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, and her novel All Summer Long has been made into a Hallmark Channel movie. Her novel The Happy Camper is set to premiere on film in 2023.
In this interview, Melody talks with us about her latest novel, Second Time Around.
FF: 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.
FF: 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.
FF: 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.
FF: 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.
FF: 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.
FF: 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.
FF: 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.
FF: 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.
Second Time Around
Melody Carlson
Revell
Genres: Romance
Release Date: March 7, 2023
ISBN-10: 0800739760
ISBN-13: 978-0800739768
Book Summary:
Who doesn’t love a second chance?
When Mallory Farrell inherits her grandmother’s run-down tourist shop in Portside, Oregon, she knows selling it is the only sensible thing to do. The place holds treasured memories for her, but it would take a fortune to restore it.
But when she learns that her childhood crush, Grayson Matthews, wants to buy the building to redevelop the funky town’s business district into a soulless, cookie-cutter outdoor mall, Mallory digs in her heels. With a lot of hard work and a little bit of help, she is sure she can renovate the property herself.
Though Mallory makes incredible progress turning the store into an eclectic home decor shop, she’s heartbroken when an exciting opportunity turns into a guaranteed nightmare. Should she surrender her dreams to Grayson’s bulldozers? Or is there a future for both of them in this charming seaside town?
CLICK TO BUY
Buy Second Time Around from the FF Store HERE!
CLICK TO BUY
Buy Second Time Around from Amazon HERE!