Looking for Leroy by Melody Carlson is a delightful read. Brynna is a third grade teacher putting her life back together from her divorce who finds herself with her friend Jan driving down the west coast with a camper. The trip brings back memories of an old love. Leroy is widowed and works at the old world Vineyard his family has owned for the last 180 years. Both remember their first true love.

The beautiful setting of the west coast and Sonoma wine country made the story almost magical. The author painted the sunsets and scenery in such a pleasing way, I felt as if I was there. The cast of characters were delightful and varied. I loved walking through life with Brynna as she discovered who she was and realized her worth. Leroy was a wonderful man who worked hard and was figuring out that life. Jan and Mike were comic relief and Leroy’s daughters were full of life.

The author wove this story together in a beautiful way that spoke to themes of second chances, forgiveness, and opening yourself up to God's love and purpose for your life. I enjoyed the many layers of depth in the story and will forever be able to picture the Vineyard in my head. I loved the subtle humor and wisdom sprinkled throughout the book. I highly recommend Looking for Leroy. .

I was given a complimentary copy and not required to write a review.

Looking for Leroy was a really cute read. It had substance and kept me entertained. The more I read, the more I had to find out how it ended. I loved the description of the vineyard and the guest cottage and even the varying differences in the characters – from Judith and her mean stepmother qualities to the varying personalities of Leroy’s daughters. I fell in love with Sophie and her family. The only thing I felt lacking in this book was the presence of biblical truths sprinkled throughout. The main character didn’t even go to church. For a Christian novel, I missed that element, but otherwise? A great read.

I received a complimentary copy of this book but was under no obligation to review it. All opinions are mine.


Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4623995849
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/books/looking-for-leroy-by-melody-carlson

Spring is upon us and I don’t know about you, but I am already dreaming of lazy days at the campground. I’ve got campfires and hammock reading on the mind. Melody Carlson spoke right to me with her latest novel, Looking for Leroy, where elementary teacher Brynna Phillips finds herself on a camping road trip with the not so warm and cuddly vice principal Sergeant Bart. Add that to the list of things in Brynna’s life that did not go as planned, along with a jerk of an ex-husband and a condo that doesn’t allow much space for the garden of her dreams. She’s not quite sure why she agreed to this road trip or the stranger they seemed to have picked up, Motorcycle Mike, but as the motley crew makes their way into California memories begin to pick at the edges of Brynna’s mind. Pulling into a campground that had been converted from the summer camp Brynna attended in high school, she begins to wonder what ever happened to the boy with the camera who made her smile so brightly.

Sparks are flying all around the campfire, but an idea begins to burn when Jan Barton and Motorcycle Mike hear about the boy from Brynna’s past. Before she knows what is really happening, they have picked up the game of Looking for Leroy, with little information except that his family owned a vineyard in California. As their own flame begins to burn, they are inspired to help Brynna reconnect with the one who got away. Upon finding their mark, a series of mishaps and mistruths lead to misunderstandings that pave the way to restoration for both the damaged vineyard and the relationship that just needed to be pruned and cared for in order to bear beautiful fruit.

Thank you to the author and publisher for allowing me a copy to read and review. All opinions expressed here are my own and are completely genuine.

Brynna Phillips, a divorced teacher, sets out on a summer camping adventure with another teacher. As they pull into one of the camps, Brynna recalls that this is a place she went to summer camp when she was growing up. Memories flood her mind, along with the memory of a special young man, Leroy, that she met and who became her first love. She does not even remember his last name, only that his family owned a vineyard in Sonoma, which is close to where they are camping. Her friend, Jan, insists that they look for him.

Will they even be able to locate him? If so, how will he react towards her? Is he married?

A special book about young love, mid-life memories, and life possibilities makes this a very enjoyable read.

Thanks to Revel and NetGalley for a copy of this book. The opinions expressed are my own.

I really enjoyed this book! I hope there will be a 2nd book to this one! I would definitely recommend this book!

Every time I see a review opportunity for a book from Melody Carlson, I jump on it! It all started with reading her Christmas books year after year. Recently, I began reading her other books as well. I am never disappointed by one of her stories.

Looking for Leroy started a bit slow for me. There was a lot of setting up the storyline. It was necessary to make it all sound somewhat believable. It's definitely a fairytale of a story, but so satisfying. I loved the way that Carlson made Brynna so real and vulnerable. I think that her character will resonate with many single women—especially those who have known heartbreak.

Once the story starts building speed, it's a one way ticket to a satisfying emotional adventure. I think this is a great spring or summer time read. It's not heavy emotionally or mentally. It's just a light satisfying romance that is completely clean. I highly recommend it.

I received a download of this book in exchange for an honest review.

My thoughts: looking for Leroy is the latest book by acclaimed author Melody Carlson. This is women's fiction about a young couple who fell in love as young teens spent two weeks together then went there separate ways. They both married and then as older adults they discover each other again. But it's not all about a roses unless of course there's plenty of thorns included. It was a sweet read both characters were likable but I didn't really care one way or the other whether they ended up together. It was interesting learning a little about a culture that I know nothing about. Warning for those who are against drinking since this is sat in a vineyard there is plenty of drinking involved. Again it was a sweet read. I was given a copy. All opinions are my own.

Brynna (Bree) Phillips is a teacher in Oregon. She is disillusioned with romance after a bad divorce and facing a quiet summer gardening on her condo patio. Instead, she ends up on an unlikely road trip with a teacher who is exactly opposite of her in every way. Enroute they stop at an old summer camp turned campground where Brynna went to camp years ago, and Brynna (coaxed on by her friend) decides to look for her first love, Leroy. This search takes her to Sonoma where Leroy Sorrentino, now a widower, owns and operates a family vineyard with his 3 adult daughters. Through a misunderstanding, Bree ends up working at the vineyard - anticipating finally seeing Leroy again. This book tells their story.

I was first intrigued by this book because of the cute camper on the cover! The first love/nostalgia storyline was also appealing.

This was a fun read. Like many rom coms, it takes a bit of a leap of faith to imagine Bree actually working at the vineyard, but it made a great plot device. The story is told from both Bree and Leroy's viewpoint, and that brought an interesting angle to the story. I liked both characters and anticipated their meeting in the book.

This novel is just made for Hallmark or Netflix and I hope it finds its way to the big screen! I enjoyed Looking for Leroy and recommend it as a beach read or an enjoyable read for a leisurely weekend.

As always this author has written another cute little story and one that I liked very much.
The characters and plot were wonderful!
The camping trip was meh but I pretty much loved the rest of it.
I must admit I did learn a lot about the subject of the book and at times I could imagine myself in a vineyard.
Carlson paints such vivid pictures and captures the scenery very well

I'm a little torn on this book. On one hand the setting, simplicity of the plot, and the second chance romance were all wonderful. On the other hand, the story was a bit slow for my liking and the characters had poor communication. So, let's get into it, shall we?! Second chance romances are my FAVORITE -sign me up everytime! Brynna and Leroy haven't seen each other in 30 years and I 100% felt the chemistry developing between them. I think I was a little bummed out that I was 60% into the novel before they even noticed each other again. Have you felt that before about a book? I know it's a personal preference thing so take that into consideration for sure! The family owned vineyard setting was picturesque in my mind and I loved every second of the descriptions. As I was reading this book I kept thinking, this would make for an excellent TV series! Overall, I could take or leave this one but I will continue reading everything this author writes because I really enjoy how she weaves loving and wholesome family dynamics.

Looking for Leroy is a contemporary romance about mid-life and second chances. The setting in the vineyards of California is inspiring. Brynna and Leroy are the main characters and both are single, one widowed , the other divorced. After a series of events they they reconnect after thrity years . A story of forgiveness and second chances. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

As always, Melody Carlson’s newest book is light-hearted and clean, so refreshing when not much else in this world are. Unfortunately I didn’t love this one as much as her others. Maybe I just didn’t relate as much to the characters. I would still recommend it, though! Reading it is an easy and enjoyable way to spend an afternoon.

Looking for Leroy by Melody Carlson is such a sweet read. I especially loved the location since it takes place in Sonoma County, where I grew up. It is the story of Brynna Philips, a recently divorced teacher that ends up taking a summer RV trip with a coworker after a disturbing encounter with her ex-husband and his new wife. As they are passing through Northern California and stop to camp for the evening, Brynna begins reminiscing about her time spent at this very summer camp as a teenager. This was the location where she met her first love, a fling that did not last much longer than the summer. As it turns out, Leroy, her first love, owns a winery in Sonoma County and Brynna's friends think it would be really amazing for them to reconnect. Thus begins the search for the winery (they do not know the name of it or his last name) and Leroy. The story flowed nicely, the characters were believable, and plenty of backstories was given to understand where they were all coming from in their actions. I was hooked throughout the book and kept going back to it every chance I had, but wish I had read a bit slower so I was able to enjoy it longer.

Brynna Philips, a divorced schoolteacher, is looking forward to her summer vacation. She plans to do some gardening and is excited about it. When she sees her ex and his pregnant wife, her excitement turns to sorrow. At the same time, she runs into a coworker and in an attempt to comfort her she extends an invitation to Brynna to accompany her on a camping trip. Even though this is way out of her comfort zone, Brynna accepts the invitation and off they go. It can be debated whether it was fate or coincidence, but the first stop is where Brynna went to camp thirty years ago. It was there that she met Leroy Sorrentino, the young man she ended her correspondence with when she went back to her former boyfriend. She was his first love. The question arises: Where is Leroy now?
From what started out as unexpected camping trip with unexpected companions and against her better judgement, the search begins. The results? They are complicated. Brynna finds herself in a situation she never imagined.

The author brings to readers a wonderfully readable story. The novel's premise is interesting and lively. Alternately told in the voices of the protagonists, the story spans from the past to the present. Readers will find much to enjoy here: realistic characters who are vividly brought to life, fine writing, faith, romance and second chances. Highly recommended.

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

LOOKING FOR LEROY is going to make you want to run to the vineyards of California! The beautiful words Melody Carlson uses to describe the vineyards will have you feeling like you are right there sitting in the dirt and smelling the sweetness from the grapes. Brynna Phillips is a school teacher who believes she is done with men and is looking to spend her summer gardening on her small condo deck. Everything she has planned for the summer goes out the window when she heads to the local nursery to get some plants. Her co-worker Jan finds her at the nursery and ends up talking Brynna into going on a camping trip with her down to California.

I have read many Melody Carlson’s books and have loved them all. LOOKING FOR LEROY 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 Leroy tried to figure out what he really wanted. I tried not to rush through the story of Brynna and Leroy. Bree knows how much his daughters mean to Leroy and she can not be the cause of their fighting. I truly wanted the sisters to work out their problems and accept Bree and repair their relationship. I just wanted to reach in the pages of LOOKING FOR LEROY 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.

This is not my first book by Melody Carlson. I purposely picked this book because I really enjoyed the others. I am glad I did.
It was an entertaining book that had some great characters. Brynna was the main character. She was a teacher who was just trying to get over a bad divorce.
Jan, an acquaintance from the school Brynna works, talked her into taking a camping trip through the Sonoma Wine Country. Brynna was not particularly close to Jan before this adventure. But with Jan's encouragement, Brynna was on the road to discovery. She never imagined that she would be working at a vineyard owned by someone in her past. Is this a coincidence or did GOD have a plan?
Have you ever wondered what happened to an earlier love? Did you have a chance to reconnect? Brynna and Leroy are given a rare opportunity to rewrite their futures.
I received this book from Revell to review.

A lovely contemporary story about second chances for characters who is closer to their 50’s.

This cover is gorgeous and drew my attention with first glimpse.

Brynna and Leroy both have gone through so much joy and loss during the past 30 years but you never forget your first love. The journey of find themselves in this later season of life, working through this loss to be whole again and to finding each other again was just as beautiful story to read as the setting of the Sonoma region described.

Some of the secondary characters I loved (Sophia) and some I disliked (Judith), but they all played a part in Leroy and Brynna’s journey to a second chance at love. I absolute adored the dog, Babe.

Recently divorced, Brynna learns that her ex and his much younger new wife are expecting a baby. This totally throws her for a loop as he was anti-children when they were married. A co-worker who she's never really felt close to before invites her to go along on a camping road trip. When they camp at a former church camp where Brynna had a summer romance, they decide to go looking for LeRoy and find out whatever happened to him. Thinking they will never find LeRoy anyway; Brynna goes along with it and LeRoy actually turns up on his family vineyard. The story progresses from there.

I was excited to read this book. I loved the idea of the camping road trip. I loved the idea of a second chance with a lost love. The setting was beautiful... but when I actually got going into the book I was really just underwhelmed. There wasn't much camping or road tripping adventure. The second chance at love took FOREVER to come about because Brynna was acting like she was still back in high school and avoiding LeRoy for over half of the book. The story flips back and forth between the characters of LeRoy and Brynna and it was just too slow moving for me. Nothing really happens. By the time something did happen I had lost interest. Overall, it was a sweet story. I think lots of people will enjoy it, it just didn't live up to my expectations.

My sincere thanks to Revell and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read this book and give my opinion of it. I have read other Melody Carlson books that I have enjoyed and will continue to check out her work in the future.

I am taking a different tack for this review : instead of writing ‘in the heat of the moment’ as soon as I have finished reading the book, or noting my first impressions as I begin & then adding to that as I read, this time I have finished it & then waited a few days, to see what ‘sticks’ in my memory. Here is what springs to mind :-
- don’t judge people’s characters until you know them better (not just the surface version they present to the world)...
- people may act in quite unexpected ways when away from their ‘usual’ milieu...
- never accept a third party’s opinions as fact : find out directly from the person concerned, what their view is/how they feel about what has happened...
- sometimes a person/event from our past is on our mind for a reason – something needs resolving, so we can move on...
‘Looking for Leroy’ is not ‘heavy’ serious, but neither is it too lightweight – it struck a nice balance in between, & also made a nice change to have older main characters. 3 1/2 stars

Looking for Leroy is a contemporary Christian romance novel by author Melody Carlson. Because I rarely read the back blurb on books before reading them, I was (pleasantly) surprised to see that the main characters were older than those in most inspirational fiction. Reading about characters who had already done much of life was an interesting change.

Brynna has sworn off romance after a painful divorce, when her coworker Jan convinces her to join her on a summer camping trip. Along the way, Brynna mentions her old flame from summer camp 30 years before, and Jan is convinced that they will find him and Brynna will finally have her happily-ever-after. But, it's been so long since the last time she heard from him. What are the chances that the wonderful guy Brynna remembers is single...and how will they find him only knowing his first name? Meanwhile, Leroy is now a widower, running the family vineyard with the help of his daughters--and he's looking for a new employee.

I really liked Brynna and Leroy, but wished they had tried harder to communicate at the beginning instead of keeping secrets and letting things fester. I enjoyed seeing Brynna go from unconfident and unsure of herself to finding her place in the world--and in Leroy's life. I also appreciated seeing the characters' faith woven in throughout the story. Sophie was a definite favourite of mine as well. I quickly related to her love of cleaning to find time for herself in her life as a busy mom. There were also a few characters who I instantly disliked, and wished the author would have sent them packing quickly, but understood why they were in the story. All in all, it was an interesting story with a unique, yet believable, plot.

I would give Looking for Leroy 3.5/5 stars. It's a great novel for anyone who enjoys contemporary fiction, and especially for anyone who is looking for something featuring slightly more mature characters.

*I received a complimentary copy of Looking for Leroy through the publisher and NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own. My positive review is not required.