Courting Mr. Emerson was a pleasant surprise. With a cast of quirky characters and fun banter between them,this novel was an engaging read. Light-hearted moments were perfectly balanced with the more serious ones and the character growth was amazing.
Josie. The character that I really wanted to dislike but couldn't. When we first meet her, her life is in shambles but we get to experience her change and growth. Her unpredictability kept me wanting to see what she would do next.
Personally, I really loved the whole house-fixing-up thing. I really enjoy that so when I read about it, I was thrilled.
The only complaint I have is that this story was a bit unoriginal. Carlson already has a book about fixing up a house and a different one about an art gallery owner. It is time for some new ideas.

Personal Rating: 4 Stars
Content Rating: 5 Stars

*I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. ( )

Over the years, I've read a variety of Melody Carlson books. What I like about them all - and Courting Mr. Emerson was no exception - is that each plot is unique, relatable, and you come away with learning more about yourself or others as a result. Now that I can add Courting Mr. Emerson to that list, I'm glad to give it at 5 star review! It was refreshing to read about someone who wasn't too young and had life experience.

George Emerson is a quirky fellow who is used to a life of solitude and predictability. All that changes for him when he decides to retire from teaching, and befriends Willow West. The way the two form an unlikely friendship was very comical, and for every time one or the other got their signals crossed and caused conflict, it reminded me that life is less about having every little thing go right, and more about appreciating the people I value. If you are looking for an easy-read, I highly recommend this book! ( )

Melody Carlson is one of my favorite writers. I enjoyed this book of romance between older people and the setting of a small town in Oregon. Her characters are real and interesting and the plots move well. ( )

It’s a romance of opposites in Melody Carlson’s Courting Mr. Emerson and it proves to be a lot of fun.

As their professions suggest (no offense intended), artist Willow West and retired teacher George Emerson could not be more different. She is a spontaneous free-spirit, while he is staid and set in his ways. She challenges him to embrace life more fully, but can her presence not only loosen his habits, but also his confirmed-bachelor heart?

Throughout Courting Mr. Emerson, I especially enjoyed that Willow and George are older characters. Rarely are romance-novel characters in their stage of life, so it is great to get a bit of variety now and then. And it helps, of course, that their story is so sweet, full of humor and charm, sure to please readers of the genre.

I received a complimentary copy of this book and the opportunity to provide an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review, and all the opinions I have expressed are my own. ( )

What are the chances that a set in his ways newly retired teacher and a far less intense art gallery owner will find a bond that brings them together?

This Christian Romance novel is not your typical love story. In courting mr. emerson (the cover title is in lower case) we have a situation where George Emerson and Willow
West are very different on the surface but are still drawn to each other. George, however, is reluctant to change his rigid lifestyle and act on this new friendship. Willow is busy with her gallery and some personal challenges. They build a relationship by reaching out to help each other, even though that help is sometimes only reluctantly accepted.

I was a little uncertain about the book for the first few chapters, but then found myself drawn into the story. It is well written, and I think many readers will recognize those moments when George and Willow second guess themselves.

Revell Publishing Group provided the copy that I received in a LibraryThing.com giveaway. No promise of a review was requested or provided. ( )