Tuesday, February 11, 2014

CFBA: Once Upon a Winter's Heart by Melody Carlson

Song Stuck on the Brain: That's Amore by Dean Martin
 


I dare you to read the book and not have it stuck on the brain. :) At least it's a good song!

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing:
 
Once Upon a Winter's Heart
Center Street (January 7, 2014)
by
 
Melody Carlson


MY TAKE:

Emma has become cynical about love. For her, Valentine's Day is not a day to celebrate. Her Poppi would be heartbroken to discover her change of heart. Emma's grandfather was a romantic and loved Valentine's Day. When circumstances put Emma smack in the middle of Valentine's headquarters, otherwise knows as her grandfather's bookstore, she's forced to take another, deeper, look at love.

Once Upon a Winter's Heart was sweet and both expected yet intriguing at the same time. It's probably not a surprise to most romance fans to hear that in many ways, the plot was exactly what was expected. There were several things I saw coming from the very beginning (like the painting - read the book if you want to know more). But just because there was an expected formula to the basic storyline, didn't mean that it wasn't good or enjoyable. The characters are well written. The interaction between them - their journey - is what makes the story worth reading. Some days you're craving something spicy and exotic, other days you want nothing more than a good old fashioned brownie all warm and chewy and comforting. That's how this story felt. A classic that leaves you satisfied and feeling warm all over.

Emma and Lane are fun and romantic. A perfect match - surely her Poppi would be pleased. I know I would certainly be pleased with a Lane Forester of my own. If there are any magical little cupids hanging around out there in cyberspace, let's see what you can do. ;)

ABOUT THE BOOK:

Emma Burcelli has suffered over a decade of dating disasters. But she concludes that love is officially dead when her grandfather Poppi suddenly passes, leaving her grandmother Nona devastated. To help out, Emma works in the family bookstore, which Nona insists must be decked out in sweetheart décor as Poppi would have done for Valentine's Day. Although she feels like a V-Day Scrooge, Emma quickly learns to enjoy the task with the help of a handsome family friend, Lane Forester, who shows her that hanging hearts is much more fun when done to the tune of Dean Martin. As Emma and Lane share time and memories of Poppi, she reconsiders the notion that romance is alive.

If you would like to read the first chapter of Once Upon a Winter's Heart, go HERE.


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Over the years, Melody Carlson has worn many hats, from pre-school teacher to youth counselor to political activist to senior editor. But most of all, she loves to write! Currently she freelances from her home. In the past eight years, she
has published over ninety books for children, teens, and adults--with sales totaling more than two million and many titles appearing on the ECPA Bestsellers List. Several of her books have been finalists for, and winners of, various writing awards.

She has two grown sons and lives in Central Oregon with her husband and chocolate lab retriever. They enjoy skiing, hiking, gardening, camping and biking in the beautiful Cascade Mountains.