Member Review

Courting Mr. Emerson by Melody Carlson takes readers on a journey to Warner, Oregon. Mr. George Emerson has been teaching Language Arts at Warner High School for almost thirty years. After pressure from administration plus the changes in student attitudes along with the advancements of technology, George is retiring at end of the year. Willow West is a free-spirited artist who owns the Willow West Gallery in town and is raising her grandson, Collin. Willow meets George when she requests a recommendation letter from him for Collin’s college applications. Willow notices that George is old-fashioned, a luddite and set in his ways. She decides to invite him to Final Friday at her gallery. Much to her surprise, George shows up and they end the evening having coffee. This is the first in a series of encounters as Willow attempts to push George out of his comfort zone and embrace life. George finds himself uncomfortable, but he does find himself frequently thinking about Willow. As the summer passes by, George helps Willow’s daughter renovate her apartment. He starts to meet new people and new concepts including Christianity. Will George be able to open his heart to love and God? Join George, Willow, Collin and Josie on their journeys in Courting Mr. Emerson.

Courting Mr. Emerson is such a sweet story. It has Melody Carlson’s trademark writing style. Courting Mr. Emerson contains good writing, thoughtful pacing and humor. I especially liked that the main characters are older. These are two people in their 50s who are getting a second chance. As we get older, people get more set in their ways as we see with George Emerson. George has suffered great losses in his lifetime and has become closed off. He is set in his way with a steady routine, but everything changes after he retires. George finds himself at loose ends and along comes Willow. Willow was raised by hippie type parents. She is an artist who is raising her grandson after her daughter took off to be a groupie. Willow’s life changes when her antagonistic daughter returns much to her son’s disappointment. Each character has their own issues that they need to work through with a little help from their friends and God. Courting Mr. Emerson is a story that you just need to read and enjoy (do not go looking for hidden or deeper meanings). Courting Mr. Emerson shows us that we are never to old to change or find love (it gives me hope). I am giving Courting Mr. Emerson 4 out of 5 stars (I liked it). Courting Mr. Emerson is the perfect story for those who delight in reading inspirational romance. If you are looking for a heartwarming story to read, then pick up Courting Mr. Emerson.