan. Her entire area already had many orphaned children and the numbers are growing. She lovingly takes them in as a 17 year old and loves them fiercely from the get-go, regardless of her own grief.
Worie's two brothers consist of one caught up in alcohol and one that is a greedy, heartless sociopath. Yet this spitfire fights on with her new family. After a couple kids were taken from her, and one brother takes the house for himself, her priority is finding those kids. Help comes in the form of longtime family friends, who were formerly slaves, and a young pastor. One of her brothers comes to find purpose and identity through their struggles. As more secrets unfold, Worie battles with her patience and temper but God does amazing things in her life despite her circumstances. His plan unfolds to something that is just truly heartwarming to the core.
This novel had me smiling and chuckling in parts and eyes full of tears in others. While I experienced anger and disappointment during the rough times, I also wanted to stand up, applaud, and cheer myself hoarse amidst their triumphs. A novel that can draw out a gamut of emotions is an author I will read again and again.
I knew this would be a 5-star novel within the first hour or two of listening to this audiobook. Erica Sullivan gives a powerful performance as Narrator and if I knew her in person, she'd forever be Worie Dressar to me!
Secretly Yours by Valerie Comer
4.0
Completed: Jan. 03rd
Series: Riverbend Romance, #1 (Canadian author)
Format: Kindle e-Book
Challenge Prompt: ARoCF's January prompt, "A CF book that has winter sports in it" -- snowshoeing
Book #02 of 2024: I read books 2 & 3 first. I will complete all of them at some point.
Was this believable for real life? No. But that is okay! Sometimes we need some whimsy and fun! This book is enjoyable in that regard but there is also an important lesson. It's very easy to chain ourselves to our insecurities, failures, responsibilities, etc. and neglect or ignore our freedom in Christ. That reminder alone made this worth the read! BUT, a guy offering up romance and swoon to a woman so selfless doesn't hurt either!
Series: Riverbend Romance, #1 (Canadian author)
Format: Kindle e-Book
Challenge Prompt: ARoCF's January prompt, "A CF book that has winter sports in it" -- snowshoeing
Book #02 of 2024: I read books 2 & 3 first. I will complete all of them at some point.
Was this believable for real life? No. But that is okay! Sometimes we need some whimsy and fun! This book is enjoyable in that regard but there is also an important lesson. It's very easy to chain ourselves to our insecurities, failures, responsibilities, etc. and neglect or ignore our freedom in Christ. That reminder alone made this worth the read! BUT, a guy offering up romance and swoon to a woman so selfless doesn't hurt either!
Appalachian Song by Michelle Shocklee
5.0
Read: January 2025
Format: Audible audiobook
Narrator: Caroline Hewitt (freaking fabulous!)
Challenge Prompt: to be decided
Book #01 of 2025: I don't think someone could read this novel without giving it five stars. Seriously! This was my first Michelle Shocklee novel and I will *not* hesitate to read more in the future. It is a split-time novel predominantly set in the Appalachian Mountains.
As I listened to this novel being so masterfully narrated by Caroline Hewitt, I went on a journey to a place I'd never been, but felt as though I were there. I loved Bertie and her sisters. Bertie reminded me so much of my paternal Grandmother. The situation with the pregnant teen Songbird and her baby, Josh, was sad but became oh-so-beautiful. It so wonderfully illustrated how God can create so much good out of that which seems so bleak. It's all in His timing.
It's hard to put anything into words but this story moved me deeply. It kept me immersed from start to finish despite not feeling well at the time. This novel reminds us how family is about so much more than blood. Helping others and being there for those we love is our mandate for this world. The Lord tells us in scripture that loving others is the second greatest commandment.
I can't recommend this book enough and I strongly encourage listening to the audiobook for the amazing vocal narration. It's like swirling caramel through the smoothest chocolate. Divine!
Format: Audible audiobook
Narrator: Caroline Hewitt (freaking fabulous!)
Challenge Prompt: to be decided
Book #01 of 2025: I don't think someone could read this novel without giving it five stars. Seriously! This was my first Michelle Shocklee novel and I will *not* hesitate to read more in the future. It is a split-time novel predominantly set in the Appalachian Mountains.
As I listened to this novel being so masterfully narrated by Caroline Hewitt, I went on a journey to a place I'd never been, but felt as though I were there. I loved Bertie and her sisters. Bertie reminded me so much of my paternal Grandmother. The situation with the pregnant teen Songbird and her baby, Josh, was sad but became oh-so-beautiful. It so wonderfully illustrated how God can create so much good out of that which seems so bleak. It's all in His timing.
It's hard to put anything into words but this story moved me deeply. It kept me immersed from start to finish despite not feeling well at the time. This novel reminds us how family is about so much more than blood. Helping others and being there for those we love is our mandate for this world. The Lord tells us in scripture that loving others is the second greatest commandment.
I can't recommend this book enough and I strongly encourage listening to the audiobook for the amazing vocal narration. It's like swirling caramel through the smoothest chocolate. Divine!
The Wrecking by Christy Barritt
4.0
Read: December 2024
Format: Kindle e-Book
Book #155 of 2024:
This was a good novella for a short story. Or novella??? My only beef is that I really didn't like the name of the serial murder, The Grim Wrecker. Just The Wrecker or something better would have been more suitable.
I did guess the identify of The Grim Wrecker but that was okay. I often do that. I admired the FMC's bravery and integrity despite all she had been through. Their relationship built pretty naturally and made sense.
It has been a while since I last read Christy Barritt and I have a book slated for 2025's reading plan.
Format: Kindle e-Book
Book #155 of 2024:
This was a good novella for a short story. Or novella??? My only beef is that I really didn't like the name of the serial murder, The Grim Wrecker. Just The Wrecker or something better would have been more suitable.
I did guess the identify of The Grim Wrecker but that was okay. I often do that. I admired the FMC's bravery and integrity despite all she had been through. Their relationship built pretty naturally and made sense.
It has been a while since I last read Christy Barritt and I have a book slated for 2025's reading plan.