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parklandmom's reviews
794 reviews
A Map to Paradise by Susan Meissner
3.25
*** mainstream fiction
Completed: Apr. 11/25
Format: Audible audiobook
Narrator: Lisa Flanagan - excellent job all-around!
Challenge Prompt: CNL's #50 of 50 -- "features a pet other than a dog" - Elwood had a cat named Algernon
Book #46 of 2025: Well, it pains me greatly to rate this at 3.25 stars. This is my 15th novel by this author. I really enjoyed all of them, though I have my favorites. Her one before this was phenomenal. I rated a few with 4 stars but most with 4.5 and 5 stars.
I'll begin with my dislikes:
- This novel just didn't have the same engagement, emotion, or connection as the others have for me. It felt slow, a little repetitive, somewhat predictable.
- I did not care for the cursing at all, particularly taking God's name in vain. That was a huge disappointment. A well-written story doesn't need that. It can be expressed without the actual words in the applicable circumstances.
- Melanie didn't have much of a growth arc and was rather shallow and hypocritical. I liked June until I knew what she did and that it was essentially justified in the end. When it was compared to Ava's past situation, it bothered me. Those were VERY different circumstances. After all that, it was wrapped up in a shiny, red bow on a sequin dress like nothing happened.
- Though I appreciated reading from an era not written about much, the Hollywood scene is a fickle, selfish, and mean world.
My likes:
- Ava was easily the star of this book. Her back story, her undying love for her boyfriend from years before, her bravery and attitude, etc.
- The character of Elwood and the agoraphobia was quite interesting and I wish we learned more about him.
- I enjoyed aspects of the friendship between the three women but it felt as though Melanie and June basically went back to the same ol,' same 'ol but Ava went to the life of peace and love. I did love her ending even though I suspected it.
- The narrator was excellent!
Perhaps it's not completely fair to rate this book in contrast to all the previous 14 books I've read by this author, but how can I not? It simply didn't capture me like the others have.
Completed: Apr. 11/25
Format: Audible audiobook
Narrator: Lisa Flanagan - excellent job all-around!
Challenge Prompt: CNL's #50 of 50 -- "features a pet other than a dog" - Elwood had a cat named Algernon
Book #46 of 2025: Well, it pains me greatly to rate this at 3.25 stars. This is my 15th novel by this author. I really enjoyed all of them, though I have my favorites. Her one before this was phenomenal. I rated a few with 4 stars but most with 4.5 and 5 stars.
I'll begin with my dislikes:
- This novel just didn't have the same engagement, emotion, or connection as the others have for me. It felt slow, a little repetitive, somewhat predictable.
- I did not care for the cursing at all, particularly taking God's name in vain. That was a huge disappointment. A well-written story doesn't need that. It can be expressed without the actual words in the applicable circumstances.
- Melanie didn't have much of a growth arc and was rather shallow and hypocritical. I liked June until I knew what she did and that it was essentially justified in the end. When it was compared to Ava's past situation, it bothered me. Those were VERY different circumstances. After all that, it was wrapped up in a shiny, red bow on a sequin dress like nothing happened.
- Though I appreciated reading from an era not written about much, the Hollywood scene is a fickle, selfish, and mean world.
My likes:
- Ava was easily the star of this book. Her back story, her undying love for her boyfriend from years before, her bravery and attitude, etc.
- The character of Elwood and the agoraphobia was quite interesting and I wish we learned more about him.
- I enjoyed aspects of the friendship between the three women but it felt as though Melanie and June basically went back to the same ol,' same 'ol but Ava went to the life of peace and love. I did love her ending even though I suspected it.
- The narrator was excellent!
Perhaps it's not completely fair to rate this book in contrast to all the previous 14 books I've read by this author, but how can I not? It simply didn't capture me like the others have.
The Birthday Blitz by Becca Kinzer, Becca Kinzer
2.75
Completed: Apr. 10/25
Format: Kindle e-Book
Challenge Prompt: none
Book #45 of 2025: This was a short novella.
There were a few good moments to this book, especially with the twins. I appreciated all the MMC did to help out the FMC. The seniors were a trip!
For the most part though, this small novella felt too over-the-top. The Eddie aspect was completely unappealing and silly. The story felt all over the place between the restaurant, the criminal aspect, Eddie, etc.
Format: Kindle e-Book
Challenge Prompt: none
Book #45 of 2025: This was a short novella.
There were a few good moments to this book, especially with the twins. I appreciated all the MMC did to help out the FMC. The seniors were a trip!
For the most part though, this small novella felt too over-the-top. The Eddie aspect was completely unappealing and silly. The story felt all over the place between the restaurant, the criminal aspect, Eddie, etc.
All for Anna by Nicole Deese
4.25
Completed: Apr. 09/25
Series: Letting Go, #1
Format: Kindle e-Book
Challenge Prompt: EOW's "a book thats's been out at least 5 years" -- DURING option -- pub. 2013
Book #44 of 2025: No one is harder to forgive than yourself. That is something I think everyone has experienced. The situation in this book is far more extreme than most and it tears at your heart.
Tori had been in an accident and a little girl passed away. She tried and tried to save her. She went on to being a nurse by never got past the massive guilt. She moved away for a time but comes home to help her pregnant sister while her husband is away for six months for work.
Tori finds herself having to meet for therapy for her new job. It causes her to face things she was running away from. She also faces the realities of PTSD. She finds herself resisting God at every turn, yet God is working in her and through those she loved, including a very handsome Samoan paramedic. She just doesn't quite realize it.
This book is a journey and everyone knows that journeys have both mountains and valleys, u-turns, and varying 'road' conditions. That makes it relatable to anyone.
I did find the ending really good except for the instant ________ that happens wasn't realistic for me, nor did I feel it was best considering she had more healing to do. I don't want to spoil anything but those who have read it will know what I am referring to. I would have preferred that event in the Epilogue months or so down the road. I would have preferred the Epilogue situation as the ending of the book. Perhaps it's just personal preference but that just feels right for me.
I really enjoyed this book. I've read other books by this author but this is her debut. I have the other two in this series that I will be reading.
Series: Letting Go, #1
Format: Kindle e-Book
Challenge Prompt: EOW's "a book thats's been out at least 5 years" -- DURING option -- pub. 2013
Book #44 of 2025: No one is harder to forgive than yourself. That is something I think everyone has experienced. The situation in this book is far more extreme than most and it tears at your heart.
Tori had been in an accident and a little girl passed away. She tried and tried to save her. She went on to being a nurse by never got past the massive guilt. She moved away for a time but comes home to help her pregnant sister while her husband is away for six months for work.
Tori finds herself having to meet for therapy for her new job. It causes her to face things she was running away from. She also faces the realities of PTSD. She finds herself resisting God at every turn, yet God is working in her and through those she loved, including a very handsome Samoan paramedic. She just doesn't quite realize it.
This book is a journey and everyone knows that journeys have both mountains and valleys, u-turns, and varying 'road' conditions. That makes it relatable to anyone.
I did find the ending really good except for the instant ________ that happens wasn't realistic for me, nor did I feel it was best considering she had more healing to do. I don't want to spoil anything but those who have read it will know what I am referring to. I would have preferred that event in the Epilogue months or so down the road. I would have preferred the Epilogue situation as the ending of the book. Perhaps it's just personal preference but that just feels right for me.
I really enjoyed this book. I've read other books by this author but this is her debut. I have the other two in this series that I will be reading.
Breach of Honor by Janice Cantore
3.0
Completed: Apr. 07/25
Format: audiobook owned (Chirp)
Narrator: Melie Williams - I didn't care for this narrator. She said 'rescue" instead of "recuse" around three times and there were a couple of odd pronunciations, weird and long pauses, some nasally and irritating voices, etc.
Challenge Prompt: CNL's #8 of 50 -- "featuring an unsolved mystery" -- what was the pay-off about, who are in the Hangmen, etc.
Book #43 of 2025: new-to-me author
I enjoyed this book for the first half. I really liked the two main characters. Cantore's background shines through in the detail of police procedural, etc. The natural friendship to relationship aspect was done well. The FMC had a pretty amazing growth ARC that felt believable.
During the back half of the story, I felt like there was too much happening at once. So many names and roles to keep straight. At one point I thought the book was nearly done and it wasn't. My mind wandered. This could have been partly due to the narrator but I was struggling to enjoy it in the same way.
Format: audiobook owned (Chirp)
Narrator: Melie Williams - I didn't care for this narrator. She said 'rescue" instead of "recuse" around three times and there were a couple of odd pronunciations, weird and long pauses, some nasally and irritating voices, etc.
Challenge Prompt: CNL's #8 of 50 -- "featuring an unsolved mystery" -- what was the pay-off about, who are in the Hangmen, etc.
Book #43 of 2025: new-to-me author
I enjoyed this book for the first half. I really liked the two main characters. Cantore's background shines through in the detail of police procedural, etc. The natural friendship to relationship aspect was done well. The FMC had a pretty amazing growth ARC that felt believable.
During the back half of the story, I felt like there was too much happening at once. So many names and roles to keep straight. At one point I thought the book was nearly done and it wasn't. My mind wandered. This could have been partly due to the narrator but I was struggling to enjoy it in the same way.
The Tea Chest by Heidi Chiavaroli
5.0
Completed: Apr. 05/25
Format: audiobook owned from Chirp
Narrators: Kate Marcin, Jane Oppenheimer -- both are fantastic and very enjoyable to listen to!
Challenge Prompt: FFF's "set during the Revolutionary War"
Book #43 of 2025: This book was out of my comfort zone so I began with some apprehension. However, I am so glad that I chose this split-time novel. I listened to the audiobook and the two narrators both did an amazing job. One read the historical part and the other read the current day portion.
I loved how the two stories wove together. Both time periods were excellent with each one being complemented and strengthened by the other. As a Canadian, I wasn't really familiar with much about the Boston Tea Party. (It's also been some time since I was in school!). This was also educational for me.
The historical part was set in the Revolutionary War and then current day with a female striving to be a Navy Seal. Though neither are familiar ground for me, I was pleasantly surprised to find this novel to be what anyone can get something out of. For me it was clear that God was teaching me something. I could see some parallels to current day with all the political division and corruption. I was reminded that God is always with us and working all things for good even when things feel completely chaotic.
The novel has some pretty gruesome scenes that may be difficult for some. However, they are necessary and realistic -- the sad and horrific realities of war and depraved men. The research in both settings was very well-done.
I felt that I had a very good understanding of all the main characters in both time periods. I respected that we saw their flaws as well as their strengths. They felt relatable.
My favourite quote from the book is in Chapter 30 (audiobook) is so powerful. In the current day portion, Noah is talking to Hayley:
"You ever think how we're not so very different than those who've come before us? Yeah, we have social media and more technology, but humanity, it really doesn't change."
Format: audiobook owned from Chirp
Narrators: Kate Marcin, Jane Oppenheimer -- both are fantastic and very enjoyable to listen to!
Challenge Prompt: FFF's "set during the Revolutionary War"
Book #43 of 2025: This book was out of my comfort zone so I began with some apprehension. However, I am so glad that I chose this split-time novel. I listened to the audiobook and the two narrators both did an amazing job. One read the historical part and the other read the current day portion.
I loved how the two stories wove together. Both time periods were excellent with each one being complemented and strengthened by the other. As a Canadian, I wasn't really familiar with much about the Boston Tea Party. (It's also been some time since I was in school!). This was also educational for me.
The historical part was set in the Revolutionary War and then current day with a female striving to be a Navy Seal. Though neither are familiar ground for me, I was pleasantly surprised to find this novel to be what anyone can get something out of. For me it was clear that God was teaching me something. I could see some parallels to current day with all the political division and corruption. I was reminded that God is always with us and working all things for good even when things feel completely chaotic.
The novel has some pretty gruesome scenes that may be difficult for some. However, they are necessary and realistic -- the sad and horrific realities of war and depraved men. The research in both settings was very well-done.
I felt that I had a very good understanding of all the main characters in both time periods. I respected that we saw their flaws as well as their strengths. They felt relatable.
My favourite quote from the book is in Chapter 30 (audiobook) is so powerful. In the current day portion, Noah is talking to Hayley:
"You ever think how we're not so very different than those who've come before us? Yeah, we have social media and more technology, but humanity, it really doesn't change."
Valley of Shadows by Candace West
5.0
Completed: Apr. 03/25
Series: Valley Creek Redemption, #2
Format: Kindle e-Book
Challenge Prompt: ARoCF's "indie or small press" -- Scrivenings is a small press
Book #41 of 2025: As with Lane Steen, book 1 of this series, I was quickly immersed in the story. I bought the rest of the series after I read book 1. Candace is a writer whose novels I can purchase confidently.
I enjoyed being back in Valley Creek. In my head it is a mish-mash of a mountainous "Walnut Grove" (from Little House on the Prairie) and the town on the show, Gunsmoke. (I watched a little by default as a young child.).
I teared up at the tragedies that befell them. I felt the struggle between Earl and Lorena versus "The Past." I cheered for the community as if it were my own. I love how the wonder, love, and mercy of God is so evident in her books.
My favourite part was when the reverend was talking to Earl and asked where the shadow is when he's facing the sun (behind him). It is in my highlights here on Goodreads. He likened that to when we face the Father in truth and forgiveness, the shadow/sin of our valleys is behind us. It didn't even register until a little while later that it ties into the novel's title. I absolutely love a title with meaning that is directly born of the story.
This is an excellent series and beautifully written. The characters feel like friends. I look forward to book 3.
Series: Valley Creek Redemption, #2
Format: Kindle e-Book
Challenge Prompt: ARoCF's "indie or small press" -- Scrivenings is a small press
Book #41 of 2025: As with Lane Steen, book 1 of this series, I was quickly immersed in the story. I bought the rest of the series after I read book 1. Candace is a writer whose novels I can purchase confidently.
I enjoyed being back in Valley Creek. In my head it is a mish-mash of a mountainous "Walnut Grove" (from Little House on the Prairie) and the town on the show, Gunsmoke. (I watched a little by default as a young child.).
I teared up at the tragedies that befell them. I felt the struggle between Earl and Lorena versus "The Past." I cheered for the community as if it were my own. I love how the wonder, love, and mercy of God is so evident in her books.
My favourite part was when the reverend was talking to Earl and asked where the shadow is when he's facing the sun (behind him). It is in my highlights here on Goodreads. He likened that to when we face the Father in truth and forgiveness, the shadow/sin of our valleys is behind us. It didn't even register until a little while later that it ties into the novel's title. I absolutely love a title with meaning that is directly born of the story.
This is an excellent series and beautifully written. The characters feel like friends. I look forward to book 3.
Room for Hope by Kim Vogel Sawyer
5.0
Completed: Mar. 31/25
Format: Everand audiobook borrow
Narrator: Kate Forbes - good
Challenge Prompt: CNL's #49 of 50 -- "By an author with multiple award-winning books" -- according to my internet search, this author has earned several awards.
Book #40 of 2025:
I saw this book recommended recently so I took and look and marked it on Goodreads. I listened to a sample of the audio and was intrigued right away. I kept thinking about it so I crammed a nearly 14 hour audiobook into about 24 hours.
I enjoyed everything about this story. I loved the characters in all their quirks and imperfections, but especially for their big hearts.
Neva is faced with the shock and betrayal of her husband having another family as well as his death. She takes the kids in despite her own grief and heartache. The situation isn't without problems and difficulties but she grew to love them and view them as a gift. She is a woman of integrity and strength.
Arthur Randal was NOT a likeable character but his growth arc was tremendous. We all can get off-track and put our energies into other things, well-meaning as they may be. But nothing replaces God and walking in his truth and peace. He finds his way and listens to the calling.
The children are all precious, even Leroy and Leon, who aren't too nice or respectful early on....
The sheriff is a good man who also experiences a large growth arc in facing his past and turning to God. He becomes a backbone of the community.
The pastor and his wife are just amazing gifts to their community in their sincerity and devotion to God.
My favourite part of the book is when the pastor spoke about the prodigal son. It helped me see it with fresh eyes and awareness. My eyes fill with tears.
I enjoyed every moment of this story. It's so well done! Kudos to the author!
Format: Everand audiobook borrow
Narrator: Kate Forbes - good
Challenge Prompt: CNL's #49 of 50 -- "By an author with multiple award-winning books" -- according to my internet search, this author has earned several awards.
Book #40 of 2025:
I saw this book recommended recently so I took and look and marked it on Goodreads. I listened to a sample of the audio and was intrigued right away. I kept thinking about it so I crammed a nearly 14 hour audiobook into about 24 hours.
I enjoyed everything about this story. I loved the characters in all their quirks and imperfections, but especially for their big hearts.
Neva is faced with the shock and betrayal of her husband having another family as well as his death. She takes the kids in despite her own grief and heartache. The situation isn't without problems and difficulties but she grew to love them and view them as a gift. She is a woman of integrity and strength.
Arthur Randal was NOT a likeable character but his growth arc was tremendous. We all can get off-track and put our energies into other things, well-meaning as they may be. But nothing replaces God and walking in his truth and peace. He finds his way and listens to the calling.
The children are all precious, even Leroy and Leon, who aren't too nice or respectful early on....
The sheriff is a good man who also experiences a large growth arc in facing his past and turning to God. He becomes a backbone of the community.
The pastor and his wife are just amazing gifts to their community in their sincerity and devotion to God.
My favourite part of the book is when the pastor spoke about the prodigal son. It helped me see it with fresh eyes and awareness. My eyes fill with tears.
I enjoyed every moment of this story. It's so well done! Kudos to the author!
Emma's Hero by Carrie Walker
4.25
Completed: Mar. 29/25
Series: Faith Endures, #1
Format: Kindle e-Book
Challenge Prompt: CFG's "purchased in the past but haven't read yet" -- purchased one year ago -- also read this for a quarterly book discussion in a Facebook group
Book #39 of 2025: new-to-me author
This was a really heartwarming novel. I learned a lot about the condition that Baby Theo has. The author conveyed the countless aspects, machinery, medications, etc needed. I have mad respect for those who have lived this. Every additional day you can have with your child is worth it all.
The three stories braided together well and God truly wove a beautiful result. EVERY life is important and of value. God never leaves us alone, no matter the situation. We need more people in the world that are like the characters in this book. Ben is an absolute gem and a wonderful example of a truly good man. The maturity of Carrie is quite remarkable. Mason and Clare
are amazing teenagers. And then there is Baby Theo... I think every reader wants to reach inside the book and hold him for a while.
Series: Faith Endures, #1
Format: Kindle e-Book
Challenge Prompt: CFG's "purchased in the past but haven't read yet" -- purchased one year ago -- also read this for a quarterly book discussion in a Facebook group
Book #39 of 2025: new-to-me author
This was a really heartwarming novel. I learned a lot about the condition that Baby Theo has. The author conveyed the countless aspects, machinery, medications, etc needed. I have mad respect for those who have lived this. Every additional day you can have with your child is worth it all.
The three stories braided together well and God truly wove a beautiful result. EVERY life is important and of value. God never leaves us alone, no matter the situation. We need more people in the world that are like the characters in this book. Ben is an absolute gem and a wonderful example of a truly good man. The maturity of Carrie is quite remarkable. Mason and Clare
are amazing teenagers. And then there is Baby Theo... I think every reader wants to reach inside the book and hold him for a while.
Merry Kisses by Valerie Comer
3.25
Completed: Mar. 28/25
Series: Riverbend Romance, #5
Format: Kindle e-book
Challenge Prompt: CFG's "set in winter" - it is set in the Christmas season
Book #38 of 2025: I've now read the entire Riverbend Romance collection of 5 novellas. My favourite would be the third one, which is actually the first one I read. This one seemed much like the fourth one set in another season.
The unusual hang-up for the FMC in this one was more believable than the last novella. However, it wasn't until later in the story did I realize the depth of the oppressive legalism that she grew up in. While I'm not a big fan of the entire "Santa" thing, there is nothing wrong with a sprinkling of some whimsy with the truth of the actual reason for Christmas as priority.
The author certainly captures the chemistry and capitalizes on the friendships of the community. It's nice seeing the past couples show up and be a part of the story.
Series: Riverbend Romance, #5
Format: Kindle e-book
Challenge Prompt: CFG's "set in winter" - it is set in the Christmas season
Book #38 of 2025: I've now read the entire Riverbend Romance collection of 5 novellas. My favourite would be the third one, which is actually the first one I read. This one seemed much like the fourth one set in another season.
The unusual hang-up for the FMC in this one was more believable than the last novella. However, it wasn't until later in the story did I realize the depth of the oppressive legalism that she grew up in. While I'm not a big fan of the entire "Santa" thing, there is nothing wrong with a sprinkling of some whimsy with the truth of the actual reason for Christmas as priority.
The author certainly captures the chemistry and capitalizes on the friendships of the community. It's nice seeing the past couples show up and be a part of the story.
Team Bride by Valerie Comer
3.25
Completed: Mar. 27/25
Series: Riverbend Romance, #4
Format: Kindle e-Book
Challenge Prompt: ARoCF's "features a fall-related get together" -- community fall festival, Thanksgiving family meal, apple harvest
Book #37 of 2025: I've read and enjoyed the previous 3 novellas in this series. If I am being honest, this one would have been better with a different premise. The bad flower girl experience shouldn't have caused a 28 year-old grown woman to be so upset, bitter, and traumatized. Sure it was embarrassing. They were kids. Most people would have laughed it all off as they got older.
I realize that what happened after that wedding of years ago within her family was the bigger and deeper issue. Conflating the two wasn't believable. Their quick rush to, "I love you" was based on so little time and her immature and huge reaction at his Aunt's house was really questionable as to her readiness to be married. It just wasn't behaviour of a 28 year-old adult.
I really enjoyed everything else - the reverse grumpy-sunshine trope, his romantic gifts, and that last chapter!
Series: Riverbend Romance, #4
Format: Kindle e-Book
Challenge Prompt: ARoCF's "features a fall-related get together" -- community fall festival, Thanksgiving family meal, apple harvest
Book #37 of 2025: I've read and enjoyed the previous 3 novellas in this series. If I am being honest, this one would have been better with a different premise. The bad flower girl experience shouldn't have caused a 28 year-old grown woman to be so upset, bitter, and traumatized. Sure it was embarrassing. They were kids. Most people would have laughed it all off as they got older.
I realize that what happened after that wedding of years ago within her family was the bigger and deeper issue. Conflating the two wasn't believable. Their quick rush to, "I love you" was based on so little time and her immature and huge reaction at his Aunt's house was really questionable as to her readiness to be married. It just wasn't behaviour of a 28 year-old adult.
I really enjoyed everything else - the reverse grumpy-sunshine trope, his romantic gifts, and that last chapter!