Christmas Tree Connection

by Elle Rush

Everybody needs a Christmas tree in December. In the groovy year of 1971, Adelaide and Victor are going to turn a seasonal evergreen gig into a dreamy happily-ever-after holiday romance.

Victor Klassen is counting on December’s holiday spirit when he opens the North Pole Evergreen tree lot. He needs an edge over his competition, and the groovy stained glass ornaments made by the cutest bank teller in town will be just the ticket to make his Christmas merry and bright…if he can ever work up the nerve to talk to her.

Adelaide North has big plans. She just needs a little help to get them off the ground. When Victor comes to her with a Christmas proposition, she sees a way to nab three partridges from the same pear she can find new buyers for her ornaments, earn money to get her dream business off the ground, and encourage the cute lumberjack to take advantage of any nearby mistletoe.

Now all this festive duo needs is some help from Santa to sell some Christmas trees and make a little cookie-fueled holiday magic together.

Genres: Christmas, Novella, Romance, Holiday, Contemporary Romance, Contemporary, Friends To Lovers

72 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 29, 2024

About the author

Sweet contemporary romance author with addictions to Christmas and other holidays seeks readers to share fun, heartwarming romances with. Laugh-out-loud banter, yummy recipes and a list of favourite holiday tropes on request. (Spoiler: ALL OF THEM.)

Keep up with her new releases by subscribing to her newsletter at www.ellerush.com/newsletter

Reviews

[Amanda (BookLoverAmanda) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Christmas Tree Connection by Elle Rush
A Short Story in the Christmas Kisses and Cookie Crumbs Series - 4 Stars
Blog Post: https://bookloveramanda.blogspot.com/...

Y'all this was absolutely adorable. Set in 1970s, Adelaide and Victor work together to turn a season holiday tree farm gig into a holiday romance happy ending! We follow Victor Klassen who is opening his North Pole Evergreen tree lot and needs to get an edge over his competition so the cutest bank teller in town, Adelaide North, has beautiful stained glass ornaments so he asks her for help and the story goes on from here.

I love that this was set in the 70s because it gave such a unique twist on a classic Christmas and reminders of slowing down and spending time as families together. The romance was sweet and just a wholesome short story to read in one sitting at Christmas time.

This is part of 12 clean romance short stories during the Christmas Season on Kindle Unlimited so this is one I read through my KU subscription. Hoping I can get to more but what a fun way to sample some of these author's writing styles! Elle Rush is a new author I plan to check out!

[Karly · Rating 3 out of 5]

My Rating 3⭐️⭐️⭐️ Cute short story, nothing crazy but a bit lovely!!!

This is a very short story, about falling in love at Christmas and following your dreams. I love the Christmas theme and the two MCs are cute. It wasn’t really anything super special but I liked it nonetheless. Was a nice little circuit breaker.

[Krystle Krystlesbookclub · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was cute and sweet but nothing crazy. Short little story of a Christmas tree start up in southern Manitoba.
He's getting his tree business going and She makes Christmas ornaments on the side.

[Morgan Giesbrecht · Rating 5 out of 5]

Grab a cup of cocoa and cosy up for half an hour with this novelette of Christmas cheer!

Its shortness & simplicity in no way detracts from the charm. A shy guy and a girl with big dreams work together to make the town’s newest Christmas tree farm a success against the competition.

The 1970s feel was subtle but so much fun, and that fact that it’s Manitoba, Canada? My Canadian heart rejoices!

[R. L. Peterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Um, more please???

This is my first Christmas read of the year and I am a fan! I’ll definitely have to check out more of this author’s works! Clean, sweet and so atmospheric!!! A hallmark classic feel and not cheesy at all! Love love love it!!

[Ashlee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my goodness this story was such a cute little Christmas novella! Obviously Christmas Tree Connection is not very long at all so it's not intended to be some in-depth quest for love with all the ups and downs you would expect from a full length novel. This story is about two people who get super excited to launch a new Christmas tree farm and sell homemade ornaments, and who also launch a new relationship along the way. Adelaide's enthusiasm in just absolutely running with ideas of how to help Victor's dream of running a successful business come true was adorable. She was all in from the start. And I loved how sweet and nervous Victor was when first trying to interact with her. While there wasn't a whole lot of substance to this book (again, it was a short novella so it wasn't intended to), it definitely grabbed my attention to look into the books that are related to this story but taking place several decades in the future. In fact, I just added book one of the North Pole Unlimited series to my Kindle!

[Cathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

sweet Christmas novella

I enjoyed this sweet and short Christmas novella. It was set in 1971, so it reminded me of my childhood….oops I am showing my age 😂. Just like a bite sized Christmas treat. It whet my appetite for more Christmas cheer and I hope to read more novellas in this series.

[Cassie Hudson · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Christmas Tree Connection by Elle Rush was a very cute book. It is a story told in 1971 & 72. I love the story and it was very innocent and sweet (think level 1 intimacy and no swearing). The Christmas vibes were super high in this book. It was adorable.

Things to love:
Christmas Tree Farmer MMC
Bank teller and creative FMC
They work together
Some secret crushing
A short read (51 pages)
Cute kisses
A lovely epilogue

The only thing I had a slight problem with was the POV it was told in. It was a 3rd person style and it took time for me to get used to it because I mostly read 1st person with dual pov’s.

This is a perfect palate cleaner or under an hour read. I highly recommend if you are looking for a quick and clean read with Christmas vibes.

*I received this as an early reader copy. All opinions are my own*

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a cute little Christmas Romance novella!!

[mirandas.reads · Rating 3 out of 5]

0/5 peps

[Megan Lieb · Rating 3 out of 5]

I know it’s a short read, but I felt the storyline seemed rushed and had few details.

[Dani Trisha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Get out of my chair Bob or you’re gonna get a candy cane up your chimney.

[Amanda Benkendorf · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a cute Christmas Novella. Christmas Tree Connection was such a fun, cute Christmas read. The way Victor and Adelaide supported each other's dreams was so sweet. This is a short novella with a good story line, the relationship development did not seem rushed in the few short chapters. The setting in a Christmas tree farm was a fun aspect to the book.

I was confused at first as to why the book was set in 1971, this is a standalone book but seems to be a prequel to Elle's book Decker & Joy - I look forward to reading that book & others.

I received an ARC of this book, the review is my own opinions.

[January · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christmas Tree Connection by Elle Rush (2024)
Christmas Kisses & Cookie Crumbs #2
related prequel - North Pole Unlimited series
+66-page Kindle Ebook story pages 1-48

Genre: Holiday > Christmas; Romance, Short Story

Featuring: 1971, November, Manitoba, Canada; Grand Forks, North Dakota; Bank Teller, Crush, Christmas Tree Lot, Christmas Tree Farm, Cookies, Business Ventures,
Coconut Christmas Trees Recipe, Series Advertisement Covers with Link, Bonus Epilogue, Red and White Cherry Drops Recipe, Sneak Peek of Decker and Joy, Bibliography for Elle Rush

Rating as a movie: PG

Songs for the soundtrack: A Partridge Family Christmas Card by The Partridge Family, Jackson 5 Christmas Album by The Jacksons 5, "Santa Claus Is Comin' to Town" by The Jackson 5, "White Christmas" by Bing Crosby

My rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🍪 🏦🌲🎄

My thoughts: This wasn't overly sweet, it was just right. I liked that they switched it up and set it in the 70s. It was very simple but meaningful. It seems like each book in this series will feature a different Christmas cookie, how cute!

Recommend to others: Yes. I plan to read more from this author and from the series.

Christmas Kisses & Cookie Crumbs
1. Baking Spirits Bright! (2024) Kaci Lane
2. Christmas Tree Connection (2024) Elle Rush
3. Holiday Lights and Cocoa Cookie Nights (2024) Meg Easton
4. Madeleine's Mistletoe Meet Cute (2024) Ellie Hall
5. Molasses and Mr. Christmas (2024) Lindsey Jesionowski
6. Pistachio Craze for the Holidays (2024) Kimberly Krey
7. St. Nick and Me Are Mint to Be (2024) Tamie Dearen
8. Tying the Knot with her Sweet Scrooge (2024) Ginny Sterling
9. 'Tis the Gingerbread Season (2024) Monique Brasher
10. The Cowboy's Chocolate Covered Christmas (2024) Danae Little
11. Second Chance Christmas Cracker Crush (2024) Jessie Gussman
12. The White Chocolate Christmas Wish (2024) Jess Mastorakos

North Pole Unlimited
1. Decker and Joy (2017)
2. Hollis and Ivy (2017)
3. Nick and Eve (2018)
4. Rudy and Kris (2019)
5. Ben and Jilly (2020)
6. Frank and Ginger (2021)
7. Noel and Merrily (2023)
8. Jack and Belle (2025)

Memorable Quotes: Georges had served up Christmas trees to the community for the last few years, it wasn’t as if their tree lot had been around for decades. Greg’s father had rented a barren property on the edge of town and brought in trees to sell. Adelaide wasn’t even sure that the Georges would be the guaranteed victor in a holiday battle considering how many bad vibes Greg had generated with his attitude since he’d taken it over three years earlier. “Can I do anything else for you, Mr. George?” she asked, crossing her fingers for a no. “Actually, yes. I was wondering if you wanted to get rid of any of your little Christmas ornaments. They didn’t seem to be selling very well at the craft show on the weekend. I could do you a favour and take them off your hands. They might be good enough to give away as a free gift with purchase. What do you say? I’d be willing to go as high as a dollar each.” She sputtered, too incoherent to immediately reply. Her little ornaments as he called them sold like hotcakes at five dollars apiece at the Morris community craft show. His generous offer also didn’t address the fact that each one cost her a dollar and a half to make. She wasn’t breaking the bank with her profits, but Greg’s offer was an insult. “I did just fine at the craft show, Mr. George, so I’ll keep selling them myself, thank you very much. Do you have the branch’s number to call in your coin orders?” she asked. “Your loss. And yes, I do have the number, Adelaide,” he confirmed. He slowly inserted his deposit book into the canvas cash bag. “I’ll see you on Thursday morning.” Adelaide willed him to hurry up. The other tellers on duty had taken a customer each, leaving one at the front of the row. Finally, Greg George stepped aside, and she leaned forward. “Hi, Victor. I can help you over here.” All the tellers had favourite customers. Victor Klassen was hers. Not because he was unfailingly polite whenever he was in the bank. Or because he always cleaned her windshield when she filled her tank at the local gas station. Or even because he was the cutest single guy in December. He had something she couldn’t put her finger on, and that something left her dying to find out the rest of his secrets.

[Hannah Fuller · Rating 5 out of 5]

🍪🎄ARC REVIEW🎄🍪
Christmas Tree Connection by Elle Rush is the first of the 12 books in the Christmas Kisses and Cookie Crumbs series to be released.❤️

This short holiday romance novella is the cutest little story! Although it’s short, it didn’t skimp put on detail, or the romantic suspense we all enjoy in a sweet romance story!The whole vibe of this book and the characters is just so endearing! I was able to read this super fast, which I enjoyed because it is a great palette cleanser compared to the longer books I have been reading🥰

The story takes place in 1971 and 1972, which I found very intriguing, as I haven’t read many books in an older time period. The world building and character building were very well executed. This will certainly not be my last read from Elle! Even though I am used to liking dual POV, this first person POV was very easy to follow and you still get to feel the character’s emotions all the same.

The story follows Victor as he is launching a Christmas Tree Farm, which Adelaide helps him do with her creative thinking and beautiful handmade ornaments. Her ideas and willingness to help Victor all while sparking a magical romance was so much fun to see! ❤️🎄✨ I loved the way Victor was so sweet, and nervous about confronting Adelaide and his feelings for her, and how caring Adelaide was. They both helped each other come out of their shells and take off in their businesses as well as their personal lives! 😍

Don’t miss out on this amazing Christmas romance!
I look forward to reading the rest of the series and embarking on yet another Christmas series journey!💖

Thank you to the author for the copy in advance and allowing me to share my opinions.

[thisBandherbooks ✨☀️🌻Buffy🌻☀️✨ · Rating 5 out of 5]

✨Arc Review✨

💖 Victor & Adelaide 💖

This cute friends to lovers book is set in the 70’s in Canada. The cutest, shyest, guy named Victor wants to ask Adelaide on a date. He’s also got big dreams to have a thriving Christmas Tree Farm. He’s got competition, but with Adelaide‘s help by selling her beautiful, stained glass Christmas ornaments. He thinks he’ll edge out the competition, no doubt. This works perfect for Adelaide as she is trying to get a new business off the ground and this should help her save the money she needs to do so. With a little Christmas magic and their first sale, their romance takes off as does their businesses. I thoroughly enjoyed this and how sweet & cute Victor and Addy were with each other. I especially loved the epilogue.

🎄This is part of the Christmas Kisses and Cookie Crumbs Series and it comes with a recipe for Coconut Christmas tree cookies at the end!!!🎄

Thank you so much, @ellerushauthor for this advanced copy🫶🏻 I will definitely be checking out more of your books.

[Stacey · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book released in the 12 book multi-author series. They are all short & sweet novellas, all stand-alone & can be read in any order. They also all come with a recipe that coordinates with the story!

This was a really quick read set in Canada in the year 1971. It was such a sweet friends-to-more romance between Victor & Adelaide with all the Christmas feels of a holiday Hallmark movie. There were mentions of classic holiday songs, a Christmas tree farm, handmade ornaments, Christmas traditions & sweet treats!! (Don't forget to grab the recipe in the back if you're reading in KU before returning the book too!! You'll want to save each of them as you read along through the series!)

I loved watching the two MCs go from timid acquaintances to friends & continuing on into a full blown relationship as they grow closer & more familiar with each other. Just a really sweet & wholesome fun story! What a great start to the series!

This was a new-to-me author & excited to read more from Elle!

[Traci · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Victor just needed a little help crossing the finish line.
He had a feeling Adelaide was the person to do it.”

The Christmas Tree Connection by Elle Rush is the first book in a new series, and what a cute start! This novella features Victor and Adelaide. They are both entrepreneurs who are waiting for their big break in life and have to decide if taking the risk on each other and their business ideas is worth it! I found this story to be charming and quick – the perfect read to end my busy day and still give me the warm and fuzzy moments I want during the Christmas season.

This new series, the Christmas Kisses and Cookie Crumbs, will feature 12 novellas that are meant to be short reads to brighten your day, and also include recipes for delicious cookies to add even more joy to your holiday season.

Sweet kisses only!

[sassygirlreads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christmas Tree Farm is the first book in the Christmas Kisses & Cookie crumbs series. It is a bite-sized little morsel of a story filled with lots of Christmas magic!

Meet Victor, who has dreamed of owning his own Christmas tree farm. Meet Adelaide, who works at a bank but would rather be making and selling her stained-glass ornaments.

Victor and Adelaide have a sweet connection from the beginning. They start out as friends helping each other and that friendship develops into so much more along the way. The support of each other is admirable.

- Sweet Christmas novella
- Lumberjack(ish) MMC
- Creative FMC
- Fun crushing going on
- Work together
- Friends to more
- Following dreams
- Christmas magic

Christmas Tree Connection is a short and cozy Christmas read perfect when you need just a bit of holiday cheer.

Happy reading!

[HEATHER · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the first book I have read by Elle Rush and I can't wait to read more of her books. This was such a sweet short story. This is a quick read that only took an hour or so to read. Victor is counting down the days until he can open North Pole Evergreen tree lot. He's trying to find ways to be better then his competition. Adelaide is a teller at a bank Victor frequents and they have had a crush on each other. One day he asks for her help and she says yes. She makes beautiful ornaments and together they start making plans on how they can make his tree lot even better. This story will have you smiling so much and will give you Hallmark vibes. I would HIGHLY recommend this book!

Thank you Elle Rush for allowing me to read this ARC for my honest opinion.

[Tammy Lunsford - Escape to Books By Tammy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This sweet little treat is perfect for a cold winter day with a blanket and cup of something warm.

Victor is excited for his grand opening of his Christmas tree farm, North Pole Evergreen Trees. He finally works up the nerve to ask Adelaide for her assistance. These two have so much excitement and energy, and they feed off of each other as they plan the big day.

If you love Christmas novellas, you will enjoy this short read. It will put you in the spirit of the holidays.

Thank you to the author for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Asheley T. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Victor is a young Christmas tree farm owner and Adelaide has a homemade Christmas ornament business. The two are business partners with big dreams and big crushes on one another. It’s set in the 1970’s and I loved the nods to the great 70’s music and life before cellphones. It’s a short read but so cute and there is plenty of Christmas in it with all of the trees🎄🎄🎄at Victor’s tree farm.

This Christmas novellette comes in at a fun-sized 51 pages and available on KU, which is where I read it. It’s part of the Christmas Kisses & Cookie Crumbs Series.

[Shana · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a cute short story to get you into the Christmas season. I just loved how the characters Victor and Adelaide start as friends helping each other to accomplish their dreams in a small town to open a Christmas tree farm and sell ornaments.

This is a closed door romcom with a HEA ending.

This is the first book in the Christmas Kisses and Cookie Crumbs novelette series, which is a multi author series.

[Abby · Rating 4 out of 5]

This short story was too cute! I thoroughly enjoyed reading Adelaide and Victors Christmas infused love story. They are perfect for each other in every way. I truly wish that I could visit the North Pole Evergreen tree lot to purchase a beautiful red cardinal ornament made by Adelaide and a fresh scented tree from Victor. Would definitely recommend if you want to read a quick, clean, happily ever after Christmas romance.

[Carissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christmas Tree Crush is the first in the Christmas Kisses and Cookie Crumbs multi-author series.

This was such a cute holiday novella! I loved how Victor and Adelaide started as friends, helping and supporting each other’s dreams! Their connection was undeniable from the beginning. Victor was so sweet and nervous when he first talked with Adelaide, and I loved all of her ideas for the tree farm and how willing she was to jump in and help Victor with everything. Even though this is a short read, the attention to detail is spot on!

I would definitely recommend this sweet cookie crumb for a quick, clean Christmas romance with a HEA!

Thank you to the author for the copy of this book. All thoughts are my own.

[Koren | the_blue_eyed_bluestocking · Rating 5 out of 5]

This short and sweet novelette put me right into the Christmas spirit. Our family loves buying real Christmas trees so a little tree lot war with romance on the side was perfect! Adelaide and Victor work together to make his new lot a success with great ideas and chemistry. I loved their teamwork and the happy ending!

I received a complimentary copy of the author's story to read and review. All thoughts contained here are my own.

[Karen Brasher · Rating 4 out of 5]

Christmas Tree Connection

Victor and Adelaide have a cute story that is extremely short but sweet. When Victor asked Adelaide to add her stained glass ornaments to the fresh Christmas trees at his Christmas tree farm, he did not realize the path his life would take. Their partnership would either make or break his business endeavors. If you want to spend a relaxing break on a short Christmas story, this is one you might like to check out.

[Allegra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a short and fun retro love story. It is a sweet kisses-only, 70s throwback, small town, Christmas tree farm, and he falls first with lots of Christmas bobbles. I had so much fun reading this book. It is always unique to read a story from decades gone by. Adelaide & Victor's love story was a slow burn as they got the nerve to express their feelings. I highly recommend all of the books in this series!

[Audra PC · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cutesy small town Christmas novella. Supposed to be set in early 70s but really the only thing that would indicate would be the album release dates and a “groovy” comment.

Beyond that it’s a quick adventure of someone wanting to start a business they had planned for years and sank all their money into. Hoping it’s a successful launch.

Cute, worth a holiday read. No spice, but a short kissing scene.

[Katie Fitzgerald · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is such a delightfully cozy Christmas novella! I love that the heroine is a bank teller (I used to be one too), and I loved the rivalry between the Christmas tree lots and the adorable love connection. And I'm so excited to learn that this is a prequel and there is a whole series set in this world, not to mention a whole bunch more novellas by other authors in the Christmas Kisses & Cookie Crumbs collection. I know what I'm doing between now (12/6) and Christmas!