All Booked Up by Melody Carlson

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

All Booked Up

Book Summary

When preserving precious memories means welcoming unexpected changes, Riva finds that her heart has room for so much more than she imagined.

Widowed empty nester Riva Owen lives in the Victorian house that's been in her family for three generations, but finances have become a challenge she can no longer ignore. Her daughter is pushing her to move, and after considering all her options, Riva knows selling would be the smartest course. But she just can't bring herself to leave decades of memories--and her cherished library filled with hundreds of books.

When she pursues an alternative--opening her home to women like her who need a room to rent--Riva is unprepared for the mix of personalities and peculiarities of her new housemates. She is even more unprepared for Marcus, the handsome and handy older brother of one of her new tenants. The possibility of finding love again feels overwhelming, even as her tenants seem to have romantic schemes of their own.

Warm your heart with a story of found family, book lovers, and a second chance at love.

A heartwarming contemporary romance featuring a bookish widow finding a second chance at love. This small-town rom-com about new beginnings makes a perfect read for your book club.

My Thoughts

All Booked Up by Melody Carlson is a delightful tale.  I always look forward to Melody Carlson’s latest story.  I like the author’s friendly writing style which makes the book easy to read.  I liked the main character and understood why she did not want to move.  Riva had a large book collection, and she knew that no other dwelling that she could afford would be able to accommodate it.  I was shocked when Riva’s daughter suggested she burn the books.  I liked  that Riva assigned a different book for each roommate to read.  I could relate to the ladies in All Booked Up since I am close to their age (and I have a feeling that roommates are in my future). Each woman has their own story and struggle.  One of the roommate’s has a handsome brother which results in rivalry (the green-eyed monster is quick to appear, and it has claws).   This charming story has friendship, a book club, delectable dinners, jealousy, forgiveness, and romance.   All Booked Up suggests that even adults still have lessons to learn and room to grow.  

All Booked Up can be obtained from Amazon*.  You can find Melody Carlson's other novels here.  I am looking forward to fall when her latest Christmas book will come out (there is a new one each year). Christmas at Harrington's, The Christmas Joy Ride, and The Christmas Bus are my three favorites Christmas stories by Melody Carlson.  If you follow Melody Carlson on Amazon, they will notify you when she has a new book release.  Happy St. Patrick's Day!  When I was a kid, it was important to wear green or a classmate would pinch you (hard).  I will be sharing my thoughts on A Texas Easter Blessing by Mindy Obenhaus on Wednesday, March 18.  I am off to work on my "To Do" List.  I believe it grows while I am sleeping.  May you have a lucky day.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

*I voluntarily read an advanced copy of this book.  I am not required to leave a review.  The comments and opinions expressed are strictly my own.

*This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase using my links, I will receive a small commission from the sale at no cost to you.  Thank you for supporting The Avid Reader.

Once Upon a Christmas Carol by Melody Carlson

 Once Upon a Christmas Carol

Book Summary

Can a tropical escape from holiday blues turn her Christmas into a snowy wonderland filled with joy and cheer?

Carol Langstrom hates Christmas. Growing up in a dysfunctional home, with a birthday on December 25 and too many dashed childhood expectations, the holiday season is something she would rather avoid. And working in the design industry where she manages seasonal decor for wealthy, entitled clients certainly hasn't helped!   

So, this year her goal is to flee to the Bahamas--by herself--bah humbug! But bad weather and God's radically different plan redirect her flight to blustery Michigan, where she gets stuck on her aunt's farm and discovers a different kind of Christmas--one wrapped in love, family, and holiday spirit.

Melody Carlson's Christmas novella delivers all the charm of a holiday Hallmark movie, is rooted in Christian faith, woven with sweet romance, and features A Christmas Carol themes.

My Thoughts

I look forward to Melody Carlson’s Christmas story each year, and I started reading Once Upon a Christmas Carol as soon as I received it.  Melody Carlson did not disappoint with this heartwarming, holiday tale.  I enjoyed getting to know Carol and her aunt, Maria as well as Victor.  I did feel bad that she was stuck in Michigan (I’m sorry, but I am a Buckeye).  I like that we get to see Carol grow over the course of the holiday season.  Carol learns that helping others not only brings happiness but also provides fulfillment. I enjoyed this merry and moving story.  Once Upon a Christmas Carol is a cozy Christmas story about forgiveness, family, romance, and having a festive holiday. 

Once Upon a Christmas Carol is available from Amazon*.  Melody Carlson has All Booked Up coming out on March 17, 2026 (I have pre-ordered my copy).  You can find Melody Carlson's other novels here.  Other delightful books that came out today are The Christmas House by Beverly Lewis, The Amish Widow's Last Stitch by Tracy Fredrychowski (you can read for free through Kindle Unlimited), and On a Midnight Clear by Tracie Peterson, Karen Witemeyer, and Misty M. Beiler.  Thank you for dropping by today.  I will be featuring The Amish Widow's Last Stitch by Tracy Fredrychowski tomorrow.  

My cat, Dickens, is determined to meet the ducklings.  Every time I go outside, Dickens darts out the door.  The last time, Mama Duck and the ducklings were on the porch (it was chow time) and Dickens made a beeline for the little group.  Mama Duck quickly gathered the ducklings behind her and positioned herself in front with her wings spread.  I knew this did not bode well for Dickens.  I was able to snatch up Dickens and get her back in the house before a fight could ensue (Dickens is a friendly cat who purrs when around people and animals--she does not fight).  Dickens continues to live up to her name.  I hope that you have a merry day.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

*I voluntarily read an advanced copy of this book.  I am not required to leave a review.  The comments and opinions expressed are strictly my own.

*This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase using my links, I will receive a small commission from the sale at no cost to you.  Thank you for supporting The Avid Reader.

Welcome to the Honey B&B by Melody Carlson

Welcome to the Honey B&B 

Book Summary

When life feels like it's closing in around you, sometimes the solution is to open the doors wide and invite others in . . .

Jewel McKerry is on the brink of unraveling as she heads home to Oregon to help care for her father who has early-onset dementia. Her thirteen-year-old daughter is upset about the move. Her beekeeper dad is a humorous handful. Her mom is overworked and overwhelmed. Finances are stretched tight. And, according to her father, the neighbors are nothing but trouble.

Despite all of these challenges, Jewel takes on one more when she convinces her parents to turn their decrepit farmhouse into a B&B in order to make some needed money. Her old high school flame turned contractor steps in to help, but Jewel isn't sure she can really trust him. And those "troublesome" neighbors? The handsome widower and his teenage daughter just might be the key to making all this work.

Get ready for a summer filled with family, good humor, and new beginnings!

My Thoughts

Welcome to the Honey B&B by Melody Carlson is a heartwarming story. I felt for the family who is caring for CT who has frontotemporal dementia (FTP—Bruce Willis has been diagnosed with this disease).  They need to keep an eye on him constantly (he is wily and can disappear in an instant).  I cannot imagine what it would be like to have your father (or grandfather, mother, etc.) not recognize you (heartbreaking).  I was surprised that the family did not utilize items with modern technology that would help them keep better track of CT (baby monitor, tracking device, security cameras around the farm, sensor alarms).  I felt for Jewel who was discovering the severity of her father’s condition.  I thought it was wonderful how she worked to find ways to help her parents.  

I like the fact that the characters were realistic with flaws.  I liked all but one side character (I wanted to toss this guy off a cliff).    The romance was the slow burn type which suited the story (it did not need to be rushed).  I was not a fan of a certain man causing problems though (same guy that I want to toss off a cliff).  My favorite character was Jewel’s daughter, Cooper.  It was great how she cared for her grandfather and learned to care for the bees.  I appreciated the author’s note at the end in which she explains why she wrote the novel and her experiences with a loved one who has frontotemporal dementia.  Welcome to the Honey B&B is a touching tale with a father with FTD, a green haired granddaughter, picking paint colors, buzzing bees, a pesky contractor, fun at the fair, friendly neighbors, and a loving family. 

Welcome to the Honey B&B is available from Amazon.  Melody Carlson has Once Upon a Christmas Carol coming out September 2.  I look forward to reading her Christmas story each year. You can find Melody Carlson's other novels here.  Thank you for stopping by today.  I will return tomorrow with Secrets, Lies, and Fireflies by Angie Fox. It is the 14th book in The Southern Ghost Hunter Mysteries.  I hope that you have peaceful day (I could use one of those).  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

*I voluntarily read an advanced copy of this book.  I am not required to leave a review.  The comments and opinions expressed are strictly my own.

The Christmas Tree Farm by Melody Carlson

The Christmas Tree Farm

Book Summary

When Madison McDowell returns from several years teaching overseas, she has high hopes of picking up where she left off at her family's Christmas tree farm in Oregon. But between damage from a recent wildfire and the neglect due to her sister Addie's unwillingness to invest, the farm is in sad shape. In fact, Addie is intent on selling the property. And to top it off, her former high school flame, the now-widowed Gavin Thompson, has plans to break Madison's heart again by turning his neighboring property into a dusty, noisy dirt bike track for his daughter.

With the odds stacked against her, Madison decides there's only one thing to do: double down on her dreams. It will take a ton of hard work--and some help from an unlikely ally--to save the farm she so dearly loves. But it may take a miracle to restore her relationship with her sister.

Bestselling and award-winning author Melody Carlson charms and delights with this uplifting Christmas story full of old memories and new beginnings.

My Thoughts

The Christmas Tree Farm by Melody Carlson is a feel-good Christmas story.  The story was easy to read and can be read in one sitting.  I liked the characters except for Madison’s sister, Addie. I felt Addie needed a swift kick in the pants.  Gavin’s daughter, Lily, is spunky, smart, and an industrious worker (though her father has spoiled her with the dirt bikes and dirt bike track).  I would have liked to see a tad more character development.  There were some issues that were never addressed between Maddie and Gavin plus I felt that the ending was rushed. I wish there had been a couple more chapters or an epilogue that would have allowed things to be wrapped up properly.  The Christmas Tree Farm is a nice story, but it lacked the charm and humor that is normally present in the author’s Christmas novellas.  The Christmas Tree Farm is a cute Christmas tale with sister troubles, a faltering tree farm, loud dirt bikes, planting trees, and holiday happiness.  

You can purchase The Christmas Tree Farm from Amazon*.  You should check out Melody Carlson's other Christmas novellas.  My top five are Christmas at Harrington's, The Christmas Shoppe, The Christmas Joy Ride (can be read for free if you are a member of Kindle Unlimited), The Christmas Bus (can be read for free if you are a member of Kindle Unlimited), and The Christmas Dog.  The Happy Camper is another cute novella by Melody Carlson.  Thank you for visiting today.  I will be sharing my thoughts on Waiting for Christmas by Lynn Austin tomorrow.  I hope that you have a merry day.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

*I voluntarily read an advanced copy of this book.  I am not required to leave a review.  The comments and opinions expressed are strictly my own.

*This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase using my links, I will receive a small commission from the sale at no cost to you.  Thank you for supporting The Avid Reader.

Just for the Summer by Melody Carlson

 Just for the Summer

Book Summary

Ginny Masters manages a popular boutique hotel in Seattle and manages it with aplomb. But the daily challenges and irritations of a fast-paced job and a demanding boss are starting to get to her. Jacqueline Potter manages her grandfather's fishing lodge in Idaho because it was the only job she could find after graduating with her hospitality degree. She's grateful for the work but longs for a more sophisticated and cosmopolitan life she's just not going to find in this backwoods town.

The solution to both their problems seems obvious. Just for the summer, they'll swap jobs and lifestyles. But they never anticipated swapping love interests . . .

In this fabulous new twist on an age-old fable, award-winning and bestselling author Melody Carlson introduces you to two career-focused women who are about to discover that there's more to finding happiness than just switching up the scenery.

My Thoughts

Just for the Summer by Melody Carlson has a cute premise.  A job can get humdrum after a number of years.  It would be a nice change of pace to be able switch positions with someone for two months.  You get to go to a different state, meet new people, and experience new challenges.  I like Ginny, but I really did not like Jackie.  There was little change in Jackie’s character.  I doubt this leopard would change her spots for long.  I did not like that Ginny was labeled a workaholic (what is wrong with someone who enjoys their job and most of the people at their workplace).  It was suggested to Ginny that she have fun and needed a man in her life.  I did not like the implication that Ginny (or any person) needed a man (or woman) for her life to be complete.  I enjoyed Ginny’s time at the fishing camp.  There were some interesting characters and scenes as well as humor.  One of the relationships did not make sense considering how the female manipulated the man for most of the story.  Just for the Summer has a feel-good ending.  Just for the Summer is a nice story, but I did not enjoy it as much as other books by this author.  

Just for the Summer is available from Amazon*.  You can find Melody Carlson's other novels here.  Melody Carlson has The Christmas Tree Farm coming out September 3 (I look forward to reading this author's latest Christmas story each year).  Thank you for joining me today.  I will return on Tuesday, March 26 with Baby Protection Mission by Laura Scott.  I hope that you have an enjoyable weekend.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

*I voluntarily read an advanced copy of this book.  I am not required to leave a review.  The comments and opinions expressed are strictly my own.

A Royal Christmas by Melody Carlson

 A Royal Christmas

Book Summary

Adelaide Smith is too busy for fairy tales. She's been working hard to put herself through law school and now that the end is in sight, she's determined to stay focused on her goals. Then she receives a letter notifying her that she has been found through a DNA registry to be a direct descendant of King Maximillian V, the ruler of a small Eastern European principality called Montovia. She's understandably skeptical. This is the stuff of cheesy made-for-TV movies, not real life.

Although the pieces of this surprising family puzzle seem too good to be true, curiosity gets the best of her. At the king's invitation, Adelaide embarks on a Christmas break trip that is chock-full of surprises, including a charming village, an opulent palace, family mysteries, royal jealousies, a handsome young member of Parliament--and the chance at a real fairy tale romance with a happily-ever-after ending.

Spend this Christmas with bestselling author Melody Carlson as she whisks you away to a royal holiday you'll never forget!

My Thoughts

A Royal Christmas by Melody Carlson is reminiscent of a modern-day fairytale (think The Princess Diaries with a slightly older protagonist).  I found the story to be easy to read, and it can be completed in one sitting (relaxing in a cozy chair on a rainy afternoon).  I enjoyed the descriptions of Montovia (a fictional town in Europe near Austria) and the castle.  We get to learn about the Christmas customs in Montovia.  The story is not lacking in holiday charm.  There are some sweet moments between Adelaide and her father.   There is a touch of mystery.  Someone wants the crown, and you wonder what they will do to ensure they get it.  There is a lack of chemistry between Adelaide and Anton (felt more like a friendship).  I was disappointed with the ending.   This is my least favorite holiday tale by Melody Carlson.  It is a sweet story, but it does not have the same charm as her Christmas stories (some of her stories you want to read year after year).  A Royal Christmas is a lighthearted holiday tale with a mindboggling letter, an enchanting town, a mean queen, a handsome parliamentarian, a fading father, a missing man, and a happy holiday.

A Royal Christmas will be out September 5 and it can be preordered from Amazon*.  You can find Melody Carlson's other novels here.  Thank you for stopping by today.  Tomorrow I am featuring A Louisiana Christmas to Remember by Betsy St. Amant, Morgan Tarpley Smith, and Lenora Worth which comes out September 1.  I am off to get some chores done around the house (if I still have a house after the hurricane blows through).  Please keep those who live in Florida in your prayers. Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader 

*This post contains affiliate links.  As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Second Time Around by Melody Carlson

 Second Time Around

Book Summary

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 décor 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

Second Time Around by Melody Carlson is an engaging and entertaining story.  I can always count on Melody Carlson to provide a story that will capture and hold my attention.  I like the author’s friendly writing style.  I was quickly drawn into Mallory Farrell’s story.  After the wedding of Mallory’s daughter, Mallory’s home is feeling empty.  She loves the house that she spent years lovingly restoring and Mallory likes her interior decorating business.  Mallory feels that everyone is moving on but her.  When Mallory learns that she inherited her grandmother’s shop in Seaport, Oregon she feels this might be the answer.  Mallory decides to turn the business into a home décor shop as well as offering her interior design services.  The contractor Mallory hires completes the shop portion of the project, but he ignores the apartment above which is desperate need of a makeover.  Mallory opens her store with rave reviews.  She is surprised when a design show host wants to feature her shop and her apartment on the show.  Mallory must swallow her pride and ask for help.  Can the project be completed before the television production crew arrives?  

Second Time Around is a clean, inspiring story.  I liked the characters (well, most of them).  They are friendly and relatable. Mallory has some contentious relatives.  I like how she dealt with them.  I appreciated the life lessons in this story.  The setting was delightful.  A small, coastal town with friendly residents.  I understood why Mallory did not want people to see her colorful, rundown abode.  She is an independent woman which made her reluctant to ask for help especially from someone who wanted to demolish her building for a mall.  Second Time Around came to an end much too soon.  Second Time Around is a cute coastal tale with a wonderful wedding, a hollow home, an unanticipated inheritance, construction quandaries, design dilemma, a tv predicament, and a man with a plan.

Second Time Around is available from Amazon*.  Melody Carlson has A Royal Christmas coming out September 5.  I look forward to reading a new Melody Carlson Christmas story each year.  You can follow Melody Carlson on Amazon.  You will receive an email when she has a new book release.  Thank you for stopping by today.  I will return tomorrow to share my thoughts on Worthy Opponents by Danielle Steel.  I hope that you have an uplifting day.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader 

*This post contains affiliate links.  As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

A Quilt for Christmas by Melody Carlson: Review, Excerpt, & Giveaway!

Welcome to the Takeover Blitz for A Quilt for Christmas by Melody Carlson, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

ABOUT THE BOOK

Title: A Quilt for Christmas: A Christmas Novella 

Author: Melody Carlson 

Publisher: Revell 

Release Date: September 6, 2022 

Genre: Christian Romance 

Recently widowed Vera Swanson is having a hard time getting in the Christmas spirit in her new town. When asked to make a quilt for an ailing neighbor, she pulls together a diverse circle of quilters, including free spirited Tasha Ellison. The group becomes stitched together through shared stories, trust, and a little romantic weaving. 

Christmas should be celebrated with family. But for Vera Swanson, that's not an option this year. Widowed and recently relocated, she is lonely in her condo-for-one--until little Fiona Albright knocks on her door needing help. With her mother seriously ill and her father out of town, Fiona enlists Vera's help, and when she finds out her new neighbor is a quilter, she has a special request--a Christmas quilt for Mama. 

Vera will have to get a ragtag group of women together in order to fulfill the request. Between free-spirited artist Tasha, chatty empty nester Beverly, retired therapist Eleanor, and herself, Vera has hopes that Christmas for the Albright family will be merry, after all--and she may find herself a new family of friends along the way. 

Bestselling and award-winning author Melody Carlson invites you to cuddle up this holiday season with this cozy story of giving, forgiving, and a little bit of romance. 

PURCHASE LINKS*: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | Indiebound | Christianbook | BookBub

---

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Melody Carlson is the award-winning author of more than 250 books with sales of more than 7.5 million, including many bestselling Christmas novellas, young adult titles, and contemporary romances. She received a Romantic Times Career Achievement Award, her novel All Summer Long was made into a Hallmark movie, and the film version of The Happy Camper is soon to be released. She and her husband live in central Oregon.

Connect with Melody by visiting melodycarlson.com to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.

---

My Thoughts

A Quilt for Christmas by Melody Carlson is a charming Christmas novella.  I started reading A Quilt for Christmas, and I did not want to put the book down.  The story has friendly, relatable characters.  I like Melody Carlson’s writing style.  It is engaging and draws the reader into the story.  I really liked the theme of the book.  The various strangers came together to help someone in need.  A little girl wants a special Christmas quilt for her mother.  The various characters work together to create Christmas magic.  They make a difference in a family’s life and in each of their own lives.  The Christmas spirit is at work in this sweet story.  A Quilt for Christmas is about forgiveness, helping others, love, and Christmas.  It is a simple but heartwarming novella.  I look forward to reading Melody Carlson’s latest Christmas book each year.  This Christmas novella is one of my favorites by this author (in the top three).  It is a story that makes you feel good and put you in the mood for Christmas (with plans to help a few neighbors).  A Quilt for Christmas is an uplifting tale with an unwell neighbor, a daughter’s request, an effective flyer, conflicting characters, a rewarding romance, a gratifying gift, and the Christmas spirit.  

Excerpt

“Can you make a quilt for Mama?” Fiona asked eagerly.

“I—uh—I don’t know.”

“She wants one so bad.” Fiona’s eyes brightened with hope. “I can help you make it. We’ll make a quilt for Mama to make her better.”

Vera didn’t know what to say but hoping to distract Fiona from thoughts of death and sickness, she slowly nodded. “I might be able to quilt your mother something.” She imagined a small project . . . something that would distract her from feeling sorry for herself during the holidays. “Maybe a pillow. Or even a small lap quilt.” She held her hands a couple of feet apart. “You know, like this.”

“No, Mama needs a big patchwork quilt,” Fiona insisted. “For her big bed. Can you do it, Mrs. Swanson? Please—please! Mama would be so happy. I promise to help.”

Vera didn’t know what to say.

“And we will give it to her for Christmas,” the precocious child continued.

Vera blinked. A big quilt? By Christmas? Now that would take a miracle.

TOUR GIVEAWAY

(1) winner will receive a print copy of A Quilt for Christmas, a $10 Starbucks gift card, and quilted coasters!

Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight October 12, 2022 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on October 19, 2022. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.  If the giveaway box does not appear, click here to enter.  Good Luck!

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

ENTER GIVEAWAY HEREENTER GIVEAWAY HERE

---

A Quilt for Christmas is available from Amazon*.  Melody Carlson has Second Time Around coming out March 7, 2023.  You can find Melody Carlson's other delightful stories here.  Thank you for dropping by today.  On Monday, I am sharing my thoughts on Flora's Traveling Christmas Shop by Rebecca Raisin.  Do not forget to enter the giveaway.  I hope you have a relaxing weekend.  We all need a chance to unwind. Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader 

*This post contains affiliate links.  As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!