A review by theavidreaderandbibliophile
Looking for Leroy by Melody Carlson

4.0

Looking for Leroy by Melody Carlson is a sweet story. I count always count on Melody Carlson to provide a story that will engage me and distract me from reality. Brynna Phillips goes on a camping trip with co-worker, Jan Barton who has a new red travel trailer. When they stop at a campground that was formally a Christian camp that Brynna went to as a teen, she tells Jan about Leroy. Since they will be traveling through Sonoma Valley, Jan suggests they locate Leroy and their new camping companion, Mike agrees with her. Reluctantly, Brynna goes along with them. When they find the vineyard, Brynna is ready to run. She regrets how she ended things with Leroy thirty years ago and is not sure how he will react to her presence. Brynna is wandering around the property when she encounters Sophie, Leroy’s pregnant daughter. She mistakes Brynna for the woman coming to interview for the office manager position. Brynna gets the job, and her friends convince her to take it. Brynna wonders what Leroy will think when they encounter each other? I thoroughly enjoyed Looking for Leroy. It is a charming Christian romance. I started reading and did not want to put it down. I found Looking for Leroy to be well-written with developed, realistic characters. This is a character driven story. I liked getting to know Brynna, Leroy, and Leroy’s large family especially Sophie and Gina (two of Leroy’s daughters). I enjoyed the beautiful descriptions of Sonoma Valley. It sounds like a lovely place to live. The Christian element was seamlessly woven into the story. There is humor as well. I found myself chuckling several times while reading Looking for Leroy. This was a delightful second chance romance. Looking for Leroy reminds me of Melody Carlson’s The Happy Camper (another fun story). Looking for Leroy is a delightful book to read on a lazy Saturday afternoon. I was sorry to see it end. Looking for Leroy is a captivating tale with a red travel trailer, a Christian Camp recollection, Motorcycle Mike, a vineyard vista, a massive misunderstanding, a wily woman, and a magic moment.