Mallory Farrell is a successful interior designer, divorced with grown children. When she suddenly inherits her grandmother's little tourist shop in coastal Oregon, her life changes. Mallory visits the shop and decides she would like to move there. She has plans to renovate the old, somewhat ramshackle building, putting a home decor shop downstairs and living in the small apartment upstairs. After moving she meets her teen crush from years ago, Grayson Mathews, and finds sparks are still there - although he wants to tear down the older shops and put in a multi-use development mall. Mallory struggles with her feelings for Grayson and also with a renovation project that has one surprise after another.

I wanted to read this novel because I love Melody Carlson's books. Her women's fiction reads like the very best Hallmark movies, with relatable protagonists and charming characters (often in small town settings).

I thoroughly enjoyed this book! I read it in just a couple of days because I couldn't put it down; if I had spare time, I was reading Second Time Around.

Mallory is a very likable character -- I felt for her moving back to a place she loved through her childhood, wanting to make a success with a new shop there. Grayson is also likable, although they initially have very different life goals. Their romance starts slowly, as a friendship, with some twists and turns.

There are also many twists and turns with the renovations of Mallory's shop and apartment upstairs. I love HGTV shows that focus on renovating old homes or buildings, so loved the details in this book.

I recommend Second Time Around for fans of small town fiction, home renovation stories, women's fiction, and sweet romance. (Please check out Melody Carlson's other books too - they are delightful!)

I just love Melody's books. This is a novel about a woman named Mallory, who inherits her grandmother’s tourist shop in Oregon. After seeing the run-down shop, her best bet is to sell it. The characters in the story are likable, relatable, and charming. The book cover is beautiful - and goes well with the storyline. The themes of the story are dreams, love, home, family, and romance. I really enjoyed this book. This could easily become a Lifetime movie. I recommend this book to romance lovers. I give this novel 4 stars.

Life had dealt Mallory some unexpected curveballs, but she now had the opportunity to start something new, thanks to her grandmother’s generous gift. I was excited for Mallory and admired her fresh passion for life. This is about a second chance romance that is enchanting, sweet, and wholesome.

Everything was going smoothly until it wasn’t. Mallory started to question whether she bit off more than she could chew. Did she rush in? Not rely on God? Should she have done more research on the town and inquired about how quickly jobs could be completed? She had such fond memories of childhood days spent in this lovely Oregon seaport town.

Mallory is working hard to sell her home and renovate the property left to her by her grandmother. Then, unexpectedly, Grayson introduces her to Amy, who wants to showcase her shop on her television show. Can Mallory complete her tasks in time for filming? Is it possible? It would take a miracle.

I liked what Mallory said about the name of her store, “Romancing the Home might not make sense to everyone, but I have this theory that romance is more than most people imagine.”…A quality or feeling of mystery, excitement. Remoteness from everyday life.”

If you like home improvement shows and second chances, you’ll enjoy this story. I liked how the author takes her time developing the plot location, characters, from foes to friends and everything in between. I liked the natural spiritual thread and how the characters changed over time. I love this author books, this one is no exception. It’s a fun escape.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I requested and received a copy of this book by the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Nora St. Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins!
The Book Club Network blog https://psalm516.blogspot.com/

Another great story by Melody Carlson! Second Time Around reminds us that new beginnings can be exactly what we need. When Mallory inherits her grandmother’s tourist shop in a small beachside town, she decides to jump in with both feet and turn it into a home decorating shop. Things are great and getting even better when a television show wants to put her shop in its show. However, there’s a hitch. They also want to show the upstairs apartment above her shop. The very much not done and not even close to done apartment. Mallory isn’t sure what to do, but with the help of some new friends and the handsome contractor, she may find all she wanted!

This sweet contemporary featuring older main characters trying to move on with life and creating a new happiness was sweet and engaging.

Mallory’s positive attitude and personality drew people in, even this reader. It was hard not to like her and I felt like she handled a lot of situations she faced with the maturity her age expected.

I enjoyed the renovation and decorating scenes, though at times I felt there was a bit too much focus on that I would have loved to see more scenes between Mallory and Grayson.

I love the books written by Melody Carlson and she gives us another great read with this book.

Not your typical young love romance, Melody uses mature, empty nester characters in this book. Circumstances have put Mallory in a position of deciding to sell a shop her grandmother has left her or to move, renovate and run the shop. So many interesting characters are in this book, from family members, neighboring shop owners, and her nemesis, Grayson. This is an entire town of interesting people. Second chances in life, come in so many ways.

You will not want to put this book down until you have finished reading it. It is a fast, easy read that I highly recommend. I received a copy of this ARC from Revell and NetGalley. The opinions expressed are my own.

Second Time Around is a slow burn sweet romance with a Hallmark vibe. The characters are older, in their 40’s, with grown children both looking for a second chance at following dreams and finding love. It’s an easy, gentle story that’s perfect for the beach or a stormy day.

Mallory Farrell gets an unexpected gift when she inherits her grandmother’s tourist shop after her passing. Unfortunately, the shop needs a lot of work. She meets an old high school crush who happens to be in construction. At first, the two spar over the shop. He wants to buy it and turn the property into a mall to help the struggling tourist town. As a designer, Mallory wants to use her expertise to turn it into a fashionable home decor shop.

With greedy relatives, a questionable handyman, and a jealous busybody, Mallory has her hands full in trying to renovate the property. It seems there’s one set back after another. When a tv personality offers her the opportunity to feature her shop Romancing the Home on her tv show, Mallory and Grayson must put aside their differences and work together to get the shop including the adjoining decrepit apartment she’s been living in up to snuff. Along the way, could they find love?

If you’re a fan of design and fixer upper shows, you’ll love this. I enjoyed the slow burn romance as Grayson and Mallory go from enemies to friends to more. The name of the shop is darling and I could really picture all the amazing home decor. There are of course some snags along the way and a bit of a mystery element as someone seems out to sabotage Mallory. It’s a cute, sweet romance with a touch of faith that’s perfect for inspirational Hallmark fans. I received an advanced complimentary copy from the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions are my own and I was not required to provide a positive review. 3 1/2 stars raised to 4.

I loved Second Time Around! While officially this is probably considered a Christian Romance, I thought it was more about Mallory becoming herself. At a loss after her kids grew up and made their own lives, as they should, Mallory needed to find a new direction for her life and an unexpected inheritance provides the opportunity for her to reinvent her life.

Thank you Melody Carlson for sharing yet another book that impacts us where we are in our lives and reminds us that we can bring every moment to our Lord.

This is another winner from Melody Carlson, full of heart and hope. I enjoyed the storyline and loved the characters. Balancing one's own life and work with that of your family's is a delicate thing and I love how this story progressed and the community feel. It made me want to go visit and explore this sweet town.

Perhaps it was fate. Just after Mallory Farrell found herself living alone in her beautifully decorated large house, she received word that her grandmother had left her a tourist shop with an apartment above it in a beach community. After turning down Grayson Matthews offer to buy the property so he could build a mall, she decided she needed a change. She decided to sell her house and move. She would have the property renovated, open a design shop and live in the apartment. Initially, all went according to plan-until it didn't. Would this successful and detail-oriented woman be able to adjust to chaos?
Second Time Around is a story about embracing change and somehow adjusting to the curves that can come along with that. Mallory is a likeable protagonist, and the author has skillfully placed her in a community of characters who are willing to help each other. When an opportunity for romance presents itself, she isn't sure how to proceed. To complicate matters, there is competition. Can things get any worse?
Skillfully crafted and well plotted, this book is a pleasure to read.

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

Unfortunately, I did not connect with this book at all. None of the characters seemed all that likable (until Grayson randomly calmed down, that is. Then he was at least tolerable). This was way more about Mallory renovating the shop and apartment she inherited from her grandmother than anything else. Mishaps happened, but everything was solved so easily. People she barely knew swooped in to rescue her, and others caused a lot of trouble.

Also, this was supposedly a Christian novel. The characters would occasionally mention God and prayer, but that was about it. Mallory's "forgiving" nature actually could cause people around her a lot of harm. This is why "be kind" was not a commandment from God. We still have to look out for one another, so I'm wary of her "kindness" when it came to characters like Thomas and Corrina.

I do want to read The Happy Camper still. This book doesn't make me want to give up on the author completely. But this book was not for me.

Melody Carlson always gives the reader fun and quirky reads. I really enjoy how her books are a clean read with an inspirational message that isn't preachy. Her books are a way to unwind and disappear into both the plot and setting. When empty nester Mallory inherits her grandmother's run down tourist shop in the small town of Seaport, Oregon, her first instinct is to sell, sell, sell... However, once she arrives she is drawn to the memories she finds there. With nothing left in to return for in her home town, Mallory decides to stay and renovate, reinvent, and rejuvenate the shop. However, when things go well, she finds herself in a bit of a pickle. Will she slink away in shame? Or will she accept the help offered? If you are looking for a quick fun read, then look no further. I received a copy through Netgalley. A review was not required.

I enjoyed reading a ‘lighter’ book for a change from my more usual fare, but one which had enough substance to not be considered ‘lightweight’.
It was also nice to read about older main characters – not old, but old enough to be mature in their response to others. I don’t know that I could have been so immediately understanding or forgiving of someone who was deliberately wronging me. I appreciated Mallory’s ‘let go, & let God’ attitude to life : it certainly saved her from a lot of angst!
This was an undemanding read in that one could predict what was going to happen, but sometimes we need a book like that where we can just relax - & not have to worry about any ‘off’ content, either. 3 1/2 stars

Second Time Around
Melody Carlson
⭐️⭐️

Mallory Farrell inherits her grandmother's old tourist shop in Seaport, Oregon. Once in the charming seaside town, Mallory finds herself at odds with her childhood crush, Grayson Matthews, who wants to turn her grandmother's property into outdoor mall. Though she had planned to sell the shop, Grayson's plans make Mallory determined to renovate the property herself.

Mallory works diligently to turn the worn out shop into an eclectic home decor and decorating business that catches the eye of a popular renovation TV show producer. The only problem is that her apartment is to be part of the segment as well and Mallory hasn't even started on it. Can she trust Grayson to set aside his plans in order to help her update the apartment before it's too late?

This was our first experience with Carlson’s novels. We were intrigued by the book summary and the prospect of reuniting young love at a new stage in life. However, the story didn’t grasp our attention as the main character, who was a successful business woman, makes a series of careless blunders. This detracted from our investment into the characters and it wasn’t until the book was nearly finished that it gained speed and traction. In addition, while the novel was clean and had references to prayer, there was no spiritual depth to the story to have a meaningful impact.

We received an advance copy from the publisher. This is our honest review.

I have reading Melody Carlson’s books for many years. She is one of my favorite feel-good inspirational writers. The last book I read of hers was her Christmas book last year. Every year I look forward to reading her Christmas books. Her books are ones that I know that I’ll be a better person for having read them. Second Time Around takes place in Seaport, Oregon, a quaint, touristy, small-town area. Mallory Farrell inherits her grandmother’s run down and let go tourist shop right on the main street. It also has a living area apartment upstairs, but no one has lived there in years and it’s an absolute mess. Garishly painted and in need of many expensive repairs including needing new wiring and waterlines. With the grand idea of touring the tourist shop into her own eclectic interior design shop she catches the eye of a popular renovation TV show producer she’s thrilled, just think of the business it’ll bring in. When she realizes the filming will include the whole building including her upstairs apartment, she’s devastated as she knows how much work and money it’ll cost in a very limited amount of time. With her former crush Grayson Matthews offering to buy the property for his real-estate purposes she wonders should she abandon her dreams. A fun and entertaining home improvement project book with a slow burn romance. I will always pick up this author’s books.

Pub Date 07 Mar 2023

I was given a complimentary copy of this book.

All opinions expressed are my own.

SECOND TIME AROUND is going to make you want to run to the coast of Oregon! The beautiful words Melody Carlson uses to describe the picture perfect small town of Portside, Oregon will have you feeling like you are right there sitting on the dock smelling the ocean. Mallory learns that her grandmother has left her tourist shop and the apartment upstairs from the store, to her. She plans a trip to the coast to empty the store and get it ready to sell. Only when she gets there, her plans change. She runs into Grayson, A boy she knew when she was younger and he was the lifeguard down at the pool. She decides to gut the store and turn it into her business location, A home decor shop she will call, Romancing the Home! The shop looks great over time but the apartment upstairs is a nightmare. Mallory will fix it up after the shop is up and running. Well, now she is freaking out because a TV show wants to film her shop and she’s super excited until she finds out they also want to do a piece on her apartment!

I have read many Melody Carlson’s books and have loved them all. SECOND TIME AROUND is exactly why. Melody is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors. She makes me feel so many different things while I’m reading her heart-warming stories. One minute I’m giggling and the next there is a huge lump in my throat. They say, you never forget your first love no matter how many years have passed. I know I haven’t and that was forty five years ago. You may have regrets in life, things you did that you knew were wrong and messed up, choices that you wish you could go back and change no matter how many years have passed. What would you do if you could have a second chance with your first love? Can you even imagine getting a chance to try again? All of the characters are flawed in different ways, but you will find yourself cheering for them throughout the book.

My heart melted while Grayson tried to figure out how he could be so blind to his assistant’s motives as well as the TV show host, Amy. Some men really are clueless! I tried not to rush through the story of Grayson and Mallory. I loved Grayson’s daughter, Lindsay. Some of the characters annoyed me, but it was part of the story and they had to be that way. Most of them came around though. I just wanted to reach in the pages of SECOND TIME AROUND and give them all hugs. I can’t wait to read more by this wonderful author.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell through Netgalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

I became so caught up in this book that I read it one day. I had to know how empty nester Mallory Farrell would turn her grandmother’s rundown tourist shop in a small seaside town into the upscale shop of her dreams when most everyone town was doubtful, she could make it successful.

Mallory has a lot to contend with and of course there’s another unexpected fly in the ointment when she discovers her former secret crush, Grayson Matthews wants to buy the property for his outdoor mall, which isn’t a good fit for the towns aesthetic. I admired how hard she worked to make her dreams come true while trying to make the best of her ramshackle apartment, her greedy relatives and the knowledge that being featured on a home improvement show would include showing the disrepair and shame of living in the apartment. Grayson and his crew will be needed to come to her rescue to save her and their town from embarrassment.

Overall, I thought this was one of the best contemporary fiction novels that I have read. A wonderful plot, well developed characters and fantastic writing of Ms. Carlson made for a delightful read.
My thanks to the publisher for the Netgalley copy of this book. Opinions are my own.

The Second Time Around, by Melody Carlson, is the story of single empty nester Mallory Farrell. Mallory moves to the fictional town of Seaport, Oregon, upon her inheritance of her grandmother’s tourist shop. She has worked as an interior designer for a very long time. When first married, Mallory and her ex husband Vince bought a large Victorian to restore. However, after three children, Vince decided this wasn’t for him and Mallory was left with kids, house, and restoration.

Upon receiving word of her inheritance, and on the heels of her daughter Louisa’s wedding, Mallory heads to Seaport and a meeting with her grandmother’s attorney. There, Mallory learns she has inherited her grandmother’s tourist shop with apartment area above. She decides to take a chance on a new life, pick up and move to Seaport.

However, the going is not easy when she does so. The presence of her teenage crush, Grayson Matthews, in her new hometown and his offer to buy her out so as to create a special shopping mall, does not leave Mallory settled. But later, when Grayson offers to help Mallory, and Mallory learns to trust, the story takes a special turn.

This is a lovely story filled with wonderful characters! I very much enjoyed this book and I do recommend it!

Second Time Around, by Melody Carlson, opens with Mallory Farrell attending her daughter’s wedding alone, due to her long-time boyfriend deciding he needed to move on. After all the festivities, Mallory heads back to her quiet fixer-upper home!

She had recently learned that her grandmother left her a tourist shop as an inheritance. When Mallory heads to the beach she knew as a teenager, she crosses paths with Grayson Matthews, formerly Todd Matthews, the handsome lifeguard many of her acquaintances had been in love with. After Grayson offers to buy the tourist shop, Mallory is not sure what direction to take. Now she has a decision to make!

When Mallory decides to hold onto the property, she soon learns that she has a monster job of restoration on her hands. A friend in town introduces her to a contractor, so Mallory is ready for the work to begin. When this contractor turns out to be a disaster, watch as Grayson steps in to save the day!

One thing that Melody Carlson does so well is write inspirational clean romances. And Second Time Around is no exception.

Mallory receives a second chance when she inherits her grandmother's seaside shop back home in Seaport, Oregon. She has many lovely memories of her time spent here with her grandmother. And the memories continue when she runs into acquaintances from the past while she's in town. Honing her skills as an interior decorator, Mallory decides to renovate the worn tourist shop into a new home design store. But the journey she's taken on isn't quite what she expected.

I'm not sure if Seaport is a real town, or inspired by a real town, but the way it was written makes me want to visit! Melody Carlson did a great job of inviting the reader into the story and making you feel like you really were there with the characters. I also love how Melody Carlson often writes stories with older characters, many of whom are receiving second changes. It's a refreshing change in the world full of romance stories.

I really enjoyed the many characters in this story and thought that Melody Carlson did a great job writing and developing all of the characters. This is a great story that I would highly recommend, especially if you're a fan of HGTV and home design!