Book Review: The Happy Camper by Melody Carlson

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What is this book about?

Home is the place to heal, right? At least, that’s what Dillon Michaels is hoping as she leaves her disappointing career and nonstarter love life behind to help her grieving and aging grandfather on his small Oregon farm. The only problem? Her eccentric mother beat her there and has taken over Dillon’s old room. After a few nights sleeping on a sagging sofa, Dillon is ready to give up, until she receives an unlikely gift–her grandfather’s run-down vintage camp trailer, which she quickly resolves to restore with the help of Jordan Atwood, the handsome owner of the local hardware store.

But just when things are finally beginning to run smoothly, Dillon’s noncommittal ex-boyfriend shows up with roses . . . and a ring.

My review:

This was a quick light romance read. I liked the idea of the vintage camper playing a role in the story. Dillon was somewhat adrift after she arrived at her grandfather’s farm and it was fun to watch her fall in love with her little home on wheels.

I liked Jordan initially because he seemed to be much more down to earth than Dillon’s ex-boyfriend. Just when Dillon was getting to know the handsome hardware store owner, a wrench was thrown into the works in the form of her ex-boyfriend ready to commit.

I thought the twist of having the ex show up would make for a fun story line, however, I found the misunderstandings between Dillon, the ex, and Jordan, excessive after a while. I was particularly disappointed in Jordan for bouncing back and forth between trusting Dillon and not trusting her. That made the end of the story choppy for their relationship.

Dillon did work on the relationship issues with her mom and I also liked how passionate she was about fixing up her camper.

What I enjoyed most about this book: 

Dillon’s passion about her camper.

What I didn’t like about this book:

The end was too fast and choppy given the way that Jordan handled things.

Would I recommend this book to others? Maybe. This was mostly a quick fun read. The romance wasn’t the best, but the other relationships were good.

Where can I learn more about this author and their books?

Melody Carlson, author website

-Loraine Nunley

The Happy Camper by Melody Carlson (3 out of 5 stars) #BookReview #amreading Share on X

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