What do you think?
Rate this book
The Love Birds #3
When Doves Lament: Large Print Edition
Neither expected to fall in love again. But together they might just discover that the love of their lives came later.
Max McAllister swore off love before the ink was even dry on his divorce papers. Between his attempts to salvage the strained relationship with his daughter and rekindling his passion for woodworking, he doesn’t have time for the drama that romance brings.
Carissa Owens has finally found her footing again after losing her husband five years ago. Her wedding business is thriving and she has her sights set on expanding to corporate events—if she can secure a meeting with a lucrative new client.
But when Max’s daughter hires Carissa to plan her wedding, he insists on being involved in every aspect of the process, ruffling Carissa’s feathers. As they spend more time together, an unexpected attraction sprouts wings. That is, until Max reveals a surprise for his daughter that puts Carissa’s professional reputation at risk. Can they find a way to dovetail their plans or will their budding romance have a crash landing?
Max McAllister swore off love before the ink was even dry on his divorce papers. Between his attempts to salvage the strained relationship with his daughter and rekindling his passion for woodworking, he doesn’t have time for the drama that romance brings.
Carissa Owens has finally found her footing again after losing her husband five years ago. Her wedding business is thriving and she has her sights set on expanding to corporate events—if she can secure a meeting with a lucrative new client.
But when Max’s daughter hires Carissa to plan her wedding, he insists on being involved in every aspect of the process, ruffling Carissa’s feathers. As they spend more time together, an unexpected attraction sprouts wings. That is, until Max reveals a surprise for his daughter that puts Carissa’s professional reputation at risk. Can they find a way to dovetail their plans or will their budding romance have a crash landing?
- GenresRomance
622 pages, Paperback
First published October 1, 2024
About the author
Katie Eagan Schenck
7 books211 followersKatie Eagan Schenck, writes sweet romance and women's fiction that warms the heart and gives all the feels. When she's not writing fiction, she's either working on regulations for the federal government or binging Hallmark movies.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
September 30, 2024
When Doves Lament (The Love Birds, #3)
by Katie Eagan Schenck
I received a complimentary copy and am voluntarily leaving a review.
"When Doves Lament" by Katie Eagan Schenck is the third book in "The Love Birds" series, and it delves into the events leading up to Lanie and Nate's wedding. Max McAllister, the father of the bride, is finding it difficult to adjust to the upcoming wedding. Although he has recently seen his son get married, he is not prepared for Lanie's walk down the aisle. However, he is determined to make her day special. Unfortunately, his determination to fulfil her every wish leads to him overstepping boundaries and being seen as meddling. This strains his relationship with his daughter, and it raises the question of whether his interference will permanently damage their relationship.
Carissa, the wedding planner, and Nate, the groom, try to manage both Max and Lanie. Adding to the complexity, Carissa and Max have a strained relationship. Having previously organized Max's son's wedding, Max and Carissa think they know what to expect from each other this time. However, when they realize their feelings for each other are growing, they are forced to reassess their relationship.
The dynamics between the characters were my favourite part of this book. Carissa is still struggling with the emotions she feels from the death of her first husband and finds it hard to imagine herself in a relationship with someone else, but desires companionship. Max does not have the most stable relationships with his family. Having divorced when his children were growing up, and then following the death of his ex-wife, he lost touch with the sentiments he should have shared with them, especially his daughter. The different loyalties add stress to Max and Lanie's relationship, combined with the added stress of family issues arising over wedding planning, which keeps the tension building throughout the book.
I did feel sorry for Max. I understand that it was up to Lanie and Nate to decide how they wanted their wedding, but at the end of the day, Max only wanted the best for them. I feel like Lanie blamed him for the breakup of her parents' marriage, and as her mother had died, her father received the blame. Max was well aware of the mistakes he made during his marriage and raising his children, and this was his way of making things up to Lanie. His heart was definitely in the right place, and I'm sure things could have been handled better without the disagreements and name-shaming.
I rate this book 4 out of 5 stars. I really liked the well-developed characters and the engaging plot. Although it can be enjoyed on its own, I recommend reading the previous books in the series for a more comprehensive experience.
by Katie Eagan Schenck
I received a complimentary copy and am voluntarily leaving a review.
"When Doves Lament" by Katie Eagan Schenck is the third book in "The Love Birds" series, and it delves into the events leading up to Lanie and Nate's wedding. Max McAllister, the father of the bride, is finding it difficult to adjust to the upcoming wedding. Although he has recently seen his son get married, he is not prepared for Lanie's walk down the aisle. However, he is determined to make her day special. Unfortunately, his determination to fulfil her every wish leads to him overstepping boundaries and being seen as meddling. This strains his relationship with his daughter, and it raises the question of whether his interference will permanently damage their relationship.
Carissa, the wedding planner, and Nate, the groom, try to manage both Max and Lanie. Adding to the complexity, Carissa and Max have a strained relationship. Having previously organized Max's son's wedding, Max and Carissa think they know what to expect from each other this time. However, when they realize their feelings for each other are growing, they are forced to reassess their relationship.
The dynamics between the characters were my favourite part of this book. Carissa is still struggling with the emotions she feels from the death of her first husband and finds it hard to imagine herself in a relationship with someone else, but desires companionship. Max does not have the most stable relationships with his family. Having divorced when his children were growing up, and then following the death of his ex-wife, he lost touch with the sentiments he should have shared with them, especially his daughter. The different loyalties add stress to Max and Lanie's relationship, combined with the added stress of family issues arising over wedding planning, which keeps the tension building throughout the book.
I did feel sorry for Max. I understand that it was up to Lanie and Nate to decide how they wanted their wedding, but at the end of the day, Max only wanted the best for them. I feel like Lanie blamed him for the breakup of her parents' marriage, and as her mother had died, her father received the blame. Max was well aware of the mistakes he made during his marriage and raising his children, and this was his way of making things up to Lanie. His heart was definitely in the right place, and I'm sure things could have been handled better without the disagreements and name-shaming.
I rate this book 4 out of 5 stars. I really liked the well-developed characters and the engaging plot. Although it can be enjoyed on its own, I recommend reading the previous books in the series for a more comprehensive experience.
October 25, 2024
As this book begins, Max McAllister, a father of two grown children in his fifties, divorced yet present for his ex-wife in her final days as she lost her battle with cancer, has the personality of a grumpy loner struggling to regain some type of relationship with his daughter Lanie before her wedding in less than six months as they are currently at his son Stephen’s wedding reception. Carissa Owens, a widow fast approaching her sixties, had been the wedding coordinator for Stephen’s wedding where she and Max had butted heads over several decisions and now she would be Lanie’s coordinator also. Could these two possibly get along and not cause anymore stress for Lanie? This is a poignant look at life after the death of one’s mate beautifully and meaningfully incorporating the traits of mourning doves into its telling. The book deals with giving up on love after a divorce, struggles of relationships with estranged children, loneliness after the loss of a spouse and entering into relationships at a later in life age. The characters are wonderfully developed, especially Max and Carissa, and the struggles they face are portrayed in a very realistic way with their emotions and reactions being true to life. Max’s struggles with mending his relationship with Lanie is a big part of the book too. I loved how the author showed Max as both at fault at times but yet vulnerable and wanting to make the relationship right in a most heartfelt way. The romance that develops between Max and Carissa is done in a clean and meaningful manner. I enjoyed all the events and happenings the characters attended such as the apple picking outing, the festival and Thanksgiving dinner; all made for great family and friends memories. The ending was especially sweet. I received an advance review copy of this book for free. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
October 20, 2024
This is a wonderful love story and I love the way that you tied the doves into the story. At our old house we had two doves that would sing to us every morning and we loved it. Here at our new house, we moved about 2 years ago we have two doves that eat from the bird feeder but I have yet to hear them sing.
Max McAllister and Carissa Owens met while she was helping his son and now wife with their wedding as she is a wedding planner. Max and Carissa did not get along and butted heads every time they saw each other. And now Max's daughter is getting married and we have to do it all over again. Thank God that Max does not have any more kids getting married cause I do not think I could handle another wedding putting up with Max.
Carissa's husband had died about 5 years ago and finally her wedding business is doing very well and she is planning on adding corporate events to her services. Max swore off of marriage when he and the kids mother got a divorce. He still loved her even then and was around to help her and the kids when she was so ill and when she passed away.
Max felt the need to be involved in every aspect of the kids wedding and drove Carissa crazy because she is the one wanting to be in charge of it all. Regardless of what her clients wanted. His daughter wanted him there as her mother could not be with them. Max and Carissa learned how to compromise and got along a lot better. They even went out for lunch or just coffee a few times. She even came over for Thanksgiving with his family and just like a normal couple they did steal an occasional kiss. Neither of them had planned on falling in love but God knew what he was doing by putting them together.
Max McAllister and Carissa Owens met while she was helping his son and now wife with their wedding as she is a wedding planner. Max and Carissa did not get along and butted heads every time they saw each other. And now Max's daughter is getting married and we have to do it all over again. Thank God that Max does not have any more kids getting married cause I do not think I could handle another wedding putting up with Max.
Carissa's husband had died about 5 years ago and finally her wedding business is doing very well and she is planning on adding corporate events to her services. Max swore off of marriage when he and the kids mother got a divorce. He still loved her even then and was around to help her and the kids when she was so ill and when she passed away.
Max felt the need to be involved in every aspect of the kids wedding and drove Carissa crazy because she is the one wanting to be in charge of it all. Regardless of what her clients wanted. His daughter wanted him there as her mother could not be with them. Max and Carissa learned how to compromise and got along a lot better. They even went out for lunch or just coffee a few times. She even came over for Thanksgiving with his family and just like a normal couple they did steal an occasional kiss. Neither of them had planned on falling in love but God knew what he was doing by putting them together.
September 14, 2024
When Doves Lament is the story of a grumpy older guy who clashes with a diligent, cheerful wedding planner. Max's daughter, Lanie, is about to be married, and she has a big chip on her shoulder from the way he parented her. Now with the pressures of the wedding, he's trying to make amends and change for the better, but his daughter has forbidden him to follow up on his attraction to the wedding planner, Carissa. So the question is, will the two lovebirds risk Lanie's wrath?
What I loved about this book: it's so great to read about older people (Max and Carissa are around late 50s). We got to see what their issues and concerns were at this point of life, and it was done in a realistic way. They were still trying to do well, to live better--still striving. Carissa to expand her business, and Max to be a better person.
What I loved less was that it was hard to root for Max and his daughter. I think it would have been good if Max had been more well-rounded, and Lanie was a crab from start to finish. The winner for me in this book was Carissa. She was such a hard worker, trying to grow her business and be good to everyone. So a mixed review. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
What I loved about this book: it's so great to read about older people (Max and Carissa are around late 50s). We got to see what their issues and concerns were at this point of life, and it was done in a realistic way. They were still trying to do well, to live better--still striving. Carissa to expand her business, and Max to be a better person.
What I loved less was that it was hard to root for Max and his daughter. I think it would have been good if Max had been more well-rounded, and Lanie was a crab from start to finish. The winner for me in this book was Carissa. She was such a hard worker, trying to grow her business and be good to everyone. So a mixed review. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
October 26, 2024
Later in life romance is not one of my favorite tropes, Maybe because it hits too close to home since I am older in life, but I thought I’d give this one a try. There’s a lot of good messages throughout the story, family dynamics is always a complicated subject. Children that haven’t always agreed with a parent, especially in a divorce is one of those subjects. In the story, Max and his wife had been divorced, which caused some strife with his children, but when his wife passed away, he thought he and his daughter Lainie had overcome their feelings. Lanie was planning her wedding to Nate, but her father started to intervene and try to take over. He also did not get along with the wedding planner Clarissa. Most of the story is about these trials that came with planning a wedding. I was very frustrated with Max, he is a stubborn grumpy man. I think I would’ve liked the book better if it had not been quite so long it just kept going on and on. And let me say don’t read this book hungry because there is a lot of talk of food and how to prepare it. I just felt like it was not the best book for me. There are many five star reviews so obviously it was not meant for me. I do appreciate that there was no Foul language and it is a closed door romance.
December 22, 2024
Very well written, second chance love story. Full of drama, love, sadness, family and lots of twists. Max is a retired father who had divorced his wife years ago. Together they had a son and daughter but as their mother was sick and died, Max did help her as much as he could. All of them is feeling her loss in different ways. Max is trying to be a good dad but is having trouble with his communication with them. His son is now married and in a few months his daughter will be getting married. Carissa is the wedding planner who did his son's wedding and now doing his daughter's. Carissa is also widowed but doesn't want to stop working. She also hopes to expand her business in business get away week-ends. As she works on the wedding, she is involved in a tug of war with Max. He has his own ideas and wants to help pay for everything that goes over the budget. As Max and Carissa bump heads they both develop feelings for the other. They try to keep quiet what is going on till after the wedding but his kids are seeing thru it. Nice to read that older adults get a second chance to be happy in their golden years. Would recommend to others.
I received this book and leave this unbiased, honest review.
I received this book and leave this unbiased, honest review.
July 26, 2025
When Doves Lament is a beautiful end to a heartwarming series. After following the love stories of Lanie McAllister in book one and Steven McAllister in book two, we revisit the cozy town of Cedar Haven to watch grumpy old Max McAllister find love. Told from the point of view of both Max and his daughter’s wedding planner, Carissa, we get to see two older people who never thought they would find love again explore a forbidden romance. Naturally, I find the grumpy old man who repeatedly botches interactions with his daughter to be the most relatable character. But I’m sure other readers will relate more to Carissa, the widow who is trying to land new clients for her small business.
This book has all the aspects that made the first two books special, including a loving family and a charming town you wish you lived in.
I hope you enjoy this story as much as I did. It was the perfect end to the Love Birds trilogy.
This book has all the aspects that made the first two books special, including a loving family and a charming town you wish you lived in.
I hope you enjoy this story as much as I did. It was the perfect end to the Love Birds trilogy.
December 13, 2024
The ‘later-in-life’ romance developing between wedding planner, Carissa, and father of the bride, Max, is complicated by not only the erratic relationship Max has with Lanie, but also the promise he made to her concerning his unexpectedly emerging feelings towards Carissa.
The plot moved a little slowly for my taste, with several starts and stops to Carissa and Max’s relationship, and Max’s impulsive decisions about what he considers Lanie’s tastes. The book is otherwise well-written with good character description, and it was interesting to watch each main character’s personal growth and awareness, leading to a change in attitude towards others.
Although the author linked the mourning dove to Max’s life, it was almost incidental and not as central to the plot as the cardinal in Book 1.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The plot moved a little slowly for my taste, with several starts and stops to Carissa and Max’s relationship, and Max’s impulsive decisions about what he considers Lanie’s tastes. The book is otherwise well-written with good character description, and it was interesting to watch each main character’s personal growth and awareness, leading to a change in attitude towards others.
Although the author linked the mourning dove to Max’s life, it was almost incidental and not as central to the plot as the cardinal in Book 1.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 16, 2024
The third book in the Lovebird Series and somehow I managed to read it second. This book was ok. I found the whole series just a bit too repetitive or too much all together.
After Steven and Rose get married Carissa the wedding planner now is helping Lanie and Nate with their wedding. Although there wasn’t too much of Carissa in the second book it appears that neither her nor Max, Lanies dad, get along. Many disagreements over wedding planning and Max wanting to be too involved causes much stress all around. Max has signed off on relationships after a divorce and then the death of his ex-wife but then after being around Carissa during the planning he starts to realize he has feelings for her. Carissa not only helps Lanie with her wedding she is also wanting to expand her business to more than just weddings. She knows she needs to keep distance between her and Max but that’s proving difficult to do.
I enjoy reading stories about second chances and older characters falling in love but Max was a bit too much for me and then Lanie just seemed over the top with her demands and reasoning with her dad and his lack of spending time with her as she was growing up. Overall, I liked the series but was done with it early on. Maybe I should have taken breaks from them and read other books in between then maybe I wouldn’t have lost interest as much.
After Steven and Rose get married Carissa the wedding planner now is helping Lanie and Nate with their wedding. Although there wasn’t too much of Carissa in the second book it appears that neither her nor Max, Lanies dad, get along. Many disagreements over wedding planning and Max wanting to be too involved causes much stress all around. Max has signed off on relationships after a divorce and then the death of his ex-wife but then after being around Carissa during the planning he starts to realize he has feelings for her. Carissa not only helps Lanie with her wedding she is also wanting to expand her business to more than just weddings. She knows she needs to keep distance between her and Max but that’s proving difficult to do.
I enjoy reading stories about second chances and older characters falling in love but Max was a bit too much for me and then Lanie just seemed over the top with her demands and reasoning with her dad and his lack of spending time with her as she was growing up. Overall, I liked the series but was done with it early on. Maybe I should have taken breaks from them and read other books in between then maybe I wouldn’t have lost interest as much.
November 12, 2024
An older couples' second chance at romance. Both were married; Carissa's husband has passed away for 5 years and Max is a divorcee, who swore he was never getting married again.
Rough start for them as Carissa was trying to keep her wsdding planning business going and Max keop interjecting and questioning her ideas for his son's, Steven's wedding and daughter Lanie's several months after Steven's . Something snapped between Max and Carissw nd they started to care about each other. It was an interesting read seeing their love grow amidst the normal turmoils of life.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Rough start for them as Carissa was trying to keep her wsdding planning business going and Max keop interjecting and questioning her ideas for his son's, Steven's wedding and daughter Lanie's several months after Steven's . Something snapped between Max and Carissw nd they started to care about each other. It was an interesting read seeing their love grow amidst the normal turmoils of life.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 21, 2024
I received an advanced reader copy of this book and am reviewing it voluntarily
This was a very different type of story
So relatable my age group
This felt real you could so understand the intentions of Max even if he appears grumpy but also the adult children often misinterpreted what he was trying to do quite sad they had different values and assumed they were in the right
Carissa was a bit all over the place who at her age wants to expand her business not me for sure
A heartwarming easy to believe read
This was a very different type of story
So relatable my age group
This felt real you could so understand the intentions of Max even if he appears grumpy but also the adult children often misinterpreted what he was trying to do quite sad they had different values and assumed they were in the right
Carissa was a bit all over the place who at her age wants to expand her business not me for sure
A heartwarming easy to believe read
Want to Read
October 5, 2024"Wedding planner Carissa, a widow, is hired to coordinate the big event for a family she's worked with before, and the bride's divorced father, Max, is a stubborn man who insists on second-guessing his daughter's every decision. While Max and Carissa initially butt heads, they learn they have more in common than just wanting a young bride to have the wedding of her dreams. Readers will enjoy this poignant, thoughtful story brimming with hope and second chances."
— Angela M., Line Editor, Red Adept Editing
— Angela M., Line Editor, Red Adept Editing
September 9, 2024
A heart warming story of romance, forgiveness and strong wills that collide throughout the plot. Katie intertwines the heartache of grief in strong willed characters that bring about forgiveness, understanding, moving on and romance. She gives her characters the opportunity for another chance at love and forgiveness when their strong wills collide. Curl up by the fire with your favorite blanket, beverage of choice and a box of tissues and enjoy When Doves Lament. Happy reading.
October 26, 2024
Good story about finding love again after the death of your spouse. Both Max and Carissa are reluctant to consider their attraction. The author has delved into the character of the people involved. I did think that the story went on way too long, making it a little tedious to read. Max makes a real effort to try and change his behavior and automatic response to situations. An enjoyable read.
I received a complimentary copy of this book and this is my voluntary, honest review.
I received a complimentary copy of this book and this is my voluntary, honest review.
October 8, 2024
He is a very grumpy old man who may just find an unexpected new way to live his life. A chance meeting may just change the rest of his life as he gets much older. A delightful love story which will make you smile
I received an advance copy from hidden gems and it was such a wonderful love story
I received an advance copy from hidden gems and it was such a wonderful love story
November 21, 2024
A great story. these two were quite interesting and made for a really great story. Clarissa and Max didn't seem like they would even be able to work together but then the sparks flew. I enjoyed reading this story.
January 3, 2025
I had a hard time getting into this book. It was to back and forth for me. In the end it was what I expected but getting there was tough.
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.
October 18, 2024
So very enjoyable. I definitely recommend this book. The characters were very relatable and interesting. I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
October 25, 2024
✅Thank you @keschenkauthorfor the opportunity to read When Doves Lament for my honest review. All opinions expressed are solely my own.
My thoughts:
A beautiful second chance meeting love story that I enjoyed reading.
Can love be found again?
Can forgiveness be achieved?
Will past mistakes be overcome?
I dearly loved the characters in the story. Even with all their flaws and insecurities, they pulled on my heartstrings. Each character had to “grow up” and learn to deal with past mistakes.
I enjoyed seeing the growth in each character. And, believe me, there were times I actually cringed with what was going on.
Did I like When Doves Lament? I have to say I loved it!
This is part of a series. I feel each book can be read as a standalone with no problem. Should you read the previous books? Yes, you definitely should! Each book is heartwarming and engaging.
#shortbookthyme #keschenckauthor #whendoveslament #yournextread #bookstagram #booksandtea #thelovebirds #laterinliferomance #romancebooks #romance #romancereader #grumpysunshineromance #enemiestolovers #cleanromance #smalltownromance #bookstagram #booksbooksbooks #booksandtea #arcreviewer #womensfiction
My thoughts:
A beautiful second chance meeting love story that I enjoyed reading.
Can love be found again?
Can forgiveness be achieved?
Will past mistakes be overcome?
I dearly loved the characters in the story. Even with all their flaws and insecurities, they pulled on my heartstrings. Each character had to “grow up” and learn to deal with past mistakes.
I enjoyed seeing the growth in each character. And, believe me, there were times I actually cringed with what was going on.
Did I like When Doves Lament? I have to say I loved it!
This is part of a series. I feel each book can be read as a standalone with no problem. Should you read the previous books? Yes, you definitely should! Each book is heartwarming and engaging.
#shortbookthyme #keschenckauthor #whendoveslament #yournextread #bookstagram #booksandtea #thelovebirds #laterinliferomance #romancebooks #romance #romancereader #grumpysunshineromance #enemiestolovers #cleanromance #smalltownromance #bookstagram #booksbooksbooks #booksandtea #arcreviewer #womensfiction
January 1, 2025
The makings of a great hallmark movie.
Max is a stubborn old man either trying to control or make up for lost time with his daughter's wedding coming together. I like to think it's the latter a daddy always wants the best for their children and having read When Cardinals Visit - I knew I had to read When Doves Lament- it did not disappoint- lots of laughter and love to be found turning the pages of this wonderfully written book. I recommend reading all 3 books in order .
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this honest review voluntarily.
Max is a stubborn old man either trying to control or make up for lost time with his daughter's wedding coming together. I like to think it's the latter a daddy always wants the best for their children and having read When Cardinals Visit - I knew I had to read When Doves Lament- it did not disappoint- lots of laughter and love to be found turning the pages of this wonderfully written book. I recommend reading all 3 books in order .
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this honest review voluntarily.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews