Looking for Leroy

Written by Melody Carlson

Narrated by Stephanie Cozart

It’s official: Brynna Phillips is done with men. They only break your heart. But just when she makes this declaration, her friend Jan convinces Brynna to join her on a camping vacation in Sonoma Wine Country.

As they wind their way toward their destination, spanking-new mini camper in tow, Brynna recalls her teenage camp romance with a boy named Leroy. How can it have been nearly thirty years ago? All she remembers is that Leroy was a
genuinely good guy and that his family owned a vineyard—in Sonoma. She doesn’t even remember his last name. Undaunted, Jan insists they look for him … and the search for a second chance at love begins.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Recorded Books, Inc.
• Release date: Mar 1, 2022
• ISBN: 9781705050224

Melody Carlson

Melody Carlson has written more than 200 books for teens, women, and children. Before publishing, Melody traveled around the world, volunteered in teen ministry, taught preschool, raised two sons, and worked briefly in interior design and later in international adoption. "I think real-life experiences inspire the best fiction," she says. Her wide variety of books seems to prove this theory.

Reviews for Looking for Leroy

[Laura Lane · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Every time I see a review opportunity for a book from Melody Carlson, I jump on it! It all started with reading her Christmas books year after year. Recently, I began reading her other books as well. I am never disappointed by one of her stories.

Looking for Leroy started a bit slow for me. There was a lot of setting up the storyline. It was necessary to make it all sound somewhat believable. It's definitely a fairytale of a story, but so satisfying. I loved the way that Carlson made Brynna so real and vulnerable. I think that her character will resonate with many single women—especially those who have known heartbreak.

Once the story starts building speed, it's a one way ticket to a satisfying emotional adventure. I think this is a great spring or summer time read. It's not heavy emotionally or mentally. It's just a light satisfying romance that is completely clean. I highly recommend it.

[melissa_o-399736 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I have enjoyed many books by Melody Carlson in the past so I was excited to read this one and I was not disappointed. Looking for Leroy is a sweet second chance romance that takes place in a beautiful vineyard in California. I really appreciated a contemporary romance with characters that were a bit more seasoned shall we say. The characters in this book were in their 40's and had some life experiences to bring into the story. Brynna is an elementary school teacher and ends up on a summer adventure in a camper with her assistant principal. While visiting wine country in California, she and her friend decide to look for Leroy, a boy she met at camp many many years ago whose family owned a vineyard. You'll have to read the book to see how their story ends.Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for a copy of this story. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.

[tatoosh-3 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Brynna Meyers and Leroy Sorrentino met at a summer camp after high school graduation and developed a strong emotional attachment. They promised to maintain contact, but Brynna allowed a manipulative user to badger her into a marriage and support him during college. Leroy was crushed and married a local girl at his family’s urging. Now 30 years later, Leroy is a widower whose sole interest is his vineyard and winery. Brynna is a divorced elementary school teacher who is depressed by the feeling her life has been unfulfilled. At this emotionally vulnerable point in her life, Jan, the Vice Principal at Brynna’s school, coerces her into joining her on a camping trip. A tattooed motorcyclist they meet the first day joins them, and they camp the first night at the location of the long-ago summer camp. Jan and Mike pry the story of Brynna’s summer camp infatuation from her. In a flaming violation of personal boundaries, they demand that Brynna turn over her cell phone and coerce her into searching for Leroy.The outrageous emotional abuse of Jan and Mike is so off-putting I nearly DNFed. At this point, we have a story of a depressed, emotionally vulnerable woman whose boss hijacks into an unplanned vacation and commands her to undertake an intensely personal task against her will. The story is more a tale of bondage than of romance.Fortunately, I continued reading, for this is Melody Carlson’s most enjoyable book since ≤i≥Courting Mr. Emerson. The faith-based element is somewhat intrusive, but I imagine fans of faith-based fiction will appreciate that aspect of the story. Once I got past the emotional abuse, Looking for Leroy was close to a can’t put it down book.I subtracted half a star for the unnecessary depiction of emotional abuse as a plot element to launch Brynna on a search for Leroy.

[lusetta · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Great summer read with just the right ending. I was enjoying the book but by the time I got through chapter 30, I was beginning to think how far from real life this story was. But by the time I had finished the book, it dawned on me that life is like this on a smaller scale for many, including myself. I'm glad that Brynna and Leroy gave each other a chance. I would enjoy reading stories about the three daughters, Sophie, Luna and Gina as well.

[lifeofliterature · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I liked the setting for this novel! It was easy to visualize the vineyards and sunny road trip with the wonderful descriptions. The wine country was the perfect background for a budding romance. This romance in this novel is a bit different than what I typically read in that it was between older adults. I think I struggled a little bit to connect with the characters initially. My biggest frustration was the miscommunications between them. Eventually, however, the romance turned sweet and I grew to like them as their story developed. The novel is overall an easy read and enjoyable. I think the author is a talented storyteller and this book is a great summertime read!I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell Publishing. Opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

[mizroady · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Most people have a “first love” they remember from their teen years. Few ever meet again. Leroy and Brynna were that exception. 30 years has passed a lot of life since they fell in love at a summer camp. After a short correspondence Brynna marries her ex-high school crush who turns out to be a total loser. After years of heartache and infidelity they divorce. Leroy marries, has 3 daughters and runs his family’s vineyard. His wife has passed away. Struggling to put her life back together, Brynna agrees impulsively to go on a camping vacation with a co-worker at the school where she teaches. Traveling through California and the area that fated summer camp is located, Brynna’s memories are triggered. She shares this with Jan during a relaxed campfire moment. Her friend comes up with the scathingly brilliant idea that they find Leroy! Brynna remembers his family owned a winery in the area and that sets Jan off on a search much against her friend’s will. They locate Leroy and his winery and that’s when a most unusual, complicated, and crazy reunion begins.I felt sorry for Brynna with who was already in emotional turmoil over her divorce and Jan pushing her into trying to arrange this reunion. I totally understood her reluctance and insecurity but also became frustrated with her indecisiveness with so many decisions. I have to admit I admired her adaptability in a very difficult situation! It was interesting to see how many changes were in both their personalities, yet their core qualities remained the same after all these years. I mean who wouldn’t change some after 30 years!One of my favorite parts of the book was the cottage Brynna stayed in, so beautiful and cozy. The descriptions of the décor made me feel as if I was walking through the door and seeing it myself. I think this is because the simplicity and comfort that was there. Something I want to have in my life at difficult times. My favorite character was Sophie, Leroy’s daughter. She was so down to earth and sweet. Her energy, juggling her family, helping her father, and still able to have compassion for Brynna warmed my heart.Be prepared, this story has many twists, turns, surprises and sweet moments. I stayed up until 2:00 a.m. because I couldn’t put it down. Insomnia alert! LOL Another amazing Melody Carlson book!I received this book from Revell Publishing in exchange for an honest review. The opinions stated are my own.

[becky_l-1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

If you’re looking for an easy-flowing, contemporary romance novel with a middle-aged pair, Looking for Leroy by Melody Carlson deserves a read. The tone of this story made me smile and laugh.Brynna is a divorced, elementary school teacher whose vice-principal invites her along on a summer camping trip out west. It is a trip that has the potential to change her life.Leroy Sorrentino is the widowed vintner of a small California vineyard. Preparing to celebrate the historical longevity of the vineyard, two of his three grown daughters attempt to market and make Sorrentino’s profitable.I liked the premise of the storyline and the predictable but realistic conflicts Carlson presents for her characters to overcome.“Had he settled? Both in life and in marriage? He sometimes wondered.” This is a very sad, possibly tragic, thought for a person to have to ponder after it seems too late to make changes.I also wondered if LeRoy were my friend, what advice I would give him about his love life. Each of his daughters certainly has an opinion! Some characters didn’t grow as much or as fast as I wanted them to. Honestly, people in real life are like that, though. We people don’t always grow as quickly and steadily forward as we should.Sophie is my favorite character. She seems warm, accepting, able to see the best in others, and willing to forgive. Plus, she’s a hard worker!I received a copy of this book from Revell Reads. No positive review was required, and all opinions are my own.Notable Quotables:“Training dogs was much easier than training daughters.”“Wisdom, understanding, knowledge. More than ever, she longed for those elusive qualities—because she felt foolish, confused, and just plain stupid.”

[susan0316 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Brynna Phillips is a third grade teacher getting ready to start her summer vacation. Her plans are to stay home and plant flowers on the deck at her condo. When she goes to the garden shop, her day is ruined when she sees her ex-husband and his new young wife there. Bryanna wanted children when they were married and he refused. When she sees that his new wife is pregnant, all she wants to do is cry. While she is crying, one of the other teachers at her school shows up and tells her that she needs to get way and go on a camping trip with her in her new mini camper. Bryanna isn't thrilled with the idea of camping and but decides to take a chance and agrees to go.When they arrive in Sonoma, she remembers that she spent two weeks at a camp in the area and fell in love with another camper named Leroy. Their romance ended on a bad note with a letter that she sent to him asking him not to write any more. She does remember that he lives in the area and it becomes a bit of a game to try to find Leroy. When she finds his winery and ends up working in the office, she isn't sure how she ended up there or how he'll feel when he sees her. Will he be angry at the way she ended their relationship years earlier or will he be happy to see her?I really enjoyed the descriptions of the scenery in wine country. Both characters were well written but I thought that they were both kind of wishy-washing in their decision making. Leroy let his daughters make most of his decisions and Bryanna got pushed around a lot. The plot is what makes this book fun to read -- the thought of re-connecting with a boyfriend from over 25 years ago is a possible game changer in both of their lives.Looking for Leroy is a well-written second-chance at love story. The two main characters are middle-aged which is always a plus for me. The beautiful Sonoma wine country is so well described that you may want to pack a suitcase and visit. It's a nice clean Christian romance that is an easy read and leaves readers with a smile at the happily ever after ending.

[nancynova · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

An ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest reviewA sweet Christian romance. Bryanna is talked into going on an RV road trip with a colleague for a few weeks. Just by chance, they stay at an RV camp that was an overnight camp for teens 30 years ago, where she met and fell in love with Leroy, before they both went off to college. She's talked into looking for Leroy (Italian last name and family owns a vineyard in Sonoma). Most of the story is set in the Vineyard, with misunderstandings & Bryanna and Leroy just missing connecting with each other...until they finally do in a happy ending.

[sdbookhound · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Recently divorced, Brynna learns that her ex and his much younger new wife are expecting a baby. This totally throws her for a loop as he was anti-children when they were married. A co-worker who she's never really felt close to before invites her to go along on a camping road trip. When they camp at a former church camp where Brynna had a summer romance, they decide to go looking for LeRoy and find out whatever happened to him. Thinking they will never find LeRoy anyway; Brynna goes along with it and LeRoy actually turns up on his family vineyard and the story progresses from there. I was excited to read this book. I loved the idea of the camping road trip. I loved the idea of a second chance with a lost love. The setting was beautiful... but when I actually got going into the book I was really just underwhelmed. There wasn't much camping or road tripping adventure. The second chance at love took FOREVER to come about because Brynna was acting like she was still back in high school and avoiding LeRoy for over half of the book. The story flips back and forth between the characters of LeRoy and Brynna and it was just too slow moving for me. Nothing really happens. By the time something did happen I had lost interest. Overall, it was a sweet story. I think lots of people will enjoy it, it just didn't live up to my expectations.My sincere thanks to Revell and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read this book and give my opinion of it. I have read other Melody Carlson books that I have enjoyed and will continue to check out her work in the future.

[macnoid · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Looking for Leroy was an enjoyable, clean romance. Two people meet as teens and have an innocent summer romance, but go their separate ways....fast forward 25-30 yrs, and both are again single and now middle aged. With the help of some quirky new friends, Brynna is pulled into the scheme of 'looking for Leroy', to see if there's a chance rekindling that past romance. Descriptions of life in wine country, in a vineyard setting, and the RVing vacation sounded fun. The main characters formed an unlikely friendship, which was heartwarming. There was a lot to enjoy as the story unfolded. It seemed to drag a bit, as the actual meeting of the Leroy and Brynna drug out a little too long, but overall an enjoyable story, and a happy ending. As an avid reader, I read a lot of 'heavy' topics, but to read a light romance now and then for sheer enjoyments is nice, and this book fits the bill! It would make a great Hallmark movie! I was happy to participate in the early readers review program to read and review this book!

[maydacat_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I tagged this book as a romance, but, really, it’s much more than that. If there were such a genre as coming-of-age for adults, then that would fit this book. Brynna has had some major tragedies and disappointments in her life. As a teenager, she thought she was in love, but a two-week trip to a camp might have changed her mind when she met Leroy. But then, her parents died in a car accident, her old boyfriend reentered her life, and marriage was inevitable. However, a happily ever after was not in her future. Now divorced, an unsettling discovery about her exhusband has sent her reeling. A chance meeting with a colleague from her school has both women off on a summer camping trip. They meet a nice guy on a motorcycle, discover that Brynna’s former teen crush now owns a vineyard close to where they are traveling, and soon their favorite new game is “Looking for Leroy.” It’s a delightful tale, peopled with interesting and likable characters. It illustrates the necessity of forgiveness, both of others and of one’s self. It shows that it’s never too late to seek that elusive HEA ending. Brynna learns that from an 85 year old woman, and she is wise enough to heed her advice. Author Melody Carlson writes a delightful and tender love story, full of ups and downs, troubles and happiness, aloneness that ends with the acquirement of family and friends, because isn’t that just what life if made of? Recommended to anyone who likes a bit of romance. You don’t have to like camping to enjoy this novel!

[drebbles · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

With summer vacation approaching, teacher Brynna Philips plans to spend much of it working on a small garden. But seeing her ex-husband and his very pregnant current wife leaves her falling down so she agrees to go on a camping trip with Vice Principal Jan Barton. As they travel through wine country, Brynna is reminded of Leroy Sorrentino, a summer crush. For his part, Leroy, now a widower has never forgotten Brynna. Will these two meet and find love again?For the most part, “Looking for Leroy” is an enjoyable romance novel by Melody Carlson. Carlson takes her time developing the romance between the two (both past and present) allowing readers to get to know both characters – the book alternates between Brynna’s viewpoint and Leroy’s viewpoint. By the end of the book I felt like I knew both Leroy and Brynna as characters – truthfully I liked Leroy a bit more as Brynna could be a little flaky. I loved reading about the background of each character and the relationship between them and the other characters in the book – mostly Leroy’s family but also Brynna’s friend Jan and their new friend Mike (those two need a book of their own!). I also l liked the vineyard setting – I felt like I was there while reading the book. Unfortunately, I felt that while the characters and setting were fully developed, the current day romance of Brynna and Leroy wasn’t – they didn’t meet again until the book was more than halfway over and I felt their relationship after that was rushed. Still, I did enjoy the book and the ending –I just wish we had more time to see Brynna and Leroy fall in love again.

[pamelabarrett · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Looking for Leroy starts in Oregon where Brynna is a elementary school teacher ready to go on summer break. She’s divorced and learning to be content without a man in her life. Her plans for the summer are to stay home and plant a patio garden, when Jan, a fellow teacher, invites her to go camping. The girls take off and on one stop Brynna realizes she has been there before and tells Jan about a boy she met there as a teenager. She wonders what happened to him, and remembers his family owned a winery in Sonoma. With a little pushing and prodding from another camper they take off to find Leroy. Easy read, with some heavy questions about doing the right thing even if it hurts. Great characters that made me want to know what happens next.

[nancyluebke · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Meant to be released early 2022. I enjoyed this 2nd chance, clean, romance. I received this for free and I voluntarily chose to review this story. I've given it a 4* rating. The only thing I didn't like, is that the heroine flops back and forth on her decisions. But she had some really good reasons for some of it. Once they finally sit down and talk over some of the situations, they work some things out. Remember to communicate to get to the truth. Find out how it turns out.

[koalamom_1 · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

Easy start, interesting twist early on, but went on too long for me, predictable end - a nice read