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parklandmom's reviews
796 reviews
Snow Melts in Spring by Deborah Vogts
4.0
Completed: Mar. 08/25
Series: Seasons of the Tallgrass
Format: Kindle e-Book
Challenge Prompt: TBB's "set in spring"
Book #28 of 2025: In my search to find a book that fit this reading prompt, I was happy to find one that had been buried on my Kindle since 2012. This was a new-to-me author as well.
The setting of the ranch in Kansas is serene and inviting. Mattie's love for the area shines through with her desire to practice veterinary medicine there. Some losses have her doubting herself a little and then her clinic/home burns down. Her elderly friend offers her his guest home on his ranch and to set up shop there until she can rebuild. Though she's grateful for the offer, she is concerned how his son Gil will react. They had not hit it off very well shortly before the fire.
Due to the aging man's health, Gill retires from pro football to help get the place in shape. A friendship blossoms between Gil and Mattie. Romantic feelings grow. Due to some deep past hurts getting in the way, they can't seem to solidify their commitment to one another.
There are very touching moments in this book, good use of Scripture, and there is a lot of vulnerability shown with struggles and hurts.
I do feel the 'blurb' for the book is confusing in the latter half. I also feel that Mattie's run of bad luck with animals dying and the fire meant there is a mystery within the story as well, but no. It feels unfinished and just dropped, unless I somehow missed something? It was a missed opportunity to add some zing to the story.
I learned some interesting things about ranch life. So much hard work goes into all of it. I loved the healing that took place amongst some of the characters and within some of them as well.
There is a book 2 that I may read.
Series: Seasons of the Tallgrass
Format: Kindle e-Book
Challenge Prompt: TBB's "set in spring"
Book #28 of 2025: In my search to find a book that fit this reading prompt, I was happy to find one that had been buried on my Kindle since 2012. This was a new-to-me author as well.
The setting of the ranch in Kansas is serene and inviting. Mattie's love for the area shines through with her desire to practice veterinary medicine there. Some losses have her doubting herself a little and then her clinic/home burns down. Her elderly friend offers her his guest home on his ranch and to set up shop there until she can rebuild. Though she's grateful for the offer, she is concerned how his son Gil will react. They had not hit it off very well shortly before the fire.
Due to the aging man's health, Gill retires from pro football to help get the place in shape. A friendship blossoms between Gil and Mattie. Romantic feelings grow. Due to some deep past hurts getting in the way, they can't seem to solidify their commitment to one another.
There are very touching moments in this book, good use of Scripture, and there is a lot of vulnerability shown with struggles and hurts.
I do feel the 'blurb' for the book is confusing in the latter half. I also feel that Mattie's run of bad luck with animals dying and the fire meant there is a mystery within the story as well, but no. It feels unfinished and just dropped, unless I somehow missed something? It was a missed opportunity to add some zing to the story.
I learned some interesting things about ranch life. So much hard work goes into all of it. I loved the healing that took place amongst some of the characters and within some of them as well.
There is a book 2 that I may read.
Break My Fall by Lynn H. Blackburn
4.25
Completed: Mar. 04/25
Series: Gossamer Falls, #2
Format: advanced reader copy from publisher
Challenge Prompt: ARoCF's "features a healthcare worker, firefighter, or an EMS worker" -- dentist
Book #27 of 2025: I've really been looking forward to book 2 in this Gossamer Falls Series! Meredith and Grey sure took a long, complex route to a relationship, but once they got there, wow!!!
As before with book one, I love the tight-knit community--especially within the Quinn Family. They are all so protective of one another and want the best for each other.
The story has a good balance of suspense and regular life happenings that tell more about the characters. This novel definitely builds up the suspense and the last quarter is pretty intense! I loved the ending! Can't wait for the third book!
*** My sincere thanks to Thomas Nelson and Net Galley for providing me with an early copy. My honest review is in my own words.
Series: Gossamer Falls, #2
Format: advanced reader copy from publisher
Challenge Prompt: ARoCF's "features a healthcare worker, firefighter, or an EMS worker" -- dentist
Book #27 of 2025: I've really been looking forward to book 2 in this Gossamer Falls Series! Meredith and Grey sure took a long, complex route to a relationship, but once they got there, wow!!!
As before with book one, I love the tight-knit community--especially within the Quinn Family. They are all so protective of one another and want the best for each other.
The story has a good balance of suspense and regular life happenings that tell more about the characters. This novel definitely builds up the suspense and the last quarter is pretty intense! I loved the ending! Can't wait for the third book!
*** My sincere thanks to Thomas Nelson and Net Galley for providing me with an early copy. My honest review is in my own words.
Game of Love by Denise Hunter
4.5
Completed: Feb. 28/25
Format: Kindle e-Book
Challenge Prompt: EOW's, "set in an exotic location" (Maui) -- ANYTIME in 2025 option
Book #26 of 2025: This is a short novella but I enjoyed it so much! There are a few, small typos in it but they looked like some sort of formatting or printing error. It didn't affect my rating.
Callie's fiancé cancels their wedding but she takes the month-long vacation to Maui on her own to kick her wounds. Initially she moped and felt sorry for herself. Soon she began to wonder if marrying a good friend in order to settle down and have kids was such a great idea. Was there something missing like Shaun had claimed?
Enter Alex and the tummy floops.... Callie starts to understand that there really is something to be said for attraction and an undeniable connection as part of the formula. But it's so more than that and she comes to know that she won't settle for anything less. Their ease in communication grows their friendship and attraction stronger with each day.
She has a plane to catch and he's afraid of rejection. What now? Well, I'm not going to tell you but some bumps in the road do happen. And so does an HEA (happily ever after)!
I loved the romance, the sparks, the growth, and how she turned it over to God for guidance, unlike with Shaun. This is a feel-good book and that is always a satisfying read!
Format: Kindle e-Book
Challenge Prompt: EOW's, "set in an exotic location" (Maui) -- ANYTIME in 2025 option
Book #26 of 2025: This is a short novella but I enjoyed it so much! There are a few, small typos in it but they looked like some sort of formatting or printing error. It didn't affect my rating.
Callie's fiancé cancels their wedding but she takes the month-long vacation to Maui on her own to kick her wounds. Initially she moped and felt sorry for herself. Soon she began to wonder if marrying a good friend in order to settle down and have kids was such a great idea. Was there something missing like Shaun had claimed?
Enter Alex and the tummy floops.... Callie starts to understand that there really is something to be said for attraction and an undeniable connection as part of the formula. But it's so more than that and she comes to know that she won't settle for anything less. Their ease in communication grows their friendship and attraction stronger with each day.
She has a plane to catch and he's afraid of rejection. What now? Well, I'm not going to tell you but some bumps in the road do happen. And so does an HEA (happily ever after)!
I loved the romance, the sparks, the growth, and how she turned it over to God for guidance, unlike with Shaun. This is a feel-good book and that is always a satisfying read!
All At Once by Lindsay Harrel
4.25
Completed: Feb. 28/25
Published: 2023 (originally 2020)
Format: Kindle e-book
Series: Walker Beach, .5
Reading Prompt: CNL's "a book with AT, AN, or IS in the title"
Book #25 of 2025: This sweet prequel packed a good punch. It was more than just a sweet, second-chance romance. Both the FMC and MMC have been through some difficult things since they were together more than a decade before.
They are forced to work together at a camp and it is clear feelings are still there. A connection. Fighting the feelings doesn't work and they find their way back. However, bigger obstacles, from the past and present, still loom. There are no easy answers and there is a lot to consider. Where is the balance between achieving your dreams, sacrificing for someone, and fulfilling responsibilities? This novella takes you on that journey.
It's a book that challenges you but it is also a "feel-good" book that is like a cozy blanket, hot cocoa, and a fireplace.
Published: 2023 (originally 2020)
Format: Kindle e-book
Series: Walker Beach, .5
Reading Prompt: CNL's "a book with AT, AN, or IS in the title"
Book #25 of 2025: This sweet prequel packed a good punch. It was more than just a sweet, second-chance romance. Both the FMC and MMC have been through some difficult things since they were together more than a decade before.
They are forced to work together at a camp and it is clear feelings are still there. A connection. Fighting the feelings doesn't work and they find their way back. However, bigger obstacles, from the past and present, still loom. There are no easy answers and there is a lot to consider. Where is the balance between achieving your dreams, sacrificing for someone, and fulfilling responsibilities? This novella takes you on that journey.
It's a book that challenges you but it is also a "feel-good" book that is like a cozy blanket, hot cocoa, and a fireplace.
All We Thought We Knew by Michelle Shocklee
5.0
Completed: Feb. 26/25
Format: Audible audiobook
Narrator: Caroline Hewitt (PHENOMENAL!)
Challenge Prompt: CNL's #40 of 50 - "set during WW2" -- the earlier timeline is during WW2.
Book #24 of 2025: This is my second book by Shocklee and I loved it as much as the other, Appalachian Song. The same narrator is used for both and she is a top favourite of mine now.
There are two timelines in this story. We begin the novel with a 1942 timeline during WW2 and the other begins in 1969. Both timelines are equally fascinating. Ava, in the earlier timeline, is my favourite character. I just respect all she overcame, all she accomplished, and what she did with her life. Gunther is also just a joy to read about. He is a man of honor and integrity despite enduring many awful things done to him.
Even though Mattie (1969) comes across quite abrasive, I respect the growth arc that she has. Underneath her strong opinions is someone who deeply grieves her twin, Mark, greatly and wants the love and respect of her distant father.
I really appreciate all the personal insights into these periods of history, things we maybe haven't heard as much about in the history books. There were some pretty ugly truths of man hurting man. War is ugly and it can result in hurt, shame, and pain for generations.
Both women go through a journey to discover that they don't always know the correct or full truth about a matter. Or perhaps their assumptions and expectations weren't correct to begin with. I knew where the story was going with the mystery aspect but that didn't bother me at all. It's such a poignant aspect of the story.
I strongly recommend this author and I would encourage choosing the audiobook if you're an audiobook lover. I was immersed into timeline right off the cuff and I enjoyed every moment of this novel.
Format: Audible audiobook
Narrator: Caroline Hewitt (PHENOMENAL!)
Challenge Prompt: CNL's #40 of 50 - "set during WW2" -- the earlier timeline is during WW2.
Book #24 of 2025: This is my second book by Shocklee and I loved it as much as the other, Appalachian Song. The same narrator is used for both and she is a top favourite of mine now.
There are two timelines in this story. We begin the novel with a 1942 timeline during WW2 and the other begins in 1969. Both timelines are equally fascinating. Ava, in the earlier timeline, is my favourite character. I just respect all she overcame, all she accomplished, and what she did with her life. Gunther is also just a joy to read about. He is a man of honor and integrity despite enduring many awful things done to him.
Even though Mattie (1969) comes across quite abrasive, I respect the growth arc that she has. Underneath her strong opinions is someone who deeply grieves her twin, Mark, greatly and wants the love and respect of her distant father.
I really appreciate all the personal insights into these periods of history, things we maybe haven't heard as much about in the history books. There were some pretty ugly truths of man hurting man. War is ugly and it can result in hurt, shame, and pain for generations.
Both women go through a journey to discover that they don't always know the correct or full truth about a matter. Or perhaps their assumptions and expectations weren't correct to begin with. I knew where the story was going with the mystery aspect but that didn't bother me at all. It's such a poignant aspect of the story.
I strongly recommend this author and I would encourage choosing the audiobook if you're an audiobook lover. I was immersed into timeline right off the cuff and I enjoyed every moment of this novel.
Home Sweet Tiny Home by Melody Carlson
3.25
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.
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.
Love on a Whim by Suzanne Woods Fisher
3.5
Completed: Feb. 22/25
Series: Cape Cod Creamery, #3
Format: audiobook borrow from Everand
Narrators: Stephanie Cozart - good but not great
Challenge Prompt: CFG's "with a red, pink, or white cover" -- pink cover with a white wedding cake
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.
Series: Cape Cod Creamery, #3
Format: audiobook borrow from Everand
Narrators: Stephanie Cozart - good but not great
Challenge Prompt: CFG's "with a red, pink, or white cover" -- pink cover with a white wedding cake
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.
Ambush by Colleen Coble
4.0
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.
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.
When Forever Stays by Tawni Suchy
4.5
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.
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.
A Sweethaven Summer by Courtney Walsh
3.0
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.
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.