As expected based on the first two books in the series, this one was another cute and hallmark-esque small-town romance with a good balance of sweetness and spice! It had cute Wintery/holiday vibes (complete with a tree lighting festival, a tree farm, snowball fights, etc.).

I will admit that I struggled to connect with the main characters in this book. Bennett was a total cinnamon roll. Totally Mr. Acts of Service, but I also found him a little…pathetic? Almost desperate in his need to be needed? The instalove from Bennett’s side of things also didn’t help with this. Idk, his inner monologues felt repetitive and, again, made him seem a little pathetic to me haha. Kira was not really my type of person. She annoyed and frustrated me. She was a spoiled rich chick who was determined to be independent for once but she came off as stubborn, rude, and out of touch. Her inner monologues felt a bit repetitive as well.

I was not a huge fan of the third act breakup, the unnecessary other woman drama, and I didn’t love how the mystery was wrapped up at the end. Speaking of the mystery, it seemed almost like an afterthought in this one. It wasn’t featured as prominently in the story as the mysteries in the previous two books.

Idk, I just wasn’t as invested in this romance, mystery, or the main characters as I was with the last two books. That said, the author has a really engaging writing style and these books are so cute and easy to read! They’re literally Hallmark movies in book form just with a bit more spice. They’re totally bingeable!

While it wasn’t my favorite in the series, it’s still worth a read and I recommend checking it out this holiday season!

Thank you to Laurie Gilmore, Harper 360, and Netgalley for providing me with this ARC in exchange for an honest review!

(3.5⭐️)
First of all, shoutout to the playlist (!) because why was it actually so good!! Loved that! After reading her other two books, I don’t go in expecting something astonishing. They’re fun, cozy reads that make me feel like I’m in Stars Hollow. The whole plot of the book was entirely predicable — I mean, come on… a Mr. Fix it Felix and not so grinch grinch. You could probably put two and two together and figure out how the rest of the book goes. However, her dedication did state that it was for anyone who ever wished for Hallmark Christmas movies to be steamier, so not really mad about it. The two MCs problems were basically solved after they got laid but I love the excuse “but it’s Christmas” because yes. The cameos from the other two books were so fun and the ending was actually really cute!

Thank you to NetGalley, Harper360, and Laurie Gilmore for providing me this gifted copy for an honest review! ◡̈

She has done it again! Gilmore is back with another hit from the cutest small town, Dream Harbor. I've been following the series since its release last year, and was so excited to get my hands on this ARC. While I could see similarities to the characters/plot in previous stories (does any man in this town not have a broken heart and isn't broody because I'm falling in love with all of them), this story has definitely been taken up a notch. When Gilmore said this was a spicy Halmark movie, she wasn't lying! The story had all the charm that the previous books had as well as a new twist: two headstrong characters! I originally thought this would be a slow burn, but this book was a hot fire that had gasoline poured on it from time to time. Can't wait to check out the next book in the series next spring!

Laurie Gilmore has a talent of creating diverse characters with different personalities and life backgrounds and taking them on a journey to discover themself. This book was no different. I loved Mr. Fix It Bennet and Ms. Reformed-Rich-Girl-Rake Kira. The story contained all the Christmas vibes that I love in a Christmas story and added coziness, cute doggos, and some spice (Ch. 18, 21, 22, and 28 for anyone who wants to skip). I enjoyed Kira and Bennet’s journey and their time in their own snow globe of holiday wonder and whimsical cheer. It was the equivalent feeling of the multi-colored lights, obnoxious decorations, and child-like wonder I experienced during Christmases as a kid. I want to skip right to Christmas now!

Cue Taylor Swift's "Christmas Tree Farm."

"The Christmas Tree Farm" is the third book in Laurie Gilmore's Dream Harbor series, and as promised, it’s a spicy Hallmark Christmas story. If you love cozy holiday romances with heat, this could be a great pick for you.

This was my first read by Gilmore, and while it works as a standalone, I felt that knowing the side characters from the previous books might have made the experience even richer. There’s a lot of backstory with the town and its quirky residents, and being familiar with that might help new readers feel more connected.

The plot centers around Kira, who impulsively buys a Christmas tree farm using her entire inheritance, despite having no clue how to run it. Enter Bennett, Jeanie’s brother from the Pumpkin Spice Cafe, who steps in to help her (he’s definitely the “fixer” type). The two grow closer, though Kira is hesitant to let him—or the town—into her heart.

The premise is charming, and I’m a fan of sweet, cinnamon-roll male leads like Bennett. However, I found Kira's character a bit harder to connect with. Her decision to leave her privileged life felt sudden and not fully explored, and her grumpiness seemed unmotivated at times. I would have loved to understand her more deeply.

Bennett’s feelings for Kira also seemed to develop quite quickly, giving off major instalove vibes.

I was also excited by the treasure hunt aspect, but it felt like it was wrapped up a little too quickly. I would have enjoyed more of that adventure throughout the book. The third-act breakup was another element that felt rushed, hinging on a miscommunication trope that wasn’t as impactful as I hoped.

That said, this is still a light, fun holiday read. If you're in the mood for something festive, sweet, and spicy, this book will deliver. It’s predictable, and the character development isn’t super deep, but it’s a great option for a cozy weekend binge.

If you’re a fan of Tessa Bailey’s "Window Shopping" or enjoy cute Hallmark-style romances, this book will likely be a hit for you. Fans of the Dream Harbor series will also appreciate the familiar faces and cameos.

Thanks to the author, NetGalley, and Harper 360 for the advance copy in exchange for my honest review!

Hallmark Movie with Spice? ✅ 🌶️ Kira and Bennett were so cute!!! Christmas Tree Farm owner meets hot techy nerd. Sign me up. Her old house seems to always be cold so he’s there to warm her up. I really enjoyed this one! 5/5 ⭐️ thank you Laurie Gilmore, netgalley, and Harper 360 for my eARC in exchange for an honest review.

I wanted to love The Christmas Tree Farm as much as I enjoyed the first two books in the Dream Harbor series from Laurie Gilmore. It should have been my second favorite, right after The Pumpkin Spice Cafe, but unfortunately the plot just didn’t hold me and I mostly skimmed through the finish it. Felt like maybe it was phoned in? I don’t know. And I know I’ve said this too many times but there’s a spicy scene limitation I have for Christmas books. Too much just feels gross, I want more sweet and lighthearted reads to get me in the Christmas spirit! But of course these books are known as smut and loved for it, so I shouldn’t complain. It’s just a personal preference. Overall, I will be giving her next book a try…The Strawberry Patch Pancake House…but I don’t know if I will be purchasing this one.

I received an advanced copy from NetGalley in exchange for a review and opinions are my own.

Such a cute Christmas read! Loved being able to dive into Dream Harbor and get all the warm and cozy holiday feels. Laurie really knows how to make you connect with the characters and I love the fact that she intertwines the characters from previous books into this one.

Kira was such a breath of fresh air and loved the fact that she was the grumpy Christmas tree farm owner and Bennet was the sunshine. Such a feel good, warm and fuzzy story that is perfect for the holiday season.

I read all three of the books in the Dream Harbor series within about a week. I have really been enjoying them... they are very light, likable, and fun. There is no realism here however they are unapologetically Gilmore Girls-esque!

This third book started slowly for me... I disliked our heroine very much for the first quarter of the book but I absolutely came around to love this book. The cozy Christmas vibes were thoroughly enjoyable. I can't wait for the season, I will probably read this again!

This was my first Laurie Gilmore book, and I know she has a lot of fans! I’m sure this is an unpopular opinion, but I will give it nonetheless.

I wanted to like this book, and it did give cozy vibes, but there were two things that I really couldn’t overlook. The first being the quotations, or lack there of. In a book with so much dialogue, it was REALLY distracting and difficult to read when all I see are apostrophes used incorrectly. Secondly, the prose in this book was rocky at best. In general, I enjoy the different points of view, inner monologue, and banter, but maybe this particular writing style or author isn’t for me. Which is okay! I appreciate the cute stories and discussions she has brought to the book community and encourage her to keep doing her thing. Her fans will love reading this during the holiday season :)

The Christmas Tree Farm by Laurie Gilmore is a delightful holiday romcom that brings together Kira North and Bennett Ellis in the cozy small town of Dream Harbor. Though Kira initially rejects Ben’s help on her run down tree farm, fate repeatedly brings them together, with sparks flying as their forced proximity turns into undeniable chemistry. The book is full of humor, romance, and a hint of mystery into this heartwarming holiday tale. The small town charm, combined with the sizzling tension between Kira and Ben, makes for an entertaining and spicy read to warm up your holiday season!

This book makes me want to decorate for Christmas. And it’s September. It’s like drinking hot coca on a Saturday morning. It’s everything and then some. So sweet.

The Christmas Tree Farm is the third book in the Dream Harbor series. In this story, we meet and get to know Jeanie's (the main female character in the first book, The Pumpkin Spice Cafe) brother Bennett. He has come for a visit from California to spend the Holidays with his sister and her group of friends. Little does he know that an innocent walk with his 3 dogs will lead him to meet the newest, and not very friendly, resident of Dream Harbor, Kira.
Sparks fly, and not of the happy kind...at least not in the beginning. There is supposedly a buried treasure, or buried body, located somewhere on the Tree Farm, now owed by Kira, and Bennett has been volunteered to scope the place out.
Though Kira appears to be standoffish in the beginning, there is a reason for her feeling this way. As time goes by, she begins to thaw and warm up to an amazing group of new friends, and against her well, the fire blazes with a certain hot and sexy man.
I have loved every one of these books in the series and this one is no exception. It feels like visiting old friends and getting to know new ones. The characters are incredible, there is laughter, kindness, drama and some steamy heat all rolled into this excellent story. A great way to warm up the Holiday Season, or delve into any time of the year!

Peaches 🍑 🥹

I’m a sucker for a cutesy ass name from a hot guy😍

I loved this one. I loved that It was two new characters from out of town we’ve only met in passing.
Ben is a nice guy with a dirty ass mouth behind closed doors🫣🤤 what more could you want?

This book was giving me all the cozy Christmas hallmark movie vibes but still smutty. Perfect little Holliday read!

Received an ARC of this book, and this review is voluntary

What I like about Laurie Gilmore books is the banter between her leads, the friend group, and all the Dreamers. This one felt a little lackluster in comparison to her others. I still enjoyed it, and the banter between Kira and Bennett kept me involved, but something felt like it was missing. I'll keep reading about Dream Harbor, but this one is low in the ranking

Fresh off the high of Cinnamon Bun Bookstore, I was thrilled to receive a copy of Christmas Tree Farm from Netgalley. It was honesty exactly what I needed. This book was like a cheesy Hallmark movie but in the very best way. I adored golden retriever Ben and black cat Kira. Ben was so perfect and and his unwavering desire to help Kira, who was fully against it from the get go. Which just proves that if he wanted to.. HE WOULD.. Ben is full of green flags from his three dogs to his obsession with YouTube tutorials. But Kira.. sweet Kira.. she was traumatized from her childhood and the separation from her sister which made her believe she had to handle everything on her own... I loved seeing her growth and her realization that it’s OK TO ASK FOR HELP! Asking for help does not make you weak or needy! This is a lesson that I’m still trying to learn.. I wish we could have seen Chloe and Kira’s reunion at the farm but I’m hoping this just means they will pop up in a future book! I love this world that Laurie has built and I never want these books to end! In fact, I’m trying to see how I can make my way to Dream Harbor! Christmas Tree Farm is the ideal cozy read to kick off your Christmas season.

These books are so so cute! I love a hallmark Christmas story and I feel like all of these books have that vibe. It was a cozy read. I did like that the fmc was the grumpy one as usually the cards are reversed.

I enjoy all of the stories interconnecting and that we still get to know what’s happening with the other characters.

Thank you so much for this arc it is such a great holiday read. Can’t wait for book 4

Such a cute book it was so cozy and I love the characters I’m enjoying this series and hope it continues

This book features Kira, a formerly wealthy woman looking for a new start. That new start happens to become using her inheritance to buy a Christmas tree farm. Insert Bennett, the brother of a local, who is taking a month long vacation. Kira gives off all the grumpy vibes, but Bennett finds himself doing everything he can to help her get the farm and her new home up and running. This book gives you all the warm and cozy Christmas feels along with several laugh out loud moments. There is definitely a lot of spice between the two and some mystery thrown in to make things even more interesting. Definitely an overall great read! A special thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an advanced copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

This book was lovely, there’s no way a cute Christmas love story with spice will ever be bad! Although I wish there had been a bit more exploration of Bennett and Kira’s relationship outside of the snowstorm, it’s a fast read that gives all the gooey goodness of the holiday hallmark movies that I am addicted to will definitely read again during the Christmas season!