SECOND TIME AROUND - Melody Carlson - One Free Book

Bio: Melody Carlson is the award-winning author of more than 250 books with sales of more than 7.5 million, including many bestselling Christmas novellas, young adult titles, and contemporary romances. She received a Romantic Times Career Achievement Award, her novel All Summer Long was made into a Hallmark movie, and the film version of The Happy Camper is soon to be released. She and her husband live in central Oregon.

With over 7.5 million books sold, Melody Carlson has wooed her way into the hearts of her many fans with her Hallmarkesque novels. Appealing to readers of Debbie Macomber and Rachel Hauck, each novel offers a perfect balance of romance, small-town feel, and charming characters. Melody’s newest novel, Second Time Around, is a perfect addition to her repertoire. This winning tale is full of heart, home, and second chances.

About the story: When Mallory Farrell inherits her grandmother’s run-down tourist shop in Portside, Oregon, she figures the most sensible thing to do is sell it. But this tiny town has captured her heart. So, when her former secret crush, Grayson Matthews, offers to buy the property and convert it into an outdoor mall, Mallory digs in her heels and decides to renovate the property into an eclectic home decor shop called Romancing the Home.

 As the shop rises in popularity, it catches the eye of a popular renovation show producer. The publicity from a special feature would be great for her shop, but the segment would also include shots of her own home—a depressing apartment on the second floor. How can she live up to her motto of “romancing the home” when her own home is such a sad and dreary place? She is tempted to withdraw from the show and abandon her dream for the shop, but, before she can pull the plug, she confesses her reasoning to Grayson.

Grayson’s understanding and vision for her apartment may just be the catalyst for not only romancing the home but also romancing Mallory as well.

Please provide a brief summary of your new novel, Second Time Around. Empty-nester Marley Farrell inherits her grandmother’s run-down tourist shop in Portside, Oregon. Above the decrepit shop is an equally decrepit apartment—both in need of serious TLC. While preparing the property for sale, Mallory rediscovers her love for the ocean and the funky tourist town. So, when Grayson Matthews (a secret crush from long ago) tries to purchase her property to create a mall, Mallory has second thoughts. She decides to remain in Portside and renovate. And, in the process, she reinvents her life as well.

There is a huge following of home renovation shows. How will Second Time Around resonate with this audience? More than eighty million viewers get HGTV and about ten million tune in each month. Readers who enjoy house renovation and home decor, whether it’s via TV or real life, will resonate with Mallory’s struggle to create a new habitat, meet new friends, and possibly find love.

You new novel has an underlying theme of second chances. Without giving away any spoilers, can you please expand upon how this theme plays out in your book? Mallory’s been hurt by a bad marriage, Grayson’s lost a beloved wife, an old store is about to be demolished, a town is slowly fading away—there’s lots of room for second chances.

Are there any lessons that you hope readers gain from reading Second Time Around? Although it’s a lighthearted story, readers will experience scenes of grace and forgiveness, tucked between the lines. Of course, they might pick up a home design or decor trick along the way too.

Can you tell readers a little more about your female protagonist, Mallory Ferrell, and her background? Mallory has raised three children by herself. As a naturally creative person, she supported her family with a design business that she built from the ground up. Life has taught her to be strong and independent, but she longs for a meaningful relationship.

Why did you choose Oregon as the setting for your book? Okay, it’s no secret I live in Oregon (fifth generation from pioneer roots). I’ve traveled around the world and most of the US, and you can call me biased but I think Oregon is outstandingly beautiful! Since my story involves a small, pretty coastal town, it just seemed to work.

With over 250 novels under your belt, how do you come up with new plots for your stories? I think stories are as limited as people on this planet (past, present, future). Everyone is like a book: peel back some layers, turn a few pages, and there is a story.

Some of your books have been made into movies. Can you please tell readers more about this opportunity? All Summer Long premiered with Hallmark a few years ago (and is still playing it). The Happy Camper will premiere in October on UP TV. I’ve already scripted Looking for Leroy, and it’s under consideration now. 

How can readers connect with you?

http://www.melodycarlson.com/

Readers, here’s a link to the book.

http://ow.ly/oEMP50NRCJQ

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