Christmas in Winter Hill

MELODY CARLSON 

Stats for my copy: Hardback, Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group, 9/3/19.

How acquired: Revell Reads Blogger Program.

First line: Krista Galloway didn't usually second-guess herself, but as she slowed down the U-Haul truck on the outskirts of Winter Hill, she was assaulted with some serious doubts.

My thoughts: Definitely Hallmark movie material, and that's a good thing! This slim hardback (164 pages) is a sweet feel good story. Krista and her young daughter move from Phoenix to Winter Hill, Washington, where Krista is starting a new job as the city manager. Krista is a realistic portrayal of a single mother trying to provide a better life for her daughter. She's not a fan of Christmas, which I often feel quite bah humbug about myself. Her reasons are much different than anything I could come up with though. Emily, on the other hand, loves the holiday season and is so excited to live in a town that goes all out to celebrate Christmas. I loved the relationship between the two, and how wide eyed and earnest little Emily is. And I enjoyed seeing Emily strike up such a friendship with teenage Anna. And of course, watching the friendship blossom between Krista and Anna's father.

I thought this was going to be a romance, and while there is some romance, it's definitely more about Krista and Emily starting this new life. Which was fine, it was quite enjoyable and I breezed through it in a couple of days. And the ending, oh gosh, I was literally crying. It almost makes me want to live in Winter Hill, except that I hate snow and cold weather. But it might be worth it to be a part of such a wonderful community!


Goodreads synopsis: 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?

Bestselling author Melody Carlson invites you to spend this holiday season in a town you'll never forget--and never want to leave.