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parklandmom's reviews
797 reviews
Smoky Mountain Christmas by Andrea Byrd
3.75
Read: December 2024
Series: Smoky Mountains Romance
Format: Kindle e-Book
Book #135 of 2024: I enjoyed this novella more than book 1 of this series. I was concerned initially by how rude and unfriendly the main character was. While I can appreciate her sorrow at being infertile, there was no point in the book that I truly understood her reasoning behind isolating herself and being so abrupt and cold. I've known several women who couldn't bear a child and none acted like that. I totally could understand the concern about finding a man who would understand but any man worth his salt would be open to adopting. She even froze out her own parents/family.
I do love this big bear hug of a family. All their games and traditions are pretty wonderful. Love isn't just about blood. It's adopting. It's fostering. It's friends. It's in-laws. It's neighbours. ETC. I'm not too keen at having multiple rings thrown at my head so I'd maybe leave that one particular game out! lol!
The ending was a stretch for me but it was very HEA-Hallmark-y. (I'm sure that's a real word in the romantic fiction world!).
Series: Smoky Mountains Romance
Format: Kindle e-Book
Book #135 of 2024: I enjoyed this novella more than book 1 of this series. I was concerned initially by how rude and unfriendly the main character was. While I can appreciate her sorrow at being infertile, there was no point in the book that I truly understood her reasoning behind isolating herself and being so abrupt and cold. I've known several women who couldn't bear a child and none acted like that. I totally could understand the concern about finding a man who would understand but any man worth his salt would be open to adopting. She even froze out her own parents/family.
I do love this big bear hug of a family. All their games and traditions are pretty wonderful. Love isn't just about blood. It's adopting. It's fostering. It's friends. It's in-laws. It's neighbours. ETC. I'm not too keen at having multiple rings thrown at my head so I'd maybe leave that one particular game out! lol!
The ending was a stretch for me but it was very HEA-Hallmark-y. (I'm sure that's a real word in the romantic fiction world!).
Smoky Mountain Comfort by Andrea Byrd
3.25
Read: December 2024
Series: Smoky Mountain Romance, #1
Format: Kindle e-Book
Book #133 of 2024: I really liked the premise of this book going in - a young bookshop owner, some mystery, a handsome cop. However, I felt it wasn't fully there. It was simplistic in places and the FMC comes across very weak and over-the-top. I do not mean to minimize anything bad that happens to anyone. *Not one bit.* And I do realize that everyone processes stuff differently. Her actions, however, sound like someone who has been ritually abused on repeat. PTSD-like. She struggles at the slightest touch, noise, movement, etc. It just didn't seem to fit for me. However, I tried to accept it for what it was. Again, there were very sweet, tender moments with customers, between the two main characters, etc.
I like the male character. He's insightful and thinks outside the box. However, I doubt a cop would be able to spend a bunch of time in a store over some shoplifting. The relationship dynamics change too drastically and quickly to be believable considering how the FMC is portrayed.
The situation with her dad left us all hanging and I would have liked to see a firm conclusion. Suddenly it's like everything is all right in her world because of a guy alone and not through any real efforts or growth of her own. The right man can certainly complement a woman but it was as though she quickly moved past all her trauma with no therapy or anything. It didn't feel genuine.
I think this story has the potential to be much better with more realistic character development, therapy for the main character, and a more believable growth arc in the romance department.
It's a nice, quick read for a busy month like December. The next novella in the series is a Christmas-oriented book so I wanted to read this first.
Series: Smoky Mountain Romance, #1
Format: Kindle e-Book
Book #133 of 2024: I really liked the premise of this book going in - a young bookshop owner, some mystery, a handsome cop. However, I felt it wasn't fully there. It was simplistic in places and the FMC comes across very weak and over-the-top. I do not mean to minimize anything bad that happens to anyone. *Not one bit.* And I do realize that everyone processes stuff differently. Her actions, however, sound like someone who has been ritually abused on repeat. PTSD-like. She struggles at the slightest touch, noise, movement, etc. It just didn't seem to fit for me. However, I tried to accept it for what it was. Again, there were very sweet, tender moments with customers, between the two main characters, etc.
I like the male character. He's insightful and thinks outside the box. However, I doubt a cop would be able to spend a bunch of time in a store over some shoplifting. The relationship dynamics change too drastically and quickly to be believable considering how the FMC is portrayed.
The situation with her dad left us all hanging and I would have liked to see a firm conclusion. Suddenly it's like everything is all right in her world because of a guy alone and not through any real efforts or growth of her own. The right man can certainly complement a woman but it was as though she quickly moved past all her trauma with no therapy or anything. It didn't feel genuine.
I think this story has the potential to be much better with more realistic character development, therapy for the main character, and a more believable growth arc in the romance department.
It's a nice, quick read for a busy month like December. The next novella in the series is a Christmas-oriented book so I wanted to read this first.
The Christmas Clue to Finding You by Pepper Basham
4.25
Read: December 2024
Collection: A Christmas in Mistletoe Square, #1
Format: Kindle e-Book
Book #132 of 2024: This novella is light and fun yet it tackles how debilitating grief can be. And sometimes we really get in our own way and that affects our confidence and outlook. This novella also shows us that we sometimes make some detours before we find our way home. Home is where we fit and we are surrounded by those we love and who care about us as well.
I enjoyed the friends-to-more development in this story. I'm *not* entirely convinced that kneecaps are attractive, but I'll go along with it for this story, and because I enjoy reading this author so much.
Collection: A Christmas in Mistletoe Square, #1
Format: Kindle e-Book
Book #132 of 2024: This novella is light and fun yet it tackles how debilitating grief can be. And sometimes we really get in our own way and that affects our confidence and outlook. This novella also shows us that we sometimes make some detours before we find our way home. Home is where we fit and we are surrounded by those we love and who care about us as well.
I enjoyed the friends-to-more development in this story. I'm *not* entirely convinced that kneecaps are attractive, but I'll go along with it for this story, and because I enjoy reading this author so much.
A Christmas Comfort for Elsie by Regina Walker, Regina Walker
4.25
Read: December 2024
Series: Mail-Order Brides' First Christmas, #6
Format: Kindle e-Book
Book #131 of 2024:This is not a typical trope for me but I quite enjoyed it. I am curious about the other stories in this collection. I did feel it ended a bit abruptly and I wanted to know more of their story.
I love the main character and the shy attraction her and the doctor have for one another. People were so much more mature at younger ages back then.
Series: Mail-Order Brides' First Christmas, #6
Format: Kindle e-Book
Book #131 of 2024:This is not a typical trope for me but I quite enjoyed it. I am curious about the other stories in this collection. I did feel it ended a bit abruptly and I wanted to know more of their story.
I love the main character and the shy attraction her and the doctor have for one another. People were so much more mature at younger ages back then.
Greetings from Next Door by Chautona Havig
4.0
Read: November 2024
Format: paperback
Book #130 of 2024:
I didn't have the best day today but this fun romcom novella made me smile and laugh numerous times. The female and male main characters are the ODDEST of odd couples!! It shouldn't work in real life. Yet somehow it does.
Format: paperback
Book #130 of 2024:
I didn't have the best day today but this fun romcom novella made me smile and laugh numerous times. The female and male main characters are the ODDEST of odd couples!! It shouldn't work in real life. Yet somehow it does.
A Year of Flowers by Suzanne Woods Fisher
4.25
Read in November 2024
This one-book compilation of the series, A Year of Flowers, is a delight to read. Each of the first three parts (originally in novellas) features one of the main characters. We begin with Jaime, then Claire, and finally Tessa. The personality of each woman, their talents, and some romance potential comes through. But we also learn of their heartache and insecurities. Each one doesn't feel truly home or fulfilled in their respective locations. Each one had fled from the town where they met and worked together at a flower shop under the care and tutelage of Rose.
Everyone comes together in the concluding fourth part at Rose's bequest. The "rest of the story" in each woman's life is revealed, as well as what truly happened that awful August night so long ago that caused the three to each flee without a word. We also learn more about their beloved mentor, Rose, and why she called them all home.
It is wonderful to see the three friends reunited with Rose and one another. After some initial awkwardness and awaiting Rose's declaration of the right time for "The Talk," some hard lessons are learned. It becomes clear how deeply they all cared for one another back then. Yet... the three young ladies had ran instead of facing the entire truth, or supporting Rose through the aftermath of the shop fire.
Each one is reminded of putting God first and relying on Him for truth and guidance. Once again, the "magic" of their friendship returns and they realize how much better they are together and under God's care.
***My thanks to Net Galley, the publisher, and the author for an advanced reader copy of this book. My review is voluntary, honest, and in my own words.
This one-book compilation of the series, A Year of Flowers, is a delight to read. Each of the first three parts (originally in novellas) features one of the main characters. We begin with Jaime, then Claire, and finally Tessa. The personality of each woman, their talents, and some romance potential comes through. But we also learn of their heartache and insecurities. Each one doesn't feel truly home or fulfilled in their respective locations. Each one had fled from the town where they met and worked together at a flower shop under the care and tutelage of Rose.
Everyone comes together in the concluding fourth part at Rose's bequest. The "rest of the story" in each woman's life is revealed, as well as what truly happened that awful August night so long ago that caused the three to each flee without a word. We also learn more about their beloved mentor, Rose, and why she called them all home.
It is wonderful to see the three friends reunited with Rose and one another. After some initial awkwardness and awaiting Rose's declaration of the right time for "The Talk," some hard lessons are learned. It becomes clear how deeply they all cared for one another back then. Yet... the three young ladies had ran instead of facing the entire truth, or supporting Rose through the aftermath of the shop fire.
Each one is reminded of putting God first and relying on Him for truth and guidance. Once again, the "magic" of their friendship returns and they realize how much better they are together and under God's care.
***My thanks to Net Galley, the publisher, and the author for an advanced reader copy of this book. My review is voluntary, honest, and in my own words.
A Future in Blossom by Suzanne Woods Fisher
4.25
Read: November 2024
Series: A Year in Flowers, #4
Format: e-book borrow from Everand
Book #129 of 2024: Each of the first 3 novellas leave the reader hanging for the fourth book where things would are concluded. It is kind of like a four part book and this is part four.
I enjoyed seeing how Jaime, Claire, and Tessa came back together to Sunrise. After some initial awkwardness and avoidance, the nightmare non-wedding from the first book brings them all together for the 2.0 version.
There are emotional highs and lows, funny moments, touching moments, some mystery surrounding Rose, and especially the reveal of the August night that changed everything long ago. This last novella illustrates how they all work better together. They fully realize how important clear communication and trust is and how that would have made the difference all those years ago. More importantly, they all turned to God in vulnerability for guidance and wisdom in all aspects of life.
Series: A Year in Flowers, #4
Format: e-book borrow from Everand
Book #129 of 2024: Each of the first 3 novellas leave the reader hanging for the fourth book where things would are concluded. It is kind of like a four part book and this is part four.
I enjoyed seeing how Jaime, Claire, and Tessa came back together to Sunrise. After some initial awkwardness and avoidance, the nightmare non-wedding from the first book brings them all together for the 2.0 version.
There are emotional highs and lows, funny moments, touching moments, some mystery surrounding Rose, and especially the reveal of the August night that changed everything long ago. This last novella illustrates how they all work better together. They fully realize how important clear communication and trust is and how that would have made the difference all those years ago. More importantly, they all turned to God in vulnerability for guidance and wisdom in all aspects of life.
A Bouquet of Dreams by Suzanne Woods Fisher
4.0
Read: November 2024
Series: Year of Flowers, #2
Format: ARC of the compilation book of all 4 novellas
Book #127 of 2024:
Have you ever read a book where the main character is someone you know in real life? That's how it was for me with Claire. It was a little weird....
Sometimes there are people who are very unaware of how they come across to others, OR they do and don't care. I respect that Claire had a moment of clarity and chose to take the fork in the road.
These novellas end without the loose ends being tied up. These fourth novella will be the bow around the bouquets. Pun fully intended.
Series: Year of Flowers, #2
Format: ARC of the compilation book of all 4 novellas
Book #127 of 2024:
Have you ever read a book where the main character is someone you know in real life? That's how it was for me with Claire. It was a little weird....
Sometimes there are people who are very unaware of how they come across to others, OR they do and don't care. I respect that Claire had a moment of clarity and chose to take the fork in the road.
These novellas end without the loose ends being tied up. These fourth novella will be the bow around the bouquets. Pun fully intended.
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.