Melody Carlson’s The Christmas Tree Farm is a heartwarming Christmas novella that captures the magic of the holiday season while exploring themes of family, love, and second chances. With its charming setting and relatable characters, Carlson delivers a delightful story that’s perfect for readers looking for a feel-good, festive escape.

The story revolves around a woman who returns to her family’s Christmas tree farm after years away, only to find herself rekindling old relationships and facing unresolved family dynamics. Carlson does an excellent job of evoking the warmth and beauty of the holiday season, with the tree farm serving as the perfect backdrop for the emotional and personal growth that the characters undergo. The setting is wonderfully described, and the cozy, holiday atmosphere enhances the story’s charm.

The characters in The Christmas Tree Farm are relatable and well-developed. The protagonist’s journey of rediscovery and healing feels authentic, and her interactions with her family members, especially as they navigate past tensions, are emotionally resonant. There’s a sweet romance that develops, which adds an extra layer of warmth to the novella, though it’s never the central focus of the story. Instead, the emphasis is on the characters’ growth and the importance of family.

The novella is fast-paced and easy to read, with a satisfying conclusion that ties everything together nicely. While the plot is predictable at times—common for holiday-themed stories—it’s still incredibly enjoyable and delivers exactly what fans of Christmas tales are looking for: a heartwarming, uplifting experience.

One minor downside is that some elements of the story feel a bit too familiar or simplistic for readers who are used to more complex narratives. However, Carlson’s writing is so cozy and inviting that these minor shortcomings don’t detract from the overall charm of the book.

In conclusion, The Christmas Tree Farm is a delightful holiday novella that captures the spirit of Christmas with warmth, family, and a touch of romance. Melody Carlson’s ability to craft a heartwarming, feel-good story makes this a perfect read for anyone looking to get into the holiday spirit. It’s not groundbreaking, but it’s a sweet, cozy read that will leave readers smiling long after they’ve turned the last page.

The Christmas Tree Farm by Melody Carlson is a heartfelt holiday story that brings together the themes of second chances, family, and perseverance. Madison McDowell returns to her family's tree farm in Oregon after years spent teaching overseas, only to find the farm in disrepair and her sister, Addie, eager to sell. To complicate matters, Madison is faced with the prospect of seeing her old love, Gavin Thompson, turn a nearby property into a dirt bike track, potentially ruining the peaceful atmosphere of the farm.

The premise of the story is promising, with a strong focus on family relationships, the challenge of rebuilding a business, and navigating old emotional wounds. Madison’s determination to save the farm she loves is admirable, and the support she receives from unexpected sources adds a heartwarming touch to the story.

However, while the book touches on some meaningful themes, the execution feels a bit predictable at times. The relationship between Madison and Gavin, which could have been the emotional heart of the story, doesn’t fully come to life. Their past history is interesting, but their reconciliation feels a little rushed, lacking the depth that would make it truly compelling.

Addie’s resistance to saving the farm and her desire to sell feels like it could have been explored more deeply, as there is potential for more tension and growth in their sibling relationship. The ending is satisfying but somewhat expected, leaving little room for surprise or true emotional payoff.

Overall, The Christmas Tree Farm is a pleasant and cozy read, perfect for fans of light holiday romances. While it doesn’t offer many surprises, it provides a feel-good experience with a nice mix of nostalgia and festive spirit. A good choice for those looking for a quick, holiday-themed escape, but it may not leave a lasting impression for those seeking more complexity or emotional depth.

A Christmas tree farm in distress, a family at odds, and an old flame resurfacing—what could be more festive? "The Christmas Tree Farm" by Melody Carlson delivers small-town holiday charm with a side of sibling drama and second chances. Madison McDowell returns to her family’s beloved Christmas tree farm in Oregon, only to find it in rough shape after wildfire damage. To make things worse, her sister Addie is set on selling, and Madison has precious little time to convince her otherwise. As Madison navigates the future of the farm, she’s also forced to confront her past—specifically, Gavin Thompson, her high school ex who’s conveniently back in town. Nothing says "Merry Christmas" like unresolved feelings and financial stress!

The real heart of the book is Madison and Addie’s relationship, which brings an emotional depth beyond the cozy setting. Their push-and-pull dynamic adds tension, though their resolution feels a bit rushed—one minute they’re butting heads, and the next, things are tied up with a neat little bow. Meanwhile, Gavin brings the charm, but the romance stays relatively light, offering more of a nostalgic, slow-burn rekindling than full-blown holiday fireworks. While the story touches on grief, resilience, and rebuilding—both emotionally and literally—it sometimes skims the surface, leaving certain emotional beats underexplored.

I’m giving "The Christmas Tree Farm" a merry 3.5 stars out of 5! It’s an easy, feel-good holiday read with plenty of warmth, even if it leans more toward a Christmas movie-style resolution than a deeply nuanced family drama. If you love small-town Christmas stories packed with festive spirit and a touch of nostalgia, this one is a solid pick. After all, who doesn’t secretly dream of escaping to a snow-dusted Christmas tree farm for the holidays?

The Christmas Tree Farm by Melody Carlson is a great read, heartwarming and inspiring. A Christmas story bringing together family dynamics and dedication.
The main character Madison returns to follow her dreams on the family Christmas tree farm. Sisterly love is in short supply as Madison plans to redevelop the farm and possibly rekindle past relationships.
The story is emotional and hopeful, rebuilding family bonds and confronting what was. As challenges are faced this enjoyable read is a journey of discovery in a quaint setting.
The spirit of Christmas brings new beginnings and second chances in this cosy story.

My thanks to Revell Publishers, NetGalley and the wonderful author for the opportunity to read and review this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

In this second chance romance, Madison returns home after years spent teaching in Mongolia. She and her sister inherited their grandparents Christmas Tree Farm, and Madison intends to make a go of it, as she has many happy memories of the place. Unfortunately, her sister Addie has other ideas. I enjoyed this book and read it pretty obsessively. But I sure didn't like Addie. I gained some understanding towards the end of the book, but I didn't really have enough time to grow to love her :). That said, it was still a fun book to read, and I especially liked the interactions between Madison and her young neighbor Lily.

This book is absolutely perfect for the Christmas season as it’s beautifully cozy. I loved that the story and how it had second chances and new beginnings.
I like how it came across with the magic of Christmas and it definitely made you have all the feelings.
It was well written and flowed perfectly. I look forward to reading more from this author.
I definitely recommend if you want to feel the magic of Christmas!

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

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.