This is a wonderfully sweet romance. This centers abound Mr. Emerson and Willow. These two characters are complete opposites who keep running into each other and when they try to get closer they cause something to go wrong. This will make you laugh and cry. I just kept rooting for Mr. Emerson to become less rigid. I really enjoyed this book. I received a copy of this book from Revell for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.

This book completely charmed me. I adored the character of George, I just want to give him a huge hug and adopt him!!! This was a sweet easy read with a lot of heart packed into its pages. I identified a lot with Willow, although I am not quite the free spirit she is, I could see myself trying just as hard to bring George out of his shell. The character of Josie was a great element to the plot of the story and I enjoyed seeing her growth in the book as well as George’s. This story just had a comforting feel to it, that I can’t quite explain, but I truly loved this book. Lovely characters and a sweet plot make this a 5 star read for me and this book has a place on my keeper shelf!

I received this book through the Revell Reads program and was not required to post a positive review. All thoughts are my own.

I adored this sweet, endearing read. With two main characters who are more experienced in life than the average leads in romance, Melody Carlson proves love can bloom at any age.

Finicky, prickly, set-in-his-ways George Emerson is oddly lovable with his stable routines and old-fashioned wardrobe and sensibilities. Willow West is an excellent contrast as she befriends and challenges him. Even the supporting characters from George’s neighbor to Willow’s family and employees add depth to the story.

This story is a beautiful example of one of the many ways God pursues his children. Sometimes it’s the quiet, steadfast presence that shows nothing can severe our relationship with him. There’s no limit to the number of times we mess up or the number of apologies we must make, God remains faithful.

For anyone who feels stuck in the routines of their life, has given up on finding love, or just wants a sweet and moving story, Courting Mr. Emerson will leave you a bit wrung out but uplifted and hopeful for what’s to come.

Disclosure statement:
I receive complimentary books from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including NetGalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

George Emerson likes everything done to a strict routine, he feels that most people have let themselves go, not making an effort to dress smartly and spending all their time on new fangled gadgets. His world is turned upside down on meeting Willow West who is the complete opposite but somehow has a strange attraction. I enjoyed reading this book, nice heartwarming story. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This was such a sweet read! I can relate to Willow West on so many different levels. We're square pegs that don't fit in round holes and wouldn't want to fit to start with! Her daughter Josie reminds me of my young adult daughter. We have similar struggles and like Willow, I'm trying to be a positive influence and encourager, not an enabler. Mr. Emerson is at a tough point in life facing retirement, but with Willow's persistence, he turns it all around and sees things in a different light. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and look forward to Melody Carlson's next book. She is absolutely one of my go-to authors. She never disappoints me, whether it's historical or modern contemporary works!

This was such a sweet and easy-going story and I had a fun time reading it! Melody Carlson did a great job with the characters and the story. It centers on Willow and George, two very different people who find themselves drawing closer despite many disagreements and obstacles. Willow is free spirited and open and friendly and has a strong faith. George is reserved and slightly obsessive and considers himself an atheist. When the two meet at the high school, where he has taught Willow’s grandson, an adventure starts that will lead them both closer together and closer to God. I would recommend this book for people who enjoy heart warming stories of love and faith! I received a free copy of this story from NetGalley for my honest review. All opinions are my own.

COURTING MR. EMERSON is the newest release by Ms. Carlson. Mr. Emerson is a retired English teacher, reminiscent of the British sitcom Mr. Bean. George Emerson is just as much of a stick-in-the-mud as Mr. Bean and every bit as clueless. I didn't see why George Emerson had so many ladies courting him unless as a bachelor he was prime game for fifty year old divorcees and widows desperate for a man. He would drive me batty in short order I'm afraid.

Willow is an artsy crafty gypsy type with a druggie grunge band daughter and a grandson every bit a nerd as George Emerson. And she didn't know how to take no for an answer. Inviting herself for breakfast armed with bran muffins she takes control of his kitchen while he showers.

There is really no faith message to speak of and the romance (ahem) didn't work for me. This was a slow read with characters I couldn't relate to.

However if you fondly remember Mr. Bean and like to read about 55 year olds finding love then COURTING MR. EMERSON is a book to consider. I adore the cover.

I was given a copy free. All opinions are my own.

Why should you read Courting Mr. Emerson? The first line might snag your attention. It sure did mine. “George Emerson didn’t need anybody.”
Melody Carlson’s narrative has an easy flow about it. Like a weekend afternoon car ride on a warm spring day. This is going to be fun, enjoyable, humorous, etc., ...until it isn’t.
Which brings me to the two next reasons to read Courting Mr. Emerson. Because this is a romance between two mature adults, we have a departure from the usual beautiful, young heroine and wonderfully handsome, young Adonis. Some readers will especially appreciate this. I know I did.
Which leads into the next motive for reading this wonderful book. After a few chapters, it stops being the “joyride” I described above. Instead, real life hits from many angles and Willow, George, Collin, and others have to figure out how to navigate around obstacles to find the peace and relationships they desire. One thing is for sure... I thought this would be a cute, breezy romance. Instead, it is a slightly humorous romance filled with broken people with weighty problems, who need God to help them.
Quotes I would like to share:

“I don’t know if you can measure pain...it’s probably relevant, different for everyone...The thing is, you have to keep going.”

“...when I discovered God was really real, well, I grabbed on tight and I’ve been holding on ever since.”

“...an atheist is simply a seeker who is hoping that God will show up.”

I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley and the publisher. I was not required to leave a positive review and all opinions are my own.

I really enjoyed that this book wasnt the typical 20 something romance. It was awesome to read a witty. Funny, and sweet romance between two people who were older, and didnt think they would find love. The characters were quirky but still human and relatable. I love that thw author weaves subtle streaks of faith throughout the book, and gives you something to think about.

This was a delightful book. I loved Mr. Emerson and Willow. Mr. Emerson is an English teacher who hates modern technology and compares women to baked goods. He is very particular and lives an orderly, well-managed life. Willow is the opposite. She’s an ex-hippie, artist who is vibrant and full of well-meaning intentions. It reminded me a bit of when Father Tim met Cynthia in the Jan Karon books.
While the book has a light-hearted feel, it also touches on some deep themes of meaning and purpose in life, estrangement and reconciliation, and deeply forged faith that can take you through life’s losses and hardships. I thoroughly enjoyed it and I would recommend it.
Thank you to Revell for providing me with an e-copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

Oh I loved this charming book. Really whimsical story with engaging characters and I enjoyed the writing style. The gentle unfolding of the courting of George Emerson was humorous and believable. The sort of book you can share and read again, thank you.

This was kind of a quirky story, full of eccentric characters! There were serious moments, especially when dealing with some hurts and tense relationships, and George's process of coming to terms with all the loss he experienced and how much it influenced his life. The romance aspect didn't really come into play until the end, and even then it felt a little forced. I didn't think the book really needed it, though; it was a still a lovely story about unlikely friendships! Overall, I thought this was a fun, light-hearted book, perfect for spring and summer reading.

Courting Mr. Emerson is the latest from Melody Carlson. You will meet Mr. Emerson on the opening pages of this tale. George Emerson is finishing up his thirty years as a high school English teacher. The world has changed so much that he is ready to close this door. As George begins to think about how he will spend his retirement years, he crosses paths with Willow West. This woman is the polar opposite of George. Willow, who formerly lived on a commune, does not fit into George's OCD world!

It is interesting to watch how Willow, now a Christian, works to befriend this troubled man. You will learn about all the troubles that both Willow and George have endured; and soon see how God will show up and make change in their lives!

Will George and Willow remain friends, or will their relationship grow into something much greater?

Courting Mr. Emerson by Melody Carlson takes readers on a journey to Warner, Oregon. Mr. George Emerson has been teaching Language Arts at Warner High School for almost thirty years. After pressure from administration plus the changes in student attitudes along with the advancements of technology, George is retiring at end of the year. Willow West is a free-spirited artist who owns the Willow West Gallery in town and is raising her grandson, Collin. Willow meets George when she requests a recommendation letter from him for Collin’s college applications. Willow notices that George is old-fashioned, a luddite and set in his ways. She decides to invite him to Final Friday at her gallery. Much to her surprise, George shows up and they end the evening having coffee. This is the first in a series of encounters as Willow attempts to push George out of his comfort zone and embrace life. George finds himself uncomfortable, but he does find himself frequently thinking about Willow. As the summer passes by, George helps Willow’s daughter renovate her apartment. He starts to meet new people and new concepts including Christianity. Will George be able to open his heart to love and God? Join George, Willow, Collin and Josie on their journeys in Courting Mr. Emerson.

Courting Mr. Emerson is such a sweet story. It has Melody Carlson’s trademark writing style. Courting Mr. Emerson contains good writing, thoughtful pacing and humor. I especially liked that the main characters are older. These are two people in their 50s who are getting a second chance. As we get older, people get more set in their ways as we see with George Emerson. George has suffered great losses in his lifetime and has become closed off. He is set in his way with a steady routine, but everything changes after he retires. George finds himself at loose ends and along comes Willow. Willow was raised by hippie type parents. She is an artist who is raising her grandson after her daughter took off to be a groupie. Willow’s life changes when her antagonistic daughter returns much to her son’s disappointment. Each character has their own issues that they need to work through with a little help from their friends and God. Courting Mr. Emerson is a story that you just need to read and enjoy (do not go looking for hidden or deeper meanings). Courting Mr. Emerson shows us that we are never to old to change or find love (it gives me hope). I am giving Courting Mr. Emerson 4 out of 5 stars (I liked it). Courting Mr. Emerson is the perfect story for those who delight in reading inspirational romance. If you are looking for a heartwarming story to read, then pick up Courting Mr. Emerson.

Courting Mr. Emerson is a sweet, signature Melody Carlson read. It has that down-home feel that readers have come to expect, with sweet romance and a meaningful faith element.
First off, I just love the simplicity of that cover, don’t you? It’s straightforward, but it evokes just the right feel for me.
When I read the description of the book, I don’t think I read it close enough, because I was surprised by a few things as I read the book. However, once I adjusted what I thought it was about to what it really was about, I enjoyed it.
The romance fiction I read generally have the couples in the age range of 20s-late 30s. So Courting Mr. Emerson was out of the norm for me there. I enjoyed the maturity of these characters, as well as the life experiences they’d already had that made them who they were. Both George and Willow are vibrant characters. They’re unique, and yet realistic. I loved reading about Willow challenging George and George being the balance for Willow, especially in her relationship to her family.
Something I always enjoy is when there’s some sort of subtle or not-so-subtle tie-in to why the book is titled what it is. I LOVED how Melody Carlson did that here.
While I don’t know that Willow and I would agree on all theology, I did appreciate how this book emphasized each of us has our own journey to understanding who God is and what He’s done for us. It’s always on His timeline, not what we might expect or hope for others.
To wrap up, this was a sweet story that Melody Carlson fans will enjoy, as well as those who like small-town romance with a twist on family.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.

Courting Mr. Emerson is true to Melody Carlson's writing style with quirky, endearing characters, a setting readers will want to truly visit, and a sense of poignancy. It is a story that one wants to walk into and join the cast of characters, to be a part of what unfolds.

Mr. Emerson, a retiring high school English teacher, is a bit out of step with the times. Once considered a confirmed bachelor by others, he's now a self-proclaimed curmudgeon. Having been told as a young boy that his parents had died because God needed them, having his older brother die in the Vietnam War, losing his fiance in a car wreck just three days before his graduation from graduate school, and eventually losing his grandparents who raised him, George came to the conclusion that there was no God. Believing that was less painful than believing that there was a God who at the worst had it out for him, and at the least didn't care about or need him. What would it take for God to make Himself and His love known to George at this time in his life? Enter Willow West, artist, bohemian, hippie, Christian, and her somewhat dysfunctional family. God can certainly work in mysterious and unexpected ways! Readers will enjoy observing how this story plays out.

I am grateful to have received a copy of Courting Mr. Emerson from Revell via NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion. I was under no obligation to provide a positive review, and received no monetary compensation.

George Emerson was a true loner. He lived his life his way as a bachelor. There was a place and a time for everything. He wanted none of the complications a romantic relationship might bring. Not that women weren't interested in him. Unexpectedly, Willow West approaches him asking for a letter of recommendation for the grandson she has raised. One thing leads to another and to another and a relationship, of sorts, develops. However, the outcome is questionable.

Courting Mr. Emerson is populated with unique characters. At times they are perplexing, but they are always interesting. As the story develops readers learn much about George's and Willow's pasts and, as such, we are able to understand who they are today. Can two such truly different individuals maintain a friendship or possibly even more?

I loved reading this book. Everything about it makes it an engrossing story. It is full of emotion, hope, kindness and engaging dialogue. Beautifully crafted, insightful and often witty, this book is well worth reading! Highly recommended.

I received a copy of this book through Revell and NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.

I chose to read this book because of the author, I have enjoyed several past books of hers and this one was no exception.
We meet a hurting man, George, and because of past deep hurts he has put up walls around himself, and we witness a little chipping at the boards.
The other main character has also weathered life with loss and hardship, while being a gifted artist we see her reach out to George, and in turn George reaches out to her love ones.
We also see what could be Willow tormenting George, oh my, that poor man.
In the end we see that the one Being who can help George is God, but he claims not, will Willow be able to reach him, or will he continue to isolate himself?

I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Revell, and was not required to give a positive review.

Melody Carlson’s latest offering is a light, heartwarming read about two opposites that attract, but have a rocky road ahead of them. I really liked the plot and found it to be a fresh idea from veteran writer Carlson. The idea was well executed and made for a book that was rather hard for me to put down. The setting of a small town nestled in the Pacific Northwest is a traditional trope for Carlson and one that I always enjoy. The characters are real and relatable, further drawing the reader in.

Even though this is a light read, it isn’t all fluff. There are deep themes of loneliness and mental illness that are dealt with in an honest, respectful way. I appreciated the portrait of hope that was portrayed for George offered in a Christian message that doesn’t come off as preachy or 0ff-putting. Carlson’s writing style is a cozy reprieve from the chaotic world in which we live. I appreciate the gentle flow of her books.

Fans of sweet, inspirational romance will love Courting Mr. Emerson.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell through NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Courting Mr. Emerson is such a good book. Loved the plot and the well developed characters. I know when I start a book by this author that I am going to enjoy it. I highly recommend this book. I received an arc from Netgalley and this is my unbiased review