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Happily Ever Austen #3
Madeline's Park
Her heart’s looking for a forever home.
All her life, Madeline Prix’s loved Everett Berry, but she’d be a fool to think he’d ever notice her. She’s nothing more than a big Southern girl with frizzy red hair. No way would the sunshine and perfect Ev look twice at her. To her surprise, fifteen-years-later, he appears in her city while she’s in the middle of a kitten rescue. Madeline’s dreams are about to come true when Ev asks her on a date until his ex enters the no-longer-rosy picture.
Everett thought he could start his life anew after a messy divorce in a small Southern town. Maddy came into his world like a breath of fresh air, but he finds himself stumbling back into old patterns. Can he ever be good enough for someone as sweet as Madeline Prix?
Madeline must choose between the man she’s loved all her life who keeps breaking her heart and a man who’s only good on paper. Good thing she has her adorable cats and best friend to help her out, because her heart may not be able to survive.
All her life, Madeline Prix’s loved Everett Berry, but she’d be a fool to think he’d ever notice her. She’s nothing more than a big Southern girl with frizzy red hair. No way would the sunshine and perfect Ev look twice at her. To her surprise, fifteen-years-later, he appears in her city while she’s in the middle of a kitten rescue. Madeline’s dreams are about to come true when Ev asks her on a date until his ex enters the no-longer-rosy picture.
Everett thought he could start his life anew after a messy divorce in a small Southern town. Maddy came into his world like a breath of fresh air, but he finds himself stumbling back into old patterns. Can he ever be good enough for someone as sweet as Madeline Prix?
Madeline must choose between the man she’s loved all her life who keeps breaking her heart and a man who’s only good on paper. Good thing she has her adorable cats and best friend to help her out, because her heart may not be able to survive.
275 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 10, 2022
About the author
Ellen Mint
52 books2,201 followersEllen Mint adores the adorkable heroes who charm with their shy smiles and heroines that pack a punch. She recently won the Top Ten Handmaid's Challenge on Wattpad where hers was chosen by Margaret Atwood. Her books, Undercover Siren and Fever are available at Amazon as well as a short story in the Lucky Between The Sheets anthology. Married, she lives in Nebraska with her dog named after Granny Weatherwax. Her hobbies include gaming, painting, and halloween prop making. The basement is full of skeletons because they ran out of room in the closets.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
May 10, 2022
If you follow the podcast or have read any of my previous reviews, you will know that I LOVE Jane Austen retellings. I gobble them up like the last everything bagel at Sunday brunch. As we don’t often see Mansfield Park getting the same treatments to say, Pride and Prejudice, in regard to reimaginings - I’m a surefire sucker for it. You add in a sexy fireman? Not only am I devouring my bagel, but I’ve first slathered it in the last packet of full fat chives and onion cream cheese. Or veggie…or spicy jalapeno. Okay, I need to eat.
Anywhoo, some may also not know that Mansfield Park is my second favorite Jane Austen, just below P&P. As such, I went into Ellen Mint’s Madeline Park with baked in enthusiasm for the plot; then I discovered a subplot regarding rescue animals. What?!
Is that a mimosa you’re offering me to go along with my bagel? Well, yes, thank you - please leave the pitcher. We are in for some good times, y'all.
A Little Bit of Plot
In the midst of rescuing a tiny kitten named Sparky, Madeline Prix encounters a blast from the past in the form of sexy fireman, Everett Berry. Ev has moved to NYC to escape his former life and by chance stumbles across Maddie halfway submerged into what I can only assume is a disgusting cesspool of a Manhattan sewer drain. Girl, you gonna need you're shots after one foray down in Pennywise country - NYC is known to breed C.H.U.D.'s in the underground!
Ev is so taken with not only Maddie but her rescue attempt that he suggests they get together to 'catch up'. One date leads to an extremely steamy night, with lots of contortions and interesting positions. Following this magical night, will Ev overcome his feelings of inadequacy to make a new start with Maddie or has her heart shut for good?
Guys, it’s Mansfield Park! If you haven’t read Mansfield Park first, then at least watch the movie with Johnny Lee Miller. He’s stupidly charming as the blundering Edmund.
The Compliment Sandwich
The Top Bun (The Pro)
Beth Cho (Maddie’s Best Friend)
Madeline’s Park is the 3rd in the Happily Ever Austen series. The first deals with Maddie’s best friend, Beth Cho, as the Elizabeth Bennett-esque heroine in Pride and Pancakes. To say she is a force to be reckoned with is an understatement, especially in regard to Maddie. While I’m not entirely sure what MP character she embodies, I’m delighted she’s included here - if only for one amazing scene toward the end of the book. She comes into this extremely tense situation like this tiny harbinger of justice, lobbing truth bombs everywhere.
When it comes to Beth, you’ll never find a better a ‘ride or die’. We all have one friend that we’re fiercely protective over - we ALL do. You may not realize who that person that is until they’re threatened. And heaven help the someone who's wronged them - because Mama Bear's coming for you. For Beth, that’s Maddie. While at times, she might come off as overbearing, you want this person on your team. Especially during times of heartbreak.
Ride. Or. Die.
Now I’m not only hungry, but I need to Spotify some music.
The Meat (The Con)
Madeline’s Self-Esteem
I know it’s tough to create a plus sized heroine with iron clad confidence at a time when we’re inundated with images pronouncing what is considered ‘sexy’ or ‘desirable’. Often these images are the antithesis of what the average woman embodies. Unfortunately, for the number of romance novels I’ve read this year featuring a plus sized heroine only a scant few touted a healthy and happy woman from start to finish. Which saddens me. A woman shouldn’t equate her self worth or autonomy to level of affection or devotion of a man. I wish Maddie had more of a self actualizing journey; however, I can’t fault this book, as this is prevalent in many romance novels. Don’t get me wrong, Madeline is delightful, I just wish she’d stick up for herself more.
If we're comparing Madeline and Fanny, the latter does make a number of, what at the time, would be considered unpopular decisions about her own happiness. These decisions could leave her open to a possible solitary existence with no means of income. I find that quite brave. Therefore, I wish Maddie had a bit more courage at times.
The Bottom Bun
The Mansfield Park Plot
Ellen Mint doesn’t slavishly follow Austen plot lines as others have done in the past. Honestly? I don’t want that. Who wants chapters upon chapters of a group of hipsters putting on a play for each other in their Wilmington living room while sipping craft brews and listening to Postal Service on vinyl. This is no shade to anyone who is currently engaged in that exact situation, I just hope that you’d call me to join. But that concept as a novel, is not very exciting.
Mint has taken the major beats and reconnoitered them to fit into a charming story of second chance love in the city that never sleeps. Now I will say that the author has definitely laid a number of pitfalls for her heroine to encounter - many more than Austen for Fanny. Although it’s hard to compare to the two however, as circumstances between modern America and Regency England are quite dissimilar in many ways. I would detail some of the plot differences and similarities, however, let's keep this spoiler free and reader friendly.
I’m was extremely chuffed ( as the Brits say) reading this adaptation and will seek out others in the series. I enjoyed it so much so that I encourage others to do the same. Austen reimaginings are like Sunday brunch mimosas, you can’t have just one.
Lastly, if you haven't seen the Johnny Lee Miller version of Mansfield Park, seriously..what are you waiting for? It's Johnny in pantaloons! Hello!
Anywhoo, some may also not know that Mansfield Park is my second favorite Jane Austen, just below P&P. As such, I went into Ellen Mint’s Madeline Park with baked in enthusiasm for the plot; then I discovered a subplot regarding rescue animals. What?!
Is that a mimosa you’re offering me to go along with my bagel? Well, yes, thank you - please leave the pitcher. We are in for some good times, y'all.
A Little Bit of Plot
In the midst of rescuing a tiny kitten named Sparky, Madeline Prix encounters a blast from the past in the form of sexy fireman, Everett Berry. Ev has moved to NYC to escape his former life and by chance stumbles across Maddie halfway submerged into what I can only assume is a disgusting cesspool of a Manhattan sewer drain. Girl, you gonna need you're shots after one foray down in Pennywise country - NYC is known to breed C.H.U.D.'s in the underground!
Ev is so taken with not only Maddie but her rescue attempt that he suggests they get together to 'catch up'. One date leads to an extremely steamy night, with lots of contortions and interesting positions. Following this magical night, will Ev overcome his feelings of inadequacy to make a new start with Maddie or has her heart shut for good?
Guys, it’s Mansfield Park! If you haven’t read Mansfield Park first, then at least watch the movie with Johnny Lee Miller. He’s stupidly charming as the blundering Edmund.
The Compliment Sandwich
The Top Bun (The Pro)
Beth Cho (Maddie’s Best Friend)
Madeline’s Park is the 3rd in the Happily Ever Austen series. The first deals with Maddie’s best friend, Beth Cho, as the Elizabeth Bennett-esque heroine in Pride and Pancakes. To say she is a force to be reckoned with is an understatement, especially in regard to Maddie. While I’m not entirely sure what MP character she embodies, I’m delighted she’s included here - if only for one amazing scene toward the end of the book. She comes into this extremely tense situation like this tiny harbinger of justice, lobbing truth bombs everywhere.
Oh dear. Madeline turned away as Beth launched off her feet, accusing finger at the ready. “I am the woman with three lawyer cousins who all owe me a favor. You want to keep getting in my face, we’re gonna have a real problem.”
When it comes to Beth, you’ll never find a better a ‘ride or die’. We all have one friend that we’re fiercely protective over - we ALL do. You may not realize who that person that is until they’re threatened. And heaven help the someone who's wronged them - because Mama Bear's coming for you. For Beth, that’s Maddie. While at times, she might come off as overbearing, you want this person on your team. Especially during times of heartbreak.
“Let’s see,” Beth announced, “I got a medium pizza because that’s all you ever want. Some Po’Boys, which are not easy ot come by right now. A pile of chicken parm, and a basket of -”
Madeline launched forward, enveloping Beth in her arms. Her friend dropped the banquet and turned to hug her. “Thank you, “ Madeline gasped, “thank you for…” Caring about me.
“Any time, sickness or health.”
Ride. Or. Die.
Now I’m not only hungry, but I need to Spotify some music.
The Meat (The Con)
Madeline’s Self-Esteem
I know it’s tough to create a plus sized heroine with iron clad confidence at a time when we’re inundated with images pronouncing what is considered ‘sexy’ or ‘desirable’. Often these images are the antithesis of what the average woman embodies. Unfortunately, for the number of romance novels I’ve read this year featuring a plus sized heroine only a scant few touted a healthy and happy woman from start to finish. Which saddens me. A woman shouldn’t equate her self worth or autonomy to level of affection or devotion of a man. I wish Maddie had more of a self actualizing journey; however, I can’t fault this book, as this is prevalent in many romance novels. Don’t get me wrong, Madeline is delightful, I just wish she’d stick up for herself more.
If we're comparing Madeline and Fanny, the latter does make a number of, what at the time, would be considered unpopular decisions about her own happiness. These decisions could leave her open to a possible solitary existence with no means of income. I find that quite brave. Therefore, I wish Maddie had a bit more courage at times.
The Bottom Bun
The Mansfield Park Plot
Ellen Mint doesn’t slavishly follow Austen plot lines as others have done in the past. Honestly? I don’t want that. Who wants chapters upon chapters of a group of hipsters putting on a play for each other in their Wilmington living room while sipping craft brews and listening to Postal Service on vinyl. This is no shade to anyone who is currently engaged in that exact situation, I just hope that you’d call me to join. But that concept as a novel, is not very exciting.
Mint has taken the major beats and reconnoitered them to fit into a charming story of second chance love in the city that never sleeps. Now I will say that the author has definitely laid a number of pitfalls for her heroine to encounter - many more than Austen for Fanny. Although it’s hard to compare to the two however, as circumstances between modern America and Regency England are quite dissimilar in many ways. I would detail some of the plot differences and similarities, however, let's keep this spoiler free and reader friendly.
I’m was extremely chuffed ( as the Brits say) reading this adaptation and will seek out others in the series. I enjoyed it so much so that I encourage others to do the same. Austen reimaginings are like Sunday brunch mimosas, you can’t have just one.
Lastly, if you haven't seen the Johnny Lee Miller version of Mansfield Park, seriously..what are you waiting for? It's Johnny in pantaloons! Hello!
April 11, 2022
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I really felt for this book. It really hit home, I can totally relate to the herone Madeline. It felt like this was me and her story just hit home.
Madeline has always been made fun of growing up whether in school or by others saying mean things about her weight and or about her frizzy red hair. Madeline has loved Everett Berry as long as she has known him. She sees him fifteen years later and he asks her on a date. They go on this date and it gets hot and heavy really fast they end up sleeping together. After that night she doesn't hear from in a while and she texts him and always small answers like he is brushing her off. She finds out his ex is in the picture, she feels hurt. She doesn't think she is worthy of a man's love cause of the way she looks. He keeps on messing up and he has such low self esteem first his ex wife who use to raise her hands to him and his ex Kathy who ended up showing up and taking over his house. Nothing was ever good enough for her. She is always putting him down and breaking him down to make him see like he isn't good enough for any woman. Meanwhile Madeline meets another firefighter that Everett knows Hayden that seems worse than how Everett acts cause he can't help hurting Madeline he isn't meaning to do it. I also loved the friends Madeline keeps and always wants to help her. There's definitely a lot in this story to keep you interested kitties, animals, friendship, hot firefighters, action. Learning to accept yourself and knowing what is good for you and learning not to hurt others cause you were hurt. Like I said definitely a book that isn't boring and very relatable to issues that go on everyday.
I really felt for this book. It really hit home, I can totally relate to the herone Madeline. It felt like this was me and her story just hit home.
Madeline has always been made fun of growing up whether in school or by others saying mean things about her weight and or about her frizzy red hair. Madeline has loved Everett Berry as long as she has known him. She sees him fifteen years later and he asks her on a date. They go on this date and it gets hot and heavy really fast they end up sleeping together. After that night she doesn't hear from in a while and she texts him and always small answers like he is brushing her off. She finds out his ex is in the picture, she feels hurt. She doesn't think she is worthy of a man's love cause of the way she looks. He keeps on messing up and he has such low self esteem first his ex wife who use to raise her hands to him and his ex Kathy who ended up showing up and taking over his house. Nothing was ever good enough for her. She is always putting him down and breaking him down to make him see like he isn't good enough for any woman. Meanwhile Madeline meets another firefighter that Everett knows Hayden that seems worse than how Everett acts cause he can't help hurting Madeline he isn't meaning to do it. I also loved the friends Madeline keeps and always wants to help her. There's definitely a lot in this story to keep you interested kitties, animals, friendship, hot firefighters, action. Learning to accept yourself and knowing what is good for you and learning not to hurt others cause you were hurt. Like I said definitely a book that isn't boring and very relatable to issues that go on everyday.
June 6, 2022
Review ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Madeline's Park by Ellen Mint
After a messy divorce, Everett moves from his small Southern town to the big city, where he encounter an old friend, a childhood crush, Madeline Prix. Spark flies immediately as they meet again, and Madeline can't believe would ever be interested in her. All their dreams are about to come true until an ex enters back into the picture. While old patterns threaten their chance at happiness will they ever make their way back each other a second time?
CW: Bullying, intimate partner violence (past and present)
This story of mutual pinning on their childhood crush was absolutely delightful. Madeline and Everett were so perfect for each other, I love seeing two gentle and kind souls being in love, hiding it and not finding the right time to fully explore their feelings, but still be good to each other. I loved how two kind people made their way to each other. The sub-plot story about cat rescuing and building a rescue center was perfect, and I really enjoyed seeing them collaborate together. This third book in the series was a modern Mansfield Park reimagination and it such a breath of fresh air to see this "black sheep" of Austen's novels see the light of day. Mansfield Park is my second favourite after Pride and Prejudice and it's so often dismissed. I really love Ellen Mint's adaptation. I also really loved Madeline's friend Beth, she was a great supporting character and an amazing friend, I loved seeing them together and Beth sticking up for Madeline.
Thank you so much @ellen_mint_author for gifting me a free ARC of this book. As always, all thoughts and opinions are honest and my own.
After a messy divorce, Everett moves from his small Southern town to the big city, where he encounter an old friend, a childhood crush, Madeline Prix. Spark flies immediately as they meet again, and Madeline can't believe would ever be interested in her. All their dreams are about to come true until an ex enters back into the picture. While old patterns threaten their chance at happiness will they ever make their way back each other a second time?
CW: Bullying, intimate partner violence (past and present)
This story of mutual pinning on their childhood crush was absolutely delightful. Madeline and Everett were so perfect for each other, I love seeing two gentle and kind souls being in love, hiding it and not finding the right time to fully explore their feelings, but still be good to each other. I loved how two kind people made their way to each other. The sub-plot story about cat rescuing and building a rescue center was perfect, and I really enjoyed seeing them collaborate together. This third book in the series was a modern Mansfield Park reimagination and it such a breath of fresh air to see this "black sheep" of Austen's novels see the light of day. Mansfield Park is my second favourite after Pride and Prejudice and it's so often dismissed. I really love Ellen Mint's adaptation. I also really loved Madeline's friend Beth, she was a great supporting character and an amazing friend, I loved seeing them together and Beth sticking up for Madeline.
Thank you so much @ellen_mint_author for gifting me a free ARC of this book. As always, all thoughts and opinions are honest and my own.
May 11, 2022
Maddy is a curvy lady who has been picked on her entire life. She moved from her small southern town to NYC in hopes of making something of her life. She now rescues cats and kittens and hopes to one day open a cat rescue. When she was younger, Everett stood up to some bullies for her and he became her hero and her future until he broke her heart. Now he has shown up in NYC as she is rescuing a kitten and he helps her by giving her a ride. Just when they think that thinks might work out this time around, a whole bunch of chaos happens. Once I started reading, I couldn't stop until the end because I had to know what was going to happen next.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
July 29, 2022
Ms. Mint's Austen retellings are such fun to read. This is the third of the series and was simply wonderful. A retelling of Mansfield park with a charming twist involving rescue animals. A lovely story about learning to love yourself and not seeking to hurt others when someone hurts you. The story was well-written and captured my attention right from the start and I was engrossed till the end. The characters were also very nicely developed and Ms. Mint did a great job of keeping the essence of Austen, while also giving it a unique feel. I would definitely recommend this book and am happy to have the opportunity to read it!
I received a complimentary copy from StoryOrigin and am voluntarily leaving my review.
I received a complimentary copy from StoryOrigin and am voluntarily leaving my review.
April 17, 2022
It was a lovely story but it took me a while to get into the book.
I did enjoy the cats in the story and their characters and antics.
The two main characters were likeable and I could relate to the female.
I think the author could have edited the story a-bit more as it seemed at times it waffled on and didn’t need everything that was written.
The description of New York and Louisiana was great and made me want to go and visit these places.
I will read other books from this author, as I believe you should at least read two books from any author to get a good idea of the writing.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I did enjoy the cats in the story and their characters and antics.
The two main characters were likeable and I could relate to the female.
I think the author could have edited the story a-bit more as it seemed at times it waffled on and didn’t need everything that was written.
The description of New York and Louisiana was great and made me want to go and visit these places.
I will read other books from this author, as I believe you should at least read two books from any author to get a good idea of the writing.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 11, 2022
Maddy first meets Everett on the beach, when she’s ten and some guys are bullying her. He comes to her aid and becomes her hero. Now sixteen years have passed and she’s in NYC. While rescuing a kitten, Ev appears again. Will they get their happily ever after now or are they meant to just be friends? I won’t leave any spoilers, but I have to say Kathy is a WITCH! I also loved what happened to Hayden, lol. Grab your copy and see what happens in this story about second chances, rescuing kittens, and sexy firemen.
I received an advance reader copy of this book and this is my voluntary and honest review.
I received an advance reader copy of this book and this is my voluntary and honest review.
May 17, 2022
Such a great book with throwbacks to not just one but two Austen favorites! And then the author threw in a sexy fireman who rescues animals and I was all set for a wonderful reading experience! This was my first time reading anything by Ellen Mint so I was prepared for anything and ended up with a new author to be kept track of for future reading pleasure. The storyline was cute, funny, and flowed well from beginning through to the end.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 9, 2022
Book 3 of the Happily Ever Austen Series. And while yes it can be read as a Standalone, I think personally I would have enjoyed more if I had read Book 1: Pride and Pancakes and Book 2 Rash and Rationality. Putting those two on my Austen in August TBR stack and will then Reread Madeline's Park.
But it was an enjoyable read with great dialogue. And some character dynamics you don't often see. I look forward to reading entire series.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
But it was an enjoyable read with great dialogue. And some character dynamics you don't often see. I look forward to reading entire series.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
February 25, 2023
Madeline has loved Everett since she was 10. Now many years later he finally sees that she exists and the chemistry is there. They are such a cute couple and are made for each other, it’s a shame lots of things have to happen to keep them apart. I found Everett annoying at first and wanted him to grow a backbone, that was until I read what he had been through in his past and his behaviour made sense. It’s a lovely read and I will definitely read more from this author.
I received a copy from Booksirens and leave my review voluntarily.
Read
March 16, 2022Madeline is best friends with Beth from Pride & Pancakes. She fosters kittens with the help of her old, grumpy cat who's a chimera. He has one orange side, and one brown and is named Count after the Count of Monte Cristo.
May 17, 2022
This is Madeline and Ev's story. It is a beautiful, sweet story of a girl who has been in love with her guy all her life and finally gets her dream come true. The story line is crisp, the characters colourful, with funny episodes of animal rescue thrown in and a guaranteed happily ever after.
All in all, a feel good romcom guaranteed to banish those blues or to simply enjoy on a free afternoon or as an all nighter after work.
All in all, a feel good romcom guaranteed to banish those blues or to simply enjoy on a free afternoon or as an all nighter after work.
March 28, 2022
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Madeline’s Park is the third installment of Ellen Mint’s Happily Ever Austen series. It was a fabulous, lighthearted adventure that I would gladly read again. I had a hard time putting it down. If you love quirky, bighearted heroines and sensitive alpha heroes, you will definitely enjoy this book.
Madeline’s Park is the third installment of Ellen Mint’s Happily Ever Austen series. It was a fabulous, lighthearted adventure that I would gladly read again. I had a hard time putting it down. If you love quirky, bighearted heroines and sensitive alpha heroes, you will definitely enjoy this book.
June 2, 2022
I liked this book quite well and read it from the very beginning to the very end. thought the story line was very good and made the most sense in my opinion. I thought the characters were vital to the story in my opinion. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
June 12, 2025
This is the third book in the Happily Ever After series. Madeline's Park is a sweet, emotional, and a light hearted story. I has little bit of drama, very interesting characters. It well written, I enjoyed the characters. I thought it had a good storyline. I look forward to read the other books in the series.
September 20, 2023
This started off cute but then it turned into nothing but Maddy thinking that she's too big to ever have love. Meanwhile, Everett has been in two abusive relationships because he thinks that's what he deserves but that's not delved into at all?
April 9, 2022
A sweet and sexy romance with lots of emotion.. Tear-jerker with great characters..
May 3, 2022
Overall, the story was entertaining. It bogged down at times. I saw character growth in the main characters. The cats added some fun to the story.
May 10, 2022
Love this book. Great plot and characters. Very well-written. I volunteered to read an advance copy for an honest review.
May 16, 2022
I loved this book it’s well developed and flows easily throughout the pages. The chemistry between the characters is awesome.
I received a copy and am voluntary leaving my review.
I received a copy and am voluntary leaving my review.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews