The Christmas Blessing

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?

Published September 5th 2017

 by Fleming H. Revell Company

Available for Purchase:

AMAZON  BARNES & NOBLE  CHRISTIANBOOK

BOOK-A-MILLION

Meet the Author:

Melody Carlson is the award-winning author of over two hundred books, several of them Christmas novellas from Revell, including her much-loved and bestselling book, The Christmas Bus. 

She also writes many teen books, including the Diary of a Teenage Girl series, the TrueColors series, and the Carter House Girls series.

Melody was nominated for a Romantic Times Career Achievement Award in the inspirational market for her books, including the Notes from a Spinning Planet series and Finding Alice, which is in production as a Lifetime Television movie. She and her husband serve on the Young Life adult committee in central Oregon.

Connect Online:

WEBSITE

GOODREADS

My Thoughts:

I always look forward to Melody Carlson's Christmas themed books released in the fall.  I believe a lot of people will call this a novella, but I think it's too long for that title.  I will say that it is easily a one sitting book though.  

This book is set during World War II.  It is a well written story that captures both time and place.  It flows effortlessly and is consistent. To describe the story I would say it's full of emotions, both raw and real.  The characters are engaging.  I liked Amelia Richards and wanted her to get the happily ever after ending she deserves.  This story does touch on some tough issues, but I did feel they were resolved realistically.  This is probably not my favorite Christmas themed book, but it's still a great read.  I found some spiritual aspects in the book, but must say I expected more. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves a feel-good story.  

*I received this book from the publisher as part of their blogger program.  All thoughts and opinions are my own. 

Follow Your Heart #3

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!

Published June 6th 2017

 by Fleming H. Revell Company

Available for Purchase:

AMAZON  BARNES & NOBLE  CHRISTIANBOOK

BOOKS-A-MILLION  BAKER BOOK HOUSE

Meet the Author:

Melody Carlson is the award-winning author of over two hundred books, several of them Christmas novellas from Revell, including her much-loved and bestselling book, The Christmas Bus. 

She also writes many teen books, including the Diary of a Teenage Girl series, the TrueColors series, and the Carter House Girls series. 

Melody was nominated for a Romantic Times Career Achievement Award in the inspirational market for her books, including the Notes from a Spinning Planet series and Finding Alice, which is in production as a Lifetime Television movie. She and her husband serve on the Young Life adult committee in central Oregon.

Connect with Melody Online:

WEBSITE

FACEBOOK

GOODREADS

My Thoughts:

I loved this story!!

Melody Carlson has released the 3 installment, Under a Summer Sky, in the Follow Your Heart series.  This story sweeps the reader from Washington state to Savannah, Georgia. We are introduced to the enchanting Nicole Anderson who is a high school art teacher preparing for summer break when an opportunity to spend the summer in the historical town of Savannah.  As a child growing up Nicole spent summer vacations with her mother's childhood friend, Vivian Graham, and her family.  Parts of it she remember fondly, but other parts were almost unbearable.  This opportunity involves house sitting for Vivian and helping out at her art gallery while she is on a world cruise.  

Her arrival is met with the first surprise, Vivian's oldest son was in the middle of a divorce and now lived on the estate.  What she remembers of Alex is not really pleasant.  He was a good looking boy, but his personality showed him to be a bully and guess what? He hasn't changed much.  One big difference is that he is now the father of a teen aged daughter.  Surprise number two is that Vivian doesn't just want her to help out in the gallery, but to actually manage it with the help of her assistant, Amyra.  Of course no one told Amyra of the Nicole's arrival or what her role at the gallery would be.  Another surprise would be Vivian's son Ryan that she remembered had a crush on her when they were younger.  All Nicole can think is what a summer this has turned out to be, nothing as she had anticipated.  

This is a sweet story.  I found the characters captivating.  Nicole was so sweet and tried to do what was expected of her as a friend and employee.  With each challenge thrown her way she shows her strength of character.  She is intrigued with the history and architecture of the city.  She tries to acclimate to southern living.  I just loved her.  Alex was appealing until his true character became obvious with how he dealt with Ryan and his daughter.  

I would recommend anyone who loves a good, clean romance with a few twists.

**I received this book from the publisher as part of their book bloggers program.  All thoughts and opinions are my own. 

The Christmas Angel Project

 

Perfect for readers who want a heartwarming and hopeful Christmas story
Five women from different walks of life have become close friends through their book club--enjoying one another's company even more than they enjoy the books. So when the leader of the book club unexpectedly passes away on the cusp of the Christmas season, the four remaining friends are stunned. They relied on Abby for inspiration and motivation. She was the glue that held them together, and they're sure that without her the group can't continue.
When the group gathers "one last time" to open a bag Abby's husband gives them, they find Abby had made each of them an angel ornament for Christmas, crafted especially for each woman and accompanied by a sweet and personal note. Inspired by their beloved friend, together Cassidy, Louisa, Grace, and Belinda decide to commit themselves to becoming Christmas Angels to others in need. Each woman will use her life situation and talents to reach out and help others in her own unique way--little knowing that her own life and her relationships will be changed forever. 

 Published August 30th 2016

 by Fleming H. Revell Company 

Available for Purchase:

AMAZON  BARNES & NOBLE  

BAKER RETAIL    KOBO

My Thoughts:

I loved this book!
It evoked both smiles and tears for me.
Abby Wentworth is one of five women who involved in a book group. She has a special relationship with each of these women, but the other women do not have a close relationship each other. Her death brings many changes to the group and each changed touched my heart. Belinda, Louisa, Grace and Cassidy must not only deal with the overwhelming grief of loosing a trusted friend, but also deal the the day to tasks of life during the upcoming holiday season.
This is a very touching story and shows that not everything is as is seems. This is an uplifting story that gives you a glimpse at how doing for others can change your entire perspective on life. As these friends navigate their grief their friendships suddenly take on a deeper meaning.
This book is perfect for anyone and not just during the holiday season.
*I received this book from the publisher for a honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Meet the Author:

 

Melody Carlson is the award-winning author of over two hundred books with sales of more than five million. She is the author of several Christmas books from Revell, including the bestselling The Christmas Bus, The Christmas Dog, and Christmas at Harrington's, which is being considered for a TV movie. She is also the author of many teen books, including Just Another Girl, Anything but Normal, Double Take, the Life at Kingston High series, and the Diary of a Teenage Girl series. She is the winner of 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. Melody and her husband live in Oregon.

Connect Online:

WEBSITE 

FACEBOOK

GOODREADS

Follow Your Heart #2

Published June 7th 2016 
 by Fleming H. Revell Company 


Synopsis:

She's ready to take on a new challenge. What she doesn't expect is an old flame.

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? 

Available for Purchase:

AMAZON | BARNES & NOBLE | CHRISTIANBOOK 
BAKER RETAIL 


Meet the Author:

  
Melody Carlson is the award-winning author of over two hundred books with sales of more than five million. She is the author of several Christmas books from Revell, including the bestselling The Christmas Bus, The Christmas Dog, and Christmas at Harrington's, which is being considered for a TV movie. She is also the author of many teen books, including Just Another Girl, Anything but Normal, Double Take, the Life at Kingston High series, and the Diary of a Teenage Girl series. She is the winner of 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. Melody and her husband live in Oregon. 


Connect Online:
WEBSITE 
 GOODREADS


My Thoughts:

What a sweet story!
Melody Carlson has released her second installment in the Follow Your Heart series, All Summer Long.  Even though this story is part of a series, I consider it a stand alone story.  She brings us not only an incredible plot, but also strong, well developed characters.  
Tia D'Amico lives in the small town of Norton, Washington and is a chef at D'Amico's which opened shortly before WW II  by her great grandparents.  2 years ago she completed her training as a chef in Seattle, but returned home to work in the family restaurant in  hopes of getting some hands on experience.  I was immediately drawn to this character and her dreams.  When given the opportunity to travel to San Francisco to help her Aunt Julie plus the possibility of her own restaurant, she puts her fears behind her and starts a new adventure/journey. Aunt Julie wants her help in transforming an old luxury yacht into an upscale dining experience to include sunset cruises and a venue for weddings/receptions, etc. Upon her arrival she meets an old acquaintance that she hasn't seen since she was 16, but her attraction to him was immediate. Of course his engagement to another girl was a big surprise and hurt.  As the story progresses Tia tries to put her attraction to him behind her and focuses on the work needed done to meet the grand opening.  
 This is a wonderful story and a perfect summer read.  
I was drawn into the story from the very first page and found myself hoping Tia's dreams would all become true.  The plot flows effortlessly has elements of romance, faith, honesty and love.  Tia is a wonderful character that finds herself involved in more than just renovations for an old, luxury yacht and finds out that not everyone is as honest as they first appear.  Her love and dedication to her family starts her on this journey, but her determination to finish the job and faith sustains her during the summer of many changes.  
This is a book that I would easily recommend to anyone who loves a clean, feel good romance.  
** I received this book from the publisher as part of their book bloggers program.  I was not required to write a positive review.  All thoughts and opinions are my own.  

 

 

The Christmas Joy Ride

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.

 

Published September 1st 2015

 by Revell 
ISBN: 0800719670

4 Stars

Melody Carlson has written a delightful story with a touching message that's so appropriate for the upcoming holiday season. 
I was told as a child that it was better to give than to receive, but as a child I felt the receiving part was the very best.  Of course that's the nature of a child and as I got older I learned the truth of the statement.  Now that my children are older I still feel the same, but with the loss of my mother, I came to realize the Christmas season is also about making new memories and sharing past memories.  When this road of life we travel gets difficult we can pull out those memories and briefly be transported back to a special time or place.  
In this book we meet Joy Jorgenson and Miranda Fortner who have been neighbors for the past 8 years.  Joy is an 85 year old lady, who is full of life, that runs her own web page, Christmas Joy, with the occasional help from Miranda.  With declining health Joy has made the decision, along with her sons, to move to a retirement village in Arizona to be closer to family.  When Miranda finds out that Joy is planning to drive a RV by herself all the way to Arizona in order to deliver prizes  won on her web page she becomes concerned enough to volunteer to help Joy with her move and this trip. 
I loved both characters.  Joy is so full of spunk and has such a giving heart.  Miranda is a very caring person to put her life on hold to help her friend, but learns powerful lessons about life and herself on this trip. Joy and Miranda's friendship is conveyed in a very genuine way.  There's good pace and flow that keeps the reader's attention.  The first few pages readily drew me in.  This story brings a message that anyone can relate to.  
I would recommend this book to anyone. 

*I received this book from the publisher through their blogger program.  I was not required to write a positive review.  The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions's 16 CFR, Part 255.



My husband Chris and I live in a cabin-style home next to the National Forest in the beautiful Cascade Mountain area of the Pacific Northwest. Our two grown sons and granddaughter live nearby and we try to see them as often as we can. We also have two �re-homed� pets to make life more interesting�our yellow Labrador retriever Audrey and a Maine coon cat named Harry.

My writing studio is in a separate building next to our courtyard (a garden area that�s off limits to the voracious deer). The window behind my desk looks out into the ponderosa pine forest, where I see deer, squirrels, rabbits, and an occasional raccoon. The other windows in my office overlook the courtyard which is frequented by numerous hummingbirds in the summertime�one August evening we counted nearly fifty of the little hummers.

Contact Melody:

Online:

http://www.melodycarlson.com

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