AUTHOR: Melody Carlson
DATE: 2023
PUBLISHER: Revell
STARS: *****
From the back cover:
Who doesn't love a second chance?
When empty nester Mallory Farrell inherits her grandmother's run-down tourist shop in Seaport, Oregon, it seems the only sensible thing to do is to sell it. But when her former secret crush, Grayson Matthews, wants to buy the property in order to complete his plans to redevelop the funky town's business district into a soulless, cookie-cutter outdoor mall, Mallory digs in her heels and decides to renovate the property herself.
With a lot of hard work and a little bit of help, Mallory makes incredible progress turning the store into an eclectic home décor shop called Romancing the Home--all while trying to ignore the depressing and decrepit apartment she's living in on the second floor. When the shop catches the eye of a popular renovation TV show producer, Mallory is thrilled--until it becomes clear that her apartment is to be part of the segment as well.
She's tempted to abandon her dreams and the town under a cloud of shame. But perhaps there's more to Grayson than meets the eye. Can he swallow his pride, change his plans, and help Mallory romance her own home--and possibly her life?
My review:
Several things attracted me to this book: the beautiful cover (I love small towns!), the author, whom I have read before and could count on for a sweet, non-violent story, and the setting.
With her daughter newly married, her sons busy with their own lives, and her ex long gone, Mallory feels lost. Until, that is, she gets legal notice of her inheritance from her grandmother – a tourist shop and apartment in the tiny, seaside town of Portside, Oregon. Leaving her busy design business in the capable hands of her good friend, Mallory decides to check out the opportunity – or is it another huge disappointment?
I loved journeying with Mallory as she grows to love her little space and makes changes that ensure the continuity of her business while daring to start a new one.
The relationship between Mallory and Grayson pulled me in, too, as their clashes create sparks they cannot ignore. The growth in both characters made me smile, and the ending brought a contented sigh. It made me wish I could visit Portside for myself and meet all the characters in person.
Second Time Around earns five stars; I was given a copy of the book by the publisher.