I like to include at least one Christmas novella leading into the holiday season. This year my book club chose to read The Christmas Tree Farm by Melody Carlson. If you are looking for a feel-good story with serious Hallmark vibes, then this one is for you.
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.
Bestselling and award-winning author Melody Carlson charms and delights with this uplifting Christmas story full of old memories and new beginnings.
Melody Carlson has written more than 200 books (with sales around 6.5 million) for teens, women and children. That’s a lot of books, but mostly she considers herself a “storyteller.” Her novels range from serious issues like schizophrenia (Finding Alice) to lighter topics like house-flipping (A Mile in My Flip-Flops) but most of the inspiration behind her fiction comes right out of real life. Her young adult novels (Diary of a Teenage Girl, TrueColors etc.) appeal to teenage girls around the world. Her annual Christmas novellas become more popular each year. She’s won a number of awards (including Romantic Time’s Career Achievement Award, the Rita and the Gold Medallion) and some of her books have been optioned for film/TV. Carlson has two grown sons and makes her home in the Pacific Northwest with her husband and yellow Lab dog. To find out more about Melody Carlson, visit her website at http://www.melodycarlson.com/
My Impressions:
Sometimes you want an uncomplicated, feel-good story with a Christmas-y setting. You will get that with Melody Carlson’s novella The Christmas Tree Farm. With serious Hallmark vibes, this holiday romance is set in the most Christmas location — a Christmas tree farm. The main character, Madison, returns to the place of her cherished childhood memories ready to begin a new life. She faces obstacles of a depressed economy and a manipulative younger sister, but puts in the work to bring the tree farm back to its former glory. She also has a second chance at love which is always a favorite trope. Add in a hunky leading man and an adorable kid sidekick and you have the elements for a fun Christmas read. Is it predictable? You bet! But sometimes that’s just what you want or need.
The Christmas Tree Farm isn’t my favorite of Carlson’s novellas, but it was a quick read that I found enjoyable. If you are looking for a light read with all the holiday trimmings, then give this one a try.
Audience: Adults
(I received a complimentary ebook from NetGalley. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)
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