I never miss one of Melody Carlson's Christmas tales. They are so good and hopeful. This time around a single mother and her eight year old daughter move from Phoenix to Washington state where the mom has a new job. It's nearing Christmas time and this town goes all out! Much to the mom's dismay. She has never had a good experience at Christmas time. Never. But what happens will bless you and restore her faith in Christmas again. Don't miss this wonderful little story.

*My thanks to Revell Publishing for a preview copy of this book. The opinions stated here are entirely my own.

Krista Galloway and her daughter have packed up their lives and moved to Winter Hill, in order for Krista to take a job as their city manager. Once there, Krista realizes that this small town may not be a good fit for her; they center much of their city life around Christmas, a holiday that has always seemed to bring catastrophe to Krista's life. She also finds that the city government has several unrealized problem areas, making her seem like the bad guy who moved into town and started cleaning house. Can Krista and her daughter make a life here, or will this be one more Christmas disappointment for Krista?

This was a sweet little Christmas novella, perfect for wintry days by the fireplace. Krista's rough background serves to fuel her disappointment in life, but she gives it her best to give her daughter, Emily, a better shot at a hopeful life. There is a good mix of villainous characters and helpful, honest ones to balance out the story. As with most novellas, the reader doesn't get very deep views into any of the characters, but it was enough to want to root for Krista and to feel the pull of the town against her.

I give this novella 4 stars. I think this town and its Christmas-loving people would make for a sweet series of Christmas novellas, filling in the story of Christmasville and the people who bring it together every year.

I received a digital copy of this book, via NetGalley, from the publisher, in exchange for my honest review.

Christmas In Winter Hill was one of those classic holiday storiess that leave you with a smile on your face. Sure, it seemed at times pretty predictable.
The author managed to nicely portray the evolution of someone who doesn't have a lot of positive experiences at Christmas to someone who gets a couple of the Christmas miracles she was owed. I especially appreciated the juxtaposition between Anna's skepticism and her daughter's innocent hope and believe in Christmas. Combined with the subplot about possible financial miss doings, you end up with a really lovely, quite uncomplicated, snapshot look that exudes Christmas and the hope that comes with the season.
Well, that, and the need to redecorate your entire house in accordance to the Christmas-house-degrees.

Christmas in Winter Hill is a charming story about a little girl who believes in the power of pray. The characters make you want to live in this little town. You'll enjoy this seasonal story.

I love and look forward to reading Melody Carlson's newest Christmas book that comes out every year!
This is no exception!
The story is light, happy and will give you a "warm and fuzzy" feeling while you turn each page.
Winter HillI is a magical little village that has a Christmas feel every day!
Sight unseen, Krista accepts a job and relocates here with her young daughter Emily.
She hopes to start fresh and find happiness for her tiny family.
Krista realizes she has no idea what she has walked in to as she begins her job and meets the town folks.
Can it really be a Chrstimas town? Is she scrooge in disguise?

The details given are amazing and you immediately get a sense of belonging and longing to be in Winter Hill. These lovely people are what we all need these days! Terrific and a quick read!

This quick read is a very sweet book about a family that's taken one too many hard knocks. The mom doesn't really want to be a Scrooge, and tries hard not to be for her daughter's sake, but it's very difficult to keep that Christmas spirit when the holiday has been a lifelong reminder of everything that's wrong with your existence. Factor in a new town, and a small town at that, and someone who's desperately trying to keep something hidden...and who gets the blame? The new kid, of course. I can't say much more without giving some important things away, so I'll leave you with this -- Melody Carlson always knows the perfect way to take a sensitive topic, bring it to the forefront, and leave you feeling cheery and good inside, wanting to go out and make more good in this world.

I've always enjoyed Melody Carlson's Christmas stories. I loved seeing Christmas through the eyes of eight year old Emily and the excitement of the whole town getting together to create Christmasville. I loved that Emily encouraged her mom, Krista love Christmas too. Though the story was predictable, it was sweet. Highly recommended!

Krista and 8 yo Emily, after divorce, start a new life in Winter Hill, how many challenges to solve: new job and school, new collegues and friends,
new car, new flat to transform to home, and chilly and snowy weather.
Emily is so eager to live there, that Krista bad thoughts and fear vanish, but she know well that "Life inevitably held disappointments. It was inescapable".
Funny Christmas story, lovely characters, very good description, easy to read, original.