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Dear Daphne #3
Home, Hearth, and the Holidays
With holidays approaching in the charming town of Appleton, and Daphne Ballinger's deadline to "get hitched" drawing closer, Daphne finds herself happily distracted with the unexpected tasks of "motherhood." Young Mabel is enjoying the attention, but the clock is ticking and unless love comes her way, Daphne's delightful life will start unraveling by spring.
326 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 15, 2015
72 people are currently reading
761 people want to read
About the author
Melody Carlson
419 books3,265 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 54 reviews
November 26, 2015
Daphne's deadline to get married is a few months away, but it seems that there are either no prospects or there are too many. Daphne's aunt left Daphne all of her inheritance only if Daphne married within a year of her aunts death. Daphne has been trying to find "Mr. Right" with the help of her friend and neighbor Sabrina.
Daphne thinks it would be very convenient if she fell in love with Mable's uncle Daniel. Daniel has custody of Mable. One problem though is that Daniel wants to go back into the Marine's and take Mable away with him. Daphne is wondering if a marriage of convenience would be the answer to keeping Mable.
In the midst of all of the Christmas rush of activities Daphne sets aside her need to marry and focuses on Mable and parties and pageants. Through it all Daphne's lawyer Jake is in the background. Lending an ear and advice to Daphne since he is the only one besides Sabrina that knows the secret of Aunt Dee's will. Daphne wonders if at 35 she will ever marry. All of the men she has dated and there has never been an attachment. The one man she admires and respects seems to withdraw from her every time they become close. Will Daphne be able to find her "Mr. Right" before her aunts deadline, or will she risk losing everything she has come to love in Appleton?
I was under the impression that this was the last book in the series and so when it ended I found myself a bit disappointed because there was really no conclusion to Daphne's story even though she thinks she has finally managed to snag her man. But I was pleasantly surprised to see that there is one final book coming out in 2016 so I am eagerly anticipating it's publication! Home, Hearth, and the Holidays was a sweet read and I found myself not wanting to leave the characters or the little town of Appleton where it seems everyone truly does know your name...and business! Daphne has a big heart and is eager to share in the life of her friends. Mable is a lucky little girl to be surrounded by so many people who love her. There was a scene that reminded me a little bit of a Pollyanna movie when the whole town rallies around the little girl. If you like cozy romances then I think this is the perfect series. And if you are looking for a book for the holidays then definitely pick this one up!
Daphne thinks it would be very convenient if she fell in love with Mable's uncle Daniel. Daniel has custody of Mable. One problem though is that Daniel wants to go back into the Marine's and take Mable away with him. Daphne is wondering if a marriage of convenience would be the answer to keeping Mable.
In the midst of all of the Christmas rush of activities Daphne sets aside her need to marry and focuses on Mable and parties and pageants. Through it all Daphne's lawyer Jake is in the background. Lending an ear and advice to Daphne since he is the only one besides Sabrina that knows the secret of Aunt Dee's will. Daphne wonders if at 35 she will ever marry. All of the men she has dated and there has never been an attachment. The one man she admires and respects seems to withdraw from her every time they become close. Will Daphne be able to find her "Mr. Right" before her aunts deadline, or will she risk losing everything she has come to love in Appleton?
I was under the impression that this was the last book in the series and so when it ended I found myself a bit disappointed because there was really no conclusion to Daphne's story even though she thinks she has finally managed to snag her man. But I was pleasantly surprised to see that there is one final book coming out in 2016 so I am eagerly anticipating it's publication! Home, Hearth, and the Holidays was a sweet read and I found myself not wanting to leave the characters or the little town of Appleton where it seems everyone truly does know your name...and business! Daphne has a big heart and is eager to share in the life of her friends. Mable is a lucky little girl to be surrounded by so many people who love her. There was a scene that reminded me a little bit of a Pollyanna movie when the whole town rallies around the little girl. If you like cozy romances then I think this is the perfect series. And if you are looking for a book for the holidays then definitely pick this one up!
November 24, 2015
The third book in Carlson’s Dear Daphne series is endearing. Daphne’s relationship with Mabel takes center stage through most of the book and evokes tender tears. It’s good to see the “relationship issue” begin to be resolved. This book will make readers anxious for the conclusion.
Daphne loves having Mabel, but isn’t sure what she will do when Mabel’s uncle takes over custody. When he starts making romantic overtures, this could be the answer to all of Daphne’s problems — or is it? She also starts receiving romantic attention from Harrison, which is pleasant but not exactly fireworks. And then there’s Jake, the only guy who knows her entire dilemma, but he seems to be avoiding her. What’s a girl on a marriage deadline to do? (WHITEFIRE, Oct., 320 pp., $14.99)
- See more at: http://www.rtbookreviews.com/book-rev...
Daphne loves having Mabel, but isn’t sure what she will do when Mabel’s uncle takes over custody. When he starts making romantic overtures, this could be the answer to all of Daphne’s problems — or is it? She also starts receiving romantic attention from Harrison, which is pleasant but not exactly fireworks. And then there’s Jake, the only guy who knows her entire dilemma, but he seems to be avoiding her. What’s a girl on a marriage deadline to do? (WHITEFIRE, Oct., 320 pp., $14.99)
- See more at: http://www.rtbookreviews.com/book-rev...
June 7, 2016
Well, I am invested enough in this story that I really want to find out what guy she ends up with! But this dragging it out in 4 books is a little ridiculous. And really, I know it's fiction but who has so many best friends in such a short time in a little town and also become a guardian to basically a stranger? Ok, even though I sound a bit cynical, it is still a nice little clean romance/slice of life story of small town America and all the unique characters that go with it.
July 21, 2016
Skimmed the last 70 pages. When Daphne wasn't burying herself in self-pity, she was pining for stupid Jake. She's going to marry him in the next book, no doubt. I for one am going straight to spoilers and not even picking up the last book.
November 21, 2015
This is the third book in the Dear Daphne series. I have loved them all.
November 16, 2015
Great series
I have enjoyed reading the books in this series. I can't wait for the new one in April! It is just a good clean good read!
I have enjoyed reading the books in this series. I can't wait for the new one in April! It is just a good clean good read!
November 25, 2016
A simple enjoyable predictable story...
October 27, 2017
Daphne Ballinger might seem like she has it all together, but upon closer inspection and those secrets she only shares with her closest friends and her attorney. When Daphne's Aunt leaves her an inheritance, which comes with a wonderful old Victorian home nestled in the charming small town of Appleton, a classic old car and enough money to keep her comfy, it all sounds like a perfect dream come true. Yet is also comes with a clause that unless she finds herself married by the end of the year, she will lose it all. Sounds easy or chaotic?
Not only that but she is also raising Mabel, a young girl that was left behind by her dying mother until her only living relative, Daniel, an active duty Marine returns home to collect her. But Daphne is more than attached to Mabel, but knows that she promised her mother that she would see that Mabel settles with her Uncle Daniel and hopefully that might be in Appleton. She finds herself at odds with spending time with the two of them and wonders if getting married might solved more than one dilemma. If she marries Daniel, she can become Mabel's mom and also keep her inheritance by meeting all her Aunt's requirements to retain everything she had left her. Daphne is also the writer behind the love advice column her Aunt left behind as well. Something she has enjoyed and it adds to the extra money she uses without touching any of her inheritance.
She just isn't sure if she can marry just to satisfy her need to keep Mabel close and when Daniel informs her that he might not be done with his active duty, she isn't sure she is ready to walk away from all the friends and family she has made in Appleton, especially her southern fireball Sabrina who lives across the street and considers herself Daphne's closest friend in the world. Her attorney doesn't see any loopholes within the law that would allow Daphne to retain custody if Daniel decides to move to the east coast where he is currently stationed. Makes one wonder just how far you would go for love, and then there is the idea that Daniel is very handsome, but he hasn't exactly hinted at the perfect love match for the two of them either. This will be one unforgettable Christmas for sure.
I received Home, Hearth and the Holidays by Melody Carlson compliments of WhiteFire Publishing. I have had the wonderful opportunity to read this entire series and absolutely LOVE it! From her neighbor Sabrina whom I adore, the the unforgettable men that she tries to set Daphne up with, things are about to get more than interesting. This is the third novel in the Dear Daphne series and there is definitely a fourth one coming. I am rooting for one of the characters in the book and hopefully Daphne and him will fan the flames that seem to almost be there if other people won't interrupt the process, but definitely a romantic comedy just in time for Christmas! I easily give this one a 5 out of 5 stars in this readers opinion.
Not only that but she is also raising Mabel, a young girl that was left behind by her dying mother until her only living relative, Daniel, an active duty Marine returns home to collect her. But Daphne is more than attached to Mabel, but knows that she promised her mother that she would see that Mabel settles with her Uncle Daniel and hopefully that might be in Appleton. She finds herself at odds with spending time with the two of them and wonders if getting married might solved more than one dilemma. If she marries Daniel, she can become Mabel's mom and also keep her inheritance by meeting all her Aunt's requirements to retain everything she had left her. Daphne is also the writer behind the love advice column her Aunt left behind as well. Something she has enjoyed and it adds to the extra money she uses without touching any of her inheritance.
She just isn't sure if she can marry just to satisfy her need to keep Mabel close and when Daniel informs her that he might not be done with his active duty, she isn't sure she is ready to walk away from all the friends and family she has made in Appleton, especially her southern fireball Sabrina who lives across the street and considers herself Daphne's closest friend in the world. Her attorney doesn't see any loopholes within the law that would allow Daphne to retain custody if Daniel decides to move to the east coast where he is currently stationed. Makes one wonder just how far you would go for love, and then there is the idea that Daniel is very handsome, but he hasn't exactly hinted at the perfect love match for the two of them either. This will be one unforgettable Christmas for sure.
I received Home, Hearth and the Holidays by Melody Carlson compliments of WhiteFire Publishing. I have had the wonderful opportunity to read this entire series and absolutely LOVE it! From her neighbor Sabrina whom I adore, the the unforgettable men that she tries to set Daphne up with, things are about to get more than interesting. This is the third novel in the Dear Daphne series and there is definitely a fourth one coming. I am rooting for one of the characters in the book and hopefully Daphne and him will fan the flames that seem to almost be there if other people won't interrupt the process, but definitely a romantic comedy just in time for Christmas! I easily give this one a 5 out of 5 stars in this readers opinion.
November 10, 2017
Daphne Ballinger is an attractive woman living in a beautiful Victorian style house and she has a nice car to drive and money to spend, all courtesy of her beloved aunt. She would seem to have the perfect life BUT her deceased aunt left a stipulation in her will. If Daphne isn't married within one year she will forfeit all of this. Now, it isn't that she hasn't had the opportunity but she just can't commit to the various men who have shown an interest. And soon she will turn 35, Spring will arrive and the year will be up! Her doubts and worries are equal to those that she reads in the letters that she receives as advice columnist Dear Daphne and even though she offers sage advice to others, she doesn't have an answer for herself!
Home, Hearth, and the Holidays is the story of Daphne's efforts to remain in the town that she has come to love, take care of the young girl who has been left in her care, and somehow meet a man that she can love and marry. This is the third book in the Dear Daphne series but the first one that I've read and I appreciate that Melody Carlson has written this story so that I was able to understand the past history of the characters. And such great characters they are! Daphne is a nurturing "aunt" to sweet young Mable and she is supported by her fun-loving friend Sabrina, her trusted lawyer Jake McPheeters and the other colorful inhabitants of Appleton. I enjoyed this entertaining story filled with family values, humor and the many activities that a small town Christmas offers and I am anxious to read book four in the series to see if Daphne can find true love and marriage in time to save her inheritance.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. A positive review was not required.
Home, Hearth, and the Holidays is the story of Daphne's efforts to remain in the town that she has come to love, take care of the young girl who has been left in her care, and somehow meet a man that she can love and marry. This is the third book in the Dear Daphne series but the first one that I've read and I appreciate that Melody Carlson has written this story so that I was able to understand the past history of the characters. And such great characters they are! Daphne is a nurturing "aunt" to sweet young Mable and she is supported by her fun-loving friend Sabrina, her trusted lawyer Jake McPheeters and the other colorful inhabitants of Appleton. I enjoyed this entertaining story filled with family values, humor and the many activities that a small town Christmas offers and I am anxious to read book four in the series to see if Daphne can find true love and marriage in time to save her inheritance.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. A positive review was not required.
December 9, 2020
Daphne is excited to be able to spend her first holiday with Mable. Mable's uncle is now here, but he's staying at his mom's house while Mable stays with Daphne, and life is good. She is still going on dates in the hopes of finding the one so she can keep her inheritance, but isn't holding her breath. Sabrina is more than willing to find her new suitors though, so maybe she'll get lucky. Daphne finds everything crashing down when she discovers that Daniel is going re-enlist so that he qualifies for his full pension, but it would involve him moving to North Carolina and taking his niece with him as her legal guardian. Daphne discovers a way to keep Mable, but could she make the necessary sacrifices?
There were a couple of continuity issues between this book and the previous one, but nothing major. it was just a little odd since if I notice reading you would think the editing team would as well. I'm still invested in the story and can't wait to see how the series ends.
There were a couple of continuity issues between this book and the previous one, but nothing major. it was just a little odd since if I notice reading you would think the editing team would as well. I'm still invested in the story and can't wait to see how the series ends.
August 2, 2017
Book 3 in the series! I can't believe that I had this one on my shelf already as well. It might be time to take stock of what's sitting there, eh?
The Good: Another easy to read title and slowly some of those threads are starting to come together and it's becoming pretty clear to see how this series is going to end. I adore Mabel and I was so glad to see a bit of Daphne's best friend back in this book. She was very much missed in book two.
The Bad: Again, no identification that this is book #___ in a series. I really think that's important so that people know when the pick up the book. Other than that and one relationship really raising my eyebrows, I can't say that I have a ton of complaints!
The Summary: If you've made it this far, you need to read this book as well, if only for Mabel's sake. Time is ticking...what's going to happen to Daphne, Mabel, Lucy, and Ethel?
July 29, 2018
This series is really enjoyable. I’ve really had a great time with it so far. In fact I’ve liked it so much that after finishing this installment I’m going to jump right into the next one. That’s kind of unusual for me. I’m just looking so forward to hearing what happens with Bethany and Jake. Part of me didn’t like Jake in the beginning and was hoping she would go for the restaurant owner but I suppose Jake will do. I know that might be giving away a little bit more than I should be but come on you saw that coming right? Anyway, I enjoyed seeing more of Maple and meeting Daniel as well. As always I got quite a kick out of Sabrina. I’m looking forward to the final installment of the series… But at the same time I’m sure I will miss them all.
January 17, 2018
Daphne Ballinger is providing a home for a young girl whose grandmother she knew but had recently died. Mabel has a guardian, her uncle, but he is just returning home from the military and is trying to decide whether he wants to go back or stay in the small town where Mabel has spent her life. Daphne loves Mabel like her own and does not want to see her taken away to some strange place. Lots of decisions have to be made before Christmas but either way Daphne wants to make sure Mabel has a Christmas to remember.
May 28, 2018
This was probably my favorite book in the series - I knew all the characters so I liked hearing about their lives, plus there we saw a lot of Mable and Jenna and they're the best part of the books. Thankfully the focus wasn't nearly as much on trying to find someone to marry anymore. Seriously. How can you go through your days looking at a guy thinking "Can I fall in love with him to save my inheritance?" That would be a horrible way to live. I think I'd rather just move out right away then put that kind of pressure on myself.
April 9, 2022
3.5 stars
I really loved the first two books in this series this one a little less...what I did like was the care that was going into making Mabels life a good life and I really like the friend Sabrina is to Daphne. also I love the parts of dear Daphne whether its a note to figure out her own problems or for her column...what I didn't' like was the character of Mabels uncle Daniel I didn't even like the storyline that involved him...but I'm still rooting for Jake!
I really loved the first two books in this series this one a little less...what I did like was the care that was going into making Mabels life a good life and I really like the friend Sabrina is to Daphne. also I love the parts of dear Daphne whether its a note to figure out her own problems or for her column...what I didn't' like was the character of Mabels uncle Daniel I didn't even like the storyline that involved him...but I'm still rooting for Jake!
November 23, 2025
So this book I actually read back in November but somehow I missed getting it up here. I read the first book in the series back in 2014 and never got around the second one. I picked this one up as a Christmas book and quickly filled in the holes. I am now excited to move onto the final book, but i just finished this book at the beginning of Christmas book reading season, so I think it may be my first book for 2023!
January 15, 2019
Love the characters and the story line. granted there were times I wanted to give a character a piece of my mind and then finally they would do what they needed to do. Laugh out loud funny in areas.
July 23, 2025
Such a pleasant read
If you're looking for a light and breezy read, with some unexpected turns, this series doesn't disappoint. I lately have not been in the mood for heavy reads, this one hit the spot. Perfect for a lazy summer day reading.
If you're looking for a light and breezy read, with some unexpected turns, this series doesn't disappoint. I lately have not been in the mood for heavy reads, this one hit the spot. Perfect for a lazy summer day reading.
February 18, 2018
My head was spinning most of the time i read this book! Yikes! But I love the turn that her life took. God was still leading her, even through all the craziness.
August 3, 2018
This four book series should have been one. In the third seasonal installment, the characters became caricatures.
January 20, 2019
Just fun and charming and I'm eager to read the concluding book. Mabel is a wonderful addition to this group!
March 12, 2019
One book to go in this series. I know who I want her to choose and I think it is gonna happen. We shall see!
July 16, 2019
Book #3 of series. I have enjoyed the series and look forward to finishing book #4
October 14, 2020
Still thoroughly enjoying this short series. On to #4 now.
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October 29, 2020Enjoyed this book about an inspiring writer and the dilemma that is before her about getting married.
January 10, 2021
I am now one step closer to finding out how this all ends. This is such an enjoyable series.
December 25, 2021
This was the third book in the series.so I missed a lot. But it was still good.
February 5, 2022
Great Book - I Love this series - Looking forward to Book #4
August 6, 2023
Really good. Looking for the sequel.
August 8, 2023
I enjoyed this next book in the Dear Daphne series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews