"All Summer Long"

Melody Carlson

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?

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

***********************************

While I was looking forward to reading another book by Melody Carlson, as I usually enjoy her books, this one I did not.  From the description of the book, I was anticipating a fun, "San Fransisco vacation".   Unfortunately, this book was anything but that. The description of the scenery was beautiful, but the rest of the book seemed more like a soap opera.  

There were also instances where Tia and her friend (that is a girl) were joking as if they were more than friends.  That is not appreciated nor welcomed here.  I was raised that sin is sin and to make fun of sin is just as much of a sin than the sin you are making fun of.  This ruined the whole book for me.  Never would I expect to read such material in a "Christian" fiction novel.  

 

I cannot recommend this book. 

 

I RECEIVED THIS COMPLIMENTARY BOOK FROM REVELL PUBLISHERS FOR REVIEW PURPOSES.

 

"The Christmas Joy Ride"

Melody Carlson

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. Unemployed and facing foreclosure, Miranda feels she has nothing to lose by packing a bag and heading off with Joy toward Route 66. But Joy has a hidden agenda for their Christmas joyride--one that could derail the whole venture.

No one captures the heartwarming fun of the Christmas season quite like Melody Carlson. Fasten your seat belt, because it's going to be an exciting ride!

****************************************

"The Christmas Joy Ride" is a beautiful, generous story that promotes true acts of selfless kindness.  This book helps remind us that we could all be more kind, more giving and definitely more selfless.  

While this book was a sweet and easy read, it was kind of slow going.  It wasn't until the very that I felt it picking up and then it just ended.  I wanted to see what was going to happen with Miranda and her new opportunities.

A great read for a winter day or any day.  This book will help you relax and enjoy your "me" time.

Read more about the book here.

I RECEIVED THIS COMPLIMENTARY BOOK FROM REVELL PUBLISHERS FOR REVIEW PURPOSES. 

 

"Dating, Dining and Desperation"

Melody Carlson

Daphne has sure been enjoying her leisurely life as an heiress.  She is working at home as free lance writer and creates her own schedule.  Her family and friends are concerned that she is becoming a hermit and might end up like her Aunt Dee - an old maid with cats in a huge house.  Though she tries unsuccessfully to convince them otherwise.  

Her new neighbor, a true southern belle, has taken it upon herself to make sure Daphne becomes more social.  She is also trying to help her meet her Aunt Dee's conditions in order to keep her inheritance.....She must be married by the end of the year to remain the heiress to her Aunt's estate, otherwise it goes to her cats, Lucy and Ethel.  

Daphne was worried at first about meeting her aunt's requests, but she is learning to take things in stride and trust God.  

Meanwhile, she is taking care of a neighbor girl, who is in desperate need of a friend and a caregiver.  Daphne finds herself attached to the sweet little girl and can't help but worry about what will happen when her uncle, a marine, comes home to assume custody. 

*************************************************

This book was even better than the first!  A page turner, with new characters and even more twist and turns than the first.  I can't wait to read the next book in the Dear Daphne series.  I was disappointed to find out that it may not be printed, but only come out in e-book form.  :(  I'll have no way of finding out what happens!  Please print the rest of these books!  

I RECEIVED THIS COMPLIMENTARY BOOK FROM B&H PUBLISHING FOR REVIEW PURPOSES. 

 

"Lock, Stock and Over A Barrel"

Melody Carlson

Daphne has been living what she thought was her dream life, but after 12 years it can get a little old.   Her life living in the Big City is not as exciting as she thought it would be.  Daphne has found herself in a rut.  So when her Aunt Dee passes and leaves everything to her, she doesn't hesitate to give up her not so exciting life in New York.  

While Daphne is enjoying being back in her home town, and becoming the heiress of her aunt's estate, she finds out there are some clauses to this inheritance.  Things that must come to pass by the end of the year.  Daphne would love to keep her beautiful house and classic car, but isn't sure if she can meet her aunt's deadline.  

*************************************

I really enjoyed this book.  The first few pages were hard to get into, but after that I couldn't put it down.  There were a lot of twists and turns that kept my interest, with a good dose of humor as well!  

I RECEIVED THIS COMPLIMENTARY BOOK FOR B&H PUBLISHING FOR REVIEW PURPOSES.