Revell Review-Once upon a Summertime by Melody Carlson

And a gooood day to you all!! Wow, it is HOT here! We just got back from camping at the lake and then swimming for church last night and I am SO ready to go back. Anyways, I guess it could be worse so I'll take it. How's the weather your way? Today's book is in...

New York City!

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*Summary*

She's looking for her big break. She never imagined it would depend on a blast from her past.

Managing the Value Lodge in her hometown was not what Anna Gordon had in mind when she set out in the hospitality industry. But it's a safe choice for a woman whose childhood was anything but stable. Out of the blue, she gets a once-in-a-lifetime chance to reinvent herself by moving to New York City, where she hopes for a management position at a stylish new boutique hotel. The big city is full of surprises--not the least of which is Sean O'Neil. Her childhood crush has applied for the very same position!

Sweet, romantic, and endlessly entertaining, this romp through the storied streets of New York City will enchant readers. Melody Carlson has created characters so charming that readers will long to meet them in the lobby of the stunning Rothsberg Hotel.

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*My Thoughts*

When I found out we were going camping, I knew I had to take this book! Believe me when I tell you, I have a tub full of those awaiting for review but this one spoke to me. And not just because of the cover. It's because every time I see Melody Carlson across the front of a book, I think one word. Vacation! I don't know about you, but when I think of reading by the lake, I don't think of complex characters and murder mysteries. I think of calm. Relaxing. Refreshing. That's exactly what Melody delivers. Only this one is even better. Why?

It is not shallow. Obviously, it is a Christian book and you expect it not to be shallow. That isn't what I mean. I mean, it has depth. I had to use shallow for lack of a better term but the book has a slight depth I don't usually find in Melody Carlson. I like it. Oh, I have liked her other books too, she's my sister's favorite author but this one is different. The romance is quicker then most, in a laid back style that is signature Carlson, at least in my experience, but the characters are more interesting. We found out more about Anna's life BEFORE. Not "she was a child, grew up, got stuck in a rut, and moved to NYC where she fell in love with her childhood crush". Put like that, it sounds incredibly cliche'. Boring. Fortunately, that is not the case. There's so much more to it then that. We learn WHY she's stuck. Why she lives with her grandma. We learn about her character, what makes her tick. AND we learn about Sean, the illustrious crush from high school.

One thing I will say that I didn't like:

The whole book, there was only one point of view. There isn't much to deter my excitement in books but-if anything-that is it. I constantly found myself thinking: How does Sean really feel? What would he say if not for fear? What are his opinions? If you're like me, it could drive you crazy. Just a friendly heads up. :)

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*My overall thoughts*

Once upon a Summertime by Melody Carlson is a sweet New York city romance that shows it isn't always easy to do what's right but it is always right and God will be with us along the way!

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*My Rating*

I give Once upon a Summertime by Melody Carlson...

                                       

4 stars!! 

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 *Where to get it*

Amazon

Christianbook

Deepershopping

Barnes & Noble

Walmart

*I received this book from the publisher and the author in exchange for an honest review, which I have given. All thoughts were my own and I was not compensated in any other way.

Enjoy your day and don't forget to check back for more Revell titles! (Like Sandra Orchard!!)

Happy Reading,

Nicki