Once Upon a Summertime : a New York City Romance

GIVEAWAY

CARLSON, MELODY
ONCE UPON A SUMMERTIME : A NEW YORK CITY ROMANCE

Managing the Value Lodge in her hometown was not what Anna Gordon had in mind when she set out in the hospitality industry. But it's a safe choice for a woman whose childhood was anything but stable. Out of the blue, she gets a once-in-a-lifetime chance to reinvent herself by moving to New York City, where she hopes for a management position at a stylish new boutique hotel. The big city is full of surprises--not the least of which is Sean O'Neil. Her childhood crush has applied for the very same position!

Sweet, romantic, and endlessly entertaining, this romp through the storied streets of New York City will enchant readers. Melody Carlson has created characters so charming that readers will long to meet them in the lobby of the stunning Rothsberg Hotel.

My Review:

A whirlwind romance in the heart of New York City? I'm in!

Carlson does an amazing job as tour guide and I actually felt I had visited the Big Apple once I'd finished the book. Armchair traveling is so much fun. Once Upon a Summertime offers a fascinating glimpse into the behind-the-scenes action of the hospitality industry and the author infuses such wonderful descriptions that starkly contrast the Value Lodge and the NYC boutique hotel. Really pulled me into the ambiance of the story.

Unique for a romance, Carlson chose to tell the story through the heroine's point of view only and I have to admit to missing the opportunity to get to know Sean better (since I couldn't get inside his head.) In fact, we aren't even introduced to him until 100 pages in, which is also unusual for a romance.

This is really a story about Anna's quest to find her way after family obligations sidetrack her career ambitions in hotel management. A few unexpected circumstances propel her into a daring journey of self-discovery -- and into the arms of the perfect man. I loved the developing romance and the issues that put Anna and Sean at odds with each other but I did feel the ending (including the resolution to their conflict) was rushed. I would have loved another fifty pages more!

All in all, a sweet, light-hearted summer romance that will have you hankering for a visit to New York City.

 Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

If you would like an opportunity to win a copy of Once Upon a Summertime please leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoreadATyahooDOTca. If you post a comment and add your email address, please use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in the address to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email please remember to put the title in the subject line so that it's easy for me to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Sunday June 21 2015. Offer open to international readers. Good luck!