What do you think?
Rate this book
Heavenly Daze #4
A Perfect Love
Despite the blustery winter chill, love is in the air in Heavenly Daze. Buddy Franklin is searching for someone to change his lonely life, Dana and Mike Klackenbush are trying to reestablish the friendship that led them to marriage three years before, Barbara and Russell Higgs are contemplating babies, and Cleta Lansdown is determined to keep Barbara, her married daughter, close to home. The angels who inhabit the island are surprised and overwhelmed when Buddy gets a pet, Dana toys with harmless flirtation, Barbara discovers she can't have a baby, and Cleta gives her son-in-law a pink, ruffled bedroom ensemble for his birthday! As always, the folks of Heavenly Daze triumph, learn, laugh, and love - and readers will do much of the same!
256 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2002
20 people are currently reading
261 people want to read
About the author
Lori Copeland
195 books531 followersLori Copeland was born on 12 June 1941. She had a relatively late start in writing, breaking into publishing in 1982 when she was already forty years old. Over the next dozen years, her romance novels achieved much success, as was evidenced by her winning the Romantic Times Reviewer's Choice Award, The Holt Medallion, and Walden Books' Best Seller award. She has been inducted into the Missouri Writers Hall of Fame.
Despite her success in more mainstream romantic fiction, in 1995, she decided to switch focus. Her subsequent books have been in the relatively new subgenre of Christian romance. She has also collaborated with authors Angela Elwell Hunt or Virginia Smith on a series of Christian romance novels.
Lori and her husband of over forty years, Lance, live in Springfield, Missouri, surrounded by the beautiful Ozarks. They have three grown sons, three daughter-in-laws, and six wonderful grandchildren, and two great-granddaughters. She and her husband are very involved in their church, and active in supporting mission work in Mali, West Africa.
Despite her success in more mainstream romantic fiction, in 1995, she decided to switch focus. Her subsequent books have been in the relatively new subgenre of Christian romance. She has also collaborated with authors Angela Elwell Hunt or Virginia Smith on a series of Christian romance novels.
Lori and her husband of over forty years, Lance, live in Springfield, Missouri, surrounded by the beautiful Ozarks. They have three grown sons, three daughter-in-laws, and six wonderful grandchildren, and two great-granddaughters. She and her husband are very involved in their church, and active in supporting mission work in Mali, West Africa.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
July 11, 2022
First, I should have known as soon as I saw this was set in a town called Heavenly Daze that I would hate it. But I’m home sick with Covid, and needed something easy to read.
I have to give them credit for the writing being better than average for this type of fluff. It was readable without glaringly annoying writing tics, and for that I was grateful. I would have enjoyed them “showing” instead of “telling” more though. Most of the book is just “here is this character, this is how they feel about such and such” without letting them grow organically.
Ok now let’s really dig into this spite read.
So there are angels hiding out as mortals in this town helping the people because God for some reason just really loves this little white bread community something extra. Sure. Makes total sense… there is absolutely nothing special or redeeming about a single human in this book, but whatever. God wants them to have extra special attention for his mysterious reasons.
Cleta was not meant to be a villain, but boy howdy did I hate her with every fiber of my being. She was one of the most manipulative, self centered, uncaring characters you could write. It was portrayed as if her actions were just caused by over affection for her daughter, and after an entire book of her being straight up awful she does a complete 180 after a five minute conversation about pruning roses with her angel in disguise as a gardener. I don’t buy it. She didn’t need a mild attitude adjustment, she needed a total overhaul of her entire being. I guarantee the next day she would be right back to being her sneaky self, sabotaging her kid and acting like she was a doting mother and not someone with an unhealthy attachment to infantilizing her child that borders on abusive.
Barbara (Cleta daughter) is a wet noodle masquerading as a young woman. She has no self respect or purpose, and sits around watching soap operas and eating chocolate while crying about not getting pregnant because it’s the only way to get out of her mothers house and because she is worried her husband will tire of her if she doesn’t produce a baby. You might think her character development arc will bring her out of this toxic quagmire to finding her own personhood and deciding if motherhood is really what’s right for her and her relationship, but sadly no. She does manage to get her haircut without consulting her mama and starts wearing contacts. Yay Barbara, you are really so ready to bring other humans into the world now. Put on those big girl pants with pride.
At one point Cleta’s husband is upset about his wife “spending his money” but they own a b&b and it’s clearly established that his wife does all the cooking and cleaning so whose money is it bud? Yeah sit down.
A socially awkward loner with no job buys a sugar glider and writes a love poem to it before he even gets it, (like…..love love poem) then dresses the animal in pink girly dolls clothes. He also nearly cooks it to death by sitting it on top of a wood stove in a box and forgetting about it, but it’s miraculously saved and discovered safe in another building. Like at no point is there any indication that his relationship to his pet is maybe unhealthy, or that his strained relationships with other humans might be caused by anything other than a lack of a spiritual life. The head angel whispers a poem in his ear about God and he’s great now folks! He’s found Jesus and the fact that he can’t get a job and fails at everything he tries and is seeking meaning in the eyes of a squirrel sure won’t be an issue. He’s also trying to buy a restaurant and I can not think of a task this fool is less suited to.
The only thing women will talk about is babies, marriage, and their houses (even though two of the main women are business owners). One of the middle aged women had a husband run off 20 years ago then he just showed back up and is trying to win her back by buying flowers and chocolates, and the wife was like “he’s on the right track” and giggled about it. GIGGLED. No mention of where he’s been. This is suppose to be a cute romance of reconciliation, but other than buying her gifts we see no efforts on his part to make up for running off to be with other women. It’s not really even mentioned or questioned that he left, as if he just needed to get it out of his system. She’s the owner and operator of the town store and he’s some drifter scum who brings nothing to the table. Vernie needs to be told she is better than that.
The author is constantly reenforcing concepts of the patriarchy as a natural and godly order, while also making most of the men in the book look like useless fools who can accomplish nothing on their own but only mess things up. I don’t expect a particularly healthy outlook on gender from a 20 year old Christian novel, but this one seemed particularly bad. She says at one point “Men didn't care what they looked like; but for women, looks were important. Looks were what caught a man's attention in the first place, and after you caught a man's attention you had to charm him, and flatter him, and make him feel special. And once you married him, you had to please him, and care for him, and eventually, give him a baby” ✨no✨
What these islanders really need is a therapist
I have to give them credit for the writing being better than average for this type of fluff. It was readable without glaringly annoying writing tics, and for that I was grateful. I would have enjoyed them “showing” instead of “telling” more though. Most of the book is just “here is this character, this is how they feel about such and such” without letting them grow organically.
Ok now let’s really dig into this spite read.
So there are angels hiding out as mortals in this town helping the people because God for some reason just really loves this little white bread community something extra. Sure. Makes total sense… there is absolutely nothing special or redeeming about a single human in this book, but whatever. God wants them to have extra special attention for his mysterious reasons.
Cleta was not meant to be a villain, but boy howdy did I hate her with every fiber of my being. She was one of the most manipulative, self centered, uncaring characters you could write. It was portrayed as if her actions were just caused by over affection for her daughter, and after an entire book of her being straight up awful she does a complete 180 after a five minute conversation about pruning roses with her angel in disguise as a gardener. I don’t buy it. She didn’t need a mild attitude adjustment, she needed a total overhaul of her entire being. I guarantee the next day she would be right back to being her sneaky self, sabotaging her kid and acting like she was a doting mother and not someone with an unhealthy attachment to infantilizing her child that borders on abusive.
Barbara (Cleta daughter) is a wet noodle masquerading as a young woman. She has no self respect or purpose, and sits around watching soap operas and eating chocolate while crying about not getting pregnant because it’s the only way to get out of her mothers house and because she is worried her husband will tire of her if she doesn’t produce a baby. You might think her character development arc will bring her out of this toxic quagmire to finding her own personhood and deciding if motherhood is really what’s right for her and her relationship, but sadly no. She does manage to get her haircut without consulting her mama and starts wearing contacts. Yay Barbara, you are really so ready to bring other humans into the world now. Put on those big girl pants with pride.
At one point Cleta’s husband is upset about his wife “spending his money” but they own a b&b and it’s clearly established that his wife does all the cooking and cleaning so whose money is it bud? Yeah sit down.
A socially awkward loner with no job buys a sugar glider and writes a love poem to it before he even gets it, (like…..love love poem) then dresses the animal in pink girly dolls clothes. He also nearly cooks it to death by sitting it on top of a wood stove in a box and forgetting about it, but it’s miraculously saved and discovered safe in another building. Like at no point is there any indication that his relationship to his pet is maybe unhealthy, or that his strained relationships with other humans might be caused by anything other than a lack of a spiritual life. The head angel whispers a poem in his ear about God and he’s great now folks! He’s found Jesus and the fact that he can’t get a job and fails at everything he tries and is seeking meaning in the eyes of a squirrel sure won’t be an issue. He’s also trying to buy a restaurant and I can not think of a task this fool is less suited to.
The only thing women will talk about is babies, marriage, and their houses (even though two of the main women are business owners). One of the middle aged women had a husband run off 20 years ago then he just showed back up and is trying to win her back by buying flowers and chocolates, and the wife was like “he’s on the right track” and giggled about it. GIGGLED. No mention of where he’s been. This is suppose to be a cute romance of reconciliation, but other than buying her gifts we see no efforts on his part to make up for running off to be with other women. It’s not really even mentioned or questioned that he left, as if he just needed to get it out of his system. She’s the owner and operator of the town store and he’s some drifter scum who brings nothing to the table. Vernie needs to be told she is better than that.
The author is constantly reenforcing concepts of the patriarchy as a natural and godly order, while also making most of the men in the book look like useless fools who can accomplish nothing on their own but only mess things up. I don’t expect a particularly healthy outlook on gender from a 20 year old Christian novel, but this one seemed particularly bad. She says at one point “Men didn't care what they looked like; but for women, looks were important. Looks were what caught a man's attention in the first place, and after you caught a man's attention you had to charm him, and flatter him, and make him feel special. And once you married him, you had to please him, and care for him, and eventually, give him a baby” ✨no✨
What these islanders really need is a therapist
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 12, 2019
Heartwarming
I love this series of books! The residents of Heavenly Daze could be my family and friends. I love how the authors give us a glimpse of real life intertwined with the Word and Works of God. How cool would it be to find an Angel amongst us.
I love this series of books! The residents of Heavenly Daze could be my family and friends. I love how the authors give us a glimpse of real life intertwined with the Word and Works of God. How cool would it be to find an Angel amongst us.
August 7, 2021
It’s unfair to read this book after Laura Hillenbrand’s Unbroken, but with the kind of book hangover I have, whatever immediately followed was going to have a hard time competing.
Don’t get me wrong. A Perfect Love is a nice, light summer read with imperfect characters who struggle with loneliness, marriage, and mother-in-laws. And there is a humorous bathroom renovation fiasco that has tongues wagging all over the island.
The angels in residence help guide the islanders to the solution to their problems, which is found in the only One who can give us perfect love.
Don’t get me wrong. A Perfect Love is a nice, light summer read with imperfect characters who struggle with loneliness, marriage, and mother-in-laws. And there is a humorous bathroom renovation fiasco that has tongues wagging all over the island.
The angels in residence help guide the islanders to the solution to their problems, which is found in the only One who can give us perfect love.
September 1, 2020
Love this series as a gentle, sweet Christian fiction series. Endearing characters and a lovely setting.
September 9, 2023
Not my type of book. I only read it because my fiance's daughter got for me as a Christmas gift.
In the book they fed a dog a Oreo!! Don't feed dogs chocolate, it's poisonous to them!
In the book they fed a dog a Oreo!! Don't feed dogs chocolate, it's poisonous to them!
June 8, 2025
This 4th book in the series about the residents of an island (Heavenly Daze) off the coast of Maine and their angel protectors was a bit more unusual than others. That was due to the efforts of Buddy to find companionship in an out-of-the-ordinary pet. There was also the unhealthy efforts of Cleta to maintain control of her adult, married daughter, Barbara, as she struggles to cling to her husband without alienating her mother. As the characters learn what real love is and where it starts, we can all learn that God's love for us is the starting place for any sort of healthy love with others.
August 2, 2018
Snuggle up in your favorite chair...
And find out what who Buddy's new friend is, and the journey he makes in learning that not only does God love us just the way He created us, but our friends and family do too if we would just open our hearts. Annie has a big setback, and Cleta learns how to let go and ask for forgiveness. Our Angelic friends are there to lend an ear and a few words of wisdom.
And find out what who Buddy's new friend is, and the journey he makes in learning that not only does God love us just the way He created us, but our friends and family do too if we would just open our hearts. Annie has a big setback, and Cleta learns how to let go and ask for forgiveness. Our Angelic friends are there to lend an ear and a few words of wisdom.
May 9, 2018
I did not know this book was a series upon reading it. My mother brought to me after someone had given it to her for free. The story is very slow and boring in my experience. I would have never picked it up as a book of choice. But after the ending and the way God showed up and showed out I am intrigued to at least attempt to read the first book in the series.
January 25, 2024
This series will lift your spirits and entice you to visit the islands of Maine! In this outing, we follow two couples with miscommunication and a brother and sister as each of them attempt to sort out priorities.
September 6, 2025
Once I got drawn into the characters of this series, it just got better and more addicting! I don't know that I would have gotten drawn into it as much had it not been a series, but I really enjoyed the progression of the characters.
August 10, 2017
I really liked this book and was interested in the characters.
April 11, 2021
I would give this book 10 stars if I could. Great book
January 24, 2024
"A Perfect Love" book #4.
A delightful series. Since I read #5 first, I will go back and read it now in order.
Loved this book.
A delightful series. Since I read #5 first, I will go back and read it now in order.
Loved this book.
August 21, 2024
Enjoyed
May 28, 2025
It’s rare when a book can make me laugh out loud. Love her writing style and sense of humor. Only one more book in this series…
June 8, 2023
Still loving this series. Great characters, interesting storylines. Couldn't get this one on Kindle so had to buy it on Kobo.
August 27, 2009
This book, for me, started slow. It took me until about halfway through to really get pulled in. I think perhaps had I started with the first book in the series I wouldn't have felt as innundated by the amount of characters. Even now that I've finished the book, I feel there were a few too many characters to keep track of. Fewer characters would have allowed for a tad more character development (some were really developed and others had such a cursory role that they shouldn't have even been mentioned, in my opinion). Until the halfway point, I was thinking three-star, but the midway point was pivotal for me and I began to anxiously flip the pages wanting to know what happened next. Ok, three-and-a-half stars. The ending was so sweet and well worded that I just have to give it a four-star rating.
Overall, the gist of the story is the bond between a mother and daughter, and how although trumped by no one, changes monumentally when the daughter marries. It explores the difficulties of accepting and even embracing this change, and the deep sadness inherent in letting go and watching the next generation spread their wings. Sweet novel that although my daughter is only two, already has my heart aching over the bittersweetness that the future will hold.
Overall, the gist of the story is the bond between a mother and daughter, and how although trumped by no one, changes monumentally when the daughter marries. It explores the difficulties of accepting and even embracing this change, and the deep sadness inherent in letting go and watching the next generation spread their wings. Sweet novel that although my daughter is only two, already has my heart aching over the bittersweetness that the future will hold.
October 26, 2011
Favorite quote: "How our lives are like this garden, brimming with potential, but cluttered with a lot of things we need to weed out, prune, and sweep away from time to time. Human prejudices, guilt, unforgiveness, and fears can grow up like weeds. Without being aware of it, many men let them choke out their God-given potential."
March 22, 2015
Life continues on the Island of Heavenly Daze, off the coast of Maine. If you like Christian fiction based in a small town you will love this book. This is Book 4/5 in the Heavenly Daze series, and I would highly recommend all 5 books. I am re-reading - I originally read them as they were published 2001-2005.
June 22, 2015
This is #4 in a series, I thought it was #1. Guess I will have to check out the list.
Having Angels all over the small island town of Heavenly Daze, Maine helps the residents learn to put their faith in God and to let Him guide them through life. The angels sometimes have a hard task in front of them.!
Having Angels all over the small island town of Heavenly Daze, Maine helps the residents learn to put their faith in God and to let Him guide them through life. The angels sometimes have a hard task in front of them.!
Read
December 3, 2008YA Cop
Want to read
February 24, 2010Heavenly Daze Series, Book #4
November 22, 2011
Great book!
July 11, 2014
The first part starts out slow but the ending was great.
August 3, 2014
A light, enjoyable Christian series. I've never read a trilogy as lovely as these 5 books.
April 21, 2015
it's a nice story of letting go and finding the courage to be true to yourself.
September 12, 2015
Love this series! So original and unique, quirky.
Want to read
June 24, 2008Heavenly Daze series / book four
Read
February 22, 2019Reminds me of the Cape Light series by Katherine Spencer. I love these series where the focus is on a different character each book but has all the regular characters in them. Sweet, uplifting, positive story/series. A breath of fresh air. Can't wait to read the fifth one. Are there more?
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews