Astrid Parker Doesn’t Fail

Blake’s second book in the “Bright Falls” series (after Delilah Green Doesn’t Care) transports listeners back to Bright Falls, OR, this time following Astrid Parker, the group’s most perfectionistic, uncompromising member. Career-driven Astrid jumps at the chance to renovate the Everwood Inn, owned by the elderly Pru Everwood and soon to be featured on the popular HGTV show Innside America. Everything seems perfectly orderly until Astrid meets the lead carpenter, Pru’s granddaughter Jordan Everwood. Before she knows it, Astrid is butting heads with Jordan and falling for her at the same time. As her life is turned upside down, she learns that there is more to it than always being perfect. Series fans will love the romance between tight-laced Astrid and carefree Jordan. The novel explores finding oneself when everything falls apart and learning how to face expectations imposed by family, friends, and even oneself. Narrator Kristen DiMercurio provides a charming and animated narration of Astrid’s so-called queer coven, deftly voicing the various personalities of all the members. DiMercurio’s presentation of Astrid as she explores her identity and choices and finds happiness is particularly affecting.