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The Christmas Tree Farm
When Madison McDowell returns from several years 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, her former high school flame, the now-widowed Gavin Thompson, has plans to break Madison's 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 double down on her dreams. It will take 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 miracle to restore her relationship with her sister.
Bestselling and award-winning author Melody Carlson charms and delights with this uplifting Christmas story full of old memories and new beginnings.
With the odds stacked against her, Madison decides there's only one thing to double down on her dreams. It will take 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 miracle to restore her relationship with her sister.
Bestselling and award-winning author Melody Carlson charms and delights with this uplifting Christmas story full of old memories and new beginnings.
176 pages, Hardcover
First published September 3, 2024
100 people are currently reading
10.6k people want to read
About the author
Melody Carlson
413books3,083followersMelody Carlson is the award-winning author of over two hundred books, several of them Christmas novellas from Revell, including her much-loved and bestselling book, The Christmas Bus.
She also writes many teen books, including the Diary of a Teenage Girl series, the TrueColors series, and the Carter House Girls series.
Melody was nominated for a Romantic Times Career Achievement Award in the inspirational market for her books, including the Notes from a Spinning Planet series and Finding Alice, which is in production as a Lifetime Television movie. She and her husband serve on the Young Life adult committee in central Oregon.
She also writes many teen books, including the Diary of a Teenage Girl series, the TrueColors series, and the Carter House Girls series.
Melody was nominated for a Romantic Times Career Achievement Award in the inspirational market for her books, including the Notes from a Spinning Planet series and Finding Alice, which is in production as a Lifetime Television movie. She and her husband serve on the Young Life adult committee in central Oregon.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 701 reviews
September 5, 2024
REVIEW TO COME🎄🎄!!!!!!!!!!
August 29, 2024
There is something about books with the setting of a Christmas tree farm that brings to mind a real sense of Christmas spirit that I enjoy, and I found this book hard to put down and was a quick read. This story has some real family struggles with underlying and unresolved issues that are brought out when Madison returns from a five-year contract teaching in Mongolia after hearing how the area was hit hard by wildfire. Her sister Addie has stayed at the farm helping her dad and grandmother for the time period but now both are dead, and Addie is overwhelmed and honestly, quite ugly and childish acting towards Madison. She has given up working the farm, so Madison works to revive the farm by replanting trees and opening it for Christmas tree sales against Addie's wishes. I was not a fan of Addie especially when Gavin, an old high school crush of Madison's, and Lily, his daughter, get close to Madison and Addie is jealous. But this story ultimately is about forgiveness, healing, grace, love, and faith tied in with the spirit of Christmas as more family members join together to celebrate the holidays.
I received a copy for the purpose of an honest review. These are my thoughts.
I received a copy for the purpose of an honest review. These are my thoughts.
September 3, 2024
If you’re looking for a Christmas in July book to read or perhaps just browsing through Christmas books before the holiday this cute novella might be just what you’re looking for. Melody Carlson is one of my favorite authors and it’s become a favorite tradition for me to read her new Christmas novella each year. This story is an uplifting novella about a second chance romance. I thought it was romantic and Christmassy. It was an easy and quick read and it didn’t disappoint this reader.
Madison McDowell has spent the last five years on a teaching mission in Mongolia. She returns to the Christmas tree Farm where she had spent her summers with her grandparents and Dad when she was growing up. Now Madison is a co-owner of the tree farm with her younger sister Addie. Madison hopes to surprise her sister with her unannounced arrival but Addie is not happy to see her. Addie wants to sell the Christmas tree farm but Madison wishes to fix up the neglected farm and build the business back up to what it was when her grandparents ran it. The two don’t see eye to eye and things become stressful at times. To make matters worse Madison’s old high school flame lives next to the tree farm. Addie has her eyes on Gavin Thompson for herself but Gavin has his eyes on Madison. Can anything good come out of this unhappy reunion between the McDowell sisters?
I recommend this novella to readers of Christian Fiction, contemporary romance and Christmassy books.This is a standalone Novella . It is scheduled for release on 9/3/24.
I voluntarily read an advanced readers copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions expressed here in this review are solely my own.
#TheChristmasTreeFarm #NetGalley
Madison McDowell has spent the last five years on a teaching mission in Mongolia. She returns to the Christmas tree Farm where she had spent her summers with her grandparents and Dad when she was growing up. Now Madison is a co-owner of the tree farm with her younger sister Addie. Madison hopes to surprise her sister with her unannounced arrival but Addie is not happy to see her. Addie wants to sell the Christmas tree farm but Madison wishes to fix up the neglected farm and build the business back up to what it was when her grandparents ran it. The two don’t see eye to eye and things become stressful at times. To make matters worse Madison’s old high school flame lives next to the tree farm. Addie has her eyes on Gavin Thompson for herself but Gavin has his eyes on Madison. Can anything good come out of this unhappy reunion between the McDowell sisters?
I recommend this novella to readers of Christian Fiction, contemporary romance and Christmassy books.This is a standalone Novella . It is scheduled for release on 9/3/24.
I voluntarily read an advanced readers copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions expressed here in this review are solely my own.
#TheChristmasTreeFarm #NetGalley
July 27, 2024
“As soon as McDowell’s Family Christmas Tree Farm runs out of Christmas spirit, we’ll be out of business.�
With Madison in Mongolia teaching, her sister Addie was left managing the family’s farm in Oregon for the past five years. Weary at dealing with wildfire damage and resentful at Madison’s globetrotting, Addie has failed to do what it takes to keep the Christmas tree farm viable. She wants to sell and move on with her life. When Madison returns and makes changes to the way it’s run, hoping to resuscitate the business, the sisters find themselves at a standoff. It doesn’t help that Madison’s first love, Gavin Thompson, has moved in next door and has plans for his property that Madison finds irksome. Can they put their past behind them to move forward? Can they coexist? What about Addie?
I loved this immersive story full of the true meaning of Christmas and highlighting peace, forgiveness, unity, and second chances. I appreciated learning about the tree planting business (plugs, etc) as I read and found the delicate balance between sibling drama and percolating romance enjoyable. It was refreshing to read about a character who was willing to take a risk to keep her heritage and one who realized the value of community spirit and working together.
This new-to-me author is one I'll put on my radar as I love her writing style and message.
I was gifted this copy by Revell and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
With Madison in Mongolia teaching, her sister Addie was left managing the family’s farm in Oregon for the past five years. Weary at dealing with wildfire damage and resentful at Madison’s globetrotting, Addie has failed to do what it takes to keep the Christmas tree farm viable. She wants to sell and move on with her life. When Madison returns and makes changes to the way it’s run, hoping to resuscitate the business, the sisters find themselves at a standoff. It doesn’t help that Madison’s first love, Gavin Thompson, has moved in next door and has plans for his property that Madison finds irksome. Can they put their past behind them to move forward? Can they coexist? What about Addie?
I loved this immersive story full of the true meaning of Christmas and highlighting peace, forgiveness, unity, and second chances. I appreciated learning about the tree planting business (plugs, etc) as I read and found the delicate balance between sibling drama and percolating romance enjoyable. It was refreshing to read about a character who was willing to take a risk to keep her heritage and one who realized the value of community spirit and working together.
This new-to-me author is one I'll put on my radar as I love her writing style and message.
I was gifted this copy by Revell and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
August 31, 2024
I received a free copy of, The Christmas Tree Farm, by Melody Carlson, from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. When Madison McDowell returns home from Mongolia, a lot had changed, fire has damaged the town, and their tree farm. Madison wants to help her sister with the farm, but Addie wants to sell, they both also like the same man. This was a really good, read, short though.
December 18, 2024
A very solid 3 stars, but not quite 4.
I really got into the story at the beginning with all of the Christmas farm cozy vibes, but then the juvenile catty drama over a man and some romance cheese took off pretty quick and lasted right up to the very last chapter, so then I was like yeah, peace out.
The almost 40 year old women acting like 12 year Olds and the hasty resolution were quite annoying.
If drama isn't an irritation point for you, and you love rustic Christmas at home stories with second chance romance, you'll probably get more out of this than I did.
I really got into the story at the beginning with all of the Christmas farm cozy vibes, but then the juvenile catty drama over a man and some romance cheese took off pretty quick and lasted right up to the very last chapter, so then I was like yeah, peace out.
The almost 40 year old women acting like 12 year Olds and the hasty resolution were quite annoying.
If drama isn't an irritation point for you, and you love rustic Christmas at home stories with second chance romance, you'll probably get more out of this than I did.
September 30, 2024
A sweet second chance romance set on a Christmas tree farm.
When Madison travels back home to help with the family's farm, she funds the farm not doing so great. A surprise next door neighbor and problems up to ears. Perfect setting and a lovely story.
I loved the character of Madison as well as the sweet second chance. I was kind of sad how their relationship ended the first time, but was so happy they got their chance. I also really liked the family dynamics and the family drama worked well with how the story unfolded.
If you love Christmas books with deep heartfelt characters and stories, pick this one up!
*thank you to Baker Publishing for a complimentary copy of this book to read, all thoughts are my own.
When Madison travels back home to help with the family's farm, she funds the farm not doing so great. A surprise next door neighbor and problems up to ears. Perfect setting and a lovely story.
I loved the character of Madison as well as the sweet second chance. I was kind of sad how their relationship ended the first time, but was so happy they got their chance. I also really liked the family dynamics and the family drama worked well with how the story unfolded.
If you love Christmas books with deep heartfelt characters and stories, pick this one up!
*thank you to Baker Publishing for a complimentary copy of this book to read, all thoughts are my own.
December 13, 2024
Very juvenile, no character development, ridiculously cheesy ending. Wanted a cute Christmas romance and this fell flat big time.
July 26, 2024
This is my fist Melody Carlson book and I have to say, I had just a great time. Reading a book in July like Christmas in July. Only thing I forgot was to put a Hallmark Christmas movie on in the background.
Madison has spent the past five years in Mongolia teaching English but with a change in her relationship she has finally moved back to the place she grew up on. A Christmas tree farm that her grandparents had built.
When she gets home to her sister, who has been handling the farm, he gets a bit of resistance and the sister wants to sell. Madison is determined to prove that the Christmas Tree farm is in fact profitable and worth keeping. Plus, her old crush from when she was a teenager is back living on the neighboring land.
I really did have fund with it. It was like a cozy, comfortable and down home story. I also loved that it wasn't just Christmas. We got to experience Autumn and Thanksgiving as well and Madison did a lot of things that remind you of small town events in a Hallmark movie.
This is a novella so it's super quick to read and just wholesome! Start your Holiday reading now! You won't regret it!
*Copy provided by Netgalley for an honest review*
Madison has spent the past five years in Mongolia teaching English but with a change in her relationship she has finally moved back to the place she grew up on. A Christmas tree farm that her grandparents had built.
When she gets home to her sister, who has been handling the farm, he gets a bit of resistance and the sister wants to sell. Madison is determined to prove that the Christmas Tree farm is in fact profitable and worth keeping. Plus, her old crush from when she was a teenager is back living on the neighboring land.
I really did have fund with it. It was like a cozy, comfortable and down home story. I also loved that it wasn't just Christmas. We got to experience Autumn and Thanksgiving as well and Madison did a lot of things that remind you of small town events in a Hallmark movie.
This is a novella so it's super quick to read and just wholesome! Start your Holiday reading now! You won't regret it!
*Copy provided by Netgalley for an honest review*
December 3, 2024
I’m not sure where to even start.
1st, I was completely unaware that this was Christian fiction. 2nd, Every single person was completely insufferable.
Madison leaves her family to work in Mongolia. After the death of half of her family and a fire in the city, she decides to come home and suddenly be invested in the family business. In comes her bratty immature 30 something sister. (I seriously thought these people were in their 20’s) They then began to fight over Madison’s old fling. Twice Gavin is referred to as territory.
Gavin’s dead wife only marrying him to steal him from Madison seems petty AF. Their daughter being the one to tell Madison is even worse. It’s okay though. The daughter loves Madison’s sister and mom. You know, they are all into fashion and not tomboys.
The “let’s go to church together� aspect made me want to gag. Him proposing after 1 date made me want to fully throw up. I fully lost it when the younger daughter said her dad must have been a “good boy� because he has the biggest gift.
1st, I was completely unaware that this was Christian fiction. 2nd, Every single person was completely insufferable.
Madison leaves her family to work in Mongolia. After the death of half of her family and a fire in the city, she decides to come home and suddenly be invested in the family business. In comes her bratty immature 30 something sister. (I seriously thought these people were in their 20’s) They then began to fight over Madison’s old fling. Twice Gavin is referred to as territory.
Gavin’s dead wife only marrying him to steal him from Madison seems petty AF. Their daughter being the one to tell Madison is even worse. It’s okay though. The daughter loves Madison’s sister and mom. You know, they are all into fashion and not tomboys.
The “let’s go to church together� aspect made me want to gag. Him proposing after 1 date made me want to fully throw up. I fully lost it when the younger daughter said her dad must have been a “good boy� because he has the biggest gift.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 22, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
An absolutely delightful Christmas read, wonderful story line and characters.
An absolutely delightful Christmas read, wonderful story line and characters.
October 4, 2024
I found this touching story grew on me, just like the trees on the farm grew in this second chances story. I appreciated the growth of the characters too as they deal with loss and pain and struggle with relationships. I also like the setting and the attempt to revive the area plus the leadup to Christmas—my favorite time of year. All this makes for a satisfying tale to read any time, but by a fire on a cool day sounds great right now. I would also recommend this for a fun book club discussion. I received a copy from the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions are my own. #TheChristmasTreeFarm #NetGalley
September 8, 2024
Gavin and Maddie were the perfect pair, and I devoured this book. NO ONE does a touching Christmas book like Carlson. I HIGHLY recommend this book!
December 1, 2024
THE GOOD:
A sweet, light, happy tale, perfect for reading around the Christmas tree.
Clean fiction with no swearing, steamy scenes, or diversity checklist bingo.
A beautiful setting on a Pacific Northwest Christmas tree farm.
11-year-old Lily, Madison’s neighbor, is a hoot! And adorable to boot.
THE BAD:
As a novella, story lines and back story obviously have to be compressed. The second chance romance may feel like it went way too fast, for some readers.
Madison’s sister is super bratty - more a caricature than a fully-developed character.
CONCLUSION:
Recommended for clean fiction lovers and for that Hallmark holiday movie feeling.
A sweet, light, happy tale, perfect for reading around the Christmas tree.
Clean fiction with no swearing, steamy scenes, or diversity checklist bingo.
A beautiful setting on a Pacific Northwest Christmas tree farm.
11-year-old Lily, Madison’s neighbor, is a hoot! And adorable to boot.
THE BAD:
As a novella, story lines and back story obviously have to be compressed. The second chance romance may feel like it went way too fast, for some readers.
Madison’s sister is super bratty - more a caricature than a fully-developed character.
CONCLUSION:
Recommended for clean fiction lovers and for that Hallmark holiday movie feeling.
August 18, 2024
Madison returns to the family farm after being away for years. She is hoping to reconnect with her sister. The farm is going to need everything she has to survive. A nice holiday read
August 16, 2024
I believe I would be an outlier here, I didn't enjoy it personally and it may not be to my taste, but it could appeal to others.
When Maddison returns from several years of teaching overseas to her family's Christmas tree farm, she finds that her sister wants to sell the farm and has no interest in running the business. To make matters worse, her ex-boyfriend returns and lives next door � the man she still has feelings for, the one who left her without any explanation and married someone else. And to top it off, he wants to open a dirt bike track for her daughter, bringing lots of noise and dirt to her once peaceful agricultural land.
I didn't like any of the characters. Her sister is selfish and immature, and her ex's daughters are rude and spoiled. I had a hard time finding anything relatable in the story; everything seemed very unrealistic.
The romance and the ending were rushed. Gavin never apologized for why he married another woman or explained what happened and why he hurt Maddie, even though he had said that Maddison was the only woman he ever loved.
I loved the cover and Christmas stories, but unfortunately, I did not enjoy this particular one...Releases Sep 03.
Thank you Netgalley and Publisher for the eARC.
When Maddison returns from several years of teaching overseas to her family's Christmas tree farm, she finds that her sister wants to sell the farm and has no interest in running the business. To make matters worse, her ex-boyfriend returns and lives next door � the man she still has feelings for, the one who left her without any explanation and married someone else. And to top it off, he wants to open a dirt bike track for her daughter, bringing lots of noise and dirt to her once peaceful agricultural land.
I didn't like any of the characters. Her sister is selfish and immature, and her ex's daughters are rude and spoiled. I had a hard time finding anything relatable in the story; everything seemed very unrealistic.
The romance and the ending were rushed. Gavin never apologized for why he married another woman or explained what happened and why he hurt Maddie, even though he had said that Maddison was the only woman he ever loved.
I loved the cover and Christmas stories, but unfortunately, I did not enjoy this particular one...Releases Sep 03.
Thank you Netgalley and Publisher for the eARC.
September 5, 2024
Melody Carlson’s The Christmas Tree Farm is a heartwarming hug of the Christmas season, intricately wrapped in the complexities of family dynamics. Madison McDowell’s return to her family’s beloved Christmas tree farm unveils the harsh reality of wildfire damage and her sister Addie’s reluctance to revive the cherished homestead.
The festive charm of the season stands in stark contrast to the chaos of a dirt bike track being planned next door, adding another layer to Madison’s challenges. The characters, while not deeply intricate, exude a comforting warmth that makes the story both endearing and relatable.
This story captures the cozy traditions of a Christmas tree farm and the special, sometimes rare, moments of family togetherness with a gentle touch. Carlson’s storytelling casts a soft, festive glow over the struggles, offering a delightful escape into a world where Christmas and family bonds are sweetly intertwined.
I received a digital copy of The Christmas Tree Farm from the publisher. I am not required to write a positive review in any way or for any reason. My honest and unbiased opinions expressed in this book review are my own. My review focuses on the writing style, the pacing, and the story’s content, ensuring transparency and reliability.
The festive charm of the season stands in stark contrast to the chaos of a dirt bike track being planned next door, adding another layer to Madison’s challenges. The characters, while not deeply intricate, exude a comforting warmth that makes the story both endearing and relatable.
This story captures the cozy traditions of a Christmas tree farm and the special, sometimes rare, moments of family togetherness with a gentle touch. Carlson’s storytelling casts a soft, festive glow over the struggles, offering a delightful escape into a world where Christmas and family bonds are sweetly intertwined.
I received a digital copy of The Christmas Tree Farm from the publisher. I am not required to write a positive review in any way or for any reason. My honest and unbiased opinions expressed in this book review are my own. My review focuses on the writing style, the pacing, and the story’s content, ensuring transparency and reliability.
August 10, 2024
Melody Carlson has a new Christmas novella every year. I’ve read many of her Christmas novellas and enjoyed them. It is always a treat to read another one by her.
This book follows Madison, who has returned to the Christmas tree farm that she inherited (and now co-owns) with her sister after devastating wildfires have hurt much of their community.
This story was so cute. I loved the Christmas tree farm setting. I will say, this is a perfect Christmas book to read early in the season, as it actually begins in September and goes forward to Christmas. Thanksgiving was around the 60 percent or 2/3rds mark if I’m remembering correctly. Normally, I like my Christmas books to be more Christmas focused, but this was about life on the Christmas tree farm so it focused on planting, wreath-making, and other things to get ready for the Black Friday rush to get a tree.
Madison was constantly butting heads with her sister Addie, to the point where I looked at my Kindle and saw I was almost done with the book and had no idea how all that conflict would resolve. Being a novella, it definitely happened quickly (almost too quickly, especially given how prickly Addie was).
This novella also has a small subplot of Madison getting reacquainted with Gavin, a guy she had a major crush on as a teenager, and his preteen daughter Lily. I really liked the relationship that developed between Madison and Lily. They had many sweet scenes together. I was fairly meh about the romance though. If Gavin was supposedly so ~~in love~~ with Madison back then, why did he sleep with the other girl (who became pregnant and he married her at age 18)? Yes, it was explained that the other girl was “out to get him� but he still could have said no, especially if he was as enamored with Madison as he claimed to be.
His proposal to Madison at the end came out of nowhere as well.
Overall, though, this was a cute Christmas read that would be perfect to read early in the season.
This book follows Madison, who has returned to the Christmas tree farm that she inherited (and now co-owns) with her sister after devastating wildfires have hurt much of their community.
This story was so cute. I loved the Christmas tree farm setting. I will say, this is a perfect Christmas book to read early in the season, as it actually begins in September and goes forward to Christmas. Thanksgiving was around the 60 percent or 2/3rds mark if I’m remembering correctly. Normally, I like my Christmas books to be more Christmas focused, but this was about life on the Christmas tree farm so it focused on planting, wreath-making, and other things to get ready for the Black Friday rush to get a tree.
Madison was constantly butting heads with her sister Addie, to the point where I looked at my Kindle and saw I was almost done with the book and had no idea how all that conflict would resolve. Being a novella, it definitely happened quickly (almost too quickly, especially given how prickly Addie was).
This novella also has a small subplot of Madison getting reacquainted with Gavin, a guy she had a major crush on as a teenager, and his preteen daughter Lily. I really liked the relationship that developed between Madison and Lily. They had many sweet scenes together. I was fairly meh about the romance though. If Gavin was supposedly so ~~in love~~ with Madison back then, why did he sleep with the other girl (who became pregnant and he married her at age 18)? Yes, it was explained that the other girl was “out to get him� but he still could have said no, especially if he was as enamored with Madison as he claimed to be.
His proposal to Madison at the end came out of nowhere as well.
Overall, though, this was a cute Christmas read that would be perfect to read early in the season.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 25, 2024
I really enjoyed this one! I loved the characters and relationship between the characters, and was pleased that it did not go along as I expected. I didn't feel like it was the typical Christmas novella. It really seemed like the main character Madison, was the underdog and just couldn't win in any situation sometimes. I got fed up with one of the other main characters attitudes! Lol. Definitely loved one of the younger characters so much and her relationship with another character. It had strong Christmas vibes and some faith based themes, but they were light. Not sure if I loved the ending.
Also, I listened to this on audio book and was filled with pure delight when I realized it was narrated by the amazing Stephanie Cozart. She's my absolute favorite narrator. Definitely recommend on audio book if you like to listen to books!
Also, I listened to this on audio book and was filled with pure delight when I realized it was narrated by the amazing Stephanie Cozart. She's my absolute favorite narrator. Definitely recommend on audio book if you like to listen to books!
November 5, 2024
I enjoyed this second chance romance and the aspect of two sisters pining for the same man. There was a lot of family building as well as found family all based on a Christmas tree farm! 🎄🎄
November 15, 2024
Melody Carlson delivers another Christmas novella full of emotion and family.
Madison returns from a 5-year teaching contract in Mongolia only to discover the devastation a wildfire has caused at the family Christmas Tree Farm. Hurt feelings, regret, and resentment follow-up from her sister Addison who lives through it while caretaking their dad and grandma over the years.
It doesn't help that next door neighbor is old high school flame Gavin who has his own history he brings from the intervening years.
As Madison tries to rekindle the Tree Farm, the whole family learns life lessons and growing together again.
Madison returns from a 5-year teaching contract in Mongolia only to discover the devastation a wildfire has caused at the family Christmas Tree Farm. Hurt feelings, regret, and resentment follow-up from her sister Addison who lives through it while caretaking their dad and grandma over the years.
It doesn't help that next door neighbor is old high school flame Gavin who has his own history he brings from the intervening years.
As Madison tries to rekindle the Tree Farm, the whole family learns life lessons and growing together again.
July 27, 2024
would like to thank netgalley and the publisher for letting me read this awesome book
i love a good christmas tree storyline and this book hit it in spades....
madison was finally home after spending the last 5 years teaching in mongolia. she was ready to help bring the christmas tree farm back from the brink after the raging fire took out several places around them... lucking the christmas tree farm had minimal damage
though her sister addie wasnt that pleased to see her.....
so maddie did what she did best and ordered 6000 plug christmas tree plants and set about planting them.... and though she needed help she didnt really get it from her sister but from her neighbours who happened to be her long lost love from her teenage years...
this is a charming storyline filled with all the things that make a good christmas tree farm enjoyable and it makes me want to go order some christmas tree plug plants now....
will be keeping an eye out for more by this author
i love a good christmas tree storyline and this book hit it in spades....
madison was finally home after spending the last 5 years teaching in mongolia. she was ready to help bring the christmas tree farm back from the brink after the raging fire took out several places around them... lucking the christmas tree farm had minimal damage
though her sister addie wasnt that pleased to see her.....
so maddie did what she did best and ordered 6000 plug christmas tree plants and set about planting them.... and though she needed help she didnt really get it from her sister but from her neighbours who happened to be her long lost love from her teenage years...
this is a charming storyline filled with all the things that make a good christmas tree farm enjoyable and it makes me want to go order some christmas tree plug plants now....
will be keeping an eye out for more by this author
August 4, 2024
Short and sweet! I really enjoyed the relationship between Madison and Lily. The other family dynamics made the story interesting as well.
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the arc. The opinions are my own.
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the arc. The opinions are my own.
April 1, 2025
The first word that comes to mind for this novella is god-awful, which is insanely hilarious considering after I finished it I found out it was Christian fiction. If I’d known that, I never would have read it. This book can be summarized as “girl returns to hometown after several years abroad, is shocked no one put their entire lives on hold for her, and gets mad when her completely unsolicited opinions about everyone else’s lives and decisions aren’t always welcome.� Seriously, she’s insufferable.
Also, how ironic that after nothing but complaints about how much everything had changed and how no one was listening to her overly critical opinions on their lives, she then dubbed her sister, a “whiner� and then proceeded to complain more about how much her sister was annoying her. Pot, meet the Christian kettle.
Also, how ironic that after nothing but complaints about how much everything had changed and how no one was listening to her overly critical opinions on their lives, she then dubbed her sister, a “whiner� and then proceeded to complain more about how much her sister was annoying her. Pot, meet the Christian kettle.
October 28, 2024
When Madison comes home to the McDowell family Christmas tree farm, she finds that between wildfire damage and neglect from her sister, she has her work cut out for her to get the farm up and running. She finds the now - widowed, Gavin, her childhood sweetheart, is her neighbor. With her relationship with her sister in shambles, and old feeling for Gavin showing up, can she save the farm she loves so dearly?
🎄
This was a fun book! I liked the characters and reading about the tree farm. There was a love triangle between Madison, her sister, and Gavin. Not my favorite trope, but it was fine. I thought it dragged on a bit in places, but I did enjoy it overall. This was a quick read so I’d recommend it if you’re looking for something short and sweet to read.
3.5 �
🎄
This was a fun book! I liked the characters and reading about the tree farm. There was a love triangle between Madison, her sister, and Gavin. Not my favorite trope, but it was fine. I thought it dragged on a bit in places, but I did enjoy it overall. This was a quick read so I’d recommend it if you’re looking for something short and sweet to read.
3.5 �
Shelved as 'pass'
December 28, 2024this was just not for me, not a fan of love triangles involving sisters :-(
December 5, 2024
I really did not care for the main character Madison, especially in regards to her relationship with her sister.
April 7, 2025
The Christmas Tree Farm by Melody Carlson is a fun, holiday read! Quick and cozy- just what I needed at the time! Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for an ARC of this title.
December 19, 2024
I was hoping for another cute holiday rom-com, but this was a rough one.
For me, I struggled with the sibling tension. Madison and Addie felt very immature for someone in their 30's. Their whole relationship was toxic and cringe. Especially since they were fighting over the same man, aka Gavin.
Gavin wasn't much better, honestly. He was so indecisive with his feelings. One minute, he thought he might have feelings for Addie, but next, he's proposing to Madison. We never get to see relationship or character development.
Overall, the story just felt rushed. That combined with unlikeable/rude characters and poor writing made this one unenjoyable.
For me, I struggled with the sibling tension. Madison and Addie felt very immature for someone in their 30's. Their whole relationship was toxic and cringe. Especially since they were fighting over the same man, aka Gavin.
Gavin wasn't much better, honestly. He was so indecisive with his feelings. One minute, he thought he might have feelings for Addie, but next, he's proposing to Madison. We never get to see relationship or character development.
Overall, the story just felt rushed. That combined with unlikeable/rude characters and poor writing made this one unenjoyable.
November 19, 2024
This book irked me so many people asked if she was into him (including one of his daughters) and she was like “no� so many times and got together with him anyway! Like ok, but why lie??! Also why was he seriously considering keeping her sister as a dating option ughhh, if it’s not soulmate level connection I don’t want it. Plot was trees, food, trees, dirtbike, food, trees. Got religious at the end? which wasn’t bad just unexpected.
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