This book is part slow burn romance, part inspirational Hallmark (in the best way), and an all-around fun story about second chances, starting over, and achieving your dreams. I liked that the main characters are in their 40’s, celebrating grey hair and grown children. I also liked the small town and beach setting of Portside, Oregon. It reminded me of a cozy mystery with the quirky town, cute business district and at least one nosy neighbor. I really enjoyed this book and finished it in one day. I hope to read more of the author’s backlist titles.

I received an ebook from the publisher via NetGalley. A positive review was not required and all opinions are my own.

3.5 stars
What a sweet read.
This women’s fiction piece has a very light romantic thread woven into the life of 40+ year old Mallory Farrell. The opening finds Mallory an empty-nester, having married off her daughter and her sons living on their own, who is trying to figure out how to move on from being ‘Mom’. She receives an unexpected inheritance and travels to the beachside town to figure out what to do with said inheritance.
As characters are slowly introduced, it becomes evident that Mallory will re-invent herself elsewhere. She reacquaints herself with old friends, resuming friendships as if time hasn’t passed by. The description of Portside gives the reader a delightful image of this beachside town that hasn’t been touched by commercialism.
When it comes to romance, Mallory and Grayson are completely clueless, giving readers a break from a book focused solely on romance. It’s a sweet story of friendship that develops into something more.
The first half of the story takes readers through Mallory’s ups and downs in restoring the building she’s been given. The last half of the story finally brings readers some excitement and action when a famous home design show host wants to film an episode with Mallory. This incident forces her to reveal a secret she’s been keeping locked away from everyone.
Second Time Around is a story about friendship and community. How one person’s deed, or misdeeds, affects everyone around them.
I received an ecopy of the book from the publisher. All opinions expressed are my own.

Second Time Around by Melody Carlson is set by the ocean in Oregon. When Mallory Farrell inherits her grandmothers tourist shop it is her chance to start over. As an interior designer, she decides to renovate the shop and the apartment above it.
Grayson Matthews comes to Mallory's rescue when her first contractor reneges on the job. But with a television crew coming, she needs to swallow her pride and let Grayson work his magic.

A sweet easy read. Clean, contemporary Christian based romance. A real feel good story. Melody Carlson is an expert on writing believable characters.

I received a complimentary ebook copy from the publisher, through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

I enjoyed reading this contemporary romance that features mature characters along with touches of humor and mystery. It's perfect for avid viewers of HGTV shows. Though Melody Carlson is a Christian fiction author, I appreciate the way she weaves her message into her writing in an understated way. Thanks to NetGalley and Revell for an advance copy to read and review.

What a good book! I very much enjoyed getting lost in this story about second chances and moving on. Mallory Farrell realizes at daughter’s wedding that everyone in her life but her has moved on. She remembers that she inherited her grandmother’s shop in the quaint town of Portside, Oregon and decides to go for visit and see what the shop looks likes now. Once there she reconnects with friends from her teen years and through a series of whirlwind events decides to sell her house in the city and renovate the shop and apartment upstairs. In the midst of her move and renovation she has to deal with her aunt and two cousins who think she was unfairly named in the Grandmothers will to inherit the shop and apartment. Mallory handles this beautifully and is able to return to her plans quickly. There are challenges and snafus galore but every time we are reminded that God is in control even when it looks to be the opposite.

**I received an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review. Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher, Baker Publishing Group for this opportunity.

Mallory has been a single mum for many years and is now an empty nester when she inherits her grandmothers shop. Originally Mallory was going to sell but when the purchaser - an old crush - wants to tear it down in a new development, Mallory decides to start up her dream home decoration shop. This takes a lot of money so she plans to sell her family home and live about the shop. Unfortunately the shop apartment is best described as a barely liveable nightmare (which she hopes no one will find out about or her reputation as a decorator would be trashed), desperately needing a complete renovation... which takes money and available - not to mention registered and reliable - tradesmen both of which are in short supply. I loved the small town feel, the relationships Mallory had with friends, neighbours, her family and Grayson, and the age old problem of work/life balance especially with a budding romance. Add in some jealousy, vandalism, the publicity of a TV show wanting to feature her shop and you have a really enjoyable read. I received an ARC but this review is my own.

As a teenager, Melody Carlson was one of my very first introductions to Christian fiction with her Diary of a Teenage Girl series. Throughout the years, I have continued to appreciate her stories. When I see her name on the cover, I know that I am in for an enjoyable read. Second Time Around was no exception.

As well as Melody captured the lives and struggles of teenagers back in those early books of hers I have read, she does just as wonderfully capturing all stages of life. This particular story follows Mallory- an empty nester who has inherited her grandmother's souvenir shop and takes a chance on a fresh start. While I am sure this book would very much appeal to those who are in a similar stage in life, I can say that being nowhere close to being an empty nester myself, there is something in this story that can appeal to all ages as well. I think sometimes we all feel like we could use a second chance--- be it in our job or areas of our personal life.

I found this story had a bit of a slower pace, and while I don't always prefer that, it seemed to work well for this story. It took a little bit longer for me to get into this story compared to some of her others, but by the end, I found myself enjoying these characters very much. If you love stories with second chances, home renovations, and small-town charm, this is certainly one to check out.

**I received a complimentary copy for consideration. All thoughts are my own.

This book was fantastic! So many characters that you learn to love or hate! I love how well educated the author seems to be about remodeling. I find that of the few books I read from Melody Carlson, a character is almost always remodeling something they inherit. This was such a sweet read and I enjoyed the original aspects to this book. Not many books I've read follows the life of someone once they're an empty nester and I quite enjoyed that Second Time Around did.

A sweet small town story about starting fresh in a new town and the bravery it takes move toward your dreams. The main character is a good mix of strong and independent, with a kind and gentle nature leaving you hoping for the happy ending.

Mallory inherited an old shop when her Grandmother died. She was quite surprised. What was she going to do with it?

Mallory, like so many others, thought she had their life all planned out. This all changed when she returned to Portside. The store and the location made her rethink her future.

A delightful story. I really enjoy a book. Mallory worked extremely hard for her dream to come true. She was fortunate she had new friends that were not only supportive but helped her achieve the impossible.

I requested to read and review this book through the Revell Reads program. I am thankful they chose me to read and review this book and all thoughts are my own and freely given.

This is the second book by Melody Carlson that I have read. I enjoyed both books. She writes Christian romance fiction in a light-hearted fashion. The books are not in any way preachy but show how you can/should rely on God in both hard times and good times.

The book is an easy read. It's not one where you wonder how it will end, it's one where you stay interested in finding the path that leads to the end. The characters were quite well developed but not deeply developed. There were a couple of unexpected twists and turns but overall it was just an enjoyable book that kept my interest throughout.

If you enjoy a clean, Christian-based romance book, you will enjoy this. Thank you to Revell Reads for allowing me this opportunity.

What a lovely story with all of the good feelings that come with happily ever afters! Mallory Farrell decides to upend her comfortable life when she inherits her grandmother’s tourist shop in a small town in Oregon. She decides to renovate the shop and the apartment above it, open the shop to feature her home design and move to the quaint little town. Once there, she meets mega-rich and super handsome Grayson Matthews, a widower who is not convinced that her business will succeed but he is willing to watch her try. The relationship between these two is puzzling at first as neither of them seemed to have the time to build a relationship together. I loved the interactions between the main characters and the plot that was woven so well around the themes of building and designs. The inspirational themes of redemption and hope were well interwoven into the plot and seemed a natural part of the storyline. With a quick pace, lots of humor, plenty of drama and characters that popped off the page, this is a book that is light-hearted with a deep underlying message that resonated with me. I especially loved the design tips from Mallory and her repartee with Grayson’s assistant Corinna. We could all learn from Mallory’s patience and resilience and her positive attitude in spite of one obstacle after another!
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell via Netgalley as part of the Revell Reads Blogger Program. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, “Guidelines Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”

I liked getting to know the residents of this tranquil seaside community. Second Time Around's plot and characters are both great , entertaining, and simple to read. it is a good read.

Cute, quaint and enjoyable, even if its somewhat predictable. Melody Carlson’s books always have a comforting feel, like coming back home after being gone awhile. I liked how Mallory kept her cool despite life’s setbacks and reminded the reader to leave it in gods hands without preaching at the reader. It was a subtle Christian undertone but not overly so. Id suggest her books. They are quick and easy reads. Great for a flight, beach trip or just some time to yourself!

“Second Time Around” by Melody Carlson
Decision - Dilemma – Discovery = Delightful
Oh, my what a ride this story was. Yes, I loved my time with Mallory as she faced an opportunity, chose a dream.. and with faith and a lot of help from friends overcame a nightmare of adversity. This small town story is also a story of faith, and finding new friendships. And, yes I shed a few tears and had some laughs, too. I hope when you read this story you like it as much as I did!! Happy Reading ! !
NOTE: This review expresses my honest opinion.
I received an ARC of this story from the publisher via NetGalley

I really enjoyed this book, there are a few twists and turns, and I thought I knew how things would turn out, but the journey to the answers kept me page turning!

I loved the setting, on the ocean in Oregon, could almost hear those waves. Can you imagine a woman who is a home designer with an apartment that she doesn't even want her grown children to see. Did love how she uses it to her advantage to dissuade some who want what she has, yes!

There is also an old teenage friend that reappears, with no idea how many women are interested in him! He is so oblivious, but we get tp know him better and he does save the day!

Makes you want to be in the lives of these new friends, and I would love to spend more time with them!

It was fun getting to know the residents of this tranquil seaside community. Second Time Around's plot and characters are both likable, entertaining, and simple to read. I highly recommend.

I would like to thank Revell and NetGalley for the ARC to read and review. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Starting over can be hard, but sometimes it may be the very thing we've been missing in life. Melody Carlson shows us a perfect example of this in her entertaining book Second Time Around.

Mallory is an interior designer who feels like everyone gets a second chance but her. When she inherits her grandmother’s small-town tourist shop, she goes to Portside with the intention of selling the property. After she arrives, she falls in love with the town just as she did when she was a child visiting her grandmother, and Mallory begins to think maybe her grandmother's shop could turn into the second chance she has been wanting.

The main characters in this story were very likable and interesting, and the secondary characters were entertaining and exactly like you would picture in a small town. The plot was well thought out and kept my interest throughout with unexpected twists and turns all the way to the end of the story. Since the main character is an interior designer, we got to experience the world of construction and design with her, which made the story even more interesting and realistic. The story did include romance, but instead of being the main plot line, it was secondary. The main plot line centered around the town coming together to help one another which was very refreshing.

I enjoyed this story very much, and I would definitely recommend the book.

This book was provided to me courtesy of Revell through NetGalley for my honest opinion.

A heart-warming romance. More about friends, family, and community than romance. A capable woman meets the challenges life throws at her with and without the help of those around her. An enjoyable read. Thanks to the publisher for providing a copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary.

Loved every minute of this fantastic story! From the seaside town that's a character in its own right to the slow and subtly building chemistry between the characters. Full discussion with the author will be on StoryChats on the 3/31/23 podcast episode.