Courting Mr. Emerson

By Melody Carlson

When the fun-loving and spontaneous artist Willow West meets buttoned-up, retired English teacher George Emerson, it's not exactly love at first sight. Though she does find the obsessive-compulsive man intriguing. Making it her mission to get him to loosen up and embrace life, she embarks on what seems like a lost cause--and finds herself falling for him in the process.

A confirmed bachelor, George vacillates between irritation and attraction whenever Willow is around--which to him seems like all too often. He's not interested in expanding his horizons or making new friends; it just hurts too much when you lose them.

But as the summer progresses, George feels his defenses crumbling. The question is, will his change of heart be too late for Willow?

With her signature heart and touches of humor, fan favorite Melody Carlson pens a story of two delightfully eccentric characters who get a second chance at life and love.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Baker Publishing Group
• Release date: Mar 5, 2019
• ISBN: 9781493416479

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.

Book preview

Praise for All Summer Long

Good food, renewed love, and the clear ocean make this winsome romance a perfect and inspiring summer read.

Publishers Weekly

A fast-paced, enjoyable tale sure to please those looking for a heartfelt story.

RT Book Reviews

All the romance of a summer in San Francisco is captured in this delightful story from an author who has made a career of tugging on our heartstrings.

Family Fiction

Praise for Under a Summer Sky

"Moving from the breezy San Francisco of All Summer Long to the Deep South, this third volume in Carlson’s travel-based romantic series evokes another colorful and atmospheric setting for her quirky and endearing characters. A treat for aficionados of character-driven fiction."

Library Journal

Books by Melody Carlson

Courting Mr. Emerson

FOLLOW YOUR HEART SERIES

Once Upon a Summertime

All Summer Long

Under a Summer Sky

HOLIDAY NOVELLAS

Christmas at Harrington’s

The Christmas Shoppe

The Joy of Christmas

The Treasure of Christmas

The Christmas Pony

A Simple Christmas Wish

The Christmas Cat

The Christmas Joy Ride

The Christmas Angel Project

The Christmas Blessing

© 2019 by Carlson Management, Inc.

Published by Revell

a division of Baker Publishing Group

PO Box 6287, Grand Rapids, MI 49516-6287

www.revellbooks.com

Ebook edition created 2019

Ebook corrections 02.14.2023

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means—for example, electronic, photocopy, recording—without the prior written permission of the publisher. The only exception is brief quotations in printed reviews.

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data is on file at the Library of Congress, Washington, DC.

ISBN 978-1-4934-1647-9

This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, or persons, living or dead, is coincidental.

Baker Publishing Group publications use paper produced from sustainable forestry practices and post-consumer waste whenever possible.

Contents

Cover

Endorsements

Books by Melody Carlson

Title Page

Copyright Page

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About the Author

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Back Cover

one

George Emerson didn’t need anybody. Or so he told himself as he carefully shaved with his straight-edged razor, just like he always did seven days a week at exactly 7:07 each morning. George knew that most men used more modern razors, but this silver implement had been left to him by the grandfather who’d helped raise him. Wiping his razor across a soft terry towel, he stretched his neck to examine his smoothly shaved chin in the foggy mirror. He could see better with his reading glasses, but after so many years of the same routine, George felt certain the job was done right.

As he closed the bathroom window, shutting out the humming music of his overly friendly neighbor, George wondered if there was some polite way to avoid Lorna Atwood this morning. She’d been puttering around her yard for the last ten minutes, and George felt certain it was in the hopes of catching him on his way to work.

As he replaced the cap on his Barbasol shave cream and returned his razor to its chipped ceramic mug, a pinging in the kitchen told him that the coffee was done. The automatic-timed coffee maker was one of the few modern perks that George had been talked into a few years ago. But, as with most electronic devices, he still didn’t fully trust the fancy machine. What if it got its wires crossed and decided to make coffee in the middle of the night?

George peeked out the kitchen window as he filled his stainless steel travel cup with steaming coffee, only to see that Lorna was now sitting on her front porch. He slipped two thin slices of whole wheat bread into the toaster, removed a hard-boiled egg from the fridge, and poured himself a small glass of grapefruit juice. This was his standard weekday breakfast. On weekends he’d sometimes fry or poach himself an egg or, if feeling particularly festive, he might stroll over to the Blue Goose Diner and splurge on pancakes and bacon, which he’d leisurely consume while reading the newspaper. Although it had probably been more than a year since he’d indulged in that.

But today was Friday, and by 7:27, George’s breakfast was finished, his dishes washed. With his travel mug refilled and briefcase in hand, he locked his front door, checked to be sure it was secure, then checked again just in case. Lingering for a moment, he pretended to check his watch, glancing left and right to be sure Lorna wasn’t lurking nearby.

The sun seemed high in the sky for late May, but that was only because he’d never fully adjusted to the late-start days that Warner High had implemented last fall. Although it had disrupted his internal time clock, George had to admit that students seemed moderately more awake with an extra hour of sleep.

Hello, Mr. Emerson, Lorna Atwood chirped merrily. She popped out from the shadows of her front porch like a jack-in-the-box in Lycra. Lovely day today, isn’t it?

He peered up at the cloudless sky then nodded an affirmative. Looks like a good one, for sure.

Especially for this time of year in western Oregon. Last year it rained all the way through May and June. She hurried over to him with a hot pink coffee cup in hand. Had she coordinated it to match her lipstick? Now, you didn’t forget about my invitation, did you? Lorna looked hopeful.

George feigned confusion then tapped the side of his forehead. I’m so sorry, Mrs. Atwood, but I realized that I do have other plans for tonight. I hope you’ll please excuse me.

Oh, well. Her smile remained fixed. Perhaps another time. With summer round the corner, we should have plenty of chances to get together. I’ll just have to take a rain check from you. She peered upward. Speaking of rain checks, I heard it’s supposed to cloud up this weekend. Maybe I can collect on mine then. She winked.

George forced a polite smile as he tipped his head and continued past her small yard. Her lawn was in need of mowing again. Hopefully he wouldn’t have to remind her of her rental agreement and that she was responsible for her own landscaping chores. The little yellow bungalow, owned by him, was nearly identical to the one he lived in—except his was cornflower blue. His grandparents had helped him to invest in these little neglected houses in the late eighties, back when real estate had been ridiculously low. He’d purchased the first bungalow for his own use shortly after acquiring his teaching position at the nearby high school. Since he had no interest in driving, it had made sense to live within walking distance of his work. And he’d been employed at Warner High ever since.

With the help of his grandfather’s handyman expertise, George had spent weekends and evenings fixing up his little blue house. It provided a good distraction from the dreams that had not gone as planned. Perhaps that was why his grandparents had encouraged him to take on three more little houses—to divert him from his pain and to keep him occupied. Of course, they wisely called it a good investment. Plus it proved a clever way to increase real estate values in his neighborhood. Buying derelict properties had seemed a bit reckless at the time, especially since residents were fleeing urban neighborhoods, flocking to the safety of the suburbs. But in the past decade, the trend had reversed. People returned to town, and rentals in his neighborhood were at an all-time high. His three rental bungalows, just one block away from downtown, never went unoccupied nowadays.

Mrs. Atwood, his most recent tenant, had been overjoyed to get in. Although she’d only been here a few months, George soon learned to exercise caution when engaging with her. The gregarious divorcée could chat nonstop if given the opportunity. He suspected her husband had fled in order to attain some peace and quiet, although Mrs. Atwood claimed to be the victim of her ex-husband’s midlife crisis. To be fair, she wasn’t bad looking—just talked too much. And tried too hard.

George had performed some minor repairs on the bungalow shortly after she moved in. Grateful for his improvements, she eagerly invited him for dinner. When he declined, she insisted on baking him her famous cherry pie. He pretended to appreciate her gesture, but the overly sweet and syrupy pie wound up in the trash since George wasn’t big on desserts. Just the same, he penned a polite thank-you note and taped it to the clean pie plate that he discreetly placed on her porch very early the next morning. But since then, her efforts to befriend him had only intensified—and, short of rudeness or dishonesty, he was running out of excuses to decline.

George was no stranger to feminine attempts to befriend him, and over the years, he’d learned to take women’s flattering attentions in stride. It wasn’t that he was devastatingly handsome—he might be getting older, but he wasn’t delusional. Even in his prime, back in the previous millennium when his students had nicknamed him Mr. Bean, George had been aware that he was no Cary Grant. The comparison to the quirky BBC character may have been meant as an insult, but George hadn’t minded.

He actually kind of admired Mr. Bean. And George knew the kids’ teasing was the result of his buttoned-up attire. His response to kids dressing like gangbangers had been to step it up by wearing nappy ties and sports coats to school—an attempt to lead by example. Not that it had worked. But it was a habit he’d continued and, despite his fellow teachers’ preference for casual dress, George liked his more traditional style. Ironically, it seemed the ladies liked it too. At least they used to, and ones like Mrs. Atwood apparently still did.

Now that he was in his midfifties, George suspected that women like Mrs. Atwood weren’t attracted so much by his appearance as by his availability. It had never been particularly easy being a bachelor. Sometimes he’d suspected someone had pinned a target to his back. But as the years passed, many began to refer to him as a confirmed bachelor. Truth be told, George didn’t mind the confirmed part—it sounded better than being committed.

Good morning, Mr. Emerson. Jemma Spencer waved to him as she bounded up the front steps to the school. Isn’t it a gorgeous day!

It certainly is. George politely opened the door for her, waiting as the younger woman went in ahead of him. Jemma was new at Warner High. Fairly fresh out of college, she was energetic and strikingly pretty—and, like most of his fellow teachers, young enough to be his daughter. And how are things going in the Art Department, Miss Spencer? He paused to show his ID badge at the security check.

The natives are restless. Her dark brown eyes sparkled as if she were restless too.

Yes, with only six days left of school, you have to expect that. Especially on a warm, sunny day like this.

I think I’ll take my students outside today, she confided as they continued toward the main office together, to draw trees or flowers or clouds or butterflies or whatever. Maybe they’ll just stare off into space, but hopefully it’ll get the ants out of their pants.

He chuckled. You’re a brave woman.

Not really, it’s just that I’m kinda antsy too. She winked as they turned down the hall by the office. I’m counting the days until summer break.

Any big plans? he asked with mild interest.

My boyfriend and I are going to Iceland, she declared.

Interesting—

Iceland? a male voice called out from the faculty room. Did someone say Iceland? I went there for spring break and it was fabulous. Want to see my photos?

Suddenly many of the younger teachers were talking at once, sharing phone photos, eagerly recounting travel experiences, talking about the lure of Iceland or other exotic locales, and bragging about various offbeat plans for their upcoming summer. In the past, George might’ve engaged in this sort of enthusiastic banter—even sharing some of his own travel stories—but since he’d made no plans for the upcoming summer . . . or the past several summers for that matter, he kept his mouth closed and simply collected papers from his mailbox and checked the staff bulletin board. Then, without looking back, he quietly exited the noisy faculty room.

As he walked toward the Language Arts Department, George felt old. Not in a stiff, sore, achy sort of way—although he knew the spring had been missing from his step for some time now. He felt old as in outdated—like the dinosaur of Warner High. It was no secret that he was the oldest teacher on staff, or that the administration had been encouraging him to retire the last couple of years. But now he was nearly fifty-five, which sounded dangerously close to sixty, and budgets had been cut once again. His principal knew she could save money by hiring a less senior language arts teacher. George had resisted her in the past. But this year, he’d caved.

After a bad bout of flu last winter, George had given in, announcing that this would be his last year to teach. And now, in less than a week, he would be officially retired after more than thirty years. Not that anyone appeared to put much value on experience nowadays . . . or even care that he would soon be gone.

More and more, George had begun to feel invisible at this school, as if each year diminished his presence. Even the students looked right through him at times. Not that it was so unusual for a teacher to be ignored. As an English instructor he was accustomed to his students’ general lack of interest in academia. He tried to impress upon them the need for good writing skills—and sometimes they got it. But thanks to this electronic age, which he detested, there was a complete disregard for spelling and grammar and structure. As hard as he’d tried to make his favorite class—English literature—relevant and appealing, most of his students didn’t know the difference between Chaucer and Shakespeare. Even more, they didn’t care.

He sighed as he clicked the pass-code pad numbers beside his classroom door. He remembered a time when no doors were locked inside of campus. Now everyone had pass-codes for everything. Security cams and uniformed police abounded—so much so that he sometimes felt like he was teaching in a prison. And to be fair, some of his students might be better off in a prison. He flicked on the fluorescent lights then walked through the stale-smelling classroom. Not for the first time, he wished the high windows could open and get fresh air in here. He’d raised this issue before, pointing out how it might actually help to wake the students up. But thanks to budget challenges, no changes had been made.

As George punched the number code into his office door, he remembered what this school had been like back in the dark ages—back when he’d been a student in this very building, back when dinosaurs roamed freely. What a different world that had been. Although the building, which was new and modern back then, hadn’t changed much.

But then some things never changed. Over the years he’d observed that teens from every decade bore striking similarities. Peel back the veneer of current trends and fashions and you’d usually discover a frustrated mix of rebelliousness and insecurity. To be fair, his generation had been no different. He remembered the late seventies well. His class had its share of druggies and dropouts and slackers, yet his peers, even all these years later, felt more real to him than today’s youth. Of course, it was possible that his memory was impaired by his age, but when he looked back he saw an authenticity that he felt was missing from kids nowadays.

Maybe it was because his generation hadn’t been plugged into all these electronic gadgets and devices . . . pads and pods and phones that were attached at the hip of all his students. Even though the school had a policy of no personal electronics during class time, most of the students managed to bend the rules. It really made him feel crazy at times. What happened to connecting with your friends by looking into their faces while conversing? Or using a phone and hearing a real voice on the other end? He didn’t understand these shorthand messages they exchanged, with bad grammar and silly little pictures. And the complaints he got when he explained a letter-writing assignment to his class! You’d think he’d asked them to gouge out their eyeballs—or to destroy their mobile phones.

He’d recently looked out over a classroom only to feel that he was gazing upon a roomful of zombies. It was as if they were all dead inside—just empty shells. He knew he was old-fashioned, but he honestly believed that computer technology had stolen the very souls of this generation. Of course, this had simply confirmed what he knew—it was time to quit.

two

Willow West felt unexpectedly nervous as she pinned the visitor’s pass onto her lace-trimmed, tie-dyed tunic top. Her grandson, Collin, called this a hippie shirt, and now she wondered if she should’ve changed into something more conservative for this visit. Or not. Anyway, it was too late now and she’d already procrastinated coming here for long enough. Really, she should’ve taken care of this a month ago. But hearing that Mr. Emerson was about to retire put fire to her feet. If she wanted to secure this recommendation letter, less than one week’s notice was cutting it close.

Feeling like a fish out of water—or at least swimming upstream—Willow pushed a trail through the horde of noisy students eagerly pressing toward the school’s exits. The smell in the crowded hallway was a combination of sweat, stinky tennis shoes, cheap cologne . . . and what she could only describe as adolescent angst. Or maybe it was just teenage hormones running amuck.

She hurried on, feeling intrusive for being on their turf and desperately hoping Collin wouldn’t spy her and get embarrassed or worried that something was wrong. She hadn’t even told him of her plan. Well aware of Collin’s type A personality and tendency to obsess over small things, she didn’t want to disturb him with what he considered her eccentricities. Her grandson’s cautious approach to life was both sweetly endearing and slightly troubling.

As she went past the trophy case, Willow was surprised at how little appeared to have changed inside Warner High. Even the posters looked the same. Other than dropping Collin off here occasionally, she hadn’t been inside this building in ages. Not since her own stint here decades ago. She hoped it wasn’t a mistake to show up without an appointment. Schools had never been this formal back in her day. Having to produce photo ID and getting her oversized macramé bag checked by a security guard was a real wake-up call. It made her sad to think this was what Collin was subjected to every day, although he probably took it in stride.

Willow paused by the administration area, considering whether or not to ask someone for help, but everyone looked busy and preoccupied. She probably still knew her way around this place anyway. Unless the layout had drastically changed, which she doubted, she knew the Language Arts Department was up the main stairs and directly to the right.

At the top of the stairs, she noticed a young security guard curiously eying her. Willow smiled at him, then felt a surprising wave of anxiety—almost as if she expected to be apprehended for breaking a rule. It was probably just a guilty flashback from her youth—perhaps from the time she and Shelly Hanson got caught smoking weed in the restroom right around the corner. Good grief, what had they been thinking? She suppressed the urge to giggle as she walked past the uniformed guard and entered the Language Arts Department. She knew she was being ridiculous. That silly weed incident happened in 1980! And fortunately, her pot-smoking era was quite short-lived. She hadn’t touched the stuff in more than thirty years. She felt shocked to think it had been that long since she’d been young. Maybe she was delusional, but most of the time she felt like she was still young—more like her late thirties than her early fifties. She smiled to think how many times she’d been mistaken for Collin’s mother and had to explain she was his grandma.

She hoped she hadn’t come on a fool’s errand as she searched for Mr. Emerson’s classroom. She probably should’ve called ahead to be sure he was here. And if he was here, she hoped she wouldn’t appear to be a fanatical grandmother by bursting in on him like this. Yet, she knew if there was anything Mr. Emerson could do to help her grandson, it was well worth any amount of humiliation. She finally found the classroom, and peering through the narrow glass window beside the door, she could see that the lights were on. She felt hopeful. Maybe he was still here.

She tried the door but was dismayed to find it locked. What was it with schools these days? Was everything and everyone under lock and key? Feeling intrusive but desperate, she knocked then pounded on the metal door. She could see the door to the office area opening and then, to her relief, a dark-haired man emerged. He was medium height and slender, looking toward her with his head cocked to one side. But now she wondered if she’d gotten the wrong room. For some reason, she’d expected a bald and portly elderly man. But this guy, dressed in a tweed jacket, light-colored shirt, and narrow tie, looked younger. In fact, he resembled a character from a 1960s TV show—or maybe he’d been an extra in Mad Men.

Hello? He opened the door with a curious but kind smile.

Willow noticed slight touches of gray hair at his temples and fine lines around his eyes, suggesting he was older than she’d just assumed. But there was a youthfulness about him too. Mr. Emerson, I presume? She smiled nervously, hoping he’d get the joke.

I am. His nod was somber as he opened the door a bit wider. May I help you?

I hope so. She stood up straighter. I’m here to talk to you about Collin West. I understand he’s one of your students.

Yes. Collin is in two of my classes. A fine young man. Are you his mother?

She beamed at him. No, no, but thank you. I’m actually his grandmother. I’ve been raising him for most of his life. We just moved to Warner last winter.

Yes, I know that Collin is new to the school. He waved her into the classroom. He’s impressed me as an outstanding student. You should be very proud.

She felt a wave of relief. Oh yes, I am. I think he’s absolutely brilliant. But I’ve been concerned after transferring here from the Bay Area in California. We moved so abruptly, and it’s recently occurred to me that Collin won’t have all the letters of recommendation that he might need, you know, to start applying for college. I’m afraid I’ve been negligent.

He hasn’t applied already? Mr. Emerson frowned. I thought Collin was a senior.

Yes, he is a senior. And you’re right, he should’ve been applying long before this, but Collin doesn’t see the need to attend a big college. He insists on going to community college for his first year.

I see. Well, that’s a sensible plan.

Maybe so. At least for his first year. But I don’t want him to set his sights too low. I’m hoping he’ll start applying to some bigger schools soon. Maybe after fall term.

Getting into a bigger college shouldn’t be a problem. He’s an intelligent young man. I assume he’s got a strong GPA.

Yes. But we still need to get our ducks in a row. Recommendation letters and such. And I just heard you’re going to be leaving Warner High. She frowned. Did I hear it right? You’re retiring?

That’s correct. He nodded with a grim expression.

She frowned. You look young.

Well, maybe . . . but it’s time.

Congratulations . . . I guess—I mean, if that’s what you want. She studied him, wondering why he appeared melancholy, but controlled herself from asking. She knew her tendency to get overly involved sometimes, and this was not the time.

Thank you. He rubbed his chin. I guess I’m still adjusting to the concept.

Well, life is about more than just work.

Yes, I suppose so. He frowned.

Willow studied him for a long moment. Something about Mr. Emerson seemed sad and vulnerable . . . almost like a little boy in need of a warm, reassuring hug. And at the same time, she could tell that he was uncomfortable, as if he wanted her to keep a safe distance. Anyway, she said quickly, the reason I came here today was to personally ask you for a recommendation letter for Collin.

He slowly nodded, but there was a faraway look in his eyes, almost as if he wasn’t really listening. Perhaps he had health problems. Maybe that was his reason for early retirement—not that she planned to probe. At least she hoped not.

You see, you’re his favorite teacher, she continued. "And if you could write a nice letter, I can make copies.

Reviews for Courting Mr. Emerson

[nlpolak · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Over the years, I've read a variety of Melody Carlson books. What I like about them all - and Courting Mr. Emerson was no exception - is that each plot is unique, relatable, and you come away with learning more about yourself or others as a result. Now that I can add Courting Mr. Emerson to that list, I'm glad to give it at 5 star review! It was refreshing to read about someone who wasn't too young and had life experience.

George Emerson is a quirky fellow who is used to a life of solitude and predictability. All that changes for him when he decides to retire from teaching, and befriends Willow West. The way the two form an unlikely friendship was very comical, and for every time one or the other got their signals crossed and caused conflict, it reminded me that life is less about having every little thing go right, and more about appreciating the people I value. If you are looking for an easy-read, I highly recommend this book!

[hes7 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

It’s a romance of opposites in Melody Carlson’s Courting Mr. Emerson and it proves to be a lot of fun.As their professions suggest (no offense intended), artist Willow West and retired teacher George Emerson could not be more different. She is a spontaneous free-spirit, while he is staid and set in his ways. She challenges him to embrace life more fully, but can her presence not only loosen his habits, but also his confirmed-bachelor heart?Throughout Courting Mr. Emerson, I especially enjoyed that Willow and George are older characters. Rarely are romance-novel characters in their stage of life, so it is great to get a bit of variety now and then. And it helps, of course, that their story is so sweet, full of humor and charm, sure to please readers of the genre.I received a complimentary copy of this book and the opportunity to provide an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review, and all the opinions I have expressed are my own.

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

In many ways “Courting Mr. Emerson” is equally about “Rescuing Ms. West.” Both are lonely and unhappy. George Emerson has reacted to disappointments in his life by withdrawing from meaningful social contact. Willow West’s impulsive behavior has created an only slightly more satisfying outcome. She is estranged from her daughter and raising her grandson who, reacting to her tendencies, is socially withdrawn and tightly controlled.The story bounces back and forth from one apology to the next. George adheres rigidly to his familiar activities and routines. Willow is determined to get George to break free from his routine and enjoy life more. She does something to push George out of his comfort zone and George reacts badly. After thinking it over, George feels the need to apologize. Typically, that takes the form of saying he is sorry and providing assistance with some project. Meanwhile, Willow realizes she has been inconsiderate and decides to apologize. That often takes the form of a surprise that again pushes George out of his comfort zone. And so the story goes, time after time.A strong underlying element is Willow’s emphasis on her Christian faith. George is an atheist but readers will be able to predict from the beginning that George will be converted.“Courting Mr. Emerson” is a significant improvement over Carlson’s “A Christmas by the Sea.” Both are enjoyable faith-based romance novels, but in “Courting” Carlson avoids the overly saccharine sweetness that lessened my enjoyment of “Christmas.” I place this on par with Debbie Macomber’s “A Cottage by the Sea,” which I reviewed earlier this year.

[jenniferrobb · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

I normally like Melody Carlson's books, but this one felt a bit repetitive. Willow and George would get started on deepening their relationship and then one would overreact to something the other did and they'd back off until the person apologized and then the cycle would start over again. True to real life? Probably. Interesting to read over and over? Not so much.Potential Spoiler Alert (Read on at your discretion):I felt sorry for George. He's at the cusp of retirement--a retirement he probably doesn't really want--and it's throwing his well-ordered world on its head. He doesn't seem to have many friends.I felt sorry for Collin--his mother basically abandoned him to his grandmother, the girl he likes dumps him (and after he planned to stay at community college because of her too). There's a weird parallel between Willow getting pregnant young and having her parents raise Josie and Josie getting pregnant young and having Willow raise Collin. Though the reason the grandparents raised their grandchild was different: in Willow's case, she went to school and earned a degree to better be able to support her child; in Josie's case, she went off to be a groupie for a grunge band and returns with few skills to support her child. Also, in Willow's case, she wanted to take Josie back from her parents to raise when Josie was about 6 but let her parents talk her out of it (until the grandparents no longer wanted to deal with Josie when she became a rebellious teen), which apparently left Josie feeling that Willow didn't want her. Josie seems to have never considered coming back to try to raise Collin, who is now a senior in high school.

[aquariusnat · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This was a sweet romance about two older people finding love later in life. I really enjoyed this novel . The author did a great job making the characters and story believable.

[mizroady · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I have said it before and I will say it again, Melody Carlson is one of my favorite authors! Any book I see with her name on it I HAVE to read! This book was a fun read and a bit different as the main characters are in their 50’s. George Emerson has reached his retirement after 30 years as a high school language arts teacher. He is stuck in an 80’s time warp, maybe even further than that! He has eschewed any type of technology despite his intelligence and education. This guy puts the “N” in nerd. Uncomfortable in his own skin, especially in social interactions, he is a loner and confirmed bachelor. Willow West is the totally opposite end of the spectrum! She was raised in by hippies and her wild youth labeled her with name Wild West Willow. You get the idea! She is now a Christian and her youthful exuberance is now channeled as a buoyant, impromptu, woman who totally enjoys life! These two oil and water no make that gas and fire personalities, meet when Willow asks Mr. Emerson for a referral letter for her grandson’s college application. They learn they both attended high school together. She finds herself interested in him but she is not sure exactly how. She describes him as “Mr. Bean”. George is not sure how he will spend his new freedom retired. He envisions his rigid, OCD life continuing to be a cocoon of comfort. Willow on the other hand sees him needing to try new experiences and add excitement to his life. Though I do not think consciously, she makes it a project to help him do just that. This is where the rushing wind meets a brick wall. George sees her as fascinating. Because of the lack of the courage to say “no” he continually finds himself in circumstances and experiences he would have never chosen! After he has survived each one George finds he actually enjoyed himself but vows never to give in again! Both grow more attracted to each other but their disparities usually end up in misunderstandings and hurt feelings, only to be followed by an apology. Ms. Carlson does a beautiful job of helping the reader clearly see the George and Willows extremely different viewpoints. The characters were fun, quirky and real! I thought it was beautiful that Willow’s interest in George was one of compassion and concern. As the story unfolds her concern is for his soul as he professes to be an atheist. He was a beautiful example not to give up on an unbeliever no matter how impossible salvation may seem. You will find yourself laughing, crying and feeling joy as you read this book. Thank you Ms. Carlson for another amazing book! I received this book from Revell Publishing in exchange for an honest review. The opinions I stated are my own.

[virginia51-1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This is a wonderfully sweet romance. This centers abound Mr. Emerson and Willow. These two characters are complete opposites who keep running into each other and when they try to get closer they cause something to go wrong. This will make you laugh and cry. I just kept rooting for Mr. Emerson to become less rigid. I really enjoyed this book. I received a copy of this book from Revell for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.

[jillrey · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Mr. Emerson is retiring from teaching, despite only being 55 years of age, he refuses to accept technology apart from his coffee maker and is sorely stuck in his ways. Meanwhile, newcomer to town, Willow West is the town’s newest art gallery owner and her “hippie” spunk seems to be just what Mr. Emerson needs to freshen up his ways, and his coffee. But will George Emerson keep pushing her away or will Willow give up on being friends with George before he gets the chance to? The dysfunction of Willow “Wild” West and the OCD schedule of George prove opposites may attract.This “older” love story isn’t your everyday read. Sure, it’s a story line Hallmark may drool over, but it’s heartwarming effects and catchy characters felt more substantial and relatable despite their quirks than many Hallmark classics. In fact, it isn’t very often I pick up a book that features “advanced age romance,” but it was a great reminder that even after one’s “prime” love and friendship can still creep up on you. Courting Mr. Emerson has everything from 50+ year old characters to “lost” graduating seniors, flattering a broad demographic of readers.*Disclaimer: A review copy of this book was provided by the publisher. All opinions are my own.

[hobbitprincess · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Courting Mr. Emerson is a sweet book, and I enjoyed the story, but I pretty much knew how it was going to end from the beginning. I enjoyed the characters, and that made the book for me, because I liked them enough to care what happened to them. It's a good read. I suppose it might fall under "Christian fiction", although it is not preachy in any way.

[milibrarian · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

George Emerson is retiring as an English teacher from Warner High, but he does not know how to deal with the change in his routine. He wants to avoid his overly-friendly next door neighbor, yet she is the only one who can teach him how to get in and out of his new hammock. He has also met the grandmother of one of his students; she wants to push him out of his rut, but instead he falls into a depression. This is a fun, light read, but is also somewhat disjointed at times. We never learn if George finds God or if the grandmother's daughter matures into a responsible adult. The ending also seems a little rushed.

[2lz · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Thank you librarything for providing an advanced copy of Courting Mr. Emerson by Melody Carlson in return for my honest review.This novel did not work for me. I wanted to connect with the characters, but I didn’t. They felt a bit cliched, buttoned up, retiring teacher meets artsy Willow. There’s also the nosy, flirty neighbor. The dialogue was stilted. There was too much telling. This should have been a book for me. I loved the idea of the main characters being in their fifties. Usually I am drawn to quirky characters, but it fell flat. Also, an eighteen year old graduating senior should ask for his own teacher recommendation, not his grandmother Since that was the main characters’ first interaction, it wasn’t a great start for this reader.

[erinclark_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This is a very enjoyable story about a newly retired teacher, George Emerson and how he slowly but surely begins to embrace change with the help of Willow West, an artist in his very orderly and predictable life. The writing is light and fun, the characters are finely drawn and the story is uplifting. My only criticism is the inclusion of religion. I don't like Christian romance and even though it was lightly mentioned it turned me off. Still a fun read and I would recommend this book to others.

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

Courting Mr. Emerson is such a sweet story. It has Melody Carlson’s trademark writing style. Courting Mr. Emerson contains good writing, thoughtful pacing and humor. I especially liked that the main characters are older. These are two people in their 50s who are getting a second chance. As we get older, people get more set in their ways as we see with George Emerson. George has suffered great losses in his lifetime and has become closed off. He is set in his way with a steady routine, but everything changes after he retires. George finds himself at loose ends and along comes Willow. Willow was raised by hippie type parents. She is an artist who is raising her grandson after her daughter took off to be a groupie. Willow’s life changes when her antagonistic daughter returns much to her son’s disappointment. Each character has their own issues that they need to work through with a little help from their friends and God. Courting Mr. Emerson is a story that you just need to read and enjoy (do not go looking for hidden or deeper meanings). Courting Mr. Emerson shows us that we are never to old to change or find love (it gives me hope). I am giving Courting Mr. Emerson 4 out of 5 stars (I liked it). Courting Mr. Emerson is the perfect story for those who delight in reading inspirational romance. If you are looking for a heartwarming story to read, then pick up Courting Mr. Emerson.

[macnoid · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I have read most of Melody Carlson's books, and have a shelf of her books in my library, so I was excited to have received this book in the Early Reviewers program. I started the book yesterday, and finished it today...... and enjoyed it immensely! After reading the first several chapters, I was thinking this book was a little different from many of Carlson's other books...... the main character is so quirky! But I was hooked! As usual, Melody breathes life into her characters.....just the right blend of the 'thoughts' of the characters, and the action that takes place...and .you get a feel for who they are and what motivates them. I felt for George, trapped in his lonely, OCD world, emotionally locked down, newly retired and at a loss of what to do now........and loved the free spirit of Willow, so open and kind, who tries to help open his world. George gradually starts reaching out and interacting more with those around him, and actually is a help to others! Then he suffers a 'breakdown' of sorts, but those who he has helped, now help him to rejoin life. As they spend more time together, Willow's shares her spiritual journey with George, who says he is an atheist, but by the end of the book, Willow has helped George on his spiritual journey, as well. Nothing preachy or 'religious', just talking about their relationships with God. Reading the story of George and Willow makes you realize there are a lot of hurting people in this world. These may be our co-workers, our neighbors, people we see every day.....some may seem a bit odd, or eccentric.... or socially backwards... but many are just hurting. People who could us a kind word, and a helping hand, or just to feel included. Another thing I was thinking, is that this would make a great movie! I could see the comical aspects.... like George's neighbor's lesson in how to get in and out of a hammock!, the hot air balloon ride, the fussiness of George's housekeeping and lawn maintenance, his wardrobe, and some of his OCD characteristics. Willows wardrobe would be fun. The makeover of the family mansion would be interesting. But mainly, the relationships of the characters, and the growth of the George character would be most touching to watch unfold!

[alekee_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I chose to read this book because of the author, I have enjoyed several past books of hers and this one was no exception.We meet a hurting man, George, and because of past deep hurts he has put up walls around himself, and we witness a little chipping at the boards.The other main character has also weathered life with loss and hardship, while being a gifted artist we see her reach out to George, and in turn George reaches out to her love ones.We also see what could be Willow tormenting George, oh my, that poor man.In the end we see that the one Being who can help George is God, but he claims not, will Willow be able to reach him, or will he continue to isolate himself?I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Revell, and was not required to give a positive review.

[tjsjohanna_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

George is predictable and habit bound. He's so concerned about his plans and routines being interrupted that he keeps everyone at arms length. And then he finds himself attracted to the completely wrong woman. Willow is an artist and has a great big heart and keeps pushing him to do things he's never done before. It's an inevitable ending, but I found it interesting that George is the one who has all the emotional growing to do. Willow is much more healthy emotionally and does a good job of keeping herself from investing too much in the relationship even though her interest is definitely there. The story was a good one but a little flat - not sure why exactly. Maybe it was Willow's ability to leave George alone?

[mmoj_2 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

I received this book from LibraryThing in exchange for a fair review.This was an good story. George Emerson is retiring after 29 years of teaching, not necessarily by choice though. He feels out of touch with the school and the district is "encouraged" him to make the decision. This hit a little close to home as I'm just a couple of years younger than the main character and also in education. The female character is Willow West, a supposed free-spirit who is raising her grandson. But to me she wasn't at all free-spirited in the traditional meaning of the word - as she seemed far too responsible for that definition.My main problem in the book is purely personal and would probably not affect most readers. Willow's grandson is a senior and high school and is planning on attending the local community college and the author describes this as "settling, not good enough" and implied that a community college is for those students who weren't good enough for a four year college. These aren't the exact words since this is an ARC copy some of this might change in the final copy but it's a summation. The reason this bothers me is because my job is a Career Coordinator at a high school and I have been fighting this idea that a community college is "settling". But again, that is a personal reason so many won't have the same issue, they may even - sadly - believe the same thing.This did have a strong Christian viewpoint so if that's not something you enjoy I wouldn't read this and because of that Christian viewpoint not any sex scenes or necessarily the heat of young adults (although I hate using that term as anymore that can be anything from junior high to high school and rarely means 20's - I'm old). I would have liked more passion between the main characters but I enjoyed the building of the relationship.

[candyh_64 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Thank you LibraryThing for allowing me to read this book. This is not a book I would recommend as it was a real struggle to stay with it and complete. The story involves George, a strange man with OCD who has just retired from teaching, Willow and Lorna. Those are just a few of the characters who make this story. The story is based on relationships and the renovation of George’s childhood home.

[susan0316 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This was my first book by Melody Carlson and I found it to be a light easy read. I enjoyed the fact that the main characters were all in their late 50s as I get a bit tired of reading books about people in their 20s and 30s.George definitely has OCD. He lives alone and his life is very structured. He gets up at the same time every day and leaves the house to walk to his job as a teacher at the high school wearing a suit and tie every day. But now he's decided to retire and his life will lose much of its structure. He will no longer be on the same routine and is a bit nervous how he will live his life. On top of the changes brought about by his retirement, he meets Willow, the grandmother of one of his students who is the complete opposite of him - a free spirited hippie who runs an art gallery. Despite their differences, he is attracted to her but not sure if he wants to change his rigid life to a much freer one. Will he be able to change or will Willow accept him as he is or reject him completely?Thanks to LibraryThing for a copy of this book to read and review. All opinions are my own.

[chrisac_2 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I received a copy of “Courting Mr. Emerson” as a member of the Early Reviewers group here on Library Thing.I loved this book ! Quiet, serious, unassuming George Emerson is retiring after a 30 year career teaching in the town he was raised in. His rather untroubled life is turned upside down with the arrival of Willow West, a free spirited artist who owns a gallery in their little Oregon town.George and Willow embark upon an unlikely romance, with many ups, downs, and roadblocks as they each look inwardly and come to terms with their own lives, spirituality, the people in their lives, and their past experiences. How they are brought together is a charming tale of love, romance, and emotion…proving that even in your 50s, you are open and susceptible to new relationships and new things.

[gingersnap000 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Courting Mr. Emerson is a sweet story of two mature people, George Emerson, and Willow West who discover that opposites do attract. George is a quirky loner who does not like change or relationships. Willow is a positive, colorful widow who approaches each day with excitement. Willow never gives up on George who she believes is a sad and lonely man who needs friends. She becomes a loyal and persistent friend who refuses to allow George to live a solitary life. Willow has her faith in God that enables her to be positive in life but George has hatred for God for taking away everyone in his life whom he loved.This lovely story will strengthen your faith in the goodness of people who are spiritual and positive.

[written-1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I absolutely loved this book. Each time I had to stop reading the book I looked forward to picking it up again.In the small town of Warner, Oregon, George Emerson is soon to retire from his teaching job. Not really sure he wants to retire but with school cutbacks he decides it's time. Having lived in Warner most of his life, never married and totally set in his ways. During the last week of school he meets Willow. Willow is the grandmother of one of his students. Willow spent some of her youth in Warner but was rather wild and a free spirit. Willow is an artist and has moved back to Warner with her grandson. This is a wonderful story of buttoned down George and free spirited Willow with all her "baggage". I loved all the quirkiness of Willow with her unconventional upbringing in contrast to George.Just a really great story!

[koalamom_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

It was refreshing to have a man be the center of a romantic novel going through all the pains and troubles of falling in love. George Emerson had a lot of baggage in his life and retirement didn't help but slowly he found help and changed. I enjoyed the book immensely.