Friday, June 19, 2015

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!

30 comments:

  1. Once Upon a Summertime sounds very intriguing...a 'must read' to add to my reading list. Thanks for the opportunity of this giveaway!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Opps! Forgot to give my email address. It's: nj(dot)bossman(at)gmail(dot)com

      Delete
    2. It's the perfect release for the summer. Good luck, agboss.

      Delete
  2. This sounds interesting. I wonder how I will feel about getting to know the hero when he shows up later. Thanks for the review and giveaway! momrain(AT)aol(DOT)com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. He's a likeable guy, but it's not the usual romance formula, that's for sure. Good luck, Loraine.

      Delete
  3. I always thought the hospitality industry would be interesting to work in, but also I think very high pressure!
    I would love to explore NYC through the pages of this book.

    pattymh2000(at)yahoo(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Totally fascinating -- talk about being front and center and the customer is always right and then managing all the details behind the scenes. Phew! Not the profession for me...mind you, my opinion might be coloured by the fact that I worked my way through college as a chambermaid. Shudder. Good luck, Patty.

      Delete
  4. I'd love to read this romance! Very nice cover.,
    dkstevensne AToutlookD OtCoM

    ReplyDelete
  5. We lived in NYC for 3 years, so I love a breezy romance set in the city!
    worthy2bpraised at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh -- you'd get to revisit the city, Merry. I think she captures the bustling vibe perfectly. Not that I've ever lived in New York City, mind you. But I did visit once. Long enough to know that big city life isn't for me. Good luck.

      Delete
  6. Use to live in New Jersey so know what NYC is like. Enjoy reading books that take place in NYC. kamundsen44@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  7. Good review, Kav. I wasn't crazy about this book for some reason, but maybe I was just tired when reading it. I did love the NYC sights, though.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks, Carole. I did feel the romance pacing was off -- and very rushed at the end but I did enjoy other aspects of the story.

      Delete
  8. I love stories set in NYC. It's my #1 bucketlist destination! I also love Melody Carlson's stories. Please enter e for this one. Thank you.

    freda.mans[at]gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Then this is a great combo for your. Good luck, Freda.

      Delete
  9. I am a fan of Melody's books, so I would love to win this one.
    sonflower277 at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  10. thanks for the chance to read this novel, kav

    karenk
    kmkuka at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  11. I am intrigued by this one, Kav! Thank you for this giveaway!

    mauback55 at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It's a great summer read, Melanie. Good luck.

      Delete
  12. Sounds like another good book by Melody. Thanks for the review Kav. Please put my name in. Maxie >mac262(at)me(dot)com <

    ReplyDelete
  13. I've never had the opportunity to visit New York City. It sounds like the perfect place for a romance story.
    pbclark(at)netins(dot)net

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I associate NYC with romance too, rubynreba. I think from all the romantic comedies that are set there. Good luck.

      Delete
  14. Hmmm. how many books does Melody Carlson have out ? 100 maybe, maybe more ? Every time I go to the library I see different books of hers. Her books are light and fun for the most part. I would enjoy giving this a try !
    Deanne Patterson
    Cnnamongirl(at)aol(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  15. I'll try this one. rrwalter34ATgmailDOTcom

    ReplyDelete
  16. I enjoy Melody Carlson's writings ~ please put my name in the hat for a draw for this book. Kathleen ~ Lane Hill House lanehillhouse[at]centurylink[dot]net

    ReplyDelete