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parklandmom's reviews
797 reviews
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.
The Saturday Night Supper Club by Carla Laureano
4.25
Read: November 2024
Series: The Supper Club, #1
Format: audiobook borrow from Everand
Narrator: Teri Schnaubelt — excellent in both the telling of the story and all the characters. I’m glad she is the narrator for the remainder of the series.
Book #116 of 2024: I’ve had this series on my radar for a while. I was reminded of it recently and dove in. This is a new-to-me author and I’m looking forward to the rest of the series.
This is a clean fiction book that takes on learning dependence and direction from God toward the end. I enjoyed the foodie/restaurant aspect, as well as the writing aspect, with both of the main characters. They each showed personal growth as they worked together. They challenged and balanced one another. The minor characters were interesting and I look forward to learning more about some of them in the remaining books.
Series: The Supper Club, #1
Format: audiobook borrow from Everand
Narrator: Teri Schnaubelt — excellent in both the telling of the story and all the characters. I’m glad she is the narrator for the remainder of the series.
Book #116 of 2024: I’ve had this series on my radar for a while. I was reminded of it recently and dove in. This is a new-to-me author and I’m looking forward to the rest of the series.
This is a clean fiction book that takes on learning dependence and direction from God toward the end. I enjoyed the foodie/restaurant aspect, as well as the writing aspect, with both of the main characters. They each showed personal growth as they worked together. They challenged and balanced one another. The minor characters were interesting and I look forward to learning more about some of them in the remaining books.
Kiss Me On Christmas by Sarah Monzon
3.75
Read: October 2024
Format: paperback
Book #115 of 2024: This is a novella I won from Kav’s Best Reads. It’s a cute, clean fiction book with a sweet story.
Kaitlyn is a single mom with a young son on the autism spectrum. While each autistic child is different, this book gave some good info to educate the reader.
Beckett and Kaitlyn meet at an airport and there is an energy between them. He engages her son, who is enamoured with meeting his favourite YouTube star. Unbeknownst to either of them, they meet again for the wedding preparations between Kaitlyn’s sister and Beckett’s good friend. The sparks fly and Kaitlyn is unsure how to process feeling seen by a man against her fear of having a relationship.
Kaitlyn is hesitant toward romance because of her husband leaving her and their son. Not only that, she feels she doesn’t have room to have a relationship or can risk her son being disappointed and possibly rejected again. Beckett is smitten and vows to prove to her how much he wants them to see each other romantically. Over the prepping and planning, they draw closer.
This book is better in the second half in my opinion. The information about autism, ADHD, and anxiety is so relevant and important. The mother-daughter relationship and the Christmas gift Liam (Kaitlyn’s son) and Beckett give Kaitlyn are the other highlights of this book, in my opinion. BONUS: the mention of the song that I walked down the aisle to on my wedding day.
Format: paperback
Book #115 of 2024: This is a novella I won from Kav’s Best Reads. It’s a cute, clean fiction book with a sweet story.
Kaitlyn is a single mom with a young son on the autism spectrum. While each autistic child is different, this book gave some good info to educate the reader.
Beckett and Kaitlyn meet at an airport and there is an energy between them. He engages her son, who is enamoured with meeting his favourite YouTube star. Unbeknownst to either of them, they meet again for the wedding preparations between Kaitlyn’s sister and Beckett’s good friend. The sparks fly and Kaitlyn is unsure how to process feeling seen by a man against her fear of having a relationship.
Kaitlyn is hesitant toward romance because of her husband leaving her and their son. Not only that, she feels she doesn’t have room to have a relationship or can risk her son being disappointed and possibly rejected again. Beckett is smitten and vows to prove to her how much he wants them to see each other romantically. Over the prepping and planning, they draw closer.
This book is better in the second half in my opinion. The information about autism, ADHD, and anxiety is so relevant and important. The mother-daughter relationship and the Christmas gift Liam (Kaitlyn’s son) and Beckett give Kaitlyn are the other highlights of this book, in my opinion. BONUS: the mention of the song that I walked down the aisle to on my wedding day.