wcarter's review
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
4.75
Good lighthearted fiction read. Inviting. Good story line, kept you wanting to read
randikaye's review
4.0
Looking for Leroy is a bit different from most books in the romance genre in that the romantic leads didn't meet each other (or re-meet, as the case may be) until probably over halfway through the story. As such, we didn't really get to see them together as a couple as much as I would typically like... and I admit I did find myself wishing there was a bit more of that... Still, there was something about that anticipation of when they would bump into one another that certainly kept me turning the pages to see how it would all play out. Second chance romances are some that I have always really enjoyed, and this was certainly no exception. Beyond that, I adored the beautiful picture Melody Carlson pained of this setting... As a non-drinker, I can't say that visiting a vineyard has ever been high on my list of things I wanted to experience, but this book certainly might have changed that with its beautiful descriptions of the landscape and the serenity of it all. While I cannot say this has been my favorite from this author, it certainly was a quick and enjoyable read that I would highly recommend to fans of clean romance!
** I received a complimentary copy for consideration. All thoughts are my own.
** I received a complimentary copy for consideration. All thoughts are my own.
amyma's review against another edition
5.0
Looking for Leroy by Melody Carlson is such a sweet read. I especially loved the location since it takes place in Sonoma County, where I grew up. It is the story of Brynna Philips, a recently divorced teacher that ends up taking a summer RV trip with a coworker after a disturbing encounter with her ex-husband and his new wife. As they are passing through Northern California and stop to camp for the evening, Brynna begins reminiscing about her time spent at this very summer camp as a teenager. This was the location where she met her first love, a fling that did not last much longer than the summer. As it turns out, Leroy, her first love, owns a winery in Sonoma County and Brynna's friends think it would be really amazing for them to reconnect. Thus begins the search for the winery (they do not know the name of it or his last name) and Leroy. The story flowed nicely, the characters were believable, and plenty of backstories was given to understand where they were all coming from in their actions. I was hooked throughout the book and kept going back to it every chance I had, but wish I had read a bit slower so I was able to enjoy it longer. Thanks to Revell and NetGalley for the eARC. All opinions shared are influenced by nothing other than my own reading experience.
sheilasamuelson's review
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
sad
slow-paced
3.5
Rating: 3.5 Stars!!
Review:
This was only the 3rd Novel ive read by Melody Carlson so i kind of knew what to expect since i loved The Happy Camper and The Christmas Swap by her but sadly this one left me disappointed since the main character's complaining was a big turn off for me and is why i rated it 3.5!!
The Characters were fun and interesting to read about. I like Brynna til she kept complaining about her Ex-Fiance so if i wasnt for that i would of gave this book a higher rating.
The Setting was beautifully described which made me feel like i was actually in the book while reading especially when the scenery was described.
Overall an OK Contemporary Romance!! I will read more by Melody in the future, i just hope all her other books arent like this one!!
Review:
This was only the 3rd Novel ive read by Melody Carlson so i kind of knew what to expect since i loved The Happy Camper and The Christmas Swap by her but sadly this one left me disappointed since the main character's complaining was a big turn off for me and is why i rated it 3.5!!
The Characters were fun and interesting to read about. I like Brynna til she kept complaining about her Ex-Fiance so if i wasnt for that i would of gave this book a higher rating.
The Setting was beautifully described which made me feel like i was actually in the book while reading especially when the scenery was described.
Overall an OK Contemporary Romance!! I will read more by Melody in the future, i just hope all her other books arent like this one!!
kristinasshelves's review
4.0
Contemporary romance is not a genre I typically enjoy reading, but I discovered Melody Carlson this past Christmas and quickly binged through 10+ of her holiday novellas. The way she writes characters is so realistic and I love the faith elements she brings into her stories. All of the characters were vulnerable and flawed, allowing me to truly root for their happiness.
Brynna Phillips is a divorced third grade teacher living in Oregon. After discovering her cheating ex-husband and his new wife are now expecting the baby he never wanted with her, Brynna has an identity crisis of sorts. Her friend Jan convinces her to go on a camping trip for the summer. On one of their excursions, Brynna fondly recalls meeting Leroy Sorrentino at the same location a lifetime ago.
Leroy operates a family vineyard with his three daughters after the death of his wife nine years prior. His youngest daughter, Gina, finds old correspondence between he and Brynna. Full of complicated family dynamics, Leroy and Brynna find themselves back in each other's lives, giving them a second chance at their first love.
Thank you to the publisher, Revell, for providing an e-ARC for review via Netgalley; all opinions are my own.
Brynna Phillips is a divorced third grade teacher living in Oregon. After discovering her cheating ex-husband and his new wife are now expecting the baby he never wanted with her, Brynna has an identity crisis of sorts. Her friend Jan convinces her to go on a camping trip for the summer. On one of their excursions, Brynna fondly recalls meeting Leroy Sorrentino at the same location a lifetime ago.
Leroy operates a family vineyard with his three daughters after the death of his wife nine years prior. His youngest daughter, Gina, finds old correspondence between he and Brynna. Full of complicated family dynamics, Leroy and Brynna find themselves back in each other's lives, giving them a second chance at their first love.
Thank you to the publisher, Revell, for providing an e-ARC for review via Netgalley; all opinions are my own.
melmo2610's review
4.0
This was a cute story. It definitely put me in a mind of “Letters To Juliet” which is my favorite movie. It’s a great light read. Enjoyed!
michellef's review
5.0
Looking For Leroy is a clean contemporary romance novel by author Melody Carlson. Looking For Leroy is a second chance romance story.
The school was out for the summer and Brynna Philips, along with Jan Barton, headed out on a single girls adventure. Leroy Sorrentino was a vintner in Sonoma County, California.
This summer is the 140th anniversary of the Sorrentino vineyard. The last thing widower Leroy Sorrentino wanted was for his daughter, Gina, to quit college and become a vintner. However, Gina had her own plan.
I appreciated the clean writing of author Melody Carlson. Readers who have ever wondered what happened to their first love will appreciate Looking For Leroy. Looking For Leroy makes a great summertime read for all adult readers.
I give Looking For Leroy 5*/5*
Disclaimer: I receive complimentary books from various sources, including, publishers, publicists, authors, and/or NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review and have not received any compensation. The opinions shared here are my own entirely. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255
The school was out for the summer and Brynna Philips, along with Jan Barton, headed out on a single girls adventure. Leroy Sorrentino was a vintner in Sonoma County, California.
This summer is the 140th anniversary of the Sorrentino vineyard. The last thing widower Leroy Sorrentino wanted was for his daughter, Gina, to quit college and become a vintner. However, Gina had her own plan.
I appreciated the clean writing of author Melody Carlson. Readers who have ever wondered what happened to their first love will appreciate Looking For Leroy. Looking For Leroy makes a great summertime read for all adult readers.
I give Looking For Leroy 5*/5*
Disclaimer: I receive complimentary books from various sources, including, publishers, publicists, authors, and/or NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review and have not received any compensation. The opinions shared here are my own entirely. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255
readingwitherin's review
medium-paced
3.5
Thank you to Revell and Netgalley for an e-arc in exchange for my honest review.
Looking for Leroy tells Bree Phillip's story as she ends up going on a trip with one of her teacher friend Jen from school to try and find her lost love. Along the way, it becomes a mission of sorts of Jen's to find Leroy so that Bree can see what he looks like now and maybe just maybe restart a romance with him that ended abruptly years ago.
Overall this book was one I found a little frustrating at times because of how much back and forth was happening. Bree ends up potentially finding this Leroy and gets roped into working at this vineyard by the daughter of the owner and from there the book really takes off and I started to enjoy it more. I did like the owner's daughter Sophie and how kind she was towards Bree. I feel like we also saw Bree really shine when around Sophie and her family, she was the happiest we'd seen her in the entire book when around Sophie's children. When it came to the actual romance part of this book there was actually very little for a Melody Carlson book it was more of a will they won't they type thing going on. Bree was also going back and forth with staying or going constantly that she was like 'a ping-pong ball' (her own words) when it came to making the decision. The end of this book was sweet and it was nice to see some things resolved and to see Bree happy and thriving after all she had been through previously.
"Here's to a romance that was planted then forgotten many decades ago. May it blossom and growing, coming into beautiful fruition for many decades to come."
Looking for Leroy tells Bree Phillip's story as she ends up going on a trip with one of her teacher friend Jen from school to try and find her lost love. Along the way, it becomes a mission of sorts of Jen's to find Leroy so that Bree can see what he looks like now and maybe just maybe restart a romance with him that ended abruptly years ago.
Overall this book was one I found a little frustrating at times because of how much back and forth was happening. Bree ends up potentially finding this Leroy and gets roped into working at this vineyard by the daughter of the owner and from there the book really takes off and I started to enjoy it more. I did like the owner's daughter Sophie and how kind she was towards Bree. I feel like we also saw Bree really shine when around Sophie and her family, she was the happiest we'd seen her in the entire book when around Sophie's children. When it came to the actual romance part of this book there was actually very little for a Melody Carlson book it was more of a will they won't they type thing going on. Bree was also going back and forth with staying or going constantly that she was like 'a ping-pong ball' (her own words) when it came to making the decision. The end of this book was sweet and it was nice to see some things resolved and to see Bree happy and thriving after all she had been through previously.
"Here's to a romance that was planted then forgotten many decades ago. May it blossom and growing, coming into beautiful fruition for many decades to come."
prerana90's review
4.0
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?
Like the cover of the book, the story is very descriptive and picturesque. I remember the time when we drove through California and Sonoma was very special. Especially the vineyards and the tours are unforgettable. The story of Leory brought all those memories back.
The book is very much a sweet romance and surrounded by family. The ending of the book actually reminds me the last scenes from Fast & furious movies where the entire family sits and has food together.
It is a super easy read.
Qotd: What would you do if you find out about a lost friend?
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?
Like the cover of the book, the story is very descriptive and picturesque. I remember the time when we drove through California and Sonoma was very special. Especially the vineyards and the tours are unforgettable. The story of Leory brought all those memories back.
The book is very much a sweet romance and surrounded by family. The ending of the book actually reminds me the last scenes from Fast & furious movies where the entire family sits and has food together.
It is a super easy read.
Qotd: What would you do if you find out about a lost friend?