Christmas Book Review: A Quilt for Christmas: A Christmas Novella by Melody Carlson

What It’s About:
Christmas should be celebrated with family. But for Vera Swanson, that's not an option this year. Widowed and recently relocated, she is lonely in her condo-for-one--until little Fiona Albright knocks on her door needing help. With her mother seriously ill and her father out of town, Fiona enlists Vera's help, and when she finds out her new neighbor is a quilter, she has a special request--a Christmas quilt for Mama.

Vera will have to get a ragtag group of women together in order to fulfill the request. Between free-spirited artist Tasha, chatty empty nester Beverly, retired therapist Eleanor, and herself, Vera has hopes that Christmas for the Albright family will be merry, after all--and she may find herself a new family of friends along the way.

Bestselling and award-winning author Melody Carlson invites you to cuddle up this holiday season with this cozy story of giving, forgiving, and a little bit of romance.

My Thoughts:
I look forward to Carlson’s Christmas novella every year. This one is a lovely story centering around a woman whose traditional Christmas’s have been derailed, then she meets a sweet child who changes everything. Four-year-old Fiona spreads Christmas joy just by being her sweet, precocious self. As the quilt comes together, so do the lives of the most unexpected quilters. This story is about healing and transformation and Carlson does a beautiful job telling this wonderful story. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Christmas Novella Review: A Christmas in the Alps by Melody Carlson

Book Description:
After a time of heartache and loss, Simone Winthrop discovers a tantalizing letter from her French great-grandmother, which seems to suggest that she is heir to a family treasure. Ever practical, Simone assumes the claim is baseless, but her best friend encourages her to find out for sure. Despite her deep-rooted fear of flying, Simone boards a jet to travel to Paris at Christmastime to uncover the truth.

During the long flight, Simone meets the charming Kyle Larsson, who's on his way to France to become an apprentice clockmaker. Though they abruptly part ways, an unexpected rendezvous in the French Alps at Simone's family's clock factory may lead to the discovery of the family treasure . . . and so much more.

For anyone who is wearying of staying home, Melody Carlson invites you to spend Christmas with her in the beautiful French Alps this year. So pull on your mittens, tie your scarf tight, and prepare yourself for a magical mountain holiday.

My Thoughts:
A Christmas in the Alps is a lovely story of family, reflection, and holiday joy. Melody Carlson has created the perfect story to sweep the reader away to the Swiss Alps for a beautiful holiday experience. I enjoyed the family history Simone discovered when she arrived in their little hometown, snuggled into the Alps. The setting is perfect for a holiday tale. As Simone searches for her family treasure, she finds much more than she ever expected. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Fiction Review: Home Sweet Tiny Home by Melody Carlson

Book Description:
Kate Burrows has a life many would envy—a good job at a design firm, a huge house, beautiful memories of the late husband who gave her everything, and two grown kids doing well for themselves. But it’s all begun to ring hollow as she wanders around a house that’s too big for her. So when she gets caught up in binge watching a show all about tiny homes, something clicks—something that soon has Kate embarking on a whole new life.

Though some people call her crazy, she decides to quit her job and relocate to the small tourist town she and her husband always wanted to retire to, and to buy a tiny home of her own. The Lord seems to be paving the way, and she soon meets just the person she needs to help her get her dream going—and even growing! Hank Branson, architect and gentleman farmer, is quick to jump on board her dream to parcel some land off for tiny homes, and soon they have a community in the works.

But is Kate in over her head? How can she possibly uproot her whole life and chase dreams long dormant? Can Hank and his beautiful farm be as perfect as they seem? And what about their competition—the gregarious, confident Glen who won’t take no for an answer?

Kate may be moving into a tiny house…but it soon becomes clear she’s in for a big adventure.

My Review:
I love Melody Carlson’s stories. Home Sweet Tiny Home is right up there with my favorites. With humor and compassion Carlson tells the story of change in a mature woman’s life after her husband has passed away and her children are grown. I love Kate’s spunk and her willingness to dive into a new venture. Hank is a sweetheart and Glen is a little too confident. And then there is Natalie… This is a funny, warm read you’ll enjoy. I love that Carlson has written a story about older men and women. And I enjoyed the tiny house aspect. If you like light reads with a fun twist, you’ll love this one. I purchased my copy. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

 

 

Christmas Fiction Review: The Christmas Swap by Melody Carlson

Book Description:

All Emma Daley wants this holiday season is a white Christmas. But the young teacher and struggling musician sure can't find that in sunny Arizona. Luckily, there's someone living in a perfect mountain home in the Colorado Rockies looking to make a vacation trade this year.

Tyler Prescott is an in-demand songwriter and talented musician who put his own singing career on hold to write songs for celebrity acts to perform. When his mother convinces him to do a vacation trade for Christmas, he never imagined one of the house guests would be so sweet--or so strikingly pretty. Naturally, he decides to stick around, and, to get better acquainted, he poses as the house's caretaker. But when Emma's friend Gillian discovers his true identity and sets her sights on him, things
get . . . messy.

My Review:
How about a little Christmas in September! Melody Carlson has written another fun holiday story for 2020. Something to take your mind off of this dreary year! Ski in the mountains with Emma and Tyler. Sip hot chocolate with GIllian and the family. You'll find all this in Melody's latest story. Emma is a sweetheart, Tyler has a kind heart, but will they finally have a chance to get to know each other despite Gillian's devious ways. This light-hearted romance is not my favorite holiday story from Melody Carlson, but it is a great escape to the mountains for the holidays. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Fiction Book Review: The Happy Camper by Melody Carlson

Book Description:

Home is the place to heal, right? At least, that's what Dillon Michaels is hoping as she leaves her disappointing career and nonstarter love life behind to help her grieving and aging grandfather on his small Oregon farm. The only problem? Her eccentric mother beat her there and has taken over Dillon's old room. After a few nights sleeping on a sagging sofa, Dillon is ready to give up, until she receives an unlikely gift--her grandfather's run-down vintage camp trailer, which she quickly resolves to restore with the help of Jordan Atwood, the handsome owner of the local hardware store.

But just when things are finally beginning to run smoothly, Dillon's noncommittal ex-boyfriend shows up with roses . . . and a ring.

Full of quirky characters, family drama, and sweet romance, The Happy Camper will have you scouring Craigslist for your own diamond-in-the-rough camper to restore and haunting your local hardware store for a handy guy to help your dreams come true.

My Review:
Melody Carlson's books give me that feel good vibe. I found myself smiling and chuckling as I read The Happy Camper, a delightful story featuring Dillon, a hardworking young woman. She's left behind her corporate job and her boyfriend when she flees Colorado for her grandpa's farm in Oregon. I love all the quirky characters, from her mom to the woman who runs the Silver Slipper. If you've ever heard of glamping, you'll enjoy every minute of Dillan's adventure in camping. Of course there is the handsome bachelor, Jordan. He's likable and smart. If you need a relaxing, fun read pick up The Happy Camper. Guaranteed to add some joy to your day. P.S. I love the cover! I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Fiction Review: Christmas in Winter Hill by Melody Carlson

I'm already reading Christmas books to review! I love a good holiday story. This puts me in the mood to make Christmas gifts and prepare for my favorite time of the year!

Book Description:

Krista Galloway is not a fan of Christmas. After her rough childhood in multiple foster homes, the holiday season just brings too many bad memories to the surface. But when she accepts a job as a city manager in the mountain town of Winter Hill, Washington, Christmas is part of the deal. The small town is famous for its Christmasville celebration, something that the city manager . . . well, manages.

As she tries to make her tiny new apartment feel like home for her and her eight-year-old daughter, Emily, Krista begins to wonder if this move was a mistake. She doesn't always feel welcomed in the close-knit town, and Emily continually wonders, "Where's the snow?" Can a friendly stranger and his family help restore Krista's Christmas spirit before the big day?

My Review:
Christmas in Winter Hill is one of those books that scoops you up and drops you into a delightful setting with wonderful characters. By the time I was halfway through the story, I wanted to live in Winter Hill. Melody Carlson has delivered another charming holiday tale. I think I've read all of her Christmas books, and this is one of my favorites. Christmas in Winter Hill is a quick read and perfect to get you in the holiday spirit. Plus the cover is beautiful! I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Fiction Review: Courting Mr. Emerson by Melody Carlson

Description:

When the fun-loving and spontaneous artist Willow West meets buttoned-up, retired English teacher George Emerson, it's not exactly love at first sight. Though she does find the obsessive-compulsive man intriguing. Making it her mission to get him to loosen up and embrace life, she embarks on what seems like a lost cause--and finds herself falling for him in the process.

A confirmed bachelor, George vacillates between irritation and attraction whenever Willow is around--which to him seems like all too often. He's not interested in expanding his horizons or making new friends; it just hurts too much when you lose them.

But as the summer progresses, George feels his defenses crumbling. The question is, will his change of heart be too late for Willow?

With her signature heart and touches of humor, fan favorite Melody Carlson pens a story of two delightfully eccentric characters who get a second chance at life and love.

My Review:
Courting Mr. Emerson is one of the most delightful books I've read in a while. I loved the quirky characters and the lovely little town they live in. George reminds me of a couple of people I've met through the years. Willow's free spirit pops from the pages. One of the things I like most about Melody Carlson's writing is her ability to tell more than one story at a time and weave them together so beautifully. With comedy and endearment, she's penned a lovely story filled with complex and lovable characters. I also like the art angle as a nice backdrop for several scenes and the charming cover. If you want an enjoyable story to curl up with and feel good about, pick up a copy of Courting Mr. Emerson. I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell Books. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Christmas Fiction Review: The Christmas Blessing by Melody Carlson

Book Description:

She's determined to give her baby a better life.
Could a Christmas miracle make it possible?

Not long after she receives the news in 1944 that her baby's father was shot down in the South Pacific, Amelia Richards loses hope. Jobless and broke, she has nowhere to turn for help but her infant's paternal grandparents. The only problem is, they don't know that she--or their grandson--exists.

When Amelia discovers the family is wealthy and influential, dare she disclose the truth of her relationship with their son? Or could the celebration of the arrival of another unexpected baby nearly two thousand years ago be the answer to her dilemma?

My Review:
It's not too soon to be looking for the newest holiday books. Melody Carlson writes a new Christmas story every year. The one she's penned for this joyous season is an engaging tale about a young woman who wants nothing more for her child than the love she knew with his father. I enjoyed reading the story of Amelia's courage as she forged through life's tragedy with her sweet little baby. Determined to do what's best for her baby boy, Amelia prays for a Christmas miracle. If you are looking for a great holiday read, pick up The Christmas Blessing. It's a feel good story of hope and love during WW 2. I received this book for free.

Fiction Book Review: Under a Summer Sky by Melody Carlson

Book Description:
She's anticipating a quiet summer surrounded by beauty. She never expected a fresh chance at love.

High school art teacher Nicole Anderson is looking forward to a relaxing summer in Savannah, house-sitting and managing an art gallery for a family friend. The house is luxurious in a way that only old money could make it, and the gallery promises interesting days in a gorgeous setting. Yet it isn't long before her ideal summer turns into more than she bargained for: a snooty gallery employee who's determined to force her out, a displaced adolescent roosting in the attic, and two of her childhood friends--who also happen to be brothers--vying for her attention.

With the backdrop of a gorgeous historical city, incredible architecture, and even an alleged ghost or two, combined with the opportunity for romance . . . anything can happen!

My Review:
Under the Summer Sky is a delightful story, filled with great characters. Nicole Anderson takes a risk for the summer. She's a brave soul to step into a situation on the opposite coast from where she lives. And her summer is anything but quiet. As soon as she arrives in Savannah, her life is turned upside down. But I love that she meets it head on. The teen she finds in the attic adds a different dimension to the story and shows Nicole's sweet, caring side. The disgruntled employee brings out Nicole's smart side, and the brothers give her a chance to be the beautiful woman she's grown up to be. I enjoyed the setting in beautiful Savannah and the story Melody Carlson wove around Nicole's adventure. This is a perfect summer read—at the beach, by the pool, in your chair in the air conditioning. Melody Carlson is one of the best writers I've read. Nicole's story might just encourage you to find an adventure of your own.

Have you been Binge Reading?

People binge watch television shows, several seasons in a row, one after another. When Downton Abbey was in its prime, I admit to binge watching the first two seasons so I could catch up with my daughter. Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Hulu make watching show after show easy.

Maybe you've tried this fad of binging on television, but how about books? Many authors pen several books in a series. From my experience, I love reading a whole series. One after the other. I think the first set of books I binge read were the Cat Who books by Lilian Jackson Braun. She had not written all of them at the time, but I dove into the first 12 or 13, one after the other. You get to know the characters, that's for sure.

Recently, I've read two series with great enthusiasm. Melody Carlson's Dear Daphne books follow Daphne Ballinger on a roller coaster ride as she inherits her aunt's home with some interesting and unexpected expectations. The other series I've binged on, Deb Raney's Chicory Inn novels, has entertained me for hours. I've enjoyed following the lives of Grant and Audrey Whitman's family.  I'm about to finish book four this week, then I get to complete the series with book five. I'll write a review on that one in March. I highly recommend either series for great entertainment. Both authors write excellent stories filled with heart.

Have you been binge reading? If so, what books?

Christmas Fiction Book Review: The Christmas Angel Project by Melody Carlson

About the book:

Abby Wentworth is the glue that holds her book club together. So when she unexpectedly passes away on the cusp of the Christmas season, the rest of the women in the group are stunned, saddened, and sure that, without her, the group can't continue.

They gather "one last time" to open gifts Abby left behind, little knowing how it will change each of their lives--forever.

What I thought:
It's only September, but I'm already reading Christmas books. That's what happens when you're a reviewer. I've enjoyed every Christmas book I've read by Melody Carlson. But I'm not sure I can put into words the excellence of The Christmas Angel Project. Not just because I love Christmas books, but because this is one of those books that makes a difference. Melody has created four real women with legitimate problems. Through loss and sadness they find hope and joy as they learn to lean on God. My favorite line from the book spoke volumes to me, "Sometimes we have to let our dreams go in order to allow God to bring them back to us—in his way and his timing." This is a perfect Christmas read to inspire the celebration of the giving spirit of the holiday season. 

Fiction Book Review: All Summer Long by Melody Carlson

Book Description:

Tia D'Amico is thrilled to move to San Francisco to help her aunt transform an old luxury yacht into an upscale floating restaurant. What's not to love? Sunset dinner cruises, posh wedding receptions--the possibilities are endless and far more appetizing than staying in a monotonous job in her Podunk hometown. Besides, some of her best memories are tied to San Francisco--especially the memory of Leo Parker, her crush from a long-ago sailing camp.

When Leo Parker himself turns out to be the yacht's captain, Tia is floating on air. But will it all come crashing down around her when she discovers his heart belongs to someone else?

Get ready for a romantic summer in San Francisco, where the future glistens brighter than the Bay at sunset.

Book Review:
I got to travel to San Francisco last year, so when I saw the setting of All Summer Long I wanted to read it. I wasn't disappointed. Many of the places I visited were the backdrop of this sweet story. Melody Carlson is a master storyteller and she uses her gift to weave a tale of love, friendship, recovery, and recognition. Much of the story takes place on the water of the San Francisco Bay aboard an old yacht, being refurbished as a restaurant. How fun! I was thrilled that Tia wasn't a high maintenance kind of girl. Instead she's a smart, hardworking, beautiful inside-and-out, young woman willing to help out family. And Leo is adorable. A kind man who finds himself in a dilemma because he cares too much. This is a great summer read, perfect for vacation or sitting outside by the pool or in the shade. Melody Carlson is one of my favorites. I received this book in exchange for a fair review.

Purchase at Revell.

FictionBook Review: The Christmas Joy Ride by Melody Carlson

Book description:

Miranda did not put adventure on her Christmas list, but thanks to her eighty-five-year-old neighbor Joy, that's exactly what she's getting this year. When Joy tells Miranda that she plans to drive an old RV decked out in Christmas decorations from their Chicago neighborhood to her new retirement digs in Phoenix--in the dead of winter, no less--the much younger Miranda insists that Joy cannot make such a trip by herself. Besides, a crazy trip with Joy would be more interesting than another Christmas home alone. Unemployed and facing foreclosure, Miranda feels she has nothing to lose by packing a bag and heading off to Route 66. But Joy has a hidden agenda for their Christmas joyride--and a hidden problem that could derail the whole venture.

My Review:
I thoroughly enjoyed The Christmas Joy Ride. Not your typical holiday tale, this book is an adventure in the true spirit of Christmas giving. Melody Carlson writes with humor, reality, and whimsy. Joy is one of the most delightful characters I've read. After raising daughters, I appreciate seeing the growth and changes in Miranda as she takes on challenges and conquers fears. Take a break from all the craziness of Christmas and read The Christmas Joy Ride. It will refuel your tank.

I received this book in exchange for a fair review.

Melody Carlson is the award-winning author of more than two hundred books with combined sales of more than six million. She is the author of the bestselling The Christmas Bus, The Christmas Dog, Christmas at Harrington's, and The Christmas Cat. She received a Romantic Times Career Achievement Award in the inspirational market for her many books, including the Diary of a Teenage Girl series and Finding Alice. She and her husband live in central Oregon. Learn more at www.melodycarlson.com.