MY REVIEW:
Each year when the days of summer are winding down and autumn begins to open the doors to the beginning of fall and winter holidays, I anticipate the release of Melody Carlson’s traditional Christmas novella. I never know what kind of story to expect but I am confident that it will be a good one that will probably touch my heart in some way. This year’s offering from Carlson, Christmas in Winter Hill did not disappoint.
Featuring a young single mother whose life has not been easy, the story introduces her to a new home town where everyone pretty much drops everything to celebrate Christmasville in the days leading up to Christmas. Unfortunately most of the saddest events in Krista’s life took place around Christmas. As a result Christmas was way down her list of favorites so when she found out her new job as city manager would plunge her deeply into preparations for the festival, Krista wondered if she had made the right decision in moving to Winter Hill.
A well-paced plot, excellent characters, and enough conflict to keep things interesting made Christmas in Winter Hill a delight to read. A bit of romance didn’t hurt anything either. I loved this story with its faith filled message of the true spirit of the Christmas season. Another win for Melody Carlson!
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Spend this holiday season in a town you’ll never forget–and never want to leave.
“That sign says Home of Christmasville–what does that mean? Does Santa Claus live here?” Emily giggled like she knew better.
“What do you think?” Krista grimaced at the plywood Christmas tree alongside the welcome sign. It could use a new coat of paint.
“I know, Santa isn’t really real. But are we near the North Pole now? You said it snowed a lot here.” Emily peered eagerly out the window, almost as if she expected to see snowflakes flying.
“It does snow here,” Krista confirmed. “But it’s still late autumn, Emily.” She pointed to where some orange and gold leaves still clung to a large tree, vibrating in the afternoon breeze.
“But why did that sign say Home of Christmasville?” Emily persisted.
“I’m not sure.”
Krista Galloway is not a fan of Christmas. After her rough childhood in multiple foster homes, the holiday season just brings too many bad memories to the surface. But when she accepts a job as a city manager in the mountain town of Winter Hill, Washington, Christmas is part of the deal. The small town is famous for its Christmasville celebration, something that the city manager . . . well, manages.
As she tries to make her tiny new apartment feel like home for her and her eight-year-old daughter, Emily, Krista begins to wonder if this move was a mistake. She doesn’t always feel welcomed in the close-knit town, and Emily continually wonders, “Where’s the snow?”
Can a friendly stranger and his family help restore Krista’s Christmas spirit before the big day?
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Melody Carlson is the award-winning author of over 200 books with sales of more than 7 million, including many bestselling Christmas novellas, young adult titles, and contemporary romances. She received a Romantic Times Career Achievement Award in the inspirational market for her many books, including Finding Alice. She and her husband live in central Oregon. Learn more at www.melodycarlson.com.
