Member Reviews
In The Christmas Tree Farm, Melody Carlson delivers a heartwarming tale of second chances, family, and the magic of Christmas. Madison McDowell returns to her family's struggling Christmas tree farm in Oregon with high hopes of reviving it after years of teaching abroad. However, the farm is in disrepair due to a recent wildfire and her sister Addie’s reluctance to invest. Addie is determined to sell, adding even more strain to Madison’s already complicated plans.
The story takes an emotional turn as Madison is forced to confront old wounds, including her unresolved feelings for Gavin Thompson, her former high school love, who is now planning to build a dirt bike track next door. Madison’s determination to save the farm and rebuild both her business and her relationship with her sister forms the heart of this uplifting holiday story.
Carlson's writing is rich in warmth and nostalgia, weaving in themes of perseverance, reconciliation, and the healing power of the Christmas season. The characters, especially Madison, are easy to root for as they face both personal and professional challenges. The small-town setting and the promise of a Christmas miracle will appeal to fans of cozy holiday reads.
The Christmas Tree Farm is a perfect choice for readers looking for an uplifting, festive story about family, love, and the spirit of Christmas. Carlson’s ability to capture the beauty of new beginnings and the importance of second chances makes this a delightful read for the holiday season.
Book Review: A Heartwarming Christmas Journey
"Christmas is the perfect time for old memories, new beginnings, and second chances." This sentiment beautifully captures the essence of the story in A Christmas to Remember.
When Madison McDowell returns home after teaching overseas, she hopes to rekindle her connection with her family's Christmas tree farm in Oregon. However, she quickly discovers that the farm is struggling due to the aftermath of a recent wildfire and her sister Addie's reluctance to invest in its future. The stakes rise when Addie considers selling the property, and Madison is faced with the challenge of not only saving the farm but also mending her relationship with her sister.
Adding to the emotional complexity, Madison's former high school sweetheart, Gavin Thompson, now a widower, has plans that threaten her dreams. His proposal to transform his neighboring property into a noisy dirt bike track for his daughter adds tension and heartache to Madison's journey.
Despite these obstacles, Madison's determination shines through. She chooses to double down on her dreams, showing that hard work and perseverance can lead to beautiful outcomes. With the help of an unexpected ally, she embarks on a mission to save the beloved farm and, perhaps, find a way to restore her bond with Addie.
This story is a touching reminder of the power of family, resilience, and the hope that comes with new beginnings. It is a perfect read for the holiday season, filled with warmth, challenges, and the possibility of second chances. A must-read for anyone looking to embrace the spirit of Christmas! #netgalley
What’s more festive than a cozy Christmas tree farm and a little small-town drama? The Christmas Tree Farm by Melody Carlson brings all the holiday vibes with a story about family, second chances, and a sprinkling of romance. Madison McDowell returns home to Oregon, only to find her family’s beloved Christmas tree farm looking a little worse for wear. Between wildfire damage and her sister Addie’s determination to sell, Madison’s got her work cut out for her. And, as if things weren’t complicated enough, her high school flame, Gavin Thompson, is back in town to stir up a little extra holiday chaos.
Madison is determined and relatable, but let’s just say her communication skills with Addie could use a Christmas miracle. The tension between the sisters adds some real-life depth, even if their conflict resolves a little too quickly for my taste. The story is fast-paced, light, and fun—a perfect quick read for cozying up with a blanket and some hot cocoa. It wraps up almost too neatly, but hey, isn’t that part of the holiday magic?
I’m giving The Christmas Tree Farm 3.5 stars out of 5—charming, festive, and heartfelt, though it skims the surface of deeper emotions. If you love quick, uplifting holiday reads with a nostalgic small-town feel, this one is a sweet addition to your seasonal TBR pile. Who doesn’t want to escape to a Christmas tree farm for an afternoon?
I love a Hallmark type book and sorry but this fell right into this type. A Christmas tree farm? A second chance romance? It’s all here to enjoy. Loved it.
The Christmas Tree Farm is an easy-to-read, fun and delightful novel that is just perfect to read during the Christmas season. While there really were not any surprises to the plot, this was a nice and quick read with a happy ending.
Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! No spoilers. Beyond amazing I enjoyed this book so very much. The characters and storyline were fantastic. The ending I did not see coming Could not put down nor did I want to. Truly Amazing and appreciated the whole story. This is going to be a must read for many many readers. Maybe even a book club pick.
Windows want to read a book that makes them feel like they are in the middle of a Hallmark movie? If you are like me and just was a holiday story that bring all the feelings this one’s for you!
This was a super sweet Christmas novella. Easy to read and pulls you in immediately to all the Christmas magic and feelings.
Recommend for anyone who is looking for a sweet, Christmas read!
I think going into this book expecting more of a female bonding story story vs a romance will serve you well because that's what I loved about this book. Seeing Madison and Addie work through their different priorities and desires was so great. Plus seeing Madison and Lily bond was so endearing and benefitted them both.
The ending was a bit too abrupt for me. Granted this is probably considered a novella and I think is is hard to pace a novella well for romance to get a satisfying and non rushed ending, but it just made the story fall a bit flat for me. Giving that relationship pay off some room to breathe would have served the story well.
Thanks to Revell for the gifted title. All opinions are my own.
Madison comes home after being gone years. She falls for an old boyfriend Gavin who is now a single dad. Madison finds out her sister Addie is ruining the family tree farm. Madison will try to succeed in her personal and business life hoping to win in both. This was acute holiday read. One that will pull at your heart strings and have you rooting for Madison to win it all.
This book was exactly what I needed when I really needed it! I absolutely fell head over heels from the very first chapter. It was so wholesome I loved it!
A fun festive read,the story of Madison and the boy next door. A great festive read. I liked the setting.
This was a Hallmark-like Christmas novella, with romance as well as sisterly relationship issues to fix. I have read other novels by this author and enjoyed them as well. For a fun seasonal read, this might interest readers who enjoy a visit to the Christmas Tree Farm, as the characters try to get the business back on its feet after encountering hardships.
I received this novel from the publisher and from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed here are my own.
This story was a fun and romantic novella that kept me hooked from start to finish. I really enjoyed my time at the Christmas tree farm.
This story had all the feels—nostalgic, romantic and fun. Madison’s determination was admirable, and it was satisfying to see her unravel the twisted threads of the farm and her relationship with her sister. The length was perfect for the busy holiday season.
Sisters at odds, a family Christmas tree farm that needs saving, and an old flame that lives next door, are the elements that make for a great Christmas romance.
I really liked this novella which was essentially a Christmas movie in book form. It was sweet and predictable but I liked the setting of the Christmas tree farm and festive feel.
I had a really hard time believing these characters were close to 40 years of age. Addie is absolutely ridiculous and so unlikeable I would have been happy if Lily ran her over with her motorbike.
The Christmas Tree Farm by Melody Carlson is the most charming contemporary Christian Christmas novel which I absolutely loved.
I always look forward to the Christmas novel from Melody Carlson. When it drops through my door, I know that Christmas is not that far away.
The Christmas Tree Farm is a wonderful, warm read. It is serenely beautiful and is the essence of Christmas within a book.
We see that families are complicated affairs. Not everybody pulls in the same direction. When different things are sought, compromises must be made. Ultimately family loves. Family is not just blood related but those who love us.
Hurting people hurt people. We need to understand why people lash out and help them to heal.
Traditions are important. Memories are attached to them as we remember those who are no longer here.
All the characters were wonderfully drawn. They offered a warm welcome to the reader. They were an eclectic mix falling into two categories – those who felt happy in the mall, and those who preferred the green open spaces.
There was a charming relationship between the leading lady, Madison, and eleven-year-old Lily who lived next door. Lily had lost her mother but bonds with Madison after a shaky start. Lily brings out the best in Madison and vice versa. They teach each other new skills and work together to make a success of the Christmas Tree Farm.
A smattering of snow, a dash of romance and good wholesome characters. All can be found within the pages.
I absolutely loved The Christmas Tree Farm and am sorry that it is ended. It was wonderfully warm and welcoming. I can highly recommend it.
I received a free copy. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.
Festive easy read.combining sisterly relationship, first love and the nostalgia whilst keeping the story modern.