Christmas in Winter Hill: A Christmas Novella

By Melody Carlson

Spend this holiday season in a town you'll never forget--and never want to leave.

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.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Baker Publishing Group
• Release date: Sep 3, 2019
• ISBN: 9781493419548

Melody Carlson

Melody Carlson has written more than 200 books for teens, women, and children. Before publishing, Melody traveled around the world, volunteered in teen ministry, taught preschool, raised two sons, and worked briefly in interior design and later in international adoption. "I think real-life experiences inspire the best fiction," she says. Her wide variety of books seems to prove this theory.

Book preview

Praise for A Christmas by the Sea

With a sweet ending that neatly wraps up this Christmas novel, Carlson explores second chances through the touch-ups of a small beach house, a budding romance, and a renewal of faith in God.

Publishers Weekly

This breezy, entertaining read provides the perfect afternoon getaway during a busy holiday season.

Library Journal

A Christmas story that will warm your heart and have you dreaming of your own enchanted seaside holiday.

Family Fiction

Praise for The Christmas Blessing

Delightful prose and an affirming resolution will please readers.

Publishers Weekly

Novelist Melody Carlson has written a deftly crafted, consistently entertaining, and ultimately inspiring story of love, hardship, and reconciliation that will leave readers filled with Christmas joy.

The Midwest Book Review

Praise for The Christmas Angel Project

Carlson’s latest holiday offering is sure to become a fan favorite! Full of hope, it embodies all that is beloved about the Christmas season.

RT Book Reviews

Books by Melody Carlson

Christmas at Harrington’s

The Christmas Shoppe

The Joy of Christmas

The Treasure of Christmas

The Christmas Pony

A Simple Christmas Wish

The Christmas Cat

The Christmas Joy Ride

The Christmas Angel Project

The Christmas Blessing

A Christmas by the Sea

Christmas in Winter Hill

© 2019 by Carlson Management, Inc.

Published by Revell

a division of Baker Publishing Group

PO Box 6287, Grand Rapids, MI 49516-6287

www.revellbooks.com

Ebook edition created 2019

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means—for example, electronic, photocopy, recording—without the prior written permission of the publisher. The only exception is brief quotations in printed reviews.

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data is on file at the Library of Congress, Washington, DC.

ISBN 978-1-4934-1954-8

This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, or persons, living or dead, is coincidental.

Contents

Cover

Endorsements

Books by Melody Carlson

Title Page

Copyright Page

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2

3

4

5

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7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

About the Author

Back Ads

Cover Flaps

Back Cover

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1

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. Was this new job a mistake? Should she have researched this move more carefully? Had she agreed to the contract too easily? Too hastily? Being hired as a city manager would definitely improve her résumé, but the small-town salary was a letdown. And what about her daughter’s new school? With less than two hundred students, what if its academic standards were disappointing? Why hadn’t Krista given this whole thing more consideration?

Look, Mama! Emily pointed to the WELCOME TO WINTER HILL billboard. 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 vaguely remembered someone mentioning a Christmas festival during her second Skype interview with the hiring committee, but she’d been so caught up in impressing them that she’d barely registered the information. And, naturally, she didn’t admit that she had a general aversion to Christmas. What did that have to do with managing a small town anyway?

"Where is Christmasville? What is it?"

Krista felt a mixture of amusement and aggravation at her eight-year-old’s dogged determination. Her little apple hadn’t fallen far from the tree when it came to questioning things.

I’m not completely sure what Christmasville is, Krista admitted as she drove past a suburb on the edge of town. But I do know that Winter Hill has an annual Christmas festival. That must be what Christmasville is. I suppose it could be related to the town’s name.

Winter Hill, Emily said dreamily. That does sound like a Christmassy place. I’m so glad we’re moving here.

Krista turned the bulky truck onto a quiet side street, pausing to check the little hand-drawn map that Pauline Harris, a city assistant, had mailed her last week, along with a brass key. It looks like our house is only a few blocks from here, she told Emily. We’re almost home.

"We get to live in a real house, Emily happily declared. With a real backyard. And when it snows—because you said it’ll snow—I can go outside and make a real snowman."

This is going to be very different from Arizona. Krista hadn’t been sorry to leave Phoenix or their high-rise apartment behind. Really, she was ready for a change. And although Winter Hill was very small, Krista was glad that Emily could walk to school from their house. Pauline had assured Krista that it was only three blocks away—with crossing guards. Not only that, but Krista could walk to work too. Perfect since she hadn’t owned a car for the last five years.

Like Emily, Krista was looking forward to a new life in the quaint eastern Washington town. She’d never lived anywhere but Phoenix, and the idea of snow and seasons was rather exciting. Krista slowed down the truck, looking for the right address. But seeing the numerals on a small sign in front of what appeared to be an apartment complex was not encouraging. Krista pulled over with a disappointed sigh.

What’s wrong, Mama?

She pointed at the dismal concrete building. I think that’s our new home.

Emily leaned over to see it better. It’s not a house?

Looks like it’s an apartment. Krista surveyed the concrete one-story complex, trying to insert some hopefulness into her voice. But it’s not very big. It looks like only about a dozen units. That’s sort of like a house. She picked up the map that Pauline had mailed, noticing that next to the address was another number. I think we must be in unit eight.

Eight? Emily’s mouth twisted to one side. Well, that’s a good number. I’m eight too. Maybe it won’t be so bad.

Maybe not. Krista eased the big truck into the parking spot in front of unit eight, relieved to be finally done with this grueling journey. At least we won’t have to lug our stuff up a bunch of stairs. She turned off the engine. Hopefully we can get the truck unloaded before dark and sleep in our own beds tonight. She stepped outside the truck and stretched. After two nights in cheap roadside motels, she would welcome her own bed and nice sheets tonight.

It’s cold. Emily shivered with wide eyes. Do you think it’s going to snow?

I don’t know. Why don’t you put on your new parka? Krista reached for her phone, searching for the number Pauline had told her to text upon arrival. Apparently Pauline’s son had promised to be available to help unload the U-Haul. Krista shot off a text then held up the brass key. Ready to see our new home? She tried to sound more enthused than she felt as she led the way to the apartment.

Pauline Harris had told Krista that available housing was an issue in Winter Hill. That’s because people keep moving here from California, she’d explained, promising to find something within Krista’s budget and near the grade school. But for some reason, when Pauline had sent the key and brief description of the small two-bedroom abode, Krista had assumed it was a house. She slid the key into the lock then opened the door.

Welcome home, she said brightly, trying not to frown at the stark white walls and dingy beige carpet. I’m sure it’ll look better when we get our things in here. She went through the living room into the compact kitchen and flipped on the overhead light to see shabby wood cabinets, mismatched appliances, and plastic countertops. Nothing like their sleek, modern Phoenix apartment with granite and stainless. Well, hopefully they wouldn’t be stuck here for too long. Although she regretted the six-month lease she’d signed.

Which is my room? Emily called from down the hallway.

Krista joined her to discover two identical bedrooms with a clean but dull-looking bathroom between them. I don’t know. She pursed her lips, trying to disguise her dismay. You choose, honey.

Emily ran from room to room, finally deciding. I can see big trees from this window, she declared. Do you think they’re in our backyard?

Krista wondered if they even had a backyard but then remembered a door in the kitchen. Let’s go find out. She was disappointed to find the door opened to a windowless laundry room. Although appliances were in place, they were probably older than she was. Hopefully they worked.

Krista wrapped an arm around Emily. Well, we’ll just have to consider this a big adventure. She gave her a squeeze. We will make the best of it.

Hello? a male voice called out. Help has arrived.

That must be Pauline’s boy. Krista returned to the living room, expecting to find a teenager. But there was a man standing in the open doorway. Tall and sturdy looking, he wore jeans and a flannel shirt and was smiling. Who are you? she asked cautiously.

I’m Conner Harris. His dark eyes brightened as he stuck out his hand. My mom is Pauline Harris. You just texted me that—

Yes, yes. Krista shook his hand. "I’m Krista Galloway. For some reason I thought you’d be a kid. I mean Pauline said her boy would help me and I just assumed you’d—"

Yes, I’ll always be my mom’s little boy. He chuckled, then smiled at Emily. And who is this young lady?

I’m Emily Galloway. She politely extended her hand.

It’s a pleasure to meet you, Emily Galloway. He nodded toward the front door. My daughter, Anna, is out there.

Is she my size? Emily’s eyes lit up. She’d been obsessed with the idea of making new friends these past few days.

Not anymore. Conner sighed. Anna’s fourteen now, but it seems like just yesterday she was your size.

Fourteen? Emily’s eyes grew wide. That’s old.

Anyway, we’re here to help. He smiled at Krista. Ready to get started?

Yes, I’m hoping to get it all unloaded before dark. We don’t have a lot of stuff. But some of it is bulky.

As they went outside, a slender girl with thick dark hair and brown eyes climbed out of a big white pickup. This is Anna. Conner introduced the rest of them. Anna shyly greeted them, staying close to her father. She might look delicate, but believe me, she’s strong as a horse.

You’re pretty. Emily took Anna’s hand. I like your tennis shoes.

Anna glanced down at her red high-topped Converse shoes then smiled. Thanks. They’re kind of old and beat up, but I like them too.

Do you wanna see my room? Emily asked hopefully.

Sure. Anna nodded.

Good idea, Conner told Anna. You go check out the lay of the land, and we’ll put together a plan for unloading.

Before long, with Conner directing, all four of them were busily carrying furnishings, boxes, and bags into the apartment, trying to get the

Reviews for Christmas in Winter Hill

[JoAnn Fredendall McGowan · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Such a warm hearted story! Maybe predictable but just a sweet book !

[ecataldi-1 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Short and sweet, this inspirational holiday read is a light palate cleanser - good for when you'er getting stressed around the holidays. Single mom Krista and her daughter Emily move from Arizona to Winter Hill Washington and they're in for a treat. Krista isn't one for Christmas cheer but that's about to change when she takes over as city manager and has to help out with Christmastown. Everyone in the small town gets involved and it's a month long festival. This year is even more special as they are giving away a "Christmas house" - a lovingly refurbished historic home to the best essay (see where this is going yet?). Krista and her daughter have made lots of new friends (her assistant's son isn't hard on the eyes) but she's also made some enemies as well. The town's finance manager has a bone to pick with Christmastown and he takes out his frustration on Krista. Was moving to this town a good idea? Will she survive without a car in a small apartment? Is she happier? A quick read with a happy ending all wrapped up in a bow.

[peggy.s · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

This was a great Christmas read. Krista, a woman who doesn’t like Christmas ends up the city manager of a town that is obsessed with it. She just starts to get settled in and some things happen that turn much of the town against her. BUT – since this a Christmas, feel-good book, it does have a happy ending. I did enjoy this novella. I appreciated that it was short - with everything going on around Christmas, it is always nice to have books like this to go to at the end of a busy day! I got the book from LibraryNet in exchange for a fair review.

[georgiann-4 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Krista does not like Christmas very much . And she is beginning to think moving her self and her daughter to a small mountain town in Winter Hill Washington so she could take a job as city manager was a big mistake . Since being the town manager means she has to manager the Christmas plans for the town. As she tries to make her small apartment feel like a home for her 8 year old daughter . She feels not everyone in town likes her. Can a stranger and his family help Krista welcome Christmas in to he r heart?

[drsyko_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Krista moves to the small town of Winter Hill to start over. She takes the city manager job and immediately starts uncovering some things that others wish to keep hidden. She also really dislikes Christmas and is now living in a town that is obsessed with Christmas. This is a short tale that begins there and ends with romance, vindication and, of course, Krista's best Christmas of all.

I quite liked this book. It's relatively easy to see what's going to happen and nothing surprising happens, but the author has a lovely way of getting the reader to the expected destination. This was a gentle, kind, moving tale that doesn't have any huge events or big twists, but it's heartwarming in a sincere way that doesn't come off as corny, as so many Christmas themed books do. You can read this book in a few days, and when you're done perhaps you'll feel like I did--just a little bit happier and more hopeful.

[mizroady · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Slow my beating heart! Another Melody Carlson Christmas book! I cannot even express how I look forward to each one of Ms. Carlson’s new holiday books! It amazes me how she captures the spirit of the season and all character’s individual perceptions.
Winter Hill looks like a fresh new start her life and her career to recently divorced Krista. Her job as a small town city manager turns out to be much more complex than she anticipated. A difficult childhood in foster care has turned Krista into a non-Christmas person. Even with her little daughter Emily she doesn’t celebrate the holiday. Wouldn’t you know it! Winter Hill is Christmas celebration crazy! As new city manager she is thrown directly into the hubbub of planning the big event. More serious problems are at hand as Krista finds some concerning evidence in the inner workings of the city finances.
There were so many emotions Ms. Carlson captured in her characters. For one, the excitement of town’s people preparing for their giant annual celebration. It was contagious just reading it! I could picture all the food, game booths and families spending quality time together.
Not everyone has Currier and Ives Christmas memories. Pain and disappointment can sometimes run deep, like Krista’s from her childhood in foster care. I felt her struggle in trying to hide her attitude from her new associates and her sweet little daughter. I experienced her anxiety of doing the right thing even though it was unpopular as a new person in town. The author’s talented writing also enabled me to picture each person, the decorations, and all the details surrounding the story. It was almost like watching a Christmas movie! Not only will this book put you in the Christmas spirit but will delight you with many surprises along the way. Another incredible Christmas book by the author! I can’t wait for the next one!
I received this book from Revell Publications in exchange for an honest review.
The opinions are my own.

[vintagebeckie · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Melody Carlson is the queen of Christmas fiction. I look forward to a new novella every year to start the season off right. Christmas in Winter Hill is another winner from this talented author. With endearing characters, including an adorable little girl, a wonderful hometown feel, and a message of hope, this book cannot be beat. Recommended.

Let me first say if you are looking for a book with an all over Christmas-y feel, Christmas in Winter Hill is the one for you. The town of Winter Hill is over-the-top in its embrace of the Christmas spirit, something main character Krista finds hard to resist. Although she doesn’t like Christmas due to the many disappointments surrounding past holidays, she does try very hard to preserve the town’s traditions and her daughter’s dreams. With fits and starts in her new job as Winter Hill’s city manager, Krista learns about community and real family. I loved that though there is a promise of romance in Krista’s future, the story revolves around Krista’s emotional and spiritual growth and her relationship with her daughter. Dreams are not impossible as Krista once thought, and that is a very hopeful message. I knew where the story was going, but I loved the journey along the way. Christmas in Winter Hill is like your favorite Hallmark Christmas movie, only better — it’s a book!

So grab a copy and snuggle in to its warmth and heart.

Recommended.

Audience: adults.

(Thanks to Revell for a complimentary copy. all opinions expressed are mine alone.)

[hes7 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Fall may have just started, but I’m excited about new Christmas books. Every year, I can count on a sweet holiday story from Melody Carlson, and this year’s Christmas in Winter Hill is exactly that.

A new job brings Krista Galloway and her daughter to Winter Hill, Washington just in time for its beloved Christmas celebration. A celebration that it is now Krista’s job to coordinate. Even though she hates Christmas. Is it possible that this Christmas-loving small town can charm her into the holiday spirit?

Christmas in Winter Hill is a story of family, romance, and of course, Christmas. As Krista gets to know Winter Hill and all its quirks, the story progresses quickly—a little too quickly in some instances—and is heartwarming and feelgood.

I received a complimentary copy of this book and the opportunity to provide an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review, and all the opinions I have expressed are my own.

[dawn1361 · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

Some people eagerly await the annual viewing of the Hallmark Channel’s Christmas movies line up. I’m sure there is an audience of readers that include Christmas inspired novels as part of their mental decorations. Melody Carlson’s “Christmas in Winter Hill” is a short book that embraces a happily ever after Christmas..... a promised romance, a supportive home town, winning a prize, the excitement of tradition, and snow. It’s life within a snow globe, perfection and happiness. With a few nods to religion, Carlson has offered an enjoyable holiday read. Learning that one of the author’s earlier works is to be a Hallmark movie, confirms her niche. I received my copy through Libraything’s early reader program.

[kris_anderson-1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Christmas in Winter Hill by Melody Carlson is a sweet Christmas novella. I look forward to reading this authors latest Christmas story each year and I was not disappointed with Christmas in Winter Hill. It is well-written with relatable characters in realistic situations. It moves along at a steady pace and can be finished quickly (only 164 pages). Krista Galloway is looking forward to starting over in Winter Hill. She has not had the easiest life growing up in the foster care system and the last few years have been difficult. Her daughter, Emily is looking forward to having a white Christmas and she wants a real home with a backyard. Unfortunately, things do not go as planned for the duo. Emily, though, does enjoy living in Winter Hill and makes friends right away. I enjoyed Emily’s enthusiasm as she embraced all the Christmas festivities. The little girl wants her mother to love Christmas as much as she does and comes up with a plan (I just loved it). The townspeople enthusiastically embrace Christmas and their Christmasville activities. Winter Hill is a quaint town who came up with a clever way to revive their dying city. It is the tenth year for their Christmasville celebration, and they have big plans. Unfortunately, there are a few hiccups along the way. I enjoyed the subplot with Winston Palmer who is the town’s grinch (bah humbug type of guy). Christmas In Winter Hill has new beginnings, a cute little girl, crime, a touch of romance and cheery Christmas festivities. The story has a good moral. We learn that we get what we need in His timing, not when we want them (it can be hard to be patient though). The ending was a delight and left me with a big smile on my face. My favorite phrase comes from Krista who said, “I like to think our troubles make us stronger.” Christmas in Winter Hill is a heartwarming, uplifting story with apartment anguish, Christmas catastrophes, elf escapades, a great giveaway, and holiday high spirits.

[nadinec.keels · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

When Krista lands a city manager position, she and her little girl relocate to Winter Hill. But not everyone in the holiday-oriented small town makes Krista feel the most welcome, including on her job. And the town's famous Christmasville celebration is coming up, requiring Krista's involvement—even though her rough history has given her plenty of reasons not to care for the holiday in Christmas in Winter Hill by author Melody Carlson.

First off, to make it clear, just in case: this holiday tale isn't a romance. Yes, it does have a Hallmark feel that includes a romantic thread, but the story's focus is on Krista's career and the need she shares with her daughter to have a place to belong.

I found this to be rather basic, predictable reading, both in regard to the plot and the character types, though I was pleased with Krista's business sense and how she (mostly) isn't timid where her job is concerned. The general cloud of townsfolk come off as prejudiced and pouty about getting their way, and the read becomes schmaltzy and redundant at times, especially toward the fast and drastic heightening of Krista's difficulties in the climax and the fairly rushed resolution and conclusion.

Yet, it's good that the difficulties are based on serious issues, so the main characters aren't merely having an overemotional or trivial kind of experience. And even when it gets serious, the story isn't dark or hard to digest. It's an easy and comfortable tale that's absolutely steeped in Christmas, and a thorough Christmassy steeping is exactly what I was after.

Many fans of quick and uplifting holiday reads with faith woven in should enjoy this one.
________
Revell provided me with a complimentary copy of this book for an honest review.

[fcplcataloger · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Christmastime is special everywhere but a Christmas spent in Winter Hill is a really big deal! Everyone there loves all of the activities, all of the decorations, and all of the fun and joy associated with the Christmasville celebration. Everyone, that is, until Krista Galloway is hired as the new city manager!

Melody Carlson is known for creating wonderful Christmas stories and she has succeeded once again with this new book. She made me want to visit this small town in Washington to experience the holidays during the Christmasville celebration. This year Winter Hill has a mayor who loves playing Santa Claus--a celebration scheduled to last for days--and an essay contest that will reward the winner with a new home known as the Christmas House!

Krista does not like Christmas and she has serious reservations about all of this hoopla but how can she refuse? As I learned about the years in foster care when her Christmas Eve birthday and Christmas Day were often overlooked, my mind understood why she disliked the holidays so much but my heart ached for the effect that her unhappy childhood was having on her eight-year-old daughter. Emily wanted and needed a joyful Christmas and the essay that she wrote for the contest almost broke my heart! After explaining why she wanted to win the Christmas House, Emily wrote 'So if I win the Christmas House, I will give it to my mama and it will be her best birthday and best Christmas present ever.' Grab your tissues!

There is also a mystery and the promise of romance in Christmas in Winter Hill and this is a story that will warm your heart, remind you of the miracles of Christmas, and put you in an early Christmas spirit. It is also a story worthy of being made into a Hallmark movie! I thoroughly enjoyed this book and I recommend it to all who enjoy inspirational holiday stories.

I received a complimentary copy from the author but a positive review was not required.

[alekee_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

A quick read that draws you in, and then you don’t want to let go.
I loved Emily, the author gives us such a sweet little girl, and she loves her Mom. Then we have Anna a teenager and how welcoming she is of an eight-year-old, and how she goes about helping her.
We are given a little bit of sweet romance, crime, new beginnings, and all things Christmas, and all wrapped up in a page-turning read.
Only problem I had was I wanted more!
I received this book through the Revell Readers Program, and was not required to give a positive review

[jenniferrobb · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Interesting that so many Christmas books have main characters that are not fans of Christmas. (Though Krista does seem to have valid reasons for it.)

Krista and her daughter, Emily, move from Arizona to Winter Hill, Washington when Krista accepts a job as the city manager. Unfortunately for Krista, Winter Hill is crazy about Christmas!

(WARNING: POTENTIAL SPOILERS AHEAD--READ AT YOUR OWN DISCRETION)
*****



Krista's tenure as city manager doesn't start out well--the "house" she'd envisioned renting turns out to be an apartment--with no bathtub and no yard for her daughter to build a snowman in (even though there's really no snowfall in this book).

Christmasville, the town's Christmas-themed celebration, is opposed by the city's CFO--and he really hopes to get Krista on his side of the argument. Even though Krista's not a personal fan of Christmas (or Christmasville) she refuses to quash the whole thing. She also runs afoul of the librarian who wants her to play a Christmas Elf during Christmasville when she doesn't sign on whole-heartedly.

The CFO hems and haws about getting her a copy of the budget and about doing spreadsheets showing the financial pitfalls of Christmasville (which he claims is a drain on the city's coffers).

Krista discovers that there's asbestos in at least part of the first floor where it was planned to have some indoor Christmasville activities. Will Christmasville be cancelled after all? That wouldn't make her popular with the townsfolk.

Somehow, Krista gets a budget both from the CFO and from the mayor--and she realizes that the two don't match. Is someone embezzling from the city? A newcomer accusing people who've lived and served their for years is also not making her popular.

And, there's the Christmas House essay contest--one that Emily is determined to win to give her mother the house she's never had, and one that Krista feels they shouldn't be eligible to win because she works for the city. Given the ill-will much of the town seems to feel for her, what will happen if Emily were to win it?

[tatoosh-3 · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

Krista, a single mom, arrives in a small town in eastern Washington with Emily, her eight-year-old daughter, to make a new beginning. Krista has accepted a position as the city manager and they are relocating from Phoenix. Almost immediately Krista meets a handsome, muscular man who helps her get settled.

Contrary to typical reality, Emily immediately loves Winter Hill and wants to stay there. That is just the first of numerous unbelievable aspects of this tale. Most children Emily’s age are upset at the loss of friends and find it difficult at first to make new friends. That is particularly true after school has begun and local friendships have been established. Krista, who initiated the move, is more reserved in her assessment.

If this sound familiar to you it could be because the story is very similar to Carlson’s “A Christmas by the Sea.” Winter Hill is a faith-based romance that has a cookie-cutter feel. The author bio reports that Carlson is the author of “around 250 books,” but unfortunately it appears that she repeats the same story multiple times with only cosmetic changes. She can do better, as evidenced by” “Courting Mr. Emerson,” which I found far more enjoyable than this offering.

Character development is superficial, and it is apparent from the implausible plot that the author has not researched Washington State law governing the forms of city government and the responsibilities and powers of various city officials. For example, the plot revolves around multi-year embezzlement of city funds, but state law requires that the city’s books be formally audited yearly.

Readers who are new to Carlson and have not read “A Christmas by the Sea,” for example, would like this book if they enjoy faith-based romances. At 164 pages in a small 8.25” x 5.5” format, it is little more than a “rapid read” which can be finished in a single day.

[thornton37814 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Krista Galloway and daughter Emily move to the town of Winter Hill so Krista can begin work as the new city manager. Winter Hill hosts an annual festival called Christmasville. Krista whose Christmas eve birthday always bumped up against the Christmas holiday spent her childhood in foster homes. Her unfavorable memories associated with the holiday created a strong aversion to Christmas. She still tries to put up a tree and make it a good day for her daughter but Emily knows her mom does not like Christmas.

Krista meets Conner and his daughter Anna when he shows up to help her unload at her apartment. His mother serves as Krista's office manager. He picks her up later that evening to see a house moved across town. An essay contest will determine the home's winner. Winter Hill's growth created a housing shortage. Emily makes a friend on her first day at school.

Krista faces opposition form the city's chief financial officer almost from the beginning. The mayor told Krista he's never been able to make heads or tails of the budgets. The CFO stalls providing one but when the budget supplied by his office is thicker than the one sent over from the mayor's office, Krista knows she must review things line by line and brings the city attorney into the picture. Meanwhile Krista feels like she's turning into the grinch when an inspection of a space planned for use in the town's festival reveals the presence of asbestos.

Can Christmasville be saved?

Christmas in Winter Hill will resonate with fans of Debbie Macomber's Christmas novels. The ending felt a bit rushed, but I suspect the author plans a sequel or series set in the town which will keep fans of this one coming back. I enjoyed the visit to Winter Hill and hope the author will provide future visits for readers to this charming town somewhere near Spokane in the Pacific Northwest. I received an advance review copy through LibraryThing Early Reviewers' program with the expectation of an honest review.

[janicseblen · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I received this delightful book from Library Thing as an Early Review copy. It was a delightful read. Perfect for a child to read just before entering the teenage years. In part that is because it brings out good values in a single parent trying to do the best she can with the struggles of jobs and raising a child. This is a well written book with nothing offensive in it as far as I am concerned.

[manhattanite-1 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

This is your standard "Christmas cozy"; the characters are a bit black and white with not much depth to them and things do in the end get all nicely wrapped up with a neat, tidy bow on top. However, the story was compelling, it kept my interest, didn't drag with unnecessary filler and the main characters are likable if a bit contrived. My only complaint is that it was a bit rushed towards the end & felt incomplete. I would've appreciated an epilogue. And more descriptions of the events surrounding "Christmasville".

It read like your standard "Hallmark made for TV movie" but I tend to like those so reading this was ok. Not spectacular or earth shattering but not a bad way to spend one's time either.

[croknot1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I received this book through LT for my honest review. I loved it! No sex, so swearing, just a sweet read. I would love to live in Winter Hill. It sounds like such a charming place.

[koalamom_1 · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

Krista Galloway does not like Christmas, never has and her birthday is Christmas Eve and she avoids that, too. She was a foster child and never really celebrated either, so why start now - even though she has an eight year old daughter who doesn't dislike it that much.

Then Krista takes a job as city manager in a place called Winter Hill which has a festival called Christmasville every year - and just before Thanksgiving too boot!

How will this change her attitude about the holiday? Things go from good to bad to worse and back and forth.

[maydacat_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

How can you not like Christmas! Well, Krista Galloway has a couple of reasons. Raised in foster care and group homes, Christmas was nothing special. And given that she was born on Christmas Eve, birthdays didn’t mean much, either. Mostly forgotten, she, in turn, mostly ignored Christmas. And with a failed marriage behind her and and having Emily, her 8-year-old daughter to raise, mostly if not entirely on her own, she is attempting a new start in Winter Hill. What she didn’t expect, as the new city manager, was that she would be managing a town crazy about Christmas. Due to circumstances that really were beyond her control, she starts off on the wrong foot. And then things really go from bad to worse, so much so that she doubts she can stay at her new job. But Emily really loves the town and her new friends, that is, until she grasps the problems that face them both. This family is in need of a Christmas miracle! And some hope. This charming tale will enthrall you with its Christmas spirit and delightful characters. The story has the perfect mix of strife, hope, perseverance, friendships, love, and romance. It’s a perfect tale for the Christmas season, or really, any time your spirit needs a lift.