Christmas in Winter Hill Review

 

 About the Book

Krista Galloway is not a fan of Christmas. After her rough childhood in multiple foster homes, the holiday season just brings too many bad memories to the surface. But when she accepts a job as a city manager in the mountain town of Winter Hill, Washington, Christmas is part of the deal. The small town is famous for its Christmasville celebration, something that the city manager . . . well, manages.

As she tries to make her tiny new apartment feel like home for her and her eight-year-old daughter, Emily, Krista begins to wonder if this move was a mistake. She doesn't always feel welcomed in the close-knit town, and Emily continually wonders, "Where's the snow?" Can a friendly stranger and his family help restore Krista's Christmas spirit before the big day?

Bestselling author Melody Carlson invites you to spend this holiday season in a town you'll never forget--and never want to leave. (Goodreads)

My Thoughts

This is a cute Christmas novella. I have read a few other Christmas stories by Melody and while this one is sweet it isn't my favorite. I didn't love the main character but what I did love is how Carlson brings the pain that some people experience during the holidays to attention. Everyone has different holiday memories and will continue to. A death of a loved one, childhood memories, a tragic experience, all of these things can happen near the holidays and make it a rough time. I thought this part of the book was well written. Of course I wish this story didn't end so abruptly but as with most novellas that is just how it goes.
If you enjoy short Christmas stories, Melody has many that you might enjoy!

Three Stars.

"I received this book from Revell for free. All opinions are my own and I was not required to write a positive review."

Celebrate Lit Tours: Surf Smugglers

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About the Book

Book: Surf Smugglers
Author: Melody Carlson
Genre: Historical Fiction
Release Date: August 15, 2019





In the summer of 1917, US troops join the allied forces in the Great War. Back in Sunset Cove, Oregon, other battles wage. Anna McDowell continues to fight old fashioned stereotypes as she runs a newspaper committed to truth. Despite opposition, she’s determined to expose ongoing rum-running and prohibition lawlessness.
Adding to Anna’s frustrations, her good friend Dr. Daniel seems to run hot and cold. He loves Oregon, and maybe Anna too, but he’s pulled by his East Coast family responsibilities. Even the lure of a new modern Sunset Cove hospital doesn’t seem enough to keep him in Sunset Cove.
Meanwhile, Anna’s strong-willed daughter Katy continues to develop her dress shop by inviting family friend Sarah Rose to help out. But the woman’s presence tests the small town’s tolerance. And Anna’s concern that her daughter is growing up too fast is confirmed when Katy’s romantic life takes an unexpected turn, which Anna fears is influenced by the pressure of a devastating war that is not only changing the entire world but Sunset Cove as well.

Click here to grab your copy.

About the Author

Melody Carlson has written more than 200 books (with sales around 6.5 million) for teens, women, and children. That’s a lot of books, but mostly she considers herself a “storyteller.” Her young adult novels (Diary of a Teenage Girl, True Colors etc.) appeal to teenage girls around the world. Her annual Christmas novellas become more popular each year. She’s won a number of awards (including RT’s Career Achievement Award, the Rita, and the Gold medallion) and some of her books have been optioned for film/TV. Carlson has two grown sons and makes her home in the Pacific Northwest with her husband and yellow Lab dog.

More from Melody

My favorite way to learn history is through historical fiction—both by reading and by writing it. And I’ve discovered that World War 1 (previously known as the Great War, since WW2 had yet to happen) is quite fascinating. As well as incredibly sad. But I’m amazed at how science and technology evolved so quickly in this era. Whether it was advancement in automotive, communication, medicine . . . the culture was rapidly changing. And the war pushed it along at an even faster pace.

Another factor that makes this era interesting is prohibition. Oregon, my home state and where I set my series, was one of the earliest states to adopt prohibition of alcohol—in 1914. As a result, Oregon became ripe territory for bootlegging and rum-running along the coastline. And because my series involves a small town coastal newspaper that’s run (gasp!) by a woman, it gets even more interesting—and exciting!

Speaking of women, the suffrage movement was approved in Oregon in 1912—also well ahead of the rest of the nation (and the main reason that prohibition passed). My theory on why this happened is that the brave women who’d made the arduous journey West (via perilous wagon train or long hard voyages on clipper ships) were strong and opinionated and tough. And many of them were sick and tired of drunken slacker husbands. Also, thanks to Oregon’s amazing land donation act of 1850, many of these women were equal landowners to their husbands—and land equaled power.

Of course, what these suffragette-prohibition supporters didn’t realize is that banning alcohol would make matters worse because bootlegging and rum-running suddenly became a very lucrative business. The crime rate soared and the booze continued to flow freely. But all this makes for good newspaper stories, keeping our female editor in chief rather busy. In the first two books of the series, Anna McDowell has her hands full with trying to run her ailing father’s newspaper, restoring family relationships, and staying ahead of the growing crime element in Sunset Cove.

By book three, Surf Smugglers, Anna has her feet under her and doing a good job of standing up to the criminal element in their region. But by now the Great War is really heating up and the United States must get involved. Of course, this means that many young men, as well as Anna’s very good friend Dr. Daniel Hollister, are being shipped overseas to serve. Meanwhile, there is plenty of trouble at home. And the rum-runners, who despise the newspaper’s support of prohibition, target Anna’s good friend Sarah Rose because she’s a woman of color who’s sought refuge from the big city . . . and naturally things get dicey.

I’m currently finishing up the fourth and final book of the Legacy if Sunset Cove series, and I’m sad to think my ‘history lesson’ in this interesting era is drawing to an end. Not only have I learned a lot, I’ve really come to love the McDowell family . . . and I’m getting worried that not all the men from Sunset Cove will survive the brutal war. Of course, this is fiction . . . but the war was very real and the losses were great. Unfortunately, it wasn’t the war to end all wars like they’d hoped, but I appreciate the sentiment . . . and continue to pray for world peace.

GIVEAWAY!!

My Thoughts

This is the first book in the series that I have read. I really enjoyed the setting and the idea of the overall story line. Katy seemed like more of the main character throughout the book and I liked how she was written. There were times when I thought it was pretty slow moving and a bit predictable. Some of the other characters didn't seem very well developed and didn't really click with the story. I do think she did a great job with dialogue and many of the chapters/conversations were written beautifully. I think there could have been just a tad more character development and that would have helped moved the story on a little. I also think I should have started with book one to give me a better back story. 

This was a decent read and I gave it four stars.

"I received this book from the publisher for free. All opinions are my own and I was not required to write a positive review."

 

A Christmas by the Sea Review

About the Book

When Wendy Harper inherits her family's beachside cottage in Seaside, Maine, she sees it as a way to finally pay off the debts that have mounted since her husband died. But before it can be sold, the neglected property must be renovated. She and her 12-year-old son Jackson move in--temporarily, she reminds him--in order to do the work themselves, even though Christmas is coming. The charming town, along with local craftsman Caleb Colton, pulls on both Wendy and Jackson, who even registers himself for school in a bid to get his mom to move them there permanently. Wendy knows that the most responsible thing to do is to sell the cottage and return to Ohio, but the lure of the sea is hard to resist.

Join award-winning author Melody Carlson for a Christmas story that will warm your heart and have you dreaming of your own enchanted seaside holiday. (Goodreads) 

My Thoughts

What a great holiday story! I loved the setting and while being a shorter book I thought it was well written. Jackson is a great character addition to the story and make me smile many times. The romance is sweet but not the main focus. I thought the single mom lifestyle was also well written. If you are needing a cozy winter read this is the book for you!!

Four stars.

I received this book from Revell for free. All opinions are my own.

All Summer Long Book Review

 

About the Book

Tia Gets a Second Chance at Love When an Old Crush Suddenly Reappears
Though it means giving up the chef's job at her uncle's small town Italian restaurant in Washington, Tia D'Amico is thrilled to move to San Francisco to help her aunt with a new business venture: transforming an old luxury yacht into an upscale floating restaurant. The icing on the cake is that Leo Parker, Tia's crush from a long-ago sailing camp, has been hired as the yacht's captain. The only problem is that he's engaged to someone else.
Tia hides her feelings and rolls up her sleeves as she sets out to make her aunt's dream a reality. But as the tide turns on Leo's relationship, does Tia dare hope he might set a course for her heart?
All the romance of a summer in San Francisco is captured in this delightful story from an author who has made a career of tugging our heartstrings. (Goodreads)

 My Thoughts

I didn't read the first book in this series but I didn't feel like I had missed anything. The book starts with Tia and how she needs something new in her life. Right then she gets a call for a new opportunity in San Francisco, which is a wonderful setting. I liked Leo's character, and that is about it. Tia drove me crazy as did Leo's wife to be. The drama, the instant romantic notions, the silly antics and conversations, I just couldn't get into it. It was too easy and the story line not very deep, I think what it came down to was Tia's character. I wish I could say otherwise and Melody Carlson fans will love this book I'm sure. It just was not the book for me. 

"I received this book from Revell for free in exchange for an honest review."

 

Dating, Dining, and Desperation Book Review

via

About the Book

Daphne Ballinger has learned to accept her deceased, eccentric aunt’s strange request that she marry in order to inherit her estate, along with taking over her aunt’s hometown paper’s advice column.

But knowing and accepting that God’s will be done becomes harder when a new neighbor, a divorced socialite, learns of Daphne’s predicament and takes on the task of finding her the perfect man, even if it includes speed dating. When God does open Daphne’s heart, it is instead to take in a young girl left parentless and in the care of her dying grandmother. It may be a temporary arrangement until the girl’s uncle returns from the Marines, but God uses Daphne to speak His heavenly love and protection into the life of the child -- whom Daphne soon discovers has a very handsome and single uncle.(Goodreads)

My Review

This is the second book in the Dear Daphne series. I have read the first one and I would read them in order. The stories continue on with the same character, Daphne, who must find a man in order to fully inherit her Aunt's estate. 

Melody Carlson is a humorous author and I really enjoy her unique writing skills. The story is realistic, silly, serious, and mysterious all at the same time. I do think the first book is better than this one but this book leaves the reader hanging, so I will need to finish the next books!

Overall this is a great addition to this series!

The only thing that is very sad is what the author writes at the end of the book to the reader. The next two books will only come out in ebooks, paperbacks are not in the plans, (though Melody says she hopes they are!). I do not like ebooks and it makes me sad that's where everyone is going, especially in the middle of a series. So I probably won't be finishing this series for a long while.  

In any case this is a fun series and I highly recommend!!

 Author's website.

Read my review on the first book.

"I received this book from CFBA for free in exchange for an honest review."

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Dating, Dining, and Desperation B&H Books (March 1, 2014) 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.

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.


If you would like to read the first chapter of Dating, Dining, and Desperation, go HERE.

Once Upon a Winter's Heart Book Review

via

About the Book

Emma Burcelli has suffered over a decade of dating disasters. But she concludes that love is officially dead when her grandfather Poppi suddenly passes, leaving her grandmother Nona devastated. To help out, Emma works in the family bookstore, which Nona insists must be decked out in sweetheart décor as Poppi would have done for Valentine's Day. Although she feels like a V-Day Scrooge, Emma quickly learns to enjoy the task with the help of a handsome family friend, Lane Forester, who shows her that hanging hearts is much more fun when done to the tune of Dean Martin. As Emma and Lane share time and memories of Poppi, she reconsiders the notion that romance is alive.

Just as Emma's heart begins to lift, however, she learns her sister has already staked a claim on Lane. Emma's mother and sister insist Lane only sees her as a future sister-in-law, but she can't help wondering if it could be something more. (Goodreads)

My Review

I am a fan of Melody Carlson she has written some great books and I just enjoy her writing. This book is smaller than I thought meaning it's only 160 pages. The overall story line is a love story leading up to Valentine's Day which you can pretty much figure out by looking at the cover. While many of the scenes are sweet they didn't really seem realistic but books aren't always suppose to be that way. If you are looking for love and despise Valentine's Day this is not the book for you. If you want a sweet gushy love story you will enjoy this book. I will say that I enjoyed the humor that weaves throughout the pages.

"I received this book from CFBA for free in exchange for an honest review."

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Once Upon a Winter's Heart Center Street (January 7, 2014) 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.

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

Emma Burcelli has suffered over a decade of dating disasters. But she concludes that love is officially dead when her grandfather Poppi suddenly passes, leaving her grandmother Nona devastated. To help out, Emma works in the family bookstore, which Nona insists must be decked out in sweetheart décor as Poppi would have done for Valentine's Day. Although she feels like a V-Day Scrooge, Emma quickly learns to enjoy the task with the help of a handsome family friend, Lane Forester, who shows her that hanging hearts is much more fun when done to the tune of Dean Martin. As Emma and Lane share time and memories of Poppi, she reconsiders the notion that romance is alive.

If you would like to read the first chapter of Once Upon a Winter's Heart, go HERE.

Lock, Stock, and Over A Barrel CFBA Tour

 

ABOUT THE BOOK

With high hopes, Dorothy Ballinger lands her dream job at The New York Times. But it's not long until writing about weddings becomes a painful reminder of her own failed romance, and her love of the city slowly sours as well. Is it time to give up the Big Apple for her small hometown of Appleton?

When her eccentric Aunt Dot passes away and leaves a sizeable estate to Dorothy, going back home is an easy choice. What isn’t easy is coming to terms with the downright odd clauses written into the will.

Dorothy only stands to inherit the estate if she agrees to her aunt's very specific posthumous terms -- personal and professional. And if she fails to comply, the sprawling old Victorian house shall be bequeathed to . . . Aunt Dot’s cats.

And if Dorothy thinks that’s odd, wait until she finds out an array of secrets about Aunt Dot's life, and how imperfect circumstances can sometimes lead to God's perfect timing.

If you would liketo read the first chapter of Lock, Stock and Over a Barrel, go HERE.

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Lock, Stock and Over a Barrel B&H Publishing Group (April 30, 2013) by Melody Carlson

My Review

Lock, Stock, and Over a Barrel is a fun summer read. Melody Carlson is a great author, and is able to create a fun story line, yet include good underlying character building. The book starts out in New York, and Dorothy has a great job but life doesn't seem like it's ever going to change. When she finds out her aunt has died she heads back home to discover a hidden past and new future. The characters are believable and easy to relate with. I enjoyed picturing the huge house of Aunt Dot and small town Appleton. While multiple men try to win Dorothy over, she struggles with her decisions. I also enjoy reading about a writer, it was amusing at times. The story ends abruptly and I am looking forward to the next book!

 

This book reminds me a lot of Last Chance for Justice without the mystery.

 

I recommend for a light summer read.

"I received this book from CFBA for free in exchange for an honest review."

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.

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.