Book Review - Courting Mr. Emerson by Melody Carlson

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Willow West is a gallery owner who is spontaneous and loves to have fun. When she crosses path with George Emerson, who is a button-up retired English teacher, she wasn't sure what to think of him.  However, she finds George interesting and wants him to loosen up and enjoy life.  While trying to make George embrace life, she finds herself falling for him.

George straddles the line of being irritated and attracted to Willow. He thinks Willow is around to often but, he misses her when she isn't around. George isn't interested in making new friends or trying new things as it hurts when you lose people you care about.

I thought the novel was an interesting premise. I thought both characters were flawed but, continue to grow and learn throughout their relationship. I did get annoyed during some parts of the novel, where they both accused each other of overstepping their bounds but, they both do the same thing.  They try to make the other person happy without actually considering the person's feelings. I also, felt like George and Willow were the most developed characters. I felt like the daughter and grandson felt forced and their conversations didn't feel authenticate. Another example, George knows he is closed off but, he becomes dismayed when his retirement party didn't have a big turnout.  This book wasn't my favorite by the author but, I will continue to read her novels.

**Disclosure - I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion. This post may contain affiliate links which means I earn advertising and/or referral fees if you purchase an item through my link. Please note, there will be no extra charges to you. Thank you for your support.**

Book Review - The Christmas Angel Project by Melody Carlson

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Abby's book club is composed of five very different women who become close friends after joining the book club together. They find they enjoy each other's company more than they enjoy the books. However, when Abby passes away unexpectedly, the group is struck in turmoil. She was the nucleus that held the group together along with being the support each of the women needed. They used to rely on Abby for motivation and advice along with being a mother figure to the youngest member. The group is unsure they can continue without her, but they receive a surprise gift from Abby. Will this surprise gift be able to fire up her group? Will the women  be able to find inspiration and companionship with each other?

I have read a few other Melody Carlson's Christmas stories and this one doesn't disappoint. Like the others its a very light read, but leaves your heart and soul warmed. Perfect for the holiday season because it allows us to remember that friends and family are important and to give back to others without expecting anything in return.

**Disclosure - I received a free copy of this book exchange for an honest opinion**

Book Review - The Christmas Blessing by Melody Carlson

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In the year of 1944, a young woman is clutching her young infant while weighing her impossible situation.  The father of Amelia's child was shot down in the South Pacific during the war. She loses hope as she lost her job and has no money. She decides to reach out to her infant's paternal grandparents as her beau always spoke highly of his childhood and upbringing.  Amelia and Jimmy take the train to meet Jimmy's grandparents and Amelia hopes they would take her and her son in. When she arrives an unfortunate accident causes her situation to become more dire, but when she finds out that his family is rich, would Amelia still be able to go through her plan?

This was the second novel I read by Melody Carlson. Both novels had central themes of Christmas and losing someone, but also redemption. The novella was a quick and lighthearted read with a "Christmas Miracle" sprinkled in.

**Disclosure - I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion**

Book Review - The Christmas Joy Ride by Melody Carlson

Photo Source - Amazon

The heart warming tale of friendship, giving, hope, and the Christmas Spirit will not leave leave you with a dry eye. Joy, the 85 year old neighbor of Miranda decides to do an ultimate Christmas adventure on her bucket list. Miranda reluctantly joins in on the adventure as she has her own problems that she would like to run away from.  In the middle of a divorce and having her house foreclosed on, Miranda welcomes the chance to spread the cheer and escape.

As the trip continues on, it becomes evident that Joy is struggling to keep up. Before, Miranda was afraid of letting Joy drive the RV and terrified of being behind the wheel; she is now ecstatic and becomes a great driver. Along their trip on Route 66, Miranda and Joy meet families and friends who are in need of a little holiday cheer and hope. Little by little, Miranda starts looking forward to spreading the cheer among others. Although, on her last stop -- she notices that on her last stop her heart is filled with joy but a little tinge of loneliness. Can she figure out a way to cure it in time to have the Christmas she always wanted?

The book is filled with dynamic and relatable characters, along with being a very quick read. It is well written and makes you wonder what will happened at the end of trip and will get Christmas Joy get to spread her Joy around and how she would be there for Miranda in the midst of her troubles. 

**Disclosure - I received a free copy of this book for my honest opinion**