Parkwood Paperback – November 3, 2025

The mountain town of Parkwood, Washington, used to be a sleepy logging village nestled in the shadow of Mt. Rainier, where families stayed for generations. Then some out-of-towners spread the word about Parkwood’s access to hiking and skiing and camping. Today, Parkwood is a burgeoning tourist destination that is working to keep its identity and traditions. Into this offbeat enclave steps Bennett Jeffries, the new pastor of the Third Presbyterian Church, a modest congregation whose spiritual energy exceeds both its numbers and its musical ability.With fresh eyes and an open heart, Pastor Bennett dives into the uniqueness that is Parkwood. From the Don’t Sell Your Sole Thrift Store to the unlikely but beloved Three Sheets Quilt Shop/Liquor Store or the Sasquatch Grille, every corner of Parkwood offers its own flavor of local character…and characters.As Bennett works to understand the fabric of this community and enmesh himself in it, he realizes he will have plenty of work simply focusing on his own Sunday services. But that doesn’t keep him from getting wrapped up into town life in ways he could never have expected.Told with warmth, wit, and an appreciation for the unique ways tight-knit communities operate, Parkwood follows Pastor Bennett’s sometimes awkward, often hilarious, and ultimately heartfelt journey of finding connection and meaning in a town that marches to the beat of its own drum-less drum. Read more