Looking for Leroy is a fun and fresh take on a second chance romance from a beloved author in Christian fiction.

Bryanna was a sweet heroine. I really felt for her and the way her ex-husband had treated her. As the book begins, she is unsure of herself and hesitant to try new things, something many readers will be able to relate to. And while she is reluctant to come out of her shell, we see her start to enjoy herself as the book progresses. Though I wish she had come out with the truth sooner in the book, it was nice to see how happy Bryanna was as she worked at the vineyard. It makes this novel a story of self-discovery as much as it is a romance. Though Leroy could come off as a bit stand-offish, he was an all-around good guy. It was evident that his daughters were the center of his world, and though they could be frustrated in their tendencies to take over his life, it was sweet to see how Leroy strove to do the best for them.

You don’t have to be a wine drinker to appreciate how beautifully the vineyard in Sonoma is described. The rolling hills, the gorgeous sunsets; it all sounds lovely. It makes for a nice setting for a romance novel and Carlson’s appreciation for this part of country is clear throughout the book.

Contemporary romance readers won’t want to miss this sweet and fun novel.

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

Slowest second chance slow burn, 30 years in the making for these characters and I was waiting for over half the book for them to finally see each other again. But to be able to live in that cozy cottage and ride that bike through the vineyard would almost be worth all that crazy that was going on.

Sweet story! Loved the way Jan and Brynna are different but yet so alike. Mike, a perfect stranger deciding to tag along with Jan and Brynna on their rode trip seemed a little unlikely. But Mike was able to point out God moments that opened Brynna's eyes. I loved Sophie! Enjoyable story with some great teachable moments. Recommended.

What a fantastic book. Melody Carlson had written a very entertaining inspirational romance. Loved the well developed plot and characters. I love this author’s books and Looking for Leroywas no exception. Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for my advance ebook. This is my unbiased review.

Looking for Leroy, by Melody Carlson, is a lovely midlife second chance story. School is out for the summer and third grade teacher Brynna Philips is at loose ends. When she inadvertently runs into her ex husband Dirk and his young pregnant wife, it is almost more that she can handle. In the many years they were married he had always said no children! Now he was gushing over his young wife.

As she stands by her car weeping her assistant principal Jan Barton comes along. Jan, an older widow, has plans to travel this summer with her new large SUV and travel trailer. Jan decides it would be good for Brynna to join her and, as the force to be reckoned with that she is, makes plans to pick Brynna up the following morning.

With nothing but negativity to keep her in Portland, Brynna agrees. They make their way to the coast and end up at a campground that had been a kids camps 30 years ago. It was at this camp that Brynna met what may have been the love of her life, Leroy. When Jan and their new traveling companion Motorcycle Mike learn that Leroy’s family owned a vineyard and winery, and they are heading to Sonoma anyway, the game became Looking for Leroy. But since Brynna didn’t recall his last name, this was like looking for a needle in a haystack.

As fate would have it, the final winery they stopped at was the correct one. When Brynna stepped out of the tasting room to catch her breath, Leroy’s eldest, and very pregnant, daughter Sophie mistook her for the interview to fill the manager position Sophie would be vacating. And Sophie was also a force to be reckoned with! Getting few words in during the interview, the next thing Brynna knew she was beginning on Monday and would have a small cottage on the property as part of her salary.

Mike brings Brynna on Sunday before he leaves to meet Jan at Yosemite. They promise they will come back to get Brynna if things go awry. And then the story takes off in a cat and mouse adventure!

This is a lovely story of second chances and long lost love. I did enjoy this book and I do recommend it!

What are the chances that two people who started a relationship at church camp will find their way back to each other 30 years later? So many factors have to fall into place to reunite Brynn and Leroy. Is it "meant to be"? I was engaged from start to finish in this second chance romance and will be reading more books by Melody Carlson. Thanks to NetGalley and Revell for the opportunity to read and review Looking for Leroy.

Brynna Philips, a teacher heads out on a camping adventure with a fellow teacher for the summer. When they start sharing stories, Brynna tells the tale of when she met a boy and fell in love at summer camp so long ago. Her friend Jan decides that they should go on a hunt to find this boy. The adventure of looking for Leroy begins.

Leroy is running his family’s winery and is a widower with three grown daughters. His life is fine, and he is happy doing what he loves. When Leroy’s daughter finds his stash of photos and letters from a girl at summer camp so long ago, he begins to wonder what has happened to her.

This was such a fabulous novel of first loves, family, friendship and taking chances. Melody Carlson developed such interesting, complex characters, I was drawn into the story from the very first page. There were many humorous moments that had me giggling to those tender moments that just warmed my heart. I really enjoyed all the characters and especially Leroy’s daughters who were so diverse, they just added to the already brilliant story line. I also loved that the two main characters were middle aged which brought a great dimension into the story. Revell Publishing so graciously gifted me an advanced readers copy in exchange for my honest and unbiased opinion, so my thanks to them. This is a solid five stars, friends.

This is the first book I have read by Melody Carlson. I enjoyed her writing and plan to read more of her books in the future. Looking for Leroy is a story about second chances. It is set at a family winery. The characters were relatable. I enjoyed the story but did feel like the ending was rushed.
Thank you, NetGalley, providing the ARC.

Looking for Leroy by Melody Carlson is a sweet story. I count always count on Melody Carlson to provide a story that will engage me and distract me from reality. Brynna Phillips goes on a camping trip with co-worker, Jan Barton who has a new red travel trailer. When they stop at a campground that was formally a Christian camp that Brynna went to as a teen, she tells Jan about Leroy. Since they will be traveling through Sonoma Valley, Jan suggests they locate Leroy and their new camping companion, Mike agrees with her. Reluctantly, Brynna goes along with them. When they find the vineyard, Brynna is ready to run. She regrets how she ended things with Leroy thirty years ago and is not sure how he will react to her presence. Brynna is wandering around the property when she encounters Sophie, Leroy’s pregnant daughter. She mistakes Brynna for the woman coming to interview for the office manager position. Brynna gets the job, and her friends convince her to take it. Brynna wonders what Leroy will think when they encounter each other? I thoroughly enjoyed Looking for Leroy. It is a charming Christian romance. I started reading and did not want to put it down. I found Looking for Leroy to be well-written with developed, realistic characters. This is a character driven story. I liked getting to know Brynna, Leroy, and Leroy’s large family especially Sophie and Gina (two of Leroy’s daughters). I enjoyed the beautiful descriptions of Sonoma Valley. It sounds like a lovely place to live. The Christian element was seamlessly woven into the story. There is humor as well. I found myself chuckling several times while reading Looking for Leroy. This was a delightful second chance romance. Looking for Leroy reminds me of Melody Carlson’s The Happy Camper (another fun story). Looking for Leroy is a delightful book to read on a lazy Saturday afternoon. I was sorry to see it end. Looking for Leroy is a captivating tale with a red travel trailer, a Christian Camp recollection, Motorcycle Mike, a vineyard vista, a massive misunderstanding, a wily woman, and a magic moment.

First Net Galley review! I selected the book “Looking for Leroy” by Melody Carlson. The plot line of this book I found to be quite intriguing. The main character, Brynna, is a third-grade teacher who has just finished up the school year. Brynna decides to start off her summer break by heading to a nursery to get some plants to spruce up her condo. Unfortunately her nursery trip is ruined when she spots her ex-husband there with his new wife, who is undeniably pregnant. Realizing her life has been in a bit of a rut, Brynna decides to take a risk and accompany the vice-principal of her school, Jan, on her summer camping expedition. When one of the campsites ends up being the location of a former high school camping trip, Brynna is reminded of the time she spent there and her camp romance. After telling her story to Jan, the duo set out on a quest to search for the Sonoma vineyard where Leroy, Brynna’s camp crush, works and resides. The two are joined in their quest by Motorcycle Mike, who they meet at the campsite. Mike and Jan soon deem the group the “Three Musketeers” and set out “Looking for Leroy”, with a reluctant and hesitant Brynna in tow.

The author uses a dual narrative (Brynna and Leroy) to tell the story, and I particularly liked that. It was a tad confusing at times, however, as there were some chapters where the narrative changed within the chapter. I think the book could benefit from having each chapter be from one narrative, and just increasing the overall number of chapters.

Unfortunately, for me, while I loved the plot line, it became a tad redundant midway through. Brynna’s character was also a little bit too wish-washy in her decision in my opinion. The book does do a good job with character development, particularly for the main characters.

Finally, the ending seemed a bit abrupt, after dragging the middle out. I think there could have been a little more story development in the last few chapters.

I loved the Sonoma wine country setting, having just visited Sonoma on a recent visit out to California.

Looking For Leroy by Melody Carlson is a most delightful contemporary novel that will warm your heart.
You never forget your first love no matter how many years have passed. There may be regrets in life, choices that have not worked out. What would you do if you could have a second chance at first love?
The reader sees the importance of retaining a spirit of adventure, no matter what your age. Life is for living and for exploring new places and having new adventures.
Sometimes we face crossroads in life and don’t know what to do – “Why don’t you try praying about it too.” Involving God in our lives is always a good idea. We need to pray and then listen for His voice.
We all have dreams. Sometimes life happens and interrupts our dreams. We can always revisit our dreams at a later date. There are those who squash our dreams and trample on us. If we are in a toxic relationship, we need to get out.
Family is important. Family does not always run smoothly but is fiercely loyal, protecting its members.
All the characters were well drawn, likable and realistic. I loved the kind hearts that showered love wherever they went.
Looking For Leroy was a charming read that left me smiling.
I received a free copy via Net Galley. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.

I enjoyed this new Melody Carlson book very much. Once again, her storytelling takes me on a journey that isn't what I expected. Not only is it a "second chance" at romance but it is a step out and be braver than you think you are type story too.
There is a well-rounded cast of characters. Each one adds value to the plot. How many people have ever wondered about what might have been or what happened to that certain someone from the past? Can a sweet love from the decades past still have life?
I got a kick out of a fancy little camper being a part of this book too. Carlson writes a story that brings people, location, even an older pet so vividly to 'life' that I can picture it all.
I recommend this sweet story to readers who like to see romantic possibilities for a widowed parent of grown young women, adventurous travelers and a woman who steps out on faith that there is more for her life.
This is an excellent read for summer or even a cold winter day. I want to thank the publisher and NetGalley for the book. This is my own personal opinion about it.

I love seeing that one of my favorite authors has a new book out. For me that was Looking For Leroy by Melody Carlson. I know what will happen, once I pick her book up I can't put it down until I am finished. Last night it was 1:00 in the morning. That is the the only negative thing about the entire experience. A Melody Carlson book is like a breath of fresh air. Within the first few paragraphs she takes me on an adventure to another place. I am introduced to some pretty awesome people and some, not so nice sometimes. This time we visited the vineyards in California. What an ability for making a setting come to life. This book had me at the heartstrings right from the very start. It was full of love, laughs, family and second chances. I couldn't have asked for more.
I want to thank Revell Publishing through NetGalley for allowing me to read and review this book. The opinions in the review are my own.

Camping stories make me smile. I love quirky little campers and fun camping trips. Brynna Phillips has officially given up on men. Her plans for her summer off include gardening, gardening and more gardening. When a chance encounter leaves her rattled, Brynna decides to take a friend up on her offer to take a camping trip. While winding through wine country, memories of a summer love come back to her. Could 30 years have passed already? Without a last name and only a clue that his family owned a vineyard, Brynna and Jan start a journey to find him. Melody Carlson books are always a delight. She not only brings fond memories but second chances in many of her stories. I love her character development and storylines. I received a copy through Netgalley. A review was not required.

Looking for Leroy, by Melody Carlson. I must say that this book let me down. Fun idea, underwhelming execution. After reading I saw another review that called this a coming-of-age novel for adults. I couldn’t agree more. Both main characters seem incredibly childish in the beginning, despite being in their late 40s.
The interaction between Brynna and her friends felt so strange and unrealistic. I understand most of their interactions served primarily to drive the plot forward, but I found myself thinking that real adult humans would never act in that way. I can always get behind a story that asks you to suspend your disbelief, but this book just went too far and it lost me.
The main characters needed more motivation, too. As a result, I couldn’t become invested in their story. The writing was equally unmotivated and convoluted. The writer would spend a paragraph making a point, then seem to forget what was just written in the very next paragraph.
The one good thing this novel can claim is it’s setting. Who doesn’t love a winery in Sonoma?
I was given an advanced copy by the publisher, all opinions are my own.

A book about second chances set in a quaint family winery. Melody Carlson has a way for spinning a mix of quirky characters into her story that are sure to draw you into the story.

Looking for Leroy was a sweet romance with a tiny bit of surprise antagonists. How to find an old love and rekindle the flame. Leroy and Brynna spend the novel reminiscing and hoping to reunite with their first loves which happen to be each other. Along the way there are helpers and road blocks, but love wins the day. Such a tender story with loveable characters.

Looking for Leroy is a charming story of second chances. I really enjoyed that Brynna and Leroy are middle-aged and have some experience behind them with a realistic look at the future. While it was fun to travel down memory lane and remember their first love, it didn’t negate where their lives have taken them now. I love how Brynna is concerned for Leroy’s family and wants to honor their story as well. I laughed at all the mix-ups and how Brynna came to find herself at Leroy’s vineyard and the “what-ifs” that kept her there. I can appreciate friends looking out for each other and encouraging them out of their comfort zones, but Jan and Mike were borderline too pushy for me. In the end, it was their push of encouragement that gave Brynna the confidence to pursue her questions and it did all work out. I appreciated their level of support and willingness to be there for Brynna, which eventually made up for their pushiness. A lot of time is spent on their individual stories, perspectives, and personal development. So, while this is a cute romance, it takes a while to actually get to the romance. I personally didn’t mind this, because again, they are older and can’t just take a blind leap of faith into their feelings. I enjoyed the time it took to develop and overcome the obstacles. I recommend this book for those who enjoy clean, inspirational, modern romances set against the romantic backdrop of a beautiful vineyard. Add in some sincere mix-ups, fiercely loyal family and friends, and a healthy dose of hope for second chances and you will love this story.

I received a complimentary copy from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions expressed are solely my own, freely given.

This is a great romance reunion book. The two main characters are Brynna and Leroy. Brynna is a teacher on vacation and Leroy runs a vineyard. They have past history, they meet at a summer camp while they were teenagers. Brynna goes on vacation with a friend in an RV to California, where Leroy lives. Brynna goes to Leroy’s vineyard. She mistakenly get hired to work their in the office. Through a comedy of misunderstanding Leroy and Brynna reunited and fell in love.

Brynne and Leroy had a summer fling when they were kids and they thought they would stay together for all time, but things happened and Brynne ended up with her old messed up boyfriend. Leroy ended up marrying and taking over the family business of the Winery. 30 years later they are both remembering their time together. Brynne is no longer with the boyfriend-exhusband and Leroy's wife passed away. He has three beautiful daughter and two grandchildren. They are so far away from each other and end up finding each other, by chance? Not really. Sweat love story. This is my honest review for a great book!