Status
Available
Call number
Collection
Call number
F CAR
Publication
Revell
Description
"George Emerson doesn't want his predictable life to change, but free-spirited ex-hippie Willow West has other plans for him. They may soon discover that no one is too old to change their lives--or find love"--
User reviews
LibraryThing member koalamom
It was refreshing to have a man be the center of a romantic novel going through all the pains and troubles of falling in love. George Emerson had a lot of baggage in his life and retirement didn't help but slowly he found help and changed. I enjoyed the book immensely.
LibraryThing member written
I absolutely loved this book. Each time I had to stop reading the book I looked forward to picking it up again.
In the small town of Warner, Oregon, George Emerson is soon to retire from his teaching job. Not really sure he wants to retire but with school cutbacks he decides it's time. Having lived
Just a really great story!
In the small town of Warner, Oregon, George Emerson is soon to retire from his teaching job. Not really sure he wants to retire but with school cutbacks he decides it's time. Having lived
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in Warner most of his life, never married and totally set in his ways. During the last week of school he meets Willow. Willow is the grandmother of one of his students. Willow spent some of her youth in Warner but was rather wild and a free spirit. Willow is an artist and has moved back to Warner with her grandson. This is a wonderful story of buttoned down George and free spirited Willow with all her "baggage". I loved all the quirkiness of Willow with her unconventional upbringing in contrast to George.Just a really great story!
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LibraryThing member Gingersnap000
Courting Mr. Emerson is a sweet story of two mature people, George Emerson, and Willow West who discover that opposites do attract. George is a quirky loner who does not like change or relationships. Willow is a positive, colorful widow who approaches each day with excitement.
Willow never gives up
This lovely story will strengthen your faith in the goodness of people who are spiritual and positive.
Willow never gives up
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on George who she believes is a sad and lonely man who needs friends. She becomes a loyal and persistent friend who refuses to allow George to live a solitary life. Willow has her faith in God that enables her to be positive in life but George has hatred for God for taking away everyone in his life whom he loved.This lovely story will strengthen your faith in the goodness of people who are spiritual and positive.
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LibraryThing member chrisac
I received a copy of “Courting Mr. Emerson” as a member of the Early Reviewers group here on Library Thing.
I loved this book ! Quiet, serious, unassuming George Emerson is retiring after a 30 year career teaching in the town he was raised in. His rather untroubled life is turned upside down
George and Willow embark upon an unlikely romance, with many ups, downs, and roadblocks as they each look inwardly and come to terms with their own lives, spirituality, the people in their lives, and their past experiences.
How they are brought together is a charming tale of love, romance, and emotion…proving that even in your 50s, you are open and susceptible to new relationships and new things.
I loved this book ! Quiet, serious, unassuming George Emerson is retiring after a 30 year career teaching in the town he was raised in. His rather untroubled life is turned upside down
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with the arrival of Willow West, a free spirited artist who owns a gallery in their little Oregon town.George and Willow embark upon an unlikely romance, with many ups, downs, and roadblocks as they each look inwardly and come to terms with their own lives, spirituality, the people in their lives, and their past experiences.
How they are brought together is a charming tale of love, romance, and emotion…proving that even in your 50s, you are open and susceptible to new relationships and new things.
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LibraryThing member caslater83
** Special Note: This is an ARC book that I received via Library Thing Early Reviewers**
When I first started reading this book, I thought this was a cute novel, but geared towards the older women (50+). It turns out that I was right. However, I still enjoyed the book. Willow and George are such
Colin and Josie make good supporting roles to help flesh out the storyline. While I'm not a groupie like Josie, I do relate to the "I feel like my life is going nowhere" feeling.
Melody Carlson is an author worth reading. I hope you enjoy her work as much as I do.
When I first started reading this book, I thought this was a cute novel, but geared towards the older women (50+). It turns out that I was right. However, I still enjoyed the book. Willow and George are such
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different characters: she's outgoing and he strikes me as more of an introvert. But opposites can attract! Colin and Josie make good supporting roles to help flesh out the storyline. While I'm not a groupie like Josie, I do relate to the "I feel like my life is going nowhere" feeling.
Melody Carlson is an author worth reading. I hope you enjoy her work as much as I do.
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LibraryThing member susan0316
This was my first book by Melody Carlson and I found it to be a light easy read. I enjoyed the fact that the main characters were all in their late 50s as I get a bit tired of reading books about people in their 20s and 30s.
George definitely has OCD. He lives alone and his life is very structured.
Thanks to LibraryThing for a copy of this book to read and review. All opinions are my own.
George definitely has OCD. He lives alone and his life is very structured.
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He gets up at the same time every day and leaves the house to walk to his job as a teacher at the high school wearing a suit and tie every day. But now he's decided to retire and his life will lose much of its structure. He will no longer be on the same routine and is a bit nervous how he will live his life. On top of the changes brought about by his retirement, he meets Willow, the grandmother of one of his students who is the complete opposite of him - a free spirited hippie who runs an art gallery. Despite their differences, he is attracted to her but not sure if he wants to change his rigid life to a much freer one. Will he be able to change or will Willow accept him as he is or reject him completely?Thanks to LibraryThing for a copy of this book to read and review. All opinions are my own.
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LibraryThing member CandyH
Thank you LibraryThing for allowing me to read this book. This is not a book I would recommend as it was a real struggle to stay with it and complete. The story involves George, a strange man with OCD who has just retired from teaching, Willow and Lorna. Those are just a few of the characters who
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make this story. The story is based on relationships and the renovation of George’s childhood home. Show Less
LibraryThing member tjsjohanna
George is predictable and habit bound. He's so concerned about his plans and routines being interrupted that he keeps everyone at arms length. And then he finds himself attracted to the completely wrong woman. Willow is an artist and has a great big heart and keeps pushing him to do things he's
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never done before. It's an inevitable ending, but I found it interesting that George is the one who has all the emotional growing to do. Willow is much more healthy emotionally and does a good job of keeping herself from investing too much in the relationship even though her interest is definitely there. The story was a good one but a little flat - not sure why exactly. Maybe it was Willow's ability to leave George alone? Show Less
LibraryThing member mmoj
I received this book from LibraryThing in exchange for a fair review.
This was an good story. George Emerson is retiring after 29 years of teaching, not necessarily by choice though. He feels out of touch with the school and the district is "encouraged" him to make the decision. This hit a little
My main problem in the book is purely personal and would probably not affect most readers. Willow's grandson is a senior and high school and is planning on attending the local community college and the author describes this as "settling, not good enough" and implied that a community college is for those students who weren't good enough for a four year college. These aren't the exact words since this is an ARC copy some of this might change in the final copy but it's a summation. The reason this bothers me is because my job is a Career Coordinator at a high school and I have been fighting this idea that a community college is "settling". But again, that is a personal reason so many won't have the same issue, they may even - sadly - believe the same thing.
This did have a strong Christian viewpoint so if that's not something you enjoy I wouldn't read this and because of that Christian viewpoint not any sex scenes or necessarily the heat of young adults (although I hate using that term as anymore that can be anything from junior high to high school and rarely means 20's - I'm old). I would have liked more passion between the main characters but I enjoyed the building of the relationship.
This was an good story. George Emerson is retiring after 29 years of teaching, not necessarily by choice though. He feels out of touch with the school and the district is "encouraged" him to make the decision. This hit a little
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close to home as I'm just a couple of years younger than the main character and also in education. The female character is Willow West, a supposed free-spirit who is raising her grandson. But to me she wasn't at all free-spirited in the traditional meaning of the word - as she seemed far too responsible for that definition.My main problem in the book is purely personal and would probably not affect most readers. Willow's grandson is a senior and high school and is planning on attending the local community college and the author describes this as "settling, not good enough" and implied that a community college is for those students who weren't good enough for a four year college. These aren't the exact words since this is an ARC copy some of this might change in the final copy but it's a summation. The reason this bothers me is because my job is a Career Coordinator at a high school and I have been fighting this idea that a community college is "settling". But again, that is a personal reason so many won't have the same issue, they may even - sadly - believe the same thing.
This did have a strong Christian viewpoint so if that's not something you enjoy I wouldn't read this and because of that Christian viewpoint not any sex scenes or necessarily the heat of young adults (although I hate using that term as anymore that can be anything from junior high to high school and rarely means 20's - I'm old). I would have liked more passion between the main characters but I enjoyed the building of the relationship.
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LibraryThing member alekee
I chose to read this book because of the author, I have enjoyed several past books of hers and this one was no exception.
We meet a hurting man, George, and because of past deep hurts he has put up walls around himself, and we witness a little chipping at the boards.
The other main character has also
We also see what could be Willow tormenting George, oh my, that poor man.
In the end we see that the one Being who can help George is God, but he claims not, will Willow be able to reach him, or will he continue to isolate himself?
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Revell, and was not required to give a positive review.
We meet a hurting man, George, and because of past deep hurts he has put up walls around himself, and we witness a little chipping at the boards.
The other main character has also
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weathered life with loss and hardship, while being a gifted artist we see her reach out to George, and in turn George reaches out to her love ones.We also see what could be Willow tormenting George, oh my, that poor man.
In the end we see that the one Being who can help George is God, but he claims not, will Willow be able to reach him, or will he continue to isolate himself?
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Revell, and was not required to give a positive review.
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LibraryThing member Kris_Anderson
Courting Mr. Emerson is such a sweet story. It has Melody Carlson’s trademark writing style. Courting Mr. Emerson contains good writing, thoughtful pacing and humor. I especially liked that the main characters are older. These are two people in their 50s who are getting a second chance. As we get
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older, people get more set in their ways as we see with George Emerson. George has suffered great losses in his lifetime and has become closed off. He is set in his way with a steady routine, but everything changes after he retires. George finds himself at loose ends and along comes Willow. Willow was raised by hippie type parents. She is an artist who is raising her grandson after her daughter took off to be a groupie. Willow’s life changes when her antagonistic daughter returns much to her son’s disappointment. Each character has their own issues that they need to work through with a little help from their friends and God. Courting Mr. Emerson is a story that you just need to read and enjoy (do not go looking for hidden or deeper meanings). Courting Mr. Emerson shows us that we are never to old to change or find love (it gives me hope). I am giving Courting Mr. Emerson 4 out of 5 stars (I liked it). Courting Mr. Emerson is the perfect story for those who delight in reading inspirational romance. If you are looking for a heartwarming story to read, then pick up Courting Mr. Emerson. Show Less
LibraryThing member macnoid
I have read most of Melody Carlson's books, and have a shelf of her books in my library, so I was excited to have received this book in the Early Reviewers program. I started the book yesterday, and finished it today...... and enjoyed it immensely! After reading the first several chapters, I was
As usual, Melody breathes life into her characters.....just the right blend of the 'thoughts' of the characters, and the action that takes place...and .you get a feel for who they are and what motivates them. I felt for George, trapped in his lonely, OCD world, emotionally locked down, newly retired and at a loss of what to do now........and loved the free spirit of Willow, so open and kind, who tries to help open his world. George gradually starts reaching out and interacting more with those around him, and actually is a help to others! Then he suffers a 'breakdown' of sorts, but those who he has helped, now help him to rejoin life. As they spend more time together, Willow's shares her spiritual journey with George, who says he is an atheist, but by the end of the book, Willow has helped George on his spiritual journey, as well. Nothing preachy or 'religious', just talking about their relationships with God. Reading the story of George and Willow makes you realize there are a lot of hurting people in this world. These may be our co-workers, our neighbors, people we see every day.....some may seem a bit odd, or eccentric.... or socially backwards... but many are just hurting. People who could us a kind word, and a helping hand, or just to feel included.
Another thing I was thinking, is that this would make a great movie! I could see the comical aspects.... like George's neighbor's lesson in how to get in and out of a hammock!, the hot air balloon ride, the fussiness of George's housekeeping and lawn maintenance, his wardrobe, and some of his OCD characteristics. Willows wardrobe would be fun. The makeover of the family mansion would be interesting. But mainly, the relationships of the characters, and the growth of the George character would be most touching to watch unfold!
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thinking this book was a little different from many of Carlson's other books...... the main character is so quirky! But I was hooked! As usual, Melody breathes life into her characters.....just the right blend of the 'thoughts' of the characters, and the action that takes place...and .you get a feel for who they are and what motivates them. I felt for George, trapped in his lonely, OCD world, emotionally locked down, newly retired and at a loss of what to do now........and loved the free spirit of Willow, so open and kind, who tries to help open his world. George gradually starts reaching out and interacting more with those around him, and actually is a help to others! Then he suffers a 'breakdown' of sorts, but those who he has helped, now help him to rejoin life. As they spend more time together, Willow's shares her spiritual journey with George, who says he is an atheist, but by the end of the book, Willow has helped George on his spiritual journey, as well. Nothing preachy or 'religious', just talking about their relationships with God. Reading the story of George and Willow makes you realize there are a lot of hurting people in this world. These may be our co-workers, our neighbors, people we see every day.....some may seem a bit odd, or eccentric.... or socially backwards... but many are just hurting. People who could us a kind word, and a helping hand, or just to feel included.
Another thing I was thinking, is that this would make a great movie! I could see the comical aspects.... like George's neighbor's lesson in how to get in and out of a hammock!, the hot air balloon ride, the fussiness of George's housekeeping and lawn maintenance, his wardrobe, and some of his OCD characteristics. Willows wardrobe would be fun. The makeover of the family mansion would be interesting. But mainly, the relationships of the characters, and the growth of the George character would be most touching to watch unfold!
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LibraryThing member erinclark
This is a very enjoyable story about a newly retired teacher, George Emerson and how he slowly but surely begins to embrace change with the help of Willow West, an artist in his very orderly and predictable life. The writing is light and fun, the characters are finely drawn and the story is
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uplifting. My only criticism is the inclusion of religion. I don't like Christian romance and even though it was lightly mentioned it turned me off. Still a fun read and I would recommend this book to others. Show Less
LibraryThing member 2LZ
Thank you librarything for providing an advanced copy of Courting Mr. Emerson by Melody Carlson in return for my honest review.
This novel did not work for me. I wanted to connect with the characters, but I didn’t. They felt a bit cliched, buttoned up, retiring teacher meets artsy Willow.
This novel did not work for me. I wanted to connect with the characters, but I didn’t. They felt a bit cliched, buttoned up, retiring teacher meets artsy Willow.
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There’s also the nosy, flirty neighbor. The dialogue was stilted. There was too much telling. This should have been a book for me. I loved the idea of the main characters being in their fifties. Usually I am drawn to quirky characters, but it fell flat. Also, an eighteen year old graduating senior should ask for his own teacher recommendation, not his grandmother Since that was the main characters’ first interaction, it wasn’t a great start for this reader. Show Less
LibraryThing member milibrarian
George Emerson is retiring as an English teacher from Warner High, but he does not know how to deal with the change in his routine. He wants to avoid his overly-friendly next door neighbor, yet she is the only one who can teach him how to get in and out of his new hammock. He has also met the
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grandmother of one of his students; she wants to push him out of his rut, but instead he falls into a depression. This is a fun, light read, but is also somewhat disjointed at times. We never learn if George finds God or if the grandmother's daughter matures into a responsible adult. The ending also seems a little rushed. Show Less
LibraryThing member hobbitprincess
Courting Mr. Emerson is a sweet book, and I enjoyed the story, but I pretty much knew how it was going to end from the beginning. I enjoyed the characters, and that made the book for me, because I liked them enough to care what happened to them. It's a good read. I suppose it might fall under
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"Christian fiction", although it is not preachy in any way. Show Less
LibraryThing member JillRey
Mr. Emerson is retiring from teaching, despite only being 55 years of age, he refuses to accept technology apart from his coffee maker and is sorely stuck in his ways. Meanwhile, newcomer to town, Willow West is the town’s newest art gallery owner and her “hippie” spunk seems to be just what
This “older” love story isn’t your everyday read. Sure, it’s a story line Hallmark may drool over, but it’s heartwarming effects and catchy characters felt more substantial and relatable despite their quirks than many Hallmark classics. In fact, it isn’t very often I pick up a book that features “advanced age romance,” but it was a great reminder that even after one’s “prime” love and friendship can still creep up on you. Courting Mr. Emerson has everything from 50+ year old characters to “lost” graduating seniors, flattering a broad demographic of readers.
*Disclaimer: A review copy of this book was provided by the publisher. All opinions are my own.
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Mr. Emerson needs to freshen up his ways, and his coffee. But will George Emerson keep pushing her away or will Willow give up on being friends with George before he gets the chance to? The dysfunction of Willow “Wild” West and the OCD schedule of George prove opposites may attract.This “older” love story isn’t your everyday read. Sure, it’s a story line Hallmark may drool over, but it’s heartwarming effects and catchy characters felt more substantial and relatable despite their quirks than many Hallmark classics. In fact, it isn’t very often I pick up a book that features “advanced age romance,” but it was a great reminder that even after one’s “prime” love and friendship can still creep up on you. Courting Mr. Emerson has everything from 50+ year old characters to “lost” graduating seniors, flattering a broad demographic of readers.
*Disclaimer: A review copy of this book was provided by the publisher. All opinions are my own.
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LibraryThing member Virginia51
This is a wonderfully sweet romance. This centers abound Mr. Emerson and Willow. These two characters are complete opposites who keep running into each other and when they try to get closer they cause something to go wrong. This will make you laugh and cry. I just kept rooting for Mr. Emerson to
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become less rigid. I really enjoyed this book. I received a copy of this book from Revell for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will. Show Less
LibraryThing member Mizroady
I have said it before and I will say it again, Melody Carlson is one of my favorite authors! Any book I see with her name on it I HAVE to read! This book was a fun read and a bit different as the main characters are in their 50’s. George Emerson has reached his retirement after 30 years as a high
Willow West is the totally opposite end of the spectrum! She was raised in by hippies and her wild youth labeled her with name Wild West Willow. You get the idea! She is now a Christian and her youthful exuberance is now channeled as a buoyant, impromptu, woman who totally enjoys life!
These two oil and water no make that gas and fire personalities, meet when Willow asks Mr. Emerson for a referral letter for her grandson’s college application. They learn they both attended high school together. She finds herself interested in him but she is not sure exactly how. She describes him as “Mr. Bean”.
George is not sure how he will spend his new freedom retired. He envisions his rigid, OCD life continuing to be a cocoon of comfort. Willow on the other hand sees him needing to try new experiences and add excitement to his life. Though I do not think consciously, she makes it a project to help him do just that. This is where the rushing wind meets a brick wall. George sees her as fascinating. Because of the lack of the courage to say “no” he continually finds himself in circumstances and experiences he would have never chosen! After he has survived each one George finds he actually enjoyed himself but vows never to give in again!
Both grow more attracted to each other but their disparities usually end up in misunderstandings and hurt feelings, only to be followed by an apology. Ms. Carlson does a beautiful job of helping the reader clearly see the George and Willows extremely different viewpoints. The characters were fun, quirky and real! I thought it was beautiful that Willow’s interest in George was one of compassion and concern. As the story unfolds her concern is for his soul as he professes to be an atheist. He was a beautiful example not to give up on an unbeliever no matter how impossible salvation may seem.
You will find yourself laughing, crying and feeling joy as you read this book. Thank you Ms. Carlson for another amazing book! I received this book from Revell Publishing in exchange for an honest review. The opinions I stated are my own.
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school language arts teacher. He is stuck in an 80’s time warp, maybe even further than that! He has eschewed any type of technology despite his intelligence and education. This guy puts the “N” in nerd. Uncomfortable in his own skin, especially in social interactions, he is a loner and confirmed bachelor. Willow West is the totally opposite end of the spectrum! She was raised in by hippies and her wild youth labeled her with name Wild West Willow. You get the idea! She is now a Christian and her youthful exuberance is now channeled as a buoyant, impromptu, woman who totally enjoys life!
These two oil and water no make that gas and fire personalities, meet when Willow asks Mr. Emerson for a referral letter for her grandson’s college application. They learn they both attended high school together. She finds herself interested in him but she is not sure exactly how. She describes him as “Mr. Bean”.
George is not sure how he will spend his new freedom retired. He envisions his rigid, OCD life continuing to be a cocoon of comfort. Willow on the other hand sees him needing to try new experiences and add excitement to his life. Though I do not think consciously, she makes it a project to help him do just that. This is where the rushing wind meets a brick wall. George sees her as fascinating. Because of the lack of the courage to say “no” he continually finds himself in circumstances and experiences he would have never chosen! After he has survived each one George finds he actually enjoyed himself but vows never to give in again!
Both grow more attracted to each other but their disparities usually end up in misunderstandings and hurt feelings, only to be followed by an apology. Ms. Carlson does a beautiful job of helping the reader clearly see the George and Willows extremely different viewpoints. The characters were fun, quirky and real! I thought it was beautiful that Willow’s interest in George was one of compassion and concern. As the story unfolds her concern is for his soul as he professes to be an atheist. He was a beautiful example not to give up on an unbeliever no matter how impossible salvation may seem.
You will find yourself laughing, crying and feeling joy as you read this book. Thank you Ms. Carlson for another amazing book! I received this book from Revell Publishing in exchange for an honest review. The opinions I stated are my own.
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LibraryThing member AquariusNat
This was a sweet romance about two older people finding love later in life. I really enjoyed this novel . The author did a great job making the characters and story believable.
LibraryThing member Familyhistorian
Schoolteacher, George Emerson was middle aged and set in his ways but he was being pressured to retire. What was he going to do with the rest of his life? Willow West had a grandson in Mr. Emerson’s class that she was concerned about and she enlists his teacher’s help. It was the start of an
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unlikely relationship that was life altering, at least on George’s side. But Willow and her dysfunctional family may have been just what George needed in his life. It was a gentle and charming story of a mature romance. Show Less
LibraryThing member JenniferRobb
I normally like Melody Carlson's books, but this one felt a bit repetitive. Willow and George would get started on deepening their relationship and then one would overreact to something the other did and they'd back off until the person apologized and then the cycle would start over again. True to
Potential Spoiler Alert (Read on at your discretion):
I felt sorry for George. He's at the cusp of retirement--a retirement he probably doesn't really want--and it's throwing his well-ordered world on its head. He doesn't seem to have many friends.
I felt sorry for Collin--his mother basically abandoned him to his grandmother, the girl he likes dumps him (and after he planned to stay at community college because of her too).
There's a weird parallel between Willow getting pregnant young and having her parents raise Josie and Josie getting pregnant young and having Willow raise Collin. Though the reason the grandparents raised their grandchild was different: in Willow's case, she went to school and earned a degree to better be able to support her child; in Josie's case, she went off to be a groupie for a grunge band and returns with few skills to support her child. Also, in Willow's case, she wanted to take Josie back from her parents to raise when Josie was about 6 but let her parents talk her out of it (until the grandparents no longer wanted to deal with Josie when she became a rebellious teen), which apparently left Josie feeling that Willow didn't want her. Josie seems to have never considered coming back to try to raise Collin, who is now a senior in high school.
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real life? Probably. Interesting to read over and over? Not so much.Potential Spoiler Alert (Read on at your discretion):
I felt sorry for George. He's at the cusp of retirement--a retirement he probably doesn't really want--and it's throwing his well-ordered world on its head. He doesn't seem to have many friends.
I felt sorry for Collin--his mother basically abandoned him to his grandmother, the girl he likes dumps him (and after he planned to stay at community college because of her too).
There's a weird parallel between Willow getting pregnant young and having her parents raise Josie and Josie getting pregnant young and having Willow raise Collin. Though the reason the grandparents raised their grandchild was different: in Willow's case, she went to school and earned a degree to better be able to support her child; in Josie's case, she went off to be a groupie for a grunge band and returns with few skills to support her child. Also, in Willow's case, she wanted to take Josie back from her parents to raise when Josie was about 6 but let her parents talk her out of it (until the grandparents no longer wanted to deal with Josie when she became a rebellious teen), which apparently left Josie feeling that Willow didn't want her. Josie seems to have never considered coming back to try to raise Collin, who is now a senior in high school.
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LibraryThing member Tatoosh
In many ways “Courting Mr. Emerson” is equally about “Rescuing Ms. West.” Both are lonely and unhappy. George Emerson has reacted to disappointments in his life by withdrawing from meaningful social contact. Willow West’s impulsive behavior has created an only slightly more satisfying
The story bounces back and forth from one apology to the next. George adheres rigidly to his familiar activities and routines. Willow is determined to get George to break free from his routine and enjoy life more. She does something to push George out of his comfort zone and George reacts badly. After thinking it over, George feels the need to apologize. Typically, that takes the form of saying he is sorry and providing assistance with some project. Meanwhile, Willow realizes she has been inconsiderate and decides to apologize. That often takes the form of a surprise that again pushes George out of his comfort zone. And so the story goes, time after time.
A strong underlying element is Willow’s emphasis on her Christian faith. George is an atheist but readers will be able to predict from the beginning that George will be converted.
“Courting Mr. Emerson” is a significant improvement over Carlson’s “A Christmas by the Sea.” Both are enjoyable faith-based romance novels, but in “Courting” Carlson avoids the overly saccharine sweetness that lessened my enjoyment of “Christmas.” I place this on par with Debbie Macomber’s “A Cottage by the Sea,” which I reviewed earlier this year.
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outcome. She is estranged from her daughter and raising her grandson who, reacting to her tendencies, is socially withdrawn and tightly controlled.The story bounces back and forth from one apology to the next. George adheres rigidly to his familiar activities and routines. Willow is determined to get George to break free from his routine and enjoy life more. She does something to push George out of his comfort zone and George reacts badly. After thinking it over, George feels the need to apologize. Typically, that takes the form of saying he is sorry and providing assistance with some project. Meanwhile, Willow realizes she has been inconsiderate and decides to apologize. That often takes the form of a surprise that again pushes George out of his comfort zone. And so the story goes, time after time.
A strong underlying element is Willow’s emphasis on her Christian faith. George is an atheist but readers will be able to predict from the beginning that George will be converted.
“Courting Mr. Emerson” is a significant improvement over Carlson’s “A Christmas by the Sea.” Both are enjoyable faith-based romance novels, but in “Courting” Carlson avoids the overly saccharine sweetness that lessened my enjoyment of “Christmas.” I place this on par with Debbie Macomber’s “A Cottage by the Sea,” which I reviewed earlier this year.
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LibraryThing member hes7
It’s a romance of opposites in Melody Carlson’s Courting Mr. Emerson and it proves to be a lot of fun.
As their professions suggest (no offense intended), artist Willow West and retired teacher George Emerson could not be more different. She is a spontaneous free-spirit, while he is staid and
Throughout Courting Mr. Emerson, I especially enjoyed that Willow and George are older characters. Rarely are romance-novel characters in their stage of life, so it is great to get a bit of variety now and then. And it helps, of course, that their story is so sweet, full of humor and charm, sure to please readers of the genre.
I received a complimentary copy of this book and the opportunity to provide an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review, and all the opinions I have expressed are my own.
As their professions suggest (no offense intended), artist Willow West and retired teacher George Emerson could not be more different. She is a spontaneous free-spirit, while he is staid and
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set in his ways. She challenges him to embrace life more fully, but can her presence not only loosen his habits, but also his confirmed-bachelor heart?Throughout Courting Mr. Emerson, I especially enjoyed that Willow and George are older characters. Rarely are romance-novel characters in their stage of life, so it is great to get a bit of variety now and then. And it helps, of course, that their story is so sweet, full of humor and charm, sure to please readers of the genre.
I received a complimentary copy of this book and the opportunity to provide an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review, and all the opinions I have expressed are my own.
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LibraryThing member nlpolak
Over the years, I've read a variety of Melody Carlson books. What I like about them all - and Courting Mr. Emerson was no exception - is that each plot is unique, relatable, and you come away with learning more about yourself or others as a result. Now that I can add Courting Mr. Emerson to that
George Emerson is a quirky fellow who is used to a life of solitude and predictability. All that changes for him when he decides to retire from teaching, and befriends Willow West. The way the two form an unlikely friendship was very comical, and for every time one or the other got their signals crossed and caused conflict, it reminded me that life is less about having every little thing go right, and more about appreciating the people I value. If you are looking for an easy-read, I highly recommend this book!
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list, I'm glad to give it at 5 star review! It was refreshing to read about someone who wasn't too young and had life experience.George Emerson is a quirky fellow who is used to a life of solitude and predictability. All that changes for him when he decides to retire from teaching, and befriends Willow West. The way the two form an unlikely friendship was very comical, and for every time one or the other got their signals crossed and caused conflict, it reminded me that life is less about having every little thing go right, and more about appreciating the people I value. If you are looking for an easy-read, I highly recommend this book!
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Original publication date
2019
ISBN
9780800735272