Monday, August 26, 2024

Melody Carlson: The Christmas Tree Farm

By Kelly Bridgewater

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 do: 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.


 

My Thoughts:

The Christmas Tree Farm by Melody Carlson has all the Hallmark Christmas movie feels. I'm not a fan of any type of Hallmark movies, but I do enjoy a nice Christmas story that touches the heart. I have not found that many in book format, but I do have a few on my shelf. Carlson does bring a character home that is trying to revive her family legacy, the Christmas Tree Farm. There is conflict between her and her sister that dives deep into their past. Sparks between the main heroine and the boy next door. A child of his that bridges the gap between them. I enjoyed watching Madison work really hard at attempting to keep her family farm in the black. I would have liked to have seen some struggle. The story was too perfect. She plants 6000 tree seedlings in two weeks. Has just enough help to finish the job quickly. Christmas went well. A little difficulty with the kitchen but really nothing that stopped her from pursing her dream to keep the farm moving forward. While readers will see the dreams of the boy next door, readers will never know if his dreams come true. Overall, The Christmas Tree Farm by Melody Carlson fits perfectly in the Hallmark Christmas genre. It was nicely written. Surrounds Christmas time. Has the perfect happily-ever-after ending. But for me, a little too perfect that had me shaking my head in disbelief.

I received a complimentary copy of The Christmas Tree Farm by Melody Carlson from Revell Publishing, but the opinions stated are all my own.

My Ratings:  3.5 out of 5 stars

Purchase The Christmas Tree Farm

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