AUTHOR: Melody Carlson
DATE: 2022
PUBLISHER: Revell
STARS: ***
From the back cover:
It's official: Brynna Phillips is done with men. They only break your heart. But just when she makes this declaration, her friend Jan convinces Brynna to join her on a camping vacation in Sonoma Wine Country. As they wind their way toward their destination, spanking-new mini camper in tow, Brynna recalls her teenage camp romance with a boy named Leroy. How can it have been nearly 30 years ago? All she remembers is that Leroy was a genuinely good guy and that his family owned a vineyard--in Sonoma. She doesn't even remember his last name. Jan insists they look for him, and the search begins.
Beyond the slim chance they'd ever be able to find him are questions that have haunted Brynna for decades, including What is the point of digging up the past? and Can Leroy ever forgive me for losing touch?
My review:
The gorgeous cover of Looking for Leroy convinced me to read this book, as it reminds me of the beautiful Okanagan Valley in British Columbia. As it turns out, the Sonoma setting was my favorite character.
The humans populating the story, Brynna, Jan, Mike, Leroy and others had some quirky charms, but they never became real to me. Brynna seemed quite young and almost flaky, not at all how I picture a successful teacher. But keeping true to her role, she was at her best when with small children.
Leroy’s temper didn’t impress me, even though it was triggered by emotional pain. His work ethic, however, impressed me, as did his devotion to the family business and the land.
Faith doesn’t really play a part. Prayer is mentioned as a emergency tool without a real spiritual relationship. I wanted to love Looking for Leroy but was disappointed. It’s a sweet read, nevertheless, and earns three stars.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher.