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Valentine's Day #1
Once upon a Winter's Heart
Emma Burcelli has suffered over a decade of dating disasters. But she concludes that love is officially dead when her grandfather Poppi suddenly passes, leaving her grandmother Nona devastated. To help out, Emma works in the family bookstore, which Nona insists must be decked out in sweetheart décor as Poppi would have done for Valentine’s Day. Although she feels like a V-Day Scrooge, Emma quickly learns to enjoy the task with the help of a handsome family friend, Lane Forester, who shows her that hanging hearts is much more fun when done to the tune of Dean Martin. As Emma and Lane share time and memories of Poppi, she reconsiders the notion that romance is alive.
199 pages, Library Binding
First published January 1, 2014
63 people are currently reading
918 people want to read
About the author
Melody Carlson
418 books3,244 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 127 reviews
January 6, 2022
Oh my gosh, Once Upon a Winter's Heart by Melody Carlson broke my heart. This is the first book in the Valentine's Day series. I wasn't really sure what would this book would be like, but it was so good!! The cover really caught my attention and made me want to read it. Once Upon A Winter's Heart was so easy to follow along, and was NOT a disappointment!
Emma Burcelli has suffered over a decade of dating disasters. Emma says that love in completely dead to her when her grandfather Poppi suddenly passes away leaving her whole family devastated. Emma is living in Seattle at the time, but she gets a call to come take care of her Nona. Emma's Nona realizes that its February and the bookstore is not decorated for Valentine's Day. Poppi always had decorations up at the bookstore for Valentine's Day, but whose going to do it when Poppi has passed away? Emma decides to step in and help out to lift the stress off her Nona's shoulders.
Emma quickly learns to enjoy decorating the bookstore with the help of a handsome family friend, Lane Forester. Emma is quickly drawn to Lane but when her sister Anne has already claimed Lane, Emma's heart is shredded to pieces, Emma's mother, Saundra insists that lane only sees her as a future sister-in-law, but Emma can't help wondering if Lane is drawn to her more than he is to her sister. Lane, Emma, and her Nona seemed like such sweet people, I kept cheering them on. When Emma's nephew Tristan shows up in this story I thought he was so cute. Anne and Saundra are just two self-centered characters who got on my nerves constantly.
Emma Burcelli has suffered over a decade of dating disasters. Emma says that love in completely dead to her when her grandfather Poppi suddenly passes away leaving her whole family devastated. Emma is living in Seattle at the time, but she gets a call to come take care of her Nona. Emma's Nona realizes that its February and the bookstore is not decorated for Valentine's Day. Poppi always had decorations up at the bookstore for Valentine's Day, but whose going to do it when Poppi has passed away? Emma decides to step in and help out to lift the stress off her Nona's shoulders.
Emma quickly learns to enjoy decorating the bookstore with the help of a handsome family friend, Lane Forester. Emma is quickly drawn to Lane but when her sister Anne has already claimed Lane, Emma's heart is shredded to pieces, Emma's mother, Saundra insists that lane only sees her as a future sister-in-law, but Emma can't help wondering if Lane is drawn to her more than he is to her sister. Lane, Emma, and her Nona seemed like such sweet people, I kept cheering them on. When Emma's nephew Tristan shows up in this story I thought he was so cute. Anne and Saundra are just two self-centered characters who got on my nerves constantly.
February 9, 2021
This book was so cute. It was fun reading a Valentines Day themed book. I really liked Lane and Emma. They were cute together,and Lane was so sweet. I loved the bookstore,and how it was decorated for Valentines Day. That was fun! Tristan was a sweetheart. I really liked Nona too. Anne and Saundra drove me crazy. Although,I really liked Emma’s Dad. He seemed nice. Now,I want to go listen to “That’s Amore” by Dean Martin and eat chocolates.I definitely recommend this book to anyone looking for a cute,short story.
December 15, 2023
Winsome lights of generosity from the main character thaw out the crisp complications of family into a mushy dazzle of winter romance.
January 28, 2020
Another nice little Valentine's story from Melody Carlson. This book had some of my favorite things: Italians, a book store & Dean Martin. I really did not like Emma's sister Anne or her mother, two very self-centered characters. Otherwise, the book had enjoyable characters and a sweet family story.
August 4, 2023
Not as good as her other books.
January 11, 2021
Cute. A little cheesy at the end, but mostly cute.
February 12, 2014
It’s forever the bane of my reading life to never read seasonal books during the season they are using as filler. This past Christmas I was determined to read (and by “read,” I mean actually make it to that last page) a few Christmas novels and did I? Um, no. When this book came around, I figured it was high time I snagged a copy and actually read it. So that’s what I did. Set during the Valentine Day period, it tells the story of the jaded Emma whose trust in love is nothing if not fragile. Her grandparents were the prime example of what it means to be in a marriage with God at the center but then there are her parents. And her sister. With her grandfather’s recent death, Emma leaves behind her life in Seattle to help her grandmother around the house and slowly begins to open her heart to Lane Forrester. But things get complicated when she learns her sister has a claim on Lane.
Reading this novel (which is very short on average though probably is longer than the “technical” novella), makes its reader feel nostalgic. It put me in mind of days past, folding colorful cardstock and cutting out hearts or writing out Disney Valentine’s which is also closely resembling its cover illustration (and it’s gorgeous!) and I suspect, exactly what Melody wanted the book to feel like. Those of us who prefer more time for characters to grow – both as individuals and as a couple if that’s the path of the story, will be disappointed as there is very little depth of characters. The story takes a more lighthearted, easy approach to its subjects which can be nice on the occasion you feel overwhelmed with theology or topics that inspire a reader to think.
I didn’t respect some of the choices in the book though that falls into being a question of personal preference. There are cute classic book references and a scene that debates The Phantom of the Opera then there is the banter between Emma and her family which is cute – especially the scenes with her dad and I giggled over Emma adjusting to her mother rooming with her (note the scene of Emma taking her bubble bath), and in fact could even relate to Emma with certain of her personality quirks. Anyone looking for a cozy read will probably enjoy this novel. It’s not great for those looking for substance, yet for a holiday read, there are plenty of hearts, sappy moments of paper nostalgia and of course a sweet romance albeit one that does end with ambiguity though, any well-read inspirational romance reader knows… the implication speaks volumes. *wink*
Find the review elsewhere:
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Reading this novel (which is very short on average though probably is longer than the “technical” novella), makes its reader feel nostalgic. It put me in mind of days past, folding colorful cardstock and cutting out hearts or writing out Disney Valentine’s which is also closely resembling its cover illustration (and it’s gorgeous!) and I suspect, exactly what Melody wanted the book to feel like. Those of us who prefer more time for characters to grow – both as individuals and as a couple if that’s the path of the story, will be disappointed as there is very little depth of characters. The story takes a more lighthearted, easy approach to its subjects which can be nice on the occasion you feel overwhelmed with theology or topics that inspire a reader to think.
I didn’t respect some of the choices in the book though that falls into being a question of personal preference. There are cute classic book references and a scene that debates The Phantom of the Opera then there is the banter between Emma and her family which is cute – especially the scenes with her dad and I giggled over Emma adjusting to her mother rooming with her (note the scene of Emma taking her bubble bath), and in fact could even relate to Emma with certain of her personality quirks. Anyone looking for a cozy read will probably enjoy this novel. It’s not great for those looking for substance, yet for a holiday read, there are plenty of hearts, sappy moments of paper nostalgia and of course a sweet romance albeit one that does end with ambiguity though, any well-read inspirational romance reader knows… the implication speaks volumes. *wink*
Find the review elsewhere:
Amazon ▪ Blogger ▪ Novel Crossing ▪ Wordpress
October 9, 2013
Title: ONCE UPON A WINTER’S HEART
Author: Melody Carlson
Publisher: Hachette Books Group
January 2014
ISBN: 978-1-4555-2811-0
Genre: Romance/novella
Emma Burcelli has suffered over a decade of dating disasters. But she concludes that love is officially dead when her grandfather Poppi suddenly passes, leaving her grandmother Nona devastated. To help out, Emma works in the family bookstore, which Nona insists must be decked out in sweetheart décor as Poppi would have done for Valentine's Day. Although she feels like a V-Day Scrooge, Emma quickly learns to enjoy the task with the help of a handsome family friend, Lane Forester, who shows her that hanging hearts is much more fun when done to the tune of Dean Martin. As Emma and Lane share time and memories of Poppi, she reconsiders the notion that romance is alive.
Just as Emma's heart begins to lift, however, she learns her sister has already staked a claim on Lane. Emma's mother and sister insist Lane only sees her as a future sister-in-law, but she can't help wondering if it could be something more.
ONCE UPON A WINTER’S HEART is a Valentine’s Day romance. I initially thought it was a new Christmas book by her so I was excited to get it, but it was just as good as a Valentine’s story – and a nice twist.
The story isn’t written in deep point of view, and there is some telling, both of which jumped out at me. It also was fairly predictable, especially where Emma’s sister was concerned. I liked Emma’s openness, her friendliness, and Lane was a very nice man, and realistically flawed.
If you want a Valentine’s Day novella to read, then ONCE UPON A WINTER’S HEART will be sure to warm you up. It is a delightful read. Warning for the more conservative readers, the characters do drink wine. ONCE UPON A WINTER’S HEART is a story I recommend for a sweet holiday read. $11.00. 160 pages. 4.5 stars
Author: Melody Carlson
Publisher: Hachette Books Group
January 2014
ISBN: 978-1-4555-2811-0
Genre: Romance/novella
Emma Burcelli has suffered over a decade of dating disasters. But she concludes that love is officially dead when her grandfather Poppi suddenly passes, leaving her grandmother Nona devastated. To help out, Emma works in the family bookstore, which Nona insists must be decked out in sweetheart décor as Poppi would have done for Valentine's Day. Although she feels like a V-Day Scrooge, Emma quickly learns to enjoy the task with the help of a handsome family friend, Lane Forester, who shows her that hanging hearts is much more fun when done to the tune of Dean Martin. As Emma and Lane share time and memories of Poppi, she reconsiders the notion that romance is alive.
Just as Emma's heart begins to lift, however, she learns her sister has already staked a claim on Lane. Emma's mother and sister insist Lane only sees her as a future sister-in-law, but she can't help wondering if it could be something more.
ONCE UPON A WINTER’S HEART is a Valentine’s Day romance. I initially thought it was a new Christmas book by her so I was excited to get it, but it was just as good as a Valentine’s story – and a nice twist.
The story isn’t written in deep point of view, and there is some telling, both of which jumped out at me. It also was fairly predictable, especially where Emma’s sister was concerned. I liked Emma’s openness, her friendliness, and Lane was a very nice man, and realistically flawed.
If you want a Valentine’s Day novella to read, then ONCE UPON A WINTER’S HEART will be sure to warm you up. It is a delightful read. Warning for the more conservative readers, the characters do drink wine. ONCE UPON A WINTER’S HEART is a story I recommend for a sweet holiday read. $11.00. 160 pages. 4.5 stars
December 14, 2024
fun, quick read
February 13, 2017
If you are looking for a Valentine's Day novella that is not too sugary, sappy, or full of perfect people, look no further. Emma is convinced that Poppi was the last of his kind, as all the marriages in her family are falling or have fallen apart. On top of this, her very Italian looks have made her feel less attractive than her blond, blue eyed mother and sister since she was young. This might seem a bit cliche, and so might her father's words to her, but it fits the story and helps give a lovely feel to certain scenes.
I really enjoyed the bookstore aspects of this story and the way that Emma becomes aware of Lane, as well as Emma's relationship with her Nona and Lane's with Poppi. I also enjoyed the short scenes involving who is sitting where in church.
The relationship between Emma and Lane develops quickly, but there are setbacks along the way which make the story all the sweeter. There is a depth to the characters in this story that I don't always find in novellas, though perhaps that is just my reading.
Whenever a romance heroine is a little older (Emma is 32) it adds to my enjoyment, as does a familiar setting. More importantly, though, is that the plot is well structured and nicely paced. There was a lot to like in this novella.
A sweet and enjoyable story, with the romance balanced by grief and marital dysfunction. This is the first book I've read by Melody Carlson and I'm definitely up for more.
I really enjoyed the bookstore aspects of this story and the way that Emma becomes aware of Lane, as well as Emma's relationship with her Nona and Lane's with Poppi. I also enjoyed the short scenes involving who is sitting where in church.
The relationship between Emma and Lane develops quickly, but there are setbacks along the way which make the story all the sweeter. There is a depth to the characters in this story that I don't always find in novellas, though perhaps that is just my reading.
Whenever a romance heroine is a little older (Emma is 32) it adds to my enjoyment, as does a familiar setting. More importantly, though, is that the plot is well structured and nicely paced. There was a lot to like in this novella.
A sweet and enjoyable story, with the romance balanced by grief and marital dysfunction. This is the first book I've read by Melody Carlson and I'm definitely up for more.
April 6, 2020
A wonderful book. My first of Melody Carlson but definitely not my last. I found it so well written. I loved that there was a few "scenes" written in a bookstore and it involved Valentine's Day. I loved Nona and Emma. Tristan was a cute little character. And, you have Lane...he just completes the story. I really didn't care for Emma's sister, Anne, or her mother, Saundra. They were manipulative and ridiculous but without them there wouldn't have been a story. It was a fantastic read. Highly recommend.
January 16, 2016
'AWWWW. I hope they get married'
That was my final thought as I closed the book.
Emma comes home because of a death in the family. She had no idea her life would change forever, and maybe that death had more to do with everything than you would normally think.
This is definitely a story for the hopeless romantic.
Emma was a little hardened to love or be loved, then Lane came through the door.
This is a perfect book to put you in the mood for love and the upcoming Valentines Day!
That was my final thought as I closed the book.
Emma comes home because of a death in the family. She had no idea her life would change forever, and maybe that death had more to do with everything than you would normally think.
This is definitely a story for the hopeless romantic.
Emma was a little hardened to love or be loved, then Lane came through the door.
This is a perfect book to put you in the mood for love and the upcoming Valentines Day!
February 13, 2016
A sweet Valentines Day story for those hopeless romantics
June 27, 2021
Cute short read. End wraps up super fast but enjoyed it.
October 12, 2020
When Poppi dies, Emma quits her job in Seattle and moves back home to be with her Nonna. It sounds like a drastic decision, but she hadn't been happy there for a long time and losing this time with her Nonna isn't an opportunity she's willing to give up. Who knows how much longer she'll be there for? Her Poppi was a huge believer in Valentines day, and one of the first things her Nonna asks is if Emma can decorate the bookstore for Valentines Day. Emma agrees since it means so much to her, but Valentines Day is not important to her. Her grandparents had the last case of true love she knew of, and now that Poppi is gone she feels so is true love. Her relationships have all ended in failure, her parents do nothing but argue and now her mom had just moved out, her sister just went through a divorce that was finalized less than a year ago, and now her sister Anna has moved on to a new bachelor in town, Lane. Emma finds herself drawn to Lane, but her sister and mom warn her to back off. He's a friendly guy, they tell her, and he's just trying to get in good with her family to make a good impression. That makes her even more concerned, because if she can't even tell the difference between a friendly and a flirty conversation, how can she possibly know what's love?
This book was rather predictable, but I did enjoy it. Anna's back story was the only real surprise that I didn't necessarily predict, but it's such a minor detail that it doesn't really count as a surprise. I do think this would make a good Hallmark Channel movie if that tells anybody what type of story this really is.
This book was rather predictable, but I did enjoy it. Anna's back story was the only real surprise that I didn't necessarily predict, but it's such a minor detail that it doesn't really count as a surprise. I do think this would make a good Hallmark Channel movie if that tells anybody what type of story this really is.
May 7, 2023
I wanted so much to reach into this book and slap both Anne and Saundra. Anne acting like Lane was her boyfriend when they were NOT officially dating, and Saundra just wanted to plan a big fancy wedding to IMPRESS people. In other words, they treated Lane as nothing more than a prized horse instead of a human being with his own feelings. What is worse is that the ONLY reason Anne decided to help with the BBBS fundraiser was to CLAIM Lane as “her man” instead of doing it for the kids nor out of the kindness of her heart. Both Anne and Saundra a very self-centered and they both deserved to be slapped.
February 12, 2017
2.5? It wasn't bad, but all the characters were pretty unlikable. Emma quits her job and heads home after her beloved grandfather dies and falls for the man who gave his eulogy. Emma was so unsympathetic to everyone around her, most especially her mother. She, her dad and Noni were just super judgemental and Emma was always convinced in how right she was, even when she was clueless. Her sister wasn't great, either, but it's not like Emma came out smelling like roses. Lane and Gerard should probably run far away.
December 31, 2024
Emma moves back home after her beloved grandfather passes away. She is so different from her mother & sister & always feels she doesn't measure up. Emma's family seems to be falling apart. This is a really good short story about family, love, rekindled hope, and finding your place & purpose. Great story and well written characters. Melod's writing always sweeps me up, and I find it difficult to put down.
December 28, 2024
Sweet story
This is a sweet story. Sisters can sometimes be the best of friends or the worst of enemies. The different personalities play a role in the relationship as well. Put a man in the mix that both are interested in, well, that can be tough. Either one will get the man or neither will.
This is a sweet story. Sisters can sometimes be the best of friends or the worst of enemies. The different personalities play a role in the relationship as well. Put a man in the mix that both are interested in, well, that can be tough. Either one will get the man or neither will.
April 30, 2021
Nice upbeat book
Once upon a Winter's Heart is a cute little romance with family involved. Along with characters that are 4 generations. It is set around Valentine's Day and a bookstore. I love reading Melody Carlson!
Once upon a Winter's Heart is a cute little romance with family involved. Along with characters that are 4 generations. It is set around Valentine's Day and a bookstore. I love reading Melody Carlson!
February 26, 2022
Sweet Story!
I really enjoyed this story. Perhaps I should say a gentle story. Like a Sunday afternoon read. No swearing, no on the edge of your seat action. Just a lovely, warm, sweet story. A normal romantic story. it! Loved it!
I really enjoyed this story. Perhaps I should say a gentle story. Like a Sunday afternoon read. No swearing, no on the edge of your seat action. Just a lovely, warm, sweet story. A normal romantic story. it! Loved it!
February 20, 2023
Could not put this cute novella down. Yes, it reads like a Hallmark movie. I loved the main character and her relationship with her grandmother. Her sister and mother were annoying, but every story needs someone who you can dislike. Fun read for a weekend!
November 5, 2024
Kan kärleken väckas till liv genom att man alla hjärtans dag-pyntar en bokhandel ihop med en snygg och trevlig man?
Jättemysig bok! Det var som att läsa en Hallmark-film 😍 Har alltid drömt om att vara med i en sån djupdykande bokcirkel som presenteras i den här boken.
Jättemysig bok! Det var som att läsa en Hallmark-film 😍 Har alltid drömt om att vara med i en sån djupdykande bokcirkel som presenteras i den här boken.
February 15, 2017
I really would rate this three and half stars.
February 3, 2019
Cute little quick read! I really enjoyed this, it really got me in the mood for Valentines Day! It also gave me hope as I am a “Valentines Day Scrooge”
September 11, 2019
Quick read - somewhat trite but enjoyable.
March 18, 2020
This book was a wonderful short clean holiday book.
May 15, 2020
I enjoyed this book, had so heart ache, live, jealously and a happy ending.
June 7, 2020
Always a good read with life's little lessons.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 127 reviews