Gracefully written book focusing on early onset dementia in a fictional setting. Funny, sad, touching, heartbreaking, hopeful and inspirational. Melody Carlson beautifully tackles a tough condition using her magnificent writing skills. Definitely worth the read. This book was provided through #NetGalley for me to read and review, These are my own personal opinions.

Welcome to the Honey B & B
By Melody Carlson
Pub Date: March 4, 2025
Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
I loved this story. You’ll find romance, friendship, hope, and joy bundled with determination and reality.
As a reader, I have personally experienced family members with dementia. This story gave me hope and insight, even as I felt some sadness. The one thing I was reminded of was to love the individual and treat them as the person they are. I love that Jewell and Honey respected CT as a person even though he could no longer do the things he used to do.
One of the other aspects of the book I enjoyed was the bees. CT’s bees play a significant part in the story. And neighbor Miguel—he’s wonderful.
Great women's fiction offering!

An inspirational heartfelt story centered around family and friendship. Set in Oregon on a family farm, a daughter's return to help out her parents brings more than she had bargained for, and a new beginning for her own story.

The personal side of caring for aging parents and a spouse with dementia was told in an authentic way, showing how difficult it can be, yet rewarding with gentle loving care and respect. The author's own personal experience makes this story extra special. I especially felt for Honey as she had so much adjustment and loss. Jewel is a great example of a woman in the 'sandwich generation', with a teenager of her own, and the special needs of her dad. I love how the author used her character to show the struggle between caring for each one and realizing her own dreams.

Meaningful moments worked into the story brought many inspirational lessons: Trusting God when things don't make sense. Taking life one day at a time and practicing an attitude of thankfulness. Finding joy in the little victories each day. Taking the time to rest and draw in a deep breath when life is stressful. Grieving the loss of our dreams and learning to let go. Giving each other the gift of grace. Forgiving others and also forgiving ourselves. It made me think and stuck with me long after the last page.

An uplifting read for those who enjoy a contemporary story with inspiration, a bit of romance, and hope. Recommend! 4. 5 stars

Melody Carlson writes books with a light-hearted hand, but this one is a bit more serious and true-to-life. At the end of the book she tells her readers that this comes from a place in her heart that makes the story more real and deeper than some of her others. This depth creates a thoughtful story that touches the soul.

At the heart of this novel is CT, a man suffering from Frontotemporal Dementia. It's a devastating illness because the sufferer knows something is wrong but can't do anything about it. CT's hobby has been keeping bees and when his daughter and granddaughter came to help his wife, his granddaughter picked up his hobby of keeping bees.

Welcome to the Honey B&B really delves into some real-life situations and gives them a humane treatment. While the book is promoted as a romance, what little romance there is, is understated and quite quiet.

This is the best Melody Carlson book I've read. It presents real struggles with real personalities. This is a five-star book, with two thumbs up, and a honeybee hive.

Revell Publishing provided the copy I read. All opinions expressed are solely my own.

What a wonderful read about family supporting each other through their dreams and their reality. FTD was a hard topic to read about, but I love that the author didn't gloss over it or make it seem easy. Reading her notes at the end and you can understand why. What a wonderful, heartfelt book.

When I pick up a Melody Carlson book, I have no doubts that I am in for a beautiful story that is filled with so much heart... and that was absolutely the case with this one, though admittedly it wasn't quite what I expected either. In many ways, this was a tough story to read--- let's be honest, dementia is not an easy topic to read about. And yet, Melody created this story that was both humorous and heartfelt, not shying away from the difficult reality of FTD that so many face in a really genuine way. Those lighter hearted moments kept it from feeling too heavy overall, while still being very informative. You could certainly see the author's heart in this story. While this book was listed as romance, I would say it really does read more like women's fiction than romance in many ways. There is definitely some romance there still (and I loved this example of a true love story in CT and Honey), but I didn't feel like it was as much at the center of the story. If you're looking for a beautiful Christian fiction read, this is certainly one to check out.

**ARC received via Netgalley for consideration. All opinions are my own.

Thank you to the publisher and to NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

Welcome to the Honey B&B was a sweet story about a family (& found family) working together to keep up with their day to day, while also caring for CT, who has early onset dementia. This story had a bit of romance, a lot of heartache, and characters who persevere through it all.

I enjoyed this book, but I do feel like the book description was not aligned to the story. To me, HB&B was a story of heartache & survival, despite what life might bring along the way. CT was described as goofy/humorous and, while we saw glimpses of that, it didn’t resonate with me. I enjoyed the multiple POV story, but was left wanting more on a few of the plot lines presented throughout.

Readers who love Christian fiction, rural / farm life, and resilient characters will enjoy this book.

Welcome to the Honey B & B by Melody Carlson
Jewell McKerry and her daughter Cooper have returned home to Oregon to help Jewell’s mom, Honey, and dad, CT, on their farm, but there’s more. CT has been diagnosed with FTD, Frontal-Temporal Degeneration—an early onset dementia. Life gets interesting for the family when Jewell takes on the dream of opening a B & B on the farm.
This story is so important and informed. The author, Melody Carlson, knows FTD. When her husband was diagnosed, Melody chose to be her husband’s caretaker. Through the story, she gives insightful, though fictional, situations and responses that help the reader better understand dementia. She portrays Honey’s responses to CT, as well as Jewell’s and Cooper’s. We even get a peek into CT and his thinking.
I loved this story. You’ll find romance, friendship, hope, and joy bundled with determination and reality.
As a reader, I have personally experienced family members with dementia. This story gave me hope and insight, even as I felt some sadness. The one thing I was reminded of was to love the individual and treat them as the person they are. I love that Jewell and Honey respected CT as a person even though he could no longer do the things he used to do.
One of the other aspects of the book I enjoyed was the bees. CT’s bees play a significant part in the story. And neighbor Miguel—he’s wonderful.
Read welcome to The Honey B & B with an open heart and embrace this beautifully written story.
#WelcomeToTheHoneyBB and #AmReading
"I received this book from the publisher through the NetGalley review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own."

This is such a touching story of love. It’s a slow-burn romance that not only explores Jewel’s new chance at love but also delves into Honey and CT’s enduring relationship as Honey cares for CT, whose health is deteriorating due to FTD. The story wasn’t exactly what I anticipated, but I found myself completely absorbed, eager to see how it all unfolds for this family.

As CT's health declines, Honey is struggling more each day. Yet, she's committed to being there for him, through sickness and health, no matter how difficult it becomes. When Jewel learns that her father's condition is worsening more rapidly than expected, she returns home to help and also to seek a fresh start for herself and her daughter. But returning home comes with its own set of challenges. Together, the family is determined to face them head-on. Jewel decides that the best way forward is to create a new, accessible home for her parents while transforming the farmhouse into a new home and B&B for herself. It’s a big task, but can it all come together?

With her ex-boyfriend as a contractor and her growing feelings for the widowed neighbor next door, there are plenty of twists along the way. Add in some memorable moments with her father, and it makes for a captivating read.

This story is full of depth, faith, and personal growth. I especially appreciated the inclusion of Melody's experiences while caring for her late husband. I’m grateful to have been part of this book’s launch team, and I hope those caring for a loved one with FTD can find support and comfort as they walk this challenging path.

While this book is categorized as a romance, it feels more like Christian fiction with a strong focus on personal growth and self-discovery.

I received a complimentary copy, and this review reflects my honest thoughts.

As I flew through the pages of Welcome to the Honey B&B, I found much more than I ever expected. Beyond an entertaining story, it is filled with faith, family, loss, hope, and even second chances. CT’s dementia drives everything the family does as they learn to care for him while keeping their own lives moving forward at the same time. The author’s experience with this makes the entire story very believable with a realistic progression.
While the bees and their honey are central to the story, the farm, neighbors, and even art also play important roles. I loved the idea of three generations coming together to work to help each other toward common goals with God’s help. Even though it was clear what would happen, I did feel the ending was too abrupt, and I was not ready to say goodbye yet. I greatly enjoyed these characters and would welcome a sequel.
I enjoyed this book even more than expected. It’s a great story, while also giving a rare glimpse into the world of caring for someone with memory issues. Thank you to the author for sharing a bit of her world with us. If you like Christian fiction that handles deep topics well without being too heavy, do not miss a visit to the Honey B&B.
*I received a complimentary copy of this e-book courtesy of Revell Publishing and NetGalley through Interviews & Reviews. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This was an extremely difficult book to read because I identified with Honey’s challenges. My husband and I are caregivers for his elderly mom who, like CT, the main character in this novel, is suffering from deteriorating brain function. At the end of a day when I just wanted to sit and read to relax, this book plopped right back into the environment I was trying to escape.

With respect to this debilitating disease, Carlson highlights (from experience in caring for her husband) the many challenges in caring for a loved one with dementia. Her plot focuses on CT’s FTD (the kind of dementia Bruce Willis has) that makes it difficult for him to remember, think clearly, communicate and care for himself. Carlson explores the progression in the past 18 months since her husband’s diagnosis and how Honey deals with CT’s troubling behaviour; how she accommodates not controls him, and how she attempts to figure out what triggered the behavior. The author touches on wandering, agitation, paranoia, sundowning and mealtime (eating) challenges.

Cushioned around all this, is a wonderful multi-generational story about forgiveness and restoration for the McKerry family. As they learn to live and work together my heart softened and my mind pivoted to see this as a helpful tool for anyone caring for a loved one with dementia.

I was gifted this copy by Revell and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.

Absolutely darling book! Just so cute. It was adorable. The main character was so fun to follow and see what her journey was going to take her next. Loved it!

This was a hard book to read from the point of having a main character with early onset dementia. It was hard to experience life with as a spouse with dementia. Life as a daughter with a parent with dementia. Life as the one WITH dementia. But each situation was approached with this book through the telling of the story. It was done very well and really helped showing the helplessness that is felt by the ones experiencing it. It made me think of my grandpa who suffered from dementia himself.

Layered with this tale of life with dementia is one of new beginnings and the importance of family as they experience new changes.

this is a clean story in the Christian fiction genre--without the Christian aspect. A common theme lately in some of these books. Sigh. Very annoying. But I digress.

This is a solid story, but you are going to have to experience the dementia of the family member with the characters and that may make it hard at times because it doesn't have a..well Happily ever-after.

4 Stars

* Thank you to the publishers and NetGalley for an ARC of the book. All opinions are 100% my own.

If you are looking for a book to help you understand dementia this would be a good one. If you are interested in a book with a lot of heart and heartache when dealing with a family member this would be a good one. If you are looking for a sweet romance, with a touch of dementia, this would not be that book. I understand the authors personal touch with this story—and that is what makes this story so so special. It just wasn't the story for me.

From the synopsis of this book I thought it would be a sweet romance about Jewel and her family life, specifically with her father. She was not the main character. Both herself and her mother were the focus, with her father the main focus of the entire story top to bottom. Also, I would not call her father a humorous handful—it was heartbreaking and difficult to read. Overall it was a tough book for me. Right now I am not in a place to read such a heavy book. And having had a grandmother with dementia I would not have read this book had I known what it truly contained.

For me, not a good fit. For many, it may be an absolute God-send. I do believe this is a story that should come with a warming (and maybe the final version will).

*I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

An extraordinary story. Author Melody Carlson takes the reader into the lives of a family journeying through serious medical, emotional, physical, and mental issues. As I read, I was taken in by the emotions rising in me. Certain aspects of the story were similar to my personal experiences. This is a heartwarming, heartbreaking, and hope filled story of love, faith, and hope. Excellent read. I received this book from the publisher through the NetGalley review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

Having a father with FTD, which has just been a huge heartbreaking journey for our family, made this book so much more personal for me. To see other people experiencing the same struggles of parenting the parent while also parenting children, navigating through the other challenges in life, and trying to establish a sense of normalcy...it's like a shot of encouragement. We're all doing the best we can. So, while I loved the story, and the various characters' interplay, and the farm and honey aspects, it was really the FTD that hooked and touched me.

An interesting read, that was at times hard to keep going. As a full-time carer it was a harsh reminder of my own experiences, but also an encouragement to care for myself in all things so I can care for my husband in his illness. Reading people's encounters with the family were so like my own experience and an encouragement to walk through each hard dark day. A reminder that God is good.

Carlson always writes the best stories!
This one made me a sad though
Poor CT! I just can't imagine the not knowing anymore. I'm just at a loss for words. His poor family. My heart really went out to them
I really learned a lot about FTD. It's a form of dementia.
This is a different sort of story that I'm not used to reading from this author but it is an educational one. This story will make you think and yes at times make you cry. So have a box of tissues nearby.
I did enjoy it and I hated to say goodbye to Honey and her family.
I did want to say that this is a cute cover and yellow is my favorite color
5 stars from me for a wonderful adventure especially with the bees. I highly recommend.
My thanks for a copy of this book. I was NOT required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine.