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Valentine's Day #3
Your Heart's Desire
Bestselling author Melody Carlson captures hearts with a beautifully written romance set just after World War II.
It's almost New Year's 1946, a perfect time for Caroline Marshall to start a new chapter in her life. Widowed three years ago when she lost her husband in the war, she has decided to move with her nine-year-old son to join her sister's family in sunny California. Her sister's new house has a basement apartment for Caroline to rent, and though jobs for women are scarce with so many veterans returning from the war, it seems the local chocolate factory is hiring. The apartment turns out to be rather dingy, and the job may be working the assembly line--a step down from Caroline's office job as a secretary back in Minnesota. But Caroline is determined to make a great new life for herself and her son. As she goes about making that happen, she keeps running into a handsome stranger--at the diner, at church, and he even works for M.G. Chocolates. With a New Year, a new home, and a new job, is Caroline ready to find new love?
It's almost New Year's 1946, a perfect time for Caroline Marshall to start a new chapter in her life. Widowed three years ago when she lost her husband in the war, she has decided to move with her nine-year-old son to join her sister's family in sunny California. Her sister's new house has a basement apartment for Caroline to rent, and though jobs for women are scarce with so many veterans returning from the war, it seems the local chocolate factory is hiring. The apartment turns out to be rather dingy, and the job may be working the assembly line--a step down from Caroline's office job as a secretary back in Minnesota. But Caroline is determined to make a great new life for herself and her son. As she goes about making that happen, she keeps running into a handsome stranger--at the diner, at church, and he even works for M.G. Chocolates. With a New Year, a new home, and a new job, is Caroline ready to find new love?
160 pages, Paperback
First published January 5, 2016
34 people are currently reading
804 people want to read
About the author
Melody Carlson
421 books3,151 followersMelody Carlson is the award-winning author of over two hundred books, several of them Christmas novellas from Revell, including her much-loved and bestselling book, The Christmas Bus.
She also writes many teen books, including the Diary of a Teenage Girl series, the TrueColors series, and the Carter House Girls series.
Melody was nominated for a Romantic Times Career Achievement Award in the inspirational market for her books, including the Notes from a Spinning Planet series and Finding Alice, which is in production as a Lifetime Television movie. She and her husband serve on the Young Life adult committee in central Oregon.
She also writes many teen books, including the Diary of a Teenage Girl series, the TrueColors series, and the Carter House Girls series.
Melody was nominated for a Romantic Times Career Achievement Award in the inspirational market for her books, including the Notes from a Spinning Planet series and Finding Alice, which is in production as a Lifetime Television movie. She and her husband serve on the Young Life adult committee in central Oregon.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 88 reviews
February 13, 2021
What a great book to end this Valentine’s Day series! I really enjoyed this whole series. The second one would have to be my favorite though. Terrence and Caroline were so fun together! It was so fun/interesting reading about Caroline working at the chocolate shop. It makes me want to go eat some chocolate! Joes was the sweetest. I really liked him. I’m not too sure what I thought about Caroline’s sister,Marjorie. At some points,I liked her and then I almost didn’t. Also,that cover is so cute! I loved all of the covers in this series. I really enjoyed this series,and I’ll definitely be reading it again.
January 8, 2022
Your Heart's Desire by Melody Carlson is the third book in the Valentine's Day series. I'm sad I finished reading this series because it was just so good! Although this story was a bit out of my comfort zone because it took place in 1945, it was still a very good novel. Your Heart's Desire was a heart breaker. This whole series has a plot line on Valentine's Day, it was a heart warming and a feel good series. This is a sweet, quick read that celebrates love's beginnings.
"Where there's chocolate, can a second chance at love be far behind?".
It's almost New Year's 1946, a perfect time for Caroline Clark to start a new chapter in her life. Caroline is a widowed mom to her nine year old son Joseph, Caroline lost her husband, Joe in World War 2. Caroline decides to leave her life behind in Minnesota, and move to live in sunny California with her sister Marjorie, and Marjorie's family. Marjorie and her husband Rich just moved into their new home with a finished basement where Caroline and Joseph will stay until they can get on their feet. Is Caroline mentally stable enough to move forward with her life after losing her husband?
Though jobs for women may be scarce with so many veterans returning from the war, the local chocolate factory may be hiring. The basement turns out to be rather dingy, and the job may be working the assembly line, which would be a step down from Caroline's office job as a secretary back in Minnesota, Caroline is determined to make a better life for herself and her son. As Caroline goes about making that happen, she keeps running into a very handsome stranger, at the diner, at church until she realizes he works at the chocolate factory. Caroline lands herself a job as a temporary, because the main person is out with a broken leg from a skiing accident.
"Where there's chocolate, can a second chance at love be far behind?".
It's almost New Year's 1946, a perfect time for Caroline Clark to start a new chapter in her life. Caroline is a widowed mom to her nine year old son Joseph, Caroline lost her husband, Joe in World War 2. Caroline decides to leave her life behind in Minnesota, and move to live in sunny California with her sister Marjorie, and Marjorie's family. Marjorie and her husband Rich just moved into their new home with a finished basement where Caroline and Joseph will stay until they can get on their feet. Is Caroline mentally stable enough to move forward with her life after losing her husband?
Though jobs for women may be scarce with so many veterans returning from the war, the local chocolate factory may be hiring. The basement turns out to be rather dingy, and the job may be working the assembly line, which would be a step down from Caroline's office job as a secretary back in Minnesota, Caroline is determined to make a better life for herself and her son. As Caroline goes about making that happen, she keeps running into a very handsome stranger, at the diner, at church until she realizes he works at the chocolate factory. Caroline lands herself a job as a temporary, because the main person is out with a broken leg from a skiing accident.
March 19, 2016
4.5 stars.
It took me a couple chapters to get into Carlson's initially choppy writing style. But once the story was fairly begun, I found a heartwarming little story that delighted me and drew me in. It's short, but perfect. I also love how it features Valentine's Day as a major plot event!
It took me a couple chapters to get into Carlson's initially choppy writing style. But once the story was fairly begun, I found a heartwarming little story that delighted me and drew me in. It's short, but perfect. I also love how it features Valentine's Day as a major plot event!
March 13, 2024
Marvelous swirls of love blend sweetly with the shimmering hope of this romantic dazzle!
August 23, 2021
3.5 stars. This would be the PERFECT movie to ease the craving for a Hallmark Christmas movie when its January or February. This book is about Caroline and Terrance. It's 1947 and Caroline has lost her husband in WWII, leaving her to be a single mom to her young son. She decides to move to California to be closer to her sister who is a SAHM. She gets word that the local chocolate shop is hiring so she goes to get a job on the assembly line but she ends up becoming the secretary to one of the bosses. Unbeknownst to her she meets the big boss and they have an instant flirtatious connection. When she finds out he's the boss she tries to maintain her distance. There is another woman employed there who has eyes for him and the tension is palpable, despite Caroline being nothing but proper. The book starts on New Years day and goes through Valentine's Day and the Valentine's Day vibes are strong. They're trying to design a box of chocolates and it all is very festive. The romance goes as you would expect. I'm not a huge fan of romance without much depth or novellas, but this one was great.
February 12, 2016
Lovely! :) This is an excellent read for Valentines! The only thing that I wish is that it was longer! LOL! I wanted even more! It seemed to wrap up too quickly, but that's just because everything leading up to the end is WONDERFUL! The characters, the situation, the business all come together to make a story that I LOVE and could read again and again! Chocolate and romance! What else could you want for V-day?! ;) I highly recommend this little read. Melody is fast becoming one of my all time favorite authors! I've come to expect an entertaining, lovely, sometimes quirky novella from her and she never disappoints! Touching, fun, and romantic!
P.S. I must compliment the artist of the cover! It is not only beautiful but matches the scene within the book beautifully! :)
Songs: "A String Of Pearls" by Glenn Miller & His Orchestra, and "Moonlight Serenade" by Glenn Miller & His Orchestra
Songs etc. May be changed and/or added in the future. ~ASC
Jeremiah 29:11
~ASC
*I requested and received a copy of this book for the purpose of reviewing it. This in no way affected my opinion and the above are my true thoughts and feelings about Your Heart's Desire. ~ASC
P.S. I must compliment the artist of the cover! It is not only beautiful but matches the scene within the book beautifully! :)
Songs: "A String Of Pearls" by Glenn Miller & His Orchestra, and "Moonlight Serenade" by Glenn Miller & His Orchestra
Songs etc. May be changed and/or added in the future. ~ASC
Jeremiah 29:11
~ASC
*I requested and received a copy of this book for the purpose of reviewing it. This in no way affected my opinion and the above are my true thoughts and feelings about Your Heart's Desire. ~ASC
January 2, 2018
I am such a lover of 1940s books, whether in the war or after, so of course I loved this book.
I really like Caroline's character. She is sweet and hard-working. Her son is adorable, and really easy to love. I also like her love interest who I totally can't remember the name of because I read this a while ago. :D He is really sweet and romantic, which I just love.
The story-plot moves really fast, but that is to be expected since the book is a short novella. All in all really love this book and totally recommend it. It is completely clean and can be read by girls of all ages.
I really like Caroline's character. She is sweet and hard-working. Her son is adorable, and really easy to love. I also like her love interest who I totally can't remember the name of because I read this a while ago. :D He is really sweet and romantic, which I just love.
The story-plot moves really fast, but that is to be expected since the book is a short novella. All in all really love this book and totally recommend it. It is completely clean and can be read by girls of all ages.
January 27, 2016
This was a really cute, short and sweet read. I enjoyed it although I felt it wrapped up really quickly and neatly suddenly at the end. It reminded me so much of an older Grace Livingston Hill novel with the touches on clothing, home decor, and little meal mentions. It is a fun, light read.
February 20, 2017
Five stars for the simple fact that I love stories set during this time period, it's a simple read, and it's a cute story. It's predictable, but at times it's a nice change to read a book like this one. I very much enjoyed it!
August 10, 2020
I absolutely got absorbed into this sweet book, finished it in a sitting as I didn’t want to put it down. I visualized the settings and characters with ease with the amazing descriptions throughout the story.
February 27, 2016
This was a very sweet romance, reminiscent of Betty Neels. Enjoyable, light and quick.
May 21, 2016
A quick sweet love story
February 8, 2024
“Your Heart’s Desire” is a Christian fiction romance novel focusing on Caroline Marshall, a woman who has relocated from Minnesota to California with her young son to begin a new life after the untimely death of her husband in the war.
The novel consists of sixteen chapters and an epilogue.
The novel begins by transporting the reader to December 26, 1945 and introduces main character Caroline Clark as she and her son Joseph as they leave St. Paul, Minnesota for Southern California. Early on, the reader learns that Caroline’s husband Joe was killed in the South Pacific nearly four years ago and after his death, Caroline has worked at a local leather company.
In chapter two, Caroline and Joseph arrive in California and are in awe how different things are including the weather, houses, clothing, and scenery. Although Caroline expresses worry about getting a job, she is encouraged by her sister Marjorie and brother-in-law Rich that she can possibly find work at the nearby chocolate factory.
While at a local coffee shop looking at job ads in a newspaper, she meets an attractive man and as they are talking, she shares she’s looking for a job and mentions the chocolate factory where Rich works. Coincidentally, the attractive man replies that the chocolate factory is indeed hiring and that he works there. Caroline feels disturbed by how forward and familiar the attractive stranger is towards her and worries about future interactions with California men.
Upon going the search for a job, she is able to find temporary employment at a pay rate that is much better than what she was making in Minnesota. While at her new job, she runs into the attractive stranger, learns that his name is Terry and makes a shocking discovery leading her to question her employment future.
While at a company New Year’s Eve party, Caroline’s feeling towards Terry softens as she learns more about his background from his family members and she realizes that despite Terry’s family being wealthy, they are friendly and down to earth.
As Caroline and Terry bond over family losses in the war, dancing, and playing pool, their game is interrupted by company vice president and Terry’s potential love interest Evelyn Stuart. Caroline eventually learns from Terry’s and Evelyn’s family have been friends for decades and Evelyn’s plan to join the families through marriage. While Caroline has made no romantic advances towards Terry, Evelyn believes that Caroline wants Terry and uses her position as company vice president to discourage her from any romantic activity.
At home, Caroline is happy Joseph adjusting to life in California. As time passes, Joseph makes friends, helps his Aunt Marjorie by babysitting his cousin Danny, requests that Caroline call him “Joe” instead of Joseph, and asks to join the Buckaroos, a local boys church group.
On her last day working at the chocolate factory, Caroline meets the secretary she was temporarily working for and is surprised when Evelyn congratulates her on winning Terry’s love although she is unsure whether she is telling the truth or if she has another secret admirer at work. By the end of the day, Caroline is unemployed but gains a boyfriend. The novel ends with an epilogue occurring months after Caroline being fired from the chocolate factory and finding love and family in 1947.
The novel consists of sixteen chapters and an epilogue.
The novel begins by transporting the reader to December 26, 1945 and introduces main character Caroline Clark as she and her son Joseph as they leave St. Paul, Minnesota for Southern California. Early on, the reader learns that Caroline’s husband Joe was killed in the South Pacific nearly four years ago and after his death, Caroline has worked at a local leather company.
In chapter two, Caroline and Joseph arrive in California and are in awe how different things are including the weather, houses, clothing, and scenery. Although Caroline expresses worry about getting a job, she is encouraged by her sister Marjorie and brother-in-law Rich that she can possibly find work at the nearby chocolate factory.
While at a local coffee shop looking at job ads in a newspaper, she meets an attractive man and as they are talking, she shares she’s looking for a job and mentions the chocolate factory where Rich works. Coincidentally, the attractive man replies that the chocolate factory is indeed hiring and that he works there. Caroline feels disturbed by how forward and familiar the attractive stranger is towards her and worries about future interactions with California men.
Upon going the search for a job, she is able to find temporary employment at a pay rate that is much better than what she was making in Minnesota. While at her new job, she runs into the attractive stranger, learns that his name is Terry and makes a shocking discovery leading her to question her employment future.
While at a company New Year’s Eve party, Caroline’s feeling towards Terry softens as she learns more about his background from his family members and she realizes that despite Terry’s family being wealthy, they are friendly and down to earth.
As Caroline and Terry bond over family losses in the war, dancing, and playing pool, their game is interrupted by company vice president and Terry’s potential love interest Evelyn Stuart. Caroline eventually learns from Terry’s and Evelyn’s family have been friends for decades and Evelyn’s plan to join the families through marriage. While Caroline has made no romantic advances towards Terry, Evelyn believes that Caroline wants Terry and uses her position as company vice president to discourage her from any romantic activity.
At home, Caroline is happy Joseph adjusting to life in California. As time passes, Joseph makes friends, helps his Aunt Marjorie by babysitting his cousin Danny, requests that Caroline call him “Joe” instead of Joseph, and asks to join the Buckaroos, a local boys church group.
On her last day working at the chocolate factory, Caroline meets the secretary she was temporarily working for and is surprised when Evelyn congratulates her on winning Terry’s love although she is unsure whether she is telling the truth or if she has another secret admirer at work. By the end of the day, Caroline is unemployed but gains a boyfriend. The novel ends with an epilogue occurring months after Caroline being fired from the chocolate factory and finding love and family in 1947.
October 12, 2020
Caroline and her son Joe move to her sister's house in California shortly after the end of the war, hoping for a fresh start. When her husband died in the war she went to work as a secretary, so she hopes she can find similar work in California. Not that she won't consider other work, with all the soldiers coming home she knows work is in short supply so when her brother in law suggests she apply for the assembly line at the chocolate factory she half heartedly agrees. She does love chocolate, she's just not sure she wants to be on an assembly line. A job is a job though, so that's her first stop to apply. Not only does she walk away with a job, it's even a secretarial job! It's only temporary, filling in for one of the executive secretaries who just broke her leg. They did assure her that they reward good workers, and there is a very good chance they'll be more work for her after 6 weeks, but for now she's just happy for a pay check. The president of the company is very friendly, and sometimes she thinks he's being more than friendly, but vp of marketing Evelyn makes sure at every opportunity to remind her that Terrance is going to be popping the question any day now, so Caroline better not think she has a chance. All Caroline really wants is work past Valentines Day, but having someone to spend it with might not be a bad thing either.
Admittedly, my review is almost as long as the book. It's a short book, but I didn't really feel like it needed to be longer. Sometimes with these novella's it feels like everything is rushed, but in this case she spent the last chapter doing a blurb about the rest of Caroline's life, which left you feeling like you knew what was up.
Admittedly, my review is almost as long as the book. It's a short book, but I didn't really feel like it needed to be longer. Sometimes with these novella's it feels like everything is rushed, but in this case she spent the last chapter doing a blurb about the rest of Caroline's life, which left you feeling like you knew what was up.
February 15, 2020
A sweet (in more than one way) and short story set in post-WWII California, Your Heart's Desire is just the right book to read during February. Caroline Clark (not Caroline Marshall, as the book jacket reads), a war widow with a young son, relocates to California to be closer to her sister. Although she had hoped for a new start with fresh opportunities, a job at the local chocolate factory proves to bring more excitement – and romance – to her life than expected. The ending wraps up rather too quickly and neatly, and the historical setting wasn't fleshed out very much, but I really enjoyed the character of Caroline and the relationship she had with her family. For me, the appeal was more about Caroline's development and growth as a mother, sister, and professional, than about her romance, but it is still a cute read for Valentine's Day.
January 3, 2024
Enjoyed this heartwarming post World War II second chance romance about a widow and her son who moved from Minnesota to California to be closer to her sister’s family. While starting over and looking for a job, Caroline Clark began to develop greater self-confidence which helped her to adjust and thrive, not only on the home front, but in her work life. The clean romance was made all the sweeter by Caroline’s demure and humble ways. Young Joseph had a wonderful personality and was such a lovable character. A perfect read for Valentine’s Day!
January 6, 2024
Sweet love story set in 19 46–7. It wore widow Caroline with a 10-year-old son Joe moves to California to be near her sister and family. She gets a job at the local chocolate factory filling in as a temporary secretary. She unexpectedly meets an executive at the chocolate factory Terrence Gordan where she works. Rumors and romantic gestures fly. Will he ask her out or is he really going to start dating Evelyn long time family friend who publicly claims him like the rumors say?
Mom would like this author
Mom would like this author
February 25, 2020
This was my 'BLIND DATE WITH A BOOK' at the Gardner library. I love this promotion by the library each February. I would not have ever chose to read this book if I had to pick it off the shelves. However, when I got it home and unwrapped it, I began reading it right away. I found it like an old Doris Day movie where the secretary and the boss fall in love and live happily ever after. It was the prefect blind date book for me for Valentine's Day.
March 8, 2022
This was an enjoyable light hearted book, ideal to relax and escape to a good example of the genre. I enjoyed this more than some of the other ones because it seemed to have a better and more rounded conclusion than some of its counterparts. It was an ideal companion during hospital treatment sometimes we don’t need the beautiful prose of Austen or the Brontës sometimes we need a light read and this is an ideal book for that sort of thing
January 1, 2025
Jättemysig bok! 🥰 Caroline och hennes son flyttar tvärs över Amerika för att flytta in i en lägenhet i systerns hus i California. Medan jobbletande och lägenhetsrenovering blir en vardag smyger sig en stilig man in i hennes medvetande. Det är nyår. 1945 ska bli 1946. Vågar hon öppna sig för kärleken efter att förlorat sin man i kriget?
Jag har ibland svårt att läsa på engelska men den här spelades upp framför mig som en ljuvlig film 🥰
Jag har ibland svårt att läsa på engelska men den här spelades upp framför mig som en ljuvlig film 🥰
February 16, 2018
This story starts at New Years in 1946, take place in a chocolate factory. For the sake of her son, Caroline moves to live with her sister and her family, after being widowed in the war. When she starts running into the same man even at work, things are never the same. She finds hope and love!
YES, I recommend this Book!
YES, I recommend this Book!
November 30, 2019
A darling little read. I'm not one for romances but on an impulse decided to pick this one up. Now I'm heading back to get more of the author. The setting was in post-World War II era. If you are a fan of Hallmark movies you will love this book. In fact I expect them to turn it into a movie any day now.
October 3, 2023
Melody Carson books do not disappoint!
I have read so many of her wonderful stories and every time they draw me in right away. I can hardly put my Kindle down but I also don't want the story to end. She is such a beautiful writer and I always finish her books feeling so touched and uplifted. Hope she just keeps writing and writing, because I'll be there to enjoy them
I have read so many of her wonderful stories and every time they draw me in right away. I can hardly put my Kindle down but I also don't want the story to end. She is such a beautiful writer and I always finish her books feeling so touched and uplifted. Hope she just keeps writing and writing, because I'll be there to enjoy them
August 1, 2017
A nice story, but would have liked a bit more historical details to really make it 1948. The end wrapped up too nicely for me, like it was rushed. Overall, I cared about the the main characters and enjoyed the story.
February 4, 2019
This is literally one of the sweetest books I’ve ever read! Like stop what you’re doing and get this book for Valentines Day RIGHT NOW! I’m so like in a Valentines mood now and even though I’m a hopelessly single romantic I don’t feel depressed after reading reading it! ALL THE FEELS! ❤️💝💔💞💘
January 16, 2020
A sweet little romance story that takes place at the end of WWII. Melody Carlson is an author I enjoy. I usually read her Christmas themed books. This book is Valentine's Day themed. A quick read.
June 19, 2021
Thoroughly enjoyed this easy to read romance. Started it at midnight last night and could hardly put it down - finished the 180 pages by 4pm today - a good Winter read whilst it is too cold for gardening
Graham (74 yo male)
Graham (74 yo male)
March 3, 2022
What's not to love about a great Valentines story.
I loved this storyline. The characters are very realistic and made you feel like you knew their human model. I must say, I've had a craving for chocolate this whole story.
Very well written and a joy to read!
I loved this storyline. The characters are very realistic and made you feel like you knew their human model. I must say, I've had a craving for chocolate this whole story.
Very well written and a joy to read!
December 29, 2024
I really enjoyed this book over Christmas! It was sweet and I love the time period romance in a small town in the 1940s. It was a perfect book for the holidays. Any books similar in the 1940s romances?
January 14, 2025
excellent read
What a thoroughly enjoyable book to read. I loved the setting. Ms. Carlson is a phenomenal writer. Each book I have read by her has been better than the one before it.
What a thoroughly enjoyable book to read. I loved the setting. Ms. Carlson is a phenomenal writer. Each book I have read by her has been better than the one before it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 88 reviews