Looking for Leroy: A Novel

Looking for Leroy by Melody Carlson is a sweet story. I count always count on Melody Carlson to provide a story that will engage me and distract me from reality. Brynna Phillips goes on a camping trip with co-worker, Jan Barton who has a new red travel trailer. When they stop at a campground that was formally a Christian camp that Brynna went to as a teen, she tells Jan about Leroy. Since they will be traveling through Sonoma Valley, Jan suggests they locate Leroy and their new camping companion, Mike agrees with her. Reluctantly, Brynna goes along with them. When they find the vineyard, Brynna is ready to run. She regrets how she ended things with Leroy thirty years ago and is not sure how he will react to her presence. Brynna is wandering around the property when she encounters Sophie, Leroy’s pregnant daughter. She mistakes Brynna for the woman coming to interview for the office manager position. Brynna gets the job, and her friends convince her to take it. Brynna wonders what Leroy will think when they encounter each other? I thoroughly enjoyed Looking for Leroy. It is a charming Christian romance. I started reading and did not want to put it down. I found Looking for Leroy to be well-written with developed, realistic characters. This is a character driven story. I liked getting to know Brynna, Leroy, and Leroy’s large family especially Sophie and Gina (two of Leroy’s daughters). I enjoyed the beautiful descriptions of Sonoma Valley. It sounds like a lovely place to live. The Christian element was seamlessly woven into the story. There is humor as well. I found myself chuckling several times while reading Looking for Leroy. This was a delightful second chance romance. Looking for Leroy reminds me of Melody Carlson’s The Happy Camper (another fun story). Looking for Leroy is a delightful book to read on a lazy Saturday afternoon. I was sorry to see it end. Looking for Leroy is a captivating tale with a red travel trailer, a Christian Camp recollection, Motorcycle Mike, a vineyard vista, a massive misunderstanding, a wily woman, and a magic moment.

The story of Brynna and Leroy is heart-touching and realistic. The two met at a camp when Brynna was in high school but haven’t been in touch for years, since Brynna married the man she calls Dirk the Jerk. Dirk left her for a younger woman and now Brynna is feeling like life has passed her by. When her friend from school Jan asks her to go on a summer camping adventure with her, Bryanna reluctantly agrees, so the two set off from Oregon together. Brynna shares with Jan about her long ago love named Leroy whose family owned a vineyard, so Jan makes it her mission to find Leroy and see that he and Brynna are reunited. I enjoyed all of the characters and especially liked the descriptions of California wine country. The author made the places come alive, especially Leroy’s vineyard with its lovely sunrises, sunsets and rolling hills with vineyards. My favorite character was Leroy’s daughter Sophie who loved and accepted people as they were, without expecting perfection. She was also quick to forgive and an example to her sisters Gina and Luna. I was impressed with the realistic way the relationship between Leroy and Brynna was rolled out, slowly and with a lot of obstacles in the way, just like in real life. The plot was well-paced, telling the story of a second chance at love for both the protagonists as well as for the Leroy’s family. Told with vivid details and a knowledge of vineyards and camping, this is a story that was a real pleasure to read and to recommend to others. Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, “Guides Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”