The Christmas Tree Farm | By Laurie Gilmore

My thoughts

Narrative and Plot

The Christmas Tree Farm is the third book in the Dream Harbor series, and it’s by far my favorite of the series. We follow Kira and Ben, who are complete opposites in terms of what they want for themselves. Yet, there’s an undeniable pull between them when they meet. It doesn’t help that the nosy townspeople orchestrate a forced-proximity situation for them.

I enjoyed the banter between the main characters. Kira and Ben are both flawed individuals who aspire to become better versions of themselves. The book delivers plenty of festive cheer and cozy holiday vibes, exactly what you’d expect from a holiday read.

Characters and Conflicts

Kira starts out as a spoiled brat who’s always had others picking up after her. Moving to Dream Harbor gives her the chance to create something for herself. The growth she experiences by the end of the book is remarkable. Despite being a cozy holiday romance, the message that independence doesn’t mean refusing help resonated deeply with me.

Ben felt like a real-life man rather than a cookie-cutter book boyfriend. He might not fit the “leaning against the doorframe” trope, but he’s definitely my favorite bookish hero from the series. He’s a man working to break free from his bad habits, and that made him relatable and endearing.

The ensemble cast, featuring familiar faces from previous books, adds to the charm. Dream Harbor was introduced as a Stars Hollow equivalent, and by the third book, it feels fully realized with its quirky town and eccentric characters.

Conclusion

The Christmas Tree Farm is a delightful holiday romance. If you’re looking for a steamy romance with festive cheer sprinkled throughout, this is the perfect book to curl up with.

About the Author