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parklandmom's reviews
769 reviews
An Apology in Bloom by Suzanne Woods Fisher
4.25
Read: November 2024
Series: A Year in Flowers. #1
Format: Digital ARC (all 4 novellas in one e-book)
Book #126 of 2024:
Well, this novella started off the series with a bang! I enjoyed this story a lot and I learned some things about floral arrangements, too.
I liked the growth arc that the main character goes through. She took chances with creativity, built confidence, and was honest about her mistakes and shortcomings. Jaime realized where she belonged and her ultimate desire to put God first. I thought that was beautiful.
I'm really looking forward to the rest of the novellas in this series.
Series: A Year in Flowers. #1
Format: Digital ARC (all 4 novellas in one e-book)
Book #126 of 2024:
Well, this novella started off the series with a bang! I enjoyed this story a lot and I learned some things about floral arrangements, too.
I liked the growth arc that the main character goes through. She took chances with creativity, built confidence, and was honest about her mistakes and shortcomings. Jaime realized where she belonged and her ultimate desire to put God first. I thought that was beautiful.
I'm really looking forward to the rest of the novellas in this series.
Above All Things by Deborah Raney
3.0
Read: November 2024
Format: audiobook from Chirp
Narrator: Julie Lancelot (do not care for - makes most of the females sound ditzy or simple)
Book #124 of 2024: Out of the books I've read by Raney, this is my least favourite unfortunately. The premise is interesting. A married couple learns of a child that the husband unknowingly fathered in his previous relationship. The mom is unconscious from a stroke and requires constant care. The grandmother cannot provide care for the granddaughter as well. She contacts Judd and his life is instantly changed. In some ways it succeeded, and in others, it didn't.
Sometimes it seemed as though the book was pushing criticism over things where it shouldn't have. The hair and skin issues being the primary areas. Care for hair and skin of a little girl with half African-American heritage is something that Judd and Evette should have been told and shown. Evette was practically being shamed for not knowing. It felt like this story was back in the fifties with the attitudes of the main character's parents and some of the basketball parents.
I didn't care for Evette much at the start of this book. While the situation wasn't easy, she reacted as if her husband cheated on her. It took her a while before she ever acknowledged what the most important issue was in this scenario - a girl that needed support and love. However, I grew to respect her immense growth and adaptation to the turn in their life.
I liked Judd more as a main character. He was dedicated to praying and leaving things in God's hands. BUT his confusion about who he loved when he got married, however, was very disturbing and
disrespectful.
Parts of the story were dull and whiny for me. The best part of their story was that having his daughter in their lives gave them far more than they could have imagined. Their lives were much richer for having her.
Format: audiobook from Chirp
Narrator: Julie Lancelot (do not care for - makes most of the females sound ditzy or simple)
Book #124 of 2024: Out of the books I've read by Raney, this is my least favourite unfortunately. The premise is interesting. A married couple learns of a child that the husband unknowingly fathered in his previous relationship. The mom is unconscious from a stroke and requires constant care. The grandmother cannot provide care for the granddaughter as well. She contacts Judd and his life is instantly changed. In some ways it succeeded, and in others, it didn't.
Sometimes it seemed as though the book was pushing criticism over things where it shouldn't have. The hair and skin issues being the primary areas. Care for hair and skin of a little girl with half African-American heritage is something that Judd and Evette should have been told and shown. Evette was practically being shamed for not knowing. It felt like this story was back in the fifties with the attitudes of the main character's parents and some of the basketball parents.
I didn't care for Evette much at the start of this book. While the situation wasn't easy, she reacted as if her husband cheated on her. It took her a while before she ever acknowledged what the most important issue was in this scenario - a girl that needed support and love. However, I grew to respect her immense growth and adaptation to the turn in their life.
I liked Judd more as a main character. He was dedicated to praying and leaving things in God's hands. BUT his confusion about who he loved when he got married, however, was very disturbing and
disrespectful.
Parts of the story were dull and whiny for me. The best part of their story was that having his daughter in their lives gave them far more than they could have imagined. Their lives were much richer for having her.
The Wish Book Christmas by Lynn Austin
4.0
Read: November 2024
Series: If I Were You, #2
Format: audiobook borrow from Everand but own the Kindle e-book
Narrator: Sarah Zimmerman / fabulous as always
Challenge Prompt: CFG's "A holiday novel"
Book #124 of 2024: I read book one last year about this time. This was a nice conclusion to Audrey and Eve's stories. There were so many moments in the book that were reminders about giving, receiving graciously, redemption, doing unto others, accepting help, and more.
There were also some moments where I laughed out loud at the humour. The boys' Christmas play was epic! The British pronunciation of aluminum as a-lem-min-yum was news to me!
Series: If I Were You, #2
Format: audiobook borrow from Everand but own the Kindle e-book
Narrator: Sarah Zimmerman / fabulous as always
Challenge Prompt: CFG's "A holiday novel"
Book #124 of 2024: I read book one last year about this time. This was a nice conclusion to Audrey and Eve's stories. There were so many moments in the book that were reminders about giving, receiving graciously, redemption, doing unto others, accepting help, and more.
There were also some moments where I laughed out loud at the humour. The boys' Christmas play was epic! The British pronunciation of aluminum as a-lem-min-yum was news to me!
Defending Honor by Kelly Underwood, Lynette Eason
4.25
Stars: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ & 1/4 (4.25 stars)
Read: November 2024
Series: Elite Guardians Collection, #3
Format: audiobook borrow from Everand
Narrator: Bethanne Reid (not a fav of mine - voice doesn't suit the age of the characters and is overly- dramatic at times)
Book #123 of 2024: Kelly Underwood is a new-to-me author.
This was easily the best of the three books for me. I enjoyed the characters, the pacing, the fake marriage, the suspense, etc. The main characters were likeable and the story kept me interested throughout.
Read: November 2024
Series: Elite Guardians Collection, #3
Format: audiobook borrow from Everand
Narrator: Bethanne Reid (not a fav of mine - voice doesn't suit the age of the characters and is overly- dramatic at times)
Book #123 of 2024: Kelly Underwood is a new-to-me author.
This was easily the best of the three books for me. I enjoyed the characters, the pacing, the fake marriage, the suspense, etc. The main characters were likeable and the story kept me interested throughout.
The Sweet Life by Suzanne Woods Fisher
4.25
Read: November 2024
Series: Cape Cod Creamery, #1
Format: audiobook borrow from Everand
Narrator: Stephanie Cozart
Book #122 of 2024: I had only ever read Amish novels by this author many years ago. I heard this is a good contemporary series so I decided to try. I really enjoyed it and plan to listen to the other books in this series. I also have my eye on the compilation of A Year of Flowers.
I admittedly didn't like the character of Dawn very much. However, the growth arc made it worth it to go through it. We all have our flaws and quirks! I loved the growth in her Mom, the other main character. Each was quite different but both were something to learn from.
The making of ice cream and the business were fun to learn about. Even the historical society aspect was interesting, even if they were rather over-the-top. There wasn't much romance in this book but there were little sprinkles. It was just right considering the situations with both mom and daughter.
Series: Cape Cod Creamery, #1
Format: audiobook borrow from Everand
Narrator: Stephanie Cozart
Book #122 of 2024: I had only ever read Amish novels by this author many years ago. I heard this is a good contemporary series so I decided to try. I really enjoyed it and plan to listen to the other books in this series. I also have my eye on the compilation of A Year of Flowers.
I admittedly didn't like the character of Dawn very much. However, the growth arc made it worth it to go through it. We all have our flaws and quirks! I loved the growth in her Mom, the other main character. Each was quite different but both were something to learn from.
The making of ice cream and the business were fun to learn about. Even the historical society aspect was interesting, even if they were rather over-the-top. There wasn't much romance in this book but there were little sprinkles. It was just right considering the situations with both mom and daughter.
The Solid Grounds Coffee Company by Carla Laureano
4.0
Read: November 2024
Series: Supper Club, #3
Format: audiobook borrow from Everand
Narrator: Teri Schnaubelt
Book #121 of 2024: This was my second favourite of the trio. I’ve enjoyed the friendships throughout this series. Each had their own journey but they also had each other.
Ana is always maintaining an image — in work, family, and relationships. Bryan is a man trying to right his wrongs and do better. They join forces to help get Bryan’s roasting business off the ground. Their flirty, casual friendship grows and the attraction becomes obvious to both. However, more bumps on the road on both sides press them to see who they are, what they want, and why.
Series: Supper Club, #3
Format: audiobook borrow from Everand
Narrator: Teri Schnaubelt
Book #121 of 2024: This was my second favourite of the trio. I’ve enjoyed the friendships throughout this series. Each had their own journey but they also had each other.
Ana is always maintaining an image — in work, family, and relationships. Bryan is a man trying to right his wrongs and do better. They join forces to help get Bryan’s roasting business off the ground. Their flirty, casual friendship grows and the attraction becomes obvious to both. However, more bumps on the road on both sides press them to see who they are, what they want, and why.
Perilous Healing by Jessica Ashley
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
tense
fast-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
4.0
Read: November 2024
Series: Coastal Hope, #5
Format: audiobook borrow from Everand
Narrator: Savannah Rivers, Jarman Day - I still like Savannah but I felt Jarman improved from earlier in the series. :-)
Challenge Prompt: EOW's "shared with multiple friends or suggested over and over" ("during" option) -- I've been sharing about this series since I started it in September.
Book #120 of 2024: I listened to the first four books in this series in September. Once I discovered the audiobook for this last one released on Nov. 11th, I snagged it up. This has been a great series. The first book is still my favourite though. ;-)
There have been some pretty complex relationships in this series but I’d say this one takes the cake! I don’t want to reveal anything but it is definitely not anywhere near the norm. In some respects, it was a little too much but it made for a lot of intensity. Their faith journeys were individual and I always appreciate seeing that.
Series: Coastal Hope, #5
Format: audiobook borrow from Everand
Narrator: Savannah Rivers, Jarman Day - I still like Savannah but I felt Jarman improved from earlier in the series. :-)
Challenge Prompt: EOW's "shared with multiple friends or suggested over and over" ("during" option) -- I've been sharing about this series since I started it in September.
Book #120 of 2024: I listened to the first four books in this series in September. Once I discovered the audiobook for this last one released on Nov. 11th, I snagged it up. This has been a great series. The first book is still my favourite though. ;-)
There have been some pretty complex relationships in this series but I’d say this one takes the cake! I don’t want to reveal anything but it is definitely not anywhere near the norm. In some respects, it was a little too much but it made for a lot of intensity. Their faith journeys were individual and I always appreciate seeing that.
Over the Edge by Irene Hannon
4.25
Read: November 2024
Series: Undaunted Courage, #2
Format: audiobook borrow from Everand
Narrator: Thérèse Plummer (not a big fan)
Book #119 of 2024: I do believe this is my favourite Irene Hannon series now. Two winners with the first two books. I’ll be reading the third for sure.
The characters are likeable and interesting. There is a nice balance of intrigue with regular life. I figured out the ‘bad guys’ but it didn’t ruin anything for me. The story flows well and keeps the reader thinking. This series shows how people can rise from trauma to do great things and be incredible people.
Series: Undaunted Courage, #2
Format: audiobook borrow from Everand
Narrator: Thérèse Plummer (not a big fan)
Book #119 of 2024: I do believe this is my favourite Irene Hannon series now. Two winners with the first two books. I’ll be reading the third for sure.
The characters are likeable and interesting. There is a nice balance of intrigue with regular life. I figured out the ‘bad guys’ but it didn’t ruin anything for me. The story flows well and keeps the reader thinking. This series shows how people can rise from trauma to do great things and be incredible people.
Brunch at Bittersweet Cafe (Library Edition) by Carla Laureano
4.0
Read: November 2024
Series: Supper Club, #2
Format: audiobook borrow from Everand
Narrator: Teri Schnaubelt - listened at 1.2 speed
Book #118 of 2024: I didn’t find this one as good as the first book until the last few chapters. I also wish the faith element played a bigger part throughout the book. The main characters were a little immature and irresponsible but I’m glad they had their growth and redemption moments.
I appreciated the education one gets with baking in this book as with cooking in the first book. The strain in the mother-daughter relationship is relatable for many. I’m glad the characters from the first book are still rather involved in this one.
Series: Supper Club, #2
Format: audiobook borrow from Everand
Narrator: Teri Schnaubelt - listened at 1.2 speed
Book #118 of 2024: I didn’t find this one as good as the first book until the last few chapters. I also wish the faith element played a bigger part throughout the book. The main characters were a little immature and irresponsible but I’m glad they had their growth and redemption moments.
I appreciated the education one gets with baking in this book as with cooking in the first book. The strain in the mother-daughter relationship is relatable for many. I’m glad the characters from the first book are still rather involved in this one.
Into the Fire by Irene Hannon
4.5
Read: November 2024
Series: Undaunted Courage, #2
Format: audiobook borrow from Everand
Narrator: Thérèse Plummer (I am not a fan. I increased speed to make it better. I’d really like to see a completely new & better narrator.)
Book #117 of 2024: It is ironic that I didn’t know if I’d like this series or not based on the blurb. It took me over a year to read/listen to it. Now I think this may be her best series yet. I should have known better.
The characters are likeable, the story flows well and is layered with intrigue. I liked the more realistic progression of friendship —> trust —> romance between the main characters. They had both been through a lot during their lives. Their growth was my favourite part of the novel.
I am a bit disappointed that Mark felt he couldn’t come to a place of forgiveness in his lifetime after his talk with his grandmother as well as his written surprise late in the book. However, it’s easy to say that if you’ve never been through something so awful.
I’m looking forward to the rest of the series.
Series: Undaunted Courage, #2
Format: audiobook borrow from Everand
Narrator: Thérèse Plummer (I am not a fan. I increased speed to make it better. I’d really like to see a completely new & better narrator.)
Book #117 of 2024: It is ironic that I didn’t know if I’d like this series or not based on the blurb. It took me over a year to read/listen to it. Now I think this may be her best series yet. I should have known better.
The characters are likeable, the story flows well and is layered with intrigue. I liked the more realistic progression of friendship —> trust —> romance between the main characters. They had both been through a lot during their lives. Their growth was my favourite part of the novel.
I am a bit disappointed that Mark felt he couldn’t come to a place of forgiveness in his lifetime after his talk with his grandmother as well as his written surprise late in the book. However, it’s easy to say that if you’ve never been through something so awful.
I’m looking forward to the rest of the series.