The Christmas Tree Farm by Melody Carlson

 

Book description:

Christmas is the perfect time for old memories, new beginnings, and second chances

When Madison McDowell returns from teaching overseas, she has high hopes of picking up where she left off at her family's Christmas tree farm in Oregon. But between damage from a recent wildfire and the neglect due to her sister Addie's unwillingness to invest, the farm is in sad shape. In fact, Addie is intent on selling the property. And to top it off, Madison's former high school flame, the now-widowed Gavin Thompson, has plans to break her heart again by turning his neighboring property into a dusty, noisy dirt bike track for his daughter.

With the odds stacked against her, Madison decides there's only one thing to do: double down on her dreams. It will require a ton of hard work--and some help from an unlikely ally--to save the farm she so dearly loves. But it may take a Christmas miracle to restore her relationship with her sister.

My review:
  Melody Carlson has been writing a Christmas novella every year for several years. I always look forward to reading her newest one, and this one was a delightful Christmas read. 

 I like stories centered around Christmas tree farms, so that was a bonus for me. The book has it all: reunited lovers, squabbling sisters, absent mother, romance, jealousy, secrets, reminiscing of days gone by, and hope.

 Madison takes on a huge project of getting the Christmas tree farm ready for Christmas, and for future Christmases, while her sister fights her every inch of the way. Madison's hope and determination truly made the book what it was - a great read. Everything else was just things that made it extra great.

I enjoyed the book, and it made me want to visit a Christmas tree farm....but it is only October. :)

If you only read one Christmas story this year, you may want to check this one out. 

Special thanks to the publisher for an advance copy of this novel. I was under no obligation to provide a review and the thoughts contained herein are my own.

About the author: 

Melody Carlson is the award-winning author of more than 250 books with sales of more than 7.5 million, including many bestselling Christmas novellas, young adult titles, and contemporary romances. She received a Romantic Times Career Achievement Award, her novel All Summer Long has been made into a Hallmark movie, and the movie based on her novel The Happy Camper premiered on UPtv in 2023. She and her husband live in central Oregon. Learn more at MelodyCarlson.com.