Looking for Leroy

 

MELODY CARLSON

Stats for my copy: Trade paperback, Revell, 2022.

How acquired: From the publisher via Revell Reads.

First line: “Hey, if you want to believe in fairy-tale endings, go for it.”

(Goodreads synopsis below.)

My thoughts: I’ve previously read four books by Melody Carlson, but this is the first one I’ve read that was not Christmas themed. I didn’t even read the synopsis first, I saw her name, and loved the gorgeous cover, and that was all I needed to know.

I think one reason her books appeal to me is they aren’t always about young twenty-somethings. Brynna and Leroy are closer to my age. Not that I don’t mind reading about younger characters, but I guess I just appreciate a good romance with characters a little easier for me to relate to.

Brynna and Leroy had met at a summer camp the summer before college. They spent all their time together, and after camp was over they wrote letters. Until Brynna wrote Leroy that she wasn’t going to write to him again. Now, some thirty years later, Brynna is an elementary school teacher, and divorced. One of her colleagues has planned a camping trip, and talks Brynna into joining her. Where do they end up the first night? At the same camp where Brynna met Leroy. As those memories come back she tells her friend, Jan, and Mike, who they meet at the camp, about Leroy, and Jan and Mike decide that Brynna needs to look for him.

Throughout the entire book, I pictured Leroy as Mark Harmon. You know, Leroy Jethro Gibbs. (From NCIS, for those of you who don’t know.) He’s a widower now, running the family vineyard with two of his daughters and his son-in-law. The story really got going when Brynna arrived at the vineyard, and found herself agreeing to take a job in the office, as Bree. That whole situation was almost a little ridiculous, but I still loved it. And loved Sophie, the daughter who hires her. They develop a wonderful friendship, and watching that happen was heartwarming. Since Brynna used her nickname with Sophie, and still carries her married name, Leroy, having only seen her from a distance so far, has no idea who she really is. It was amusing watching Brynna avoid him, though I began to wonder if their paths would ever actually cross!

Brynna and Leroy were both wonderfully written characters, as were Leroy’s daughters, especially Sophie. I saw a couple of reviews that described Brynna as being easily led or not having a mind of her own, but I disagree. Yes, her friends did push her into searching for Leroy, and pushed her not to give up, but when she truly did want to just give up, they supported her. And then she doesn’t give up, and I think she was actually very courageous to stay at the vineyard in the office job and face Leroy. If I were in her position, I don’t think I would have had the guts. Actually, I don’t think Jan could have even talked me into going on the camping trip with her in the first place!

The ending was, of course, a little predictable, as well as a bit abrupt, but the journey there is what matters, and it was an immensely enjoyable journey.

*I received a free copy of this book from the publisher and have voluntarily reviewed it*

Synopsis from Goodreads: It's official: Brynna Phillips is done with men. They only break your heart. But just when she makes this declaration, her friend Jan convinces Brynna to join her on a camping vacation in Sonoma Wine Country. As they wind their way toward their destination, spanking-new mini camper in tow, Brynna recalls her teenage camp romance with a boy named Leroy. How can it have been nearly 30 years ago? All she remembers is that Leroy was a genuinely good guy and that his family owned a vineyard--in Sonoma. She doesn't even remember his last name. Jan insists they look for him, and the search begins.

Beyond the slim chance they'd ever be able to find him are questions that have haunted Brynna for decades, including What is the point of digging up the past? and Can Leroy ever forgive me for losing touch?

Bestselling author Melody Carlson invites you on a trip to rediscover the carefree days of youth and, just maybe, to get a second chance at love.

A Country Kind of Love (Huckleberry Ridge, Book One)

 

K.T. RAINE

Stats for my copy: Kindle edition, 2022.

How acquired: From the author via BookSirens.

First line: “Take the next left,” Cody commanded, pointing for emphasis, his tone making it clear just how much the ten year old relished calling the shots.

(Goodreads synopsis below.)

My thoughts: I loved the previous book I read by this author (HOLDING OUT FOR SPECIAL), so I was excited to see this one available on BookSirens. I requested it immediately, and then I forced myself to finish the books I was already reading before starting this one. It was worth the wait.

The story opens with CeCe and her ten year old son, Cody, arriving in Huckleberry Ridge, where they are moving into a rented duplex. We quickly learn that CeCe is running from something, but we don’t know who or what. Cody is not thrilled about the move, but CeCe is hopeful that they can have a good life in this small town. She’s a little nonplussed when she meets her landlord, Shane, and realizes that he is a cop, and that he lives in the other half of the duplex. At least he’s nice to look at!

Shane has his own baggage. He’s a widow, still missing his wife and gently wallowing in guilt over her death. He’s attracted to CeCe, but as far as a relationship, he’s a bit in stasis. Meanwhile, his son, Dillon, and Cody become best buds right away.

When I reviewed HOLDING OUT FOR SPECIAL, I wrote “This is a breezy, fun and heartwarming story, with well written characters…”. I hate to repeat myself, but that description also fits this book perfectly. I loved CeCe, and I really loved Shane. A law enforcement hero is one of my catnips. While fear has driven CeCe to move 400 miles across the state, she is still strong and resourceful, determined to protect her son and create a good life for him, for both of them. Looking out his window shortly after CeCe arrives, Shane sees her look at her phone and can tell from her body language that she’s upset or afraid. He doesn’t know if she’s in danger, or if she’s on the run, but his protective instincts come out. When her car has a flat tire, he wants to hurry over and help her change it, but he forces himself to stand on his porch with his coffee, strike up some conversation, and wait for her to ask for his help.

Did she know how to change a tire? Based on the majority of stranded female motorists he stopped to help, the odds were about 80/20 against her. It was actually one of the most rewarding parts of his job, the look of relief on a woman’s face when he pulled up in the Tahoe, something about the uniform eliciting trust. It was a lot more satisfying than busting bad guys.

I mean, who wouldn’t love Shane?! I enjoyed watching them get to know each other, and how happy Cody seemed as he hung out with Dillon instead of staying inside with video games, and how Shane’s family, who all live right there in the same little area, welcomed CeCe and Cody into their community. Oh, and CeCe sitting on her back porch talking over the fence to Shane’s sheep!

A sweet, sometimes emotional, story that kept me enthralled from beginning to end. I hope there will be many more books in the Huckleberry Ridge series.

*I received a free copy of this book from the author via BookSirens and have voluntarily reviewed it*

Synopsis from Goodreads: After single mom and reporter, CeCe Bixby, has her name leaked in connection with a dangerously controversial story, she and her young son flee 400 miles from Boise to small town Huckleberry Ridge, Idaho for a fresh start.

But life’s never simple, and CeCe is dismayed to find her troubles have followed her. Help may come in the form of her handsome, state-trooper landlord, Shane Wickham, and his surprisingly supportive family. But does she dare share the truth with him?