Melody Carlson has done it again with a heartwarming, feel-good Christmas story. Madison has come home to her grandparents Christmas tree farm after years abroad. Her grandparents are gone now, but her younger sister has been trying to keep the farm running. After attempting to save the farm on her own, and reconnecting with a former boyfriend, who is now a widowed father and next door neighbor, things seem to fall into place.

I really enjoyed this story!

A cute, cozy romance with no spice, and a warm heart.
I enjoyed reading this and found it just what I needed to relax in the evening. The characters are wholesome and kind, and the story had good conflicts along the way. I like that the author didn't feel the need to solve every problem over the course of the novella. The end did feel a little rushed, but I think that's common in novellas, and it did produce a good ending for the two main characters.

Such a fun read! Highly recommend.

Many thanks to Netgalley, the author, and the publisher for my ARC. All opinions are my own.

A heartwarming story of family, faith, and new beginnings.

Madison McDowell comes home after years of teaching in Mongolia to her family's Christmas tree farm, to find that it isn't how she left it. Fighting back against fire damage, a race track next door, and her sister wanting to sell the business, Madison decides to go all in to save the farm.

A heartwarming story about family, starting over, and faith. I admired Madison's determination to make a go of the Christmas tree farm, and I liked her friendship with the neighbor girl, Lily, who likes to comes over and help out. There are strong themes of reconciliation, and faith, in this feel-good romance, about rebuilding a farm, and relationships.

An easy read, with great characters, perfect for when you are looking for something more relaxing and fun to read. Highly entertaining and enjoyable, perfect for the holiday season!


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

Madison returns to the family Christmas tree farm and finds in not exactly how she remembers it. Her sister, Addie, is planning on selling it so Madison takes it upon herself to give it one last try. To make matters worse, Gavin, her high school sweetheart is living next door and plans to put in a dirt bike track for his daughter. Sparks fly between the former sweethearts and that makes Addie mad as she had designs on him too. Madison has her work cut out for her and with the help of Gavin's daughter, manages to pull off a great holiday season and even her sister helps. Heartwarming story holiday story. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC.

The problem, or rather, one of several problems, with this novella, is that it is a novella. 🫠

But let's start with what I liked about it: I love the behind-the-scenes of a Christmas tree farm, the problems of meeting deadlines, the care of the plants and the cosy atmosphere that goes with it. And this little book satisfies all my curiosities. 🥰

That's it. This is the only thing I liked and it breaks my heart to say it. 😭

There's just too much: the (immature, in my opinion) conflict between the two sisters, which is resolved in a few lines at the end without the slightest insight; the one between Madison and her neighbour, which starts with a disagreement over the use of the neighbouring land as a motocross track, but turns out to be rooted in the past, because he is her ex, now widowed and with two daughters, who was her first and only teenage love, of which NO ONE knew anything about (including Madison's sister, a despicable character in her jealousy and immaturity from start to finish), which ended in a way that is not clear why, and which, of course, is resolved with the typical marriage proposal that comes out of nowhere. Miscommunication at its worst, indeed.

[No, that's not a spoiler: Hallmark Christmas Movie-style books like this one all end this way. 😅]

Now, if this had been a 300-350 page novel, there would have been plenty of time to deepen things and maybe make them a bit more mature in their development - in the sense that the characters, as adults, should behave as such, but no, they're stuck in high school days (except for his youngest daughter, who I think is nine or so, and who talks like she's 30 💀). Characters who, by the way, are not only stereotyped, but remain flat throughout the novel: they do not change. Nada, nisba, nothing. And I hear you say: "Of course, there is no room for them to grow". Well, then a novella is not the right format for this particular story, because then it becomes frustrating for the reader. It lacks a natural and satisfying closure, it lacks depth, it lacks everything.

And I'm really sorry, because I wanted to love it. I really did.

I adore Carlson's stories.
This story brings home long forgotten Christmas memories that made me feel like I was there with them
I really didn't like Addie at all. I thought her rather spoiled and selfish at times towards Madison. I also didn't think it fair for her family to treat Madison that way either. Almost reminds me of a Cinderella story.
I like Madison immediately. She's sort of like me so I really connected to her. Lily's kind of fun too.
I did laugh out loud reading the turkey scene but yet at the same time it really wasn't funny.
Carlson has added just the right amount of everything to make a wonderful story.
This is a fun old fashioned family Christmas story that I couldn't put down. I just really enjoyed it.
Poor Gavin was the one whom I felt sorry for.
Caught in the middle can he help pull this awesome family Christmas off? Or will it all come crashing down around him?
You will just have to read this one to find out!
This book definitely got me into the Christmas spirit.
Just don't eat the turkey! lol.
5 stars from me. I highly recommend! It will make you laugh and want to get mad sometimes throughout. Yes, and even shake your head too.
My thanks for a copy of this beautiful story. I was NOT required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine

Delightful Christmas story about family and romance, well worth reading. Thank you netgalley for the advanced copy

I truly enjoyed this book. In a way, it reminded me of the prodigal son but between sisters. One sister returning home and the other is not sure she wants her. The tale weaves through both sisters' fears and problems and comes to an not totally unexpected conclusion.

The story flows well. The characters are quite well flushed out. The editing was also done well.

This is a Christian genre book and it just barely makes that in my opinion. That said, it is definitely not a preachy book.

I give this a solid 4 out of 5-star rating and would recommend it to my friends. I was given a copy of this book through Revell Reads blogger program via Netgalley. The review is totally my own and freely given.

Growing up with a family Christmas tree farm myself, I was drawn to The Christmas Tree Farm by Melody Carlson, and it didn’t disappoint! The story of a young woman inheriting her family’s tree farm and trying to restore it while navigating her own personal challenges felt very close to home. The details about farm life, from planting to selling, were authentic and felt like my own memories and experiences.

I appreciated how Carlson captured the hard work, sense of tradition, and community spirit that comes with running a farm. It was easy to relate to the main character’s love for the land and her desire to preserve her family’s legacy. The romance element added a nice touch without overpowering the heart of the story.

While some plot points were a bit predictable, the warm, cozy atmosphere and genuine depiction of small-town life more than made up for it. Overall, this is a heartfelt read that captures the magic of the season, especially for those of us who live and breathe Christmas trees year-round!

Melody Carlson and Christmas stories are synonymous to me. Once again, in 'The Christmas Tree Farm' the author provides a story that is filled with life and emotions that touch our hearts and help us grow. The relationship between Madison and Lily Thompson (her high school boyfriend and now widower) is delightful. I love growth and progress and this book was heartwarmingly full of it, and all set on an Oregon Christmas Tree farm. If you want a good holiday mood, treat yourself to this book.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. the opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

Thank you NetGalley for this ARC. It was cute and sweet. Madison returns home to find that fire has destroyed her small town. She wants to try to help and rebuild the tree farm and her sister wants to sell it. Add in a cute guy and you have the perfect holiday story.

I adore Melody Carlson's Christmas novels. They always have an ideal mixture of family drama, new adventure, and a splash of romance. This novel is set on a Christmas farm. I enjoyed learning about this industry. I had no idea how much work went into growing and operating a Christmas tree farm.

You don't want to miss this delightful story that highlights the main theme of Christmas and family.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I requested and received a copy of this book by the publisher and NetGalley. 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, “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Nora St Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins!
The Book Club Network blog https://psalm516.blogspot.com/

It's normally hard for me to read a Christmas book this early in the season, but this one was so good! I really enjoyed it and it put me in the Christmas season. I really recommend it.

The Christmas Tree Farm was a cute shorter book about Madison who returns to her family's tree farm in Oregon. Madison works to revive the farm going against her sisters wishes. Madisons old high school crush comes into the picture as well.

Very cute Christmas story.

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review!

Another easy Christmas read from Melody Carlson.

Madison has returned home from a mission trip to the family Christmas Tree farm, recently touched by wildfires. It’s a story of family, friendship, and reconciliation just in time for the holiday season.

The story is an easy, light read as readers follow Madison’s efforts to save the family farm. There is an abundance of characters that come in and out of Madison’s story - some likeable and some not. Perhaps the most difficult character to like is Madison’s sister Addie, who, in all appearances, is still the spoiled brat that Maddison remembers from childhood. It is easy to dislike her, but Madison perseveres in reconciling the relationship.

There are some awkward moments sprinkled throughout plenty of fun moments between Madison and other characters. Perhaps the most likeable secondary character is Madison’s love interest’s daughter, Lily.

Perhaps what’s different in this particular story, is the educational aspect of tree planting! I learned quite a bit about planting trees and how to care for a tree farm.

The romance portion of the story is slow, a friends to something more romance. Though the romance part doesn’t really pick up until the last quarter of the story.

If you’ve enjoyed reading Christmas novels by Melody Carlson in the past, this is another great addition to your library.

I received an ebook copy from the publisher through Net Galley. All opinions expressed are my own.

The Christmas Tree Farm is Melody Carlson's latest sweet story about finding love and coming home. Madison has spent the last five years teaching school in Mongolia. She is ready to return home to her roots and the tree farm where she spent so much of her childhood. Gavin is a widowed father who lives next door. Former sweethearts, they find that they spark between them is still there. However, he has two children and she has a sister who has claimed him for herself. What will happen next? As always, a sweet story. You don't want to miss this!
Thanks NetGalley

I love a good Christmas romcom story, I will read so many of them any time of the year. For me this book was a quick read that sucks you into the Christmas spirit. Madison is trying her best while many are not helping her, her sister Addie included who I honestly got annoyed with on occasion. Madison plants the trees to try and open for the season again, against the wishes of Addie.

I will say that I am not a huge fan of Christian fiction however this story was not overwhelming with it. This story is filled with the themes of peace, forgiveness, unity, and second chances.

I was given an advanced readers copy of this book from NetGalley. Thank you to NetGalley, Melody Carlson, and Revell. All thoughts and opinions expressed here in this review are solely my own.

I didn’t like this book at all.

Maddie has moved back to her grandparents’ Christmas Tree Farm after years in Mongolia. She has been teaching abroad while her sister Addie has been taking care of the farm as well as her grandparents when they were sick and dying. When Maddie moves back, she’s surprised to not be welcomed back by her sister and is also surprised her childhood crush is back at the farm next door. She decides that it’s her job to save the Christmas tree farm even if she has to do it herself.

I hated all of these characters. I also disliked the writing. I found it cliché and lazy. At one point Gavin, the neighbor, even pulls out the “the fact you don’t know you’re beautiful makes you even more beautiful” line. Gross. Maddie and Gavin had zero chemistry. She had more chemistry with his 11 year old daughter Lily, who essentially becomes her best friend and laborer. Weird.

Addie is also a major bitch. These women are in their mid to late 20s and she claims dibs on Gavin on the basis that she had a crush on him when she was like 13? And then she starts being territorial towards him. Like legit starts throwing a fit when Maddie even talks to Gavin even though Maddie isn’t flirting. Then when his older daughter comes home for break, she starts harassing Maddie about potentially like Gavin too. It all makes zero sense.

In terms of the romance, not only do they have zero chemistry, but they don’ get together until the novel is almost over. Then after one date, he proposes to her at Christmas. This made zero sense.

I will not be adding Carlson to my list of authors. I found this book to be poorly written and not entertaining at all. I didn’t feel any of the Christmas spirit. In fact, most of this book took place before Thanksgiving. A lot of people seemingly enjoy this book, unfortunately I am just not one of them.

Thank you so much to Netgalley and the publisher for my review copy.

This was a wonderful romance with a great plot and memorable characters. A very enjoyable read.