Title: Your Heart’s Desire
Author: Melody Carlson
Pages: 191
Year: 2016
Publisher: Center Street
My rating is 4 out of 5 stars.
This story takes place in the mid-1940s, shortly after WWII has ended. Caroline Clark is a 30-year-old widow whose husband was killed in WWII. Her younger sister lives in California and has asked Caroline to move there so that they can be closer. Caroline has a 9-year-old son named Joseph after his father. She makes the decision to leave her hometown, her job, her parents and move to California. She almost immediately begins to regret her decision when she hears that there are no jobs available upon her arrival. How will she support herself and her son if she can’t find a job? She applies at various places, including a chocolate factory where her brother-in-law works. She miraculously is hired on the spot for a temporary position. Perhaps this job will lead to something permanent.
As she navigates the avenues of her new job, she is introduced to the owner’s son, who runs the company. There is an attraction, but Caroline has told herself she would never marry again. Also, she is unsure of the relationship between Terence, the CEO, and the vice president of marketing, Elaine. As the time draws close for Caroline’s assignment to end, she realizes she does indeed have romantic feelings for Terry, but she isn’t sure he is as interested in her. Now, what will she do for a job?
This was a sweet, gentle, feel-good romance. It was interesting to read about life during that time. I liked how Caroline and her son found a church; they dressed in their best and started walking to the one they passed previously close to their home. I thought the book’s cover was spot-on, depicting the characters in the story and the time period. The prose is written in such a way that the story just flows, making the story so easy to read. I have read some of this author’s other works and enjoyed them, so I’m looking forward to her next offering in 2022!
Note: The opinions shared in this review are solely my responsibility. ( )

Title: Your Heart’s Desire
Author: Melody Carlson
Pages: 192
Year: 2016
Publisher: Center Street
My rating is 5 stars.
I fell in love with this author’s books when I read Love Gently Falling. In her latest offering, the scene opens with a young widow at a train station getting ready with her young son to embark on a new adventure shortly after WWII concludes. Caroline seeks to start fresh and not be known by others as a young widow providing for her son.
Caroline’s sister lives in California with her two children and husband who works as a driver for a chocolate manufacturer. Caroline is able to live in the house of her sister Marjorie in the finished basement, though when she arrives Caroline sees how much work is to be done to make the space livable for her and her son Joe. Caroline’s biggest challenge is to redo her whole wardrobe now that she no longer lives in Minnesota and having to make due with her current outfits.
I really enjoyed the romance that blossoms for this single woman along with the maturity her son Joe provides for other kids his age. Once again, I am reminded of the cost not just to those who served on the front lines, but to their families at home along with the children.
So choose an afternoon, grab an afghan and enjoy Your Heart’s Desire!
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255. “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.” ( )