Thank you NetGalley and Revell for the ARC of The Christmas Tree Farm by Melody Carlson.

Madison returns home to her family’s Christmas tree farm following the passing of her grandmother. After spending years in Mongolia teaching with who she thought was the man of her dreams. Madison and Addie have inherited the farm bringing Madison home after wild fires ripped through the town but spare the farm.

Addison does not share the same affinity for the farm as her sister and they are at odds. Maybe if Madison can restore the farm and the memories Addison will come around.

With the challenge of reviving her history and memories also comes the first boy she’s ever loved. Coming back to shift through the burn zone and rebuild his family following the loss of his wife. When Gavin sees Madison the sparks are still there. Addison also feels the sparks but not between Madison and Gavin; she’s been pining for Gavin since she was a preteen. Madison’s homecoming has proven to be a barrier and not well received.

This was a cute quick holiday read. A good way to start the holiday season. I can honestly say I have never disliked a character as much as I disliked Addison. The entire book her bratty attitude had me hoping Madison would grab her and shake her. Her snotty entitled attitude really got to me. Overall I really liked the book however, I feel like the end was extremely rushed and almost incomplete. I wish there were a couple of more chapters to work through the ending.
Pub Date: September 3, 2024
🌟🌟🌟.5

Man, this book was such a bummer. The story starts off so wonderful and pleasantly dramatic. The story is laid out and the journey for the main character begins, and it's a great ride. Some great conflict occurs and the reader experiences the tension and stress, all while anticipating a climax followed by resolution.

But there isn't a climax or resolution. It just ends.

I received an e-arc from NetGalley and Revell to read and review honestly and voluntarily.

SPOILER BELOW:




The sisters have intense drama and no connection, which was so awesome to read, especially as I have a similar experience with my own sister--we're so fundamentally different even though we're related! But on top of their personality differences, they fight over the same guy. THE AUTHOR NEVER RESOLVES THIS. The main character LIES to her and she NEVER fixes it! It's swept under the rug!!! WHYYYYYY

Cute little novella. At times, I found some of the characters slightly awkward but it’s still such a cute Christmas story.

This is a novella, so a quick read. It was cute little story. I thought some of the conversations were a bit strange…lots of relationships were awkward and the sister acted like she was twelve (strange considering she supposed to be a divorced adult). I did like the main character’s relationship with the neighbor girl and how that developed. If you want a quick Christmas read this is a good one.

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

I love a good Christmas story even in the heat of the summer. Madison returns home from an overseas teaching assignment to the family Christmas tree farm. She finds her sister Addie has done nothing with it since her grandmother passed away and things are in desperate need of loving care. Addie tells her the farm is in the red and they need to sell but Madison is determined to make things better. When she learns that Gavin, her high school love is living next door with his daughter, the old feelings come back. Addie however is trying to win his heart and is angry when he has eyes for Madison. Gavin's daughter Lily becomes close with Madison and works with her to plant 600 tree plugs to help the farm. As Christmas draws close, things get strained with family and working it out looks difficult. I really enjoyed this book. Thanks to NetGalley for the advanced reader copy. My honest opinion is to read it!!

Melody Carlson has a new Christmas novella every year. I’ve read many of her Christmas novellas and enjoyed them. It is always a treat to read another one by her.

This book follows Madison, who has returned to the Christmas tree farm that she inherited (and now co-owns) with her sister after devastating wildfires have hurt much of their community.

This story was so cute. I loved the Christmas tree farm setting. I will say, this is a perfect Christmas book to read early in the season, as it actually begins in September and goes forward to Christmas. Thanksgiving was around the 60 percent or 2/3rds mark if I’m remembering correctly. Normally, I like my Christmas books to be more Christmas focused, but this was about life on the Christmas tree farm so it focused on planting, wreath-making, and other things to get ready for the Black Friday rush to get a tree.

Madison was constantly butting heads with her sister Addie, to the point where I looked at my Kindle and saw I was almost done with the book and had no idea how all that conflict would resolve. Being a novella, it definitely happened quickly (almost too quickly, especially given how prickly Addie was).

This novella also has a small subplot of Madison getting reacquainted with Gavin, a guy she had a major crush on as a teenager, and his preteen daughter Lily. I really liked the relationship that developed between Madison and Lily. They had many sweet scenes together. I was fairly meh about the romance though. If Gavin was supposedly so ~~in love~~ with Madison back then, why did he sleep with the other girl (who became pregnant and he married her at age 18)? Yes, it was explained that the other girl was “out to get him” but he still could have said no, especially if he was as enamored with Madison as he claimed to be.

His proposal to Madison at the end came out of nowhere as well.

Overall, though, this was a cute Christmas read that would be perfect to read early in the season.

I really enjoyed reading this book! There's so much going on. A devastating fire, a sister's feud, new friends, and reconnecting with old friends. The themes of second chances and forgiveness resonated with me. There's even a cute, little romance!

The characters are written brilliantly! The three main characters are relatable and easy to like! Madison, wow! She's strong, determined, and a hard worker. What I like best about her is that she perseveres in fixing her broken relationship with her sister and rebuilding the Christmas tree farm. Lily touched my heart the most. She's a rough and tumble 11 year old with the soul of a 30 year old! She softens as her relationship with Madison grows.

My favorite parts of the story are when customers come to cut down their Christmas trees! It brought back many childhood memories to my mind! I always enjoy books by Melody Carlson, and I eagerly look forward to the next one!

I was provided a complimentary copy of the book from Revell via Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I really enjoyed The Christmas tree farm by Melody Carlson, it was the perfect festive book, but can be enjoyed at any time of year.
The story centres on a woman called Madison, and her efforts on her families Christmas tree farm to turn it around from neglect.
I liked the way the story developed, and the meanings within, such as seconds chances. I would love to see a sequel to this book.

I read Christmas books year round, so I couldn't wait to read The Christmas Tree Farm. Melody Carlson's stories have become a tradition.

The story is more angsty then most of Carlson's Christmas stories with managing tree farm sister Addie on the defense against returning travel teacher sister Madison. Addie wants to sell the tree farm, but Maddison wants to save it. Next door neighbor Gavin's a second chance love interest for Madison but Addie's calling dibs, oh boy. I really enjoyed the couple's memories of their high school relationship, what went wrong and what was right. Gavin's eleven going on twenty-five year old daughter Lily all but steals the show. She's the cutest little matchmaker.

With Christmas being a season of miracles, Madison's praying she gets a few, with the farm, her sister and Gavin. A favorite quote,
"I've learned that the only constant about life is that it constantly changes. We have to adapt. Make the best of it..."

I really enjoyed The Christmas Tree Farm, and the last chapter was the icing on the cake. I appreciate Revell Publishers making a copy available for review. All thoughts and opinions are my very own.

Christmas in July!! This was the absolute sweetest story ❤️❤️ It featured second chance romance and read just like a Hallmark movie. I loved the focus on family.

Along with reading like a Hallmark movie, there were moments that were a little unrealistic and prompted a slight eye roll, but, overall, it was the perfect story to put me in the Christmas mood (I’m a Christmas fanatic!).

I’m definitely going to check out Melody Carlson’s yearly Christmas stories to start the season. This novella was a very quick read and I read it in a half a day after spending 5 hours at the DMV 😂

This was a really good book and a fast read. This was my first book by Melody Carlson and it won't be my last. I always love to read Christmas books. This was an uplifting story about reconnecting with a first love from childhood. Madison McDowell spent five years in Mongolia and returns to the Christmas tree Farm where she spent her summers with her grandparents growing up. Her and her sister are now the co-owners of this farm and Madison is determined to transform it back to what she remembers from her childhood. Addie her sister wants to sell the farm and move back to the city. Needless to say, the two sisters don't see eye to eye. Then Madison finds out her neighbor is none other than her old high school flame. The book takes you through the journey of two sisters, her old high school flame and trying to rebuild the farm that she loves.
I will recommend this book to all my friends.

Thanks to NetGalley and Revell Publishing for the advanced copy. This will definitely not be my last Melody Carlson book.

I always enjoy Melody Carlson’s books and The Christmas Tree Farm was no different. I throughly enjoyed the plot and the characters. A well written quick read. I definitely recommend it.

Melody Carlson always makes a hit novel that caught balancefully the season of Christmas. The story is very warm and wonderful and realistically bringing the farm life into our imagination.

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

The Christmas Tree Farm by Melody Carlson is a delightful holiday read that perfectly captures the spirit of the season. The story is heartwarming and filled with charm, making it an ideal book to curl up with on a cozy winter day. Carlson's vivid descriptions bring the festive setting to life, and the characters are endearing and relatable. While the plot is somewhat predictable, it’s comforting in its familiarity and leaves you with a warm, fuzzy feeling. Overall, this is a lovely, feel-good story that’s perfect for getting into the holiday spirit.

The Christmas Tree Farm is a cute Christmas novella and perfect to get you in the holiday spirit. Melody Carlson knows how to write a quick paced story that grabs the reader and captures all the romantic, holiday feels. Madison and Gavin defiantly have chemistry (and history) but there are several obstacles in their way. I love how Madison determines to not lose the family tree farm, takes a chance, and works hard to make it happen. Her sister is not on board with any of it and seeing the push and pull between them made the conclusion all the sweeter. Madison’s “unlikely ally” is just perfect and brings the story together in all the best ways.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher via NetGalley and all opinions expressed are solely my own, freely given.

This book was great! I love romance books, and this one was no exception! The characters were wonderful and realistic, the plot was well written, and the setting was gorgeous. I cannot wait until this is published so everyone can read it!

Melody Carlson writes from her heart. This is a sweet story of starting over. Madison returns home after 5 years. Gavin returns to his family farm with his daughter. Addie, Madison’s sister, longs for travel and city life. Gavin’s daughter Lucy is at a crossroad in her life. Even Madison and Addie’s mom is looking for new beginnings. One of the sweetest characters is Lily. She has spunk and a depth of perception. The two fams are next to each other and Gavin and Madison share a teenage romance from years ago. Can they find love again? Great ending!

What could be better than Christmas spent on a Christmas tree farm? This book has all the ingredients for a heartfelt cozy story with all the feels. The perfect holiday read!
*I received a complimentary copy of this ebook from Revell Publishing through NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

If there is one thing I know I can count on with a Christmas story by Melody Carlson, it is that it will be simply lovely, literary holiday escape. “The Christmas Tree Farm” is no exception to that fact. Madison is coming home from teaching overseas and back to the family Christmas tree farm after a devastating fire in the area. Her younger sister, Addie, has been caring for the farm on her own for a couple of seasons. The fire has wiped out life in the community around the farm and part of their inventory, but Madison’s memories and love for the farm drive her to see the Christmas tree farm thriving once again. The farm next door burned almost completely, and neighbor Gavin and his young daughter have decided not to replant but to build a dirt bike track on their property. Emotions are high for multiple reasons in this story. The characters are complex in personalities and the sisters struggle to get along amid tensions and unresolved relationships from the past with their neighbor. I love how Melody Carlson neatly wraps her stories up in such a way that the reader is pulled into the plot and feelings of Christmas right from the start and then all those feelings climax in a lovely ending. She lets us feel the emotions of Madison and see the farm through her vision of home and future. She allows us to feel the authentic conflicts between the sisters as well as the difficulties it brings for Madison when their mother comes to stay at the farm. I highly recommend you pull up a cozy reading playlist, grab a cozy beverage, and snuggle in with this book.

I requested a complimentary copy of this book for review. The thoughts expressed here are wholly my own.

This was my first Christmas book of the season and it was a good one. Madison returns to her families Christmas tree farm after being gone for a few years teaching overseas. She finds that her sister has let it go and a wildfire that just went through has taken many of their trees as well as destroyed their neighbors property. She has a lot of ideas on things they can do to bring the farm back to it's old glory. the only thing is that it's getting close to Christmas and she needs all hands on deck. An old friend and his daughter turn up and are the hands she needed to replant not only the farm but maybe feeling she forgot about. If she can get her sister to shape up and get on board with the plans maybe they will all get to enjoy Christmas. The book was clean, a fast ready and had a good albeit obvious ending.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to ready the arc.