I love a Christmas story in summer. This is my first time reading a Melody Carlson book and she had me feeling all warm and fuzzy. This type of story is what you want when you pull up on a snowy December day with your favorite warm blank, a crackling fire, and a hot cup of cocoa with lots of marshmallows.

Writing - Carlson's writing is immaculate. The description of the land, especially when Madison came home helped to paint a vivid picture in my mind. 'There in the midst of the defiant green plant bloomed a bright orange daisy-like blossoms. Defiantly optimistic, as if to say, "There's still like here." She bent down to pick a flow. Studying its dark center, she remembered how Grandma had called these Mule's.' I could see the vibrant orange and admired the defiance of that one lone flower Madison encountered on her walk across her grandparents land.

Madison and Addie McDowell spent their summers and holidays on their grandparent's Christmas tree farm. Madison loved the outdoors but her sister Addie would rather be curled up inside with a good book. When an opportunity arose for Madison to teach overseas in Mongolia, she jumped at the chance. Now, after a failed long term relationship, her tenure in Mongolia up, and both her dad and grandparents deceased she decides to head home to help her sister manage the farm. Unfortunately, the area was recently devastated by a raging forest fire. Saving the Christmas tree business will require a lot of work from both sisters.

The Thompson's filbert farm did not fair as well as the McDowell's. The majority of their land was ravaged by the fire. Gavin's siblings had no desire to salvage the land or the family business. As a widow with young two girls, Lucy in her twenties and Lily a pre-teen, Gavin sees and opportunity bring his daughters back from the grief of losing their mother. He decides to sell off his lucrative business and fulfill his youngest girl's dream of building a motor-bike arena.

When they were teenagers, Gavin and Madison had a passionate relationship. For Madison, it was her first crush. The couple promised to keep in touch when they went back to school but Shelby, the woman who eventually becomes Gavin's wife had other ideas. Eventually the young pair go their separate ways. But now they have both come back home. Unfortunately, Madison isn't too keen on Gavin and Lily's future endeavor.

I fell in love with Gavin and enjoyed seeing Lily grow and develop. The McDowell sisters both had some personality issues, Addie more so than Madison. At times they could both be selfish and petty; it made it difficult to cheer on a romance between Gavin and Madison. The story has some religious (christian) undertones. Both main characters talk about their faith. Gavin and Shelby had gotten together while on a mission trip. As a non-religious person, I did not find the mention of the characters faith to be distracting or off putting. Overall, I enjoyed the story. It was a quick and easy read. I recommend this for anyone looking for a solid holiday story.

Author: Melody Carlson is a well established author with over 250 published books, a number of which are bestselling Christmas, young adult, and contemporary romances. Her book, 'All Summer Long' has been adapted in to a Hallmark move.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This was a very cute Christmas novella! The story at points were a bit fast but it was a very quick read. The relationship dynamic between the characters didn't feel too overdone or unneeded and I really loved the development of the relationship between Madison and Lily.

Overall a very cute and quick Christmas story!

Thanks to Netgalley for my review copy

Every year I look forward to Melody's Christmas novella. Every year the stories are different which adds to the enjoyment. I have been to different parts of the world with these books.

This one takes place in Oregon on a Christmas tree farm. Madison is coming home after time working overseas to help with the Christmas tree farm she now owns with her sister Addie. Growing up Madison was the outdoors girls helping her dad and grandfather while Addie was the indoors girl curled up with a book. When she gets home Addie is cool to her. She notices the farm needs work but Addie is more intent on selling.

Next door the farm had lost its hazelnut trees but there is a caravan there. Turns out to be a former friend from childhood Gavin and his daughter Lily. I actually think Lily is one of the best side characters in the book.

I loved how the book unfolded. We learnt the girls history how after her parents divorce they spent summers, thanksgiving and Christmas at the farm. Of the relationship they has with grandparents and parents. To the fun with the neighbouring kids. We learn how they come to be co-owners of the farm and how both girls are different. As the book goes on we learn what drives Madison and the memories made at the farm. We also see what has happened to Gavin in the preceding years.

I can't say to much as you have to read the book but read this book in a day. I want to go to a tree farm in North America and cut down a tree and get a wreath, and all that goes with it. We often see the tree farms mentioned in Christmas movies or books but don't often get the inside scoop.

A great read for Christmas. Actually you could read it anytime as it starts in Autumn. It went well here cos it was really cold the day I read it.

This was a short and sweet novella. It felt like a warm hug in a book. The relationship between the 2 sisters was so problematic and hard to read at some points just because there was some miscommunication. The ending felt a bit rushed and like the reconciliation was kind of glossed over a bit and just magically better. I think had there been an extra 30-50 pages and the resolution was written about more and we saw more between the sisters it would have been a bit better but honestly it was still a great read!

The Christmas Tree Farm by Melody Carlson is everything I want in a holiday book. A great plot and a fun holiday setting. I enjoyed the family dynamics and redemption in this story. Even though it’s the middle of summer, this book was a warm hug.

This novella is a quick, entertaining, seasonal read full of Christmas vibes and some intrafamily tension.

Madison McDowell has spent the last five years teaching in Mongolia (unusual choice). Returning to her late grandparents’ Christmas tree farm after a local devastating fire, she is determined to restore the business and its traditions to its former success. There is only one problem: her sister, Addie, is equally determined to sell the farm and escape to the city.

The tension between the sisters is fraught with miscommunication; neither is good at straight forward dialogue with plenty of passive aggression on Addie’s part - to the point where her behavior becomes annoying. Her attitude, combined with those of the women’s mother and a reluctant house guest, make for the beginnings of a “mean girls’ club.”

I did enjoy Madison’s determination and creativity in her efforts to revive the farm as well as her relationship with Lily, the daughter of Gavin Thompson, Madison’s first love.

Overall, this was an enjoyable venture into the holiday spirit. My chief concerns were the oversimplification in the resolution of the family dynamics and the rushed, if not unrealistic, ending.

My thanks to the author, the publisher, and NetGalley for the privilege of reviewing this book. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

This review is being posted immediately to my GoodReads account and will be posted on Amazon upon publication.

When Madison McDowell returns from several years teaching overseas in Mongolia, she doesn't expect the find the area around her family's Christmas Tree Farm so changed.

Ravaged by a recent wildfire and and with the farm no longer active, Madison has her work cut out for her in order to make things like they once were.

Meanwhile her sister is obstructing her at every turn and her childhood crush has returned and plans to open a dirt bike park with his daughter.

It will take a Christmas miracle to turn things around.

Reviewer Thoughts:

This is the kind of story you can curl up with and read in one sitting.

Despite being about a Christmas Tree farm, there isn't a lot of Christmas centered plot in the story (although the story does end on Christmas Day).

It is however a sweet little love story.

I personally found the character of the sister painful, and the lack of communication that caused the tension in the story just plain frustrating.

But for the most part it was a sweet story set against the backdrop of a Christmas Tree Farm.

This story also has a slight sense of being a Christian novel, but the references are small enough that it doesn't detract from the story for reader not looking to read a Christian novel.

The Christmas Tree Farm was a quick enjoyable fun to read book by Melody Carlson.
Madison had been away from home for several years. Addie was her sister and she had stayed home and helped with family issues. Madison felt the pull of home to go back after loss of family members and a devasting fire that caused the family Christmas tree farm to be in danger of having to be sold. Madison did not want that to happen while Addie was all set to sell and split the profits.
Madison set her sights on saving the farm and that is what she was going to do.
The story is one that will tug at your heart- make you smile, and you will be so happy you picked this book up and got to know the characters in the book.
Thank you NetGalley, Melody Carlson and Revell for the ARC of the book The Christmas Tree Farm. This is my personal review.

A quick read set in the Pacific Northwest around the holidays.

"Beauty from ashes...maybe there was hope after all."
A theme of healing past brokenness and family reconciliation plants itself firmly in the soil of this story set on a struggling tree farm owned by a pair of sisters reunited after years of separation. Following devastating fires, loss of family members, and broken relationships, this pair has a difficult time seeing past their personal hurts.

Madison is a trooper who wants to bring the farm back to life, but seems thwarted in all her efforts. She is trying to recreate the good memories of home. I couldn't help but root for her. Throw in a past love interest who lives nearby with a spunky daughter who grows on you, and the story has plenty of conflict to keep it interesting.

The other sister, Addie, was making me grind my teeth at times. The way Madison kindly and patiently dealt with her opposition was inspiring, though it made my heart hurt at times. There is a lot of emotional depth packed into this shorter story that made it an interesting quick read. A few mentions of faith with the Christmas story, but nothing heavy here.

Recommend for readers who enjoy character driven stories with clean romance.

Are you ready for the cooler weather? Are you in the mood for a light, happy holiday story that takes place on a tree farm?
Then open this book, pour a cup of hot cocoa and settle in.
You will smell the fresh pine of the Christmas trees as you turn the pages and help cut the trees to get ready for the season of hope.
This wonderful novella has romance, fun, family and lots of happiness in each chapter.
I never miss a new Melody Carlson Christmas story and this one is good!

Thank you to @Netgalley and to @Revell for this ARC and allowing me to read and provide my own review. Well done!

I received an arc from NetGalley and this is my honest opinion.

This was a short and fast paced story about restored family relationships, love and determination. Madison returns home from Mongolia after learning about a forest fire that affected the area around her families tree farm. Madison’s sister Addie is shocked to see her sister return but Madison’s first love is also shocked by her return stirring up old feelings.

Contains a Nice family setting and Christian themes. Great read!

Thursday, August 1, 2024
The Christmas Tree Farm





The Christmas season was always the busiest time of year for Madison's grandparents. They ran a Christmas tree farm. She had so many fond memories of visiting and helping them with their business.

After being out of the country, Madison returns to find many homes and businesses destroyed by a wildfire. Her sister tells her that the farm is in trouble and they need to sell. Madison is determined to save the farm.

Her determination and grit is remarkable. With the help of a young girl, who happens to be the daughter of a childhood boyfriend, she does everything she can to hold onto the farm that she loves. A little romance with the girl's father might cause some diversion from the task at hand. He made my heart go pitter/patter.

Madison begins to understand herself better as well as her sister and their mother.

I enjoyed the book and had my fingers crossed that the beloved farm would survive for many years to come.

Reminiscent of a Hallmark movie, this is a sweet and cozy holiday story that will warm your heart! Madison and Addie are reeling from the loss of their grandmother, living in a town that is overcoming a huge fire that wiped out many businesses, and trying to find a new norm. Next door, Gavin and his daugher Lily are also overcoming loss and trying to write their future. There's an undercurrent of insipiration and faith, but also jealousy and a mean girls clique, as well as the obligatory autumn and Christmas cozy outdoor scenes that would be perfect in a movie...and of course a HEA at the end!

Thank you NetGalley and publisher for this ARC!

I love holiday romances and this one hit the spot!! Such a good book. So cute! It was a page turner that u could not put down!

I always look forward to Melody Carlson's Christmas books! They're always so cozy and perfect for the holiday season. While I must admit that there are others that I enjoyed more than this one, this was no exception--- bringing holiday cheer and inspiration! As the story begins, we meet Madison as she's returning to her family's Christmas tree farm after spending several years teaching overseas. The area has a lot of fire damage and needs some help--- but her sister and co-owner Addie does not seem to want to put in the effort. I must admit, I wasn't Addie's biggest fan throughout most of the story and that probably impacted some of my enjoyment of the story. However, I feel like those complicated family dynamics can be very true to life (and even to the holiday season), so I didn't appreciate that aspect at least. I did enjoy the relationship between Madison and Gavin (and his spunky daughter), even with its additional complications as well. I would have loved to see more between them. Still, I enjoyed the story overall and found that it had all the Hallmark type vibes that I adore---especially at the holiday season!

**I received a complimentary copy via Netgalley. All opinions are my own.

unfortunately this just didn’t hit for me. i found the plot rather “cringe” and didn’t connect to the characters

The Christmas Tree Farm was such a sweet read & it was a joy to jump right into the quaint, Christmas tree farm life that Melody Carlson pulls you into. Madison returns to her family’s Christmas tree farm (set in idyllic Pacific Northwest) hoping to help save it despite her sisters heavy objections. What holiday novella would be complete without a handsome neighbor (and old high school sweetheart) who’s set on building a dirt-bike track, which disrupts the peace Madison so desperately needs. The book is a clean, light Christian romance that melts your heart, leaves you craving hot cocoa, and has you jotting down plans to support your own local tree farm (or making your own custom wreaths like Madison). If you enjoy hallmark Christmas movies, I’m sure you’ll love this. Also, it was my first novella! I would have loved to read a full novel of this sweet tale.

Melody Carlson is an auto buy in my family, so getting to read The Christmas Tree Farm was so exciting. It's a sweet story about coming home, restoration and second chances. I love how the story flowed and can't wait to read. more by Melody!

Thank you netgalley for an arc of The Christmas Tree Farm by Melody Carlson

A very nice, feel-good, Christmas story. Romance, working on fixing strained family ties, starting anew, and keeping the faith are all hallmarks of Melody Carlson's books and this delightful story brings all of them to you tied up with a Christmas bow. Madison McDowell returns from teaching abroad to the Christmas tree farm her grandparents called home. Her younger sister, Addie, has been running the farm since their father and grandmother both passed away a couple of years earlier and Madison is determined to help with this year's planting, harvesting, and Christmas tree selling. Addie, however, has other ideas. The two sisters have a strained relationship in many ways and need to work through quite a bit of tension and hostility. Add to that the fact that Madison's first love lives right next door with his young daughter who is a bit of a wild child and you have all the makings of a great story. In typical Melody Carlson fashion, the characters are interesting and believable and the story is sweet without being sappy. You find yourself rooting for everyone in the story as it moves along and wishing you could visit the tree farm to get a nice warm cup of cider as you pick out your Christmas tree and a wreath for your door. This was a very nice, quick read.
* I received an advanced reader copy from the publisher through Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.

One of my favorite authors of Christmas books is Melody Carlson, and once again she hits it out of the park with this one.

A sweet novella of family drama, forgiveness, second chances, and all things Christmas encompass all the feelings of this book. I highly recommend it to those who love reading Christmas books. You will not want to put it down until you have completed it.

The characters are well developed, so much to the point that there are a few you will find that you really do not like, others you will love.

Thanks to NetGalley and Revell for the advanced copy of this book. The opinions expressed are my own.