Review of A Royal Christmas by Melody Carlson

 

About the Book ~ 

Adelaide Smith is too busy for fairy tales. She's been working hard to put herself through law school, and she's determined to stay focused on her goals. Then she receives a letter notifying her that she is a direct descendant of King Maximillian Konig V, the ruler of a small European principality called Montovia.

What? No. That's the stuff of cheesy made-for-TV movies, not real life.

Still, curiosity gets the best of her, leading to a Christmas break trip 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-life fairy tale romance.

For more information about Melody Carlson and her books, check out her website here! 

My Thoughts ~ 

A Royal Christmas by Melody Carlson is a cozy, Hallmark-ish story to kick off your Christmas reading!

A Royal Christmas has one of the most heartwarming settings in fiction! Whether fiction or real life, Montovia is the place where we all want to live. I really enjoyed being told about Montovia with its charming traditions and fairytale vibes. I liked that Adelaide was a strong woman who didn't let others push her around and recognized discrimination, and King Max stole my heart from the moment he met his daughter. And who doesn't love a dash of Christmas romance added to a story? However, I did feel like the conflict and ending was a little rushed; I would have liked for those elements to be more fully fleshed out. Ultimately, it is a fun, light, quick read that doesn't get too heavy, which is great for the busy holiday season.

Adelaide and several other characters in A Royal Christmas have a strong faith. While the faith element is less overt throughout the novel, Adelaide's relationship with God is very much the guiding hand through the twists and turns.

Three Stars ~ A Royal Christmas by Melody Carlson is a festive addition to your holiday TBR! A Royal Christmas is a standalone story, but the author has other books in her backlist for readers to enjoy, including additional Christmas stories.

Disclaimer ~ In accordance with FTC regulations, I received a copy of this book from the publisher. I was not compensated, nor was a positive review required. All opinions expressed are my own.

See you next time, and God bless you guys!!!

Hugs!

~V. Joy Palmer

V. Joy Palmer loves to write romantic and comedic stories that proclaim God’s deep love for us. She’s a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and an avid blogger. In her spare time, Joy loves to sing (especially Disney songs), drink large quantities of coffee, and take flowery photos for Bookstagram. When Joy isn’t fighting with fictional people, she’s hanging out with her husband and their adorable little girls. Connect with Joy via www.vjoypalmer.com!

Connect with Joy on her website, personal blog, devotional blog, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, Goodreads, and Amazon Author Page!

Any questions? Check out my Disclosures and Policies Page!

Review of Courting Mr. Emerson by Melody Carlson

About the Book ~

When the fun-loving and spontaneous artist Willow West meets buttoned-up, retired English teacher George Emerson, it's not exactly love at first sight. Though she does find the obsessive-compulsive man intriguing. Making it her mission to get him to loosen up and embrace life, she embarks on what seems like a lost cause -- and finds herself falling for him in the process.

A confirmed bachelor, George vacillates between irritation and attraction whenever Willow is around -- which to him seems like all too often. He's not interest in expanding his horizons or making new friends; it just hurts too much when you lose them.

But as the summer progresses, George feels his defenses crumbling. The question is, will his change of heart be too late for Willow?

With her signature heart and touches of humor, fan favorite Melody Carlson pens a story of two delightfully eccentric characters who get a second chance at life and love.

For more information about Melody Carlson and her books, check out her website here!

My Thoughts ~ 

If you are craving a sweet, Hallmark-ish story, then Courting Mr. Emerson by Melody Carlson is for you!

I thought the later-in-life romance was so unique because I haven't seen a lot of those types of romances in Christian Fiction! The author did a wonderful job at making George and Willow act their ages as well. Their push-pull, opposites-attract chemistry was so sweet! While Willow's artistry flowed from the very core of her being, George loved the simplicity of an era gone by -- and his strict routine! While there were moments that my heart ached or that I experienced some frustration, George and Willow's pains and joys are relatable for readers of all ages!

I enjoyed seeing Willow's family and watching reconciliation unfold after so much drama.  However, I found that the deeper storyline rested in George, who had suffered so much loss and struggled with obsessive-compulsive tendencies that held his life captive. As his friendship with Willow deepened, his carefully-constructed world started to unravel as he realized that there was so much more to life -- and God -- than he had realized. Slowly, George began to realize that a Greater Love has been courting him all along. I loved that because this is such a powerful truth for readers to know!

Three Stars ~ Courting Mr. Emerson by Melody Carlson is a charming story of romance -- both relational and spiritual! Courting Mr. Emerson is a standalone, but the author has a wide array of titles for readers to enjoy!

Disclaimer ~ In accordance with FTC regulations, I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher. I was not compensated, nor was a positive review required. All opinions expressed are my own.

See you next time, and God bless you guys!!!

Hugs!

~V. Joy Palmer

V. Joy Palmer is the author of Love, Lace, and Minor Alterations and Weddings, Willows, and Revised Expectations, and she is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers. She is also an avid blogger and co-founder of Snack Time Devotions. In her spare time, Joy is an unprofessional chocolate connoisseur/binger, and she loves acting crazy and drinking coffee with the teens she mentors. When Joy isn’t urging the elves that live in her computer to write, she’s hanging out with her husband, their adorable baby girl, and their socially awkward pets.

Connect with Joy on her website, personal blog, devotional blog, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, Goodreads, and Amazon Author Page!

Any questions? Check out my Disclosures and Policies Page!

Review of Under a Summer Sky by Melody Carlson

About the Book ~

High school art teacher Nicole Anderson is looking forward to a relaxing summer in Savannah, house-sitting and managing an art gallery for a family friend. The house is luxurious in a way that only old money could make it, and the gallery promises interesting days in a gorgeous setting. Yet it isn't long before her ideal summer turns into more than she bargained for: a snooty gallery employee who's determined to force her out, a displaced adolescent roosting in the attic, and two of Nicole's close childhood friends--who also happen to be brothers--vying for her attention.

With a backdrop of a beautiful historical city, incredible architecture, and even an alleged ghost or two, combined with the opportunity for romance . . . anything can happen!

For more information about Melody Carlson and her books, check out her website here!

My Thoughts ~

How many of you have ever picked a book to coincide with a particular time of the year or a season of your life? No? Just me? ;-)

Well, for the bookish nerds who do that from time to time - because sometimes we just do - then Melody Carlson's latest novel is for you!

Nicole is a high school art teacher who is stuck in life like paint under fingernails. When her mom arranges for her to house sit and manage an art gallery for a family friend, Nicole reluctantly agrees. However, it turns out to be just what she needed! As Nicole immerses herself into Savannah life, old friends resurface and long wondered "what ifs" are finally answered. And, boy, am I a fan of answered questions!

Under a Summer Sky is a light, sweet romance sure to give you all the fireflies! This is a clean romance that is perfect for the person(s) in you're life who are new to Christian Fiction. It's clean, sweet subtleness makes it a wonderful crossover book. Also, Melody Carlson does an excellent job of catching the flavor and history of Savannah; I felt like I was there!

Four Stars - A light, summer read! Under a Summer Sky is the third book in Melody Carlson's Follow Your Heart Series, but you do not need to read the first two books, Once Upon a Summertime and All Summer Long, since the stories do not build on each other.

I received a copy of Under a Summer Sky by Melody Carlson from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group. All opinions expressed are my own.

See you next time, and God bless you guys!!!

Hugs!

~V. Joy Palmer