Cover Image: Looking for Leroy

Looking for Leroy

Pub Date:   |   Archive Date:

Member Reviews

I received an arc of this title from NetGalley for an honest review. I found this book frustrating as the author created over five hours of build-up before the two characters even met face-to-face. Other than that, it was a lovely story.

Was this review helpful?

Thank you, Netgalley, for a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. Looking for Leroy caught my attention for its cross section of teaching, the Pacific Northwest, and Napa wine country. I didn't realize until starting this book that it was Christian literature--my novice mistake as this was a request I made in my early Netgalley days. I thought much of this book was cozy and sweet, and the Christian aspects weren't as heavy-handed as I had feared. I liked the vineyard atmosphere and the familial setting, but there were some really catty dynamics and interactions between the side characters that frankly made me feel ill at ease. Toward the end of the book, I felt especially uncomfortable with some comments that the main male character made toward the female love interest. Consequently, I was appalled that she ended up maintaining her feelings for him. Overall, this was ok, but there is a slightly sour taste in my mouth after finishing it. Not a wide-recommend for the reasons stated above.

Was this review helpful?

A heartwarming story of second chances and new beginnings.

Another school year comes to a close and teacher Brynna Phillips' life is in a tailspin, so she accepts the invitation of her co-worker Jan to accompany her on a RVing adventure to Sonoma. The trip brings up memories of a former flame, and they decide to see if they can find him. But finding Leroy is just the beginning.

A heartwarming tale of second chances, faith and friendship. An enjoyable quick read filled with a full cast of colorful characters, great for fans of feel-good romantic films. I especially liked how Jan and Mike were supportive and just the right amount of pushy to encourage Brynna to do what she needed to. Jan was probably one of my favorite characters because of her straightforward manner and big heart. I also liked getting to know Leroy's family.

Overall, this was a quick read, simple, but full of charm. There were times when I thought that things would get resolved faster if they would just talk to each other, but nonetheless a charming read.

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

Was this review helpful?

A cute story on second chance at love. I like following Brynna in her search for her first love, Leroy.

Was this review helpful?

3.5 stars

Looking for Leroy tells Bree Phillip's story as she ends up going on a trip with one of her teacher friend Jen from school to try and find her lost love. Along the way, it becomes a mission of sorts of Jen's to find Leroy so that Bree can see what he looks like now and maybe just maybe restart a romance with him that ended abruptly years ago.

Overall this book was one I found a little frustrating at times because of how much back and forth was happening. Bree ends up potentially finding this Leroy and gets roped into working at this vineyard by the daughter of the owner and from there the book really takes off and I started to enjoy it more. I did like the owner's daughter Sophie and how kind she was towards Bree. I feel like we also saw Bree really shine when around Sophie and her family, she was the happiest we'd seen her in the entire book when around Sophie's children. When it came to the actual romance part of this book there was actually very little for a Melody Carlson book it was more of a will they won't they type thing going on. Bree was also going back and forth with staying or going constantly that she was like 'a ping-pong ball' (her own words) when it came to making the decision. The end of this book was sweet and it was nice to see some things resolved and to see Bree happy and thriving after all she had been through previously.

"Here's to a romance that was planted then forgotten many decades ago. May it blossom and growing, coming into beautiful fruition for many decades to come."

Was this review helpful?

I’m always looking for a second chance romance and this one seems to hit the soft spot gif me.

I rarely find characters that are into their 40’ and are looking for a new change at love .

This story was my first by the author and I enjoyed it immensely.
The characters are so well drawn and they just grow on me with each chapter.

The love story is slow and sweet and heartwarming. I think it would make for a perfect movie if the chance arise.

Perfect for the fans of Virgin River series.

Was this review helpful?

I have enjoyed many books by Melody Carlson in the past so I was excited to read this one and I was not disappointed. Looking for Leroy is a sweet second chance romance that takes place in a beautiful vineyard in California. I really appreciated a contemporary romance with characters that were a bit more seasoned shall we say. The characters in this book were in their 40's and had some life experiences to bring into the story. Brynna is an elementary school teacher and ends up on a summer adventure in a camper with her assistant principal. While visiting wine country in California, she and her friend decide to look for Leroy, a boy she met at camp many many years ago whose family owned a vineyard. You'll have to read the book to see how their story ends.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for a copy of this story. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.

Was this review helpful?

This was so good! I love how character was developed and the plot was good. It was the perfect summer book!

Was this review helpful?

Vintner and vineyard tender, Leroy, has entered the empty nest phase. He is widowed and coddled by his three daughters. They want him to find love again. Brynna, a school teacher, longs for adventure after her divorce. As summer looms in front of her, a school coworker offers a chance of a lifetime and Brynna says yes.
Travelling by RV, Brynna and her friend enjoy time away from work and their routine. We find out that Brynna and Leroy were sweethearts who met at summer camp, way back in high school. Brynna and her travel companions decide to go "looking for Leroy."
This was an entertaining story of a long-awaited love story, fraught with life's circumstances.

Was this review helpful?

I really enjoyed this story as well as the characters. The story is well worded and grabs you in the first chapter.

Was this review helpful?

Who would have though that finding Leroy would even be possible? And who would have thought that Brynna's most unlikely friend at school would help make that possible? Only God can make something like this possible! This is quite a camping trip! Leroy and Brynna both needed a second chance and I am glad they found one!

Was this review helpful?

Looking for Leroy is a fun second chance romance story! I enjoyed the beautiful setting of Sonoma; I could picture the beautiful vineyards and sunsets. The little cottage seemed like the perfect retreat. Brynna was sweet and kind, she had a hard time speaking up for herself. I think a lot of people can relate to that. Leroy was quiet and seemed a bit gruff, but inside I think he just wanted to be loved. There are so many good parts to this story! The unexpected friendships, the sense of adventure, taking chances, and putting yourself out there. Fans of contemporary romance will love this trip into wine country with the hope of a second chance at love. I received a copy of this book for free; all thoughts and opinions are my own.

Was this review helpful?

LOOKING FOR LEROY by Melody Carlson was everything I wanted -- and then some: road trip in a beautiful part of the country I know well, friendship, memory, and a love story woven into it. An artful, thoughtful and thought-provoking story, I'm inspired to do my own road trip with dear friends I've known forever -- no Leroy resolution required. I received an early reader copy of this novel and these are my own, unbiased opinions.

Was this review helpful?

This book was somewhat of a disappointment for me. Normally I love books by Melody Carlson, but this one just missed the mark. It lacked her usual depth of characters, and felt like someone else wrote it.

There were many frustrating things for me in the book. I thought the idea of the straight-laced principal letting go completely over the summer, to the point where she travels alone with a man she just met more than far-fetched. And that the main character would not only join them, but let them talk her into doing something she was totally uncomfortable with, was just strange.

I liked Leroy until I saw what a pushover he was, and how his daughters were judgmental and unkind. The fact that his 'working vacation' visitors took over his house without a word from him seemed over the top.

I get there needs to be conflict in a story, but felt this one relied too much on situations that made me suspend belief for too long. I will probably give another of her stories a try, but not in this series.

I did appreciate that the book is clean, and a light read.

Was this review helpful?

This book was a okay read. I smiled, hollered and even teared up at various parts. For me, it does take a while for the main characters to finally meet again which I was not a fan of. After that moment it is straight chaos until the calm end. There is a lot of indecisiveness but overall it came together well.

Was this review helpful?

Looking for Leroy by Melody Carlson
Melody Carlson knows how to write a contemporary book. I've never read her books before but I'm excited to read more. Melody Carlson knows how to keep a book interesting. Looking for Leroy keep my anticipation up. The book kept my attention from the very beginning

Synopsis - Brynna Phillips (a teacher)was a woman who gave up on men. Her husband left her for another woman. Brynna thought that men did one thing and that was to break your heart. There was one man that never broke her heart and that was Leroy. Leroy was a summer romance during camp over 30 years ago. What will Brynna going to do this summer now that school is out.

My thoughts - There is absolutely nothing bad about this book. It an amazing contemporary Christian book that pulls you in from the very beginning. I fell in love with the story. The characters were well written. There are places that I laughed and places I cried.

Rating - 5 stars out of 5

Recommend - I will absolutely recommend "Looking for Leroy" to family and friends and through review sites an social media.

I received this complimentary copy from Revell for a honest review. All thoughts and opinions are mine and mine alone

Was this review helpful?

If you’re looking for an easy-flowing, contemporary romance novel with a middle-aged pair, Looking for Leroy by Melody Carlson deserves a read. The tone of this story made me smile and laugh.

Brynna is a divorced, elementary school teacher whose vice-principal invites her along on a summer camping trip out west. It is a trip that has the potential to change her life.

Leroy Sorrentino is the widowed vintner of a small California vineyard. Preparing to celebrate the historical longevity of the vineyard, two of his three grown daughters attempt to market and make Sorrentino’s profitable.

I liked the premise of the storyline and the predictable but realistic conflicts Carlson presents for her characters to overcome.

“Had he settled? Both in life and in marriage? He sometimes wondered.” This is a very sad, possibly tragic, thought for a person to have to ponder after it seems too late to make changes.

I also wondered if LeRoy were my friend, what advice I would give him about his love life. Each of his daughters certainly has an opinion! Some characters didn’t grow as much or as fast as I wanted them to. Honestly, people in real life are like that, though. We people don’t always grow as quickly and steadily forward as we should.

Sophie is my favorite character. She seems warm, accepting, able to see the best in others, and willing to forgive. Plus, she’s a hard worker!

I received a copy of this book from Revell Reads. No positive review was required, and all opinions are my own.

Notable Quotables:

“Training dogs was much easier than training daughters.”

“Wisdom, understanding, knowledge. More than ever, she longed for those elusive qualities—because she felt foolish, confused, and just plain stupid.”

Was this review helpful?

I always enjoy Melody Carlson's sweet novellas, and this one is no exception! Looking for Leroy is a second-chance romance with older characters, which I really liked. I loved the setting of the Northern California wine country, and the author's amazing descriptions of its beauty made me want to plan a visit! The heroine, Brynna, goes on a road trip with friends following her divorce. She remembers when she fell in love for the first time at a Christian summer camp and wonders if she can find the boy (now man) again. Of course, she does, and the sparks are still there. As they interact, they gradually re-visit what happened between them so long ago and find forgiveness and true love again. A very heartwarming romance!

Was this review helpful?

Looking for Leroy by Melody Carlson is a sweet romance that will bring a smile to your face while also reminding you that God has a plan for your life, even when everything seems all off kilter. Brynna is a school teacher who goes on a camping trip with her friend Jan, in an attempt to do something new. While exploring different parts of the country, she tells Jan about her old flame, Leroy, who lived in Sonoma County. Jan decides to help her find him, although Brynna isn't sure that is the best idea. What ensues is a lot of chaos, confusion, heartbreak, and joy. Check it out and see for yourself! Great book! I listened to the audiobook and the narrator was great!
Thanks to #NetGalley!

Was this review helpful?

Looking for Leroy is a bit different from most books in the romance genre in that the romantic leads didn't meet each other (or re-meet, as the case may be) until probably over halfway through the story. As such, we didn't really get to see them together as a couple as much as I would typically like... and I admit I did find myself wishing there was a bit more of that... Still, there was something about that anticipation of when they would bump into one another that certainly kept me turning the pages to see how it would all play out. Second chance romances are some that I have always really enjoyed, and this was certainly no exception. Beyond that, I adored the beautiful picture Melody Carlson pained of this setting... As a non-drinker, I can't say that visiting a vineyard has ever been high on my list of things I wanted to experience, but this book certainly might have changed that with its beautiful descriptions of the landscape and the serenity of it all. While I cannot say this has been my favorite from this author, it certainly was a quick and enjoyable read that I would highly recommend to fans of clean romance!

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

Was this review helpful?