The Christmas Joy Ride by Melody Carlson A REVIEW

ABOUT THE CHRISTMAS JOY RIDE
 Miranda did not put adventure on her Christmas list, but thanks to her eighty-five-year-old neighbor Joy, that's exactly what she's getting this year. When Joy tells Miranda that she plans to drive an old RV decked out in Christmas decorations from their Chicago neighborhood to her new retirement digs in Phoenix--in the dead of winter, no less--the much younger Miranda insists that Joy cannot make such a trip by herself. Besides, a crazy trip with Joy would be more interesting than another Christmas home alone. Unemployed and facing foreclosure, Miranda feels she has nothing to lose by packing a bag and heading off to Route 66. But Joy has a hidden agenda for their Christmas joyride--and a hidden problem that could derail the whole venture.

No one captures the heartwarming fun of the Christmas season quite like Melody Carlson. Fasten your seat belt, because it's going to be an exciting ride!

Hardcover: 176 pages
Publisher: Revell (September 1, 2015)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0800719670
ISBN-13: 978-0800719678
Product Dimensions: 8.6 x 5.7 x 0.8 inches
Shipping Weight: 13.6 ounces

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Melody Carlson has written more than 200 books (with sales around 6.5 million) for teens, women and children. That's a lot of books, but mostly she considers herself a "storyteller." Her novels range from serious issues like schizophrenia (Finding Alice) to lighter topics like house-flipping (A Mile in My Flip-Flops) but most of the inspiration behind her fiction comes right out of real life. Her young adult novels (Diary of a Teenage Girl, TrueColors etc.) appeal to teenage girls around the world. Her annual Christmas novellas become more popular each year. She's won a number of awards (including Romantic Time's Career Achievement Award, the Rita and the Gold Medallion) and some of her books have been optioned for film/TV. Carlson has two grown sons and makes her home in the Pacific Northwest with her husband and yellow Lab dog. To find out more about Melody Carlson, visit her website at http://www.melodycarlson.com/

MY REVIEW
  The Christmas Joy Ride by Melody Carlson is just a delightful read. Combine Christmas, a very giving woman and a woman who has lost everything and doesn’t know what to do next makes a fantastic story, but when you put going across country in an RV in the mix anything can happen and usually does.
   Eighty-five-year old Joy has to go live with her sons. She lives in Chicago and they live in Phoenix. She decides instead of flying to Phoenix she wants to take her RV. The reason  being is on her blog she had a contest and asked people who needed Christmas. So Joy wants to give them some Christmas Joy. She’s chosen several places to stop and will decorate their place and give them things they need.
  Miranda her young friend thinks she’s crazy, but won’t let her elderly neighbor go alone. Maybe this trip will give Miranda a reason to live and give her some joy.
  I really liked all of the lessons in this book. About being positive, never giving up and the biggest one we can always help someone less fortunate than us.
  Melody tells a wonderful story about what Christmas is really about. Read this wonderful book to see if Joy can make such a long trip, what will happen if her sons find out and also how Miranda fits in this whole Christmas scene. A very wonderful book that I highly recommend.

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I received my free copy from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group for my review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255

The Christmas Cat by Melody Carlson~A Review~

ABOUT THE CHRISTMAS CAT
After years abroad, Garrison Brown returns home to Vancouver to build a new life. When his beloved grandmother passes away a few weeks before Christmas, Garrison goes to her house to sort out her belongings, including six cats who need new homes. While Garrison hopes to dispense with the task quickly, his grandmother's instructions don't allow for speed. She has left Garrison with some challenging requirements for the future homes of her furry friends--plus a sizeable monetary gift for the new owners. Garrison's job is to match the cats with the right owners without disclosing the surprise gift. Along the way, he may just meet someone who can make him stay.

Humorous and heartwarming, this latest Christmas story from bestselling author Melody Carlson is the perfect gift for pet lovers and anyone in whose heart Christmas holds a special place.

Hardcover: 176 pages
Publisher: Revell (September 9, 2014)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0800719662
ISBN-13: 978-0800719661
Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.5 x 0.7 inches
Shipping Weight: 12.8 ounces

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Melody Carlson has written more than 200 books (with sales around 6.5 million) for teens, women and children. That's a lot of books, but mostly she considers herself a "storyteller." Her novels range from serious issues like schizophrenia (Finding Alice) to lighter topics like house-flipping (A Mile in My Flip-Flops) but most of the inspiration behind her fiction comes right out of real life. Her young adult novels (Diary of a Teenage Girl, TrueColors etc.) appeal to teenage girls around the world. Her annual Christmas novellas become more popular each year. She's won a number of awards (including Romantic Time's Career Achievement Award, the Rita and the Gold Medallion) and some of her books have been optioned for film/TV. Carlson has two grown sons and makes her home in the Pacific Northwest with her husband and yellow Lab dog. To find out more about Melody Carlson, visit her website at http://www.melodycarlson.com/


MY REVIEW
  The Christmas Cat by Melody Carlson is an excellent book. The characters are so well described and the scenery is so vivid that you will feel like you are right there.
  Garrison the main character is such a likable person. He doesn’t hate cats, but he doesn’t love them either. He is severely allergic to cats, but has the job of placing his grandmother’s cats in different homes after she passed away. Only six cats, but for Garrison that seems like a million. He can’t simply give them away to any one either. They have to meet many requirements.
  During this process Garrison meets and friends many new people whom he would never have met without the cats.
  This is really a charming story. Full of love, happiness and joy. Highly recommended.

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I received my free copy from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group for my review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255

Lock. Stock, and Over a Barrel by Melody Carlson A Review

ABOUT LOCK, STOCK, AND OVER A BARREL
With high hopes, Daphne Ballinger lands her dream job at The New York Times. But it's not long until writing about weddings becomes a painful reminder of her own failed romance, and her love of the city slowly sours as well. Is it time to give up the Big Apple for her small hometown of Appleton?

When her eccentric Aunt Dee passes away and leaves a sizeable estate to Daphne, going back home is an easy choice. What isn’t easy is coming to terms with the downright odd clauses written into the will.

Daphne only stands to inherit the estate if she agrees to her aunt's very specific posthumous terms -- personal and professional. And if she fails to comply, the sprawling old Victorian house shall be bequeathed to . . . Aunt Dee’s cats.

And if Daphne thinks that’s odd, wait until she finds out an array of secrets about Aunt Dee's life, and how imperfect circumstances can sometimes lead to God's perfect timing.

Paperback: 320 pages
Publisher: B and H Books (June 1, 2013)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1433679302
ISBN-13: 978-1433679308
Product Dimensions: 5.4 x 0.9 x 8.3 inches
Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Melody Carlson has written around 200 books for teens, women and children. That's a lot of books, but mostly she considers herself a "storyteller." Her books range from serious issues like schizophrenia (Finding Alice) to lighter topics like house-flipping (A Mile in My Flip-Flops) but most of the inspiration behind her fiction comes right out of real life. Her young adult novels (Diary of a Teenage Girl, TrueColors etc.) appeal to teenage girls around the world. Her annual Christmas novellas become more popular each year. She's won a number of awards (including the Rita and Gold Medallion) and some of her books have been optioned for film/TV. Carlson has two grown sons and makes her home in the Pacific Northwest with her husband and yellow Lab dog. To find out more about Melody Carlson, visit her website at http://www.melodycarlson.com/

MY REVIEW
  Lock, Stock. And Over a Barrel by Melody Carlson is a fun, exciting read. It is book one in the Dear Daphne series. Glad they will be more books to go along with the first one.
  Daphne has been living in New York for many years writing for a newspaper. Folks back home thing she has a fantastic life, but Daphne is just in a rut and not enjoying her life. Her beloved Aunt Dee passes away and many things change in her life, like her job, where she lives and the friends in her life. It’s all new and exciting for her, but also very calm and peaceful. Daphne finds out some family secrets that change everything, but also answers many questions. Aunt Dee’s will states many funny and surprising stipulations.  What will become of Daphne and what will her new life be like.
  I found Lock, Stock, and Over a Barrel sweet, amusing and very interesting. I highly recommend this fantastic book. It was a pleasure to read.


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Thank you to the  Author/Publicist  for providing this book for review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255

A Simple Song by Melody Carlson A REVIEW

ABOUT A SIMPLE SONG
Katrina Yoder loves to sing, but her Amish parents view singing as vainglory and a sin. Katrina's best friend, Bekka, is convinced Katrina should try out for American Star, a televised singing competition that Bekka has been secretly watching. Katrina resists the temptation until her father's health worsens. He desperately needs a surgery the family cannot afford. Katrina decides she must go against her parents' wishes to win the money needed to help her father. But how will she handle herself as an Amish teenager out in the world?

Teen girls will be swept into the excitement as Katrina ventures out of her quiet Amish world to become a reality television star. Will she be successful? And will she be accepted back into her community when it's over?

Paperback: 288 pages
Publisher: Revell (June 1, 2013)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0800722256
ISBN-13: 978-0800722258
Product Dimensions: 5.5 x 0.7 x 8.5 inches
Shipping Weight: 8.8 ounces

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Melody Carlson has written around 200 books for teens, women and children. That's a lot of books, but mostly she considers herself a "storyteller." Her books range from serious issues like schizophrenia (Finding Alice) to lighter topics like house-flipping (A Mile in My Flip-Flops) but most of the inspiration behind her fiction comes right out of real life. Her young adult novels (Diary of a Teenage Girl, TrueColors etc.) appeal to teenage girls around the world. Her annual Christmas novellas become more popular each year. She's won a number of awards (including the Rita and Gold Medallion) and some of her books have been optioned for film/TV. Carlson has two grown sons and makes her home in the Pacific Northwest with her husband and yellow Lab dog. To find out more about Melody Carlson, visit her website at http://www.melodycarlson.com/


MY REVIEW
  A Simple Song by Melody Carlson is a sweet little read. I found the characters of Katrina and Bekka quite likable and fun to read about.
 In A Simple Song we see the very strong love Katrina has for her singing and above that the love for her Dad.
  The Amish are not suppose to enjoy singing and not to sing anything out of their hymn book. Katrina has such a sweet, pure voice and her Dad needs an operation on his back that would cost so very, very much. So Katrina is pushed to use her singing talent to go on a T.V. show and try to win top prize.
In A Simple Song you will laugh and cry with Katrina as she ventures out into the English world to try and win to get money for her dad’s operation.
 It was a fun book to read and I enjoyed it and the last chapter was the best. I love the way it ended and how many things Katrina learns in the outside world. This book is a very enjoyable read that I recommend for all.

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I received my free copy from Donna Hausler from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group for my review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255

The Christmas Pony by Melody Carlson*A Review

ABOUT THE CHRISTMAS PONY 
It is 1937, and Lucy Turnbull knows better than to wish for a pony this Christmas. Her mother has assured her in no uncertain terms that asking for a pony is the same as asking for the moon. Besides, the only extra mouths they need at their boarding house are the paying kind. Then an interesting pair of strangers comes to town, and Lucy's world changes forever.

From the Inside Flap
Lucy was about halfway to town when she heard a car coming down the road behind her. It was making a lot of noise, and when she looked, smoke was billowing all around it. She stepped to the side of the road as the pale yellow car slowly sputtered and clunked past her. It looked like a pretty car. Too bad it didn't work right.
When Lucy got to town, she noticed the pale yellow car parked in front of Hempley's Garage, and a man in a brown suit was talking to Mr. Hempley. But it was the lady getting out of the car who really captured Lucy's attention. Wrapped in a royal blue coat with a big silver fur collar, she had shining hair almost the same color as the pale yellow car and cut short with bangs that curled like a fringe around her pretty face.
As Lucy got closer, she could see the lady's rosy cheeks and lips of scarlet red. She looked just like a real movie star!
"Hello, doll." The lady smiled down at Lucy.
"Hello," Lucy managed to say back to her.
"Is there a place I can buy a soda around here?" Her voice sounded as sweet as sugar and honey.

Hardcover: 169 pages
Publisher: Revell (September 1, 2012)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0800719271
ISBN-13: 978-0800719272
Product Dimensions: 5.5 x 0.8 x 8.5 inches
Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Melody Carlson is the award-winning author of over two hundred books, several of them Christmas novellas from Revell, including her much-loved and bestselling book, The Christmas Bus. She also writes many teen books, including Just Another Girl, Anything but Normal, the Diary of a Teenage Girl series, the TrueColors series, and the Carter House Girls series. Melody was nominated for a Romantic Times Career Achievement Award in the inspirational market for her books, including the Notes from a Spinning Planet series and Finding Alice, which is in production as a Lifetime Television movie. She and her husband serve on the Young Life adult committee in central Oregon. Visit Melody's website at www.melodycarlson.com.


MY REVIEW
  This is my first Christmas book of the season and I knew anything Melody Carlson writes would be fantastic and I was right.  The Christmas Pony is a very sweet, touching, romantic story.
  Lucy was eight years old, but had many thoughts and wishes. Would they all come true and if not which ones. She wished and prayed for a pony, more boarders to help them make it through the winter and to see Mama smile again.
  Ponies cost so much to buy, feed and take care of. Boarders didn’t come much in the winter or around Christmas since they stayed close to home. Also Mama didn’t smile anymore before Lucy’s Dad died three years ago.
  The characters are very realistic and they feel like family. Lucy, her Mom and Grandma are very poor, but a loving family whom tried very hard to keep the farm going.
  The newcomers whose car broke down while Lucy was in town are very out of the ordinary and different. They are George and Veronica. When they come to stay as boarders until the car can be fixed many things happen and things become interesting.
 This story is told by Lucy and it would many very fascinating reading for all, but I believe younger girls would really love it.
 I highly recommend The Christmas Pony for everyone. Very sweet, appealing book.

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I received my free copy from Donna Hausler from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group for my review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255

Her First Bible by Melody Carlson * A Review

ABOUT HER FIRST BIBLE

Hold your little one close. Begin to hide God's word in her heart. Enjoy the treasured times as you share these Bible stories with her again and again.

Reading level: Ages 2 and up
Hardcover: 96 pages
Publisher: Zonderkidz (April 26, 2001)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0310701295
ISBN-13: 978-0310701293
Product Dimensions: 4.4 x 0.5 x 6.1 inches
Shipping Weight: 6.2 ounces

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Melody Carlson has written more than 200 books for teens, women, and children. Before publishing, Melody traveled around the world, volunteered in teen ministry, taught preschool, raised two sons, and worked briefly in interior design and later in international adoption. 'I think real-life experiences inspire the best fiction,' she says. Her wide variety of books seems to prove this theory.

MY REVIEW

  Her First Bible-Stories for Little Hearts is just an adorable book. It makes a wonderful Bible for the very young. Parents will have to read it to their children, but the pictures and words are just precious. Learning about Jesus no matter how young is very important for any child.
  This little book measures 4 X 6 inches and comes in pink, but there is also a book for boys in blue. This Bible could work as a gift for your little ones first birthday or as I did give to a mother at a baby shower.
  I love that this Bible comes with a hardcover and has a trim size.
The words on the pages (96 pages) are simple, short and some are cute like nursery rhymes. This wonderful book will keep even the youngest interested and wanting to hear the wonderful words time and time again.
Really recommend this precious Bible.

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Thank you to Zonderkidz for providing this book for review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255

The Christmas Shoppe by Melody Carlson * A Review

ABOUT THE CHRISTMAS SHOPPE
The small town of Parrish Springs is not ready for Matilda Honeycutt. A strange older woman with scraggly gray hair and jewelry that jangles as she walks, Matilda is certainly not the most likely person to buy the old Barton Building on the town's quaint main street. When it becomes apparent that her new shop doesn't fit the expectations of Parrish Springs residents, a brouhaha erupts. After all, Christmas is approaching, and the last thing the town needs is a junky shop run by someone who looks and acts like a gypsy. But as townsfolk venture into the strange store, they discover that old memories can bring new life and healing.

Once again, Melody Carlson delivers a Christmas story that will touch hearts and delight the senses. Sure to be a classic, The Christmas Shoppe is filled with the special magic the best Christmas stories share--that intangible mixture of nostalgia, joy, and a little bit of magic.



Hardcover: 168 pages
Publisher: Revell (September 1, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0800719263
ISBN-13: 978-0800719265
Product Dimensions: 8.7 x 5.4 x 0.7 inches
Shipping Weight: 8 ounces

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Melody Carlson is the award-winning author of over two hundred books, several of them Christmas novellas from Revell, including her much-loved and bestselling book, The Christmas Bus. She also writes many teen books, including Just Another Girl, Anything but Normal, the Diary of a Teenage Girl series, the TrueColors series, and the Carter House Girls series. Melody was nominated for a Romantic Times Career Achievement Award in the inspirational market for her books, including the Notes from a Spinning Planet series and Finding Alice, which is in production as a Lifetime Television movie. She and her husband serve on the Young Life adult committee in central Oregon.
http://www.melodycarlson.com/index.shtml

MY REVIEW
  The Christmas Shoppe is a uniquely different kind of Christmas story. It is what should really happen at Christmas.
  Matilda comes into town to open a shop and it seems everyone turns against her because she is strange and different until they each one by one come into her shop.
  I think Matilda is a very loveable character and full of vim and vigor. She doesn’t back down when people get mean or cross to her, she just shows them love.
 I really like this book because it shows us that no matter what happens in life we can come out victorious and change our lives.
  This is an excellent book for the Christmas season and every day of the year. This book is only 168 pages, but I got a lot out of those few pages and it tells us just because a book is long doesn’t mean its better.
  The Christmas Shoppe is a must read and a keeper. You will be transported to this sweet little town with their many problems and difficulties, but come out much happier and full of hope. I highly recommend this book for one and all. Five star plus.

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I received my free copy from Donna Hausler from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group for my review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255

Double Take by Melody Carlson

It's spring break of her senior year and Madison Van Buren is fed up. Stressed over Ivy League pressure, her parents' marital problems, and her boyfriend's neglect, Madison gets in her car and drives west. Meanwhile, eighteen-year-old Anna Bronner wants to escape the so-called simple life--which for her consists of caring for younger siblings, sewing, cooking, and gardening--and she's well aware that her future will simply be more of the same with a man she doesn't love. Suddenly, worlds collide when Madison and Anna meet in a small town, realize they look uncannily similar, and decide the grass is definitely greener on the other side.

Readers will love this funny and provocative tale of switching places from bestselling author Melody Carlson. As they get a glimpse into two very different worlds, they may find themselves happy to be just who they are, where they are.


Reading level: Young Adult
Paperback: 273 pages
Publisher: Revell; Original edition (June 1, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0800719646
ISBN-13: 978-0800719647
Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.5 x 0.8 inches
Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces

Melody Carlson is the award-winning author of over two hundred books, several of them Christmas novellas from Revell, including her much-loved and bestselling book, The Christmas Bus. She also writes many teen books, including Just Another Girl, Anything but Normal, the Diary of a Teenage Girl series, the TrueColors series, and the Carter House Girls series. Melody was nominated for a Romantic Times Career Achievement Award in the inspirational market for her books, including the Notes from a Spinning Planet series and Finding Alice, which is in production as a Lifetime Television movie. She and her husband serve on the Young Life adult committee in central Oregon. Visit Melody's website at www.melodycarlson.com

MY REVIEW
Double Take by Melody Carlson is a fantastic, fun read. I love the switching that the girls did and thought it would be a dream come true for both of the girls, but then problems arise and they miss their own lives, but each of the girls have learned so very much. This book reminds me of the story of The Prince and The Pauper. You always think the grass is greener in the other person’s life until you get there and live their life for a few days.
This book is intended for the young adult, but can be enjoyed by all.
You will see what happens for the Amish girl switches and lives in one of the richest, best parts of New York. How will she fit in? Will she change and want the English life now that she has tasted all that it can offer? What of the rich girl who goes to live with the Amish? Will she hate the primitive living and all of the hard work? Will she think the Amish are simple and not very intellent?
I like Double Take for the lessons it teaches and how you can be a Christian in any life, if you put God first. Just because you’re rich doesn’t mean you can’t follow the Lord. In the same vein just because you’re Amish doesn’t mean you are closer to the Lord and are living the right life.
I think this is a really sweet book that will keep you interested and you won’t be able to put it down until the end. You just can’t wait to find out what happens to Madison and Anna. I highly recommend Double Take.

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I received my free copy from Donna Hausler from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group for my review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255

Never Been Kissed by Melody Carlson*A Review

ABOUT NEVER BEEN KISSED
New School = New Chance for That First Kiss
Summer is ending, and for once that doesn't seem like such a bad thing to Elise. She's hoping that starting fresh at a new high school will turn her first-kiss prospects around. New guys, new friends, and a new lease on life.
What she wasn't counting on was all the new pressure--to hang with the right crowd, wear the right clothes, and date the right guy. Just when it seems she's on top of the world, everything comes crashing down. Could one bad choice derail her future?


Price: $9.99
ISBN: 978-0-8007-3259-2
ISBN-10: 0-8007-3259-6
Dimensions: 5.5 x 8
Number of pages: 224
Carton Quantity: 52
Publication Date: Jan. 11
Formats: Paperback

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Melody Carlson is the award-winning author of over two hundred books, several of them Christmas novellas from Revell, including her much-loved and bestselling book, The Christmas Bus. She also writes many teen books, including Just Another Girl, Anything but Normal, the Diary of a Teenage Girl series, the TrueColors series, and the Carter House Girls series. Melody was nominated for a Romantic Times Career Achievement Award in the inspirational market for her books, including the Notes from a Spinning Planet series and Finding Alice, which is in production as a Lifetime Television movie. She and her husband serve on the Young Life adult committee in central Oregon. Visit Melody's website at www.melodycarlson.com.





MY REVIEW
Another winner by Melody Carlson. “Never Been Kissed” is a young adult book. My daughter who is 18 and I both love it. As soon as I would put “Never Been Kissed” down my daughter would pick it up. Hannah-my daughter doesn’t like to read many books I do, so if she read this you know it has to be excellent.
In this book you will see many of the dangers and traps that happen when a person in high school thinks about being the most popular.

Elise Storton is going to a new school which is hard enough and now she is turning sixteen has never been kissed. She meets a super, fantastic guy named Asher Gordon, but he has a girlfriend.
We find out what small lies, being harassed by peers, wanting to fit in can do to a teen. This book talks about some of the very real problems of teen life, like being teased, humiliated, sexting, making wrong decisions. Also the very real issue of teen suicide because of teasing. This book teaches us to know who you are emailing/texting etc…
Also “Never Been Kissed” have a very strong religious theme, but not overpowering that would turn unbelievers off.
I really recommend that you and any young person male/female read this book. It really speaks to them to not let others push you around and get the best of you.

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I received my free copy from Donna Hausler from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group for my review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255

Christmas at Harringtons's by Melody Carlson

ABOUT CHRISTMAS AT HARRINGTON'S
Sometimes the best gift is a second chance
Christmas is approaching, and Lena Markham finds herself penniless, friendless, and nearly hopeless. She is trying to restart her life, but job opportunities are practically nonexistent. When a secondhand red coat unexpectedly lands her a job as Mrs. Santa at a department store, Lena finally thinks her luck is changing. But can she keep her past a secret?
Reading Christmas at Harrington's, a story full of redemption and true holiday spirit, will be your newest Christmas tradition.


Price: $15.99
ISBN: 978-0-8007-1925-8
ISBN-10: 0-8007-1925-5
Dimensions: 5.5 x 8.5
Number of pages: 176
Carton Quantity: 52
Publication Date: Oct. 10
Formats: Hardcover



ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Melody Carlson is the award-winning author of over two hundred books, several of them Christmas novellas from Revell, including her much-loved and bestselling book, The Christmas Bus. She also writes many teen books, including Just Another Girl, Anything but Normal, the Diary of a Teenage Girl series, the TrueColors series, and the Carter House Girls series. Melody was nominated for a Romantic Times Career Achievement Award in the inspirational market for her books, including the Notes from a Spinning Planet series and Finding Alice, which is in production as a Lifetime Television movie. She and her husband serve on the Young Life adult committee in central Oregon. Visit Melody's website at http://www.melodycarlson.com/.

MY REVIEW
Melody Carlson’s “Christmas at Harrington’s” is a beautiful story.
This is the first book I’ve ever read of Melody Carlson’s and wonder where I have been all of this time to not have heard of her. I’m so very glad to be able to receive this book and find another favorite author.
This is the first Christmas book I’ve read this time of the year. This was a fantastic book to start with.
Lena has just been
released from prison and decides to go for a fresh start faraway from her home town. Lena wants to keep this a secret so her life can start anew, but secrets are hard to keep. She ends up in New Haven, Minnesota and meets a wonderful, kind older lady on the bus. Mrs. Stanfield is full of kindness and love for a woman that hasn’t have anyone to care for her for years if she ever has. Lena lives in a "boarding house" and becomes Mrs. Santa at the large department store "Harrington's". It’s special how she got the job, but will let you read the book to find out for yourself.
It tells of how an ex con has trouble getting and keeping a job, how people put you all in one category if you’ve been in prison. This book is also full of wanting a new life full of love, happiness and joy. The main part of the story is about redemption and the true holiday spirit.
If you want to read a wonderful, special Christmas story that you won’t forget get yourself a copy of “Christmas at Harrington’s.” It’s a small book, but full of big problems and telling us the love of the Lord will get us through. I highly recommend this Christmas story of redemption.


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I received my free copy from Donna Hausler from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group for my review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255