Nicole has been feeling stuck and, in a rut, as she teaches high school art and it seems that the spark is starting to fade as when she was younger, she wanted to be an artist and even spent time in Europe appreciating art in the real world but now it's the same thing over and over again - teaching art in a classroom. When her mum's childhood friend Vivian calls her mother offering Nicole a summer job away in Savannah, Georgia managing her art gallery and house-sitting, this may be the push Nicole needs to get stuck and explore her options and find the reason she loved art in the first place and to get some painting of her own done. Vivian's husband has shouted Vivian a world cruise and so she will be absent all of the summer and now has left Nicole the keys to her gallery and house. While in town though things aren't going to be easy as the other worker at the Art Gallery Amyra acts like she should be the manager and isn't impressed with Nicole being brought in and Nicole will also find herself stuck in a love triangle with Alex and Ryan - Vivian's sons and childhood friends. When they were kids, Nicole had a crush on Alex but now he's a divorced dad with a teen daughter and Ryan was the nerdy one who now has captured Nicole's heart. The thing though is that Ryan has another admirer in Cassidy - his best friend and if Nicole doesn't follow her heart and choose him quickly, she might just have a competition of her hands for Ryan's affections. Is this the summer that Nicole will not only discover a new love but also reignite her passion for the art world? Find out in Book #3 of Melody Carlson's series "Follow Your Heart" which each book can also be read as a standalone.

Melody Carlson is one of my favorite authors. I love how she can write in different time periods. This series is more modern than what I normally read but I really enjoyed it. These young girls remind me of my coworkers on so many levels--that's how true to life her works are!

Lovely novel in a beautiful setting. Melody Carlson has written and beautiful and intriguing novel.

After reading the first book Once Upon A Summertime in the Follow Your Heart companion series I was a very unsure if I wanted to continue on, but I decided to give this series one more chance.

I am so glad I decided to give it another go though as this one not only went at a slower pace in the romance department. It also didn't appear to shame anyone either.

Nicole is a high school art teacher and an artist in her free time who has gotten into a pattern where she doesn't seem to be doing much with her life besides just making it by. Her mom ends up getting her a summer job running an art gallery for a family friend, in hopes that it will not only lift Nicole's mood but help her be excited about art again.
While Nicole is unsure about taking the job, she is also excited/nervous about the possibilities and she hopes it will be good for her art as well.

Once Nicole is running the art gallery and dealing with a certain employee who is rather rude but has close ties to the family, she starts wondering if this was the right choice. She does love getting to hang out with her old best friend and seeing what he does now and even helps him out with a few things.

Overall this was a really nice story that not only dealt with art, and architecture, but I also felt like we really got to know the characters. We saw how their friendships had started and how that had all changed over the years. The romance was slow and gradual for a change and nothing felt forced.

While I don't see myself reading the second book in this trilogy, I am glad I gave it another chance to read this one as it was a fun read.

Under a Summer Sky by Melody Carlson

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

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Story Notes

Melody Carlson brings to her readers a fun and sweet romance that is as lovely as a summer sky in Savannah.

An on-going fan of Ms. Carlson’s I was most happy to see this story come across my reading dashboard. Her wit and sweetness are always wonderful to read and it comes through very well in her books. As it would happen, I was sent this book the day before my family left for a beach vacation and as this is a summertime book I was glad it would be my companion on that trip. Ms. Carlson did not disappoint – this story was really great and I enjoyed getting to know her characters. She begins her tale with a high school Art teacher named Nicole who loves her subject but not teaching it to high-schoolers who are not interested in Art History. Enter her mother, Caroline who has arranged an adventure for her – managing Caroline’s friend Vivian’s art gallery for the summer! Feeling a bit railroaded, Nicole reluctantly agrees (after speaking with Vivian) and makes plans to head to Savannah. Little does she know that this summer will be just the shake up she needs to build her confidence in herself and give her a chance at lasting love. I am always on the hunt for authors that present well developed characters and further, well developed stories. Ms. Carlson is one such author who seeks to totally immerse her readers in the sights, sounds, and smells of the setting so they actually feel they have been to the location of the story. I have put Savannah on my list of places to visit after reading this book and can’t wait to try out the culture and food of that quiet Southern town. How fun it was to walk alongside Nicole as she revisited her childhood vacation town and saw the wonderful changes that were happening. And to find herself the target of not one possible suitor but two! Add to this the “privilege” of helping a hurting teenager find her way through some tough times, the hard work of dealing with an insolent co-worker, the joy of getting to help design the layout of a lavish home and joining in on several ghost tours in Old Town Savannah and Nicole is bound for a life changing summer. Ms. Carlson also includes spiritual growth for her characters – helping Nicole become confident in the gifts God has given her while still remaining kind to those who are hurtful; helping Ryan to become the contractor he’s sought to be for several years while dealing with his older brother who looks down on him; and helping Bernie (Ryan’s niece) feel loved and stop her parents fighting over with whom and where she belongs. And Ms. Carlson included one of my favorite romance plots – a childhood crush by one character that was annoying to the other character, that finds the good footing of a real love relationship. I love to see this plot played out – it makes for such fun and sarcastic comments that just make the story that much better. I am loathe to include more description of the content as I don’t want to spoil the story for others, but I will certainly be recommending this story to others so they can enjoy it too. I am looking forward to Ms. Carlson’s next book, hoping it will be just as wonderful to read.

I received this E-book free of charge from Revell Publishing via NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review. I will receive not fiscal compensation from either company for this review.

Under a Summer Sky
By Melody Carlson
Under a Summer Sky is a lighthearted summer romance that will make you smile. Melody Carlson has brought us characters with humor, love, and depth. I enjoyed the story of Nicole and how she discovers that the love she thought she wanted may have always been there.
A high school art teacher, Nicole is feeling tired and worn out, unsure where she wants her future to go from here. When her mom decides that she needs to spend the summer away at an old friend’s house, Nicole thinks the plan is crazy. Her mom’s friend wants her to run her art gallery while she is gone on a world cruise for the entire summer. Feeling overwhelmed and under qualified, she tries to beg off, only to find that she really is on her way to Savannah, Georgia for the summer. She will not only run the gallery, but watch the house for them also. Little did she know, their two grown sons that she has known for many years would be competing for her attention. Also, one of them, Alex, has a teenage daughter named Bernie that Nicole finds hiding in the attic. As she tries to maneuver the summer at the gallery and deal with both men, Bernie, and a disgruntled gallery employee, Nicole finds herself almost over her head. However, she also finds herself loving Savannah and possibly one of the brothers. Will she find true love? Will her summer bring her the romance she is looking for? It is a delightful and fun story that brings a smile.
I received a copy of this story for free from NetGalley for my honest opinion.

I was excited to see that Melody had another summer romance releasing this year, I have enjoyed the two from the last two years.  Nicole is ready to enjoy her summer vacation house-sitting and managing an art gallery for a friend of her family's.  However, Nicole is not prepared for all the drama that is coming along with that, including a gallery worker who is determined to be the one in control and two old friends vying for her attention and heart. 
I loved this book!  It is such a sweet and quick romance to read!  I felt as if I was right there in Savannah with Nicole, it makes me what to go there for a visit!  Melody does an incredible job with setting the scene that I felt as if I was a part of the story.  The characters were all so enjoyable to spend time with as well and Nicole was such a great main character.  The storyline flows so nicely and it was easy to become lost in the story and this gorgeous city.  I highly recommend this book as well as the two earlier ones in the series as they are perfect summery reads!

I have a like/dislike relationship with Under a Summer Sky by Melody Carlson. I like, and even loved, so many parts of the story: the way it was written, the characters....so much about this book. But I can't give it an overwhelmingly great review because mixed in amongst the great are little pieces of yuck in the form of fixating on the ghosts and hauntings of the Savannah, Georgia area. I know it's a very real part of the culture in that region so it definitely brought some depth to the story as a whole, especially given that the teen who was fascinated with it wasn't necessarily a Christian, but I just felt like too much time was spent around this subject matter and that was disappointing to me.

Nicole has been an art teacher in Seattle long enough to have lost a little passion for teaching. She loves her students, but it's just draining her creative juices. She always plans to paint "when things calm down" but hasn't for years. In an effort to get her out of her rut, her mother has signed her up to help an old family friend run her art gallery for the summer in Savannah on short notice. She has a day to clean up her classroom, buy a new wardrobe befitting an art gallery manager and fly to Georgia. It's a bit overwhelming, but how bad could it be? Especially when the current gallery worker things she's the manager and in charge? And who knew she'd be living so close to two very eligible bachelors who were childhood friends? Things are about to get interesting...

First and foremost, I loved Melody Carlson's imagery and description of the scenery. She does a spectacular job of putting you right in the middle of the setting, describing beautiful sunsets, the weather, even the old architecture which can be tough to accomplish. I enjoyed getting to know each of the characters personally, even the tough-to-love ones and young side kicks. They made the story so much richer and true to real life.
Unfortunately, I also found a few downsides to this novel. For me, the ending/resolution came way too quick. It feels like storyline threads are still dangling in the wind, but maybe that's on purpose? Maybe those will be tied up in a a sequel? Who knows... Still, my biggest problem was with the fixation on the ghosts and hauntings in the area.

Would I let my teen girls read the book? Yes, it's not that egregious to me. But I would be careful with pre-teens and under. In my opinion there are better stories out there that don't dwell on haunted homes and graveyards. Here is a quote from the book that kind of sums up how I feel about it:
"...it was obvious Bernie was eating it all up. For her sake, Nicole was glad. Although the young teen's fixation on ghosts and haunted buildings was a little unsettling, Nicole supposed it was simply an adolescent phase that Bernie was going through. And after all, this was Savannah!"

I received an ARC from the publisher. No review was required–all opinions are my own.

This is a good clean Christian romance with two brothers vying for the attention of lovely Nicole Anderson. which brother will win the love of Nicole her childhood crush Alex or the handsome sensitive soul Ryan. Sibling rivalry, summer in beautiful Savannah, love, friendship, romance and Vampira (oh I mean Amyra) makes enjoyable reading. My grade for this book is A plus.

Under a Summer Sky is the third book in Melody Carlson's Follow Your Heart Series. The story is set in Savannah, Georgia and lends a beautiful back drop to a wonderful, romantic and enjoyable story. A great way to spend a few relaxing moments of time while sipping your favorite beverage and enjoying the Summer months!

4 Stars

I received this book for free. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are my own. Thank you to Ms. Carlson, Revell Publishing and Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review this book

This is a cute summer read set in Savannah, where we find art teacher Nicole house-sitting for a family friend and working at an art gallery. Nicole thought she’d have a quiet summer with plenty of time to paint, but instead finds herself overwhelmed with a difficult co-worker, childhood friends-turned-handsome-men, and a teenager who just needs a little love and direction.

I loved all the references to art and architecture, the Savannah sunsets, and the diplomatic way Nicole finessed her way through a few unexpected situations. As usual for her novels, Carlson includes a little bit of God to illustrate his presence, but doesn’t use the novel to preach or proselytize. And as usual for my favorite summer reads, this one ends in a happily ever after.

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/2047498429

https://randombookmuses.com/2017/07/02/review-under-a-summer-sky-by-melody-carlson/

Under a Summer Sky by Melody Carlson is delightful. The overall story provides a glimpse of life in Savannah, Georgia, that is heavy on the Southern charm and a bit lighter on the conflict. Don’t despair, however, because Nicole Anderson’s arrival in Savannah from Seattle stirs up plenty of commotion and disruption. On her summer break as a high school art teacher, Nicole jets off to Savannah to help a family friend manage an art gallery. What she finds is a re-connection with two brothers (Alex and Ryan) from her childhood summers in Savannah and, unfortunately, a disgruntled employee, Amyra, at the gallery. Competition is high on all fronts in this Southern Christian romance.

As you move through the story, you can almost feel the mystery of the Old South as the author details the varied architecture, rich (and haunted) history, and the spooky beauty of Spanish moss hanging from the trees. This summer break in Savannah is exactly what Nicole needs as she discovers her artistic self confidence, the ability to stand up for herself, a maternal instinct as she interacts with 13-year old Bernice, and, of course, love. Growing up, Nicole always had a crush on Alex, but Ryan always had a crush on her. Can you guess which brother will win her heart?

While the drama and romance don’t pack big punches, Under a Summer Sky does deliver some intense, confrontational moments as well as some sweet (but not too sweet) romantic moments, all just enough to keep the story moving at a brisk pace. Overall, Under the Summer Sky is a fantastic Southern story for those long summer nights.

Filled with art, heart, and romance, Under the Summer Sky is your answer to a light, sweet, summer beach read.

Lovely story! Nicole is given the opportunity to spend her summer house sitting and running an art gallery for a wealthy old family friend in Savannah. Being tired and perhaps a tad burned out teaching high school art, she accepts. The two families often vacationed together when Nicole was a kid. Back then, she had a crush on the other family's older son, Alex, which was not returned. The younger son, Ryan, had a crush on Nicole, but she saw him as boring and nerdy. That was many years ago and things do change with time!
One challenge Nicole faces running the art galley is the other woman who works there, Amyra, and resents Nicole's presence.
I love the way Nicole handled that challenge as well as the attentions from Alex. Style and class. Alex is going through a divorce and has a teenage daughter, Bernie, that takes to Nicole right away. Bernie attempts a little matchmaking of her own.
Great story and thoroughly enjoyed this one!
I was given an ecopy of this book to read by the publisher, Revell and Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.

This was a lovely, sweet story. I could tell it was a Christian story by the tone of the writing, even though there wasn't anything overly religious written in it. I actually prefer Christian romances that have subtle tones, such as this one, rather than preachy overtones. The ending came on very suddenly and I did feel that was too bad as it was all leading up to a relationship but then it was over before anything developed. I felt it should have been a bit longer, or at least there should have been an epilogue. There is no mention of the future, of the couple coming back from their cruise, nothing. It just ends. It is a stand-alone. I would rate this 4.5 stars. I did enjoy it very much as I read it and I would recommend it.

Under a Summer Sky is the third book in the Follow Your Heart series. I have read the second book in this series and do not feel it is necessary to read the previous books to enjoy his one. Melody Carlson took me on a fun adventure to the south to visit Savanna, Georgia. It was interesting learning about a part of the country I have never visited, but now would love to. The thought of Southern boy charm doesn't hurt either. I had fun imagining what it would be like to get swept away into a summer of luxury with some good looking old friends vying for my attention. This story follows Nicole as she leaves home during the summer to manage a family friends art gallery.

Nicole is in a rut. Being a art teacher used to be so much fun, but lately it seems like she is stuck. When an opportunity arises for her to take off for the summer, she is weary. The more she thinks about getting away, the better it sounds. After arriving she worries she is in over her head. Being an artist doesn't mean you can run an art gallery, but she is going to give it her best shot. The Graham brothers she knew when she was younger are all grown up now. Living in their parents house, she runs into both of them often. Between running the art gallery and its feisty employee, Nicole has her hands full. Is she meant to be with one of these men, or does she belong back home in Seattle?

I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a quick summer read. It's the perfect book for vacations where you can pick it up right where you left off without having to back track. I enjoyed getting to know the characters. This book isn't packed with scriptures or situations where faith is leaned on, but I still enjoyed it. I received a copy of this book from Revell Publishers in exchange for my honest opinion. All opinions expressed are my own.

Under a Summer Sky by Melody Carlson is the story of Art Teacher Nicole Anderson. Nicole is still reeling from a painful breakup when her mom volunteers her services to help run an art gallery in Savannah. There, she reunites with a childhood crush and his brother, and conflicting feelings soon appear. I have long been a fan of Melody Carlson and I really enjoyed this book. It is a fun, light read that is perfect for the beach at summertime. It is great if you need a feel good read. I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.

When I wrote my list of books you need to read this summer, I didn't include Under a Summer Sky by Melody Carlson, but I really wish I had! I don't read all of her books, so I wasn't really sure what to expect, but it was great! It's the perfect summer beach read, especially if you live in the south, or wish you did! I didn't realize when I requested this book that it is the third in a series, but, honestly, I wouldn't have known, because it's complete all on its own. I actually read the whole thing in a day, because I just didn't want to stop! It's the perfect summer romance!

Nicole Anderson is feeling a little burnt-out at her job teaching art in Seattle. So, when her mom's friend offers her an opportunity to house-sit and manage her art gallery in Savanah for the summer, it seems like just what she needs. It doesn't take long for Nicole to think she might have gotten in a little over her head. She must deal with a gallery employee who is determined to drive her out, and challenges her every move. Then there's the teenage girl she's invited to spend the summer with her. Add to that two men who seem to be vying for her attention, and you've got a perfect summer in store--or not! Nicole always had a crush on Alex when they were growing up, while she ignored his younger brother, Ryan, who had a crush on her. Now that they're adults, she'd like a second chance with Ryan, but he's seeing someone else. It doesn't help that Alex and his daughter seem determined to make Nicole choose him. When Nicole isn't struggling with her new job as gallery manager, or tending to a teenage girl, she's doing all she can not to fall in love with Ryan, and keep her distance from Alex. All together it makes for a sweet read that leaves you feeling like you've just spent a few days in sunny Savannah, Georgia!

I have to admit that I have wanted to visit Savannah ever since we moved south last fall, and I found out how close it is to us. Reading Under a Summer Sky made me want to go there even more! I love the descriptions of the beautiful scenery, old houses and the wonderful food! I got hungry just reading about all the great things these characters ate!

I found myself getting annoyed at Nicole several times, as I wanted her to stand up for herself, or talk to Ryan. But, to me, the best books are the kind that draw you in so much that you feel like you know the characters--even if that means you want to yell at them! Thankfully, Nicole straightened it all out in the end, and I felt happy for her! (I know it's crazy to have 'feelings' about fictional characters, but I do!) I love the thought of a character who steps totally outside of her comfort zone, and finds a whole new life she never expected. Sometimes we just have to try something new, to find what we really want in life.

When I read a good book by an author I'm not really familiar with, I usually go straight to Amazon and research all the books they've written. And, as usual, I found a ton of books in Melody Carlson's backlist that I now really, really want to read! I have read a few of her books before, and they've never disappointed. She writes a variety of different themes, that cover several genres. I actually have all of the books in her 86 Bloomberg Place series on my shelf. I think they're written more towards young adults, but I loved the series so much, I kept it. I've read all four books at least twice! Her book The Christmas Shoppe is really good, too. No matter what you decide to read, I don't think you can go wrong with any of her books!


If you're still looking for books for your summer reading list, don't pass over Under a Summer Sky. This romance novel fits into the category of "guilty pleasures that won't make you feel guilty!" I loved it, and I know you will, too!





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I received an advanced copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my review. All opinions are my own, and a favorable review was not required.


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UNDER A SUMMER SKY is the third book in Ms. Carlson's romance series Follow Your Heart. This one is set in Savannah, Georgia. At first I thought Nicole had no backbone, but as the story unfolded she started to develop one. I really appreciated that. Alex's young daughter, Bernie, made a nice addition to the story, and there is a love - triangle, with both Alex and Ryan vying for her affections! I wanted Nicole to choose the one I was rooting for!

There is some drinking -- beer and wine -- for those who don't approve of it and don't want to read about it, and the faith message is absolutely nonexistent, but otherwise the story is sweet, clean, and nothing objectionable for those who like squeaky clean romances without a spiritual message.

I think this was absolutely my favorite book of the three in the series Once Upon a Summertime, and All Summer Long and now Under a Summer Sky. All three are about girls being sent out of their comfort zones, spreading their wings, and discovering themselves and love in the process. I hope there will be a fourth book in this series.

If you like sweet romances, don't miss UNDER A SUMMER SKY. A can't fail summertime romance set in the deep south. I was provided a free copy of this book. All opinions are my own.