About the Book
Book: Second Time Around
Author: Melody Carlson
Genre: Christian Contemporary Romance
Release Date: March 1, 2023
Publisher: Revell
Who doesn't love a second chance?
When empty nester Mallory Farrell inherits her grandmother's run-down tourist shop in Seaport, Oregon, it seems the only sensible thing to do is to sell it. But when her former secret crush, Grayson Matthews, wants to buy the property in order to complete his plans to redevelop the funky town's business district into a soulless, cookie-cutter outdoor mall, Mallory digs in her heels and decides to renovate the property herself.
With a lot of hard work and a little bit of help, Mallory makes incredible progress turning the store into an eclectic home decor shop called Romancing the Home--all while trying to ignore the depressing and decrepit apartment she's living in on the second floor. When the shop catches the eye of a popular renovation TV show producer, Mallory is thrilled--until it becomes clear that her apartment is to be part of the segment as well.
She's tempted to abandon her dreams and the town under a cloud of shame. But perhaps there's more to Grayson than meets the eye. Can he swallow his pride, change his plans, and help Mallory romance her own home--and possibly her life?
When empty nester Mallory Farrell inherits her grandmother's run-down tourist shop in Seaport, Oregon, it seems the only sensible thing to do is to sell it. But when her former secret crush, Grayson Matthews, wants to buy the property in order to complete his plans to redevelop the funky town's business district into a soulless, cookie-cutter outdoor mall, Mallory digs in her heels and decides to renovate the property herself.
With a lot of hard work and a little bit of help, Mallory makes incredible progress turning the store into an eclectic home decor shop called Romancing the Home--all while trying to ignore the depressing and decrepit apartment she's living in on the second floor. When the shop catches the eye of a popular renovation TV show producer, Mallory is thrilled--until it becomes clear that her apartment is to be part of the segment as well.
She's tempted to abandon her dreams and the town under a cloud of shame. But perhaps there's more to Grayson than meets the eye. Can he swallow his pride, change his plans, and help Mallory romance her own home--and possibly her life?
My Thoughts
I have only had the pleasure of reading Melody Carlson's Christmas novellas and I have enjoyed those immensely. This is my first full length novel by her and I thought it was good. As I get older its nice to read about characters that are a bit closer to my age which this book had. Mallory is a single mom of older kids. She is an empty nester and very successful at what she does but she inherits her grandmother's tourist shop and decides to have a new lease in life especially when her old crush is determined to do something completely different should he acquire the building.
I thought the characters were good but they were missing something. The story dragged a little for me at times. I wish there would've been a bigger development between the characters rather than the focus being the renovation and decorating of the new place.
Overall this was a good book. Definitely reminded me of a Hallmark type setting and could definitely see this as a movie. If you enjoy Contemporary Romance with mature characters then this is the story for you.
My Rating: 3 Stars/ Liked it
I received a copy of this book for review. I was not required to post a positive review. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
About 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.
About the Book
Author: Jennifer Deibel
Genre: Christian Historical Fiction
Publisher: Revell
Release Date: February 21, 2022
Brianna Kelly was abandoned at Ballymacool House and Boarding School as an infant. She has worked there since she was a wee girl and will likely die there. Despite a sense that she was made for something more, Brianna feels powerless to change her situation, so she consoles herself by exploring the Ballymacool grounds, looking for hidden treasures to add to the secret trove beneath the floorboards of her room.
When Michael Wray, the son of local gentry, is sent to Ballymacool to deal with his unruly cousin, he finds himself drawn to Brianna, immediately and inescapably. There is something about her that feels so . . . familiar. When Brianna finds a piece of silver in the woods, she commits to learning its origins, with the help of Michael. What they discover may change everything.
Fan favorite Jennifer Deibel invites you back to the Emerald Isle in the 1930s for this fresh take on the Cinderella story, complete with a tantalizing mystery, a budding romance, and a chance at redemption.
When Michael Wray, the son of local gentry, is sent to Ballymacool to deal with his unruly cousin, he finds himself drawn to Brianna, immediately and inescapably. There is something about her that feels so . . . familiar. When Brianna finds a piece of silver in the woods, she commits to learning its origins, with the help of Michael. What they discover may change everything.
Fan favorite Jennifer Deibel invites you back to the Emerald Isle in the 1930s for this fresh take on the Cinderella story, complete with a tantalizing mystery, a budding romance, and a chance at redemption.
My Thoughts
I love how Jennifer Deibel transports me to the Emerald Isle in her books. This one took me to Ballymacool house in a very Cinderella-esque storyline. The entire story takes place in Ballymacool. It was intriguing to find out more. The characters were lovely and I wanted to know how Brianna arrived to the situation she is in.
Brianna, our main character, is easy to love. She has overcome so much in her young life and you want to cheer her on to get the best in life. The hatred that the head mistress has for her is truly appalling. You will definitely despise her. But through all that Brianna remains a gentle soul and so caring towards others. She has these romps through the woods where she finds treasures and visits Finnuala who is like a grandmother to her.
Oh goodness, Michael is our leading gentleman, is equally as gentle and I found him to be very gallant towards everyone. He is definitely the perfect hero as he tries to solve everything possible for Brianna and make things right. The way the romance develops in the story was sweet and one that makes you get that deep sigh of contentment when reading.
Overall I thought this story was quite lovely and kept me intrigued. I wish there would have been just a tad bit more resolution with Maureen Magee, the head mistress, I felt like there could have been just a bit more towards the end regarding her life. The faith element was strong throughout the storyline and I really enjoyed that faith is at the forefront of these characters.
If you enjoy Christian Historical Romance then you will enjoy this one and all of Jennifer's other books!
My Rating: 4 Stars/Really Liked it!
I received a copy of this book from the author. I was not required to post a positive review. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
About the Author
Debut novel, A Dance in Donegal, releases February 2, 2021 from Revell. Follow Moira Doherty to the wilds of rural Ireland in 1921. Available for preorder wherever books are sold.
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