Review: The Christmas Tree Farm by Melody Carlson

 

The Christmas Tree Farm by Melody Carlson

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Blurb: 

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.

My Review: 

The Christmas Tree Farm is a fun and quick novella. I was entertained with Madison’s story. It was a delight taking this journey to the quaint little town in Oregon. I like the second chances theme with the addition of faith that is not overly preachy. I thought it was cute.

I am giving The Christmas Tree Farm four stars. I believe readers and fans of clean holiday fiction will not want to miss out on it for this upcoming Christmas season. Since it is a novella, it would be easy to fit in for busy schedules. I would love to read more books like this one from Melody Carlson in the future.

I received a hard cover copy of Melody Carlson’s The Christmas Tree Farm from the publisher but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.

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Review: A Royal Christmas by Melody Carlson

Royal Christmas by Melody Carlson

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Blurb: 

Adelaide Smith is too busy for fairy tales. She's been working hard to put herself through law school and now that the end is in sight, she's determined to stay focused on her goals. Then she receives a letter notifying her that she has been found through a DNA registry to be a direct descendant of King Maximillian V, the ruler of a small Eastern European principality called Montovia. She's understandably skeptical. This is the stuff of cheesy made-for-TV movies, not real life.

Although the pieces of this surprising family puzzle seem too good to be true, curiosity gets the best of her. At the king's invitation, Adelaide embarks on a Christmas break trip that is chock-full of surprises, including a charming village, an opulent palace, family mysteries, royal jealousies, a handsome young member of Parliament--and the chance at a real fairy tale romance with a happily-ever-after ending.

Spend this Christmas with bestselling author Melody Carlson as she whisks you away to a royal holiday you'll never forget!

My Review: 

A Royal Christmas is a delightful modern day fairy tale by Melody Carlson. I enjoyed this quick story and meeting Adelaide. On every page, I could not help but think that it would be a perfect Christmas Hallmark movie to be watched year after year. I loved travelling to the charming Montovia. I thought this was a delightful and heartwarming romance. At just under one hundred seventy pages, it was easy to have the whole book read in one sitting. It was great.

I am giving A Royal Christmas four and a half stars. I believe readers who enjoy reading Christmas time romances will want to pick this one up and add it to their holiday reading. As always, I will be looking for more by Melody Carlson in the future.

I received a copy of Melody Carlson’s A Royal Christmas from the publisher, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.


View all my reviews

Blog Tour and Giveaway: Delia and the Drifter by Melody Carlson

About the Book

Book:  Delia and the Drifter

Author: Melody Carlson

Genre: Historical Romance (Western)

Release date: February 15, 2021

An arranged marriage to save the family from ruin?

Delia Blackstone knows what her mother is up to—she intends to marry her off to an older man who is all fortune and no future. And Delia’s having none of it.

When a mysterious visitor appears on the family doorstep and offers an opportunity for Delia to travel from Pennsylvania to Colorado, Delia knows it is time for her to strike out on her own and discover a new life. Along the way she encounters a handsome drifter who captures her heart. But is he interested in trading his exciting life of adventure for love?

Two murders, a missing will, and a number of puzzling relationships are enough to unsettle anyone—even smart, capable Delia. Who can she trust? And can she trust her heart in matters of love?

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Melody Carlson has written more than 200 books (with sales around 6.5 million) for teens, women, and children. That’s a lot of books, but mostly she considers herself a “storyteller.” Her young adult novels (Diary of a Teenage Girl, True Colors etc.) appeal to teenage girls around the world. Her annual Christmas novellas become more popular each year. She’s won a number of awards (including RT’s Career Achievement Award, the Rita, and the Gold medallion) and some of her books have been optioned for film/TV. Carlson has two grown sons and makes her home in the Pacific Northwest with her husband and yellow Lab dog.

More from Melody

I love historical stories about women. Particularly ones in the American frontier and old west. Probably because I grew up hearing pioneer stories from my grandparents, whose parents arrived in covered wagons. But contributions made by pioneering females is often overshadowed by their male counterparts. That’s why I enjoy researching and telling these fictional yet reality-based stories of women who lived and loved and did their part to settle the frontier. To me they are the unsung heroes of the West.

Blog Stops

Through the Fire Blogs, February 24

lakesidelivingsite, February 24

For Him and My Family, February 24

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, February 25

Blogging With Carol, February 25

She Lives To Read, February 26

Texas Book-aholic, February 26

Pause for Tales, February 26

Inklings and notions, February 27

The Meanderings of a Bookworm, February 27

deb’s Book Review, February 28

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, February 28

CarpeDiem, February 28

Betti Mace, March 1

Locks, Hooks and Books, March 1

Artistic Nobody, March 2 (Guest Review from Joni Truex)

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, March 2

Simple Harvest Reads, March 2 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, March 3

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, March 3

Older & Smarter?, March 4

Connie’s History Classroom, March 4

Christian Bookaholic, March 5

Book Bites, Bee Stings, & Butterfly Kisses, March 5

Sara Jane Jacobs, March 5

Tell Tale Book Reviews, March 6

Labor Not in Vain, March 6

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, March 7

Connect in Fiction, March 7

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, March 8

Splashes of Joy, March 8

Hallie Reads, March 8

Batya’s Bits, March 9

Jodie Wolfe – Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet, March 9

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Melody is giving away the grand prize of a $25 Amazon gift card!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/1089b/delia-and-the-drifter-celebration-tour-giveaway

My Review

Delia and the Drifter is the first installment from Melody Carlson’s series, Westward to Home. I thought it was a good read. I love reading arranged marriage stories. I thought this one was quite a satisfying tale. It was so sweet and delightful to read. I enjoyed getting to know Delia. The tale has a lot I like to read in a book. Which includes: mystery, suspense, action, danger, adventure and romance. I did not want to put it down until I was finished. It is not a long book and it took no time to read. So good. 

I am giving Delia and the Drifter four and a half stars. I look forward to reading the next book in the Westward to Home series, Miranda and the Miner. I recommend this one for readers who enjoy clean western and historical fiction. 

I received Delia and the Drifter from the publisher. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.

Blog Tour and Giveaway: Taking Chances by Melody Carlson

About the Book

Book:  Taking Chances
Author: Melody Carlson
Genre:  Middle Grade
Release Date: April 15, 2020

Zoey knows her days are numbered. At least when it comes to remaining in Cedarville. So when Louisa coaxes her to be part of a garage band, Zoey tosses her insecurities aside to make music with her friends. And she even goes out for the basketball team. But what will happen when her mom shows up and pulls the plug on everything?



Click here for your copy!

About the Author

Melody Carlson has written more than 200 books (with sales around 6.5 million) for teens, women, and children. That’s a lot of books, but mostly she considers herself a “storyteller.” Her young adult novels (Diary of a Teenage Girl, True Colors etc.) appeal to teenage girls around the world. Her annual Christmas novellas become more popular each year. She’s won a number of awards (including RT’s Career Achievement Award, the Rita, and the Gold medallion) and some of her books have been optioned for film/TV. Carlson has two grown sons and makes her home in the Pacific Northwest with her husband and yellow Lab dog.

More from Melody

Sometimes I feel guilty for ‘torturing’ my teen and tween characters, but I do it for my readers. It’s not easy being an adolescent, and reading about someone who’s facing hard times is comforting. But in the final Zoey book, I really wanted to give her some victories too. So when challenges come her way, she stands up to them. And she even puts her newly found faith to work. The goal is for readers to feel hopeful about their own lives when they see Zoey rise above her tough circumstances.

Blog Stops

Texas Book-aholic, May 14

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, May 15

For Him and My Family, May 16

Inklings and notions, May 17

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, May 17

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, May 18

deb’s Book Review, May 19

Older & Smarter?, May 20

Vicky Sluiter, May 20

Remembrancy, May 21

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, May 22

Splashes of Joy, May 23

Christian Bookaholic, May 24

Blogging With Carol, May 24

Moments, May 25

Locks, Hooks and Books, May 26

Book Bites, Bee Stings, & Butterfly Kisses, May 27

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Melody is giving away the grand prize package of the full Being Zoey series!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/f9fd/being-zoey-taking-chances-celebration-tour-giveaway



My Review

I am sorry to see that Taking Chances is the fourth and final installment from Melody Carlson’s series, Being Zoey. I have loved the previous books in the series, and this one does not disappoint. I enjoyed catching up with Zoey and her friends. Once again, Zoey learns some very important lessons and reminders that we all could learn from. It was a fun story that middle school aged readers can relate to. I love there was an element of faith that would be influential for them, as well.

I am giving Taking Chances a very well deserved five plus stars. I am sad to tell Zoey goodbye. It was fun getting to know her. I highly recommend this book, as well as, the rest of the series for younger readers. I am happy to donate my copy to my children’s school library, so others can enjoy the story, too.

I received this book from the publisher. This review is 100% my own honest opinion. 

Blog Tour and Giveaway: Turning Tide by Melody Carlson

About the Book

Book:  Turning Tide
Author: Melody Carlson
Genre:  Historical Fiction
Release Date: Feb 15, 2020

As the Great War rages on, Sunset Cove continues to feel its impact. Running the small town newspaper, Anna McDowell can’t escape the grim reports from the other side of the world, but home-front challenges abound as well. Dr. Daniel is serving the wounded on the front lines. And Katy, expecting her first child, with her husband in the trenches, tries to support the war effort with her Red Cross club. Even as the war winds down the costs are high—and Sunset Cove is not spared.



Click here for your copy!

About the Author

Melody Carlson has written more than 200 books (with sales around 6.5 million) for teens, women, and children. That’s a lot of books, but mostly she considers herself a “storyteller.” Her young adult novels (Diary of a Teenage Girl, True Colors etc.) appeal to teenage girls around the world. Her annual Christmas novellas become more popular each year. She’s won a number of awards (including RT’s Career Achievement Award, the Rita, and the Gold medallion) and some of her books have been optioned for film/TV. Carlson has two grown sons and makes her home in the Pacific Northwest with her husband and yellow Lab dog.

More from Melody

Writing about the WW1 era has definitely been a good history lesson for me. Prohibition laws in Oregon (and rum-runners breaking them) combined with a massive war that changed the world and a global epidemic is worth paying attention to. Especially since history sometimes repeats itself. The early 20th century had a lot going on—much that seems nearly forgotten. I’m glad to see the movie 1917 is doing well—and we plan to see it this week. Although I’m not a fan of gruesome war movies, this era continues to intrigue me. Even as I wrapped up my Sunset Cove series with Turning Tide I was left wondering . . . what’s next? But isn’t that the beauty of story?

Blog Stops

The Avid Reader, March 16

For the Love of Literature, March 16

Through the Fire Blogs, March 16

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, March 17

Inklings and notions, March 17

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, March 18

deb’s Book Review, March 18

All-of-a-kind Mom, March 19

By The Book, March 19

Wishful Endings, March 19

Texas Book-aholic, March 20

She Lives To Read, March 20

Betti Mace, March 21

Remembrancy, March 21

janicesbookreviews, March 22

Mary Hake, March 22

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, March 22

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, March 23

For Him and My Family, March 23

Maureen’s Musings, March 24

My Devotional Thoughts, March 24

Jeanette’s Thoughts, March 24

Christian Bookaholic, March 25

Artistic Nobody, March 25 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

Older & Smarter?, March 26

Locks, Hooks and Books, March 26

Tell Tale Book Reviews, March 27

Blogging With Carol, March 27

Daysong Reflections, March 27

SPLASHES of Joy, March 28

Vicky Sluiter, March 28

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, March 29

Pause for Tales, March 29

For the Love of Books, March 29

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Melody is giving away the grand prize package of a complete set of The Legacy of Sunset Cove series!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/f6e9/turning-tide-celebration-tour-giveaway



My Review

Turning Tide is the newest and fourth installment from Melody Carlson’s series, The Legacy of Sunset Cove. I have loved the other books in this series and this one is among my favorite. Even though it is part of the series, I believe it can be read as a stand alone. However, I do recommend to reading the first three books first.

In Turning Tide, readers are brought back to the beautiful Sunset Cove during World War I. There were some scenes that had me on edge with some twists that I did not expect. I love the lessons learned while reading this and seeing the beauty of what hope and faith brings. I enjoyed the strength and courage of the women during this time in history.

I am giving Turning Tide a very well deserved five plus stars. I highly recommend it for readers who enjoy inspiring, clean and historical fiction.

I received this book from the publisher. This review is 100% my own honest opinion. 

Blog Tour and Giveaway: Broken Promises by Melody Carlson

About the Book

Book:  Broken Promises
Author: Melody Carlson
Genre:  Middle Grade
Release Date: December 15, 2019

A school play sounds like fun…for some.

As she settles into life in the middle school of her new hometown, Zoey agrees to audition for the school play to encourage Louisa. Isn’t that what a BFF does? But she’s none too sure it’ll actually be fun—especially when she’s cast as a dog! Louisa really does need her support though when some of the older girls get upset at a sixth grader landing the lead role. Zoey does her best to be supportive and finally begins to feel really at home with her grandparents and at school.

Until someone pulls the plug on all her dreams.



Click here for your copy.  

About the Author

Melody Carlson has written more than 200 books for teens, women, and children. That’s a lot of books, but mostly she considers herself a “storyteller.” Her young adult novels appeal to teenage girls around the world. Her annual Christmas novellas become more popular each year. She’s won a number of awards (including RT’s Career Achievement Award, the Rita and the Gold Medallion) and some of her books have been optioned for film/TV. Carlson has two grown sons and makes her home in the Pacific Northwest with her husband and yellow Lab dog.  

More from Melody

For many tweens, middle school is a jungle of insecurities, mean girls, and disappointments. As usual I gave Zoey plenty to deal with. Including a BFF with high expectations and an absentee mom who still hasn’t grown up. Even though some people let her down, Zoey keeps plugging along, even playing Sandy the dog in the school play. And through her struggles she changes and matures — kind of like real life.

Blog Stops

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, January 18

janicesbookreviews, January 19

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, January 20

For Him and My Family, January 21

deb’s Book Review, January 22

Texas Book-aholic, January 23

Locks, Hooks and Books, January 24

Older & Smarter?, January 25

Mary Hake, January 25

Christian Bookaholic, January 26

Inklings and notions, January 27

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, January 28

Blogging With Carol, January 29

Remembrancy, January 29

Vicky Sluiter, January 30

Book Bites, Bee Stings, & Butterfly Kisses, January 31

 

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Melody is giving away the grand prize package of a copy of Broken Promises and the classic Annie movie (DVD or digital download, winner’s choice)!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/f4a1/broken-promises-celebration-tour-giveaway



Review

Melody Carlson has once again written a relatable book for young readers. Broken Promises is the third book from her Being Zoey series. My daughter and I loved reading the first two books of the series and this does not disappoint. It was great catching up with Zoey and her friends. This time around Zoey gets in the middle of drama at her school. She learns some important life lessons of what is important, how to have faith, and how turn to God.

Broken Promises would get one hundred stars if I could. Young readers would love this book, as well as, the rest of the series. Parents will find these books to be a great inspirational influence on their children. I highly recommend them, especially for readers middle school aged girls. My ten year old daughter loves it and hopes there will be more books in the Being Zoey series in the near future.

I received this book from the publisher. This review is 100% my own honest opinion.