Melody Carlson’s All Booked Up is a moving and real look at some of the challenges facing older people. It is a modern tale of several women who find themselves in need of an affordable place to stay. As one might expect, the women have a difficult time learning to live together. Learning about each of these women makes the book interesting and compelling.

The author delves into the personal thoughts of each of the characters, and if you are a Melody Carlson fan, you may be a bit surprised at this book. It feels as though Melody Carlson took a little more time writing this story and really focused on introducing each of the characters. This book feels less rushed and has more substance than just a quick romance or Christmas tale produced to satisfy a quota.

One of the best things about this story is seeing how these ladies are able to not only learn to live together, but support one another and help others along the way. It is a touching and raw look at emotions and circumstances. The story is not a super-fast paced read, but it is interesting. The stories where the author is sharing autobiographical tidbits through her fictional characters are certainly some of her best.

Review of a Digital Advance Reader’s Copy Provided by the Publisher

Content Analysis:

Profanity/Language: None

Violence/Gore: Characters says she would not mind punching someone; a character says someone is dangerous and intends to hurt her.

Sex/Nudity: Characters kiss and embrace; people speculate on why a non-married female had a male in her bedroom.

Mature Subject Matter:

Death of a spouse, alcohol and drug addiction

Drug/Alcohol Use:

Person used to be an alcoholic; lots of scenes where wine is served; characters drink in a bar and several scenes depict a character drunk or hungover; report a person is smoking marijuana.