5/5 - Kira North uproots her life and purchases a Christmas tree farm in Dream Harbor, in search for a new beginning. She’s a bit of a recluse and is not very fond of Christmas but is in dire need of customers in order to bring in income. The living conditions on the farm are insufficient and being able to survive through the cold winter might not be possible. Along comes Bennet who gradually eases his way into her life. But Kira is stubborn and refuses any help. Does Bennet have the heart and patience for Kira? After all, he’s only in Dream Harbor for a few weeks and will be returning to San Francisco after New Year.

This is my favorite story thus far from the Dream Harbor series! This small town romance had such a beautiful holiday vibe. I love how the author gave us a grumpy FMC instead of the typical male. I found Kira to be very relatable. I’m sure we’ve come across a point in our lives where we’ve felt defeated, but manage to overcome obstacles on our own. This story includes grumpy/sunshine, small town, forced proximity, and one bed.

I highly recommend this book, especially for the holidays! It was a quick read that was very enjoyable!

I so desperately wanted to love this book. I enjoyed the first two in the series and thought book 2 was better than the first so we were on a great trajectory.. unfortunately this one just didn’t do it for me. 2.5 stars, rounding up to 3.

I really enjoyed the grumpy x sunshine vibes of Kira and Bennett and thought this trope was really well done. I enjoyed the setting and thought the Christmas tree farm was a perfect vibe for a christmas romance! And Kira learning to do life on her own in a little cabin running a business was cool!

Something I liked about the first two books was that it was a little cute and a little cringy but they balanced each other out and it felt really hallmark to me (in a positive way). I missed that balance in this one and it felt far more cringe than cute.

I wasn’t nearly as invested in the main characters as I wanted to be. I felt like they lacked depth and I never really connected to them enough to root for them. They were just there and I was along for the ride.. but I didn’t know where I was going or why. Things happened really quickly without a lot of reason and that was confusing.

I enjoyed seeing all of our other beloved characters pop up throughout the book. The continuation of their stories always makes me really happy. I liked that we got to see two main characters from outside of Dream Harbor come together and love our little town!

I will definitely continue reading this series because I’m invested in the universe and that’s something this author does really well! This one just wasn’t my favorite of the three.

Thank you NetGalley and Harper 360 for the ARC in exchange for my honest review!

As always the vibes are there! The Christmas feels are perfect and I love a grump sunshine romance! It’s like the most adorable hallmark movie in book form! I loved it!

It was a great book! A good installment in the series. I loved the character development. I’m not usually someone who reads in third person, but I quite enjoyed this.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
🌶🌶

Okay, this was the story I didn’t know I needed. I have to admit, I was a bit sad that Mac and Annie’s story wasn’t going to be next, but now I’m thankful because Bennet and Kira were absolutely wonderful to follow.

Bennet is used to people taking advantage of him, and he’s trying to change that and not let anyone take advantage of him anymore. Meanwhile, Kira is trying to be independent for the first time in her life. There were moments when their goals clashed, but as they got closer and started communicating, they were able to understand each other.

And the chemistry between them? Chef's kiss!

These two had me smiling the whole time, seriously!

Thank you so much, Harper 360 and NetGalley, for sending me this ARC!

This is the third book in the cozy/kinda spicy Dream Harbor series. In this book, we meet Kira who is a grumpy heiress who has just bought the town's Christmas tree farm, and Bennett, a sunshine-y guy who is visiting his sister Jeanie (who owns the Pumpkin Spice Cafe, which is the first in the series!). He is trying to enjoy a little vacation away from California & his job as well as getting away from a toxic relationship/sistuationship.
I love how Kira is the grumpy one and Bennett is the golden retriever/sunshine-y one, because normally it’s the opposite.
Kira is initially really rude and standoffish to the people in Dream Harbor. But whenever Jeanie convinces Bennett to try and get Kira to open up as well as attend the towns annual Christmas tree lighting event, things slowly start to turn around.
Kira and Bennett agree to only let whatever’s going on between them be a “holiday fling” & nothing more. However, as time goes on, they both realize they’re falling in love with one another but neither one wants to admit it…
I actually loved this one so much more than the first one in the series. I don’t know if it’s because it was giving me all the Christmas vibes or what, but I just wanted to jump into the pages of this book! I can’t wait for her next one 😊😍😍
Thank you to NetGalley, Laurie Gilmore, and Harper 360 for a copy of this eARC! It was wonderful & I look forward to reading more by her.

I haven’t read any of the previous book, but I was in the mood for a holiday romance and this absolutely delivered. I enjoyed the balance between plot and romance. The writing is good and I’ll absolutely be reading the rest of the series.

It was a great book! A good installment in the series. I loved the character development. I’m not usually someone who reads in third person, but I quite enjoyed this.

Laurie Gilmore’s *The Christmas Tree Farm* presents a heartwarming and hilariously engaging tale of unexpected love set against the backdrop of a charming holiday landscape. The story follows Bennett, a software engineer seeking solitude from the chaos of life, who unexpectedly finds himself captivated by Kira, the aloof owner of a struggling Christmas tree farm.

Gilmore expertly crafts the chemistry between Bennett and Kira, contrasting his easy-going charm with her guarded demeanor. Their relationship evolves naturally as Bennett lends a hand around the farm, turning simple tasks—like fixing a heater and loading trees—into moments of connection. The playful interactions and shared experiences are not only endearing but also extremely funny, leading to moments that had me laughing out loud several times.

The backdrop of the festive season adds an enchanting layer to the story, emphasizing themes of hope, renewal, and the magic of Christmas. As Bennett and Kira agree to a temporary fling, the tension builds, leading to a satisfying exploration of what it means to open up to love, even when the future is uncertain.

While the premise may lean into familiar romantic tropes, Gilmore breathes life into the characters, making their journey compelling. *The Christmas Tree Farm* is a delightful read, perfect for those looking to cozy up with a holiday romance that beautifully intertwines warmth, humor, and a touch of magic. Whether you’re a fan of seasonal love stories or new to the genre, this book is sure to leave you with a smile and a sprinkle of Christmas spirit.

Thank you NetGalley & Harper 360 for sending me an ARC copy to review.

I absolutely adore these books! I think The Christmas Tree Farm may be my favorite in the Dream Harbor series so far. We follow Kira, a previously spoiled rich kids trying to venture out on her own for the first time by buying a farm, and Jeanie's brother! This installment really focused on what we own others and giving of ourselves. Not to mention, the ending will have you in TEARS. It's an absolutely beautiful love story!

Thank you so much to Harper 360 and NetGalley for granting me access to an ARC of The Christmas Tree Farm! It was such a delight!

The Christmas Tree Farm by Laurie Gilmore is a heartwarming holiday romance that captures the spirit of the season. The story follows Kira North, a woman who ironically despises Christmas yet finds herself the new owner of a Christmas tree farm in a town that's almost too quaint to be real. Struggling with a rundown property that's anything but the idyllic scene often portrayed on social media, Kira is determined to go it alone, despite the farm being borderline dangerous and lacking basic amenities like heating.
Enter Bennett Ellis, a man escaping his hectic life in California and a string of disastrous dates. On vacation in Dream Harbor, he crosses paths with Kira in her fields. Initially, Ben has no intention of helping the grumpy and stubborn farm owner, especially when she seems set on refusing any assistance. However, fate has other plans as their paths continue to intersect. As Kira watches Ben skillfully handle tasks around the farm, she begins to question her reluctance to accept help and the walls she's built around herself.
Gilmore expertly weaves themes of vulnerability, community, and the unexpected joys that can arise during the holiday season. The developing relationship between Kira and Ben is both genuine and engaging, filled with moments of humor and tenderness. The picturesque setting of Dream Harbor adds an extra layer of charm, making the story a perfect escape into a cozy winter wonderland.
The Christmas Tree Farm is a delightful read that reminds us of the magic that can happen when we open our hearts. It's an uplifting tale perfect for anyone looking to embrace the sugar and spice of the holiday season.

The Christmas Tree Farm by Laurie Gilmore ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Harper 360
Pub Date: 10-22-24

Thank you @netgalley, @harpercollins360, and @lauriegilmore_author for this eARC.

". . . Kira was living inside one of the holiday movies she’d once loved to mock. But surprisingly, she didn’t hate it."

A pleasant return to Dream Harbor in the 3rd installment of the series. What's better than the holiday season, the smell of pine, trees covered with snow, family, friends, romance, and sex!?

The will they or won't they (we know they will) pair in this story is Kira and Bennett. They join previous couples, Jeanie & Logan and Hazel & Noah, along with a returning cast of Dream Harbor residents who love their entertaining town meetings and Stars Hollow style community events.

Sign me up for all future books in this series!

"Jeanie and Hazel stared at her, waiting for her to go on, to explain what the hell was going on between her and Ben, but she had nothing more to say about that. How do you tell someone that their brother is a gentleman on the streets and a beast between the sheets? She was pretty confident there was no polite way to do it."

#thechristmastreefarm #lauriegilmore #harper360 #netgalley

Rating: 3.5/5

Spice: 2/5

Primary Genre: Holiday Romance

Trigger Warnings: I don’t really think that there are any, if you disagree let me know in the comments.

Favorite Quote:

‘You’re a big dog person, I take it.’

‘They’re better than people in every way.’

His laugh was low and deep and did absolutely nothing for her.

‘I agree.’

Plot 3/5:

Rich Georgia peach named Kira buys northeastern Christmas tree farm, although she is grumpy and hates Christmas. Very sweet guy named Bennett who’s home for the holidays tries to help her fix things that she doesn’t want any help fixing.

Tropes:
• grumpy x sunshine
• small town
• forced proximity
• one bed

The Good:

* I loved the town hall meeting vibe, it was very Gilmore Girls-esque. Honestly, there were a few things that gave off Gilmore Girls vibes and I wasn’t hating it. The book club in particular seemed to give off the townspeople of Stars Hollow vibe. Dream Harbor seems like a very cute little town.

* I love the grumpy/sunshine trope and this book is oozing with it. Kira and Bennett were giving Luke and Lorelai but in reverse. Kira had the grumpy Luke vibes and Bennett had the cheerful Lorelai vibes.

* Once Bennett and Kira get the heat going, the flames are fiery hot. I did not see that coming from this book! She said the book would be spicy in the introduction so I expected open door. While there isn’t a ton of it, it’s quite spicy! At least, more so than I’d expect from a Christmas book.

* I really liked the mystery element tie-in of the previous farm owner’s supposed treasure, there was always something happening in this book.

The Meh:

* I didn’t dislike a ton about this book but one thing that did get on my nerves was the third act break up. Those irritate me to no end.

* I found Kira’s character’s lack of an ability to communicate like an adult to be very frustrating but in retrospect, given how she was raised according to the book, that makes sense.

Bottom Line:

This is a fun, light hearted Christmas/holidays romance book. I found it to be a great mood booster and it got me excited for Christmas, which is crazy because it’s not even Halloween yet. This is sure to grow even the grinchiest heart. The characters and town are unique and quirky, and you’re sure to catch yourself laughing while reading this. Now, can we option this out to Netflix instead of Hallmark for the movie so the spicy scenes stay in?

This definitely gave my grinchy vibes. Kira is a self proclaimed Homesteader of the old Christmas tree farm in Dream Harbor with a chip on her shoulder when it comes to asking for help from anyone. Ben is living in the past when it comes to his relationships but insta falls for Kira. I absolutely adored both Ben and Kira's banter and I loved that Ben didn't let Kira bully him out of her life. I love all of the dream harbor characters and enjoy that they all make appearances and have a special role in Kira and Ben's story. Probably my favorite out of the 3 in the series.

This is is the 3rd book in the dream harbor series. If you're looking for a wholesome Christmas read with a little spice this is it ✨

Kira North is a grumpy girl who hates Christmas and loves animals, she is trying to reinvent herself and decided to buy a farm with her fund money. Her twin has just gotten married and she's feeling alone.

Little did she know she was moving to a Christmas town. She was against reopening this Christmas tree farm she bought but eventually she opens it up to make money.

Bennet Mcafadden is a wholesome guy visiting his sister Jeanie who owns the pumpkin spice cafe as she just got engaged. He meets Kira by accident and for some reason really gravites towards her even though she was a very stubborn girl.

He was supposed to go back home after new years so they weren't supposed to fall in love. Kira and him some very special moments and spicy . His love language is definitely giving acts of service 🤭, I loved everything about this man.

P.s. he cut her a tree 🎄🥹

Tropes:
Grumpy x Sunshine
Small Town
Forced Proximity
One Bed

Release date in the US is October 22nd

My rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

Thank you so much @lauriegilmore_author @harpercollins360 @netgalley for this eARC I loved it

If you’re looking for a cozy, spicy holiday read, look no further than The Christmas Tree Farm! Laurie Gilmore has delivered a delightful grumpy x sunshine romcom that perfectly captures the charm of the season while wrapping it in a heartwarming romance.

Meet Kira, our grumpy heroine who just bought a Christmas tree farm in a town that’s practically bursting with holiday cheer. Her disdain for Christmas makes for some hilarious moments as she navigates the challenges of her new venture. Enter Bennett, the sunshiney guy on vacation from California, trying to escape his own romantic misadventures. Their first encounter in the tree fields is just the start of a charming, tension-filled relationship that kept me turning the pages.

The forced proximity trope is in full effect here, and it’s done so well! Kira’s initial reluctance to accept Ben’s help adds an entertaining layer to their interactions. Watching her slowly thaw as she begins to appreciate his strengths and support was a joy. Their banter is witty and full of sparks, making every moment they share feel electric.

Gilmore’s writing is engaging and filled with vivid imagery that transports you right to Dream Harbor. You can almost smell the pine trees and feel the chill in the air! The setting is beautifully described, making it the perfect backdrop for a holiday romance.

And let’s talk about the spice! The chemistry between Kira and Bennett is palpable, and their intimate moments are well-balanced with the story's heart. Plus, the added mystery element keeps you guessing and adds another layer of intrigue.

This book is a perfect blend of humor, warmth, and festive spirit. If you love small-town romances with a touch of spice and a guaranteed happy ending, The Christmas Tree Farm is a must-read this holiday season. Laurie Gilmore has truly outdone herself, and I can’t wait to see what she brings us next!

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC! This series continues to be so fun and cute. It is like reading a Hallmark movie. Dream Harbor is a perfect place to escape to in your reading. The characters are a delight to read about. I loved that she was the grump operating a run down Christmas Tree farm. A perfect holiday read!

Kira is a Christmas hate who wound up owning a Christmas tree farm thinking she would become an influencer who makes her own sourdough & pickles a ton of vegetables grown on her farm. Bennett is taking a break from his cushy Silicon Valley lifestyle and is trying to take a break from a string of bad dates. Kira has had people help her throughout her life and is finally trying to start the farm on her own while Ben is a fixer who loves to help. The townsfolk in Dream Harbor have a plan that might just have these two falling in love.

This book is the perfect spicy hallmark book that makes you want to sip spiked eggnog. It has grump sunshine, one bed, and a love for dogs (which hits me near & dear to my heart).

This is book #3 in the Dream Harbor Series. I loved the first two books, but honestly only liked this one. That being said, I did enjoy the book enough to want to read the next when it comes out. It is a quaint New England town with people I would like to meet.

I don’t know what I was expecting from this book, but it wasn’t this. I see how smut readers would probably enjoy this story, but it just wasn’t for me.
It felt like it was written by a horny teenager.
The plot was lacking, the characters were too two-dimensional, and the spice was a little cringy.
Not my favorite.