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Home Sweet Tiny Home
Kate Burrows has a life many would envy—a good job at a design firm, a huge house, beautiful memories of the late husband who gave her everything, and two grown kids doing well for themselves. But it's all begun to ring hollow as she wanders around a house that's too big for her. So when she gets caught up in binge watching a show all about tiny homes, something clicks—something that soon has Kate embarking on a whole new life.
Though some people call her crazy, she decides to quit her job and relocate to the small tourist town she and her husband always wanted to retire to, and to buy a tiny home of her own. The Lord seems to be paving the way, and she soon meets just the person she needs to help her get her dream going-and even growing! Hank Branson, architect and gentleman farmer, is quick to jump on board her dream to parcel some land off for tiny homes, and soon they have a community in the works.
But is Kate in over her head? How can she possibly uproot her whole life and chase dreams long dormant? Can Hank and his beautiful farm be as perfect as they seem? And what about their competition—the gregarious, confident Glen who won't take no for an answer? Kate may be moving into a tiny house . . . but it soon becomes clear she's in for a big adventure.
6 hours and 48 minutes
Though some people call her crazy, she decides to quit her job and relocate to the small tourist town she and her husband always wanted to retire to, and to buy a tiny home of her own. The Lord seems to be paving the way, and she soon meets just the person she needs to help her get her dream going-and even growing! Hank Branson, architect and gentleman farmer, is quick to jump on board her dream to parcel some land off for tiny homes, and soon they have a community in the works.
But is Kate in over her head? How can she possibly uproot her whole life and chase dreams long dormant? Can Hank and his beautiful farm be as perfect as they seem? And what about their competition—the gregarious, confident Glen who won't take no for an answer? Kate may be moving into a tiny house . . . but it soon becomes clear she's in for a big adventure.
6 hours and 48 minutes
268 pages, Paperback
First published June 1, 2021
45 people are currently reading
316 people want to read
About the author
Melody Carlson
418 books3,240 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 76 reviews
December 20, 2021
3.5 stars
October 14, 2022
I love watching Tiny Home Nation and I have wanted a tiny home, just really scared I need one just for my books. But Carlson has done it again. This book had me hooked from the beginning. I love the sweet romances in the story, and I really loved the small town and how everything came together so perfectly.
June 1, 2022
I really liked this for a fun, easy beach read.
However, I don’t know if it was just my edition of the book, but the editing was terrible. Many places actually had an “?” instead of a name or short phrase throughout the book. So odd.
However, I don’t know if it was just my edition of the book, but the editing was terrible. Many places actually had an “?” instead of a name or short phrase throughout the book. So odd.
September 20, 2021
Nice and easy and cozy.
But I found several editing errors that detracted. Spaces where a name should be and 'S without a name. A few places where instead of a question there was "?"
But I found several editing errors that detracted. Spaces where a name should be and 'S without a name. A few places where instead of a question there was "?"
August 24, 2021
Good book but A LOT of typos!!
November 4, 2022
Great takeaway book like a bubble bath. I call it a romantic comedy. The main character has wonderful dreams that suddenly began happening quickly. I won't spoil the end for you by telling you anymore but I highly recommend it.
February 24, 2025
This was a really fun read from Melody Carlson. I don’t think I’ve ever read a book by her that I didn’t enjoy. I like that the main characters were a bit older, but there were definitely young ones in the story too and they weren’t just side characters. You watch things happen in their lives just as well.
September 18, 2021
I love Melody Carlson’s writing. This book is cozy and wholesome just like her other works.
October 2, 2021
What a charming read! This was a sweet, fun read perfect for an evening escape. Kate and her tiny home adventure made for a story that I thoroughly enjoyed. Add in Hank, Zeb, Leota and the town of Pine Ridge, and this story is a perfect light and fun read. Loved this story!
May 24, 2022
Such a clever plot and a pleasant feel-good read for times we are going through. Highly recommended!
February 28, 2024
Such a cute easy read! I really like her as an author! I’ll be reading more of her books. Thus book reminded me of a few ppl I know!!
July 2, 2021
I enjoyed this book very much. Like the way Melody writes. Besides it being a good story, I think I liked it so much because I am intrigued by tiny homes.
December 26, 2021
Avendo visto parecchie puntate di un programma sulle tiny houses ed essendomi appassionata, non ho potuto fare a meno che comprare e leggere questo libro, visto che la protagonista ha occhio e croce la mia età e decide di rivoluzionare la sua vita andando a vivere in una.
Devo dire che, però, ho sensazioni diverse sul libro. In linea di massima la storia mi è piaciuta, ma trovo che è stata piacevolmente lenta per quasi tutto il libro e poi, all'improvviso o quasi, accade tutto nel giro di dieci pagine. Inoltre la protagonista a volte mi è sembrata troppo insicura e tendeva a farsi mettere i piedi in testa da tutti o quasi. Comunque sia, sono contenta di aver letto questo libro.
Devo dire che, però, ho sensazioni diverse sul libro. In linea di massima la storia mi è piaciuta, ma trovo che è stata piacevolmente lenta per quasi tutto il libro e poi, all'improvviso o quasi, accade tutto nel giro di dieci pagine. Inoltre la protagonista a volte mi è sembrata troppo insicura e tendeva a farsi mettere i piedi in testa da tutti o quasi. Comunque sia, sono contenta di aver letto questo libro.
December 4, 2021
I loved this book!
What a great book! I loved the characters and the whole tiny house story. It was well written and believable. Ms. Carlson has it another hit on her hands! But that's no surprise. Her books are great.
What a great book! I loved the characters and the whole tiny house story. It was well written and believable. Ms. Carlson has it another hit on her hands! But that's no surprise. Her books are great.
February 10, 2022
Carlson, as usual, brings us into a world of interesting characters going through life trials, and learning to overcome them. She draws the picture so we’ll, that I almost had to put the book down because I was getting claustrophobic! Aside from that, thoroughly enjoyable!
June 26, 2021
Melody Carlson's books are like comfort to me. They are relaxing, enjoyable, and always leave me feeling good. Home Sweet Tiny Home was no exception.
September 20, 2021
Not a tiny story
I loved this tale, well written, real life problems. Told with the reader drawn in to the characters lives. Wonderful.
I loved this tale, well written, real life problems. Told with the reader drawn in to the characters lives. Wonderful.
December 1, 2022
The ending seemed very rushed. Loved the story but could have been longer or needed a second book.
May 13, 2022
What I read: Home Sweet Tiny Home by Melody Carlson
Why I picked it up: I’ve loved her books before and it was just waiting to be read when I saw it on the new release shelf.
How I read it: The large print edition on paper.
What it’s about: Kate spends Mother’s Day weekend binge watching an HGTV show featuring tiny homes. Her kids forget to call, it’s raining, and her very large house feels lonely now that she’s a widow. So the next day she calls a realtor and quits her job to move to her dream small town in her new tiny home. It’s sweet and delightful!!
What I liked: Thinking about tiny homes and simplifying life to focus on the important things. Also she opens a flower shop which just sounds like a delightful dream.
What I disliked: The children!! They’re grown, ignore their mother, and just assume she’ll be waiting when they finally decide to call. And then she just offers excuses, but seriously, they were the worst.
Genre: Chaste romance, older main character.
Rating & Recommendation: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ and definitely!!
Why I picked it up: I’ve loved her books before and it was just waiting to be read when I saw it on the new release shelf.
How I read it: The large print edition on paper.
What it’s about: Kate spends Mother’s Day weekend binge watching an HGTV show featuring tiny homes. Her kids forget to call, it’s raining, and her very large house feels lonely now that she’s a widow. So the next day she calls a realtor and quits her job to move to her dream small town in her new tiny home. It’s sweet and delightful!!
What I liked: Thinking about tiny homes and simplifying life to focus on the important things. Also she opens a flower shop which just sounds like a delightful dream.
What I disliked: The children!! They’re grown, ignore their mother, and just assume she’ll be waiting when they finally decide to call. And then she just offers excuses, but seriously, they were the worst.
Genre: Chaste romance, older main character.
Rating & Recommendation: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ and definitely!!
July 1, 2023
I loved this romance and the heart of the romance is building and living in tiny homes. a tiny home community becomes a reality when Kate and Hank envision it after Kate gets his permission to set her tiny home on his farm land. Even though just met, they both have a passion to use his land in a better way to serve the community of Pine Ridge. Hank falls for Kate even though he is still grieving as his wife died 3 yrs prior: Kate also knows grieve as her husband recently died and her huge house is too much for her. After binge watching a tiny house show, she decides its for her.
Hank also helps Kate with a parcel of land she can use for growing flowers for her floral shop.There are other characters who lend their agendas to the mix. There is faith in following Gods will for us written into Kate's life and decisions.
The characters just feel like your friends and just make Pine Ridge in the Seattle region sound so cozy and comfortable.
Hank also helps Kate with a parcel of land she can use for growing flowers for her floral shop.There are other characters who lend their agendas to the mix. There is faith in following Gods will for us written into Kate's life and decisions.
The characters just feel like your friends and just make Pine Ridge in the Seattle region sound so cozy and comfortable.
September 6, 2022
Home Sweet Home is a cozy novel about a 50ish widow named Kate who becomes intrigued with tiny homes after a weekend long binge watch of a tiny home series. She impulsively purchases a tiny house and then searches for land where she can have her tiny house and a greenhouse for her florist business. This search takes her to a farm outside of town, where she meets a handsome farmer -- who decides to go into the tiny house business with Kate, starting a small community.
I wanted to read this novel because I am also intrigued by tiny houses. It was fun, a light, quick read. There is some light inspirational content, and a sweet, uplifting (i.e. should be a Hallmark movie) story.
I recommend Home Sweet Tiny Home for anyone who is interested in tiny house living (lots of fun details!) and who is looking for a weekend or beach read.
I wanted to read this novel because I am also intrigued by tiny houses. It was fun, a light, quick read. There is some light inspirational content, and a sweet, uplifting (i.e. should be a Hallmark movie) story.
I recommend Home Sweet Tiny Home for anyone who is interested in tiny house living (lots of fun details!) and who is looking for a weekend or beach read.
February 27, 2025
3.25 stars
Completed: Feb. 24/25
Format: audiobook borrow from Everand
Challenge Prompt: EOW's "SWEET or SWEETS in the title" -- ANYTIME IN 2025 option
Book #23 of 2025: This novel was a mixture for me. There were parts that I really liked - the friendships, the sense of community, etc. I like the main character's attitude in changing the trajectory of her life and taking ownership of her aspirations and need to chart herself a course.
I wish there had been more specifically about tiny home living and storage. I felt that would have added to the book because it's a whole other niche in multi-purpose items, etc.
The main character's adult children treated her abominably more than once and I found that really awful. I did find my mind wandering often because some of the book felt unnecessary. There wasn't really a high point in this story. The romance aspect seemed to go nowhere and then it abruptly changed which isn't really believable for the reader.
Completed: Feb. 24/25
Format: audiobook borrow from Everand
Challenge Prompt: EOW's "SWEET or SWEETS in the title" -- ANYTIME IN 2025 option
Book #23 of 2025: This novel was a mixture for me. There were parts that I really liked - the friendships, the sense of community, etc. I like the main character's attitude in changing the trajectory of her life and taking ownership of her aspirations and need to chart herself a course.
I wish there had been more specifically about tiny home living and storage. I felt that would have added to the book because it's a whole other niche in multi-purpose items, etc.
The main character's adult children treated her abominably more than once and I found that really awful. I did find my mind wandering often because some of the book felt unnecessary. There wasn't really a high point in this story. The romance aspect seemed to go nowhere and then it abruptly changed which isn't really believable for the reader.
May 16, 2025
4.5 stars
What a delightful book; it was like a breath of fresh air! I loved that the FMC was in her 50s. I find the idea of a well-designed tiny home to be interesting, and this character's living situation was great. I also enjoyed her thoughts of changing her career - following her dreams.
There were some surprisingly insightful quotes I'd love to share, but I'll let you discover them for yourself.
My only quibble with the book was that things were wrapped up too quickly at the end of the book. As some other reviewers have indicated, it was a bit abrupt. I would have loved for the ending to have lasted for another two or three chapters. And I would love a sequel!
Some other reviews mention poor editing and that drives me bananas, so I'm glad I listened to the audiobook.
First time to read this author and I'm excited to read more!
What a delightful book; it was like a breath of fresh air! I loved that the FMC was in her 50s. I find the idea of a well-designed tiny home to be interesting, and this character's living situation was great. I also enjoyed her thoughts of changing her career - following her dreams.
There were some surprisingly insightful quotes I'd love to share, but I'll let you discover them for yourself.
My only quibble with the book was that things were wrapped up too quickly at the end of the book. As some other reviewers have indicated, it was a bit abrupt. I would have loved for the ending to have lasted for another two or three chapters. And I would love a sequel!
Some other reviews mention poor editing and that drives me bananas, so I'm glad I listened to the audiobook.
First time to read this author and I'm excited to read more!
July 12, 2021
I love Melody Carlson’s stories. Home Sweet Tiny Home is right up there with my favorites. With humor and compassion Carlson tells the story of change in a mature woman’s life after her husband has passed away and her children are grown. I love Kate’s spunk and her willingness to dive into a new venture. Hank is a sweetheart and Glen is a little too confident. And then there is Natalie… This is a funny, warm read you’ll enjoy. I love that Carlson has written a story about older men and women. And I enjoyed the tiny house aspect. If you like light reads with a fun twist, you’ll love this one. I purchased my copy. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
November 16, 2022
Loved this book. Super sweet, not too cheesy. Cozy genre; would make a great TV series—or movie.
Kate is ready to move on with her life. She’s a widow with two grown children and an oversized house. She seems impulsive, but at the same time, making some good decisions about her future. And this includes quitting her job, selling her home and moving into a teeny tiny house (without telling her kids)! Lots of down-sizing. 5,000 square feet to about 200 square feet.
Probably not going to be a literary classic, but well written and a quick read. Plenty of problems to solve—and she prays to God for guidance. What a novel idea. (No pun intended—okay! Pun intended!)
Kate is ready to move on with her life. She’s a widow with two grown children and an oversized house. She seems impulsive, but at the same time, making some good decisions about her future. And this includes quitting her job, selling her home and moving into a teeny tiny house (without telling her kids)! Lots of down-sizing. 5,000 square feet to about 200 square feet.
Probably not going to be a literary classic, but well written and a quick read. Plenty of problems to solve—and she prays to God for guidance. What a novel idea. (No pun intended—okay! Pun intended!)
July 2, 2021
Sweet little story
Kate's a five year widow, and Hank is a three year widower. He allows her to park her tiny home by his barn while her lot is being readied. Glen is a rival thing home addition owner and pursues Kate relentlessly, while Natalee, rich widow, tries to spark interest in Hank. Kate pursues her dream of owning a florist shop and growing her own flowers. I feared there would have to be a sequel as I neared the end of the book with nothing settled. But it all worked out to a happy ending. Sweet story.
Kate's a five year widow, and Hank is a three year widower. He allows her to park her tiny home by his barn while her lot is being readied. Glen is a rival thing home addition owner and pursues Kate relentlessly, while Natalee, rich widow, tries to spark interest in Hank. Kate pursues her dream of owning a florist shop and growing her own flowers. I feared there would have to be a sequel as I neared the end of the book with nothing settled. But it all worked out to a happy ending. Sweet story.
September 26, 2021
As someone who has watched my share of "tiny home" videos on YouTube during Covid and admired those who embrace living with less "stuff", this book was a sweet treat! The main character decides to sell her large family home after her children are grown and her husband has passed away to "go tiny" and she finds happiness and a real sense of community that she had been missing since her children were young.
If you are in the mood for a light read with a happy ending that will bring smiles to your face as you read, I would encourage you to give this book a try!
If you are in the mood for a light read with a happy ending that will bring smiles to your face as you read, I would encourage you to give this book a try!
March 9, 2023
I love tiny houses and I love stories about people who chuck it all and start over again in some idyllic place where they can follow dreams they never had time to follow before. I felt like this book ended very abruptly, it would have been nice to see more of the courtship between the characters who end up married or engaged at the end. This actually would have made a great trilogy, one book for Kate, one for Leota, and another for Kate’s boss who I really expected to pop back up at some point, especially after we found out she was retiring.
September 4, 2022
A lite cozy tale about Kate Burrows giving up her large house and good job
To move to a farm and start a small tiny house community with the farm owner
Hank Branson. Her children think she has gone bonkers and finally come
Round to like her place and the florist shop she opened. The story is about
Downsizing and putting the past behind and moving forward. I recommend
This book. It is a fast read with delightful characters.
To move to a farm and start a small tiny house community with the farm owner
Hank Branson. Her children think she has gone bonkers and finally come
Round to like her place and the florist shop she opened. The story is about
Downsizing and putting the past behind and moving forward. I recommend
This book. It is a fast read with delightful characters.
June 25, 2024
I really love this author! Her sweet, cozy romance reads are just what I need! This story involves Katy. A widow with two grown kids and a big house. She sells the house and buys a tiny home. Then drives to a town called Pine Ridge in search of land. There, she meets Hank. A widower who is lookin to sell part of his land. It's so wonderful and charming. predictable in all the right ways!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews