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Book Review: The Christmas Tree Farm by Laurie Gilmore - A Cozy, Romantic Escape to Dream Harbor

Updated: 4 days ago


Book Review: The Christmas Tree Farm by Laurie Gilmore - A Cozy, Romantic Escape to Dream Harbor

Introduction


Can a grumpy heroine find love amidst the holiday chaos of a Christmas tree farm? Laurie Gilmore’s The Christmas Tree Farm, the third book in her Dream Harbor series, delivers a heartwarming, spicy romance set against the backdrop of a New England town that lives and breathes Christmas. This novel is the perfect blend of festive charm, sizzling romance, and small-town warmth, making it a must-read for fans of holiday romance. Set in Dream Harbor, where every day feels like a holiday postcard, the book centers around two contrasting characters—Kira North, a reluctant owner of a Christmas tree farm, and Bennett Ellis, a sunshine-hearted handyman.


If you’re in the mood for something reminiscent of a Hallmark movie but with a dose of spice and humor, then The Christmas Tree Farm deserves a place on your holiday reading list. Let’s dive into the magic that Laurie Gilmore has so expertly crafted in this delightful seasonal romance.



Book Summary


In The Christmas Tree Farm, Kira North, a grumpy heiress with an aversion to all things festive, finds herself unexpectedly taking ownership of a Christmas tree farm in the charming town of Dream Harbor. Having purchased it on impulse, Kira quickly realizes that being surrounded by constant holiday cheer is more of a challenge than she imagined. Her plans for the farm, however, become even more complicated when she meets Bennett Ellis—a handyman who’s just as charming and cheerful as Kira is cynical.


Bennett is in Dream Harbor for a temporary escape from his chaotic life in California, hoping to find some peace after a string of disastrous relationships. What he doesn’t expect is to find himself repeatedly pulled into Kira’s world, especially as they strike up an arrangement to help each other. Sparks fly, both in tension and attraction, as they navigate their very different perspectives on life and love.


Throughout the story, we watch Kira and Bennett unravel the mystery of potential treasure buried on the farm, adding a layer of intrigue to their blossoming relationship. Their dynamic is as electric as a string of holiday lights—sometimes tangled, often glowing, and always sparking joy.


Author's Style and Craft


Laurie Gilmore’s writing style perfectly balances cozy holiday warmth with the tension of a slow-burn romance. Her narrative structure alternates between heartwarming, funny, and emotional moments, ensuring readers stay engaged throughout. Gilmore’s descriptive abilities bring Dream Harbor vividly to life—from twinkling lights adorning the streets to the palpable sense of community among its quirky inhabitants. Her attention to detail in describing the Christmas tree farm and festive settings creates an immersive experience, making readers feel as if they are stepping into a postcard-perfect winter wonderland.


The dialogue in The Christmas Tree Farm is a true highlight—filled with wit, humor, and genuine emotion. The banter between Kira and Bennett crackles with tension and provides a delightful contrast between Kira’s grumpy, guarded personality and Bennett’s laid-back, sunshiny demeanor. This juxtaposition keeps their interactions fresh and entertaining, adding layers to their evolving relationship.


Another commendable element of Gilmore's craft is the incorporation of Kira’s internal struggles. She is a well-drawn character who shows realistic emotional growth, moving from isolation to slowly opening up and letting people in, which adds to the depth of the narrative.



Themes and Deeper Meaning

The Christmas Tree Farm explores several themes beyond the festive romance that lies at its core. One of the most significant is the idea of independence versus interdependence. Kira’s journey is largely about finding balance—learning when to lean on others without feeling diminished in her independence. This theme resonates broadly, particularly with readers who value autonomy yet struggle with letting others in.


Another notable theme is the importance of community and belonging. Dream Harbor itself feels like a character in the story, representing the warmth of community and the joy that comes from being surrounded by supportive people. Both Kira and Bennett’s personal growth are influenced by the friendships they form in this tight-knit town, emphasizing that love doesn’t exist in isolation; it’s nurtured through connection.


Family, both biological and chosen, also plays a role in shaping the characters. Bennett’s relationship with his family and Kira’s complex emotions about her late grandmother add emotional depth to their individual arcs, while themes of second chances and personal growth reinforce the transformative power of love and forgiveness during the holiday season.


Strengths

One of the greatest strengths of The Christmas Tree Farm is its character dynamics. Gilmore’s portrayal of the contrast between Kira’s guarded nature and Bennett’s openness is compelling and makes their progression from strangers to lovers feel genuine. The chemistry between them leaps off the page, and their slow-burn romance is both sweet and passionate, keeping readers hooked.


The supporting characters also enhance the story. Dream Harbor’s residents are charmingly eccentric, each adding a unique layer to the narrative and enhancing the sense of community that defines the town. Characters like Kira’s new best friend Iris and Bennett’s meddling sister Jeanie add both comic relief and emotional resonance, making Dream Harbor feel like a place readers would love to visit.


Another highlight is the mystery element involving potential buried treasure on Kira's farm. This subplot adds an element of adventure and keeps the story from becoming too predictable, adding a delightful twist to the typical holiday romance formula.



Areas for Improvement


While The Christmas Tree Farm excels in many areas, there are a few minor aspects that could have been improved. Some readers might find that the pacing drags in the middle. There’s a fair bit of back-and-forth between Kira and Bennett, which, while adorable, could have been tightened to maintain the story’s momentum.


Additionally, the mystery subplot, though intriguing, doesn’t receive as much focus as it could have. A more in-depth exploration of the treasure hunt would have added even more excitement and dimension to the storyline, creating a stronger balance between romance and adventure.


Lastly, the small-town quirkiness might not be to everyone’s taste. Readers who prefer more serious, urban romances may find the over-the-top town traditions a bit hard to relate to, although others may view this as part of the story’s charm.


Comparative Analysis


Fans of small-town romance will find The Christmas Tree Farm reminiscent of other holiday favorites like Christina Lauren’s "In a Holidaze" and Tessa Bailey’s "Window Shopping". Similar to these novels, Gilmore effectively combines a cozy setting with a steamy romance, but adds her unique flair by including a dash of mystery. Compared to her previous works in the Dream Harbor series, The Christmas Tree Farm stands out due to its exploration of personal growth alongside a festive setting that is both enchanting and comedic.


Where Gilmore particularly shines is in her ability to balance a Hallmark-movie vibe with a contemporary edge that keeps the romance spicy and the characters’ emotions complex. Unlike many holiday romances that lean heavily on sweetness, Gilmore’s ability to integrate humor, spice, and a bit of tension sets The Christmas Tree Farm apart.



Target Audience


The Christmas Tree Farm is perfect for readers who love holiday-themed romances with a bit of spice. Fans of the grumpy/sunshine trope, small-town settings, and forced proximity dynamics will especially enjoy this story. It's also ideal for those who want a balance of cozy and steamy in their winter reading. While the book contains some spicy scenes, they are tastefully written and integral to the character development, making it suitable for adult readers looking for both emotional depth and romantic heat.


Personal Impact


Reading The Christmas Tree Farm felt like a cozy escape. Laurie Gilmore has a talent for making readers feel both the warmth of a holiday fire and the butterflies of budding romance. Kira’s journey toward vulnerability and the charm of Dream Harbor left me feeling uplifted. It’s a perfect reminder that even in the coldest seasons, there’s warmth to be found in community and connection.


Conclusion

Laurie Gilmore’s The Christmas Tree Farm is a delightful holiday romance that captures the magic of winter love. With its memorable characters, charming setting, and perfect mix of cozy moments and steamy chemistry, it’s a must-read for fans of contemporary romance. If you love small-town holiday vibes, slow-burn romances, and stories that are equal parts heartwarming and spicy, this book will not disappoint.


Book Review: The Christmas Tree Farm by Laurie Gilmore - A Cozy, Romantic Escape to Dream Harbor

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FAQ Section

  1. Is The Christmas Tree Farm part of a series?Yes, it is the third book in the Dream Harbor series, but it can be read as a standalone.

  2. What are the main tropes in this book?The book features grumpy/sunshine, small-town romance, and forced proximity tropes.

  3. Is this book suitable for young adult readers?It contains some spicy content, making it more appropriate for an adult audience.

  4. How does this book compare to typical holiday romances?It blends the cozy warmth of Hallmark with a touch of spice that adds complexity and maturity to the romance.

  5. Who would enjoy this book the most?Fans of holiday romances, quirky small-town settings, and slow-burn romances.

  6. Does the book contain explicit scenes?Yes, there are some intimate scenes, but they are crucial to the story's development.

  7. Do you need to read the previous books in the series first?Not necessarily—The Christmas Tree Farm works well as a standalone.

  8. What is the mystery element about?There is a subplot involving rumored buried treasure on Kira’s Christmas tree farm, adding an intriguing layer to the story.

  9. How would you describe Laurie Gilmore’s writing style?Cozy, evocative, and perfect for blending romance with character growth.

  10. Where can I buy the book?It’s available on major retailers like Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and other major book platforms.


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    Happy reading!


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