Sunday, April 30, 2023

Courting Mr. Emerson by Melody Carlson

 George Emerson is about to retire after working for more than 20 years as a high school English teacher.  He is what some would call "buttoned up," and others, mildly obsessive-compulsive. Even though he is retiring early, he doesn't really have plans for retirement.  He vaguely imagines himself lounging around his house, and keeping a comfortable, solitary routine.  Those plans are interrupted when George meets Willow West.  She is the grandmother of one of his best students, and a child of the Hippie movement.  Her colorful clothes, and habit of butting into George's business both confuse and mystify the introverted George.  Their relationship is bumpy to say the least, but whenever something threatens to separate them forever, something always brings them back together. 

I just picked this one off the shelf as I was waiting for a hold to come in.  It turned out to be a very charming Christian romance and I am glad to have found a new author that I can explore. This book had the feel of Major Pettigrew's Last Stand which I loved. The characters are well drawn and endearing.  Even Willow's looser daughter ends out as sympathetic in the end. The Christian element is important in the story.  The second half of the book is as much a story about George's journey of faith as it is a romance, but it is very palatable and well integrated into the story as a whole. I am looking forward to trying other books by Carlson. (2019, 452p.)

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