All Emma Daley wants this holiday season is a white Christmas. But the young teacher and struggling musician sure can’t find that in sunny Arizona. Luckily, there’s someone living in a perfect mountain home in the Colorado Rockies looking to make a vacation trade this year.West Prescott is an in-demand songwriter and talented musician who put his own singing career on hold to write songs for … songs for celebrity acts to perform. When his mother convinces him to do a vacation trade for Christmas, he never imagined one of the houseguests would be so sweet–or so strikingly pretty. Naturally, he decides to stick around, and, to get better acquainted, he poses as the house’s caretaker. But when Emma’s friend Gillian discovers his true identity and sets her sights on him, things
get . . . messy.
Fan favorite Melody Carlson is back with another delightful Christmas tale to warm your heart on those cold winter evenings.
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It’s almost officially fall and that means it’s time for another Melody Carlson Christmas novella!
This year’s story, The Christmas Swap, is a cute addition to her lineup of sweet, clean and Christmassy novellas released each year. Emma and West are likable lead characters. I enjoyed Emma’s positive spirit and her delight in seeing snow for the first time. West was instantly drawn to Emma and their friendship got off to a great start.
Well, except for that whole “not revealing who he really is” bit.
Mistaken identity is a theme that works well in these lighthearted novellas and this time was no exception. I enjoyed the story and look forward to more by Melody Carlson!
The Christmas Swap is available now! Visit Baker Book House or Christian Book to purchase your copy. Oh, by the way, Christian Book sells a version with an exclusive bonus chapter, if that’s your jam!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell as part of the Revell Reads Blogging Program. A positive review was not required. Opinions expressed are completely my own.
What a sweet romance with the setting of Christmas in Colorado! When the Landers family decides to give up their Arizona home for Christmas in exchange for a home in ski country Breckinridge, they were a little concerned about what they would find there. Fortunately, they were pleasantly surprised with a huge and rustic home with all of the amenities, including a handsome caretaker. Emma Daley has attached herself to the Landers family since she and Gillian, their daughter, were little girls. Emma really has no family in the states now since her parents are in Africa on a missionary tour. So, without anyone to spend the holidays with, Emma, who is a young substitute teacher and a would-be musician, chooses to accompany the Landers to Colorado. She and the caretaker really enjoy spending time together, but she doesn’t know his secret. The road to discovering West’s secret and to finding out what she really wants in life is an important gift that Emma is given this Christmas during this special “Christmas Swap.” Fans of Melody Carlson will love the setting, the story and the characters of this charming new Christmas book.
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book as part of the Revell Reads Blogger Program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, “Guides Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”
Thank you in advance to the publisher, Baker Publishing Group/Revell Books, for providing a complimentary review copy through Interviews and Reviews. A positive review was not required and all words are my own.
As someone who LOVES Christmas, by extension I LOVE Christmas stories. Christmas Romance stories are the absolute best!
And, after reading the blurb on this one – I had to get it! And, that gorgeous cover definitely gave it an edge.
Earlier this year, I was lucky enough to have been chosen for “The Happy Camper” Revell Blogger team. And, as that was a cutesy read from the author, I thought this would be no different.
And …
It wasn’t – for the most part.
Since this is an “honest” review – not every reader will like everything an author has written. Nor will every reader like the story being told. They also won’t like the characters.
To start off, this is more of a novella – short novel, coming in at less than 180 paged. As a result, things will be abbreviated, and the story will move at a faster pace. This is a standalone read and not seemingly connected to the other Christmas stories by the author.
What worked in this book’s favor, for me – short chapters. That, for some reason, always gets me to read a book even faster. It can be a long book, and I will read faster with short chapters. This was no exception. Combined with the writing pace, this was an addictive little read that I couldn’t put down. It was easy to read, and perhaps that is some of the issues that other readers face. It isn’t a complex story. At its core, it is a simple little holiday story.
Carlson’s vivid, picturesque writing made me feel as though I was right there with this family. And, I also wished I wasn’t due to the family conflict which begins right off in chapter three and doesn’t end until the end of the book. There was always something going on.
The plot was different than other Christmas novels I have read. I liked the idea of a “house swap”, though I honestly have never heard of such a thing. After reading this book – I’m definitely sure I wouldn’t want to participate in one. This also had a “Hallmark” movie vibe to it, so there will be some conflict leading up to the “happily ever after” ending. It is a very light-hearted, excapist type of read.
One of the reasons the house swap was a bad idea were the characters – specifically Mrs. Landers and Gillian. Both of them, particularly Mrs. Landers, acted like the typical spoiled rich women. Mrs. Landers’ endless complaining and criticizing was annoying. It got worse with the house, which I thought was absolutely gorgeous and darling. And, what did she expect for the area? Her daughter, Gillian, wasn’t that far behind either.
The women were awful, even Gillian was up until the end. Even, her “flip” on West with the conniving and acting like a victim was inexcusable. Though I was wondering what her goal was, what she had hoped to accomplish.
Mr. Landers and Emma (the Landers’ guest) were actually pretty likeable. I felt sorry for Mr. Landers and how unappreciated he was. I was secretly hoping he would’ve just sent his wife (and daughter) packing. Emma’s gratitude and appreciation gave the book that warm, “feel good” emotion.
Harris and Grant were pretty mild considering the Landers ladies. Given that Grant is Gillian’s brother; he was definitely an underdog character.
West, despite his fame, was the absolute star of this novel! I really loved his down-to-Earth demeanor as well as his courting of Emma. There was a humbleness, sincerity, and honesty to him that made this story work without overly trying. Though the “discovery” of who he is was a short-lived plot device. Grant’s mother was a hoot! I would’ve liked to have had more of her in this story.
There is a lack of character development except with West and Emma. The others are relegated to the background with not much there for them to do. Thankfully Mrs. Landers’ complaining did end as her character’s interaction wad reduced about halfway through.
I did wonder what Gillian’s motives were towards Grant and what made her turn so quickly when it came to Emma’s disappearance. It definitely made Gillian’s treatment of Emma apparent – as if she was the token charity case.
The budding romance was another saving grace for this book. And, while some might not think so, I do believe we can fall in love quite quickly.
This was too short of a read, and I desperately wanted more from it. I felt that this had a potential to last a little longer than what it did.
While distributed by Revell, a Christian/faith themed publisher, I found no Christian or faith references in this book. It is more of a clean read with no references to sex and no foul language. Parents should have no issue with their teens (15 and up) reading this Christmas story. It also serves as a wonderful lesson (without being preachy) as to how we should treat people, no matter who they are – caretaker or famous music writer.
Some fans of the author as well as the genre might enjoy this read. It is a little lower on the scale coming closer to 3.8 stars, so I rounded up.
For me, it does have a high re-read factor despite some of the moments and issues.
Forget the Christmas movies! Don’t get me wrong, I enjoy a good story as much as everyone else and that is why I recommend getting a copy of The Christmas Swap by Melody Carlson. You will not be disappointed in how this lighthearted story gives a glimpse into characters so different from each other you wonder how they ever became friends. The whole idea of a Christmas Swap seemed good at first until traditions caught up with both families. It was entertaining to read how one very spoiled family from Arizona managed the cold mountain air in Colorado. Toss in a handsome hero who wasn’t supposed to even be there and you have the makings of one good romantic comedy, commercial free with time to savor.
Reading Melody Carlson’s annual Christmas novel is something I look forward to every year. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good Christmas book while getting ready for the season.
A very sweet romance! As usual, Ms. Carlson gives you delightful characters that you want to know in real life. Enjoyed the house swapping premise and the very different locations. Really good read.
I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley and the publisher and voluntarily chose to review it.
Lives up to the tag line “great Christmas tale to warm your heart” any time of year! I love Melody’s ability to quickly captivate me in her stories and this one is no exception. The idea of a house swap for the holidays is so fun, and I must confess, being a regular patron of Breckenridge, I could not help but be drawn to a Christmas story set there. I was not disappointed. The magic of Christmas in the Rockies is captured and conveyed very well. Gillian and West create a sweet, magical romance, riddled with speed bumps, mishaps and misunderstandings, not to mention some very unlikeable people. It is a fairly quick read, so give yourself permission to curl up and enjoy!
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher via NetGalley and all opinions expressed are my own, freely given.
This is a great Christmas read with the story set in Colorado. Who wouldn’t want to spend Christmas among the mountains and snow? I enjoyed the story line and meeting the characters. They are quite a group. Yes, this could be a Hallmark movie, so it you enjoy watching those, I think you’ll enjoy reading this book. I received this book from NetGalley, but my opinion is my own.
The Christmas Swap is this year’s seasonal offering from prolific author and outstanding teller of heartwarming Christmas stories, Melody Carlson. Emma Daley is a struggling substitute teacher/singer-musician from Tempe, Arizona. Her parents have a mission school in Africa, so Emma is on her own for the holidays. Her college best friend, wealthy Gillian Landers, has invited Emma to join her family for Christmas as they travel to Breckinridge for a holiday house swap. Although Emma is drawn to the prospect of a white Christmas and her first snow encounter, she dreads the battle dynamics of the Landers family. The group will consist of Gillian’s parents, Gillian, her brother Grant and his best friend Harris, as well as Emma.
TW Prescott, a wealthy country songwriter, is not happy with swapping his beautiful Breckinridge home to spend a sultry poolside Christmas in Phoenix, but does so at his mother’s insistence. Dragging his feet and getting a late start, West is still at the house when the rather obnoxious tenants take up residence. Hiding in the laundry room, he hears the mother’s rude complaints, the whining daughter, but also the sweet and grateful voice of someone the others call Emma. West escapes to his studio, and ends up unable to make the drive to Denver in the ensuing snowstorm. When he inadvertently encounters Emma, he feels an immediate connection and delays his travel even more, promising Emma a ski lesson the following day.
As Emma and West spend time together, the attraction grows. Gillian makes snide comments about Emma and the hired help, as West had said he was the caretaker when discovered. That is until the gold digging Gillian gets wind of his true identity, when she tries to muscle in on Emma.
This is a lovely holiday story of mistaken identity, misplaced friendship, and serendipitous meeting that will warm the reader’s heart as they share in the beautiful Breckinridge Christmas. I did enjoy this book and I do recommend it.
I love Melody Carlson’s Christmas stories!
Her books are exactly what you need to find spirit and happiness as this magical season approaches!
This novel takes place in Colorado with snow, and love in the air!
Emma Daley flies to Colorado for Christmas with her friend’s family. She always spends the holiday with Gillian and her family.
They decided to swap homes with another family who wishes for warm weather in Arizona. during the holiday.
Ski lesson’s from the handsome, strong caretaker of the house, give Emma the feeling that this could be the best Christmas yet!
Tyler Prescott immediately likes Emma.
Should he stay in Colorado for Christmas to get to know her better?
Truly a sweet, quick read that will have you wishing for hot chocolate and a warm blanket!
Reading Melody Carlson’s yearly Christmas book is a tradition for me. I never miss one. She always brings her readers a wonderful and delightful story for the holidays. This one is no exception. Sweet characters and a precious little storyline. I enjoyed every single minute.
*My thanks to Revell Publishing for a copy of this book. The opinion here is my own.