Most Popular Books by Melody Carlson

A small town full of secrets. A coming darkness. Teenagers with supernatural abilities. Think you know the story? Think again. As Summer ends, the students at Silverwood High are getting ready to go back to school and resume their normal, everyday lives. Too bad "normal" is no longer an option. When these teens get their very first tastes of what destiny has in store, will they embrace that destiny... or flee from it? Will they be selfless... or ruthless? Will they master their abilities... or will their abilities master them? This is their awakening, the first step of an epic journey. But it's only the beginning of something bigger than they could ever imagine. Four teenagers. One town. Four authors. One story. The sleepy little town of Silverwood is about to wake up. * * * IN THESE EPISODES... Marshall: Episode 13 Marshall believes a path has been set before him -- a mission he is meant to undertake. But there's a big obstacle in his way: the school bully is bent on revenge, and this time he's out for blood. by Robin Parrish Avery: Episode 14 As if her world isn't already turning upside down, the people she cares about most decide it's time to reveal their biggest secrets -- and show their true colors. by Melody Carlson Israel: Episode 15 After comparing notes with his sister about their respective powers, Israel gets his first look at the inside of Infinite GlobalTek. But what is IGT really up to? by Aaron Patterson Hailey: Episode 16 On a desperate quest for answers, Hailey plays a hunch, taking Adrian along to a mysterious place she's seen in her dreams. But what they find there is the stuff of nightmares. by K.C. Neal

Fifteen-year-old Maya Stark seems to have it all–fame, fortune, a Beverly Hills lifestyle, and an eighties pop star dad who’s making a comeback. But looks can be deceiving, and on the inside, Maya is miserable. Her parents are divorced, her dad is away on tour, and being biracial, she struggles with her identity. Then, to make matters worse, her mother has returned to using drugs and is quickly depleting their finances. In a plan to become emancipated from her messed-up mom, Maya takes a job on Rodeo Drive. Selling designer clothes compromises Maya’s earth-friendly “green girl” values, but she is desperate. Just when Maya thinks she’s got it all worked out, her life caves in. Her mom “embezzles” Maya’s savings and is later arrested on DUI and cocaine possession charges and is facing jail time. With nowhere to live, Maya is sent to spend the summer with her relatives. In the collision of two very different worlds, Maya must figure out where she fits in–or does she fit in at all?

A retelling in rhyme of the Bible story of Noah's ark.

Fourteen-year-old Allison O'Brian has never known what it's like to have a real family. She knows nothing about her father, and her mother is a glamorous movie star who has little time for her. But when Allison stumbles upon a long-lost letter, she learns there is more to her past than meets the eye, and she embarks on an adventure to find the love of a family she has always dreamed about. Beloved author Melody Carlson shares a story of adventure that will take readers across post-WWII America. This 4-in-1 volume gives girls ages 9-12 Allison's entire exciting story.

With creditors hounding her and all her available cash going to make payments on her debt, Kendall's spendthrift lifestyle has finally caught up with her. To complicate matters, she's pregnant and not sure who the father is. Kendall needs help, but her roommates are caught up in problems of their own. Megan is trying to manage her crazy boss and remain true to her Christian principles. Lelani is still trying to work up the nerve to go home to Maui for a visit with her parents and her young daughter. And after a gaffe on her first job, Anna is trying to regain credibility in the workplace without relying too heavily on Edmund. So when Lelani's parents offer to host the girls in Hawaii, it sounds like the vacation everyone needs--and no one can afford. A huge garage sale is scheduled, but fraying tempers threaten the teamwork needed to pull it off. Will they finally turn to the One who can really help? When you've got your first apartment, a real job, and grown-up responsibilities, life can be tough--loaded with confusion, emotion, and secrets you can't tell to anyone but God. In the 86 Bloomberg Place series, Melody Carlson has captured all the uncertainty and joy of being twenty-something in pitch-perfect detail--and their stories just might sound like someone you know.

The girls of the Dating Games club have learned a lot this year--about boys, dating, friendship, and themselves. Now the school year is wrapping up, and the biggest date of all looms on the horizon: prom. With this new challenge comes a lot of extra pressure and expectations. Everyone wants the perfect dress, the perfect date, the perfect dance. But what happens when things don't go according to plan? Teen readers have found friends in these vibrant characters and will be thrilled to accompany them to the prom.

Sixteen-year-old Maya's commitment to live her life for God wavers after she joins a Christian rock band.

The girls of the Dating Games club are at it again, setting each other up on five blind dates for the upcoming masquerade ball. Trouble is, some of the girls are wondering if the others can be trusted to deliver on their promises. In fact, there's a very real danger that this dating treat could turn out to be nothing but a nasty trick. Teens will be delighted to spend more time with Cassidy, Devon, Abby, Brynn, and Emma as they navigate the thrilling and awkward world of dating. As always, Melody Carlson subtly delivers great advice wrapped up tight in a package of fun and friendship.

Chloe, Josh Miller's younger sister, is a free spirit with funky clothes and dramatic hair. She struggles with her own identity, classmates, parents, boys, and -- her biggest question -- whether or not God is for real. But this unconventional high school freshman definitely doesn't hold back when she meets Him in a big, personal way. Refusing to change her image to fit into the "stereotypical Christian preppy mold," Chloe expresses God's love and grace through the girl band she forms, Redemption. In her development as a musician and performer, tender-hearted Chloe will learn tough lessons about following God, her heart, and her dreams.

An illustrated collection of prayers for the very young.

I have to wonder–if the AIDS crisis in Papua New Guinea is so hopeless, what difference will it make whether Aunt Sid writes a good story about it or not? What difference will it make that I’m here with her? I ask God to do something miraculous for both of us in this third world country. I ask God to use me… After her life-changing journey to Ireland, twenty-year-old Maddie Chase feels ready for whatever she and her Aunt Sid will find on their trip to Papua New Guinea. But when she sets foot on the beautiful South Pacific island, she can’t help but notice the sense of hopelessness around her. Through their investigative reporting, Maddie and Aunt Sid learn that this developing country is literally dying of AIDS. As Maddie delves deeper into the culture and history of the land–and develops relationships with nationals who are eager to share their lives–she finds a tangled past that could help to explain the current health crisis. Will Maddie be able to see past the darkness to offer light to these gracious island people? Join Maddie on her latest international adventure as she learns that maybe it is possible for one person to change history.

It's the holiday season, and each of the roommates at 86 Bloomberg Place is a little blue. Megan's got the boss from hell, and now her mom is going on a cruise, leaving Megan alone for Christmas for the first time ever. Lelani can't afford to fly home to Hawaii and isn't sure she'd be welcomed anyway--not that she can admit that to anyone. Anna's old boyfriend--the one who cheated on her--has sailed back into her life just when she's met a for-real "nice guy" she's been keeping secret from her large, crazy Latino family. And Kendall's met a famous actor, who might be the answer to her money woes--if she could only convince him she's the love of his life. His wife might have something to say about that, though. Thank goodness God's around to listen when the girls need help! Relationships are hard work--whether they're with family and friends, coworkers and customers, or boyfriends and girlfriends. And when you've got your first apartment, a real job, and grown-up responsibilities, too, relationships are loaded with confusion, emotion, and secrets you can't tell to anyone but God. Bestselling author Melody Carlson has captured all the uncertainty and joy of being twenty-something in pitch-perfect detail--and their stories just might sound like someone you know.

Five high school friends have one thing in common as they start their sophomore year: none of them have ever been on a "real" date. With homecoming looming, they make a pact and start a secret club they call the DG (Dating Game). They're sworn to secrecy--and to purity--but the club is their way to set each other up on their first dates so they can report back to the DG. Of course, they all make different choices about how to deal with their parents and how to act on their dates, and they discover that they all have totally different experiences. Still, the things they learn about boys and dating will stick with them throughout high school. Bestselling author and teen favorite Melody Carlson starts off her newest series with a good dose of fun, tackling two topics teen girls love to read about--friends and boys.

Megan Bernard would sell her soul to be prom queen. Okay, maybe not her soul. But her popular older sister Bethany was prom queen three years ago, and Megan is certain that the only thing that would make her truly happy would be to attain the same honor. Her mom thinks it would be pretty cool too. But when Megan decides she'll do whatever it takes to take home the crown, life gets decidedly complicated. Maybe "celebrity" isn't all it's cracked up to be after all. Teen favorite Melody Carlson is back for one more Kingston High saga, tackling what happens when we become obsessed with position, popularity, and the lure of celebrity.

Lishia Vance is flummoxed. One day she has friends. The next day everyone has turned against her. No explanation. Just complete social isolation. Even her best friend Janelle isn't giving her the time of day. When she makes a connection with Riley Atkins, a popular cheerleader, things start looking up. But is Riley really as good a friend as she seems? Or is Lishia better off without her? With her signature insight into the lives of teen girls, bestselling author Melody Carlson explores the treacherous world of friendship, loyalty, and choices girls face in high school.

Hope Bartolli has avoided Sisters for years-both her hometown of Sisters, Oregon, and her two sisters who live there. But when the thirty-two-year-old corporate lawyer returns home to attend her beloved grandmother's funeral, she's surprised to learn that she has inherited Nona's old house, her little dog, Andy, and an unexpected friendship with Nona's handsome attorney. If she had any hopes of burying the hatchet with her sisters, these 'gifts' from Nona aren't going to help. Hope wants more out of life-but is she willing to take the risks to get it? And can she trust her family to stand by her side?

Intercessory prayer for a loved one or someone special has a powerful impact on both the intercessor and the intended. This unique book provides devotions and prayers that readers can share with their loved ones and special friends as a "secret pal". Giving this book anonymously, praying, and then sharing their identity provides outreach opportunities beyond that which a simple greeting card could provide. Each devotion includes a verse for the day, short meditation, and prayer.

Presents simple retellings for the very young of stories from both the Old and New Testaments.

Jesus was betrayed by a friend, so He knows what it's like--and yet He always is ready to forgive.

After a very unhappy day spent getting upset with friends and family, a young boy learns the importance of forgiveness.

From the thousands of personal letters she's received, Melody Carlson knows teen girls want more from their devotional reading--more depth, more truth, more of Jesus. They're looking for substance and spiritual guidance that can make a difference in their lives. Devotions for Real Life gives them what they want. With inspiration and insight, Carlson offers girls a way to encounter Jesus's words for their own personal growth and practical application. She shares with her readers the life-changing message of Jesus, giving them something to lean on in the turbulent time of adolescence. This devotional will strengthen their faith and help them study the Bible for all it's worth.

For a young widow, the stone mansion she once dreamed of owning, offers the promise of a new beginning. After the death of her husband, Kestra returns to her hometown of Port Star. With the purchase of her childhood dream house--a stone mansion along the rocky Oregon coast--it appears she has found a way to rebuild her life. Kestra begins to transform the old house into an elegant, yet charming restaurant. But as the renovations begin, a mysterious stranger moves into her caretaker's cottage--and eventually into her heart. Suddenly life is full of promise and new opportunities, until a contractor's jealousy threatens Kestra's new romance.

As autumn of 1916 descends upon the once-peaceful town of Sunset Cove, Anna McDowell has great hopes that the excitement of the summer will be over, now that a few of the key players in the rum-running ring have been arrested. But with a daring jailbreak getting the town in a dither again, she knows that the danger hasn't passed for anyone in her coastal hometown.

It's official: Brynna Phillips is done with men. They only break your heart. But just when she makes this declaration, her friend Jan convinces Brynna to join her on a camping vacation in Sonoma Wine Country. As they wind their way toward their destination, spanking-new mini camper in tow, Brynna recalls her teenage camp romance with a boy named Leroy. How can it have been nearly 30 years ago? All she remembers is that Leroy was a genuinely good guy and that his family owned a vineyard--in Sonoma. She doesn't even remember his last name. Jan insists they look for him, and the search begins. Beyond the slim chance they'd ever be able to find him are questions that have haunted Brynna for decades, including What is the point of digging up the past? and Can Leroy ever forgive me for losing touch? Bestselling author Melody Carlson invites you on a trip to rediscover the carefree days of youth and, just maybe, to get a second chance at love.

A CBA Bestselling AuthorRecipient of a Romantic Times Career Achievement AwardFollow Your Heart (Book 3)Art teacher Nicole Anderson is looking forward to a relaxing summer in Savannah, house-sitting and managing an art gallery for a friend. But Nicole's ideal summer turns into more than she bargained for, with a snooty gallery employee determined to force her out, a displaced adolescent roosting in the attic, and two of her close childhood friends vying for her attention.

Each of the strong, hopeful Mulligan sisters will do their part if they hope to see victory and the end of the war.

Empty nester and widow Riva Owen lives in the Victorian house that's been in her family for three generations, but finances have become a challenge she can no longer ignore. Her daughter is pushing her to move, and after considering all her options, Riva knows selling would be the smartest course. But she just can't bring herself to leave years of memories--and her cherished library filled with hundreds of books. When she pursues an alternative--opening her home to women like her who have been forced to make lifestyle changes and need a room to rent--Riva is unprepared for the mix of personalities and peculiarities of her new housemates. She is even more unprepared for Marcus, the handsome and handy older brother of one of her new tenants. The possibility of finding love again feels overwhelming, even as her tenants seem to have romantic schemes of their own. Warm your heart with a contemporary romance story of found family, booklovers, new beginnings, and an unexpected second chance at love in Melody Carlson's delightful signature style.

A daughter of missionaries from Papua New Guinea spends the summer in Los Angeles with her cousin and ends up in debt after getting caught up in the consumerism of wealthy surfer life.

Once upon a time in a little town in Oregon lived four Lindas - all in the same first-grade classroom. So they decided to go by their middle names. And form a club. And be friends forever. But that was 47 years ago. Now a class reunion has brought them all together in their old hometown - at a crossroads in their lives...

Children will discover how God blesses, protects, and has great plans for them.

Toddlers and preschoolers will love this new book concept -- part book, part toy. With movable arms and legs securely attached to chubby die-cut board books, these book-ish characters almost spring to life! Each charming board book features a fruit of the spirit; and the story inside shows how each character faces challenges that teach them to practice their special traits. Children will come to relate to, and love, their new friends: Strawberry Sam, Peachy Pete, Blackberry Bart, Anna Apple, and more! Nine books total!

My friends and I each have a great story about what God is doing in our hearts. And we want to share them with you! So come with me and I'll tell you how God gave me peace.

What will happen when a tropical escape from holiday blues turns into a snowy wonderland filled with joy and cheer? Carol Langstrom hates Christmas. Growing up in a dysfunctional home, with a birthday on December 25 and too many dashed childhood expectations, she would rather avoid the holiday season. And working in the design industry where she manages seasonal decor for wealthy, entitled clients certainly hasn't helped! So, this year her goal is to flee to the Bahamas--by herself--bah humbug! But bad weather and God's radically different plan redirect her flight to blustery Michigan, where she gets stuck on her aunt's farm and discovers a different kind of Christmas--one wrapped in love, family, and holiday spirit. Melody Carlson's Christmas novella delivers all the charm of a holiday Hallmark movie, is rooted in Christian faith, woven with sweet romance, and features A Christmas Carol themes.

Betty Kowalski non riesce più a ritrovare lo spirito del Natale dentro il suo cuore. Dopo la perdita di suo marito, le feste per lei non rappresentano più un momento magico. Che senso ha preparare dolcetti o allestire elaborate decorazioni se non c’è nessuno con cui condividere quelle gioie? Come se non bastasse il suo nuovo vicino mette a dura prova i suoi nervi. I lavori che sta facendo in casa sono rumorosi, in giardino ci sono cumuli di robaccia e ha parcheggiato un vecchio furgone malmesso nella loro strada. Betty è sul punto di perdere il controllo, ma quando alla porta di casa appare un cagnolino spelacchiato e affamato, le cose cominciano a prendere una piega molto diversa. Potrebbe essere l’occasione giusta per cominciare a ricordare il vero significato del Natale? Un’autrice amatissima Oltre 6 milioni di copie vendute L’amore non si può impacchettare, ma è il regalo più bello da ricevere la notte di Natale «I miracoli di Natale a volte arrivano da dove meno ce l’aspettiamo.» «La storia ideale da leggere durante le vacanze.» «Il regalo perfetto per tutti i dog lover.» Melody Carlson è l’autrice pluripremiata di decine di romanzi. Adora scrivere di cuccioli, amore e Natale.

Dopo aver trascorso molti anni all’estero, Garrison Brown torna a Vancouver pronto a cominciare una nuova vita, ma la morte della sua adorata nonna, appena qualche settimana prima di Natale, mette sottosopra tutti i suoi piani. Garrison, infatti, si ritrova improvvisamente nella condizione di doversi occupare di tutto, compresa l’incombenza di trovare una nuova casa ai sei gatti appartenuti a sua nonna. Una vera seccatura, ma il testamento parla chiaro: la nonna ha lasciato nelle sue ultime volontà istruzioni dettagliatissime per i suoi adorati mici in modo che ognuno di questi finisca tra le braccia del proprietario perfetto, il quale, in cambio dell’adozione, riceverà un generoso compenso in denaro. Il compito di Garrison è quello di trovare le combinazioni giuste, senza fare però riferimento al premio. E chissà che, con l’avvicinarsi della Vigilia di Natale, i sei miagolanti orfanelli non riescano a trovare qualcuno perfetto anche per lui. «Chi ama i gatti impazzirà per questo libro.» «Ho letto tutti i libri di Melody Carlson e li ho adorati tutti, ma questo è il mio preferito. Lo raccomando caldamente a chi cerca una bella storia di Natale.» «Il libro perfetto da leggere accoccolati sul divano, con una tisana fumante, per passare un pomeriggio molto hygge.» «Ma allora è proprio vero che a Natale tutto può accadere! Romanzo delizioso.» «Anch’io, come la protagonista, avevo smesso di credere alle favole, ma grazie a questo libro mi sono dovuta ricredere, e ho adottato un gattino che mi regala gioia e affetto. Una storia meravigliosa.» «Natale con i tuoi? Sì, con i miei gatti!» Melody Carlson è l’autrice pluripremiata di decine di romanzi. Adora scrivere di cuccioli, amore e Natale.

Waverly Brennan is looking for a new start, and so she agrees to come help her mother set up a gallery in Martha's Vineyard, but when that falls apart, Blake Ericson and his young daughter provide another reason for staying.

After her seven-year-old niece, Holly, becomes the ward of an Amish aunt, Rachel Milligan sets out to do whatever it takes to ensure that Holly has the loving family she needs. Rachel never imagined that she and her seven-year-old niece would spend the week before Christmas on a quaint Amish farm in Ohio. But with so many unexpected occurrences of late, perhaps she shouldn't have been surprised. With her young niece Holly in tow, Rachel anxiously makes her way from Chicago to Ohio's Amish country. As love begins to blossom, family secrets emerge, and old wounds are healed. Here the author takes us on an emotional journey into the heart of what family truly means at Christmastime.