MY REVIEW:
I have read and enjoyed many books by Melody Carlson, so I looked forward to reading “Once Upon a Summertime”. Overall it was an enjoyable, light romance that is perfect for reading on the beach, at the lake, or even a lazy summer afternoon or evening.
While Carlson’s talented style is quite evident in this book, the story itself was fairly predictable, especially once Anna was actually in New York. As other reviewers have mentioned, the story ended rather abruptly with all the potential conflict neatly wrapped up in a tidy package.
One aspect I have always enjoyed about Melody’s books is that I can usually count on a strong spiritual message or lesson. Unfortunately in “Once Upon a Summertime” the romance between Anna and Sean seemed to have a much stronger focus than their faith.
Nevertheless, fans of Melody Carlson should still find this novel entertaining, especially those who love happy-ever-afters.
This book was provided for review by Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
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 young woman starting out her career.
Then, out of the blue, she gets the opportunity of a lifetime: a chance to reinvent herself and reinvigorate her career by moving to New York City. She applies for a management position at a stylish new hotel, The Rothsberg. But the city is full of surprises–not the least of which is discovering that Sean O’Neil, a once-upon-a-time crush, has applied for the very same position.
This sweetly romantic tale of dreams come true takes you through the storied streets of New York City–and into the depths of the human heart.
Read an excerpt from “Once Upon a Summertime” HERE.
Endorsement:
“A hard-working girl finds her happily-ever-after ending in Melody Carlson’s heartwarming tale. Readers will cheer Anna’s journey as a summer of new beginnings becomes a summer of unexpected love.”–Lisa Wingate, bestselling author of The Prayer Box and The Story Keeper
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Melody Carlson is the award-winning author of over two hundred books with sales of more than five million. She is the author of several Christmas books from Revell, including the bestselling The Christmas Bus, The Christmas Dog, and Christmas at Harrington’s, which is being considered for a TV movie. She is also the author of many teen books, including Just Another Girl, Anything but Normal, Double Take, the Life at Kingston High series, and the Diary of a Teenage Girl series. She is the winner of a Romantic Times Career Achievement Award in the inspirational market for her many books, including the Diary of a Teenage Girl series and Finding Alice. Melody and her husband live in Oregon.
For more information about Melody visit her website at www.melodycarlson.com.
