Once Upon a Summertime Book Review

A New York City Romance

Follow Your Heart Series

Book One

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 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 depth of the human heart.

REVIEW: Melody Carlson's latest novel is light-hearted with really likeable and admirable characters.  Even though Anna wanted a big, important job after school, she went back home to work in the local motel to help her grandmother.  Sean has a big heart.  I like how, even though they were interested in each other, they knew it was against company policy to date so they tried to temper their feelings.  Even though Anna didn't get the job she initially wanted, she is determined to make the best of the one she was given and gives it her all.
     I was surprised at how little the characters' faith came into play.  If it was mentioned, it was an afterthought.  It seemed as though their faith in God wasn't a big deal to them.  Also, I wasn't sure how to take Anna's friend Marley.  She wants to room with Anna but travels a lot for her job as a flight attendant.  When Anna decorates their new place while Marley is working, Marley gets mad because the decorating is already done.  She also gets jealous of Anna and Sean spending time together, even though all three have been friends for years.  The ending also left me with quite a few unanswered questions. 
     All in all, it was a good, lighthearted, fun read.  This is a good one to take on vacation.  It was a pretty quick read.

This book was provided by Revell for review without compensation.

Melody Carlson is the award-winning author of over two hundred books with sales of more than 6.5 million.  She received a Romantic Times Career Achievement Award in the inspirational market for her many books, including Finding Alice.  She and her husband live in central Oregon.  Learn more at www.melodycarlson.com.