Review: Courting Mr. Emerson

Courting Mr. Emerson

by Melody Carlson

About the Book

When the fun-loving and spontaneous artist Willow West meets buttoned-up, retired English teacher George Emerson, it's not exactly love at first sight. Though she does find the obsessive-compulsive man intriguing. Making it her mission to get him to loosen up and embrace life, she embarks on what seems like a lost cause--and finds herself falling for him in the process.

A confirmed bachelor, George vacillates between irritation and attraction whenever Willow is around--which to him seems like all too often. He's not interested in expanding his horizons or making new friends; it just hurts too much when you lose them.

But as the summer progresses, George feels his defenses crumbling. The question is, will his change of heart be too late for Willow?

With her signature heart and touches of humor, fan favorite Melody Carlson pens a story of two delightfully eccentric characters who get a second chance at life and love.

My Thoughts

Melody Carlson’s latest offering is a light, heartwarming read about two opposites that attract, but have a rocky road ahead of them. I really liked the plot and found it to be a fresh idea from veteran writer Carlson. The idea was well executed and made for a book that was rather hard for me to put down. The setting of a small town nestled in the Pacific Northwest is a traditional trope for Carlson and one that I always enjoy. The characters are real and relatable, further drawing the reader in.

Even though this is a light read, it isn’t all fluff. There are deep themes of loneliness and mental illness that are dealt with in an honest, respectful way. I appreciated the portrait of hope that was portrayed for George offered in a Christian message that doesn’t come off as preachy or 0ff-putting. Carlson’s writing style is a cozy reprieve from the chaotic world in which we live. I appreciate the gentle flow of her books.

Fans of sweet, inspirational romance will love Courting Mr. Emerson.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell through NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.