A cozy Christmas book is just what I needed in April! This was a very cute, very Hallmark like story. Christmas competitions have always been one of my favorite tropes that make a great Christmas movie or book so I loved this!

Evergreen Christmas is a heartwarming and charming holiday romance that blends family, love, and new beginnings into a delightful story set in the small town of Noel, North Carolina. The story revolves around Jordyn Banks, a barrel racer and nomad, who comes to Noel with hopes of starting a new chapter in life by purchasing land for her horses. What she doesn’t expect is to be drawn into the tight-knit community and find herself falling for Nate Reed, a single dad and the town's reigning Christmas tree champion.

Jordyn’s journey is filled with heartwarming moments as she navigates the challenge of growing a successful business while also finding a sense of belonging. Her budding relationship with Nate is sweet, slow-building, and full of emotional depth as they both learn to open their hearts after the pain of past losses. The dynamics between Jordyn and Nate, as well as with his daughter Roxanna, add a lovely layer to the romance, making it more than just a holiday love story.

The setting in the Appalachian Mountains and the annual Twelve Competitions of Christmas create a festive atmosphere that will delight readers who enjoy small-town charm and holiday cheer. The friendly competition between Jordyn and Nate adds a touch of lighthearted tension, making their eventual connection all the more satisfying.

This book captures the magic of Christmas while exploring themes of second chances and personal growth. With relatable characters, a cozy setting, and a heartwarming romance, Evergreen Christmas is a perfect read for those seeking a feel-good, seasonal escape.

In Evergreen Christmas, Janet Dailey brings us to the festive town of Noel, North Carolina, where Christmas is more than just a season—it’s a legacy. Jordyn Banks, a barrel racer ready to put down roots, buys Chestnut Ridge, hoping for a fresh start with her beloved horse, Star. But settling in isn’t so simple when she finds herself next door to Nate Reed, a widowed father whose life revolves around the town’s annual Christmas competition. For Nate and his daughter, Roxie, the contest is more than just holiday fun—it’s a cherished tradition that keeps the memory of Roxie’s late mother alive. So when Jordyn unexpectedly becomes his biggest rival, things get complicated fast.

This story delivers all the small-town charm and Christmas magic you’d expect, with an extra layer of emotional depth. The romance between Jordyn and Nate builds slowly, but the real heart of the book is watching them navigate their growing feelings while honoring old traditions and making space for new ones. The pacing feels a bit uneven at times—some moments race ahead like a barrel run, while others take their time settling in—but the warmth of the characters and the cozy, festive setting keep it engaging.

I’m giving Evergreen Christmas a heartfelt 4 out of 5 stars. While the pacing was a little off, it still left me with the warm and fuzzy holiday feelings I was hoping for. If you love Christmas stories that balance small-town charm, sweet romance, and a touch of emotional weight, this one’s a great pick for your holiday TBR.

Evergreen Christmas is set Noel, North Carolina, where barrel racer Jordyn Banks has decided to retire. She has bought a small ranch where she can breed horses. Her neighbour, Nate Reed, is a widower who lives on Frosted Firs Ranch with his daughter and brother. Each year, Noel has a contest called 12 annual Competitions of Christmas, and Nate has won it for the last 9 years, 3 with his wife and 6 for his wife, after her death. The perfect tree sits on Jordyn's property and Nate plans on buying it from her so he can once again win the contest. Nate's daughter, Roxanna, falls in love with Jordyn's quarter horse, Star. When the four Nanas come knocking at her door, they convince Jordyn to enter the contest, sure that she will win with "Fraser Fir". What they didn't count on was that Nate and Jordyn would develop feelings for one another. They were sure that he wasn't ready to find a woman to get into a relationship with, but maybe they're wrong.

This was a fun story, although a bit predictable. I loved all the characters, especially the Nanas. They are those meddling older women who think they know what's best for everyone, but have the biggest and best hearts. Nate has been wallowing in grief for 6 years and given all his attention to Roxanna, who is a precocious little sweetheart. There is so much festivity in this book with all the contests from snowman making to gingerbread house construction to decorating the best tree. Jordyn is alone in the world, but she is full of caring feelings and want to be more than just friends with Nate. She was so good with Roxanna, how could he not see it. This is a story with themes of grief, starting over, new beginnings, family, community and romance. I enjoyed this story.

Brought to you by OBS reviewer Andra

Evergreen Christmas has certainly started my holiday reading off! As Ms. Dailey has passed more than ten years ago and from notes in the beginning of the book – a close associate of Janet Dailey’s along with notes, ideas and favourite themes left by Ms. Dailey were used to be able to capture relatable small-town characters and heartwarming holiday magic stuffed with new beginnings, family and romance and carry on her literary dreams. And for this – I am happy. I am new to Janet Dailey’s writings and will most undoubtedly go back and read many more J. Meanwhile – this newest book had me enthralled from the very beginning.

Jordan Banks comes into the quaint town of Noel, North Carolina with her horse, Star. Jordan has purchased a vacant farm (Chestnut Ridge) of her own with enough acreage to start working on her dream of breeding horses now that she has retired from barrel racing on the rodeo circuit. All she wants to do is settle down and have a home of her own, since she was in foster card from the age of four onwards. Jordan is spotted by four women (whom are in their seventies) and better known as Noel’s Nanas: Carol Belle Bennett – self-appointed leader, Kandy Lyons, Eve Knight and Holly Wyld. I got the sense that these four women could certainly cause challenges for Jordan – and let me tell you – they certainly played an integral part in some of the mayhem that ensued! All I can say – certainly chuckle worthy!!!

The male protagonist is Nate Reed, widower of six years and father to an adorable six-year-old child named Roxie (Roxanna). Nate happens to own the ranch next door (Frosted Firs Ranch) to the property Jordan has bought. Oh, and did I mention that the single women of Noel think he is a real catch, if only he was emotionally available! Hmmm… I get the sense that there will be something between Nate and Jordan? Okay – who am I kidding – of course there will be. What the reader gets to experience is the mischief that the Noel Nanas orchestrate. Just plain fun is all I can say.

The characters have depth and their back stories come out in what seemed like a very organic way. The story line was not rushed and neither was the romance either. I really enjoyed the pacing in the story. This is especially true when a young child is involved. I am a firm believer that the adults must certainly take into consideration any child and their feelings. And I am happy to report that Nate was cautious (well – maybe a little too cautious?). But it is a process and the reading audience get to experience Nate’s process. Good thing his brother is around to give him a nudge (or shove) in the right direction J.

Walking the reader through all of the events leading up to the towns Christmas competition’s conclusion with the Christmas Crown being awarded to the participant with the highest score after all the events was a fun journey with many moments that kept this particular reader smiling. I must say, some of the contests were very funny and I was surprised at the outcome of each and every contest.

The romantic, Christmas themed journey I was lead through was enchanting, engaging and down right fun (and funny at times). As I have a penchant for Christmas books (and romance), I try to read them all year (or at least try when I am not satisfying my fondness for mysteries). I recommend this book and am looking forward to the continuation of this series.

First of all- I loved “the Nana’s”! They were quirk and so fun! This was festive and fun, but so over the top and predictable. It made for a quick, lighter read but not one I would return to in future holiday seasons.

Evergreen Christmas

by Janet Dailey

Tucked away in the Appalachians is Noel, North Carolina, known as “America’s Christmas Tree Capital.” In Evergreen Christmas, Jordyn moves to Noel looking for a home in a small town with big community feels. She spent most of her life bouncing from one home to another in foster care—no real home, no love, and certainly no Christmas trees. Jordyn establishes herself as a winning barrel racer and earns enough to buy a small house with acreage. Her goal is to breed horses and teach barrel racing.

A group of four women, known affectionately in the community as “The Nanas” immediately take her under their collective wing to help her get established and fit in. They also encourage her and mentor her with the goal of defeating her neighbor Nate in Noel’s annual Christmas Competition. He has won the Christmas Crown nine years in a row, but the Nanas think Jordyn could change that by entering “Fabio Fraser,” a fir tree on her property in the contest. There are actually 12 Christmas themed contests involved in winning the crown.

Nate is a handsome tree farmer who sells Christmas trees and has a gift and decorations shop on his property with his brother Tucker, a bull rider. Together they are raising Nate’s daughter Roxie. She is an adorable, polite, and kind six year old. Her mother died in childbirth and Nate has made himself “unavailable” to local women to protect his own heart and Roxie’s.

The story is a delightful adventure through many of the Christmas contests. Jordyn and little Roxie develop a friendship. Jordyn and Nate struggle with their attraction for each other, both wanting to do what is best for Roxie. The Nanas are in charge of the Christmas Competition which they champion to encourage town spirit. Except for one family who only appears in a few of the contests, all of the characters are people you would want to know making this a fun, clean Christmas romance.

I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Rating: 5/5

Category: Romance

Notes: #1 in the Frosted Firs Ranch series. Evergreen Christmas gives a hint at the end of the book that the next book in the series will probably feature Nate’s charming, handsome brother, Tucker.

Publication: September 24, 2024—Kensington

Memorable Lines:

She smiled full blast, her worries melting away like a mini marshmallow tossed into a blazing bonfire.

Life can be scary and painful—but the unexpected gifts it gives us along the way, especially when we’re not looking for them, make it all worth it in the end.

“The Nanas care about people. They help them when they’re in need, look for ways to make other people’s lives better. They fuss over you, bring welcome baskets if you’re new to town and”—she winked—“knit wool caps for your head so your ears don’t get cold.”

Jordyn buys sight unseen a home for herself and her horse, she's a former barrel racer, now retired. She has a beautiful white horse, and she just wants Noel to be the first place she can relax and call home. Growing up going through the system she has never had that.
I loved the Nana's four women, the grandma type who run the Noel Christmas festival and contest every year. They swoop in and give her loving advice on how to win as the same person has won many years in a row.
Nate is a widower of six years and still desperately grieving his wife's death. His six-year-old daughter is smart as a whip and precocious.
The Nana's are trying to matchmake between Jordyn and Nate but he's not ready to move on. There was an insta attraction between our two main characters, but I thought Nate was too slow and stubborn to move on. The book would have been enriched so much more if our MC'S had had a sweet Christmas romance right from the start. I liked a lot about the book, the descriptions of decorations, the relationship Jordyn has with Roxie, Nate's daughter, she's so sweet and kind to her, the small-town vibes, the Christmas contest. There were also some things I wasn't crazy about, I didn't particularly like Jordyn, she was too sugar sweet and didn't seem to have a backbone and the book despite being in full gear with so much going on with the Christmas contests It dragged for me a good bit and I had trouble keeping my attention on it.

I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

Noel North Carolina takes Christmas seriously. The four Noel Nanas are the elderly busybodies who organized the Christmas competitions that culminate with the Christmas tree contest. When newcomer Jordyn Banks is corralled into joining the contest to wrestle the Christmas crown away from the Nine time winning sexy neighbor, the friendly enemies can't resist each other. The main characters are interesting and the kid is cute but the old ladies will steal your heart. This sweet single Dad, love-at-first-sight romance will delight Holiday romance lovers. I can't wait to read the next book in this new series.

This is a good book. The two main characters are Jordyn and Nate. Jordyn has moved to Nate’s hometown. Jordyn is going to set up a barrel racing at her new ranch. Nate runs a Christmas tree farm with his brother and daughter. He is widower. There is an instant attraction. They each have issues but together they work them out and fall in love.

A heartwarming and festive novel that captures the spirit of the holiday season. I loved the charming town of Noel, and its inhabitants. The characters are well developed and relatable, each bringing their own unique charm to the story. I loved Nate’s devotion to his daughter.
Many thanks to Kensington and to Netgalley for providing me with a galley in exchange for my honest opinion.

Noel North Carolina, a quaint Christmas town that reminds me of a Hallmark movie!! Jordyn Banks who was in foster care her whole childhood and then becomes a barrel racer has finally found a home. She arrives in Noel just in time to participate in the Christmas contest. The 4 Nana’s (We should all be so lucky to have them in our lives!) take her under their wings and the handsome widowed neighbor Nate and his adorable daughter Roxie will all have a special place in your heart by the time you finish reading the book! This was such a feel good Christmas story and I can’t wait for the next one!! Thank you to NetGalley and the publish for the pleasure of ready this story in exchange for an honest review!

Evergreen Christmas by Janet Dailey has set the stage for an excellent holiday series.

Will Jordyn and Nate be more than just competitors for the Christmas competition?
The Christmas Competition has twelve events that end near Christmas Eve so that the Christmas tree that wins the competition can be displayed for the whole town to celebrate and marvel over. Will Nate, Roxie, and Tucker Reed's tree win for the tenth year in a row, or will newcomer Jordyn Banks beat him? Only time will tell on that front.

Jordyn Banks
Jordyn Banks bought Chestnut Ridge while finishing her last circuit in the Rodeo before semi-retiring to set down some roots somewhere. She arrives in Noel, North Carolina, on Black Friday and falls in love with the town. As time passes, Jordyn falls in love with the town and their competitive spirit for the competition. I love Jordyn and how she pushes Nate's buttons in a good way that draws out his competitive spirit and maybe a little spirit he hasn't had for the season since before his wife died. Jordyn is awesome.

Nate and Roxanna Reed
Nate Reed has been raising his daughter Roxanna (Roxie) with the help of his baby brother Tucker for the past six years since his wife passed away. He thinks winning the yearly competition will help his daughter feel closer to her mom. Nate doesn't realize that he's been hogging the glory by being the winner for too long. Not only that, but he hasn't been living either. Roxanna is just the cutest little six-year-old who knows who her mom is and is ready for her dad to do more in his life than just how he has been living. These two are the cutest little family pairing ever, and I love how Roxie unintentionally gravitates to Jordyn for help with things like a daughter would with a mother.

The Romance and Family
The romance between Nate and Jordyn was more of an instant connection that Nate denied. Jordyn respected his wishes, especially during the competition, but she couldn't help how her feelings for him kept growing. Nate's own feelings for Jordyn kept increasing as well. These two are so cute together, and how they helped each other during the competition events was cute. Nate, Roxie, and Jordyn as a family unit are adorable since they began feeling like a family at the first event, even if they were still denying it.

Five Stars
My rating for Evergreen Christmas by Janet Dailey is five stars. Evergreen Christmas by Janet Dailey is the first book I've read by Ms. Dailey, and I loved her writing style and how jumping between being with Jordyn and Nate happened seamlessly so that it didn't make me go, "Wait, what is going on?". I can't wait to see what happens next!

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Thank you for dropping by! I hope you enjoyed this review of Evergreen Christmas by Janet Dailey.

Until the next time,
Karen the Baroness

If you would like to see other reviews like this one, check out Baroness Book Trove.

This was a unique Christmas read. I adored the relatable characters and the sense of community throughout the book. I love a small town, Christmas romance. This book was full of holiday magic!

If you're looking for a unique holiday romance then I definitely recommend this book.

Evergreen Christmas (Frosted Firs Ranch Book #1) by Janet Dailey
Publisher: Kensington Publishing
Genre: Romance
Published: September 24, 2024

Evergreen Christmas is the first book in the new Frosted Firs Ranch series by Janet Dailey and it was so much fun!

This book is on the top of my Christmas books this year! The story is magical and filled with wonderful characters! I loved reading this book! I loved the small town and their Christmas competition!

I will be gifting this to all my bookish friends because it is a must read!!! What a great way to bring in the holiday season! Evergreen Christmas feels like it could be the next big Hallmark Christmas movie!!!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

4.5⭐️ I loved the Christmas games that the whole town participated in and the close knit family feel to the whole book. The Nanas were great and added a little something extra. Most of the characters were likeable and I can't wait to read the other books in the series! This book will definitely get you in the Christmas spirit!
Thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for an ARC of this book!

EVERGREEN CHRISTMAS is still another book released under the name of Janet Dailey whose family is now authoring stories using some of the manuscripts left after her passing. It has been several years now, and many books are popping up. If I look at the list of reviews I’ve penned Janet Dailey appears quite a few times.
Historically her works framed small town life and characters that keep the home fires burning. There is a lot of love that comes through in practically everything she has written and published while alive. And now it seems as if that tradition just may be carrying on.
EVERGREEN CHRISTMAS is unapologetically romantic. No subterfuge, just straight up matchmaking at it’s best. Of course that is carefully disguised. It is a story framing the holiday season. Rich with lovely characters.
Nate and Tucker Reed along with Nate’s young daughter Roxie run a farm with a gift and Christmas tree shop. Jordyn just purchased the farm next door. The town of Noel has welcomed Jordyn and four townswomen better known as the Nanas have made it their business to see to it that Jordyn falls in love with their small town. But we’re smarter than that, aren’t we. We can see through their plans that they have an interest in the lives of Nate and Roxie. The town has seen how absorbed Nate is in his grief over losing this incredibly young wife. His reluctance to move on is on everyone’s mind.
Small towns are notorious for gossip, and so Nate has unwittingly fed a great deal of gossip by turning away from any possibility of a relationship. His life is full. He is dedicated to his daughter. It is intrinsically important for him to avoid any risks that might hurt either one of them. So he takes the uncomplicated way out.
But in EVERGREEN CHRISTMAS the author treats us to a wonderful tale that includes love, family, traditions, friendship, humor, and dreams. All thing considered EVERGREEN CHRISTMAS just may be one of the best.

Love feel good Christmas stories, and Evergreen Christmas is no exception. a charming great start for a new series I hope to continue to read. The witty banter amongst characters and the quirks of town residents is great.

the town of Noel sounds like a place I would enjoy.
I really enjoyed this book. It was fun and easy to read. The Noel Nanas are a trip!
Great book to get you in the mood for Christmas and in the Christmas spirit.
Thanks to the author and Net Galley for the advanced copy

Noel, North Carolina is known for their exquisite Christmas competitions. Newcomer Jordyn Banks decides to take on the resident Christmas tree decorating champ/next door neighbor, Nate Reed, who is also a single dad to his daughter Roxie.
Jordyn is ready to put roots down and finds an adorable place with land for sale for breeding horses. She doesn’t have any family other than her horse, Star. All of the Noel Nanas welcome her with open arms as she starts to navigate life in this community.
Nate lost his wife whenever Roxie was born & has devoted himself to their ever thriving Frosted Firs Ranch. Roxie is quickly enamored with Jordyn & Nate realizes all too soon that he is falling in love with her. He can’t help but wonder if he’s truly finished grieving his wife’s passing & is ready to open his & Roxie’s hearts to someone new.
All of the characters are lovable, especially Jordyn, whose personality truly leaps off the pages & blossoms as the book goes on. The Noel Nanas are unmatched. Nate is the ultimate single dad, has everything going for him, protector, provider, etc. This is truly a feel good Christmas novel that will leave you wanting to jump into the pages & go to Noel, North Carolina yourself.
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, & the author for a copy of this book. I look forward to reading more by this author!