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Dear Daphne #1
Lock, Stock, and Over a Barrel
With high hopes, Daphne Ballinger lands her dream job at The New York Times. But it's not long until writing about weddings becomes a painful reminder of her own failed romance, and her love of the city slowly sours as well. Is it time to give up the Big Apple for her small hometown of Appleton?
When her eccentric Aunt Dee passes away and leaves a sizeable estate to Daphne, going back home is an easy choice. What isn’t easy is coming to terms with the downright odd clauses written into the will.
Daphne only stands to inherit the estate if she agrees to her aunt's very specific posthumous terms -- personal and professional. And if she fails to comply, the sprawling old Victorian house shall be bequeathed to . . . Aunt Dee’s cats.
And if Daphne thinks that’s odd, wait until she finds out an array of secrets about Aunt Dee's life, and how imperfect circumstances can sometimes lead to God's perfect timing.
When her eccentric Aunt Dee passes away and leaves a sizeable estate to Daphne, going back home is an easy choice. What isn’t easy is coming to terms with the downright odd clauses written into the will.
Daphne only stands to inherit the estate if she agrees to her aunt's very specific posthumous terms -- personal and professional. And if she fails to comply, the sprawling old Victorian house shall be bequeathed to . . . Aunt Dee’s cats.
And if Daphne thinks that’s odd, wait until she finds out an array of secrets about Aunt Dee's life, and how imperfect circumstances can sometimes lead to God's perfect timing.
320 pages, Paperback
First published April 30, 2013
106 people are currently reading
821 people want to read
About the author
Melody Carlson
414Ìýbooks3,103ÌýfollowersMelody 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 - 29 of 162 reviews
June 27, 2013
Review on Amazon:
Review on my blog (to be posted 7/8):
3.5 stars
First and foremost, I want to say that I'm only basing my rating/review on the actual story, not the writing itself, since I received an uncorrected ARC copy of Lock, Stock, and Over a Barrel and it was very rough/unpolished.
Lock, Stock, and Over a Barrel was a fun and quirky read! The characters were interesting and I liked how the book didn't have a typical ending and left me wondering what was going to happen next in Daphne's life.
I really loved the "Dear Daphne" letters. That was definitely one of my favorite parts of Lock, Stock, and Over a Barrel.
Overall, I liked Lock, Stock, and Over a Barrel a lot and look forward to (hopefully) reading the next "Dear Daphne" novel when it releases. :) If you enjoy contemporary novels, I think you will enjoy this book.
*I received this book for free for my review. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.*
Review on my blog (to be posted 7/8):
3.5 stars
First and foremost, I want to say that I'm only basing my rating/review on the actual story, not the writing itself, since I received an uncorrected ARC copy of Lock, Stock, and Over a Barrel and it was very rough/unpolished.
Lock, Stock, and Over a Barrel was a fun and quirky read! The characters were interesting and I liked how the book didn't have a typical ending and left me wondering what was going to happen next in Daphne's life.
I really loved the "Dear Daphne" letters. That was definitely one of my favorite parts of Lock, Stock, and Over a Barrel.
Overall, I liked Lock, Stock, and Over a Barrel a lot and look forward to (hopefully) reading the next "Dear Daphne" novel when it releases. :) If you enjoy contemporary novels, I think you will enjoy this book.
*I received this book for free for my review. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.*
August 15, 2022
This was my first book from this author, and while it isn't my "normal" go to type of book, it was definitely pretty good.
The author did a great job at developing the characters. The storyline was pretty unique, as were the characters, which was nice to see in a book. However, if you're the type of person that needs a very clear, concrete end of book, this may not be for you. I wouldn't say it ends on a total cliffhanger, but it does leave it fairly open-ended ... leaving you to wonder how the rest of her life may go. which i find interesting.. Being that there are more books in the series, you'll only need to move on to the next to find out what does happen. Easy Peasy. ;x
In this book, we follow our FMC Daphne in a small town with dreams of one day having a successful writing career in NY. As Daphne is feeling kind of "stuck" in her mundane life, she finds out her aunt Dee left her her house in her beneificiary with a list of "tasks" she must complete in order to fully own it. If she doesn't complete these tasks, the home will go to a "cat home." Along this journey, she learns some interesting things about her aunt... and maybe herself'?
I think a lot of people will relate to Daphne, which makes this book so great.
The author did a great job at developing the characters. The storyline was pretty unique, as were the characters, which was nice to see in a book. However, if you're the type of person that needs a very clear, concrete end of book, this may not be for you. I wouldn't say it ends on a total cliffhanger, but it does leave it fairly open-ended ... leaving you to wonder how the rest of her life may go. which i find interesting.. Being that there are more books in the series, you'll only need to move on to the next to find out what does happen. Easy Peasy. ;x
In this book, we follow our FMC Daphne in a small town with dreams of one day having a successful writing career in NY. As Daphne is feeling kind of "stuck" in her mundane life, she finds out her aunt Dee left her her house in her beneificiary with a list of "tasks" she must complete in order to fully own it. If she doesn't complete these tasks, the home will go to a "cat home." Along this journey, she learns some interesting things about her aunt... and maybe herself'?
I think a lot of people will relate to Daphne, which makes this book so great.
June 27, 2013
Daphne Ballinger's left her small town life in Appleton with high hopes of having a writing career in the Big Apple. Thing is it's thirteen years later, and she is finds herself stuck in a job that is far from what she hoped for, sharing the same apartment, and still heartsore from a relationship from ten years ago when a boyfriend burned her bad. When she gets a call from her father that her rather eccentric ninety-one year old aunt Dee passed away she goes home. She is soon surprised that her aunt left her sole beneficiary of everything that she owned, including a beautiful old Victorian, a vintage Corvette and plenty of money, there is just a couple of snafu's her aunt left some pretty specific requirements and Daphne has a year to fulfill her aunt's wishes. If she doesn't the house will be given to the "Cat House" the shelter where she adopted her beloved kitties Lucy and Ethel. As several secrets come to light about Aunt Dee Daphne learns things that she would have never guessed. Will Daphne leave New York behind and move back to Appleton, and if she does will she be able to meet the requirements of Dee's will?
Melody Carlson is one of my all time favorite writers, her versatile writing skills, has taken me on several adventures and "Lock, Stock, and Over a Barrel" allows me to watch Daphne Ballinger go from someone who seemed unhappily stuck in her life to someone with choices if only she can embrace them. Daphne is a character that is so easy to relate to, she was someone that had hopes and dreams, but after years of the same old same old her life was in a rut! I enjoyed seeing the changes that precipitated in her life once she returned to Appleton. Plenty of secondary characters really stood out for me including Daphne's dad, his life was in transition as well, and the secrets that he learned about Aunt Dee was something that he took in stride.Even though Aunt Dee has passed away, her character played such an integral role in the plot, she seemed like a fun loving someone, who did have a few regrets and hoped to keep Daphne from making some of the same mistakes. Ms. Carlson's descriptions easily allowed me to feel the small town setting of the story, and the advice column reminded me of Dear Abby! While there is an inspirational bent to the story, it isn't overwhelming, and seemed perfectly plausible I will say the author certainly left me hanging with the ending, and I know I will keep wondering until the next installment how things will work out for Daphne! If you have never read anything by Ms. Carlson this book is the perfect time to start, or if you're like me and are a long time fan, you're not going to want to miss this one. I only hope readers don't have to wait long for the next installment in the Dear Daphne series!
Melody Carlson is one of my all time favorite writers, her versatile writing skills, has taken me on several adventures and "Lock, Stock, and Over a Barrel" allows me to watch Daphne Ballinger go from someone who seemed unhappily stuck in her life to someone with choices if only she can embrace them. Daphne is a character that is so easy to relate to, she was someone that had hopes and dreams, but after years of the same old same old her life was in a rut! I enjoyed seeing the changes that precipitated in her life once she returned to Appleton. Plenty of secondary characters really stood out for me including Daphne's dad, his life was in transition as well, and the secrets that he learned about Aunt Dee was something that he took in stride.Even though Aunt Dee has passed away, her character played such an integral role in the plot, she seemed like a fun loving someone, who did have a few regrets and hoped to keep Daphne from making some of the same mistakes. Ms. Carlson's descriptions easily allowed me to feel the small town setting of the story, and the advice column reminded me of Dear Abby! While there is an inspirational bent to the story, it isn't overwhelming, and seemed perfectly plausible I will say the author certainly left me hanging with the ending, and I know I will keep wondering until the next installment how things will work out for Daphne! If you have never read anything by Ms. Carlson this book is the perfect time to start, or if you're like me and are a long time fan, you're not going to want to miss this one. I only hope readers don't have to wait long for the next installment in the Dear Daphne series!
May 17, 2013
Moving to New York after college Daphne had dreams of becoming a great writer. Getting a dream job for The New York Times she thought she was all set. But a failed romance and years of being stuck in the same job disillusions Daphne.
When Daphne's Aunt Dee passes away Daphne travels to her hometown to attend the funeral. When the will is read leaving the bulk of her Aunt's estate to Daphne she is as surprised as the rest of her relatives. According to her Aunt's attorney though there are some stipulations in the will that may keep Daphne from inheriting.
While Daphne gets to know her hometown all over again she meets many people that help to welcome her to her new life in Appleton. She gets reacquainted with her old friend Olivia who helps her choose paint colors to give her Aunt's house a facelift. She meets the local diner owner whom her father thinks would be a great match for her. She meets her Aunt's gardener who happens upon her sunning in the backyard in her nightgown. And her Aunt's attorney seems to be taking an interest in Daphne's social life as well. When a man from her past shows up to try and win her heart again, Daphne is confused about what she wants and wonders what her Aunt was thinking when she made the stipulations in her will.
Lock, Stock and Over a Barrel was a cute read. It kept me entertained throughout. I enjoyed the small-town atmosphere of Daphne's hometown and all of the people that came into her life once she moved there. I did find myself getting a bit frustrated at Daphne's indecisiveness, but as the book progressed she seemed to grow as a character. Being Book One in the new Dear Daphne series I am hoping for more maturity on Daphne's part to develop in the next book. I'll be looking forward to reading the next book to see if Daphne is able to meet all of her Aunt's stipulations to claim her inheritance. And of course to see if any of the eligible bachelors capture Daphne's attention ;)
When Daphne's Aunt Dee passes away Daphne travels to her hometown to attend the funeral. When the will is read leaving the bulk of her Aunt's estate to Daphne she is as surprised as the rest of her relatives. According to her Aunt's attorney though there are some stipulations in the will that may keep Daphne from inheriting.
While Daphne gets to know her hometown all over again she meets many people that help to welcome her to her new life in Appleton. She gets reacquainted with her old friend Olivia who helps her choose paint colors to give her Aunt's house a facelift. She meets the local diner owner whom her father thinks would be a great match for her. She meets her Aunt's gardener who happens upon her sunning in the backyard in her nightgown. And her Aunt's attorney seems to be taking an interest in Daphne's social life as well. When a man from her past shows up to try and win her heart again, Daphne is confused about what she wants and wonders what her Aunt was thinking when she made the stipulations in her will.
Lock, Stock and Over a Barrel was a cute read. It kept me entertained throughout. I enjoyed the small-town atmosphere of Daphne's hometown and all of the people that came into her life once she moved there. I did find myself getting a bit frustrated at Daphne's indecisiveness, but as the book progressed she seemed to grow as a character. Being Book One in the new Dear Daphne series I am hoping for more maturity on Daphne's part to develop in the next book. I'll be looking forward to reading the next book to see if Daphne is able to meet all of her Aunt's stipulations to claim her inheritance. And of course to see if any of the eligible bachelors capture Daphne's attention ;)
May 24, 2013
When Daphne Ballinger learns that she has inherited her Aunt Dee's estate, she is completely at odds at why her Aunt would leave everything all to her. She lives in New York and though she was fond of visiting her Aunt, she can't come to terms with why everything is now in her name. Unfortunately it's not quite a cut and dry proposal either. There are a few conditions before Daphne can lay claim to not only her Aunt's fortune but gain possession of the old home and everything in it. The first condition is that Daphne must be willing to live in the home and care for her Aunt's two cats, Lucy and Ethel. For Daphne that is a no-brainer since writing for the New York Times for the last few years she isn't going to ever gain a promotion working with her current boss who seems to have it in for Daphne.
The second condition is that Daphne must be willing to assume taking over her Aunt's advice column for the local paper, Dear Daphne as well as in the New York Times. This is an easy decision since all Daphne's been writing at the New York Times is engagement announcements so she feels this is a simple step up in her writing career.
The third stipulation is that she has to fall in love and get married within a year. Not that one may just in fact be the biggest challenge for Daphne to face since she has no prospects on the horizon either in New York or moving back to her Aunt's hometown of Appleton. If she doesn't follow all the stipulations in the will, the house and all the estate holdings will go back to The Cat House, a pet rescue facility where her Aunt Dee adopted Lucy and Ethel.
Looking for a prospect of a new future on the line, Daphne agrees to the conditions of the will and hopes that in time she may just find someone she can love. But if she can't she'll be both homeless and jobless and have to find a way to start over again quite literally from nothing. Good thing for her that Appleton is a small town and she seems to have no problem finding men who are interested in learning more about Daphne from her Aunt's gardener, to the local organic produce owner, and even her Aunt Dee's attorney seem to be lining up willing to date the latest heiress in their small town. In fact Daphne thinks things are fine until the man she fell in love with ten years ago that broke her heart suddenly shows up at her front door. Oh what's a girl to do?
I received Lock, Stock and Over A Barrel by best selling author Melody Carlson compliments of Shelton Interactive and B and H Publishers for my honest review. This is definitely one you want to add to your summer's reading list and features a list of characters you find yourself rooting for Daphne to chose as her potential husband. I was rooting for the local gardener with the Australian accent that stops by to help keep her landscaping looking amazing and enjoy a cup of coffee or lemonade if she has it available. I've been a huge fan of Melody Carlson's books and this one has found a permanent home on my library shelf. I'd rate this one a 4.5 out of 5 stars.
The second condition is that Daphne must be willing to assume taking over her Aunt's advice column for the local paper, Dear Daphne as well as in the New York Times. This is an easy decision since all Daphne's been writing at the New York Times is engagement announcements so she feels this is a simple step up in her writing career.
The third stipulation is that she has to fall in love and get married within a year. Not that one may just in fact be the biggest challenge for Daphne to face since she has no prospects on the horizon either in New York or moving back to her Aunt's hometown of Appleton. If she doesn't follow all the stipulations in the will, the house and all the estate holdings will go back to The Cat House, a pet rescue facility where her Aunt Dee adopted Lucy and Ethel.
Looking for a prospect of a new future on the line, Daphne agrees to the conditions of the will and hopes that in time she may just find someone she can love. But if she can't she'll be both homeless and jobless and have to find a way to start over again quite literally from nothing. Good thing for her that Appleton is a small town and she seems to have no problem finding men who are interested in learning more about Daphne from her Aunt's gardener, to the local organic produce owner, and even her Aunt Dee's attorney seem to be lining up willing to date the latest heiress in their small town. In fact Daphne thinks things are fine until the man she fell in love with ten years ago that broke her heart suddenly shows up at her front door. Oh what's a girl to do?
I received Lock, Stock and Over A Barrel by best selling author Melody Carlson compliments of Shelton Interactive and B and H Publishers for my honest review. This is definitely one you want to add to your summer's reading list and features a list of characters you find yourself rooting for Daphne to chose as her potential husband. I was rooting for the local gardener with the Australian accent that stops by to help keep her landscaping looking amazing and enjoy a cup of coffee or lemonade if she has it available. I've been a huge fan of Melody Carlson's books and this one has found a permanent home on my library shelf. I'd rate this one a 4.5 out of 5 stars.
May 20, 2013
I was given an ARC copy of this book and was asked to read and give a honest review of the book
Lock, Stock, and Over A Barrel A Dear Daphne Novel by Melody Carlson.
check at the bottom of this post for the giveaway of the ARC of this book.
This book and characters are easy to connect with, you feel like you can just step into this small hometown and be friends with all the characters. It is a book that you just want to keep reading to see what is next.
Daphne had a dream to be a writer and after college she lands a job as a writer for the New York Times, but after years in the city she wonders if this is what she really wants. She is like we are when we think we know what we want and then when we get it we wonder is this really that great or what is going to make us happy.
Daphne's Aunt dies and she goes home for the funeral, but to her surprise Daphne's Aunt has left Daphne her house with some strings attached. The reader gets caught up in Daphne trying to decide what she wants, whether she can meet her Aunts strings for her inheritance and what will really make her happy.
This book, I think, is somewhat of a quest for Daphne to find out what she really wants out of life, about being happy, and about trusting God to help her make the right decisions and believing in the plan God has for her. It is a very good book that is very enjoyable. It has a good story and at the end of the book it leaves you wanting more. An excellent book. Melody Carlson has another good book that will connect with the readers.
I would highly recommend this book. This book will be out June 2013. check out Melody Carlson's website for more about her and her books at
June 27, 2013
Thursday, June 27, 2013
Melody Carlson's Lock, Stock, and Over a Barrel, ©2013
Daphne Ballinger has a lot to learn as she maneuvers in and out of her new experiences of being in Appleton again.
He straightened the stack of papers on the table. "Dee was the most eccentric client I ever had. And I'm sure going to miss her. But I promised to do all I could to ensure that you inherit her estate, Daphne. That's what she wanted."
--Lock, Stock, and Over a Barrel, 52
Vows extended.
Daphne has been bequeathed her relative's Queen Anne Victorian and her 1955 copper-colored Chevrolet Corvette for a year. Meeting conditions of the will determines if she retains them beyond that time. She resigns from her city job and begins anew in her hometown.
Daphne finds it is not quite as simple as when she left for college. Her dad is selling the house she grew up in and moving into a senior condo complex with all the amenities, including a blonde realtor wanting to make plans for the Queen Anne on Huckleberry Lane.
Distanced from her childhood and past, except for the orange cat and stripy gray cat coming with the house, other changes are an added groundskeeper and reacquainting with her former classmates.
Come and join Daphne as she explores adventures she never thought were available for her. She may find they are the dreams she wasn't seeking, but were hers all along.
Lock, Stock, and Over a Barrel
B&H Books (June 1, 2013)
***Special thanks to Laurel Teague for sending me a review copy.***
Melody Carlson's Lock, Stock, and Over a Barrel, ©2013
Daphne Ballinger has a lot to learn as she maneuvers in and out of her new experiences of being in Appleton again.
He straightened the stack of papers on the table. "Dee was the most eccentric client I ever had. And I'm sure going to miss her. But I promised to do all I could to ensure that you inherit her estate, Daphne. That's what she wanted."
--Lock, Stock, and Over a Barrel, 52
Vows extended.
Daphne has been bequeathed her relative's Queen Anne Victorian and her 1955 copper-colored Chevrolet Corvette for a year. Meeting conditions of the will determines if she retains them beyond that time. She resigns from her city job and begins anew in her hometown.
Daphne finds it is not quite as simple as when she left for college. Her dad is selling the house she grew up in and moving into a senior condo complex with all the amenities, including a blonde realtor wanting to make plans for the Queen Anne on Huckleberry Lane.
Distanced from her childhood and past, except for the orange cat and stripy gray cat coming with the house, other changes are an added groundskeeper and reacquainting with her former classmates.
Come and join Daphne as she explores adventures she never thought were available for her. She may find they are the dreams she wasn't seeking, but were hers all along.
Lock, Stock, and Over a Barrel
B&H Books (June 1, 2013)
***Special thanks to Laurel Teague for sending me a review copy.***
June 17, 2013
My Review:
Life is always easy when you are truly convinced that you have it all under control. Daphne Ballinger thought she did have it all under control. But after moving to New York to put her degree in journalism to work for her things didn't quite go as she had planned. She thought that she would only share an apartment with her room mates for less than a year and then be making enough money to own her own home. But thirteen years later no such luck.
Daphne worked at the New York Times as a wedding writer. Things had been going along fairly well for, or as well as can be expected when she received the call from her father that her Aunt Dee had passed away. She started to recall the summers she spent at her home, as a child while her father would be busy at work. Daphne's mom has passed away when she was a small child so her Aunt would care for her when needed.
Well Daphne goes to help her father with the arrangements and finds out that Aunt Dee has left her, her home but everything is contingent on certain things she will have to do. Follow Daphne as she works her way through this dilemma.
**Disclosure** This book was provided to me for my honest review at no charge by CFBA
Life is always easy when you are truly convinced that you have it all under control. Daphne Ballinger thought she did have it all under control. But after moving to New York to put her degree in journalism to work for her things didn't quite go as she had planned. She thought that she would only share an apartment with her room mates for less than a year and then be making enough money to own her own home. But thirteen years later no such luck.
Daphne worked at the New York Times as a wedding writer. Things had been going along fairly well for, or as well as can be expected when she received the call from her father that her Aunt Dee had passed away. She started to recall the summers she spent at her home, as a child while her father would be busy at work. Daphne's mom has passed away when she was a small child so her Aunt would care for her when needed.
Well Daphne goes to help her father with the arrangements and finds out that Aunt Dee has left her, her home but everything is contingent on certain things she will have to do. Follow Daphne as she works her way through this dilemma.
**Disclosure** This book was provided to me for my honest review at no charge by CFBA
June 30, 2013
There was something about this premise that grabbed me: a Daphne Ballinger, a 34 year-old who lives in NYC, is stuck, stuck, stuck. Then her great-aunt dies, leaving her a house and inheritance. There are a few strings that complicate things -- immensely -- but you'll have to read the book to find out what they are. Let's just say she has to take over her aunt's advice column, house, and a couple other things. In the process Daphne learns secrets... and more important, learns how to live. She finds she can break out of her rut. And comes to peace with whatever the future holds...and not settling just to get along. It was a fun story with lots of great characters and I really hope we get to read the next book in the series. These are characters and a story I long to return to! Unfortunately I read this one too fast. It sucked me in so completely, I had it finished in mere hours!
May 1, 2016
"Was she so accustomed to shutting down her feelings, or to concealing them, that she no longer knew how she felt? Was it possible to stifle yourself so much that you completely lost touch with your genuine emotions? If so, had she done it? And if she'd done it, was there some way to undo it?"
After having finished the 86 Bloomberg Place series last month by Carlson, I wasn’t sure if I was going to want to jump into a new one but I decided to give it a try and hope for the best. And this one really paid off not only was I not able to stop reading this book, but it helped me stop feeling like a reading slump was about to happen.
Now let’s get to the actual review.
Daphne moved to New York right out of college with a plan, and a job working for the New York Times. All of her plans seemed to be happening as well until she met a guy, fell for him and then had her heart broken when she discovered the truth about him. The heartbreak left her with no motivation, and now having to do work that wasn’t hers in order to please her boss and keep her job.
Her life doesn’t start changing until she get a phone call from her dad telling her that her Aunt Dee has passed away and asking if she can come home to help. Once she gets home she sees how much has changed since she left. But the main focus of this story is Aunt Dee’s inheritance and rules that go with it that she receives. With the inheritance she also learns a lot of secret’s her aunt had kept from everyone. Plus the goals she has for Daphne so she won’t end up like her. Which end up slightly turning Daphne into a reverse gold digger.. Yes that’s now a thing. She has so many men in her life all of a sudden and even gets some real friends it seems for a change and a social life for the first time in a while. It’s nice to see her change from this unhappy/lonely person to one that realizes how great of an opportunity she has now and is taking full advantage of it and enjoying the time she has before she potentially loses everything.
Overall I really liked this story. When it first started I was a little worried because it started talking about living in an apartment and having two other roommates and I was a little worried that it was going to be like 86 Bloomberg place series. But it’s not at all, and in fact religion was hardly mentioned in this one at all besides one church scene and the mention of prayer throughout the story. This one does focus on relationships and dealing with going back into the dating world which normally I wouldn’t like, but with the guidelines that Aunt Dee had put in place it just made the story very interesting. Especially when Daphne’s ex came back into the picture for a while and she just wasn’t having any of it, and I was so proud of her for doing that. Please read this one if you’re looking for a fun quick and clean read.
Btw when did I start liking contemporary and romance novels? I’m not saying this is a bad thing; it’s just not my normal. But I’m okay with it and I still love my Historical Fiction.
Thank you to Netgalley and B&H Books for an E-Arc of the book in exchange for my honest review.
After having finished the 86 Bloomberg Place series last month by Carlson, I wasn’t sure if I was going to want to jump into a new one but I decided to give it a try and hope for the best. And this one really paid off not only was I not able to stop reading this book, but it helped me stop feeling like a reading slump was about to happen.
Now let’s get to the actual review.
Daphne moved to New York right out of college with a plan, and a job working for the New York Times. All of her plans seemed to be happening as well until she met a guy, fell for him and then had her heart broken when she discovered the truth about him. The heartbreak left her with no motivation, and now having to do work that wasn’t hers in order to please her boss and keep her job.
Her life doesn’t start changing until she get a phone call from her dad telling her that her Aunt Dee has passed away and asking if she can come home to help. Once she gets home she sees how much has changed since she left. But the main focus of this story is Aunt Dee’s inheritance and rules that go with it that she receives. With the inheritance she also learns a lot of secret’s her aunt had kept from everyone. Plus the goals she has for Daphne so she won’t end up like her. Which end up slightly turning Daphne into a reverse gold digger.. Yes that’s now a thing. She has so many men in her life all of a sudden and even gets some real friends it seems for a change and a social life for the first time in a while. It’s nice to see her change from this unhappy/lonely person to one that realizes how great of an opportunity she has now and is taking full advantage of it and enjoying the time she has before she potentially loses everything.
Overall I really liked this story. When it first started I was a little worried because it started talking about living in an apartment and having two other roommates and I was a little worried that it was going to be like 86 Bloomberg place series. But it’s not at all, and in fact religion was hardly mentioned in this one at all besides one church scene and the mention of prayer throughout the story. This one does focus on relationships and dealing with going back into the dating world which normally I wouldn’t like, but with the guidelines that Aunt Dee had put in place it just made the story very interesting. Especially when Daphne’s ex came back into the picture for a while and she just wasn’t having any of it, and I was so proud of her for doing that. Please read this one if you’re looking for a fun quick and clean read.
Btw when did I start liking contemporary and romance novels? I’m not saying this is a bad thing; it’s just not my normal. But I’m okay with it and I still love my Historical Fiction.
Thank you to Netgalley and B&H Books for an E-Arc of the book in exchange for my honest review.
January 29, 2016
Although I don't especially like the author, I found myself surprisingly not only liking this book, but also looking forward to next book of the series, Dating, Dining and Desperation, because, yes, unbeknownst to me when I downloaded the book, this is a series. And, of course, once I finished reading that one, I didn't waste any time buying the third installment, Home, Hearth and Holidays, because, you see, this may not be a 5 star series, but it's addicting. Once you start reading, you just have to know what's going to happen to Daphne.
In true Carlson style, the Dear Daphne series is narrated in a way that feels as if a friend was telling you the story. I like that. What I usually dislike about her books is the way Christianity is portrayed, superficially, and as an afterthought, basically saying that the character did this, said that, felt this way and, oh, by the way, she also prayed. So, when reading a Carlson book, I have to somewhat put my expectations of Christian fiction aside and read them as just contemporary fiction with a sort of Christian vibe, which is sad to me but still manageable.
Daphne Ballinger is a 34 year old woman who moves from New York to Appleton, her hometown, when she inherits her favorite aunt's house, along with everything else in her estate. However, that inheritance comes with strings attached in the form of a few conditions Daphne has one year to comply with or she looses the inheritance to an animal shelter. One condition is that she has to continue writing her aunt's advice column, Dear Daphne. Another condition, and the most implausible and baffling one, is that she has to get married. I know it sounds silly and it is. But, somehow, it works.
Daphne comes off as immature and boy crazy, mainly because she knows she is in a race against time, but it is still irritating. Every time she meets a guy she thinks maybe that's the one, and it doesn't help that every guy seems to fall for her or at least really, really like her. From the beginning, it's pretty obvious who is the guy she will choose (well, it better be Jake!), but she second guesses herself, and the guy, all the time. She also second guesses her own intentions, her talents, and her abilities, which is very frustrating. However, as annoying as Daphne can be, one can also identify with her, and her struggles and insecurities.
The secondary characters —her love interests, her family, and friends� are mostly well written, even though a few of them feel a bit cartoonish, especially the guys interested in Daphne.
Lock, Stock and Over a Barrel �3.5 stars
All in all, I give the series (although I have not read the last book, which is set to come out in April 2016) 3.5 stars out of 5.
*I received a copy of this book in exchange of an honest review
In true Carlson style, the Dear Daphne series is narrated in a way that feels as if a friend was telling you the story. I like that. What I usually dislike about her books is the way Christianity is portrayed, superficially, and as an afterthought, basically saying that the character did this, said that, felt this way and, oh, by the way, she also prayed. So, when reading a Carlson book, I have to somewhat put my expectations of Christian fiction aside and read them as just contemporary fiction with a sort of Christian vibe, which is sad to me but still manageable.
Daphne Ballinger is a 34 year old woman who moves from New York to Appleton, her hometown, when she inherits her favorite aunt's house, along with everything else in her estate. However, that inheritance comes with strings attached in the form of a few conditions Daphne has one year to comply with or she looses the inheritance to an animal shelter. One condition is that she has to continue writing her aunt's advice column, Dear Daphne. Another condition, and the most implausible and baffling one, is that she has to get married. I know it sounds silly and it is. But, somehow, it works.
Daphne comes off as immature and boy crazy, mainly because she knows she is in a race against time, but it is still irritating. Every time she meets a guy she thinks maybe that's the one, and it doesn't help that every guy seems to fall for her or at least really, really like her. From the beginning, it's pretty obvious who is the guy she will choose (well, it better be Jake!), but she second guesses herself, and the guy, all the time. She also second guesses her own intentions, her talents, and her abilities, which is very frustrating. However, as annoying as Daphne can be, one can also identify with her, and her struggles and insecurities.
The secondary characters —her love interests, her family, and friends� are mostly well written, even though a few of them feel a bit cartoonish, especially the guys interested in Daphne.
Lock, Stock and Over a Barrel �3.5 stars
All in all, I give the series (although I have not read the last book, which is set to come out in April 2016) 3.5 stars out of 5.
*I received a copy of this book in exchange of an honest review
August 6, 2013
I identify with Daphne Ballinger a little more than I expected. First of all, her Aunt Dee reminds me a a lot of my Granny Boo. Granny might have been more brash than Dee, but they were both strong willed, independent women before their time. In Dee's case she's determined to see Daphne's life go the way she sees fit, even from the other side. Her will certainly lays down some very unique requirements. Dee does it out of love and good intentions, but her determination is still speaking from the grave.
Daphne, fortunately, had a very healthy and close relationship with her Aunt Dee. Now with her guidance gone, Dee stands at a crossroad. Should she step out of her comfort zone and see where God will lead her? Or stay with what's safe and familiar even if it doesn't make her happy?
Part of her decision includes choosing who to love and for the right reasons. I don't want to give anything away, so just know that there are several single men present and available and the choice is overwhelming! Not just for Daphne, but for me too. I found myself rooting for a particular gentleman only to question my choice a couple of chapters later. Your discovery is paced with Daphne's without a hint of who her final choice will be.
The author did a great job balancing humor and sincerity with blossoming faith. Daphne's choice at the end of the book was a bit of a surprise, but that's good! I felt like I really experienced the journey with Daphne, and even if my choices or thoughts might have taken a different path personally, I understood and empathized with the character's decisions and situations.
I know this is just the first book in the series and it was a great launching pad. Daphne's story concludes in such a way that leaves you satisfied yet wanting more. Looking forward to more from Melody Carlson.
Daphne, fortunately, had a very healthy and close relationship with her Aunt Dee. Now with her guidance gone, Dee stands at a crossroad. Should she step out of her comfort zone and see where God will lead her? Or stay with what's safe and familiar even if it doesn't make her happy?
Part of her decision includes choosing who to love and for the right reasons. I don't want to give anything away, so just know that there are several single men present and available and the choice is overwhelming! Not just for Daphne, but for me too. I found myself rooting for a particular gentleman only to question my choice a couple of chapters later. Your discovery is paced with Daphne's without a hint of who her final choice will be.
The author did a great job balancing humor and sincerity with blossoming faith. Daphne's choice at the end of the book was a bit of a surprise, but that's good! I felt like I really experienced the journey with Daphne, and even if my choices or thoughts might have taken a different path personally, I understood and empathized with the character's decisions and situations.
I know this is just the first book in the series and it was a great launching pad. Daphne's story concludes in such a way that leaves you satisfied yet wanting more. Looking forward to more from Melody Carlson.
June 26, 2013
"Lock, Stock, and Over a Barrel" is a fun start to a series that is sure to please fans of Melody Carlson, and features a character that I'm looking forward to revisiting in the future! Daphne Ballinger is one of those characters who is utterly real, one who seems stuck in the rut of her life until her Aunt Dee passes away and offers Daphne the chance to reclaim her life. Daphne is someone we can all relate to, as she has to live with regrets over past choices, but also realizes that she can move beyond her past and discover God's plan for her life. There is plenty of drama and action to keep the pages of this story turning, and the unique premise of the book makes for a fun read as Daphne is forced to wrestle with the clauses of the will regarding the estate that has been left to Daphne. I do have to say that as Daphne considered several different potential love interests, that there were times I felt like smacking her upside the head (most gently of course) as she waffled about the future of her relationship with one gentleman in particular. But Melody Carlson did an excellent job of resolving some of the subplots of this novel while leaving plenty of things open-ended to address in future books in the series. I, for one, am looking forward to see what happens next in Daphne's life, as she becomes ever more confident in who God has made her to be.
I strongly recommend this contemporary fiction read, and award it 4 out of 5 stars.
Book has been provided courtesy of the publisher and Christian Fiction Blog Alliance, for the purposes of this unbiased review.
I strongly recommend this contemporary fiction read, and award it 4 out of 5 stars.
Book has been provided courtesy of the publisher and Christian Fiction Blog Alliance, for the purposes of this unbiased review.
June 21, 2013
just finished reading A Simple Song by Melody Carlson and I really enjoyed it as I have her past books so I was thrilled to read another one of her books so soon after. I always prefer reading a book by an author I am familiar with so I was really looking forward to Lock, Stock and Over a Barrel.
Unfortunately it took me a few chapters to get into it and I can’t quite put my finger on any specific reason. It just got off to a slow start for me and I had a hard time being interested in Dorothy’s life. When a phone call about her aunts death brings her home, that’s when things started to get more interesting for me.
It turns out her aunt was quite a secret keeper and who doesn’t love a good secret? She had a whole life that neither Dorothy, her father or any other relatives had a clue about. As dictated in her will, it seems she basically wants Dorothy to take over that secret life.
There were stipulations in the will that were pretty far fetched and seemingly ridiculous. But no one knows you better then family and just maybe her aunt knew exactly what she was doing when she turned Dorothy’s world upside down. Can she pull it all off and keep the inheritance or are the stipulations are as far out of reach as they seem?
Lock, Stock and Over a Barrel wasn’t my favorite Melody Carlson book but I still enjoyed it and think it was worth reading.
Unfortunately it took me a few chapters to get into it and I can’t quite put my finger on any specific reason. It just got off to a slow start for me and I had a hard time being interested in Dorothy’s life. When a phone call about her aunts death brings her home, that’s when things started to get more interesting for me.
It turns out her aunt was quite a secret keeper and who doesn’t love a good secret? She had a whole life that neither Dorothy, her father or any other relatives had a clue about. As dictated in her will, it seems she basically wants Dorothy to take over that secret life.
There were stipulations in the will that were pretty far fetched and seemingly ridiculous. But no one knows you better then family and just maybe her aunt knew exactly what she was doing when she turned Dorothy’s world upside down. Can she pull it all off and keep the inheritance or are the stipulations are as far out of reach as they seem?
Lock, Stock and Over a Barrel wasn’t my favorite Melody Carlson book but I still enjoyed it and think it was worth reading.
June 23, 2013
A delightful book, that left me rather on a cliff hanger, but thank goodness there is another book coming!
Daphne Ballinger has been working in NY City at the NY Times for the past 12 years. She is kinda in a rut. When the unthinkable happens, her dear Aunt Dee passes away. She goes home to Appleton, her hometown. I know that old saying "You Can Never Go Home, but Daphne is trying to.
Much to the shagrin of her extended family, Daphne inherits her Aunt's estate. Well, the estate comes with a lot of strings.
As we go along with Daphne, she is trying to straighten up her life. Her Dad s moving on??? Well it looks like it anyway. She does have to begin a love life, sometime?? She was hurt in the past, but as of the end of the book there are five possibilities.
She packs up her place...or room in NY, and doesn't seem to look back. Love how she finds some of her old friends almost immediately. There are a lot of twists and turns in this story, some happy and some sad. Some a shockingly surprising. What a delightful story, full of love and compassion, and a great love of the Lord. Don't miss this!!
I received this book through First Wildcard Book Tours, and was not required to give a positive review.
Daphne Ballinger has been working in NY City at the NY Times for the past 12 years. She is kinda in a rut. When the unthinkable happens, her dear Aunt Dee passes away. She goes home to Appleton, her hometown. I know that old saying "You Can Never Go Home, but Daphne is trying to.
Much to the shagrin of her extended family, Daphne inherits her Aunt's estate. Well, the estate comes with a lot of strings.
As we go along with Daphne, she is trying to straighten up her life. Her Dad s moving on??? Well it looks like it anyway. She does have to begin a love life, sometime?? She was hurt in the past, but as of the end of the book there are five possibilities.
She packs up her place...or room in NY, and doesn't seem to look back. Love how she finds some of her old friends almost immediately. There are a lot of twists and turns in this story, some happy and some sad. Some a shockingly surprising. What a delightful story, full of love and compassion, and a great love of the Lord. Don't miss this!!
I received this book through First Wildcard Book Tours, and was not required to give a positive review.
January 18, 2020
RATING: 3 STARS
2013; B&H Publishing Group
Daphne's life in New York and working at The New York Times is not going the way she had first envisioned. Her best friend is married, having her first baby and looking for a new home. When Daphne's Aunt Dee dies she rushes home for the funeral. She soon discovers she has been left Aunt Dee's estate but it comes with conditions. These conditions must be met within the next year if she wishes to keep her new life back home.
This book is described as "Christian Literature" but isn't heavy on religion (or preachy) at all. I cannot describe too much about the novel as there is some surprises that might be revealed. I will say this is a light low action contemporary romance with light humour. I will be reading the next novel in the series.
***I received a complimentary copy of this ebook from the publisher through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.***
***UPDATE: I could not get a hold of the last two books in the series, and they did not seem to be on NetGalley. I now found that the library has it but I cannot really remember the story from either novel. I am not going to pursue the series after book two.***
2013; B&H Publishing Group
Daphne's life in New York and working at The New York Times is not going the way she had first envisioned. Her best friend is married, having her first baby and looking for a new home. When Daphne's Aunt Dee dies she rushes home for the funeral. She soon discovers she has been left Aunt Dee's estate but it comes with conditions. These conditions must be met within the next year if she wishes to keep her new life back home.
This book is described as "Christian Literature" but isn't heavy on religion (or preachy) at all. I cannot describe too much about the novel as there is some surprises that might be revealed. I will say this is a light low action contemporary romance with light humour. I will be reading the next novel in the series.
***I received a complimentary copy of this ebook from the publisher through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.***
***UPDATE: I could not get a hold of the last two books in the series, and they did not seem to be on NetGalley. I now found that the library has it but I cannot really remember the story from either novel. I am not going to pursue the series after book two.***
June 17, 2013
Lock, Stock. And Over a Barrel by Melody Carlson is a fun, exciting read. It is book one in the Dear Daphne series. Glad they will be more books to go along with the first one.
Daphne has been living in New York for many years writing for a newspaper. Folks back home thing she has a fantastic life, but Daphne is just in a rut and not enjoying her life. Her beloved Aunt Dee passes away and many things change in her life, like her job, where she lives and the friends in her life. It’s all new and exciting for her, but also very calm and peaceful. Daphne finds out some family secrets that change everything, but also answers many questions. Aunt Dee’s will states many funny and surprising stipulations. What will become of Daphne and what will her new life be like.
I found Lock, Stock, and Over a Barrel sweet, amusing and very interesting. I highly recommend this fantastic book. It was a pleasure to read.
Thank you to the Author/Publicist for providing this book for review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255
Daphne has been living in New York for many years writing for a newspaper. Folks back home thing she has a fantastic life, but Daphne is just in a rut and not enjoying her life. Her beloved Aunt Dee passes away and many things change in her life, like her job, where she lives and the friends in her life. It’s all new and exciting for her, but also very calm and peaceful. Daphne finds out some family secrets that change everything, but also answers many questions. Aunt Dee’s will states many funny and surprising stipulations. What will become of Daphne and what will her new life be like.
I found Lock, Stock, and Over a Barrel sweet, amusing and very interesting. I highly recommend this fantastic book. It was a pleasure to read.
Thank you to the Author/Publicist for providing this book for review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255
June 19, 2013
This was my first read by this author. And I was not disappointed! This was a very fun read, the pages really seemed to fly and I had a hard time putting it down! As a small town girl myself, I loved that this book was about a girl leaving the city and returning to her small hometown. The characters were great, I found myself relating to Daphne in a lot of ways. And all the other characters were great, it's funny because even though the reader never has the pleasure of meeting Aunt Dee, the other characters memories of her really make you feel as if you know her. There were several twists and surprises that I did not see coming, which definitely made for an exciting reading experience!Ìý
Overall, I really enjoyed this book, and am very much looking forward to the next book in the series. I highly recommend Lock, Stock and Over a Barrel
I recieved a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via CFBA in exchange for an honest review. The above is my honest opinion. All thoughts and opinions are one hundred percent my own.
July 16, 2013
I received this book free from Net Galley in exchange for a review.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It was pure fiction, with an inheritance that included an old Victorian house with a 1955 mint condition Corvette and a healthy sum to boot.
Only one catch, the heiress had to marry within one year or lose it all.
After living in New York City for 12 years at a dead end job with the New York Times, Daphne is told her Aunt Dee has passed away. When the Will is read, she finds out she has inherited her aunt's house, as well as some well kept secrets about her aunt's life. Her aunt's request that she leave New York City and return to her hometown makes Daphne realize that she was in a rut. Her life truly changes after that.
The story was very entertaining, and while the cliffhanger ending was disappointing, I will be reading the next installment in this series.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It was pure fiction, with an inheritance that included an old Victorian house with a 1955 mint condition Corvette and a healthy sum to boot.
Only one catch, the heiress had to marry within one year or lose it all.
After living in New York City for 12 years at a dead end job with the New York Times, Daphne is told her Aunt Dee has passed away. When the Will is read, she finds out she has inherited her aunt's house, as well as some well kept secrets about her aunt's life. Her aunt's request that she leave New York City and return to her hometown makes Daphne realize that she was in a rut. Her life truly changes after that.
The story was very entertaining, and while the cliffhanger ending was disappointing, I will be reading the next installment in this series.
July 26, 2013
Daphne Ballinger leaves her journalism job in New York behind when she inherits a lovely Victorian estate from her Aunt Dee in small town Appleton. Her inheritance has strings attached, however. In addition to taking over her aunt’s advice column, Daphne must find a husband within a year. There are more prospects than one would think in Appleton, but are any of them just right for Daphne? Then her ex-boyfriend breezes into town to complicate everything. The conditions of the will are not the only unusual things about her aunt. Aunt Dee also kept several surprising secrets from her family. This fresh, contemporary novel is filled with inspiration, family drama, romance, and humor. It is the first in the Dear Daphne series, and a cliffhanger, as well.
June 28, 2018
Great book and excellent start to the series...and boy am I happy it’s a series because I enjoyed the book immensely. The characters were very real and relatable. I also liked the clean writing. Daphne was a very strong female lead who I genuinely liked and related to. I think I would have liked aunt Dee. She seemed very logical and relatable as well. Not to give too much away, but I have my favorite among the eligible bachelors but I guess I will have to finish the series off to find out who the lucky gentleman is. Another thing I enjoyed about this book was her reliance on God to make important life choices and the emphasis on spirituality. It wasn’t so much as to beat you over the head with it but it was enough so that you knew it was there and a part of the writing.
June 27, 2013
Here is an excerpt from my review: "Sad news from back home whisks Daphne away from New York, and she arrives in small town Appleton. Her Aunt Dee has died, and Daphne soon discovers that her aunt has left everything to Daphne. But there are some conditions that if not met after one year mean that Daphne has to forfeit everything. The conditions may seem crazy, but so are all the secrets that Daphne discovers about her late aunt as well as Daphne's decision to make a go of it in Appleton. At least for a year."
You can read my full review here:
You can read my full review here:
July 31, 2013
I really liked this book. It was fun. I loved the characters and setting and story line.
Daphne, a wedding announcement writer for the New York Times, returns to her hometown for the funeral of her beloved Aunt Dee. When Aunt Dee's will is read, Daphne finds out that she is the recipient of Aunt Dee's entire estate if she only meets the terms of the will within a year.
The only thing bad I can say about this book is that it ended kind of abruptly but I definitely want to read the sequel to see what happens! :-)
Daphne, a wedding announcement writer for the New York Times, returns to her hometown for the funeral of her beloved Aunt Dee. When Aunt Dee's will is read, Daphne finds out that she is the recipient of Aunt Dee's entire estate if she only meets the terms of the will within a year.
The only thing bad I can say about this book is that it ended kind of abruptly but I definitely want to read the sequel to see what happens! :-)
August 23, 2023
I really dislike books that are actually only a half (or a third or a quarter) of a book. It is a waste of my time and an unpleasant surprise when you get to the end and absolutely nothing is resolved.
June 12, 2013
Great read! The ending left me hanging, but I was glad to see there would be more installments to this series.
July 5, 2013
Really liked characters - excited for the next book in series
July 8, 2013
Cute storyline. Can't wait for the next book to see what happens in Daphne's life!
June 27, 2013
Nice, lighthearted, and not too preachy inspirational read. I'm looking forward to the next in the series.
June 28, 2013
This looks like it will be a fun, new series. Light-hearted, some mystery, romance. It will be interesting to see how it will play out.
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