Most Popular Books by Melody Carlson

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.

Sixteen-year-old Haley’s life is about to change. With divorced parents, she’s allowed to choose who to live with. Tired of Mom’s restrictions (like no dating), she picks laid-back Dad, although that means she’ll have to go to a new school. But even that situation starts to look up when hottie Harris Stephens flirts with her. And when he asks her out, Haley ecstatically accepts. Chalking up a mysterious warning about Harris to jealousy, Haley continues seeing him. But infatuation turns to devastation when Harris does something totally unexpected. Humiliation and peer pressure keep Haley from disclosing what happened, and with no one to talk to, her torturous secret is overwhelming.

Who doesn''t love a second chance? When empty nester Mallory Farrell inherits her grandmother''s run-down tourist shop in Seaport, Oregon, it seems the only sensible thing to do is to sell it. But when her former secret crush, Grayson Matthews, wants to buy the property in order to complete his plans to redevelop the funky town''s business district into a soulless, cookie-cutter outdoor mall, Mallory digs in her heels and decides to renovate the property herself. With a lot of hard work and a little bit of help, Mallory makes incredible progress turning the store into an eclectic home décor shop called Romancing the Home--all while trying to ignore the depressing and decrepit apartment she''s living in on the second floor. When the shop catches the eye of a popular renovation TV show producer, Mallory is thrilled--until it becomes clear that her apartment is to be part of the segment as well. She''s tempted to abandon her dreams and the town under a cloud of shame. But perhaps there''s more to Grayson than meets the eye. Can he swallow his pride, change his plans, and help Mallory romance her own home--and possibly her life?

Although Maggie did not come looking for love, she thought she found it in Jed Whitewater. While the possibility of a serious relationship exists with this mysterious man, circumstances intervene in their lives that can spell disaster for both their dreams.

Morgan, Carlie, Amy, and Emily become friends when they join together to avoid a bully, and then undertake a project to clean up the shabby trailer park where they all live.

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.

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.

After decades out of touch, four fifty-something childhood friends have returned to the little coastal town of Clifden, Oregon, where they grew up. They look forward to supporting one another as they reinvent their lives. But second acts can be a challenge, and each woman feels the stretch. Widowed lawyer Janie struggles to leave the past behind and move forward. Emerging artist Marley wrestles with "painter''s block." Empty-nester Abby fears no one takes her seriously, while beautiful Caroline has all she can do to keep her Alzheimer''s patient mother at home . . . and wearing clothes! Plus, old resentments and new misunderstandings are beginning to strain the friendships they all count on. Can the Four Lindas sisterhood continue to thrive in the close quarters of one little hometown?

If You Thought You Needed Vision, Would You Ask God For It? Exhausted by her role in the dramatic rescue of Kayla Henderson, Samantha McGregor is ready for a vacation from her God-given visions. But when Sam gets her wish and the visions actually go on hiatus, she’s beginning to wonder if she’s lost her spiritual gift forever. To make matters worse, her police friend Ebony needs her help! Peter Clark has been dead for several years, an open-and-shut case of suicide, but Ebony’s not convinced. Why would he do it? And why does Ebony suspect foul play? Sam has been no help in the investigation, and just when she’s lost all hope, God gives her a vision of a guy jumping from a railroad bridge. Suddenly the floodgates open and all of Sam’s visions involve suicide. Who is this guy? And what does this have to do with Peter’s death? It’s a race against the clock as Sam worries about every brown-haired guy she meets: her lab partner, Olivia’s rocker friend, Peter’s little brother–they all fit the description! Whoever the guy in her vision is, his identity is just beyond Sam’s reach, and he’s definitely losing his grip fast…Trusting God will lead her, Sam’s determined to send a message of hope and find him before he gives up.

Sixteen-year-old Simi Fremont thinks she’s found her dream job and the solution to her family’s money problems. But the modeling agency she found online is not what it seems. It’ll take every bit of her faith for her to escape the dangerous scheme and survive.

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

In the fictional Diary of a Teenage Girl, sixteen-year-old Caitlin O''Conner reveals the inner workings of a girl caught between childhood and womanhood ... an empty life without Christ and a meaningful one with Him. Through Caitlin''s candid journal entries we see her grapple with such universal teen issues as peer pressure, loyalty, conflict with parents, the longing for a boyfriend, and her own spirituality. Readers will laugh and cry with Caitlin as she struggles toward self-discovery and understanding God''s plan for her life. And they''ll be deeply moved by her surprising commitment regarding dating.

As graduation and last good-byes approach, the Carter House girls make prom plans and find themselves in heated competion for the limelight in a Mother''s Day fashion show.

"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

If your vision asked you to risk your life to save others, would you have the courage? When Samantha McGregor tells her friend Detective Ebony Hamilton of her disturbing visions of a brutal murder at a high school, Ebony asks her to go undercover to help identify the shooter before it’s too late. The stakes are raised when Ebony discovers that the potential crime may be connected to a larger terrorism threat! Meanwhile, Samantha realizes that her mother’s new boyfriend is a little too good to be true. Her unsettling visions, combined with Ebony’s investigation of Steven’s past, reveal him to be more interested in her mother’s money than her heart. To make matters worse, Samantha has been having visions of an unknown boy who is mercilessly being bullied by his peers. Who is this teen? Can she help him? This fourth and final installment in The Secret Life of Samantha McGregor series brings Samantha her biggest challenges yet, as she works against the clock to stop a mass murder, help a troubled youth, and save her mother from making a terrible mistake!

Introduces teens to the Bible by focusing on the words of Jesus, offering spiritual guidance through the many changes that occur during adolescence.

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?

Sixteen-year-old Shannon McNamara has exciting plans for the summer, and she can''t wait to get to them. Unbeknownst to her, however, her widowed and ailing mother has plans of her own--to relocate them both to the heart of Amish country in Ohio where she has relatives who can look after her. Shannon quickly learns that living a "simple" life is actually a lot of hard work. But when a hot young Amish guy named Ezra enters the picture, she''s ready to get an Amish makeover and even consider making it a permanent change. But does Ezra share her attraction? Will Shannon really make the jump into this new way of life? And will it be for the right reasons? Teen favorite Melody Carlson brings fans another sweet story of worlds--and families--colliding, exploring themes important to teen girls through an engaging tale.

Following her mother''s funeral, and on the verge of her own midlife crisis, widow Anna Larson returns to the home of her youth to sort out her parents'' belongings, as well as her own turbulent life. For the first time since childhood, Anna embraces her native heritage, despite the disdain of her vicious mother-in-law. By transforming her old family home on the banks of the Siuslaw River into The Inn at Shining Waters, Anna hopes to create a place of healing—a place where guests experience peace, grace, and new beginnings. Starting with her own family . . .

Targeted by a killer and suspected of murder, a journalist finds refuge in the arms of a local fire chief in this inspirational romantic thriller. When her friend is murdered, journalist Mallory Myers knows the killer is coming for her next. The problem is no one believes her—in fact, she’s considered a suspect. Her news anchor ex-boyfriend has everyone fooled, but Mallory knows the dark truth behind his slick exterior. With no one to trust, Mallory flees to her hometown, where she finds refuge and help from an unexpected source. Fire chief Logan McDaniel is the only one in town willing to believe her. As the murderer toys with her, setting fires and terrorizing her, Logan and Mallory become closer. He vows to protect her and find a way to break the killer’s airtight alibi if it’s the last thing he does.

When an eighteen-year-old girl''s singing talent thrusts her into the big time, she must wrestle with the rock solid tenets of her Christian faith while facing the shallow compromises of pop superstardom.

Bestselling author Melody Carlson (Gone Too Soon, Diary of a Teenage Girl) finishes her Girls of Harbor View series, which explores the ups and downs of a group of friends who are determined not to let their life in a rundown trailer park define them. In fact, these diverse and talented girls are determined to overcome any challenge they face. In this two-book bind-up containing Ski Trip and Secret Admirer, love is in the air, on the slopes and on the dance floor. Morgan, Amy, Carlie, and Emily—the Girls of Harbor View—are forced to navigate first crushes, growing up, and how to relate to each other as their relationships start to change. In Ski Trip, their hard-earned school trip takes a downturn when Amy and her friend Chelsea go completely boy crazy. Carlie would rather snowboard. But when she takes out her frustrations with her friends on the slopes, she ends up putting herself in a lot of danger. And in Secret Admirer, Amy finds herself pursued by a secret admirer. As the notes pile up, and the Valentine’s Day dance approaches, Amy is wrapped up in dreams of love—but she may have her heart on the wrong guy. Secret Admirer: centers on girls from a variety of multicultural backgrounds and experiences realistically explores situations and experiences girls eight to twelve face every day with heart and humor—including shifting friendships, first heartbreaks, and growing awareness of the world around us is part of the Faithgirlz line of books

Once again, I have kept the demons at bay. As a wife and mother, Ruth knows her prayers are crucial to her family’s spiritual welfare. She stands between her precious children and the evil one, doing battle in prayer. She can’t afford to be careless. Thankfully, she has powerful allies: Pastor Glenn, New Life Christian School where her daughters Mary and Sarah attend, and the inner circle at Arbor Drive Fellowship. They all reinforce her careful nurturance of her children. If only her husband, Rick, understood that. He’s exasperated about the money Ruth keeps spending for the church and school. Doesn’t he see that these are their best defenses in shielding their children from the dangers of the world? But the forces that threaten Ruth’s faith, her family–her very life–are not the ones she expects. Ruth doesn’t realize that her heartfelt desire to obey God is mingled with dangerous currents of OCD–Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. Her own strategies for protecting her family may be the very thing that tears them apart.

A young boy makes a paper heart to give to the one he loves the most, and although he sees many people he loves during the day, he still has it when he says his prayers at night.

When jock Justin Clark asks Zoe out, she wonders if he could finally be The One. Nate, a diehard Christian and real friend, encourages Zoe to consider exactly what it all means before she makes a life-defining decision. But will Zoe learn before it’s too late? This third book in the TrueColors teen fiction series deals with sex, relationships, and identity.

Saturday, October 22 My life changed today. It’s as if I got up this morning as one person and will go to bed as someone else. Okay, maybe it’s not THAT drastic. But I’m so excited I’m not sure I’ll ever go to sleep tonight. Josh Miller asked me to marry him! First she “kissed dating goodbye.” Now, several years later, Caitlin O’Conner is getting married–to the guy she’s loved all along, Josh Miller! It’s her senior year of college, and she has seven months to plan her wedding...but according to Josh’s mom, that’s not enough time. Meanwhile, Caitlin’s roommate, Liz, has ditched her to move in with a boyfriend. Her new roommate and old friend, Jenny, is toying with anorexia again, and just when Caitlin needs her most, Beanie heads off to a New York City design school. On top of all this, an issue from Josh’ s past rocks Caitlin’s emotions. Can she handle it all? True to form, Caitlin is more concerned with following God than having the perfect wedding. But it is her big day. Can Caitlin have a lovely ceremony without spending a small fortune? Will she remember it’s the marriage–and not the wedding–that lasts forever? Story Behind the Book “My teenage years remain vivid in my mind. It was a turbulent time full of sharp contrasts– love and hate, pain and pleasure, trust and doubt. Then, just as I reached my peak of questioning, rebelling, and seeking, I found God. And I found Him in a really big way! My life turned completely around and has, thankfully, never turned back. Hopefully this story will touch and change hearts–speaking to teen girls right where they live, reminding readers that God is alive and well and ready to be intimately involved in their lives right now! Caitlin provides a very positive role model for girls. And her wedding is a great way to teach them about the things that really matter in life–their relationship with God and their willingness to be used by Him.”

Heather’s curiosity in Wicca brings new confidence and reassurance, but alienates her from others. Even so, this enchanting path seems harmless, even helpful. But when terrifying things begin to happen that Heather can’t explain, it becomes clear that she has less control over her world than ever before. The eleventh book in the TrueColors teen fiction series, this book discusses spiritual warfare, tragedy, anger, and more.

Rachel Milligan is caring for her seven-year-old niece, Holly, at her home in Chicago when she receives devastating news: Holly''s parents have been killed in a plane crash. Because Rachel is Holly''s only known relative, she assumes that she will be her beloved niece''s guardian. However, custody is awarded to Lydia, a distant aunt who happens to be Amish. Just a week before Christmas, Rachel takes Holly to the Amish community in the hopes of persuading Aunt Lydia to relinquish custody. Instead, Lydia sets out to teach Holly to live according to the Amish way. As family secrets emerge and old wounds are healed, Rachel realizes that she will do whatever it takes to ensure that Holly has the loving family she needs. Combining an Amish family saga with the anticipation of Christmas cheer and the promise of a budding romance, this newest Christmas story from beloved author Melody Carlson is sure to please.

The people of Christmas Valley always celebrate Christmas to the fullest extent. The mayor plays Santa, every business is holiday themed, and there''s a nativity for the kids each Christmas Eve. This town knows Christmas. But this year nothing goes according to plan. Shepherd''s Inn is full of strangers, Mad Myrtle is causing problems, and a young couple with a baby due any minute rolls in to the middle of town in their Partridge Family-style bus. It''s hardly the holiday Christmas Valley wanted--but it may be just what they need. This charming novella is sure to become a new Christmas tradition for readers who love a great holiday story.

When Wendy Harper inherits her family''s beachside cottage in Seaside, Maine, she sees it as a way to finally pay off the debts that have mounted since her husband died. But before it can be sold, the neglected property must be renovated. She and her 12-year-old son Jackson move in--temporarily, she reminds him--in order to do the work themselves, even though Christmas is coming. The charming town, along with local craftsman Caleb Colton, pulls on both Wendy and Jackson, who even registers himself for school in a bid to get his mom to move them there permanently. Wendy knows that the most responsible thing to do is to sell the cottage and return to Ohio, but the lure of the sea is hard to resist. Join award-winning author Melody Carlson for a Christmas story that will warm your heart and have you dreaming of your own enchanted seaside holiday.

After signing a contract with a major recording company, Redemption''s dreams are coming true. Chloe, Allie, and Laura begin their concert tour with the good-looking guys in the popular band Iron Cross. Allie''s mom and her brother with Down''s syndrome add a little variety to their entourage. But as soon as the glitz and glamour wear off, the girls find life on the road a little overwhelming. Even solid, well-balanced Laura appears to be feeling the stress - and Chloe isn''t quite sure how to confront her about the growing signs of drug addiction... we want it all, or so we say / but what gets lost along the way? / along the road to riches, fame / we know we’ll never be the same The guys in Iron Cross occupy Chloe’s thoughts a little more than she cares to admit. Still, life on the road gets less and less glamorous and more and more overwhelming–especially when solid, well-balanced Laura begins acting strange. Her hostility toward Chloe’s concern makes the girls wonder how much longer they can keep their act together... Story Behind the Book Over the years, I have worn many hats, from pre-school teacher to Young Life leader to political activist to senior editor. But most of all I love to write! In the past few years, I have published more than ninety books for children, teens, and adults. I hope the Diary of a Teenage Girl series will impact the lives of teens through an honest and gutsy approach of a "diary style" book.

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?

Carlie’s mad! Can she forgive her friends—and will they forgive her? Meet Morgan, Amy, Carlie, and Emily. They all live in the trailer park at 622 Harbor View in tiny Boscoe Bay, Oregon. Proximity made them friends, but a desire to make the world a better place—and a willingness to work at it—keeps them together. Friendships are put to the test as the girls go on their long-awaited ski trip with the church youth group. But there are boys on this trip, and some of the girls would rather flirt than ski—and tomboy Carlie would rather snowboard than shower! Then an accident on the slopes forces her to slow down—and shows her who her real friends are.

By walking you through a simple yet effective approach to explaining the gospel to others, this study will help you become a fruitful member of God''s family. With its biblical and practical approach to discipleship, this workbook will yield long-term, life-changing results, such as: * Openly identifying with Christ * Effectively meditating on Scripture passages * Renewing your concern for non-Christian friends * Building a growing camaraderie within your study group Recently updated, The 2:7 Series focuses on a more relational and personal relationship with God.

All Emma Daley wants this holiday season is a white Christmas. But the young teacher and struggling musician sure can''t find that in sunny Arizona. Luckily, there''s someone living in a perfect mountain home in the Colorado Rockies looking to make a vacation trade this year. West Prescott is an in-demand songwriter and talented musician who put his own singing career on hold to write songs for celebrity acts to perform. When his mother convinces him to do a vacation trade for Christmas, he never imagined one of the houseguests would be so sweet--or so strikingly pretty. Naturally, he decides to stick around, and, to get better acquainted, he poses as the house''s caretaker. But when Emma''s friend Gillian discovers his true identity and sets her sights on him, things get . . . messy. Fan favorite Melody Carlson is back with another delightful Christmas tale to warm your heart on those cold winter evenings.

As straight-A student GraceAnn enters her senior year, the stakes feel higher, the stress is mounting, and after bad breakup with her boyfriend, her grades begin to slip. And grades that are less than perfect just aren’t acceptable. GraceAnn knows that other kids cheat. After all, their cheating has made her life harder. But wasn’t it her turn to get a break? If she could get away with it—and no one got hurt—could she break the rules, just this one time? As GraceAnn’s world slips sideways, she finds herself caught in a twisted trap. Will her one bad choice cost her everything?

Christmas should be celebrated with family. But for Vera Swanson, that''s not an option this year. Widowed and recently relocated, she is lonely in her condo-for-one--until little Fiona Albright knocks on her door needing help. With her mother seriously ill and her father out of town, Fiona enlists Vera''s help, and when she finds out her new neighbor is a quilter, she has a special request--a Christmas quilt for Mama. Vera will have to get a ragtag group of women together in order to fulfill the request. Between free-spirited artist Tasha, chatty empty nester Beverly, retired therapist Eleanor, and herself, Vera has hopes that Christmas for the Albright family will be merry, after all--and she may find herself a new family of friends along the way. Bestselling and award-winning author Melody Carlson invites you to cuddle up this holiday season with this cozy story of giving, forgiving, and a little bit of romance.

Carlson helps you cut through the uncharted waters so you can hear what your teenage daughter''s really trying to tell you through her anger, silence, and mixed messages.