New Releases by Melody Carlson

When preserving precious memories means welcoming unexpected changes, Riva finds that her heart has room for so much more than she imagined. Widowed empty nester Riva Owen lives in the Victorian house that's been in her family for three generations, but finances have become a challenge she can no longer ignore. Her daughter is pushing her to move, and after considering all her options, Riva knows selling would be the smartest course. But she just can't bring herself to leave decades of memories--and her cherished library filled with hundreds of books. When she pursues an alternative--opening her home to women like her who need a room to rent--Riva is unprepared for the mix of personalities and peculiarities of her new housemates. She is even more unprepared for Marcus, the handsome and handy older brother of one of her new tenants. The possibility of finding love again feels overwhelming, even as her tenants seem to have romantic schemes of their own. Warm your heart with a story of found family, book lovers, and a second chance at love. A heartwarming contemporary romance featuring a bookish widow finding a second chance at love. This small-town rom-com about new beginnings makes a perfect read for your book club.

What will happen when a tropical escape from holiday blues turns into a snowy wonderland filled with joy and cheer? Carol Langstrom hates Christmas. Growing up in a dysfunctional home, with a birthday on December 25 and too many dashed childhood expectations, she would rather avoid the holiday season. And working in the design industry where she manages seasonal decor for wealthy, entitled clients certainly hasn''t helped! So, this year her goal is to flee to the Bahamas--by herself--bah humbug! But bad weather and God''s radically different plan redirect her flight to blustery Michigan, where she gets stuck on her aunt''s farm and discovers a different kind of Christmas--one wrapped in love, family, and holiday spirit. Melody Carlson''s Christmas novella delivers all the charm of a holiday Hallmark movie, is rooted in Christian faith, woven with sweet romance, and features A Christmas Carol themes.

Celebrate your little one’s birth, baptism, dedication, or just say “I love you” with this adorable book of blessings featuring 41 delightful rhyming poems. Baby’s First Book of Blessings lets tiny ones know God’s blessings are all around them. From "Comfy Laps" to "Furry Friends," and "My Front Porch" to "Bathtub Bubbles," these charming rhymes will fill the hearts of little girls and boys with happiness: I count my eyes, One and two. God blesses me When I see you! Baby’s First Book of Blessings: Is a charming padded book of poems by bestselling author Melody Carlson Is a sweet reminder of God''s love for little ones ages 0-4 Makes the perfect gift for baby showers, baptisms, dedications, christenings, and birthdays for boys and girls Perfect companion product to Baby’s First Bible and Baby’s First Book of Prayers

When the fun-loving and spontaneous artist Willow West meets buttoned-up, retired English teacher George Emerson, it''s not exactly love at first sight. Though she does find the obsessive-compulsive man intriguing. Making it her mission to get him to loosen up and embrace life, she embarks on what seems like a lost cause--and finds herself falling for him in the process. A confirmed bachelor, George vacillates between irritation and attraction whenever Willow is around--which to him seems like all too often. He''s not interested in expanding his horizons or making new friends; it just hurts too much when you lose them. But as the summer progresses, George feels his defenses crumbling. The question is, will his change of heart be too late for Willow? With her signature heart and touches of humor, fan favorite Melody Carlson pens a story of two delightfully eccentric characters who get a second chance at life and love.

From bestselling author Melody Carlson comes a series about four friends determined to change their lives … and their world: Morgan, Amy, Carlie, and Emily—The Girls of Harbor View. Each of the eight ebooks in this complete collection contains unique stories about the girls, their friendship and faith, and their desires to make their lives and their world a better place. Girl Power: The four friends meet and band together against some local bullies. In doing so, they decide to work together to transform and rejuvenate the trailer park where they live—only to have their work destroyed. Mystery Bus: The girls’ trailer park renovations are rewarded when the landlord gives them an old, abandoned bus to fix up and use as a clubhouse—where they discover old albums, journals, and secrets someone left behind. Rescue Chelsea: When Carlie invites a new girl to join the club, no one seems safe from the backstabbing, betrayal, and hurt. The girls must somehow rescue their friendships before the group is destroyed forever. Take Charge: When vandals wreck the local park, the authorities threaten to turn it into a parking lot. The girls take action to save it, but a powerful woman with unknown intentions may ruin everything. Raising Faith: Morgan trusts God to provide her ski trip funds and works hard to earn the needed money. But when everything blocks her efforts, from her school activities to her grandmother’s life-threatening heart attack, it’s a test of faith against the odds. Run Away: As the ski trip nears, Emily’s mom flees her abusive ex-husband and whisks Emily away to somewhere unknown. The girls fear for their friend as Emily struggles with hard lessons in forgiveness. Ski Trip: The girls finally hit the slopes, but events take a downturn when some of them go completely boy crazy. Carlie, however, won’t have anything to do with the boys—or her flirtatious friends. Instead, she gets obsessed with snowboarding, and only after a dangerous accident do the girls discover what really matters in relationships. Secret Admirer: Valentine’s Day approaches, and along with it the school dance. Amy has a secret admirer leaving her notes, and she mistakenly sets her heart on the wrong boy. When her crush becomes public, Amy is devastated and humiliated. Her world falls apart, until she concocts a plan to transform the day.

The ''Naturals: Season 2 -- Episodes 1-4 After Season One''s explosive conclusion, everyone is reeling from the strange and violent events at the Monster''s Ball that put several Silverwood High students in the hospital. . . Marshall is trying to figure out if Dexter was to blame for the disaster, and stories from the Monster Ball seem to confirm his suspicion that Silverwood High''s star quarterback has supernatural abilities. Now Marshall is determined to figure out whether there are others like him. He and his friends decide it''s time to do some investigating. Israel''s parents have kicked him out, and it appears they''re serious about it this time. His anger at his parents seems to be fueling the strange power that''s growing inside him, and he''s not sure how much longer he can keep it under control. He and his sister Molly discover that someone else has an explained ability, too. As Hailey recovers from the storm outside the Monster Ball--one that she had a hand in creating--she''s nagged by the vague memory of being taken somewhere, an unknown facility, before she ended up in the hospital. And she''s positive that Jay was part of the attack during the dance, except no one else seems to remember him being there. As her powers grow she''s shunned by her so-called friends and starts to wonder if she can trust anyone or anything--including her own memory. Avery wakes up in the hospital without a scratch, even though she''d been right in the middle of the explosion in the Monster''s Ball. That''s strange enough, but even stranger is that IGT--the local corporation--is paying her medical expenses. She''s not sure what to make of Dexter, who seems to be hiding something sinister just beneath his golden boy image, but a dark vision of him convinces her she must discover what he''s up to.

The girls of the Dating Games club have learned a lot this year--about boys, dating, friendship, and themselves. Now the school year is wrapping up, and the biggest date of all looms on the horizon: prom. With this new challenge comes a lot of extra pressure and expectations. Everyone wants the perfect dress, the perfect date, the perfect dance. But what happens when things don''t go according to plan? Teen readers have found friends in these vibrant characters and will be thrilled to accompany them to the prom.

"Melody delivers all that is sweetest and best about love in this Valentine''s novella" about a woman who falls for her sister''s boyfriend (Robin Jones Gunn, bestselling author of Sisterchicks in Gondolas). Emma Burcelli has suffered over a decade of dating disasters. But she concludes that love is officially dead when her grandfather Poppi suddenly passes, leaving her grandmother Nona devastated. To help out, Emma works in the family bookstore, which Nona insists must be decked out in sweetheart décor as Poppi would have done for Valentine''s Day. Although she feels like a V-Day Scrooge, Emma quickly learns to enjoy the task with the help of a handsome family friend, Lane Forester, who shows her that hanging hearts is much more fun when done to the tune of Dean Martin. As Emma and Lane share time and memories of Poppi, she reconsiders the notion that romance is alive. Just as Emma''s heart begins to lift, however, she learns her sister has already staked a claim on Lane. Emma''s mother and sister insist Lane only sees her as a future sister-in-law, but she can''t help wondering if it could be something more. "A delightful story about the loss and recovery of romance, love and hope." — Family Fiction "A sweet, quick read that celebrates love''s beginnings as well the spirit of Valentine''s Day." — USAToday.com "A sweet love story, Once Upon a Winter''s Heart is a beautiful picture of the joy of being swept off your feet." ―Melanie Dobson, award-winning author of Love Finds You in Mackinac Island, Michigan and Where the Trail Ends "Once again Carlson touches the heart in this sweet, hopeful story of love finally found." — RT Book Reviews, starred review "This should attract attention from the prolific Carlson''s fans as well as fans of Christian romance." — Booklist

Bestselling author Melody Carlson captures hearts with a beautifully written romance set just after World War II. It's almost New Year's 1946, a perfect time for Caroline Marshall to start a new chapter in her life. Widowed three years ago when she lost her husband in the war, she has decided to move with her nine-year-old son to join her sister's family in sunny California. Her sister's new house has a basement apartment for Caroline to rent, and though jobs for women are scarce with so many veterans returning from the war, it seems the local chocolate factory is hiring. The apartment turns out to be rather dingy, and the job may be working the assembly line -- a step down from Caroline's office job as a secretary back in Minnesota. But Caroline is determined to make a great new life for herself and her son. As she goes about making that happen, she keeps running into a handsome stranger -- at the diner, at church, and he even works for M.G. Chocolates. With a New Year, a new home, and a new job, is Caroline ready to find new love?

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?

In the midst of her despair Judith Blackwell notices an envelope containing the obituary notice of Judith''s childhood friend. Without a return address on the envelope, she wonders why someone would send her an obituary notice so mysteriously. Questions concerning the notice shake Judith out of her valley of darkness and send her on a dangerous, mysterious journey to discover the answers.

A woman returns home to take care of her ailing mother's salon and finds both love and rivalry in this inspirational romance. Rita Jansen is living her dream as a hairstylist in Hollywood when her father calls with news that her mother has suffered a stroke. When she gets home to Chicago, Rita finds her mother is healing but facing a long recovery. Worse, without being able to run their family-owned salon, her mother could lose the business. Rita decides to help, but she only has until Valentine's Day to come up with a plan. As Rita takes her mother's place at work, the nearby skating rink she loved as a child brings back fond memories. Rita also finds herself renewing friendships with her childhood best friend, Marley, as well as her classmate Johnny. Although they now lead such seemingly different lives, Rita is surprised by how well she and Johnny connect and how far he will go to help her. Though Rita believes Johnny is only being kind, with romance kindling in the air and on the ice, their friendship may just fall into something more. "Ms. Carlson pens an uplifting tale of love, family and courage."― RT Book Reviews

The Ski Trip Is the Least of Their Worries Follow Morgan, Amy, Carlie, and Emily as they navigate grown up issues while trying to still have fun and friends just like any other kids. Raising Faith: Morgan trusts God to provide her with ski trip funds and works hard to earn the needed money. But when everything blocks her efforts, from her school activities to her grandmother’s life-threatening heart attack, it’s a test of faith against the odds. Run Away: As the ski trip nears, Emily’s mom flees her abusive ex-husband and whisks Emily away to somewhere unknown. The girls fear for their friend as Emily struggles with hard lessons in forgiveness.

Anna Larson's daughter, Lauren, is confused, brokenhearted, and misguided. It's the turbulent 1960s and, feeling alienated from her mother, Lauren chooses to stay with her paternal grandmother. However, repelled by the woman's manipulative and spiteful ways, Lauren returns to her mother, the river, and the Inn at Shining Waters. There, Lauren begins to appreciate the person her mother is becoming--and she loves the river. However, romantic interests throw a wrench into the works and Lauren, jealous and angry, returns to her grandmother yet again. But as time passes, Lauren, now a mother to her own defiant teenager, faces a new crisis--one that puts the entire family at risk. "Colorful characters, entrancing setting, and a twisting yet natural plot carried me along. A lovely read. " Lyn Cote, Author of Her Abundant Joy

When Chelsea Martin''s future stepmother helps her transform from gawky and geeky into the hottest girl at her new school, Chelsea is pretty sure it''s the best thing that ever happened to her. But her hot new look has a downside. She''s attracting lots of guys who all have one thing in common: they''re jerks. And stealing the attention of all the guys in school doesn''t endear her to the girls either. Chelsea finally finds a true friend in Janelle Parker, and a non-jerk, Nicholas, catches her eye. Janelle keeps telling her to be herself, but Nicholas is the only guy around who doesn''t give her a second look. Can Chelsea and Janelle come up with a plan to get his attention? Or will Chelsea''s new image ruin everything? Teen favorite and bestselling author Melody Carlson helps girls uncover the real source of beauty in this true-to-life story of young love, friendship, and being yourself.

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.

In the last book of the On the Runway series by bestselling author Melody Carlson, Paige and Erin are headed to Milan, one of the European fashion meccas. Erin is excited by the art and culture around them, but Paige is distracted by other things.

Fourteen-year-old Allison O''Brian has never known what it''s like to have a real family. She knows nothing about her father, and her mother is a glamorous movie star who has little time for her. But when Allison stumbles upon a long-lost letter, she learns there is more to her past than meets the eye, and she embarks on an adventure to find the love of a family she has always dreamed about. Beloved author Melody Carlson shares a story of adventure that will take readers across post-WWII America. This 4-in-1 volume gives girls ages 9-12 Allison''s entire exciting story.

Sink or swim? Paige’s engagement to designer Dylan Marceau shocks the fashion world. Although Paige appears to be happy, Erin wonders if it’s true love or just a desire for attention and publicity. As Paige’s love life takes off, Erin is feeling pressure from Blake to take their friendship to a romantic level. But is she ready? These two very different sisters still have one thing in common—their fashion TV show and all the drama that comes along with it. As they prepare for a trip to film in the Bahamas, the Forrester sisters discover that paradise isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. Can they do the right thing in tough situations—and the right thing for each another—in a business that often encourages the worst?

Readers have enjoyed Melody Carlson's Christmas novels for years. Now six of these beloved stories are available in two handsome value-priced 3-in-1 editions. The Joy of Christmas includes An Irish Christmas, The Christmas Dog, and All I Have to Give. The Treasure of Christmas includes The Christmas Bus, Angels in the Snow, and The Gift of Christmas Present. Perfect as gifts, these volumes will be cherished parts of the holiday season for years to come.

A woman down on her luck finds a new start at Christmastime in this warm, contemporary story by a much-loved novelist.

Readers have enjoyed Melody Carlson's Christmas novels for years. Now six of these beloved stories are available in two handsome value-priced 3-in-1 editions. The Joy of Christmas includes An Irish Christmas, The Christmas Dog, and All I Have to Give. The Treasure of Christmas includes The Christmas Bus, Angels in the Snow, and The Gift of Christmas Present. Perfect as gifts, these volumes will be cherished parts of the holiday season for years to come.

Teen girls are already devoted followers of Melody Carlson''s fiction series. From the thousands of personal letters she''s received, she knows they want more. They''re looking for substance and spiritual guidance that can make a difference in their lives. Always offers readers a fresh way to encounter Jesus''s words for their own personal inspiration and practical application. Carlson shares with her faithful young readers the life-changing message of Jesus, giving them something to lean on in the turbulent time of adolescence. This 90-day devotional will strengthen teens'' faith and help them understand and love the words of the Savior.

The six Carter house girls plan to join Mrs. Carter in Florida for a “quiet” spring break, but quiet is impossible when Harry and his guy friends stay in a condo nearby. Focused on her newfound faith and sobriety, Taylor is trying to behave, but Eliza has no such intention. In an attempt to win Harry back, Eliza continues to push the envelope and her partying spins out of control. When Eliza goes missing, everyone is left worried and afraid for her safety. Will Eliza wake up and see that her life is built on sinking sand? Or will this quicksand claim her instead?

This Is Now It’s Kim’s senior year and, while everyone’s looking forward to graduation, she’s got so much going on she can barely make it through the day. Natalie, pregnant with Benjamin O’Conner’s baby, believes it’s God’s will for them to marry, and Ben sees it as his Christian responsibility to do so. Major red flag? He doesn’t love her. Then–surprise! Kim’s birth mother in Korea sends her an intriguing letter, making Kim question her reluctance to get to know another “mom.” And what about Maya? Is God calling Kim and her father to open their hearts and home to Kim’s biracial cousin whose mother was just sentenced to five years in state prison? Kim has been through so much already, but that was then … Does she have enough faith for now? Saturday, November 11 I’ve talked to Nat twice this week. But only on the phone. Both times she just glossed over what happened last weekend. She told me everything was “fine.” But without any details. It was the kind of reassurance that isn’t reassuring at all. I know she’s covering something up. That was then...Kim Peterson has had a lot going on the past few years: writing a teen advice column, finding a new faith, dating and breaking up for the first time, losing her mom to cancer...Kim has learned to turn it all over to God day by day, relying on Him like she never has before. Now Kim’s best friend, Nat, is pregnant and soon to be married to Ben O’Conner, Caitlin’s younger brother. Nat is starry-eyed, believing that once she and Ben are married, God will bless them and everything will work out because they’re doing the right thing. Kim’s not so sure. Is marriage the only solution for two seventeen-year-olds with a baby on the way? Why won’t they consider adoption? Kim knows about that firsthand–and is about to find out even more… Reader’s guide included Story Behind the Book “In book four, Kim’s life is still shadowed by the loss of her mother, but her faith is deepening. My best friend lost her mother to cancer in high school, and I was very involved in counseling, encouraging, and praying with my friend as she worked through her grief. That experience helped me write Kim’s story from an insider’s perspective.” – Melody Carlson

Chloe, Josh Miller''s younger sister, is a free spirit with funky clothes and dramatic hair. She struggles with her own identity, classmates, parents, boys, and -- her biggest question -- whether or not God is for real. But this unconventional high school freshman definitely doesn''t hold back when she meets Him in a big, personal way. Refusing to change her image to fit into the "stereotypical Christian preppy mold," Chloe expresses God''s love and grace through the girl band she forms, Redemption. In her development as a musician and performer, tender-hearted Chloe will learn tough lessons about following God, her heart, and her dreams.

When the Forrester sisters take their hit television show to New York for Fashion Week, they find that success in the big city comes with big challenges.

Teens are already devoted followers of Melody Carlson's fiction series. From the thousands of personal letters she's received, she knows teens want more. They're looking for substance and spiritual guidance that can make a difference in their lives. Life is the next devotional for teens from Melody Carlson. It offers readers a structured way to encounter Jesus's words for their own personal inspiration and practical application. Carlson shares with her faithful readers the life-changing message of Jesus, giving them something to lean on in the turbulent time of adolescence. This 90-day devotional will strengthen teens' faith and help them study the Bible for all it's worth.

In the final installment in the 86 Bloomberg Place series, Melody Carlson follows the girls in a crazed competition for bridesmaids, wedding locations, and showers. Newly engaged Lelani has returned from Maui to Bloomberg Place and is trying to book her wedding date. Unfortunately, there are scheduling conflicts for that same weekend. For starters, Megan and Marcus have a family wedding commitment. Anna and Edmond have promised to attend his younger stepbrother''s Bar Mitzvah and, to everyone''s surprise, Kendall has just accepted her "Maui Man''s" proposal of marriage and also wants to be wed on that first weekend in June. Wedding madness ensues at 86 Bloomberg Place, yet at the same time friendships are being forged that will last a lifetime.

The Carter House girls are just getting to know one another when the subject of boys comes up. Rhiannon’s dating Bradford, the most popular jock in school, Eliza’s seeing Harry, and even DJ has dated Conner, although now he acts as if he doesn’t like her. Boys aren’t always easy to understand, but every girl in the house wants a boyfriend—and will do just about anything to get one. So when Taylor decides to put the moves on Bradford, Rhiannon is shocked and hurt. Mistakes are made and feelings battered ... there is forgiveness for some and bitterness for others ... but at the end of the day, the girls learn a valuable lesson about what it means to be a family.