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 … 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.
Full of quirky characters, family drama, and sweet romance, The Happy Camper will have you scouring Craigslist for your own diamond-in-the-rough camper to restore and haunting your local hardware store for a handy guy to help your dreams come true.
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“Her only recourse—a lesson she’d learned long ago, but sometimes forgot—was to give her heartache to God. She knew his ways were higher than hers. And she knew he could handle her brokenness…and that, in time, he would restore her. She would get past this.”
Dillon Michaels is such a special person but she hasn’t always had it easy. A boyfriend unable to commit to marriage, an ogre for a boss, and a mother who has always seemed like the child in their relationship. Dillon finally decides to put it all behind her and go back to her grandfather’s home to help him adjust to her grandmother’s death but her mother has already arrived. Sleeping on a lumpy couch and dealing with her mother are certainly not the best of circumstances but things turn around when her grandfather gives her his old camper to renovate. Her frequent trips to the local hardware store allow her to get to know Jordan Atwood, the store owner, and Dillon is thrilled to find advice and friendship with this confirmed bachelor.
This is such an entertaining story and I enjoyed watching a budding romance develop between Dillon and Jordan. I also found The Happy Camper to be educational because I actually found some great tips about renovating a used camper. There are, of course, memorable characters that both complicate and enhance Dillon and Jordan’s lives and there are situations that suggest an unhappy ending. Dillon’s mother Margo is frustrating, to say the least, but her grandfather is always there to support and guide her. There is also another woman who has her eye on Jordan and Dillon’s old boyfriend shows up, wanting to get back together. Through it all, faith and family play an important role and I appreciate that there are many reminders that forgiveness is the key to finding peace and happiness and that trust in God is essential.
Melody Carlson has once again created a fun, clean, and inspiring story and I can already imagine it as a Hallmark movie. I recommend The Happy Camper to all who enjoy contemporary Christian fiction.
I received a copy of this book from Revell. I wasn’t obligated to write a favorable review and I am voluntarily sharing my honest thoughts.
Melody Carlson is a new to me author. The Happy Camper is a delightful journey of healing, romance and a lot of DIY. From grubby homes to gardens and even a vintage camping trailer, there isn’t anything Dillon can’t seem to make as good as new.
When you add a pesky ex, a hunky hardware store owner and a peevish camping expert, you’ve got a delightfully engaging story.
Lighthearted and entertaining, this is a perfect relief from the difficult times we are currently living in. Well done and thank you.
Thank you in advance to the publisher, Revell, for providing a complimentary review copy through the Revel Reviewers program. A positive review was not required. All words are my own.
This is the first book I’ve read by the author despite the many books she has on the market.
What strikes me right off is the vintage camper/trailer on the cover and the cute, whimsy of it all. It’s got a sunny, happy, bright kind of vibe that draws you right to it.
So, I was wondering what the trailer had to do with a romance story? And, as it turns out – it has something to do with it, and nothing to do with it.
Dillon Michaels, after losing her job and non-committal boyfriend, decides to pack up and head to Oregon to stay with her grandfather. Of course, when she gets there – her wayward mother is there, in Dillon’s room.
And, as the blurb goes – after (more than) a few nights, Dillon gets a surprise gift from her grandfather. He gives her a vintage Aloha Oasis trailer that needs some TLC. But, it gives Dillon her own space.
Honestly, I didn’t know what to think of this book. I didn’t know when/where the romance was coming, or where it was going.
I loved Dillon and her grandfather. I felt they were the two best and realistic characters in the book. I absolutely detested her mother. This woman lacked any maternal instinct at all, and there was never a clear reason for it – depression, anxiety. She seemed at times annoyed with her daughter, competitive with her, as well as disrespecting her.
One spoiler! Dillon only comes into the main house to shower (weekends as she can shower daily after the swimming lessons at work), wash clothes, and eat dinner – and always cleans up – her mother Margot expects Dillon to do the housework! I am not kidding. She even mentions that Dillon is neglecting it. And, despite being proud that her daughter has her own place, she mocks it. One quote: “Isn’t it great to have your own little hideaway?” This is done with a scowl no less. Margot resents the idea she should be in charge of the housework.
In addition, there was never a mention of what happened to Dillon’s father. While the couple may have been non-married, divorced, or Margot being a widow – there is no mention of Dillon’s father. Dillon was mostly raised by her grandparents. I felt there could’ve been more history given with this particular plot.
Most of the storyline centered on the restoration of the trailer, Dillon’s interaction with her mother, and the swimming classes Dillon was teaching. Along the way the romance with Jordan is more of a “will they, won’t they” type of deal rather than actual dating and making plans.
When Dillon’s ex-boyfriend showed up the first time, I was trying to figure out the “WHY” part. Why was he back and what was his ultimate goal? The issue with the ring didn’t come until the LAST CHAPTER and he came back a second time.
What bothered me was the constant push of getting Dillon and Brandon back together from Margot, Janelle, and others in the story. I was wondering why Dillon’s mother even thought of inviting Brandon.
By chapter 20, I was beginning to doubt everyone except Dillon and her grandfather. As of chapter 25, I really despised Vivian and at times Janelle (Jordan’s sister). In the beginning, Vivian was real helpful to Dillon with the trailer restoration, but as the book went on – Vivian’s attitude went from nasty to awful! Her attitude towards Dillon was not explained at any time, and even by the end it wasn’t revealed.
This was a charming, and hard-to-put down read. I loved the small-town charm and the Hallmark movie feel of it. I do feel the end was too short, especially with the last chapter proposal by Brandon. The romance with Dillon and Jordan needed a few more pages at the very least. Like another reviewer, I felt like their story ended before it really got going. So, I was slightly disappointed at the ending. To me, it felt like it was lacking.
Although this book is distributed by Revell, a Christian publisher, this had VERY few references to God in it. There were no bible references, and only occasional references to God in it. It is a clean read with no sex scenes and no foul language.
On the rating scale this is a LOWER 4 star rating. It’s over 3, but not near a 5.
I absolutely judged this book by the cover. Just looking at it makes my stress melt away; it’s positively magical! In all fairness, I did also judge this one by the author. Sometimes I’m having a Melody Carlson kind of day, or week, or quarantine (I’m totally nailing this social distancing thing!) See, I know I can trust Melody to give me the kind of Hallmark-y experience that allows me to simply enjoy a book without super stressful plot twists and deep theological introspection. Don’t get me wrong, you know I love all those things, too. But not all the time!
Dillon has had enough! She doesn’t even realize it until she has chucked the dead-end boyfriend and the dead-end job, but her heart knows exactly where to go, and Grandpa welcomes her home with open arms. When she finds her childhood bedroom occupied by her own mother, Grandpa solves the space issue by offering her a vintage camper. Restoring Rose gives Dillon purpose, as well as the opportunity to get to know Jordan Atwood through trips to his hardware store and a shared enthusiasm for vintage campers. It’s a bit of a bumpy ride, but Dillon and Rose find their identity together. I enjoyed the support Grandpa gives, the understanding Dillon and her mother find for each other, the banter with Jordan, and the joy Dillon finds through her new fascination. Thank you, Melody Carlson, for delivering another truly enjoyable story!
Thank you to the publisher for allowing me a copy to read and review. The opinions stated in this review are my own and are my completely honest assessment.
Can we just pause for a moment and take in this adorable cover?!?!
I’m a big fan of tiny houses, skoolies and vintage RVs, so naturally The Happy Camper was on my Highly Anticipated Christian Fiction February – June 2020 list. It absolutely met my expectations! Melody Carlson is quickly becoming a go-to author for me!
With relatable characters, great theming and a lovely faith thread, this story will make you smile from beginning to end!
The Happy Camper is a super clean and fun contemporary read, suitable for teens and adults alike! If you’re looking for an inspirational, feel-good story, this is definitely it!
I happily (see what I did there?!?) recommend The Happy Camper! It’s available now – visit http://www.christianbook.com to order!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell as part of the Revell Reads Blogger Program. A positive review was not required. Opinions expressed are completely my own.
The Happy Camper by Melody Carlson is a clean, sweet, contemporary romance, written in true Hallmark style, about transition, family relationships and dealing with the innumerable challenges of every day life. With her uplifting anecdotes and faith boosting stories, Melody Carlson weaves simple joys into the storyline, with her character development, by putting characters in life-changing circumstances, and in healing relationships. Home is where the heart heals. Dillon finds peace and satisfaction as a happy camper. She finds joy in simple things like working in her grandmother’s garden and fixing up a vintage camper. The Happy Camper is a delightful story of finding love in the most usual places. It is a light and cute chicklit romance, with well-written characters, about family love and forgiveness. I highly recommend this delightfully engaging, entertaining story, with adorable characters and portraying realistic situations.
This is a wonderful feel good romance. This made me laugh and cry but mostly I laughed. It was fun to read how an old trailer can be renovated. This book also shows that you can go home sometimes and make it. I received a copy of this book from Revell for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.
I can always count on a book by prolific author Melody Carlson to make
me happy and feel uplifted.
A fun,fast,nostalgic read it easily took my mind off the troubles
going on in today’s world.
A fun escape from reality, I think you’ll really enjoy the characters in this one.
A little bit of romance,friends,family,a charming story line are what
you’ll find in this book.
I was swept up in the telling of this whimsical story and even though I don’t have a camper it makes me long for one now as a fun escape for a short time.
Published March 3rd 2020 by Fleming H. Revell Company
I was given a complimentary copy. Thank you.
All opinions expressed are my own.
This was a cute novel about finding your place in the world and what makes you happy. It didn’t seem too much like a romance novel until close to the end where things between Dillon and Jordan finally connect. I felt this was more about going home and starting fresh in life.
I was not overly thrilled with Margot as a motherly figure and felt Dillon was more of the adult in this dynamic. Margot seems to mess things up more than help her daughter and seemed blatantly clueless on any part of Dillon’s life, feelings and desires. Dillon’s Grandfather was my favorite character throughout the entire novel. Unlike her mother, he was there when Dillon really needed someone.
This was an easy read. Had high points and low points and captured the nuances of life and moving forward.
I didn’t realize how much I needed to read a book exactly like this one until I got to the end. Lighthearted, sweet, and a bit whimsical, The Happy Camper is the perfect escape from the constant headlines, stress, and concerns facing much of the world right now.
As Dillon spends time with her mother (who, admittedly, got on my nerves) and her grandfather (who is a dear man), she finds joy in simple things like working in her grandmother’s garden and fixing up a vintage camper. She forms a friendship with the local hardware store owner as well.
There are a couple of plot lines I didn’t love about this book. The ex-boyfriend’s unwillingness to hear what Dillon continuously tries to tell him and the back and forth between her and Jordan got tired by the end of the story.
Yet, I’m willing to overlook that for the simple joys Melody Carlson weaves into this story. I pray everyone finds the delight in something that Dillon does in fixing up her camper.
Disclosure statement: I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.
Happiness & How You Make It!
In 24 hours, Dillon has broken up with Brandon–her boyfriend–quit her job, given up her apartment and hit the road to surprise her grandfather at his farm hundreds of miles away.
Dillon is shocked to find her irresponsible, counter-culture mother has taken up residency at the farm. Her mom is well on her way to starting another crazy scheme—which Dillon often gets pulled in to do all the work, while her mother conveniently disappears.
In the midst of all of this, Dillon’s grandfather gives her a decrepit, run-down trailer. Even though she has no experience with camping, she instantly falls in love with the vintage trailer, and becomes obsessed with restoring it.
Just when a man from town, Jordan, begins to show interest in Dillon, commitment-phobe Brandon reappears. Even though Brandon ignored Dillon while they dated, now he is obsessed with her, and doggedly pursues her no matter where she goes or how often she tells him it is over between them.
Will Brandon succeed in winning Dillon back? Will the past problems between Dillon and her mother torpedo any chance of future happiness for them? Can Dillon hang onto her trailer, or will her mother find a way to take it despite all of Dillon’s work?
This book had lots of fun situations but the story is realistic—especially the mother-daughter angst. I loved the trailer situation, the inclusion of Dillon’s faith, and the sprinkle of humor throughout the tale. I recommend this 5-star book to anyone who enjoys well-written fiction and romances.
Revell Publishing has provided bookreadingtic with a complimentary copy of, The Happy Camper, for the purpose of review.
I love camping and experiencing the outdoors, so when I saw the title of this book, I knew it would be fun to read.
Now, let me tell you, it was such a delight to read! It was the perfect book to read as I’m house-bound hoping for the summer months to start. It was also a great thing to get me into the camping mood. Unfortunately, we no longer have our trailer, but the memories are still there.
Throughout this whole book the author, Melody Carlson, used wonderful descriptions and details to help the reader picture all the feelings of owning and setting up a trailer. I remember the time when we had a trailer, I LOVED going to the camping stores just to find those cute things that added personality to our trailer.
Another thing about this book is the very cute cover! It really gave a wonderful visual of Dillon’s trailer and set up. The colors and images are totally fresh and whimsical.
I could truly see this book being made into a Hallmark movie and be one people would watch over and over.
All the characters the author has in this book are fun and endearing to get to know. I loved the interactions between Dillon and Jordan.
Melody Carlson has written a wonderful story of finding a home and what that really looks like.
I was given this book by the publisher which did not influence my review in any way, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
I’ve been reading a lot of heavy fiction lately and I knew it was time to add a light, fun read to my reading plans. This was the perfect book- it’s light and romantic and has some interesting characters. I learned about glamping. Glamping is a combination of “glamorous” and “camping”, and it means going camping and taking all of the amenities of luxury along with you.
Dillon walks away from her long-term boyfriend and her job within two days and decides to go back to her grandfather’s small farm in Oregon to decide what to do with her life. She plans to surprise her grandfather but when she got there, she was surprised to see her mother living there. She and her mother had never really gotten along with each other so she wasn’t happy to find her where she planned to rest and re-group.
Dillon is thrilled when her grandfather gives her a small Oasis camper that she can fix up and live in. It’s a lot of work but Dillon spends a lot of time on so that she can have a place to sleep other than her grandfather’s lumpy couch.
As part of the rehab of her new camper, Dillon meets the owner of the hardware store, Jordan. After some missed signals between them, Dillon feels that there may be a chance for a relationship between them. That is until her old boyfriend shows and asks her to go back to her old job and into their old relationship. Dillon has to decide if she wants to go back to the person and place that she left or stay at her Grandfather’s farm and start a new adventure with camping and with Jordan.
This is a light fun look with well-written characters but it is more than that. It’s about family and love and forgiveness. When you need a light romance book, give this one a try.
I have not read anything by Melody Carlson before but I’m sure glad I read this book. She has a real talent to bring her characters alive. Even the minor characters were believable.
The story flowed very well and was quite unique. On one hand, it was a typical love story but the other hand, it was also about the joys of owning a vintage camper. She brought these two things together very nicely.
Also, the editing of this book was very well done. I find it quite annoying to have to re-read things because of poor editing. I noticed only a couple of things and they were very minor issues and didn’t affect my enjoyment of the book.
This was not an “I can’t put this down, page-turner” but it did keep my interest throughout.
I give this book 4 out of 5 stars. A 5-star book is over-the-top, can’t put it down kind of book. A 3-star book is a book I really enjoyed but nothing special.
I have been reading some heavy in-depth books lately and this one hit the spot, light hearted and kept me smiling most of the time.
I loved the twins, they seemed so real, and could actually picture them, first hating to learn to swim, and loving when they were with Dillion at the camp ground.
The author gives us family dynamics at all levels, and you wonder if they will all survive to the end, will there be healing and forgiving?
There is some sweet romance here, and some that don’t get the message, or at least need it hammered in. Sometimes we take for granted what we have, until it is gone, but will be able to retrieve it?
Add in a sweet old camper, and then the truck to pull it, and we are on a restoration, we also have gardening, and mega amounts of lavender!
You will be quickly caught up here in this small town, and I would love to go camping with this loving group!
I received this book through the Publisher Revell, and was not required to give a positive review.
An enjoyable tale of self-discovery peppered with quirky, but endearing, characters. While Dillon was forced into some life changes, she was ready to embrace the new opportunities. I enjoyed the chemistry and dynamics between each of the characters. A fun glimpse into the life and community of campers. A feel good, clean, inspirational story of how sometimes things don’t turn out like we expect.
If you’re looking for a cute, what-you-see-is-what-you-get kind of read, this is it! I adored Dillon’s journey into becoming a camper. I could almost feel her excitement as she discovered a love for her new little home, and it made me want to find a cute camper trailer of my own. I loved the lessons that she learned throughout the novel. I especially appreciated the way Carlson approached the inspirational aspect of this book. It wasn’t preachy by any means, but it was very straight forward and honest.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. All expressed opinions belong to me.
I loved this very enjoyable read by Melody Carlson! It was a refreshing story about returning home again and how situations can change our perspectives. This story also had characters who examined their relationships and made adjustments (and amends). The story focuses on Dillon who just honestly misses home especially after some stressful situations in her life. As she travels, she stays in a camper and upon returning she learns more about owning a camper. With her eye for design, she finds ways to occupy her time restoring the camper she receives from her grandfather. While she is working on this transformation, she gets to know Jordan the hardware store owner. Readers will have to read this romantic story to see if things work out between the two of them. If you are looking for an enriching story that inspires you to be more positive, you will enjoy this book! I highly recommend this book! You will not be disappointed!
***I was given a free electronic copy of this book from the publisher. This is my honest opinion. Even though I received this copy free, this is my own opinion.
“Trust the Lord with your whole heart, don’t depend on your own knowledge and experience, include God in all you do, and He will direct you through life.”
Have you ever prayed for God to give you direction? What if that direction came in the form of losing your job and two year relationship in the span of 24 hours? That’s just what happened to Dillion Michaels. She decides to pack up and move back home with her grandpa, whom she really has been missing since her grandma died. This is a beautiful story of love lost and new beginnings. I loved how Dillion listens to God’s direction for her and starts over, not looking back at her job, relationships or past. I loved that this is a story where her life didn’t go as planned and she chooses to start fresh.
She is ready to let go and let God do a fresh work in her after realizing how much she has put God to the side. Of course, moving back home, also comes with it’s own issues and she soon finds herself wanting space from her mom. When her grandpa gives her his vintage camper, she gains a new passion for life in renovating it. As she gets to know the hardware store owner, Jordan Atwood, another curve is thrown at her. Though the ex-boyfriend showing up added a nice twist to the story, I did find him to be annoying. Of course, I guess that’s why he is her ex. I find the camper renovations fun and engaging. It made me want my own. The love story was sweet. The family dynamics realistic and I loved how she dealt with the religious issues that aren’t always easy in families. Her grandpa made the story. I loved the whit and banter between the characters. If you love a warm, witty and engaging storyline with faith and family, you’d love “The Happy Camper.”
I was provided an advanced reader copy of this book through NetGalley by the publisher. All opinions in this review are my honest opinion.
‘Sometimes a life needs to get shaken up…in order to put the pieces together right.’
Dillon Michaels has had enough of her life in Colorado and her unwilling to commit boyfriend. So she heads off to Oregon to help her grandfather out after her grandmother dies. She wasn’t happy with her career, anyway. When she arrives, she finds her eccentric and erratic mother has arrived before her and taken up residence and trying to boss her grandfather around. Dillon pitches in and goes to work, but after a few nights on an old worn out sofa, her grandfather gives her an run down vintage travel camp trailer. She falls in love with it and sets out to restore it, with the help of the town’s hardware store owner, Jordan, who is quite handsome. Then….her bumbling boyfriend shows up wanting to make amends, with flowers and a ring! Ooops!
Melody Carlson has written a delightful tale of quirky characters, some likeable, some not. And the travel trailer portion of the story is precious. So, sit back and be prepared to enter a sweet story.
*My thanks to Revell Publishers for a copy of this book via Net Galley. The opinion here is my own.