The Christmas Tree Farm by Melody Carlson

ISBN: 9780800744724
Hardcover $17.99 US

My thoughts:  I look forward to author Melody Carlson's annual Christmas novella. This year's book, The Christmas Tree Farm, has a gentle charm that takes the reader to the heart of two families living in Oregon. With easily readable writing, Ms. Carlson fleshes out each of the characters so that the reader feels as though they are long-time acquaintances or friends. 

The setting is two adjacent farms - or rather a farm and a piece of land. The Christmas tree farm has been devastated by fire along with much of the area. We've all seen the destructive and massive fires that have raged in California, Oregon, and Canada. So it isn't hard to image that this tree farm was partially destroyed by one of those raging fires.

Personalities clash. Old teen loves are rekindled by settled, mature adults. Conflict over farm usage. Conflict over other issues both personal and business.

All in all, this is a wonderful little book to relax and read through. Not too "Christmassy" but it takes place during the season. And mostly it's a wonderful little book about family.

About the book: 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.

DISCLOSURE: Revell, a Division of Baker Publishing Group, provided me a complimentary copy to facilitate a review. Opinions are mine, alone and are freely given.