Second Time Around

 

Second time around by melody carlson

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:

It seemed like Mallory Farrell needed a change in her life and when the opportunity to relocate to a small seaside town in Oregon, she went for it. Kudos for her taking a leap of faith to go beyond her normal, expected routine.

This is a sweet love story, but it took awhile to get to the solution of the problem that was an important part of the story. It was unique to have the main character be an interior decorator and designer. Things that I enjoyed and for you to watch for:

* The cover’s font and cover

* The name of the shop, Romancing the Home

* Middle aged main characters

* Overcoming difficulties

* Pursuing your dreams

* Taking a chance on love

I recommend this book for readers of all ages. Younger readers will identify with a quaint coastal town and a grandmother figure. Older readers can identify with the uncertainty of putting aside doubts and finding courage to chase a lifelong dream.

I was given a complimentary copy of this book through the Revell Reads program. I was not expected to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.