Settle in for a heartwarming treat this week as we welcome beloved author Melody Carlson to discuss her touching new novel, THE CHRISTMAS TREE FARM. From the scenic beauty of Oregon's forests to the special bond between sisters, Melody shares how nature's resilience after devastating wildfires inspired this moving story of hope and second chances. With her trademark sincerity, she opens up about the personal experiences that shape her storytelling, her cherished holiday traditions, and even gives us a sneak peek at her next book. Pour yourself something warm and join us for this cozy chat about family, faith, and the enduring magic of Christmas!
Jen: Christmas is the perfect time for old memories, new beginnings, and second chances. How did this theme inspire the storyline of Madison McDowell's journey to save her family's Christmas tree farm?
Melody: For a couple of years, I drove up and down what had once been one of the most beautiful scenic highways in Oregon (and we have a few!) on my way to my mother’s house (she passed in 2022). A huge wildfire had destroyed miles of trees and homes and farms along the scenic McKenzie River in 2020 and the remains looked hopelessly devastated. Black, barren and smoky, lonely chimneys standing where homes had burnt to the ground. It was heartbreaking and matched my spirits at times, as I was losing and then lost my mother. But then something miraculous seemed to happen. Vegetation and new houses began to appear, along with some gorgeous wildflowers and an amazing view of the beautiful river that had always been obscured by the Douglas Fir trees. Like a giant second chance. I started to imagine what a life on the river, perhaps on a Christmas tree farm, would be like. And a story about second chances was birthed.
Jen: The dynamic between Madison and her sister Addie is central to the story. What drew you to explore sibling relationships in this novel?
Melody: I know how family relationships can be stretched and stressed at Christmastime. Old memories resurface, old aches reappear - an opportunity for grace! So a conflict between siblings seemed a natural place to build a story about second chances.
Jen: Madison’s farm faces challenges like wildfires and financial strain—very real issues in today’s world. What research did you do to bring authenticity to these elements?
Melody: Since I’ve never owned or worked on a Christmas tree farm, I did have to do some research. As always it was interesting to learn about something new. Living in Oregon, I know tree farms are common. It’s a solid industry, and Oregon trees are shipped across the country. But like any agricultural business, it has its ups and downs. And any farm that’s neglected for several years, like theirs was, will require some hard work. But it was fun to vicariously restore the family tree farm.
Jen: Your Christmas novels are beloved by so many readers. What draws you to writing holiday-themed stories year after year?
Melody: When I first wrote my first Christmas novella (25 years ago) I thought it would be a one book deal. After all, the idea of a smaller holiday story was relatively new in the industry. But my first one Angels in the Snow surprised us. And now I think I just completed my 25th book, but TBH I’ve sort of lost count. Anyway, it’s just become a habit for me to get in the Christmas mode (in July!) and I partially blame my husband (he’s a Christmas baby) but more than that, it’s the encouragement of readers who have been touched by these stories that keeps me going.
Jen: Your characters often face personal growth and redemption. How do you approach crafting such relatable and heartwarming journeys?
Melody: I guess I just try to keep it real, but real with redemption. We’re all faulted and flawed - probably more so in family relationships - and the holidays sometimes forces us together with not always the happiest results. But it’s also a time to heal and restore and, hopefully, to give a fresh start or second chance. At least that’s what I try to create in my stories. I hope that it encourages readers to practice a bit more grace during the holidays. After all, that’s what the first Christmas was meant to bring us – the gift of grace and hope and redemption!
Jen: Do you have a favorite Christmas tradition that you incorporated into THE CHRISTMAS TREE FARM or one that inspires your holiday writing?
Melody: I do like to decorate, and I used to make my own wreaths. But because I’m caregiving for my husband the past few years (he has FTD—frontal-temporal dementia) our traditions have become much simpler.
Jen: As someone who writes holiday stories, what’s your go-to Christmas song or movie to get into the festive spirit?
Melody: I love a lot of the old classic movies like White Christmas and Miracle on 34th Street and some more obscure ones like Remember the Night and The Great Rupert (bet you never heard of that one!)
Jen: Can you share a sneak peek of what’s next for your readers? Do you have another holiday story or something entirely different in the works?
Melody: I have a new novel releasing in March 2025 called Welcome to the Honey B & B about a farm family dealing with FTD (like we are) as well as a bunch of other challenges. I’m very excited about it. The character CT is inspired by my husband, and much of the story is reflective of our lives right now.
Jen: You’ve built a strong presence as an award-winning author. How do you connect with your readers on social media, and what’s your favorite platform to engage with them?
Melody: Admittedly (of late) I’ve gotten behind. I’m trying to catch up, but life has demands and distractions. I want to answer all the lovely emails I’ve received, and I do send out a newsletter when I can and share on my author page on Facebook, but there’s room for improvement. We’re working on it.
Jen: What do you hope readers will take away from Madison and Gavin’s story once they turn the final page?
Melody: Without giving anything away, I hope readers will be encouraged and satisfied.
Jen: Thank you so much for chatting with me! Your stories have become a cherished part of so many readers’ Christmas traditions, and I can’t wait to share this uplifting book with others.
Melody: Thank you!
A Sweet Second-Chance Holiday Romance Novel
When Madison McDowell returns from several years teaching overseas, she has high hopes of picking up where she left off at her family's Christmas tree farm in Oregon. But between damage from a recent wildfire and the neglect due to her sister Addie's unwillingness to invest, the farm is in sad shape. In fact, Addie is intent on selling the property. And to top it off, her former high school flame, the now-widowed Gavin Thompson, has plans to break Madison's heart again by turning his neighboring property into a dusty, noisy dirt bike track for his daughter.
With the odds stacked against her, Madison decides there's only one thing to do: double down on her dreams. It will take a ton of hard work--and some help from an unlikely ally--to save the farm she so dearly loves. But it may take a miracle to restore her relationship with her sister.
Bestselling and award-winning author Melody Carlson charms and delights with this uplifting Christmas story full of old memories and new beginnings.
Romance Holiday [Revell, On Sale: September 3, 2024, Hardcover / e-Book, ISBN: 9780800744724 / eISBN: 9781493447114]
A romance full of friendship for the holiday season
Melody Carlson is the award-winning author of over two hundred books with combined sales of more than six million. She is the author of several books, including the bestselling The Christmas Bus, The Christmas Dog, Christmas at Harrington’s, The Christmas Cat, The Christmas Joy Ride, and The Christmas Angel Project. She received a Romantic Times Career Achievement Award in the inspirational market for her many books, including the Diary of a Teenage Girl series and Finding Alice. She and her husband live in central Oregon.
Jennifer Vido writes sweet romances set in the Lowcountry, earning acclaim as the award-winning author of the Gull Island series. Her debut novel, "Serendipity by the Sea," secured the prestigious Best First Book award from the New Jersey Romance Writers Golden Leaf Contest. In 2024, Vido's talent garnered further accolades, with Baltimore Magazine readers naming her Best Local Author in their annual Best of Baltimore poll, while the Baltimore Sun acknowledged her with an Honorable Mention in their Best of 2024 Author category. When not writing fiction, she interviews authors for her weekly Jen’s Jewels column, leads water exercise classes, and directs a legal nonprofit. Currently residing in Maryland, she and her husband are proud parents to two grown sons and a rescue dog named Fripp.
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