Second Time Around

January 9, 2023
The uplifting latest from Carlson (A Quilt for Christmas) follows a 40-something empty nester who moves from her stylish Victorian to a fixer-upper. After Mallory Farrell’s husband walked out almost two decades ago, she raised their three kids alone and built a profitable interior design business. Now that her children are adults, Mallory’s seeking a change. When she discovers her late grandmother has left her a tourist shop and apartment in the seaside Oregon town where Mallory spent childhood summers, she initially plans to sell. But after visiting the town, she’s overcome by nostalgia and, convinced that God is nudging her toward making a leap of faith, decides to turn the property into a home decor shop. She also runs into former crush Grayson, who’s angling to buy her shop and turn it into part of a mall. Though she soon wins his support (and romantic interest), Mallory worries she’s bitten off more than she can chew: the renovation is demanding and costly, and pressure rises when there’s a chance to feature the property on a home design show. Mallory’s an enterprising character, and readers will eagerly follow her litany of construction challenges as her relationship with Grayson develops. This is perfect for fans of clean romance.