Deck the Halls with Boughs of… Sexual Tension?
Let’s face it, folks—most of us have a love-hate relationship with Hallmark Christmas movies. We love the cozy small-town vibes and holiday cheer, but we hate how saccharine and chaste they can be. Well, grab your spiked eggnog, because Laurie Gilmore’s “The Christmas Tree Farm” is here to stuff your stocking with all the warmth of a Hallmark flick… plus a heaping helping of steam that’ll fog up your reading glasses.
This third installment in Gilmore’s Dream Harbor series proves that the third time really is the charm. While “The Pumpkin Spice Café” and “The Cinnamon Bun Bookstore” were delightful confections, “The Christmas Tree Farm” is a full five-course holiday feast. So pull up a chair, loosen your belt, and let’s dig in!
The Plot: O Christmas Tree, O Christmas Tree, How Lovely Are Thy… Cash Flow Problems?
Meet Kira North, our Grinchy heroine who’s about as jolly as a lump of coal. She’s fled her pampered life in Georgia, determined to make it on her own. Her brilliant plan? Buying a run-down Christmas tree farm in the sickeningly quaint town of Dream Harbor. Because nothing says “independent woman” like freezing your tinsel off in a drafty farmhouse, right?
Enter Bennett Ellis, a Silicon Valley software engineer visiting his sister for the holidays. He’s taking a break from his string of disastrous dates, but little does he know he’s about to collide (literally) with the most deliciously difficult woman he’s ever met.
When Bennett stumbles onto Kira’s property, sparks fly faster than reindeer on Red Bull. She’s determined to rebuff his offers of help, while he can’t resist the urge to fix everything in sight—including Kira’s cold, Grinchy heart.
A Yuletide Yarn with a Side of Sizzle
What follows is a delightful dance of attraction, stubbornness, and unexpectedly steamy encounters. (Seriously, who knew chopping down Christmas trees could be so… arousing?) As Kira struggles to get her farm up and running, she finds herself reluctantly relying on Bennett’s help—and fighting her growing feelings for this annoyingly perfect man.
But there’s more than just romance brewing in Dream Harbor. The town is abuzz with rumors of treasure buried somewhere on Kira’s property by the farm’s eccentric former owner. Is there really a fortune hidden among the pines, or is it just small-town gossip gone wild?
Characters: Not Your Grandma’s Hallmark Movie Cast
Kira North: The Grinch Who Stole Our Hearts
Kira is a refreshing departure from your typical Hallmark heroine. She’s prickly, sarcastic, and unapologetically difficult. But underneath that frosty exterior is a woman desperate to prove herself and escape the shadow of her privileged upbringing. Her journey from isolated ice queen to part of the community is genuinely touching.
Bennett Ellis: Clark Kent with a Tool Belt
On paper, Bennett seems almost too good to be true. He’s handsome, handy, and has a heart of gold. But Gilmore gives him depth by exploring his people-pleasing tendencies and how they’ve led to toxic relationships in the past. His struggle to balance his desire to help with respecting Kira’s independence adds complexity to their dynamic.
The Supporting Cast: Small Town, Big Personalities
Dream Harbor is populated with a colorful cast of characters that’ll have you wishing you could move there yourself (despite the apparently abysmal cell service). From Kira’s new BFF Iris to Bennett’s meddling sister Jeanie, each secondary character feels fully realized and adds flavor to the story.
Writing Style: Spicy and Nice
Laurie Gilmore has found the sweet spot between cozy holiday romance and steamy contemporary fiction. Her prose is warm and inviting, with just enough sass to keep things interesting. The banter between Kira and Bennett crackles with sexual tension, and when things finally heat up… well, let’s just say you might need to crack a window.
What really sets “The Christmas Tree Farm” apart is how Gilmore balances the romance with genuine character growth. This isn’t just about two attractive people falling into bed (although that certainly happens). It’s about Kira learning to open up and accept help, and Bennett recognizing the difference between fixing things and supporting someone.
Highlight Reel: Moments That Sleighed Us
- The initial meet-cute where Kira mistakes Bennett for a trespasser
- Bennett’s hilariously awkward attempts to avoid helping Kira (and failing miserably)
- A steamy encounter involving Christmas lights that’ll make you see stars
- The town’s ridiculous theories about buried treasure
- A heartwarming subplot involving Kira’s long-distance relationship with her twin sister
Themes: More Than Just Mistletoe and Mistletoe
While “The Christmas Tree Farm” delivers plenty of holiday cheer and romance, it also explores some weightier themes:
- Independence vs. Interdependence: Kira’s journey to find the balance between self-reliance and accepting help from others.
- Community: The importance of finding your place and your people.
- Family: Both the ones we’re born with and the ones we choose.
- Personal Growth: Overcoming past hurts and learning to trust again.
The Verdict: All We Want for Christmas is… More Dream Harbor!
“The Christmas Tree Farm” is a delightful addition to the Dream Harbor series, and arguably the strongest entry yet. Gilmore has crafted a romance that’s equal parts sweet and spicy, with enough small-town charm to satisfy Hallmark devotees and enough steam to keep things interesting for those who like their holiday reading a little naughtier.
If you enjoyed the previous Dream Harbor books, you’ll love revisiting familiar faces and seeing how the town has grown. And if this is your first trip to Dream Harbor? Well, you’re in for a treat (and you’ll probably want to go back and read “The Pumpkin Spice Café” and “The Cinnamon Bun Bookstore” immediately).
Who Should Read This Book?
- Fans of small-town romance with a dash of humor
- Anyone who’s ever wished Hallmark movies were a little (okay, a lot) steamier
- Readers who love a good grumpy/sunshine pairing
- Those looking for a holiday read that balances fluff with substance
- Anyone who’s ever daydreamed about running away to start a new life (bonus points if that daydream involved Christmas trees)
The Dream Harbor Series: A Cozy Town Worth Visiting
If “The Christmas Tree Farm” has you craving more Dream Harbor goodness, you’re in luck! The series now includes:
- “The Pumpkin Spice Café“: Where it all began, featuring Jeanie and grumpy farmer Logan.
- “The Cinnamon Bun Bookstore“: A bookish romance between Hazel and fisherman Noah.
- “The Christmas Tree Farm”: Kira and Bennett’s wintry tale of love among the pines.
Each book works as a standalone, but reading them in order gives you the full Dream Harbor experience. You’ll love watching the town and its relationships grow with each installment.
Similar Reads: If You Loved This, Try These!
- “The Simple Wild” by K.A. Tucker (for more city girl in the wilderness vibes)
- “The Unhoneymooners” by Christina Lauren (if you dig the enemies-to-lovers trope)
- “It Happened One Summer” by Tessa Bailey (for another fish-out-of-water story with steam)
- “The Coincidence of Coconut Cake” by Amy E. Reichert (for more small-town charm and foodie romance)
Final Thoughts: O Come, All Ye Romance Readers
“The Christmas Tree Farm” is the perfect read for those long winter nights when you want to escape into a world of twinkling lights, pine-scented air, and smoldering attraction. Laurie Gilmore has gifted us a romance that’s as satisfying as finding the perfect present under the tree on Christmas morning.
So grab a cozy blanket, pour yourself something festive, and lose yourself in the magic of Dream Harbor. Just don’t blame us if you find yourself eyeing that sad Charlie Brown tree in the corner of the lot next time you’re Christmas shopping. After all, you never know when your own handsome handyman might show up to help you decorate!
