I am a fan of Melody Carlson and when I saw this title, well, I must admit, I knew I would love it. LOOKING FOR LEROY was a delightful romance with depth and bittersweet lessons about forgiveness, fear, and second chances.

And the setting of Sonoma County wineries? Even more reason I was going to love this book as we once lived a few miles from this beautiful area.

Brynna and Leroy met as teenagers at a Christian summer camp. They fell in love, and when the summer ended they hoped they could make their long-distance relationship work. Unfortunately, Brynna went back to her cad-of-a boyfriend and subsequently "Dear John'ed" Leroy while he was away at college.

Years later, Brynna is a teacher, and her ex has a younger wife who has stolen all her dreams. Her vice-principal -- a not-really, but sort-of friend -- talks Brynna into going on a road trip. Initially resistant, until she learns part of the itinerary include tours of the Sonoma County vineyards. Brynna now can't get Leroy out of her mind. She finally gives in and allows a bit of fantasy into her broken heart. What if they could find Leroy?

Leroy, a widower, pressured into dropping out of college, had taken over the family winery and settled into a comfortable routine -- albeit noisy with three opinionate daughters, her mother, and sister. One of his daughters runs across an envelope of photos -- photos lovingly photographed by her father -- of a strange woman. The moment Leroy opens that envelope he opens the old wounds of lost love and can't stop thinking of the woman he loved and lost.

When the intrepid travelers find Leroy's vineyard -- after visiting nearly every winery in the county -- a series of crazy misunderstandings lands Brynna a job as the vineyard's general manager.

Carlson takes us on a joy ride filled with a plausible plot, woven with whimsical moments. and I WANT that little cottage!

I highlight recommend to anyone who wants a page-turning romance that is poignant and as sweet as the ripened grapes on the vine. [Note: those uncomfortable with the drinking of wine should know there is little reference to the imbibing.]

I received a complimentary copy of this book from #NETGALLEY and Revell for my honest review.

After this book, I was ready to trade in my minivan, buy a truck and trailer, and go tour the states. That would actually be an option if gas wasn't so high and I didn't have other responsibilities. It's nice to dream though. Falling into this story allowed me to dream freely, I loved the characters. The secrecy and mystery surrounding them were intriguing. The scenic pictures she paints with her words are enchanting. From start to finish, I throughly enjoyed this book.

Many thanks to Revel Publishers for a providing a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Looking for Leroy by Melody Carlson is a delightful read. Brynna is a third grade teacher putting her life back together after her divorce who finds herself with her friend Jan driving down the west coast in a camper. The trip brings back memories of an old love. Leroy is widowed and works at the old world Vineyard his family has owned for the last 180 years. Both remember their first true love.

The beautiful setting of the west coast and Sonoma wine country made the story almost magical. The author painted the sunsets and scenery in such a pleasing way, I felt as if I was there. The cast of characters were delightful and varied. I loved walking through life with Brynna as she discovered who she was and realized her worth. Leroy was a wonderful man who worked hard and was figuring out what was next in his life. Jan and Mike were comic relief and Leroy's daughters were full of life.

The author wove this story together in a beautiful way that spoke to themes of second chances, forgiveness, and opening yourself up to God's love and purpose for your life. I enjoyed the many layers of depth in the story and will forever be able to picture the Vineyard in my head. I loved the humor and wisdom sprinkled throughout the book. I highly recommend Looking for Leroy.

I was given a complimentary copy and not required to write a review.

It's especially fun to find a great book that combines my love of camping and the great outdoors... and well-defined characters, of course!

Melody Carlson's newest book was just as good as the last one [Happy Camper]!

Looking for Leroy is a sweet story that included camping adventures in the Pacific North West, new friendships, trust in The Lord, and yes, maybe even a love interest or two amongst the characters.

The encouragement of the women characters in this book was something that stood out to me - regardless of their different ages, they were able to offer encouragement to each other and let God use them to guide others to seek Him.

Camping in the Sonoma wine country of Northern California was the perfect setting and I could almost picture being in my own camper looking out over those rolling hills.

[Maybe some day...]

Pick up your copy today - you'll be glad you did!

Brynna Phillips, a divorced teacher, sets out on a summer camping adventure with another teacher. As they pull into one of the camps, Brynna recalls that this is a place she went to summer camp when she was growing up. Memories flood her mind, along with the memory of a special young man, Leroy, that she met and who became her first love. She does not even remember his last name, only that his family owned a vineyard in Sonoma, which is close to where they are camping. Her friend, Jan, insists that they look for him.

Will they even be able to locate him? If so, how will he react towards her? Is he married?

A special book about young love, mid-life memories, and life possibilities makes this a very enjoyable read.

Thanks to Revel and NetGalley for a copy of this book. The opinions expressed are my own.