This was a sweet story. It was unexpectedly preachy at times but it wasn't too overbearing. I liked Dillon and Jordan but sometimes they acted more like teenagers than adults in their thirties. They were immature and wishy-washy, jumping to conclusions and making assumptions instead of having grown up conversations. I did love all the detail on the vintage trailers and the work that went into restoring them, although the phrase happy camper started to get redundant. Overall a good story with a clean romance.

Dillon Michael's is hoping to find her heart and a new road to travel as she leaves her disappointing career and nonstarter love life behind to help her grieving and aging grandfather on his small Oregon farm. But, her eccentric mother beat her there and has taken over Dillon's old room. After a few nights sleeping on a sagging sofa, Dillon finds her grandfather's run-down vintage camp trailer, which she quickly resolves to restore with the help of the handsome owner of the local hardware store. But just when things are finally beginning to run smoothly, Dillon's ex-boyfriend shows up with roses and a ring. I loved this book. Melody Carlson story is full of unpredictable characters, family drama, and sweet romance. I enjoy camping and this novel will have you searching for a camper to restore.

Melody Carlson's books are always so much fun for me! And, this one, The Happy Camper, is definitely a good one! The story is about Dillon, a woman in her thirties who is ready to make a change. And make a change she does! After breaking up with her boyfriend, she leaves her job and heads back home to the family farm where she lived with her grandparents. She looks forward to spending time on the farm and hanging out with her grandpa again. However, when she arrives, she finds her mom, who has always been slightly flighty, is also there, and she has taken over Dillon's room! Dillon tries to hang on, but she is thinking of leaving when her grandpa gifts her with an old vintage trailer. She spends some time redoing it and bringing back some of the original personality. She especially enjoys this, and working with Jordan, the owner of the hardware store in town. Just when she thinks romance might blossom though, her ex boyfriend shows back up. Now, she has to get rid of him and he is nothing if not persistent. The story is fun and relaxing and I really enjoyed it. I always look forward to Carlson's books because I know that I will finish with a smile on my face. The Happy Camper was no exception. Go get yourself a copy so you can smile too!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

“TheHappy Camper” follows the story of Dillon, a young woman whose breakup with her boyfriend and her high-pressure job lead her to a totally new existence. Dillon relocates to her family farm, where she renews her relationship with her mom and her grandpa. She discovers an unknown talent for restoring vintage camping trailers, and in the process she finds a whole new set of camping friends. Dillon is torn between her old boyfriend, with his new and vigorous courting rituals, and her attraction to Jordan, a local hardware store owner. With the help of God, Dillon perseveres through her uncertainties and moves forward into her new lifestyle. My only comment is that I did not want the story to end, and I felt that it left the reader hanging, without a definitive feeling for a resolution. Maybe this leaves the door open for another novel about Dillon? I hope it does!

This can best be classified as a “feel-good” novel, with lightly applied Christian messages. The inclusion of details about vintage camping trailers adds a different and unique feel to this story of changing relationships. Readers who enjoy clean novels, without strong language, adult situations, and violence will treasure this little gem by a well-know author of Christian fiction.

I received this book from the publisher and from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed here are entirely my own.

Melody Carlson's The Happy Camper follows Dillon Michaels on a journey of self discovery. Always responsible, she worked hard in her career and was loyal to a relationship she thought would lead to a loving marriage. As the pieces of her plans fall one by one like a juggler's balls, it dawns on her that her that she needs a big change. Her last straw moment became the catalyst she needed to let Mr. not-so-right-after all and that empty job behind to help her lonely grandfather on his farm.

I enjoyed this book, first because it was written by Melody Carlson. She has the gift of developing characters who may need a nudge to see just how good life can be if they are if pointed in the right direction. Dillon Michaels is a good example of a young woman who gives all to her job and boyfriend, but forgets to live the life she was designed to live. Starting over is scary but sometimes, looking back one can't help but wonder why they didn't do it sooner.

Secondly, this book is entertaining. Restoring the vintage Oasis trailer is a metaphor of Dillon's life. She was tired and feeling a bit neglected. Underneath all of the dust and old paint was a beauty ready to show how much life was underneath. Dillon found a gift she didn't expect to find in the middle of this restoration. She had to leave her Colorado life behind to see that her life was right where she left it behind on her family's farm.

I will admit that I did not look at Craigslist for a camper, I am a lake girl at heart. I did, however, scour the net on the subject and the first picture I found showed the exact colors of Dillon's little Oasis, complete with burnt orange appliances. From now on, when I see the vintage trailers on the road, taking the glampers to congregate, I will have a new appreciation for their journey. I recommend this book without hesitation to anyone who enjoys entertaining, Christian fiction. Thank you to NetGalley.com for this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

2 Stars / 0 Steam Fans

The Happy Camper wasn't a complete dumpster fire, but most of it just didn't flow for me. Then the religious throw-ins came out of nowhere and gave me whip last. There may be an audience for this story; it just didn't work for me.

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With all the distracting and disruptive things that have gone on in March 2020, The Happy Camper is a cheerful little gem of a read. Melody Carlson just has a way with feel good books. I've read many of her Christmas stories over the last few years for just that reason. Even the cover of the book suggests a light read that will be relaxing. That's just what I need during my reading time these days.

My thoughts:
This little book has come along at just the right time. With the tiny house movement, the vintage trailer movement, and the focus on fixing things up and renovating, it was a nice backdrop. I truly enjoyed the characters and the setting as well as the plot of this book. Who hasn't wanted to pick up and start all over or go back to their hometown?

Going back to family can be wonderful... or terrible... or something in between. ~smile~ One thing's for sure, after you've lived away on your own for awhile, you need a little space to yourself when you come back. That's just how Dillon felt, and her Grandpa helped her to have just that with a vintage trailer that he had inherited when his friend Jack died.

It's not a complicated story at all, but the characters are all so likeable, it makes you just want to hang out and see what's going to happen next. If you're trying to get a little escape time from the next news reel, Melody Carlson is a great writer to help you think on happy things. I think the topic was fresh and relevant and just plain entertaining.

What seemed like a straight forward book has just enough twist to keep the reader's interest. It's also got me thinking about a vintage trailer. ~smile~

★★★★ I really liked it.


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this e-book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

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Melody Carlson is an author i have been reading for Years! And with good reason, she can write romantic comedy with sass and real life issues so well! I really enjoyes this book even if i did want to slap her Mom several times. Ok a lot of times.

I always look forward to reading the newest book by Melody Carlson and this one was the perfect read for me at this time, as I read it at the start of the quarantine at home. What else to comfort me and help me find solace at home than this book about the main character finding her place, her home, and creating that for herself in an unlikely place. This book is happy and cheerful, yet there is sadness and hurt hidden beneath the surface that bubbles up in the characters. This is needed as it gives the reader a sense of real life and also hope in the midst of the sadness and trying times. This is a quick read that will leave you wanting to recreate your space, a space for you and finding happiness in your every day life.

This was a great read! Dillon was a real likable character, and her and Jordan's relationship was like a Hallmark movie.

Dillon has a rough beginning and ends up staying with her grandfather. He gives her an old camper, which she decides to restore. In doing so, she meets the hardware store owner, Jordan. This was such a cute story with a fun plot!

This is a sweet, heartwarming novel that you will enjoy. The cover art is delightful...it immediately captured my attention. Give yourself the gift to read this story in an afternoon. You will not be disappointed.

Since all we can do is stay at home right now, all I really want to do is travel! That's why this darling book, The Happy Camper by Melody Carlson is such a joy. It was a delightful novel from beginning and end.




Dillion returns home to her grandfather's just to learn that her estranged mother has done the exact same thing. Since she has lost her job and her boyfriend, her grandfather gives her an old camping trailer. Dillion approaches the opportunity to redesign her camper with the same zeal as she gives all the project in her life, and creates a magical space to call her own. The story has all the charm of a Hallmark movie!

Look for peace and direction, the need to forgive and showing grace to those who need it, the author has created a storyline and characters that you will remember for a very long time... plus the rather urgent desire to remodel a camper!

Melody Carlson is the award-winning author of over 200 books with sales of more than 7 million, including many bestselling Christmas novellas, young adult titles, and contemporary romances. She received a Romantic Times Career Achievement Award in the inspirational market for her many books, including Finding Alice. She and her husband live in central Oregon. Learn more at www.melodycarlson.com.

This was a fun story to read. In one short weekend, Dillon breaks up with her long-time boyfriend and unexpectedly gets fired from her job. She packs everything up and leaves to visit her beloved grandfather. While visiting there, her grandfather gives her a vintage camper to restore. The handsome and single hardware owner, Jordan, becomes interested in Dillon’s project and decides to help her along with the restoration. It isn’t long before they realize they have much more in common besides the camper. But their road to romance has many bumps along the way, and that makes their story an entertaining one to follow. It’s also interesting following Dillon’s progress on restoring the camper. I loved the details that went into it.

Dillon is a likable character. Although she’s very responsible and dedicated to helping her grandfather, when it comes to romance she’s
as insecure as a junior high girl. I liked both Dillon and Jordan, and I think you will, too. There’s a nice emphasis throughout the story on trusting God to show your path in life.

My only complaint about this book is that I thought there needed to be an epilogue to the story. This is a full length novel, but it seemed to come to an abrupt end. If this is the first book of a series, this ending would be fine, but if not, I would have liked a little more closure with some of the other characters.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

A standard romance with the usual angst, annoying ex and the obligatory potential rival but there was something that made me keep reading. I enjoyed the small town atmosphere as well as the vintage trailer renovation ideas and I found that I truly cared if Dillon and Jordan would finally make it work. A very well written foray into a small town ‘sea change’ which will make you want to rush off and google vintage caravans for sale.

I don't know how I feel about this book. I loved the beginning of it, and I really liked the main character, Dillon. When things went south for her, and she decided to go back home to her grandfather's house, I thought that was sweet. However, her mother was very annoying, and everyone around her just enabled her to continue in selfish and hurtful behavior. She is a grown woman and should be told flat out how she is hurting people.

I liked the relationship between Dillon and Jordan. It developed in a real life way, and wasn't too sappy-sweet. However, once things got going with the whole 'camper life' group, Then it became very obvious that adults were written to act like children for the express purpose of having conflict with in the storyline.

It was certainly Hallmark formulaic, with the ex-boyfriend showing up, and un-communicated frustrations and internal doubts to cause a rift between the would-be couple.

If you want a lighthearted romance with very little substance, and tons of great imagery of classic campers, then this is the book for you. It reads more like a juvenile fiction than a book for adults.

This is such a charming and sweet little book. I have always wanted to redo a trailer so the fact that she picked up her life and started fresh like she did as well as renovating a camper was just perfect for me. The book was well written, and the characters were likeable (and dislikeable as they were supposed to be.). My only issues were the wishy-washy behavior out of Vivian and the way that Dillon was so quick to assume people were judging her character. It was a bit distracting and annoying. Otherwise this sweet small town romance was the perfect escape!

This is a fun, light-hearted read. I found this perfect to read during these 'corona quarantine days'.

I really enjoyed reading Dillon's story. I like antique campers, and enjoyed hearing about her journey to fix up her own little vintage camper. In fact, I wouldn't have minded at all hearing it in even more detail than what was given.

This story is mostly a romance between Dillon and... well, first, Brandon. And then, later on, Jordan.
Her story keeps taking twists and turns. Brandon keeps showing up. And she's unsure about Jordan...

All of this romantic angst makes for an intriguing story.
If you enjoy reading sweet romance stories, give this one a try!
Disclaimer: I receive complimentary books from various sources, including, publishers, publicists, authors, and/or NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review, and have not received any compensation. The opinions shared here are my own entirely. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

Best book I've read this year. Its addictive reading if nothing else.
Great setting in between oregon and Colorado.. dillon is a lovely character and I loved her free spirit and how strong she was to leave that stupid boyfriend high and dry in Colorado.. she leaves and goes back to where she grew up on her grandpa farm but Brandon keeps turning up trying to win her back. Brandon isnt doing too well and dillon really likes jordan and he just seems Brandon so he doesnt know what to do.. her grandpa gives her a trailer to do up as she wishes and it makes her so happy finding something she loves and shes made a cute little home for herself.
We have camping trailers, ex boyfriends, potential boyfriends, new and old friends, new jobs, lavender fields and cute camping weekends. Theres even a proposal.. but by who??? Read it, dont forget this brilliant read.
Thank you to revell and netgalley.

I really enjoyed this fun read. I think it would be interesting to set up shop in a camper and maybe even be able to go a few places in it. Dillon really has her hands full when she goes home to help out her grandfather and it gets even fuller when she realizes her mom is there too. I really enjoyed the characters in this book and found it funny at times as they got everything sorted out.
I received a copy of this book to read, the review is mine.

Having read other Melody Carlson books & really enjoyed them, I was disappointed to find ‘The Happy Camper’ to be formulaic, with shallow characters & leaving the impression of having been written in a hurry. If it was my first experience of this author I would not be bothering again, but I am hoping this is a temporary aberration & future books will be more worthwhile. (And the main character’s mother was portrayed in such a negative manner – way overdone – I almost felt sorry for her, she couldn’t have been that bad, surely?!?)