The Christmas Blessing

What is it about romance set among the backdrop of the war? Perhaps its the sensing that time is of the essence and it inspires people to share their truth heartfelt feelings with one another in the event that they will be taken from them far too soon. If you're like me and LOVE that nostalgic romance set during WWII, then pick up Melody Carlson's novel, The Christmas Blessing. It is set in San Diego during 1944 with that romantic couple who have met and instantly fallen in love. Yet before they can marry, James Bradley is called back to his base to be deployed without a moment's notice.

Poor Amelia Richards has a completed intent to wed certificate that James filled out and knows that hopefully this war will end soon and James will return so they can marry. But fate is that ugly judge of what will happen and Amelia learns that James has died and will not be coming home. Now she has to deal with the outcome of what she will be able to do, when she realizes that their one night of romance has conceived a son from that night. As a single mother, not even being able to claim war widow status, she remembers that James told her a bit about her family that lives in Montana and she is sure that perhaps they might even want to help her and poor Jimmie out.

As she plans on making the trip to Montana she isn't sure what she will do if James' parents don't believe her or worse, attempt to take Jimmie away seeing as she is not even married. How could she possibly afford to take care of Jimmie when they don't even know what will happen next. So she takes what money she has in an attempt to give it ago while she searches for James parents, until then she will simply stay a few days at the cheapest hotel in hopes of finding a job as a beautician locally and fate will smile favorably on her this time. What she doesn't plan on is that she is coming down with a pretty horrible cold and now it seems she has passed it along to Jimmie. Without any funds how will she be able to provide care for both of them.

I received The Christmas Blessing by Melody Carlson compliments of NetGalley and Revell Publishing Group, a division of Baker Publishing. This is such a wonderful story and I don't want to give any more away. The setting is heartwarming and the overall situation is completely believable as something that probably happened to many young men and women during the 1940's. Fans of anything relating to WWII will absolutely adore this short novel that really feels like so much more. I easily give this one a 5 out of 5 stars and reminds you that God can even work a miracle during the most tumultuous of times.

For more information about The Christmas Blessing, Melody Carlson or where you can pick up a copy of this novel today, please click on the links below:

The Christmas Blessing by Melody Carlson 

You can find Melody Carlson on Facebook to stay up to date on all her latest novels.

To read more reviews on The Christmas Blessing, please visit Baker Publishing's website. 

Home, Hearth and the Holidays

Daphne Ballinger might seem like she has it all together, but upon closer inspection and those secrets she only shares with her closest friends and her attorney. When Daphne's Aunt leaves her an inheritance, which comes with a wonderful old Victorian home nestled in the charming small town of Appleton, a classic old car and enough money to keep her comfy, it all sounds like a perfect dream come true. Yet is also comes with a clause that unless she finds herself married by the end of the year, she will lose it all. Sounds easy or chaotic?

Not only that but she is also raising Mabel, a young girl that was left behind by her dying mother until her only living relative, Daniel, an active duty Marine returns home to collect her. But Daphne is more than attached to Mabel, but knows that she promised her mother that she would see that Mabel settles with her Uncle Daniel and hopefully that might be in Appleton. She finds herself at odds with spending time with the two of them and wonders if getting married might solved more than one dilemma. If she marries Daniel, she can become Mabel's mom and also keep her inheritance by meeting all her Aunt's requirements to retain everything she had left her. Daphne is also the writer behind the love advice column her Aunt left behind as well. Something she has enjoyed and it adds to the extra money she uses without touching any of her inheritance.

She just isn't sure if she can marry just to satisfy her need to keep Mabel close and when Daniel informs her that he might not be done with his active duty, she isn't sure she is ready to walk away from all the friends and family she has made in Appleton, especially her southern fireball Sabrina who lives across the street and considers herself Daphne's closest friend in the world. Her attorney doesn't see any loopholes within the law that would allow Daphne to retain custody if Daniel decides to move to the east coast where he is currently stationed. Makes one wonder just how far you would go for love, and then there is the idea that Daniel is very handsome, but he hasn't exactly hinted at the perfect love match for the two of them either. This will be one unforgettable Christmas for sure.

I received Home, Hearth and the Holidays by Melody Carlson compliments of WhiteFire Publishing. I have had the wonderful opportunity to read this entire series and absolutely LOVE it! From her neighbor Sabrina whom I adore, the the unforgettable men that she tries to set Daphne up with, things are about to get more than interesting. This is the third novel in the Dear Daphne series and there is definitely a fourth one coming. I am rooting for one of the characters in the book and hopefully Daphne and him will fan the flames that seem to almost be there if other people won't interrupt the process, but definitely a romantic comedy just in time for Christmas! I easily give this one a 5 out of 5 stars in this readers opinion.

For more information about Home, Hearth and the Holidays, Melody Carlson or where you can pick up a copy of this book today, please click on the links below:

Home, Hearth and the Holidays by Melody Carlson

You can find Melody Carlson on Facebook to stay up to date with all her latest novels.

For more reviews on Home, Hearth and the Holidays, please visit WhiteFire Publishing's website. 

Under A Summer Sky

Growing up, I had a boy that lived next door to us and our families were the very best of friends. The kind you plan vacations together and then at some point, you see that boy next door as something else besides just your childhood friend. Perhaps a future romance?

In Under A Summer Sky by Melody Carlson, Nicole Anderson is searching for something to inspire a bit of creativity in her lesson plans as a high school art teacher in Seattle. Her mother has the perfect idea and with just a weekend to plan for it, they take an unexpected shopping trip to prepare for her summer job. Vivian Graham is taking a three month world cruise with her husband and has offered a manager position at her art gallery in Savannah, Georgia. She believes that Nicole has just what this shop needs in order to run it, despite the looming presence of Amyra, the employee just about everyone in the Graham family despises. She believes since Vivian will be gone, the job of managing the art galley belongs to her and it's just a matter of time before she sends Nicole packing.

Vivian has offered Nicole the luxury of staying in their palatial Southern home in her absence along with the keys to her SUV to lend her the opportunity to transport any art pieces as needed. She has also placed an order for business cards for Nicole as manager, but she fails to let Amyra in on that little detail. Not to mention that the Grahams are long time friends of the Anderson's, she now learns that Alex, the most handsome of the brothers, whom she had a crush on, is now newly divorced with a teenage daughter as well as Ryan, the youngest brother who has just ended a relationship with Amyra and seems to be in a potential engagement to the town's sweetheart Cassidy. One thing is certain, this summer won't be boring in the least!

I received Under A Summer Sky by Melody Carlson compliments of Baker Publishing Group and Net Galley. In accordance with the new FTC Guidelines for blogging and endorsements, you should assume that every book reviewed here at Reviews From The Heart was provided to the reviewer by the publisher, media group or the author for free and were received, unless specified otherwise. This is such a sweet summer romance, coupled with two very different eligible men who fancy Nicole's attention along with the rocky relationship she has with Amyra who has her target set on Nicole for the job at the Graham Gallery. With moss lined trees and ghost tours, the Savannah southern charm is bound to get readers in the mood for some southern romance. I give this novel a 5 out of 5 stars because it is one I could relate to from my early childhood and this one keeps you longing for those southern summer nights complete with fireworks aplenty. This is the third novel in the Follow Your Heart series with Once Upon A Summertime and All Summer Long preceding this one. Available in paperback and eBook formats.

For more information about Under a Summer Sky, Melody Carlson or where you can pick up a copy of this novel today, please click on the links below:

Under A Summer Sky by Melody Carlson 

You can find Melody Carlson on Facebook to stay up to date with all her latest novels.

To read more reviews on Under A Summer Sky, please visit Baker Publishing Group's website. 

Once Upon a Summertime

I am so blessed to be able to read Melody Carlson's latest novel Once Upon a Summertime, before the closure of summer for me. What an incredible series this is going to be and I can't wait for the next novel in this series! For those looking for an exceptional romance, pick this one up! You won't be disappointed.

Anna Gordon has always had a heart for hospitality, and thus the reason for getting her degree in hotel management. Having lived a rough childhood, living on the streets at times, she relished those moments when they would find a place to stay in a motel. She tried her best at those times, to make it the best it good be, despite what her parents did, and the very reason why she had such a desire for those guests that would come to a place to stay, wanting to ensure that it was truly a great experience.

Yet she never dreamed after all those years of attending school, that she would wind up working at the Value Lodge and living on her grandmother's couch. While all her other friends, were busy living it up at exotic locations managing exceptional hotels, she was questioning if this is as good as her life would get. Was this what her degree would be used for? Not to mention that the Value Lodge was beyond run down and the employees lazy and without the same desire for seeing the potential of what could be. So when an offer to move to New York and help manage one of the high end newly renovated hotels becomes available, Anna believes God might just have a plan in mind if she is willing to place her faith in Him.

She meets a long time friend from home, Sean O'Neil, who most girls had crushes on in high school has now been appointed as the day manager. The two eventually realize that they need a friend while trying to make their way in an unfamiliar city, but if sparks begin to fly, they both could be out of a job when the hotel mandates a no romance or dating policy among it's employees or guests. But all Anna needs is a chance to prove herself worthy so she can move on to bigger and better goals and New York right now offers her the best chance at a new life, she had only dreamed of before.

I received Once Upon A Summertime by Melody Carlson compliments of Revell Publishing and Christian Fiction Blog Alliance for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation aside from a free copy of the book for my honest and personal review. This was such a great novel, that I read it in one sitting. I was completely lost in the world of what it is like to manage a hotel, and being a huge dreamer of one day opening a Bed and Breakfast, this one will appealed to me. Readers even get a sneak peek at the second novel in this series, even though it is unnamed at this time, I can't wait to add this one to my personal collection at home. For me, this one well deserves all 5 out of 5 stars.

For more information about Once Upon A Summertime, Melody Carlson or where you can pick up a copy of this novel today, please click on the links below:

Once Upon A Summertime by Melody Carlson

You can find Melody Carlson on Facebook to stay up to date with all her latest novels.

To read more reviews on Once Upon A Summertime, please visit Christian Fiction Blog Alliances, book tour page. 

Love Gently Falling

Just when Rita Jansen thinks she finally has the perfect life all figured out, tragedy strikes with one phone call from her dad. Her mother has had a stroke and they aren't sure if she will recover but it doesn't look good. Now she will leave her life as a hair stylist in Beverly Hills to face the cold winter of Chicago to help her mother for the next two weeks. Her passion for hair began working with her mother at her salon Hair and Now, and it was her mother who funded the money to send her to school to get her license even though it was in California. Her mother had always been there to support her, now it was Rita's turn to help in any way she could.

When she arrived at the airport intending on finding her own transportation to get to the hospital, she is more than surprised when an old friend from school, Johnny Hollister, is there to pick her up. This way her family can stay at the hospital and not have to worry about Rita. They share a great reunion in the drive there and she learns that Johnny has added her mother's salon to his growing number of clients for his janitorial company. She also learns that her childhood best friend has opened her own shop in the same mall as the salon.

When Rita arrives, she learns that her mother's recovery and stroke was worse than she imagined and it will take about six months to get her back on her feet again. Until then, it's long hours of physical therapy to get her speech and movement back. Rita vows to spend those two weeks renovating her mother's outdated salon to something she would be proud of. But how will she be able to manage it with only two weeks and a very limited budget. All she knows is she has to try because by the looks of things if she doesn't her mother may be out of business before she can return to the salon again.

I received Love Gently Falling by Melody Carlson compliments of Center Street Publishing, a division of Hachette Book Groups for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation for a favorable review and the opinions contained here are strictly my own. This is such a beautiful contemporary romance perfect for Valentine's Day! The love that abounds not only for Rita's family and friends but even for her own childhood skating rink comes full circle by the conclusion of this book and teaches us that it's never to let to find love in the places we might least expect it. This one is worthy of 5 out of 5 stars.

For more information about Love Gently Falling, Melody Carlson, or where you can pick up a copy of this book today, please click on the links below:

Love Gently Falling by Melody Carlson

You can find Melody Carlson on Facebook to stay up to date with all her latest books.

To find more reviews on Love Gently Falling, please visit Center Street Publishers website. 

Dating, Dining and Desperation

Daphne Ballinger doesn't have to worry about her biological clock ticking away to find the right man to marry, she has the contingency of her late Aunt Dee's will doing that for her. Daphne has just ten months left to find a man and marry him before the contents of her Aunt Dee's Victorian home, the remaining money in the bank, car and home will be sold. With all her hopeful prospects running out, Daphne isn't quite sure what the point to all of this rush to find a husband was if she loses everything her Aunt Dee ever owned. While maintaining and writing Dear Daphne, her late Aunt's advice column in the paper, she spends her day looking for love in quite literally all the wrong places.

Even the men she has a slight interest in, suddenly seem to be giving off mixed signals from her Aussie landscaper Mick, to the shy and quiet Ricardo, owner and chef of Midge's Dinner. Even her Aunt Dee's attorney Jake seems to have found interest in someone else and thus Daphne doesn't know quite where to begin looking for love any longer. That is, until her new neighbor moves in, outgoing and gorgeous Southern Belle, Sabrina Fontaine, who takes it upon herself to find Daphne the perfect husband. Now if she can only get Daphne to take a hard look at herself in the mirror and see that she hasn't been exactly laying out the welcome mat to eligible suitors in the way she's been maintaining her own personal appearance. But soon Daphne finds more than just the motivation she needs in her friendship with Sabrina, she finds someone that needs her as much as she needs to be needed. Along with her obnoxious wiener dog she has faithfully named Tootsie Roll, soon Daphne is introducing her new neighbor to everyone in the neighborhood. What she doesn't understand is why she is suddenly jealous when all heads turn when Sabrina smiles, especially at her landscaper Mick!

In her latest novel in the Dear Daphne series, Dating, Dining and Desperation, from best selling author Melody Carlson seem to wrap up just what the reader will find in the second novel in this charming and humorous series. I couldn't help but find myself picturing Kristin Chenowith as the delightful Sabrina Fontaine. Now on the mend from her own divorce, Sabrina uncovers just why Daphne needs to find a husband and she takes it upon herself to boldly go where Daphne won't finding her dates with all the local single men in town. Even manages a surprise speed dating session where it seems like Daphne has met her match. You truly gain a sense for how wonderful it would be to be a part of the town of Appleton, to stop for a bite to eat at Midge's where Ricardo's culinary creations are literally out of this world.

I received Dating, Dining and Desperation by Melody Carlson compliments of Christian Fiction Blog Alliance and B and H Publishers for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation and the opinions expressed in this review are strictly my own. I can't wait to read the next novel in this series, because Melody breathes such life into her characters that you truly believe your there with them in the town of Appleton. Crossing my fingers with whom she might end up with but most of all, it's seeing how much Daphne has grown since coming to the town of Appleton and how she truly has a genuine love for every single person she meets, not just the eligible men! I easily give this one a 5 out of 5 stars!

For more information about Dating Dining and Desperation, Melody Carlson or where you can pick up a copy of this novel today, please click on the links below:

Dating, Dining and Desperation by Melody Carlson

You can also find Melody Carlson on Facebook to stay up to date with all her latest novels.

To read more reviews on Dating, Dining and Desperation, please visit Christian Fiction Blog Alliance's Book Tour Page. 

• Series: A Dear Daphne Novel
• Paperback: 320 pages
• Publisher: B&H Books (March 1, 2014)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1433679310
• ISBN-13: 978-1433679315
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.4 x 0.9 inches

Once Upon A Winter's Heart

As Emma Burcelli heads home to her Nona's after learning of the death of her Poppi, she wonders if the last of the true romantic men has truly died as well. It seems like her Nona and Poppi's marriage was the perfect role model of what a happily ever after marriage really looked like, and after all the men she has ever met, there has been no one like Poppi. Guess all the good ones really are gone.

Leaving her marketing job in Seattle far behind after sensing this truly wasn't the dream job for her, she now has more than enough time to help her Nona get settled and help with the funeral arrangements. When she arrives at her Nona's home in the mountains, the last person she expected to see there was her mother. Thinking the worst, she heads inside only to learn that her mother has left her father. It seems that even her own parents couldn't make romance and love work in their own marriage living more like room mates than husband and wife. Oh sure, they could make it look good on the outside for appearances sake, but to those that really knew them like family, it was only a matter of time before things took a toll on either of them.

But her Nona's home wasn't situated for both of them to sleep properly and knowing her mother, Emma only believed it was a matter of time before her mother high tailed it back home. Without all the luxuries she had come to enjoy, living in a simple fashion hardly suited her mother including sleeping in a twin sized bed alongside Emma. Knowing that Valentine's day was truly something to be celebrated at her grandfather's bookstore, Nona asks Emma to help make sure all the decorations are up. But with romance and love being the furthest thing from her mind, Emma is the epitome of the Valentine's Day grouch. But when Lane Forester shows up late one rainy night, she wonder if the man her grandfather was mentoring could truly be her prince charming after all. The only thing standing in her way, is that her perfect blonde sister Anne has already claimed Lane as her boyfriend and has asked Emma to back off. But is it really that simple?

I received Once Upon A Winter's Heart by Melody Carlson compliments of Center Street, a division of Hachette Book Groups and Christian Fiction Blog Alliance for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation for a favorable review and the opinions expressed here are strictly my own. This is such a charming and heartwarming book perfect as a gift for Valentine's day or anytime you want that wonderful feeling of falling in love all over again. Grab a glass of wine, some of your favorite chocolates and don't forget to add just the right music, Dean Martin and you've got the perfect recipe for love! I easily give this one a 5 out of 5 stars!

For more information about Once Upon A Winter's Heart, Melody Carlson or where you can pick up a copy of this book today, please click on the links below:

Once Upon A Winter's Heart by Melody Carlson

You can also follow Melody Carlson on Facebook to stay up to date with all her latest novels.

To read more reviews on Once Upon A Winter's Heart, please visit Christian Fiction Blog Alliance Book Tours

• Paperback: 160 pages
• Publisher: Center Street (January 7, 2014)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1455528110
• ISBN-13: 978-1455528110
• Product Dimensions: 8 x 5.2 x 0.5 inches

Once Upon A Winter's Heart

As Emma Burcelli heads home to her Nona's after learning of the death of her Poppi, she wonders if the last of the true romantic men has truly died as well. It seems like her Nona and Poppi's marriage was the perfect role model of what a happily ever after marriage really looked like, and after all the men she has ever met, there has been no one like Poppi. Guess all the good ones really are gone.

Leaving her marketing job in Seattle far behind after sensing this truly wasn't the dream job for her, she now has more than enough time to help her Nona get settled and help with the funeral arrangements. When she arrives at her Nona's home in the mountains, the last person she expected to see there was her mother. Thinking the worst, she heads inside only to learn that her mother has left her father. It seems that even her own parents couldn't make romance and love work in their own marriage living more like room mates than husband and wife. Oh sure, they could make it look good on the outside for appearances sake, but to those that really knew them like family, it was only a matter of time before things took a toll on either of them.

But her Nona's home wasn't situated for both of them to sleep properly and knowing her mother, Emma only believed it was a matter of time before her mother high tailed it back home. Without all the luxuries she had come to enjoy, living in a simple fashion hardly suited her mother including sleeping in a twin sized bed alongside Emma. Knowing that Valentine's day was truly something to be celebrated at her grandfather's bookstore, Nona asks Emma to help make sure all the decorations are up. But with romance and love being the furthest thing from her mind, Emma is the epitome of the Valentine's Day grouch. But when Lane Forester shows up late one rainy night, she wonder if the man her grandfather was mentoring could truly be her prince charming after all. The only thing standing in her way, is that her perfect blonde sister Anne has already claimed Lane as her boyfriend and has asked Emma to back off. But is it really that simple?

I received Once Upon A Winter's Heart by Melody Carlson compliments of Center Street, a division of Hachette Book Groups for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation for a favorable review and the opinions expressed here are strictly my own. This is such a charming and heartwarming book perfect as a gift for Valentine's day or anytime you want that wonderful feeling of falling in love all over again. Grab a glass of wine, some of your favorite chocolates and don't forget to add just the right music, Dean Martin and you've got the perfect recipe for love! I easily give this one a 5 out of 5 stars!

For more information about Once Upon A Winter's Heart, Melody Carlson or where you can pick up a copy of this book today, please click on the links below:

Once Upon A Winter's Heart by Melody Carlson

You can also follow Melody Carlson on Facebook to stay up to date with all her latest novels.

To read more reviews on Once Upon A Winter's Heart, please visit Center Streets Website. 

• Paperback: 160 pages
• Publisher: Center Street (January 7, 2014)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1455528110
• ISBN-13: 978-1455528110
• Product Dimensions: 8 x 5.2 x 0.5 inches

Lock, Stock and Over A Barrel

When Daphne Ballinger learns that she has inherited her Aunt Dee's estate, she is completely at odds at why her Aunt would leave everything all to her. She lives in New York and though she was fond of visiting her Aunt, she can't come to terms with why everything is now in her name. Unfortunately it's not quite a cut and dry proposal either. There are a few conditions before Daphne can lay claim to not only her Aunt's fortune but gain possession of the old home and everything in it. The first condition is that Daphne must be willing to live in the home and care for her Aunt's two cats, Lucy and Ethel. For Daphne that is a no-brainer since writing for the New York Times for the last few years she isn't going to ever gain a promotion working with her current boss who seems to have it in for Daphne.

The second condition is that Daphne must be willing to assume taking over her Aunt's advice column for the local paper, Dear Daphne as well as in the New York Times. This is an easy decision since all Daphne's been writing at the New York Times is engagement announcements so she feels this is a simple step up in her writing career.

The third stipulation is that she has to fall in love and get married within a year. Not that one may just in fact be the biggest challenge for Daphne to face since she has no prospects on the horizon either in New York or moving back to her Aunt's hometown of Appleton. If she doesn't follow all the stipulations in the will, the house and all the estate holdings will go back to The Cat House, a pet rescue facility where her Aunt Dee adopted Lucy and Ethel.

Looking for a prospect of a new future on the line, Daphne agrees to the conditions of the will and hopes that in time she may just find someone she can love. But if she can't she'll be both homeless and jobless and have to find a way to start over again quite literally from nothing. Good thing for her that Appleton is a small town and she seems to have no problem finding men who are interested in learning more about Daphne from her Aunt's gardener, to the local organic produce owner, and even her Aunt Dee's attorney seem to be lining up willing to date the latest heiress in their small town. In fact Daphne thinks things are fine until the man she fell in love with ten years ago that broke her heart suddenly shows up at her front door. Oh what's a girl to do?

I received Lock, Stock and Over A Barrel by best selling author Melody Carlson compliments of Christian Fiction Blog Alliance and B and H Publishers for my honest review. This is definitely one you want to add to your summer's reading list and features a list of characters you find yourself rooting for Daphne to chose as her potential husband. I was rooting for the local gardener with the Australian accent that stops by to help keep her landscaping looking amazing and enjoy a cup of coffee or lemonade if she has it available. I've been a huge fan of Melody Carlson's books and this one has found a permanent home on my library shelf. I'd rate this one a 4.5 out of 5 stars.

For more information about Lock, Stock and Over A Barrel, Melody Carlson or where to pick up a copy of this novel today, please click on the links below:

Lock, Stock and Over A Barrel by Melody Carlson

You can also find Melody Carlson on Facebook to stay up to date with all her latest novels.

You can read more reviews on Lock, Stock and Over A Barrel on the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance Book Tour, by clicking here. 

• Paperback: 320 pages
• Publisher: B&H Books (June 1, 2013)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1433679302
• ISBN-13: 978-1433679308
• Product Dimensions: 5.4 x 0.9 x 8.3 inches 

This book is available in paperback and ebook formats from your favorite book retailer.

Lock, Stock and Over a Barrel

When Daphne Ballinger learns that she has inherited her Aunt Dee's estate, she is completely at odds at why her Aunt would leave everything all to her. She lives in New York and though she was fond of visiting her Aunt, she can't come to terms with why everything is now in her name. Unfortunately it's not quite a cut and dry proposal either. There are a few conditions before Daphne can lay claim to not only her Aunt's fortune but gain possession of the old home and everything in it. The first condition is that Daphne must be willing to live in the home and care for her Aunt's two cats, Lucy and Ethel. For Daphne that is a no-brainer since writing for the New York Times for the last few years she isn't going to ever gain a promotion working with her current boss who seems to have it in for Daphne.

The second condition is that Daphne must be willing to assume taking over her Aunt's advice column for the local paper, Dear Daphne as well as in the New York Times. This is an easy decision since all Daphne's been writing at the New York Times is engagement announcements so she feels this is a simple step up in her writing career.

The third stipulation is that she has to fall in love and get married within a year. Not that one may just in fact be the biggest challenge for Daphne to face since she has no prospects on the horizon either in New York or moving back to her Aunt's hometown of Appleton. If she doesn't follow all the stipulations in the will, the house and all the estate holdings will go back to The Cat House, a pet rescue facility where her Aunt Dee adopted Lucy and Ethel.

Looking for a prospect of a new future on the line, Daphne agrees to the conditions of the will and hopes that in time she may just find someone she can love. But if she can't she'll be both homeless and jobless and have to find a way to start over again quite literally from nothing. Good thing for her that Appleton is a small town and she seems to have no problem finding men who are interested in learning more about Daphne from her Aunt's gardener, to the local organic produce owner, and even her Aunt Dee's attorney seem to be lining up willing to date the latest heiress in their small town. In fact Daphne thinks things are fine until the man she fell in love with ten years ago that broke her heart suddenly shows up at her front door. Oh what's a girl to do?

I received Lock, Stock and Over A Barrel by best selling author Melody Carlson compliments of Shelton Interactive and B and H Publishers for my honest review. This is definitely one you want to add to your summer's reading list and features a list of characters you find yourself rooting for Daphne to chose as her potential husband. I was rooting for the local gardener with the Australian accent that stops by to help keep her landscaping looking amazing and enjoy a cup of coffee or lemonade if she has it available. I've been a huge fan of Melody Carlson's books and this one has found a permanent home on my library shelf. I'd rate this one a 4.5 out of 5 stars.

For more information about Lock, Stock and Over A Barrel, Melody Carlson or where to pick up a copy of this novel today, please click on the links below:

Lock, Stock and Over A Barrel by Melody Carlson

You can also find Melody Carlson on Facebook to stay up to date with all her latest novels.

• Paperback: 320 pages
• Publisher: B&H Books (June 1, 2013)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1433679302
• ISBN-13: 978-1433679308
• Product Dimensions: 5.4 x 0.9 x 8.3 inches 

This book is available in paperback and ebook formats from your favorite book retailer.

River's End

We all know at some point in our lives, chapters in our life stories must reach an end before new one's begin and that is just what happens in the conclusion to the Inn at the Shining Water Series of books by Melody Carlson, River's End. It's a book of some sadness, anxiety, hope and of course new waters to chart, but it is also filled with the most heartbreaking and sweetest goodbyes as well.

If you have followed the series from the beginning with River's Song, you learn about Anna's story and her Indian heritage and why the river holds a place for her people and offers any who come to live here a chance for healing and restoration. In River's Call, we learn about Anna's daughter Lauren and the healing of a broken relationship between Anna and Lauren, and finally now a grandmother in River's End, and the prodigal returning home of her missing granddaughter, Sarah who has gone without a trace for two years. She has answered the call of the river and came home.

Now as history repeats itself, mother and daughter are at odds and bitterness between the two continues to escalate as one tries to heal and the other tries find a path towards forgiveness. Each is trying too hard to make the other one see the path towards new beginnings as Sarah returns home from living in a commune in Oregon that seems to have inspired a bit of sadness and harbors grudges towards her mother for not being good enough while she was growing up. Lauren on the other hand wants nothing more than to apologize and move forward without recognizing the pain and hurt that Sarah is carrying within her heart, she wants the quick band aid fix but the pain goes much deeper than Lauren realizes.

As Anna tries to help them work together to find healing along the water by working at the Inn during the summer season, it only seems to do nothing more but cause each of them to avoid the other for the sake of not getting into heated confrontations, and drive them further apart. Anna's mother-in-law, Hazel, returns home from a long trip in China only to return home ill. Anna hopes some old-fashioned home made remedies might do her some good but soon we find out that Hazel's heart has grown much older than she feels and Anna and Clark along with some of the readers must find a way to say good-bye to a loveable character that has been so prominent from the very beginning. Will Lauren and Sarah find healing in the passing legacy Hazel has to leave behind, or will the river's call go unanswered between the two?

I received River's End compliments of Abingdon Press and Net Galley for my honest review. In this series it shows the lasting consequences that can happen when we let bitterness poison our hearts and keep us from the opportunity to say our final good-byes to those we love the most. It shows how forgiveness isn't about letting someone off the hook for the pain they have caused, but more about the healing that happens within our own hearts when we can let the burden go and finally move forward in freedom spiritually. While the river I believe is a metaphor for the spiritual river all of us have running through our lives, we must all heed to its call and return home to God, for without it we will be left in a faithless drought and always be searching in thirst for something to fill it unless it's God. Only He can fill the emptiness in anyone's life and that's why I rate this series a perfect 5 out of 5 stars. Trust me, you'll want to read this series from the first book to gain all the insight you can from Melody Carlson's words!

For more information on River's End, Melody Carlson and where to pick up a copy of this book today, please click on the links below:

River's End by Melody Carlson

You can also find Melody Carlson on Facebook!

River's Call

The Shining Waters Inn offers its guests a place to relax, and find peace and healing beside the Siuslaw River. Now that it's gaining more popularity, Anna Larson is staying busier than ever before. Now that she and Clark are working full-time at expanding the Inn's lodging by building more cabins, she isn't prepared for the news that arrives during one late phone call from her daughter Lauren. She is sick and physically exhausted and needs her mom. When Anna sends for her daughter and offers her time to be cared for at the Inn, Lauren gratefully accepts.

However what was thought to be a severe case of the flu, turns out to be worse than anyone expected. Lauren's pregnant and the father, Donald Thomas has no idea. Now all Lauren can think of is how her college life is going to be ruined by her baby and considers abortion. Anna cringes at the thought but realizes she can only support her daughter, she can't make her do anything even if that goes against anything she believes.

Worse yet, when Donald does find out, he is already seeing another girl and doesn't know what to do. When Lauren's grandmother, Eunice finds out however, she figures she can manipulate everything so Lauren gets her way, marriage and happily ever after. But life doesn't always offer a happily ever after ending as soon everyone will find out as the river calls all of them back.

Melody Carlson once again has created a beautiful story of what forgiveness means through her second novel in the Inn at the Shining Waters series, River's Call. Even though it can be read alone, you will want to understand the story about Anna and Eunice which is revealed in more detail in the first book, River's Song. I received this book compliments of Glass Roads Public Relations for my honest review and wish there was really a Shining Waters Inn because this story is amazing. The healing and peace that just being at the Inn offers is such a wonderful way to draw the reader into the story of Lauren and the difficult relationship between her and Anna. I love the Native American references that appear all throughout the book as Anna's heritage is explored more in this book. I would easily rate this one a 5 out of 5 stars and look forward to the next one, River's End due out soon!

For more information about this book, the author and where to purchase a copy of this book, please click on the link below:

River's Call by Melody Carlson

Becoming Me: Diary of A Teenage Girl - Caitlin #1

If you have ever wondered what the average high school girl would write about in her diary, then look no further than Melody Carlson's, Becoming Me: Diary of A Teenage Girl, Caitlin #1 . The reader is taken into the diary of Caitin O'Connor, a sixteen-year old Junior in high school dealing with all the things a typical girl would and chronicles her journey in a diary.

From what it's like with her best friend Beanie, who has been with her through thick and thin, dealing with a father who was addicted to cocaine and subsequently left her and her mother, Beanie is the friend, who Caitlin believes will always be there for her. Until she wonders what it would be like to hang out with the popular kids. When Caitlin is involved with Jenny Lambert, cheerleader and the most popular girl in school, during a honor society task for decorating for the Valentine's day dance, Caitlin, soon discovers that life on the other side isn't always greener. Choosing to ignore her friend Beanie, rather than risk introducing her to the popular group she is now a part of, she finds life is a whole lot different.

When Caitlin is invited to a birthday party of Heather's boyfriend and her parents agree to let her go, simply because she is attending it with Jenny, she finds out that the parents aren't home and alcohol is now flowing. Even though she knows better than to drink at the party, fearing what may happen to her if her parents find out, she nonetheless agrees to let Jenny driver her home, after Jenny swears she's fine to drive. She writes that even her parents have cautioned her against under age drinking, she tells that no one told her how to avoid what to do when a friend is drunk and you have no way home.

I received this book compliments of Glass Roads Public Relations for my honest review and think that both parents and teens should read this book together. It definitely gives parents an idea from a teen's perspective on what they think and what is important in their lives growing up in high school. It provides an outlet that parents and their teens can open discussions up to what they can do when faced with any of this situations and create a more open communication with their kids. I would rate this book a 5 out of 5 stars and highly recommend it to anyone who wants to know what is going on with our kids today and what they are thinking.

For more information about this book, the author or where to purchase a copy of this book, please click on the links below:

Becoming Me: Diary of A Teenage Girl - Caitlin #1 by Melody Carlson

You can also find Melody on Facebook by clicking here.

Here's to Friends

In the final book of Melody Carlson's popular series of the four Linda's, we see where life has found Abby, Caroline, Marley and Janie at the mid-way point in their lives. For Abby, she's trying to get back in shape in time for a cruise that all four of them will take, but it's been a while since she's worked out and rather than take it slow, she jumps right on in with a circuit training class and paying for the membership fee without seeing how she'll like the class. Confident that Caroline and Janie already take it, and hope that there is safety in numbers, Abby soon finds out that she feels more out than in and wishing she never agreed to go on the cruise if it involved swimsuits.

Caroline while still grieving over the death of her mom, gets encouragement from the other Linda's to embark on a remodeling project on the family home in hopes if she can fix it up she can sell it, or possibly love it enough to stay there and be much closer to the girls.

Janie's been getting mysterious voice mail messages from her daughter, who she believes is only after money and still involved in drugs, but when an unexpected call promises she's changed and only wants to move back home, Janie is willing to drive out to Phoenix to pick her up. This is one way to make sure she just doesn't take the money and run again.

Meanwhile, Marley, the artist, is struggling to find her creative groove during what she calls her midweek madness, something she hadn't experienced for many years since her marriage with her ex husband John. Yet she couldn't quite figure out just what it was but she knew something for sure was on the horizon and it couldn't be good. Was it someone's birthday, a hormone problem, or something more? When Jack called, her new love interest in a gallery owner, she would learn what would cause this feeling. He tells her that his daughter, Jasmine has up and left with a new man leaving her son, Hunter behind. What she doesn't know is if Jasmine is coming back or has abandoned her 7 year old son forever?

I received the novel, Here's To Friends by Melody Carlson compliments of Christian Fiction Blog Alliance for my honest review and love how honest and true to life, her characters are. Not having read the three prior Linda books in the series, I could immediately relate to each of these women and the unique situations that all find themselves in. Some have family to assist them and others will struggle alone but the best part is the friendship that cements them altogether proving that real friendships are priceless. I would rate this book a 5 out of 5 stars and can't wait to go back and read the entire series of The Four Lindas!

Here's even more great information about the book, the author and where to get a sneak peek into the first chapter:

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Here’s to Friends David C. Cook (September 1, 2011) by Melody Carlson



ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Over the years, Melody Carlson has worn many hats, from pre-school teacher to youth counselor to political activist to senior editor. But most of all, she loves to write! Currently she freelances from her home. In the past eight years, she has published over ninety books for children, teens, and adults--with sales totaling more than two million and many titles appearing on the ECPA Bestsellers List. Several of her books have been finalists for, and winners of, various writing awards. And her "Diary of a Teenage Girl" series has received great reviews and a large box of fan mail.



She has two grown sons and lives in Central Oregon with her husband and chocolate lab retriever. They enjoy skiing, hiking, gardening, camping and biking in the beautiful Cascade Mountains.





ABOUT THE BOOK

Once upon a time in a little town on the Oregon coast lived four Lindas—all in the same first-grade classroom. So they decided to go by their middle names. And form a club. And be friends forever.



Decades later, they're all back home in Clifden and reinventing their lives, but the holidays bring a whole new set of challenges. Abby’s new B&B is getting bad reviews and husband Paul is acting strange. Still grieving for her mom, Caroline is remodeling the family home, but boyfriend Mitch keeps pressuring her to go away with him. Artist Marley, distracted by a friend's family drama (and a touch of jealousy), can't find her creative groove. And Janie’s drug-addicted daughter has just appeared up on her doorstep! When a long-planned New Year's cruise turns into a bumpy ride, they learn once again that, in your fifties, friends aren’t just for fun—they're a necessity!



If you would like to read the first chapter of Here’s to Friends, go HERE.

River's Song

Anna Larson feels the pull of returning home. Back to the home she shared with her parents and her grandmother, back to the love of the land beside the still river. Returning home following her mother's funeral, Anna returns back home to the river, where she is making final arrangements on her parents property that hugs 40 acres of river and forest land. Once a small market, the home is long overgrown with weeds and a closed sign still hangs in the cob-web filled window.

She should have returned home sooner. Back to her childhood home, back to the love of her mother and back to her roots as a Native American. Spending her years carrying for her husband that came back from the war wounded more than just losing his arm, he also carried some deep emotional wounds as well. Never being good enough for more that just taking care of the house and cooking, Anna wasn't even good enough for her mother-in-law Eunice. Being classified as a less than human being because of her culture, Eunice kept Anna in her home after her son passed away from his war wounds and partly to care for her granddaughter, Lauren, who was becoming more like her rich, snobby grandmother every day.

Now that Anna has come home, the land calls to her once more. Remembering all the "old ways" from her grandmother from basket making to collecting old stories has kept her heritage alive. Sharing the river with an old college student named Hazel whose working on her doctriate by studying old Indian tribes, she finds companionship and solace in sharing her background and life with Hazel. Hazel inspires her to transform her home into a Bed and Breakfast, since the house is so large and she has plenty of land to build on. Now she is pulled in two different directions, will she return home to take care of the house for Eunice and Lauren or will she use the land and river to heal the hearts that come to stay at the Inn by the Still Waters?

I received the novel, River's Song by Melody Carlson, compliments of Glass Road Public Relations for my honest review and found my blood pressure at ease, my stress level lower than it has been in some time, as I found myself a silent character being cared for by Anna Larson. Just the words that Melody uses to describe the land and the way the water of the river sparkled like diamonds in the sun, paints such a vivid picture, you find yourself disappointed when you realize your not really there. I highly recommend this book and award it 5 out of 5 stars. For those seeking a place of tranquility and peace, you'll find it with Anna Larson beside the Siuslaw River in Oregon. This is book one in The Inn at the Shining Waters series and can't wait to read the rest!

For even more great information about the author, the book or where to pick up a copy today, please click on the links below:

River's Song by Melody Carlson

Shattered

Cleo Neilson's best friend is moving away and she wants to make Lola's last night in town special. For Cleo, that means going to the big Christian concert in the city, but her mom won't allow her to go. She says that area of the city is too dangerous for two unchaperoned teenage girls.

Convinced her mom is just being overprotective "helicopter" mom, she sneaks out of the house. After all, her mom has to let her grow up sometime, right?

Cleo now faces the chilling consequences of her actions and a secret that is eating her up inside. As Cleo fights through her grief and guilt, she learns about faith in God and forgiveness through him.



In Melody Carlson's new novel, Shattered, the reader gets to explore deception and its consequences through the story of Cleo and her overprotective mom. Considered spoiled by most of her friends, Cleo's facing a graduation without her best friend who is moving away. Faced with finding the perfect way to celebrate one final night, what no one knows is exactly what things will be placed in motion by one simple phone call to her mother.

This is such a compelling read for anyone who has teenagers and provides a safe way to experience what happens to one family when things go too far and get out of hand. This is a must read and comes with a 5 out of 5 star rating. It's edgy, controversial, and definitely a wake up call to everyone from parents to teens.

I received this book from Glass Roads Public Relations for my honest review and LOVED it! As a parent, time is so precious and this was a wake up call for me. For more information about this book, the author and where to get a copy, please click on the link below:

Shattered by Melody Carlson