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A Walk In The Park #2
Love Is Monumental
Discover the Washington Monument along with park ranger Vickie Harris who loves her job. But while life in the District of Columbia is exciting and fun, shy Vickie has resigned herself to the likelihood of being single forever. She’s never been head-over-heels in love. . .not even really been kissed! But when a handsome professor asks the reserved, research-loving ranger for assistance on a project, will Vickie agree? Will she come out of her shell long enough to discover that Love Is Monumental?
320 pages, Paperback
First published May 1, 2010
6 people are currently reading
132 people want to read
About the author
Annalisa Daughety
31 books109 followersAnnalisa Daughety won first place in the Contemporary Romance category at the 2008 ACFW Genesis Awards. After graduating from Freed-Hardeman University, she spent time working as a park ranger for the National Park Service. Originally from McCrory, Arkansas, Annalisa now resides in Memphis, Tennessee. Read more at www.annalisadaughety.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
May 22, 2010
I have a BA in history but unfortunately none of my professors were Thatcher Torrey's...maybe that was a good thing, one less distraction in class right? Well anyways I love this book and one of the reasons is the hero, who if you haven't guessed, is Thatcher Torrey, a hunky history professor. Did I also mention that the heroine loves history too? She's a park ranger in Washington, DC. These two great characters plus the return of a few who we met in Love is a Battlefield make for a great read, especially for history lovers and single girls like me!
I can definitely relate to Vickie and her "pickiness" when it comes to the opposite sex and couldn't help but think, "Been there. Done that." You already know that I think Thatcher is a sweet hero, if a little bit shy expressing his feelings. The twist towards the end of the book was interesting and I'll admit that I did see it coming but it's not a suspense or a mystery novel so that isn't a big deal. Without spoiling it, I have to say that the end of this story will make you sigh and is the perfect ending for Vickie and for me, as we are both chick flick fanatics (read the book, you'll see what I mean)! Book 3, Love is Grand is releasing this October and I for one can't wait! This series is so good!
*I received my free copy from the publisher through a Goodreads Firstreads giveaway*
I can definitely relate to Vickie and her "pickiness" when it comes to the opposite sex and couldn't help but think, "Been there. Done that." You already know that I think Thatcher is a sweet hero, if a little bit shy expressing his feelings. The twist towards the end of the book was interesting and I'll admit that I did see it coming but it's not a suspense or a mystery novel so that isn't a big deal. Without spoiling it, I have to say that the end of this story will make you sigh and is the perfect ending for Vickie and for me, as we are both chick flick fanatics (read the book, you'll see what I mean)! Book 3, Love is Grand is releasing this October and I for one can't wait! This series is so good!
*I received my free copy from the publisher through a Goodreads Firstreads giveaway*
July 18, 2017
I liked this second book much better than the first in the Walk in the Park series! Main character Vickie is likeable and believable, as are her friends and other people we meet. However, I didn't understand why the author chose to give Vickie the birth name of "Victory", which she is only called by her mother. I expected to read about that more often, but the only reference to it was Vickie telling her mom not to call her that.
In the synopsis we are told Thatcher has a secret from his past, but a few chapters into the book, and the reader can figure it out on their own. I didn't like reading the whole book knowing what his secret was; I would have preferred it to be revealed later but I understand why it was written this way.
This was a fun book to read.
In the synopsis we are told Thatcher has a secret from his past, but a few chapters into the book, and the reader can figure it out on their own. I didn't like reading the whole book knowing what his secret was; I would have preferred it to be revealed later but I understand why it was written this way.
This was a fun book to read.
July 4, 2018
Well, I can tell the author was trying to make this a more "advanced" book. There were TWO plot lines going on at the same time! Unfortunately, neither were well-developed and most of the characters were not very interesting or likable.
I honestly don't know why I'm kind of obsessed with this series (read half of the third book this morning) but I'll be honest. They are not great books, but I can't put them down.
I honestly don't know why I'm kind of obsessed with this series (read half of the third book this morning) but I'll be honest. They are not great books, but I can't put them down.
February 19, 2024
oh my goodness the ending to this book was worth the whole story!!! what a great journey this book took me on... the red notebook!!! the opening of the door to see a timid girl...I will be thinking about this story for a long time
July 26, 2017
I didn't see the ending. Still worth the read. Might be a double read but it is still worth reading.
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January 24, 2022Didn't like.
May 22, 2024
A good second installment of the series, this one set in our capital with another of the group of three friends.
Read
March 15, 20252010 Washington Monument. Maryland. Couple is 30 & 38 years old; he is divorced with a 20-year-old daughter. There’s no spice and a little faith. Includes good girl-friendships.
October 8, 2025
Another sweet book in this series.
March 28, 2010
This is the 2nd book in the A Walk In the Park series about female park rangers. It is not necessary to have read the first book, Love Is A Battlefield, but it adds to the story since this is a trilogy about 3 friends and they do all get together in this one and discuss people and things that happened in the first book.
Vickie Harris works in Washington, D.C. on the National Mall. She loves her job, but she is hoping to find a man with whom to share her life. None of the men she dates seem to live up to her standards, so she is left with her cats, Jake and Lloyd, on most nights. When she decides to get outside her comfort zone, she meets Thatcher Torrey. Thatcher is a history professor who doesn't do so well socially. He hasn't been interested in a relationship for a long time because he has resigned himself to being a loner. Vickie makes him think twice about his decision.
I liked the first book in the series, but I really loved this book. Both Vickie and Thatcher were flawed, but I never felt like smacking them over the head because they were too stupid. They did not always do the intelligent thing, but they did things that real people would do and not just characters in a book. Thatcher was not the typical overly confident alpha male, but was quite the opposite. He was by far the more flawed character.
The story developed well. I was confused a bit by the addition of Jane and Katherine--mother and daughter dealing with the mother's terminal cancer. It took quite a while to actually unfold in the story, but it worked out and once it started flowing, I could not put the book down.
I would have liked a little more resolution between Thatcher and Clark, but that really was secondary to the story.
The Christian values blended nicely into the story and were not overwhelming and felt very realistic.
This is a good book to sit down and read on a Sunday afternoon.
I received this book from netgalley.com.
Vickie Harris works in Washington, D.C. on the National Mall. She loves her job, but she is hoping to find a man with whom to share her life. None of the men she dates seem to live up to her standards, so she is left with her cats, Jake and Lloyd, on most nights. When she decides to get outside her comfort zone, she meets Thatcher Torrey. Thatcher is a history professor who doesn't do so well socially. He hasn't been interested in a relationship for a long time because he has resigned himself to being a loner. Vickie makes him think twice about his decision.
I liked the first book in the series, but I really loved this book. Both Vickie and Thatcher were flawed, but I never felt like smacking them over the head because they were too stupid. They did not always do the intelligent thing, but they did things that real people would do and not just characters in a book. Thatcher was not the typical overly confident alpha male, but was quite the opposite. He was by far the more flawed character.
The story developed well. I was confused a bit by the addition of Jane and Katherine--mother and daughter dealing with the mother's terminal cancer. It took quite a while to actually unfold in the story, but it worked out and once it started flowing, I could not put the book down.
I would have liked a little more resolution between Thatcher and Clark, but that really was secondary to the story.
The Christian values blended nicely into the story and were not overwhelming and felt very realistic.
This is a good book to sit down and read on a Sunday afternoon.
I received this book from netgalley.com.
May 27, 2010
“Love is Monumental” is a simplistic read. I actually felt like I was back in high school. It is easy to read and safely stays on the surface of a relationship while confronting some of the more difficult aspects of relationships as human beings. Whether the relationship is with friends, parents, husbands, wives, significant others or simply our relationship with God and ourselves, the issues are all the same. I felt this book should have been a faster read given the ease and size of the book, but it just didn’t captivate me. I didn’t have that urge to push past my tiredness and just read one more chapter. It was easy to put down and come back to at a later time. I liked the story line of the book and the characters were very easy to relate to. The author seemed to repeat herself a lot with the characters feelings and thoughts. I generally like to read a book and gather what I think the characters could be thinking or feeling. The author does that for you in this book. Parts of the book seemed over explained.
The story feels very real! It’s as if the author has taken tidbits of her life and her girl friends lives and intertwined them with fictional happenings and events. It was very interesting to receive a different outlook on a park ranger. Generally I think of a ranger as someone responsible for the welfare of the grounds and upkeep. I didn’t ever think about the job title possibly being a teacher, someone who takes visitors through the park and explains the sites. I enjoyed seeing a new aspect of the typical park ranger job.
Overall, this book was an easy, fun, recreational read. It was enjoyable and relatable, but not spectacular.
The story feels very real! It’s as if the author has taken tidbits of her life and her girl friends lives and intertwined them with fictional happenings and events. It was very interesting to receive a different outlook on a park ranger. Generally I think of a ranger as someone responsible for the welfare of the grounds and upkeep. I didn’t ever think about the job title possibly being a teacher, someone who takes visitors through the park and explains the sites. I enjoyed seeing a new aspect of the typical park ranger job.
Overall, this book was an easy, fun, recreational read. It was enjoyable and relatable, but not spectacular.
April 28, 2010
Annalisa Daughety’s Love is Monumental is the second book in her A Walk in the Park series, preceded by Love is a Battlefield—set in Shiloh, TN. Love is Monumental is set in our nation’s capital and paints a beautiful picture of Washington, D.C. while teaching the reader surprising bits of history.
It was exciting to get to know park ranger and heroine, Vickie Harris, and she was easy to root for—even if she was frustrating at times. Her high standards in dating made me want to scream a little bit, but then again what girl hasn’t met the a few too-hairys and too-brainys of their own?
Professor Thatcher Torrey was easy to fall in love with, at least for a girl like me who likes a scruffy, laid back, rough-around-the edges kind of guy. His commitment issues were something everyone can relate to in some way, but the mystery surrounding how he accumulated all of his love baggage was enough to keep me turning the page as fast as possible.
It was nice to get to know Kristy and Ainslie (first introduced in Love is a Battlefield) a little more, but even if I had never read Love is a Battlefield, I would have liked and understood Love is Monumental. They can stand alone, but I really liked getting a glimpse of the other character’s lives from a new point of view.
Overall, this book had it all—love, true friendship, mystery and even a little mother/daughter drama. I loved it from beginning to end!
It was exciting to get to know park ranger and heroine, Vickie Harris, and she was easy to root for—even if she was frustrating at times. Her high standards in dating made me want to scream a little bit, but then again what girl hasn’t met the a few too-hairys and too-brainys of their own?
Professor Thatcher Torrey was easy to fall in love with, at least for a girl like me who likes a scruffy, laid back, rough-around-the edges kind of guy. His commitment issues were something everyone can relate to in some way, but the mystery surrounding how he accumulated all of his love baggage was enough to keep me turning the page as fast as possible.
It was nice to get to know Kristy and Ainslie (first introduced in Love is a Battlefield) a little more, but even if I had never read Love is a Battlefield, I would have liked and understood Love is Monumental. They can stand alone, but I really liked getting a glimpse of the other character’s lives from a new point of view.
Overall, this book had it all—love, true friendship, mystery and even a little mother/daughter drama. I loved it from beginning to end!
June 2, 2010
This is the story of Vickie Harris, newly-turned-30 park ranger, struggling to rearrange her priorities and have a personal life as well as a career. But it's also the story of Thatcher, history professor fighting for career advancement and escape from the past; Katherine, college student caring for a mother with cancer; Kristie, nervously preparing for her wedding after being left at the alter; and Ainsley, recently widowed new mother.
Vickie and Thatcher begin with a business collaboration, then stumble through a series of crossed wires in search of a personal connection. The interplay of the other storylines helps to create some action, but still the first three-quarters of the book seemed rather slow and predictable. The backdrop of the National Mall and the various monuments - one of my favorite places - added a spark and the characters were surprisingly well developed considering the number of major players.
Thankfully, the final portion of this story made up for the slow beginning. When the various stories began to play out and connect to each other, my connection to the story grew as well. Love is Monumental is a good, clean tale of seeking love, keeping friendships, and receiving more than you expected. I appreciate the Christian values displayed in the story and recommend it to fans of simple love stories.
Vickie and Thatcher begin with a business collaboration, then stumble through a series of crossed wires in search of a personal connection. The interplay of the other storylines helps to create some action, but still the first three-quarters of the book seemed rather slow and predictable. The backdrop of the National Mall and the various monuments - one of my favorite places - added a spark and the characters were surprisingly well developed considering the number of major players.
Thankfully, the final portion of this story made up for the slow beginning. When the various stories began to play out and connect to each other, my connection to the story grew as well. Love is Monumental is a good, clean tale of seeking love, keeping friendships, and receiving more than you expected. I appreciate the Christian values displayed in the story and recommend it to fans of simple love stories.
June 21, 2011
Vickie is on the eve of her 30th birthday and things aren't looking so great. Her mother points out all of her flaws and things she doesn't feel all that great in her life, her work pushes her into a schedule she isn't that fond of, thank goodness for her friends.
Turning over a leaf she decides, after goading from a friend, to ask the next man out she is interested in. The very next day there is a guy that fits the bill and luckily he asks her out first. At the "date" things take a turn as he proposes a business arrangement. Feeling the fool Vickie leaves to once again browbeat herself.
For lack of nothing else Vickie takes Thatcher up on his proposal. During the time they spend together Vickie isn't sure what to think of him, he runs hot and cold, giving her just enough to hope, but not enough to really know.
In another story line that seems like it doesn't have any connection at all, is a mother and daughter facing tough times, mom is dying of cancer and finally owns up to a secret she has kept from her daughter her whole life.
While both story lines are predictable it doesn't matter. You can't help but want to see how Thatcher messes things up, to see just what is going on with Katherine, and how long Vickie with put up with ambiguity.
Turning over a leaf she decides, after goading from a friend, to ask the next man out she is interested in. The very next day there is a guy that fits the bill and luckily he asks her out first. At the "date" things take a turn as he proposes a business arrangement. Feeling the fool Vickie leaves to once again browbeat herself.
For lack of nothing else Vickie takes Thatcher up on his proposal. During the time they spend together Vickie isn't sure what to think of him, he runs hot and cold, giving her just enough to hope, but not enough to really know.
In another story line that seems like it doesn't have any connection at all, is a mother and daughter facing tough times, mom is dying of cancer and finally owns up to a secret she has kept from her daughter her whole life.
While both story lines are predictable it doesn't matter. You can't help but want to see how Thatcher messes things up, to see just what is going on with Katherine, and how long Vickie with put up with ambiguity.
June 1, 2010
Just won in a First Reads Giveaway...
At first I did not realize it was the second book in a trilogy. Since I hate reading out of order I was glad to find out you did not need to read the first book in order to understand the plot or characters.
This was a nice chick lit romance novel, not too mushy and not to dramatic. The characters were both relatable and likeable.
I did pick up on some the randomly placed religious undertones. Sometimes it felt like the author was erratically using prayer or mention the mere mention of God when it could "teach the reader a morality lesson". It didn't feel that this flowed with the book it just seemed out of place and kind of in your face (especially for those who are not religious. This is explained because the author is represented by a religious publishing house. Even though I probably would not have read the novel if I had known this before (I’m not a fan of in your face religious lessons) it did not deter me from the book.
Overall, this was an easy read that I would recommend to any girlfriend looking for a quick beach read/ summer novel.
At first I did not realize it was the second book in a trilogy. Since I hate reading out of order I was glad to find out you did not need to read the first book in order to understand the plot or characters.
This was a nice chick lit romance novel, not too mushy and not to dramatic. The characters were both relatable and likeable.
I did pick up on some the randomly placed religious undertones. Sometimes it felt like the author was erratically using prayer or mention the mere mention of God when it could "teach the reader a morality lesson". It didn't feel that this flowed with the book it just seemed out of place and kind of in your face (especially for those who are not religious. This is explained because the author is represented by a religious publishing house. Even though I probably would not have read the novel if I had known this before (I’m not a fan of in your face religious lessons) it did not deter me from the book.
Overall, this was an easy read that I would recommend to any girlfriend looking for a quick beach read/ summer novel.
August 8, 2014
This book is part of a series, but the details from the previous books were not necessary to enjoy this book. I found the facts and backstage details about the park rangers on the mall in DC very interesting. The story was engaging with no forced conflict points. I had suspected who Katherine's father was going to turn out to be. The religious aspects of this book were very subtle and natural, for example: saying grace before a meal or the characters attending church. It fit into the book seamlessly with out hitting the reader over the head with it.
I received the book for free through Goodreads First Reads.
I received the book for free through Goodreads First Reads.
June 25, 2016
Felt like I was reading two stories most of the way through, and even though I was pretty sure I knew how they would connect, this bothered me. I felt like the mother/daughter story was weak and needed more depth. I enjoyed the interaction of Thatcher and Vickie, however there were times that I really wanted to ask Thatcher what he was doing. He really gave off a hot/cold vibe to Vickie, no wonder she was so confused. I really enjoyed learning about the monuments and the romantic gestures were enjoyable to read. I liked that Kristy was willing to challenge Vickie and say what needed to be said to. This is the sign of a true friend. I look forward to reading the next that features Ainsley.
May 15, 2010
I received a copy of this book from Goodreads First Reads and Im so glad I did. I loved it!
It is the second book in the "A Walk in the Park" series that tells the stories of a group of park rangers. I love that the series keeps the same characters but you dont necessarily have to read the books in order. I feel like I really got to know Vickie in this book and I cant wait to go back and get to know Kristy in the first book.
It is the second book in the "A Walk in the Park" series that tells the stories of a group of park rangers. I love that the series keeps the same characters but you dont necessarily have to read the books in order. I feel like I really got to know Vickie in this book and I cant wait to go back and get to know Kristy in the first book.
May 30, 2010
Summary: Vickie is new to her 30's and feels extra pressure to find love. She is a picky person. She has very high standards. Do her standards falter when she meets a not so perfect guy?
My favorite three quotes from the book:
"I guess sometimes the right guy can make you forget you even thought you had a type"
"Someone who made you feel so safe and warm that it was like going home"
"But we don't get do overs in life. All we can do is try to make amends and move forward"
My favorite three quotes from the book:
"I guess sometimes the right guy can make you forget you even thought you had a type"
"Someone who made you feel so safe and warm that it was like going home"
"But we don't get do overs in life. All we can do is try to make amends and move forward"
May 25, 2010
I must not have read the synopsis too well, I didn't really think I had signed up for a romance novel, but this one was better than others I have read. It has a bunch of the beauty of Washington DC in it, a little bit of History and then the love story wasn't too mushy. :)
A funny side note: I had just finished Abraham Lincoln Vampire Hunter and half this book is about Abraham Lincoln. Wonder if my next read will be.
A funny side note: I had just finished Abraham Lincoln Vampire Hunter and half this book is about Abraham Lincoln. Wonder if my next read will be.
July 7, 2013
I was really surprised by this book. I really enjoyed the shy, but picky about her men heroine, and Thatcher's cluelessness was endearing as well. It was a quick read, very enjoyable, set in the backdrop of the monuments of the nation's capitol. The weaving in of each of these settings, as with Shiloh National Park in the first book, is what I think really makes this series. I'm looking forward to the third book in this series!
June 30, 2010
This was the 2nd book in the series. I enjoyed it. The title doesn't do justice to the story. For instance, I thought it was a "harlequin" type book from the title. However, it was much more than that. A great story that moved along and was fun to read. I await the 3rd book in the series.
July 19, 2014
This is my first win from goodreads. The book was well written and a nice clean romance with a good surprising twist at the end but too simple - I like a little more depth to my book. This is a good, quick romance.
October 15, 2013
this book was a great addition to the first book. love is a battlefield. it was nice to connect with the past characters and meet some new ones. you will need a box of tissues for this read. tears of sadness and tears of pure joy. off to read book three.
April 4, 2014
A fun easy read set in our nation's capital. I think the writer did a good job of depicting the confusion many of us experience when trying to understand what others are feeling. Two parallel stories intersect and we all learn a little about forgiveness. Good story!
hardcopy-review-to-read
June 1, 2017*Thanks to Angie Brillhart for providing a copy for review.*
May 22, 2010
Nice book, but rather predictible and simple. I enjoyed the park ranger/history ideas of the book.
June 29, 2010
I love a good romance - and a Christian romance is even better! Having lived near DC for several years, I enjoyed the setting, too.
July 28, 2014
Book 2 of 3
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April 30, 2012nothing wrong with this book. it just wasn't holding my interest today.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews