Sunday, April 30, 2023

Second Time Around by Melody Carlson, A Review

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Book Description

Who doesn't love a second chance?

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?
Review

I received a copy of this book from the publisher. Here is my honest review.

This book is a great slice of life story with a tiny bit of romance thrown in. It's absolutely refreshing because the main character is a mature woman, who has raised her children, built a successful business, and then has an opportunity to take a new path. It is Christian Fiction, although I do think the majority of that was more in the first half of the book, and then not as strong in the second. Carlson explores the idea of second chances in a variety of ways in this book that were authentic and touching.

I gave this book: 

★ = I did not like it     ★ = It was okay     ★ = I liked it    ★ = I really liked it     ★ = I loved it

Her Fixer Upper by Emily Kerr, A Review


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Book Description

Unable to afford their own homes, two friends decide to buy a renovation house together as a project. What could possibly go wrong…? Freya dreams of owning her own home. Charlie is struggling to get a mortgage. When the two old friends bump into each other on a night out, Charlie jokes that buying together would solve all their problems. He doesn’t expect Freya to say yes, let alone yes to a less-than-perfect fixer upper. Nobody said renovating their dream home would be easy, but will Charlie and Freya fall out of love with the house, or in love with each other… 

Review

I received a dARC copy of this book from the publisher. Here is my honest review.

Quite enjoyed this clean rom-com. It was a little (lost) friends to lovers and a little dating of convenience. I really liked the friendship/interactions between Charlie and Freya; they were a great balance for each other. And while there is a HEA, it wasn't all neatly tied up in a picture perfect way - which made this feel very true to life! Life is messy and has set-backs and this couple absolutely has to deal with those.
This book was completely told from Freya's point of view and there were times when I really, ReaLly wished Charlie's perspective had been part of the story too. But that doesn't detract from the enjoyment of the book and I will definitely read more by Emily Kerr.

I gave this book: 

★ = I did not like it     ★ = It was okay     ★ = I liked it    ★ = I really liked it     ★ = I loved it