All Booked Up

by Melody Carlson

Empty nester and widow Riva Owen lives in the Victorian house that's been in her family for three generations, but finances have become a challenge she can no longer ignore. Her daughter is pushing her to move, and after considering all her options, Riva knows selling would be the smartest course. But she just can't bring herself to leave years of memories--and her cherished library filled with hundreds of books.

When she pursues an alternative--opening her home to women like her who have been forced to make lifestyle changes and need a room to rent--Riva is unprepared for the mix of personalities and peculiarities of her new housemates. She is even more unprepared for Marcus, the handsome and handy older brother of one of her new tenants. The possibility of finding love again feels overwhelming, even as her tenants seem to have romantic schemes of their own.

Warm your heart with a contemporary romance story of found family, booklovers, new beginnings, and an unexpected second chance at love in Melody Carlson's delightful signature style.

Genres: Christian, Christian Fiction, Contemporary, Romance

272 pages, Paperback

Expected publication March 1, 2026

About the author

Melody 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.

Reviews

[Chris Jager · Rating 4 out of 5]

A delightful read for a icy weekend. All booked up by Melody Carlson is a lovely story about women learning what it really means to be to be friends, but also a family. Riva is loosing the house her and her husband owned. A quick suggestion gives her an idea, take in roommates. What follows is a read that any women over a certain age will complete adore and even makes us wish for a group of women just like them to be part of.
Melody has long been an author that I have loved to read. She has a way of creating a world you want to be part of. She pens stories that make you want to be a better person. I plan on reading her books for years to come. You should also.

[Hannah · Rating 3 out of 5]

An overall sweet and sentimental book following people as they navigate the stages of grief and build new relationships. This did have my least favorite trope of, “it’s been a year, it’s time to move on,” but it was handled well overall so it didn’t mess with my experience too much. There’s a certain topic brought up during her grief group around the 50% mark that wasn’t handled in a way I’d prefer, and that definitely took me out of the story. Otherwise, I thought this book was a well done women’s fiction and I enjoyed reading about the character’s ups and downs, the bookish connections and how fiction can teach life lessons, and the genuine friendships. Aside from those aforementioned qualms, the book did a good job of discussing grief after losing a loved one.

Thank you NetGalley and Revell for the ARC. All opinions are my own.

[Nora St Laurent · Rating 5 out of 5]

Riva's husband passed away eighteen months ago, and her kids are pressuring her to sell their family home. The cost of living and maintaining the old home is expensive. The reality has recently hit her too; a friend suggests taking in roommates. Her home was big enough. She wonders.

It's been said that authors write about their experiences. Melody Carlson provides readers with an insight into a grieving program she may have gone through after her husband passed away in December 2024. I liked how the author incorporated her love of reading and books into the story.
I appreciated Riva's ability to be bold with her friends' support. I liked how she tried to help everyone get along while overcoming the challenges posed by the wide variety of characters. It was difficult.

I've read several of this author's books, and each novel inspires me to learn more about the community she spotlights. I truly value Melody's ability to write stories that deepen and strengthen my faith. This book serves as an example of how fiction can impart life lessons and cultivate genuine friendships, which the author excellently depicts in this novel. I highly recommend this heartwarming story, and be sure to check out her other novels.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I requested and received a copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. 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.”

Nora St. Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins!
The Book Club Network blog

[Lori Parrish · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved every minute of this one! Si much so that I was sad when it ended. I love Carlson's books!
I just finished this wonderful novel. Wow!
Grief can hit anytime anywhere. This amazing book shows that. Poor Riva!! Caught between the middle of friends and life oh my.
Kitty is the one character that I didn't like. I didn't like from the get go. But yet at the same time I felt sorry for her. If that makes sense.
I thought it was a bad idea to begin with but then we wouldn't habe a story lol.
I don't think the house liked it either lol. Houses do have stories to tell too.
This story did end up with some funny places but yet at the same time wanted to shake some of these characters bc they acted like children. I already name one earlier but that's all I'll do.
I really did enjoy this story.
Riva was a delight in getting to know. As this story shows there are some very hard decisions to make but infeel like the characters come out better for them.
I truly loved all these characters from their personalities to their amazing friendships. Yes, people wont always get along but that's what makes this story such a cute and delightful one.
Carlson did a wonderful job with this story. Im looking forward to more from her.
Her stories will make your day believe me.
5 stars for keeping me interested all the way through.
Thanks for the opportunity to read and review this awesome novel. I was NOT required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine.

[Tracie Wallace · Rating 5 out of 5]

All Booked Up by Melody Carlson
I don’t know where to start. I loved so many things about this book. The characters are phenomenal. I walked right into this story, like I was there with Riva. I identified with her immediately, that library!
Riva, a recent widow struggles with grief and staying in her home with a mound of medical bills. Forming connections, she invites four women to move into her home and her life is changed forever.
There is growth among the characters, the setting is wonderful in an old Victorian home with a sizeable library.
This book embodies so much about surviving grief and healing. The group of women that are brought together and the issues they have are so perfect in relaying the author’s message of redemption, forgiveness, and love.
I don’t want to give away too much but I really couldn’t walk away for a minute. I was invested and immersed in the story. It’s about grief, healing, friends, found family, grace, and it has books, a home library, and a book group. That’s all I’m going to say. I was so pleased to be given an opportunity to review an ARC of this book, and I will sing its praises. If you’re over 50, and you want an uplifting story, this is your book!
I would like to thank Melody Carlson and NetGalley for the opportunity to review an ARC of this book. The opinions expressed in this review are my own. 5/5⭐

[Christine Barth · Rating 4 out of 5]

This review by librarian Christine Barth was first published in the November 2025 issue of Library Journal.

A widow for more than a year, Riva has moved past her grief, but she cannot bear to part with her Victorian house full of books. However, she might not be able to afford to keep the home. A chance encounter at a grief support group brings free-spirit Windy into her life, and when her best friend Laurel also expresses willingness to pay rent for a bedroom in her dated dwelling, Riva becomes the landlord to a motley crew of women of a certain age.

When clashing personalities break the fragile peace, the boarders almost come to blows over the attentions of Windy's widowed brother Marcus. Riva must seek the Lord's guidance on how to bring everyone together -- and required reading from her extensive library may just be the ticket.

VERDICT: Filling a gap in the market both for novels focusing on friendship and for those featuring mature characters, Carlson (Welcome to the Honey B&B) pens a delightful tale of aging gracefully despite past struggles. In addition to her latest, Carlson's fans might also want to check out Rebekah Millet and Sara Brunsvold's books.

[Scott County Library System · Rating 4 out of 5]

This review by librarian Christine Barth was first published in the November 2025 issue of Library Journal.

A widow for more than a year, Riva has moved past her grief, but she cannot bear to part with her Victorian house full of books. However, she might not be able to afford to keep the home. A chance encounter at a grief support group brings free-spirit Windy into her life, and when her best friend Laurel also expresses willingness to pay rent for a bedroom in her dated dwelling, Riva becomes the landlord to a motley crew of women of a certain age.

When clashing personalities break the fragile peace, the boarders almost come to blows over the attentions of Windy's widowed brother Marcus. Riva must seek the Lord's guidance on how to bring everyone together -- and required reading from her extensive library may just be the ticket.

VERDICT: Filling a gap in the market both for novels focusing on friendship and for those featuring mature characters, Carlson (Welcome to the Honey B&B) pens a delightful tale of aging gracefully despite past struggles. In addition to her latest, Carlson's fans might also want to check out Rebekah Millet and Sara Brunsvold's books.

[Randi Sampson · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of the quickest ways to get me to pick up a book? An author I already enjoy coming out with a bookish book, with a perfectly bookish title to draw me in immediately. (I mean, the idea of not wanting to move because she wouldn't have space for all the books? Yeah, I get that!) While this book was listed as a romance (and there certainly IS some romance in the story), I would say that this book felt much more like Women's Fiction to me... in the best ways possible. Yes, Riva and Marcus were really sweet together... but it was really the female friendships between all the ladies that was the heart of this story. The sense of found family and starting over that we see in this group of ladies was really well done and kept me captivated throughout... and what's a family without a little drama between them to keep things interesting? With messages of forgiveness and fresh starts, this was a beautiful story. If you enjoy Christian fiction with friendship, romance and (mostly) more mature characters, this is one to check out.

**ARC received for consideration. All opinions are my own.

[Elizabeth Foss · Rating 4 out of 5]

Widowed for more than a year, Riva thinks she has moved past her grief, but she learns that grief is not a thing you actually move past. Confronted with the grim possibility that she will lose her Victorian home because she can no longer afford it, she is especially sad to think of parting with her books. At a grief support group, she meets Windy, a free spirit who suggest that she might be able to hold onto the house if she opens it up to boarders. So, Riva becomes the landlady to a group of women of a certain age. When, inevitably, the peace among the women is threatened and even broken, Riva must discern the best steps forward.
This is a much-welcomed novel that focuses more on friendship than romance and is the story of mature characters.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[Jocelyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

All Booked Up by Melody Carlson is a unique story.

Riva Owen, widowed for more than a year, is at a crossroads. She cannot afford to stay in her family Victorian home. She has a massive book collection, which she can't imagine giving up. Her daughter wants her to burn the books or give them away.

Her friend Laurel is in need of housing, and they come up with a plan for Laurel to rent a room. Riva thinks this may be a way for her to stay in her home if she opens up to renters. She is introduced to Fiona, Windy and Kitty. But trouble starts when Windy's handyman brother Marcus comes on the scene.

This story is about forgiveness, patience and new starts. Sweet and clean, a feeling of family when they did not have one. It is refreshing to read a story about mature women who learn how to get along through lifes troubles.

I received a complementary ecopy through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are my own.

[Laura Doyle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ok, I can totally see why people are loving this one! It started off a tad bit slow but picked up pretty quickly. We are first introduced to Riva, a widow living in a large home, who needs to figure out how she is going to stay in her home. She goes to a grief group that was mentioned by a friend and as you go through the books Riva makes connections and friendships.

Not only is this book about friendships and hardships, but it’s also a bookish book! Riva has a library in her house and… there’s talk of a book club. We also see ladies learn lessons through particular books.

Overall, I enjoyed this. But, the women seemed very immature for their age. A lot of drama and gossip. A lot assumptions and accusations. A lot of talking behind backs. I wish the characters felt more their age or just handled things better than they had. I can see why people enjoy this one! I just thought it had much more potential!

[Maureen Timerman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a great faith based read, and the struggles of widowhood.
What a hard decision, but what was she going to do? The author does focus on the lonliness, living alone, no one to talk to and the grief of loosing a spouse.
Riva is having to make some very hard decisions, she is in debt, yet owns a beautiful big home. Should she take in boarders?
We are with her as she takes some boarders, but things cannot run smoothly, and we are there for some major decisions that must be made, made me think that maybe living alone wasn't so bad!
We are offered some really good friends, some that we wonder if they are friends, and others that need to be gone, but is that the Christian way to do it?
I loved this read, and will looking for more from this author!
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Revell, and was not required to give a positive review.

[Lisa M. · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a lovely book for readers who prefer older (aka middle aged) characters. The five main ladies (and leading man) are all basically 40+ years old. Each of these ladies are single due to various reasons from divorce to widow and just unmarried. They are brought together when the MC Riva decides to open up her large historic home for fellow single ladies to let rooms. Bringing 5 different personalities under one roof becomes a challenge, especially when you throw in a handsome widowed brother of one of the ladies into the mix. But I love that there is the message of God's word woven throughout the book. Becoming peacemakers. Learning how to deal with conflict instead of running from it. Handling it with love and grace.

4 stars

*Thank you to NetGAlley and the publishers for my ARC of this book. All opinions are 100% my own.

[Penny · Rating 5 out of 5]

In All Booked Up, widowed Riva finds herself at a crossroads. Does she sell her beautiful Victorian home that houses all of her wonderful books, or does she find a way to stay put? This story reminds me that God has plans for me that are both unexpected and amazing. I loved meeting the variety of characters Riva encounters. They made me laugh, aggravated me, and made me cheer for them. Carlson poured her heart into this story and gave the reader a transparent look into grief, while she cast a wide net of hope and compassion. I received a free copy and opinions are my own.

[Rachel Gruber · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked this book and the relationships in this book . Riva is pushed to move out of her home and she rents out rooms to different people and is surprised on who they are . The even bigger surprise is when she meets one of the people renting a room named Marcus . They end up falling for each other .
All of Melody’s books are heartwarming and faith filled , everyone should check them out.
Thank you Melody for the arc

[Kit Tosello]

Strokes of humor and romance abound in All Booked Up, yet (masterfully) Carlson also goes deep with the grief topic in a way that will make a lot of readers feel seen and understood. I especially loved the bookish conversations among housemates and was inspired to nurture grace, both with myself and with others. Wonderful!

I received an ARC of this book from the author and publisher, and was not required to submit a positive review.

[Melissa Henderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Relationships can be formed from different experiences. Grief, loss, friendship, faith, hope for the future, and much more are found in this heartwarming story. I hope the author will write more stories about these characters. Great read. I received a complimentary copy of the book. No review was required.

[Hope Spears · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a great story about life, love and friendships. The story begins with Riva trying to figure out how to save the Victorian house that has been in her family for generations. She has a large collection of books that she does not want to part with. I can see myself being in the same position of not wanting to down size because I did not want to have to get rid of any of my books.

[Barbara Tobey · Rating 5 out of 5]

A charming and interesting novel. Grieving the loss of a spouse is the basis for the story. It is so much more. Relationships are the heart of the tale. Thanks to the publisher for providing a copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary.

[Virginia Holsten · Rating 3 out of 5]

Too predictable for me, but I know fans would truly enjoy it.