"Courting Mr. Emerson"

"Courting Mr. Emerson" is the latest novel from Melody Carlson and it is another excellent read from her!  This is unlike some of her other novels and different from many other romance novels as the main characters are older, and in different stages of life.  George is facing retirement with mixed feelings.  He has lived his life his own way, simple and following the same routine and lifestyle each day.  His life takes a sudden change the moment Willow West breezes into his classroom during the last few days of the school year requesting he to write a letter of recommendation for her grandson whom she has custody of.  George finds himself caught up in this whirlwind named Willow and her life that is so different from his own.  Willow lives her life large and full of color and she does not hold back but shares her heart with all whom she comes into contact with, including George.  Willow has made mistakes in her life in the past, but she is managing her own art gallery, has raised her grandson and now is given another chance to connect with her daughter and work on that relationship.  As George and Willow's lives intersect throughout this summer, change and growth results in both of their lives and their relationship with each other and with others.
George and Willow are both such great characters, different in so many ways, but also alike in ways as they are both searching for things in their lives and really finding that peace that has been lacking and leaving a void.  Collin and Josie are both characters whom I loved as well, and I loved how things weren't glossed over in their relationship, but that they had to put in time and effort in order to build a relationship.  The home projects and renovations place a big role in the book and symbolize the changes that the characters make within themselves and in their homes as well.  I really enjoyed this book and all the many layers to it and to their characters.  I was not ready for the book to end, as the ending is really a new beginning and I would love to read more and spend more time with these characters and where their lives may take them now.

*Thanks to the Revell Reads Blogger Review Program for the complimentary copy of this book.*