I loved this story, from beginning to in I was drawn in. A novella, and can even be read in one sitting.

Madison has come home, her sister Addie has been taking care of everything, but you get the feeling rather quickly see doesn't have her heart on the farm.

I loved Madison trying to replant all of those trees, and what happens, who comes to her aid.

This is a story of family relationships, lost relationships, and new family. Also throw in a bit of sweet romance and one sister calling "dibs". Really?

When this read ended, I really wanted more, I got so involved in McDowell and Thompson families!

I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Revell, and was not required to give a positive review.

From Amazon's description

When Madison McDowell returns from several years teaching overseas, she has high hopes of picking up where she left off at her family's Christmas tree farm in Oregon. But between damage from a recent wildfire and the neglect due to her sister Addie's unwillingness to invest, the farm is in sad shape. In fact, Addie is intent on selling the property. And to top it off, her former high school flame, the now-widowed Gavin Thompson, has plans to break Madison's heart again by turning his neighboring property into a dusty, noisy dirt bike track for his daughter.
With the odds stacked against her, Madison decides there's only one thing to do: double down on her dreams. It will take a ton of hard work--and some help from an unlikely ally--to save the farm she so dearly loves. But it may take a miracle to restore her relationship with her sister.

It seems that many Melody Carlson novels and Rom-Com movies have one thing in common. Someone is about to lose a farm and there's a hunky neighbor ready to save the day or at least lend an ear. The same is true with this offering. It's a fully enjoyable read that will fill an afternoon when the reader needs a break from the cares of daily life.

Four Stars

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

I did enjoy this book as much as I have past Melody Carlson Christmas books. It was easy to get into and moved along nicely. I liked Madison, Lily & Gavin but Addie, their mom & Lucy not so much.

All in all it was a great feel good story in the end however predictable.

Thank you to NetGalley & Revell for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This is a light, feel good Christmasy read, heavy on the Hallmark vibes.

Being a novella there isn’t a lot of character development and it would be great to explore the motivations of some of the characters more, especially the MC’s sister Addie.

This Christmas vibes of this one are next level, with wreath making, tree cutting, parties in barns and all the twinkle lights! Swoon!

I did find the lack of direct communication between the two sisters in the story frustrating and would have loved them to just have a straight forward conversation earlier in the story.

An atmospheric, fun, quick read perfect for the holiday season or any time of year really!

After being away for several years, Melody returns home to her family’s Christmas tree farm. She is shocked to learn from her sister, Addie, that they are struggling and may have to sell. Determined to turn things around, Melody sets out in planting new trees and doing everything she can to save the farm.

This novella delivers those feel-good, Hallmark vibes in a small package—great for a quick Christmas read this holiday season. Melody’s sister Addie was incredibly unlikable, and I would have loved to see all of the characters developed a bit more, but the author did a decent job developing the plot given the nature of the book being a novella. Overall, it was an okay read!

Thank you to NetGalley and Revell Fiction for my gifted e-ARC!

The Christmas Tree Farm
by Melody Carlson
Pub Date: Sept. 3, 2024
Thanks to the author, pulbisher and NetGalley for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
I was so exited to get this book because Carlson is one of my favorite authors.

Bestselling and award-winning author Melody Carlson charms and delights with this uplifting Christmas story full of old memories and new beginnings. When Madison McDowell returns from several years teaching overseas, she has high hopes of picking up where she left off at her family's Christmas tree farm in Oregon. But between damage from a recent wildfire and the neglect due to her sister Addie's unwillingness to invest, the farm is in sad shape. In fact, Addie is intent on selling the property. And to top it off, her former high school flame, the now-widowed Gavin Thompson, has plans to break Madison's heart again by turning his neighboring property into a dusty, noisy dirt bike track for his daughter. With the odds stacked against her, Madison decides there's only one thing to double down on her dreams. It will take a ton of hard work--and some help from an unlikely ally--to save the farm she so dearly loves. But it may take a miracle to restore her relationship with her sister.
A cute, heartwarming Christmas novella from Melody Carlson! If you love Melody Carlson's other Christmas novellas, this one is definitely for you.

It was quick read! But I really didn’t like her sister brought down the story along with her mom. I just felt like a lot unresolved problems.

I have never read any books by this author but I saw it was on NetGalley so I gave it a shot. I don’t think it was bad but definitely very cliche and typical all that was missing really was them hooking up and having a baby by the end of the book. The main character melody at the beginning was very outspoken which she changed some towards the end but idk it was an ok read.

The story line is straightforward and a cute cozy concept.

The MC is completely intolerable, instead of having an open conversation with her sister at any point she just surprises her knowing she hates surprises, refuses to tell about her previous history with the love interest, and even somehow slut shames herself and that he surely respected her more that they didn't do more than make out. With so much more down the road of this book.

Not for me. I was really looking forward to a cozy Christmas read, but this had me rolling my eyes and disappointed.

This was a perfect little Christmas novella to read on a Sunday afternoon especially since family friends have a Christmas tree farm. A family business in transition, sisters forging a new relationship, young love rekindled, all set against the backdrop of an Oregon Christmas tree farm.

The Christmas Tree Farm by Melody Carlson has all the Hallmark Christmas movie feels. I'm not a fan of any type of Hallmark movies, but I do enjoy a nice Christmas story that touches the heart. I have not found that many in book format, but I do have a few on my shelf. Carlson does bring a character home that is trying to revive her family legacy, the Christmas Tree Farm. There is conflict between her and her sister that dives deep into their past. Sparks between the main heroine and the boy next door. A child of his that bridges the gap between them. I enjoyed watching Madison work really hard at attempting to keep her family farm in the black. I would have liked to have seen some struggle. The story was too perfect. She plants 6000 tree seedlings in two weeks. Has just enough help to finish the job quickly. Christmas went well. A little difficulty with the kitchen but really nothing that stopped her from pursing her dream to keep the farm moving forward. While readers will see the dreams of the boy next door, readers will never know if his dreams come true. Overall, The Christmas Tree Farm by Melody Carlson fits perfectly in the Hallmark Christmas genre. It was nicely written. Surrounds Christmas time. Has the perfect happily-ever-after ending. But for me, a little too perfect that had me shaking my head in disbelief.

I received a complimentary copy of The Christmas Tree Farm by Melody Carlson from Revell Publishing, but the opinions stated are all my own.

Another cute, heartwarming Christmas novella from Melody Carlson! If you love Melody Carlson's other Christmas novellas, this one is definitely for you. If you haven't read any of hers before, pick this one up and then read more of them as she has so many Christmas novellas out there! The book picks up a few weeks before Thanksgiving and encompasses the Christmas season so this is a good one to read even before Thanksgiving to get you in the Thanksgiving and Christmas spirit!

I loved the setting of an inherited Christmas tree farm recovering after a devastating fire swept away many of the farms in the area the year before. The main character is a woman coming home from 5 years abroad teaching in Mongolia finding out her old high school boyfriend who is now a widower father of two lives next door to her farm. There are interesting family dynamics in this book for both the female and male main characters that make the characters believable and relatable.

Pick this one up this Christmas season and you won't regret it at all!

Thank you to Revell Fiction and Netgalley for an opportunity to read an ARC of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.

Melody Carlson’s festive novella is a delightful escape to the French Alps via Paris, perfect for the holiday season. The story centres on Simone Winthrop, who, after experiencing heartache and loss, discovers a tantalising letter from her French great-grandmother hinting at a family treasure. Although sceptical, Simone’s best friend persuades her to investigate. Overcoming her fear of flying, she journeys to Paris at Christmastime, immersing herself in a richly described, atmospheric setting that Carlson expertly crafts, making readers feel as though they should put up their Christmas trees immediately.

Simone’s story is heartwarming and sweet, as she not only seeks the family treasure but also discovers the richness of family connections and love. Her journey of discovery, meeting her family, and her budding romance with Kyle adds an extra layer of charm to the narrative. The novella’s well-drawn characters and cosy, festive atmosphere make it a perfect quick read to get into the Christmas spirit. Whether you’re a fan of Christmas novellas or new to Melody Carlson’s work, this story provides a satisfying and heartwarming escape, ideal for getting cosy during the holidays.

I absolutely love Melody Carson books and is the perfect book to get you in the holiday spirit! I can’t wait t9 share my full review and thoughts very soon as I apologize I’ve been dealing with some recent health issues quite seriously unexpectedly. This would make the perfect Christmas movie as well!