Member Reviews

Loved reading this book. Amazing story and the characters lend to the charm of this book. I would highly recommend this book. You would not be disappointed.

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I loved this Christmas novella, that puts a spin on the the typical storyline of the traditional rom coms. In this one it's the heroine who doesn't like Christmas and the hero has to show her what's she's missing. And with the help a the heroine's daughter he might just make it happen. This one is short only 176 and to me it's not Christmas without a new Melody Carlson Christmas novella.

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Melody Carlson has been on my author radar since I read the very first book by her. She has a way of making you become emotionally invested in all of her characters and soon you find yourself cheering them on and praying they find their happily ever after. Melody creates characters that pull you right in and never let you go, even after the last page is read. The way Melody writes, puts you right in the middle of their story, leaving you feeling like you truly know the characters and feeling exactly what they are going through. I love when an author can do that to me. CHRISTMAS IN WINTER HILL is a story about a struggling single mom named Krista and her daughter, Emily, who have just moved to Winter Hill where Krista is going to be the new city manager. Krista soon learns that along with this small town comes a huge annual Christmas festival, and as city manager, she’s going to have to get involved. The issue is that Krista really doesn’t like Christmas. If you love a romantic holiday story then you have to give CHRISTMAS IN WINTER HILL a go. You won’t be sorry and your heart will be warmer because of it.

I started CHRISTMAS IN WINTER HILL one afternoon and couldn’t stop reading until the very last page. I want to get out my tree and decorations now and set it up and it’s only October. I have always enjoyed Melody Carlson’s stories and this one does not disappoint. Melody’s stories always leave me feeling warm and fuzzy inside with a huge smile on my face. As I was reading, I felt like I was right there with Krista and Emily trying to find some Christmas cheer. Conner has a huge heart and just wants Emily and Krista to have a happy Christmas. It is now a tradition every year to read Melody Carlson’s annual Christmas novella. CHRISTMAS IN WINTER HILL is one of her best stories so far with this heart warming holiday tale set in Winter Hill, Washington. Melody Carlson has a gift for telling uplifting and inspirational stories and she knows exactly how to get the reader in the holiday spirit.

I can totally see CHRISTMAS IN WINTER HILL becoming a Hallmark Christmas movie that I would love to watch. Melody Carlson always puts me on an emotional roller coaster and CHRISTMAS IN WINTER HILL is exactly why! Now the only thing I’m sad about is, I just finished her wonderful book and now I have to wait for the next one! Bestselling author Melody Carlson invites you to spend this holiday season in a town you’ll never forget–and never want to leave. It was so nice to read a clean romance, where the couple actually have a friendship and not fall in love instantly. Krista is easy to connect with and her daughter, Emily, is precious. Although light, spiritual content is woven through the story and left my mind at peace. Melody has been one of my top authors from the very first book of hers that I had the pleasure of reading and when you read CHRISTMAS IN WINTER HILL you will know exactly why.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell Books through Netgalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

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It's early in the New Year, but I admit it - I read Christmas books year round, and this one is one of my absolute favourites from Melody Carlson. It has everything you need for a great Christmas read. A cozy winter town setting where your mind's eye can see the twinkling lights and frosty ground, A young girl who loves Christmas, a Mum who is challenged and then changed by their new town's 'Christmasville' celebrations, and wonderful hero (with a wonderful family)! There's plenty which makes you stretch your credibility a bit - but hey, this is a Christmas novel. With themes of hardship, reconciliation, and love, this is a top Christmas (or any time of the year) read.

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Such a touching, magical Christmas story! Melody Carlson has written another Christmas story with a realistic setting and just enough of a touch of magic to make it the perfect cozy, Christmas novel. Single parent, Krista, has all but ignored Christmas for many years, but moving to the town that does Christmas big leaves her little opportunity to ignore what’s right in front of her. Between the town’s celebratory spirit and her daughter’s persistence, Krista quickly realizes something is changing deep inside. Winter Hill might not just be her new home, but also the catalyst for deep and lasting change inside Krista’s heart.

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Krista Galloway has escaped to a small town in Washington state with her daughter to start brand new life, but moving to a small town that makes a big deal out of Christmas isn't her best idea. She has had a bad string of horrible Christmas seasons, so she would just rather skip it all and get into a new year, but maybe this town will change her mind about the whole holiday.

I loved the balance in this book between Krista's professional life and a bit of romance. With the limited pages, I always get nervous that there will be some instalove, but Melody Carlson was able to write it in a way that felt that the two characters had enough interactions to naturally fall sweetly in love! I also loved the little bit of mystery that took place in her professional life - it was a great addition that gave the book depth.

This was my last hoilday read for this year and it was a good note to end on. This sweet town reminded me of all the great things about this season that I love.

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Unfortunately, I have not been able to read and review this book.

After losing and replacing my broken Kindle and getting a new phone I was unable to download the title again for review as it was no longer available on Netgalley.

I’m really sorry about this and hope that it won’t affect you allowing me to read and review your titles in the future.

Thank you so much for giving me this opportunity.
Natalie.

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This quaint story is the perfect Christmas read. It has all the elements of a Hallmark movie as well. I have been hoping Melody’s holiday book assortment will someday make it to the screen. Charming sweet and a bit of intrigue are at the heart of this book. #christmasinwinterhill Copy courtesy of Netgalley.

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DNF: 15%
2019; Revell

I enjoyed Carlson's Christmas novella, The Christmas Angel Project, so the next two years I requested her newest ones. I didn't get a chance to read it last year, so I read both of them in 2019. After trying to read A Christmas by the Sea, and having to DNF it, I decided to still give this one a try. Maybe it was just that particular story that didn't engage me, and this one would be good. After 15% I realized that this book is just like the previous book. I decided to DNF this one as I have so many books I want to read before the end of the year. I think it is the "widowed/divorcee" romances that Carlson writes that I could not get into. Check out other reviews because this one could be the one for you.

***I received a complimentary copy of this ebook from the publisher through Edelweiss/NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.***

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I've long enjoyed Melody Carlson's Christmas offerings, and this is one of her very best! It's a romance, a story of the desire for home and belonging with a contest for A Christmas House! I loved this fun element and highly recommend this book! I am grateful to the publisher and NetGalley for an ARC for this my honest review.

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I received a digital review copy through NetGalley. This is a great story for those who like The Christmas Shoes stories or love Hallmark movies.

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You can never go wrong with a Melody Carlson book! I so enjoyed this Christmas story. I have read all of her Christmas books and this is one of my favorites.
Imagine living in a place that turns into a Christmas town every year to celebrate the holidays! As I was reading, I kept thinking I want to visit this place. Our main character is having some difficulties getting into the spirit of the season due to some personal troubles. Then she moves to a town that turns into Christmas with a daughter who is thrilled with the idea. Her daughter keeps her going and keeps just that little glimmer of spirit alive. Soon, the town and the people grow on her and change her perspective.
This is a beautiful, feel good, full of Christmas goodness book. Get cozy, get a hot chocolate and settle in for a perfect Christmas read that will keep you smiling long after it’s over.

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Christmas in Winter Hill is this years annual Christmas story from Melody Carlson. This book did not disappoint. I always look forward to a book by Ms Carlson to put me in the Holiday spirit. This book is a great addition to my Christmas collection and is my new favorite Holiday book.

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Christmas In Winter Hill by Melody Carlson is a delightful Christmas book that will leave you smiling. Every year Melody Carlson releases a Christmas book and I look forward to reading it, and this year’s offering does not disappoint.
Christmas is a time for love and family but if you have never had one, it can be hard. One may feel isolated and lonely as it looks like the whole world is having fun.
Winter Hill is a place of community. A warm welcome awaits as strangers are taken under its wings. New beginnings are made easier with a greeting from smiling faces.
We all have dreams. Sometimes our dreams are for others. We witness selfless love in action in the novel.
Christmas In Winter Hill was a charming read, encompassing all that is good about Christmas.
I received this book for free. A favourable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.

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Recently moved to the Pacific Northwest for a new city manager job, Krista Galloway and her young daughter arrive to town just in time for the annual, huge production Christmastown event. As city manager, some of the responsibilities fall to Krista. Due to growing up in the foster care system, Krista is not a big Christmas fan. Her daughter, though, is enamored by the activities and encourages her mom to participate.
Work woes with coworkers at the new job plague Krista and she is not sure the move to Winter Hill was a good idea.

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Krista and her daughter recently moved to Winter Hill in hopes of a better future. It’s Christmas time and no one loves it more than Krista’s daughter but Krista isn't one for it since she grew up in the foster care system and the holidays bring no cheer at all. So when she moves to a town that loves the holidays Krista is a little put-off, to say the least, but her daughter and the town hope to change her mind.

So will this town change her mind about Christmas and make her see there is some good in this world? Not to mention maybe even a new romance is her future. I really enjoyed this book it was cute and a quick read but one with lots of cheer and holiday magic. I like a good read that shows us that hope is a possibility and shows us that the good still has good people in it. This is one read that will bring you some great holiday feels.

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If you're a fan of Hallmark Christmas movies, Christmas in Winter Hill is the book for you. Loved it!

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

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Krista Golloway, recently divorced, has accepted a job as city manager of Winter Hill, Washington. Her daughter, Emily, is excited about seeing snow for the first time. What Krista didn't know was that the annual Christmas festival is a big event in Winter Hill. Krista grew up in multiple foster homes, and after too many disappointing Christmas mornings, she is not a fan of Christmas and Emily is disappointed that there is no snow. Once they settle in, Emily loves Winter Hill. At her new job, Krista is butting heads with one of the long-time employees and that is causing some problems with the more prominent citizens. When there is another huge disappointment, Emily is in danger of losing her spirit as well. Can their new friends renew both Emily's and Krista's Christmas spirit.

Every year I look forward to Melody Carson's new Christmas book. It is a wonderful way to kick off the Christmas season. Christmas in Winter Hill is a feel-good, clean, holiday read. The small town setting of Winter Hill was charming, and the main characters were interesting and likeable. This novella was a good story with a few situations that could have derailed Christmas for the characters. There is a bit of a romance, but I found this story more about finding a new home, acceptance, being honest, sharing your true thoughts and opening your hearts to the Christmas Spirit. There’s a lot happening, but overall this story fell short of where I thought it was going. There was a happy ending, but it seemed to be wrapped up quickly and I felt it was a bit rushed. It was an enjoyable Christmas story that took a few hours to escape into life in Winter Hill. If you are a fan of clean, wholesome Christmas stories, then pick this one up.

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A gorgeous little town, a Christmas filled with God's miracles, and a perfect story to warm by the fire on a holiday night... Christmas in Winter Hill reminds us that second chances and a chance at a new beginning is possible. It also reminds us of how much God can do with just a little faith. A perfect clean story with memorable characters and a town to call home..

Thanks to the publishers for the chance to review.

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I enjoy Melody Carlson’s Christmas stories they are fun and a delight to read. In this story Krista and Emily move to a town that celebrates Christmasville annually in a big way. Krista job is on the City council and is asked to participate in this event. Krista has had many bad things happen to her at Christmas time. But she agrees with her daughter who loves everything Christmas that this just might be a place they could call home. She was a single mom and this job opportunity was one she couldn’t pass up, But Krista thinks It’s too perfect. She worries about that. It’s almost too good to be true, it felt like the foster care situations she lived through. Everything was great for a short time and then it wasn’t good at all.

Krista soon discovers a discrepancy in the budget when she receives copies from the Mayer and the financial adviser, William Palmer. What’s going on here? They needed to get to the bottom of it. Just when things get comfortable the rug gets pulled out from under Krista in front of the whole town. William Palmer who is the town’s Grinch, if Krista was honest with herself, she agreed with this man about Christmas/ nothing ever good happened during that time of year. William does his best to uphold this experience for them both. God does far more than we ever could imagine which gets Krista, Emily and the whole town’s attention.

Once again, this author helps readers get in the spirit of Christmas in this heart-warming tale with characters I liked hanging out with.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher, 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! www.bookfun.org
The Book Club Network blog www.psalm516.blogspot.com
Book Fun Catalogue front page www.bookfun.org

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