Member Reviews
I loved that this was a good guys don’t finish last story. Definitely the spiciest of the books so far. Great easy read!
Thanks netgalley and publisher for the chance to read this book for free in return for my honest opinion.
This is the third book in the series and I thought was going to be my favorite but the first is probably my favorite so far. I’m a sucker for a hallmark grumpy sunshine Christmas book.
Kira hates Christmas. Funny thing is, she owns a Christmas tree farm in New England.
Bennett is on vacation and trying to take a break from his chaotic life. He ends up helping Kira out with her house even though Kira is convinced she can do everything on her own.
This was a solid read, I do recommend giving all of the books in the series a read.
*** I received an e-ARC of this book from Harper 360 through NetGalley in exchange for my honest review***
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
THE CHRISTMAS TREE FARM reads like a Hallmark movie with added spice. I liked the twist of the FMC being the grumpy one. Kira definitely gave off Grinch vibes but she became more likable as the story went on. This is a quick fluffy Christmas read perfect for those looking for a holiday romance.
✨ Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley.
I love the Dream Harbor series by Laurie Gilmore! The Christmas Tree Farm is such a cute read that I really enjoyed. I actually think that this book might be my favorite of the three, but close call with the first book. The witty banter had me laughing throughout the book and the spice was definitely spicier that the first two in the series, which I liked!! If you like Christmas, enemies to lovers, in a small town, spice, then this is a book for you!
Thank you NetGalley, Laurie Gilmore, and One More Chapter for my advanced copy!
2.5/5
It's fine? I skimmed the last 25%.. A lot of the plot felt forced and Kira was pretty unlikable. Bennett and the dogs were the best part.
While this wasn't my favorite in the series so far, it was a very festive read for the holiday season. It was fun to get to know Bennett and I liked the addition of Kira and learning about het backstory that brought her to the farm.
This book gave me the exact cozy small town holiday feels that I wanted. I’ve read all the books in the series so far, so returning to Dream Harbor felt familiar and cozy for sure.
I didn’t necessary understand the initial hostility Kira had for Bennett, but regardless I did think that they had immediate chemistry. Both of them felt like real, realized characters that were relatable with backstories and internal hurdles that made them really interesting on their own and made their romance all the more rewarding. It was a solid Christmas romance and probably my second favorite in the series so far.
I like this book better than the second book and less than the first book, but only because I just do. I like that one of the main characters in this one really is a Grinch (and it's not a guy).
I think these books just aren't for me. Although I did enjoy this one a little more than the last one in this series, it still just didn't do it for me. The storyline felt a bit unrealistic. I liked these characters, but most of the events that happen in this just wouldn't happen in real life. Also, I enjoy a romance with a little spice, but what I don't enjoy is a book filled with unnecessary spice and that seems to be the case with this book and the others in this series. I can see how others would enjoy a spicy hallmark type romance, but unfortunately it's just not for me.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review!
You will like this one if you love the tropes
🎄Enemies to Lovers
✨Forced Proximity
🎄Small Town Romance
✨Grumpy Sunshine
🎄✨🎄✨🎄✨🎄✨
My Review
So I read the first two books in this series. I didn’t enjoy the pumpkin spice Café as much, but it was still a good little book and everyone kept telling me the second one was better. I absolutely loved the cinnamon bun bookstore. This one would be my second favorite of the series so far. Kira starts off kind of annoying in the beginning. She’s a complainer however that gets better as the book goes on and she grew on me. I loved that both of the characters aren’t from dream Harbor. Kira moved there suddenly from Georgia and Bennett is there visiting for the holidays with his sister. So it was interesting that a love story would blossom there. If you want a hallmarky cute read before Christmas. This is the one.
Thank you @netgalley and @harpercollins360 for this arc.
I enjoyed this third installment to the Dream Harbor series. While this book was not revolutionary in terms of story or writing, it was an enjoyable easy read, especially reading it in December. I was pleasantly surprised by this - I went in expecting cliche hallmark movie in book form, which this absolutely delivered, but it worked for me and I enjoyed it. Maybe because I haven't overdosed on hallmark for the year, which gave me more space to enjoy it. It was great to see some of the returning characters, and I enjoyed Kira's growth. There's definitely a decent bit of privilege that Kira has, but it was manageable (it more so impacted the setup and premise of this book). Bennett was fine as the MMC, but not necessarily stand out in any particular way, either good or bad. He had issues to work through, but they didn't really feel high stakes at all, and those are resolved.
Can't wait to read Annie and Mac's story, hoping that comes soon!
This is the perfect read for the Christmas season! It captures all the festive vibes in a charming, spicier Hallmark style. The story offers a fun twist on the grumpy/sunshine trope, with our female main character, Kira, taking on the grumpy role.
Kira moves to Dream Harbor after her twin sister relocates across the world with her husband, leaving Kira feeling lost and lonely. After binge-watching a plethora of homesteading content online (who can blame her?), she decides to purchase a farmhouse sight unseen. Little did she know, she had just bought the town's beloved Christmas tree farm. The only downside? She absolutely hates Christmas.
Bennett comes to town to visit his sister in December after she convinces him to stay with her. Known for his fixing tendencies, Bennett can't resist stepping in to help Kira when he discovers she needs it. But is he only helping her out of a sense of obligation, or does he genuinely have feelings for her?
I think this novel is my favorite of all the Dream Harbor books so far. I admire Kira's bravery in changing her circumstances when she could have easily continued her comfortable life. She knew what she wanted and went for it. Bennett was a dream come true, and I’m so glad he was able to overcome his insecurities in the end. I can't wait for the next in the series to be released!
4.25 Stars
Thank you Net Galley and Thank you Laurie Gilmore
Very easy read. Cute story
From the author of the viral TikTok sensation, The Pumpkin Spice Café, comes the only spicy grumpy x sunshine Christmas romcom you need this year!
Kira North hates Christmas. Which is unfortunate since she just bought a Christmas tree farm in a town that’s too cute for its own good.
Bennett Ellis is on vacation in Dream Harbor taking a break from his life in California. And most importantly, taking a break from his latest run of disastrous dates.
After a run in with Kira in her fields, Ben has no intention of offering to help the grumpy owner set up her tree farm, despite the fact she’s clearly got no idea what she’s doing.
Kira knows she should stop being so stubborn, but her farm is not all cute and cozy like people always show on social media, it’s borderline dangerous with no heating, and she’d rather no one saw it.
But somehow fate finds Ben at Kira’s farm once more, and as Kira watches him swing an ax at the first tree, she finds herself appreciating his strength and questionning why she refused help in the first place..
Thank you NetGalley for a copy in exchange for my honest review. I love this series and this book did not disappoint! Kira has had it easy in life coming from a rich family and a land of opportunity. When Kira's twin sister gets married and moves away, it leaves Kira wondering what she is going to do with her own life. She impulsively spends her inheritance money on a Christmas tree farm. Bennett and his dogs come to town to visit his sister Jeanie. With the help of his dogs and the nosy town, Kira and Bennett keep spending time together and attraction blooms. Kira works on becoming independent from her twin and learning the ropes of owning a Christmas tree farm while Bennett figures out how to trust and open his heart to a relationship as he has been burned so many times before for being too nice and a Mr. Fix It.
This is a cute holiday story. Dream Harbor has new residents. Grumpy sunshine in the form of a Christmas tree farm owner and a Golden Retriever hero. Starts off with a meet cute that turns into a story of how a grinch found love in a town she least expected with someone who wants to see her thrive. Perfect holiday read..
3.5 Stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟 rounded up
This series has been my palette cleanser between heavier reads, If you have enjoyed Pumpkin Spice Café and Cinnamon Bun Bookstore you are sure to love this winter installment. Starting her life over with no experience, an old run down house & an abandoned tree farm we have our new townie FMC: Kira (Black cat type woman who wants to be left alone and has definitely bitten of more than she can chew). On the other hand we have Bennet: (Golden retriever of males who loves to help and fix things) who is in town for a while visiting his sister and escaping some previous relationship toxicity.
This is Hallmark Christmas charm & spice so if that's your thing you'll love it. While some moments were definitely Christmas cringe, they were endearing in their own way, and you will have a hard time not falling in love with Bennett.
I’ll admit, I had a hard time warming up to Kira at first. As the grumpy half of the grumpy-sunshine trope, her attitude felt harsh and actually mean for means sake, especially since Bennet never really deserved it. But as the story unfolded, I grew to appreciate her growth and the way their dynamic evolved. Bennet’s patience and charm persevered as we unpacked Kira's past.
Thank you for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest feedback !
The snowy small-town setting is practically glowing with Christmas magic, making this perfect for anyone looking for a festive escape. While you can read it as a standalone, you’ll get more out of it if you’ve read the previous books first.
🌲❄️ Grumpy Sunshine ☀️🌲
🌲❄️✨ Christmas Magic 🎄🌲
🌲❄️💫 Small Town Vibes 🏡🌲
🌲❄️✨ Hallmark but Spicy 🔥🌲
🌲❄️💫 Forced Proximity 🛏️🌲
🌲❄️✨ Dog Lovers 🐾🌲
🌲❄️💫 Dash of "Mystery" 🔍🌲
🌲❄️✨ Farmhouse Fixer Upper 🏠🌲
Snuggle up with this one this winter.
DNF @25%
I found this pretty boring and didn't really care for the characters. I think the author was trying to do grumpy x sunshine, but Kira's just mean.
Thank you NetGalley for an eARC in exchange for my honest review.
✨ Dream Harbor’s Christmas Romance Review ✨
Okay, besties, let me just say—this Dream Harbor book? Chef’s kiss. My favorite of the series! If you’re craving those cozy Christmas Hallmark vibes (and let’s be real, who isn’t?), this romance will hit just right.
🎄 Kira and Bennett: While Kira took her sweet time winning me over (girl, why you gotta make it hard?), Bennett came in HOT as the ultimate book boyfriend. I mean, he’s a dog-loving, handy-with-tools kind of guy. What’s not to swoon over? Fix my house, walk my dog, and maybe fix my heart while you’re at it? Yes, please.
📚 Why you need this book in your life:
Are you wrapping up your 2024 reading goals? Is your TBR pile whispering “just one more feel-good book”? Well, this one’s calling your name louder than Mariah Carey in November. It’s the perfect bow on top of your holiday reading stack—equal parts heartwarming and Hallmark-y in the best way.
So, pour some hot cocoa, snuggle up by the tree, and let this sweet romance be the mistletoe moment you deserve. 🎅📖💖
This is the second book I have read in this series, and I can confidently say that it is my favorite so far! It has the Hallmark movie feel with the perfect amount of spice! 🔥
Tropes:
Holiday Romance
Grumpy x Sunshine
Small Town
Forced Proximity
If you are looking for the perfect cozy small town holiday read, I highly recommend, The Christmas Tree Farm! 🎄
Thank you NetGalley, Harper Collins, and Laurie Gilmore for the opportunity to read the ARC of The Christmas Tree Farm.
3.75⭐
Cute and a little spicy holiday treat. The grumpy Christmas tree farm owner, in a little over her head, meets cinnamon roll Mr. fix-it sunshine. No surprises but a fun quick read.