The Christmas Tree Farm

A Christmas Novella

By: Melody Carlson

Narrated by: Stephanie Cozart

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.

©2024 Carlson Managment Company (P)2024 Recorded Books

Very cute story!

I really enjoyed this one. The story was really cute. Quick listen. It had a Hallmark movie vibe.

I can’t remember characters I hated more.

Madison Montgomery has got to be the worst main character I can remember. She’s selfish, aloof, gaslighting herself, others, children. She’s got “pick me” nailed to a T. She’s an AWFUL sister. Also, her riding an e-bike that she constantly conflates as a dirt bike is very annoying. All of the characters except the young daughter are absolutely loathsome. I cannot fathom what people like about this book. I am writing an entire critique for my book club because I’d love to extrapolate on what makes each character the shallow puddles of humans they are.

Unlikable Characters

The characters were unlikable, it was hard to get through the story. So much was left unsaid between the characters the story didn’t feel finished. I love Melody Carlson’s Christmas books but this will not be one I re-read.