Valerie S. (VolunteerVal) -
It's my tradition to read the newest Melody Carlson Christmas novella every year. I look forward to them and appreciate their festive tone and heartwarming message with faith elements. I was surprised and disappointed that The Christmas Tree Farm is very different from the author's past holiday novellas.
Overall, it was quite dark and serious with several unlikeable characters that experienced no growth or transformation. I usually enjoy the second-chance romance trope, but combining it with a love triangle didn't work for me. And the ending was abrupt, even for a novella. I've procrastinated writing this for months because I don't enjoy sharing a negative review.
Thank you to Revell for providing a review copy of this book. I'm not ready to give up reading Ms. Carlson's Christmas novellas, but I'll temper my expectations this year.
Overall, it was quite dark and serious with several unlikeable characters that experienced no growth or transformation. I usually enjoy the second-chance romance trope, but combining it with a love triangle didn't work for me. And the ending was abrupt, even for a novella. I've procrastinated writing this for months because I don't enjoy sharing a negative review.
Thank you to Revell for providing a review copy of this book. I'm not ready to give up reading Ms. Carlson's Christmas novellas, but I'll temper my expectations this year.
I look forward to Ms. Carlson's new Christmas book every year. I jumped the gun and read it before December though, I could not wait!
All her books are so different in every way, plot, characters, settings! No cookie cutter stories here!
Imagine being away years working overseas away from family and the excitement of finally coming home to all that is comforting and familiar. Yet those things and people have changed drastically.
This is what happened to Madison McDowell. Two anchors in her life, her father and beloved grandmother have passed away. Her place of refuge growing up, the family Christmas tree farm had been devastated by a wildfire.
Thankfully, the house, barn and some trees survived. She overcome with sadness not only at the land they lost but also the complete ruin of neighbors and friends. Yet she is grateful her little sister Addie continued the farm after their grandmother's death. Or has she?
A bit taken back at her sister's lack of enthusiasm at her return she focuses on enjoying the nostalgia and memories in the home. What is Addie's problem she wonders. No matter she is ready to join hands with her sister and rebuild the farm no matter what it takes. Addie shows no desire, only coldness and indifference, even a secrecy.
I love that Madison overcame her sister's negativity and focused on what she could do. Her heart was 100% in it! Her can-do spirit was inspiring.
I found myself aggravated with Addie's attitude and constant rejection of Madison. Throughout the book Madison found herself excluded by those she loved most.
I applaud the way she refused to let them influence her emotions or plans Gavin her old high school flame and his daughter precocious, feisty daughter, Lily, at first appeared to be an annoyance but as she got to know them, they became key to her future. I enjoyed her interaction with Lily and the young girl's spirited mindset.
A beautiful Christmas story about making your dreams go true no matter what the obstacles!
I received this book from Revell Publishing in exchange for an honest review. The opinions stated are my own.
All her books are so different in every way, plot, characters, settings! No cookie cutter stories here!
Imagine being away years working overseas away from family and the excitement of finally coming home to all that is comforting and familiar. Yet those things and people have changed drastically.
This is what happened to Madison McDowell. Two anchors in her life, her father and beloved grandmother have passed away. Her place of refuge growing up, the family Christmas tree farm had been devastated by a wildfire.
Thankfully, the house, barn and some trees survived. She overcome with sadness not only at the land they lost but also the complete ruin of neighbors and friends. Yet she is grateful her little sister Addie continued the farm after their grandmother's death. Or has she?
A bit taken back at her sister's lack of enthusiasm at her return she focuses on enjoying the nostalgia and memories in the home. What is Addie's problem she wonders. No matter she is ready to join hands with her sister and rebuild the farm no matter what it takes. Addie shows no desire, only coldness and indifference, even a secrecy.
I love that Madison overcame her sister's negativity and focused on what she could do. Her heart was 100% in it! Her can-do spirit was inspiring.
I found myself aggravated with Addie's attitude and constant rejection of Madison. Throughout the book Madison found herself excluded by those she loved most.
I applaud the way she refused to let them influence her emotions or plans Gavin her old high school flame and his daughter precocious, feisty daughter, Lily, at first appeared to be an annoyance but as she got to know them, they became key to her future. I enjoyed her interaction with Lily and the young girl's spirited mindset.
A beautiful Christmas story about making your dreams go true no matter what the obstacles!
I received this book from Revell Publishing in exchange for an honest review. The opinions stated are my own.
