Trapped Under the Christmas Tree

Christmas Tree, PA Sweet Romcom #1

by Jessie Gussman

Jake, the town’s most eligible bachelor, volunteers to help set up the massive Christmas tree in the town square, but a misplaced ornament sends the whole thing crashing down—right on top of him. Stuck and unable to move, he calls out for help, and the last person he expects to see is shy librarian Tessa.

As Tessa helps him out from under the branches, they bond over their mutual love for the holidays.

Could this Christmas tree disaster turn into the best thing that’s happened to them both?

Genres: Christmas, Romance, Novella, Christian Romance, Christian

70 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 18, 2024

Reviews

[Joy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute quick read

[Susan]

So cute!

[Tonya · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute short story

[Michele · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awww! My goodness what a sweet read! I didn’t know what to expect from this short novella but my goodness what an enjoyable short read. And that ending! *sigh* This is a great snack-sized story to fit in between all the business of the season. I definitely recommend this to anyone, especially if you need a few quiet moments away from all the activity this time of year brings. Love it!
* I received an advance copy of this book. My reviews are my own.

[Cindy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Just okay

Cute short story. I like this author but this one was a bit unrealistic. But I like that it was a quick read.

[Alisha Grant · Rating 3 out of 5]

Charming Christmas tale with unexpected God discussion in Chapter 8 like the author was venting then story continues with lighter fare.

[Jane litherland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love at first sight , and a sorry sight it is , a misplaced bauble and he’s all a tangle ,whose fault is it ? His? Help he does yelp for someone to rescue him from under the bough , what he sees is an Angel ,he must be dreaming ,or he must’ve bumped his head cos wow! Little does Jake Bilmer realise ,she knows who he is has fancied him for years crushed and all. When Tessa Connoy sees who it is she is in a right tizzy , she hops back up to her overlooking apartment and gets busy finding supplies . Not the sort like mince pies and so forth , more like a tent and some cocoa .She has to keep him warm so an excuse for snuggles under a few blankets . What’s the harm? She’s already lost in his eyes that are warm and inviting. How exciting her pulse is racing and the brisk winter air is bracing.There’s no disguising her measuring him up for size. But when they start chatting they have lots in common and Cupid has lost an arrow somewhere under this tree. They’re not giving it back because they’re all lived up you see , like a pair of love sick fools . The miracle of Christmas…well the Christmas tree jewels, is live , it’s real , just hurry up now before it loses its zest and its zeal and the feels. Before they freeze as it’s so cold it’s unreal as in Alaska or Greenland even , like that song about the snow that’s deep crisp and even. It’s cold ,pure as ice but it’s nice talking like this . The two of them are both ripe and ready for a kiss . Any mistletoe on this here tree. Wouldn’t that be great to see, that would seal their fate. A kiss so pure , for the librarian Tessa is pure and demure to have on their date. She doesn’t want to wait for her mister right anymore , he’s right here and it’s no chore , to be by his side …if only…evermore. Awesome fun and Christmas treat, all so wholesome and sweet. Feel good too. My heart and my cup was overflowing with such joy of the season ,oh look it’s snowing . There’s a reason that Jessie Gussman is a bestseller. Because this book is awesome , don’t mind if you tell her , with great storytelling and background,sound. The joy of Christmas is in the bag and so profound and good. From this author like I knew it would be ,you see. Because well it ain’t no mystery , she ain’t no misery or bah humbug trope. Because she wouldn’t pen so meaningful stories that are filled with hope. Bravo , encore , is it too late to ask for more?….

[Lana Burton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this “love, maybe at first sight” story so much. The hero has decided to stay in the town square and try to finish decorating the town tree, while everyone else has gone to the nearby interstate where a wreck has occurred. Mister “I can do this humongous tree all by myself!” tips over the ladder and down he comes with a huge tree branch landing on his ankle and he cannot move. Plus, the winter storm is almost upon him, and he actually feels a little bit of rain on his face! The heroine lives in an apartment above the town square and is about to go to bed, when she glances out her window and sees that the tree has fallen over. Well, nothing can be done until the man who owns the huge crane gets back from the scene of the accident. But, wait, is that a foot she sees wiggling around? She, being the town librarian, decides she HAS to get out and make sure someone isn’t hurt. Oh, my, it’s the man she’s had a crush on for years! What can she do? She goes back into her apartment and gathers up blankets-lots of blankets, some of her famous cocoa and her niece’s tent (a Christmas gift), and goes back down to see if she can make him comfortable. The two of them begin talking and realizing that they have so much in common and that they really enjoy each other’s company so much. Is there such a thing as falling in “wanting to be married”? They were there for several hours, she snuggled up to his back to keep him from getting hypothermia, and they talk about what they want in life. They agree upon everything they talk about: the lifestyle one should lead to have a happy marriage, etc. They laugh and talk about everything until the crew comes back and rescues him. Now, I’m not going to tell you how this story ends. You have to buy this book for yourself and enjoy it as a immensely as I did. I know you will. 🙏💖💙

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

In true Jessie Gussman fashion, this book starts out making me laugh out loud. Jake decides to start trimming the huge Christmas tree in town square by himself since all rescue personnel left to respond to a massive accident on the Interstate. As soon as the description of his actions using the tall ladder to start putting the lights on the top of the tree is revealed, I can just picture the disaster that is about to happen. You guessed it. The ladder starts to fall into the tree with Jake on it. He gets trapped on the ground with his foot trapped under the tree that he cannot move. He can't call for help because his phone landed too far away for him to reach it. It is cold and the forecast is for freezing rain and it is already dark outside. Tessa lives in an upstairs apartment across the street from the tree. When she hears a crash and looks out her window she sees the tree on the ground and something red moving underneath it. Even though she is in her pajamas, she puts on a coat and goes to investigate. When she finds Jake, the most eligible bachelor of Christmas Tree, PA, who she has a crush on trapped under the huge tree, she has to overcome her shyness to help Jake. The things she does to help is almost as funny as the tree falling especially when the rescue crews return to town and find them both under the tree. They were there long enough to get to know each other leading to a romance. I highly recommend this book as a clean and funny romance with interesting characters. This is my voluntary and honest review.

[Star-Book Reviewer · Rating 5 out of 5]

A quick little romcom done in the witty style that only Jessie Gussman can do that keeps you smiling as you turn the pages. This is book one in the Christmas Tree, PA Series set in the small town of Christmas Tree, Pennsylvania and the book opens with the town’s most eligible bachelor for three years straight, Jake Bilmer, attempting to decorate the town’s humongous Christmas tree when disaster strikes. Town librarian Tessa Connoy has just made herself a cup of her famous family secret hot chocolate when she notices something unusual out in the town square where the Christmas tree should be standing. What is unusual is that the tree is not standing and it appears to be someone under it. And, yes, this begins the saga and possibly the love story of Jake and Tessa. This clean and less than two hour read is an absolute delight for a quick pick-me-up after a busy day of all the holiday hustle and bustle. Told in dual first person, the reader gets all the wit and godly wisdom that Jessie Gussman is the expert of giving through the words and thoughts of the two main character, Jake and Tessa, as they try to rescue Jake while getting to know each other. Marvelous start to a wintery Christmastime series. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Gail · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Trapped Under the Christmas Tree" by Jessie Gussman is a heartwarming Christmas novella.
Emily is the town librarian, loves her books, and her special superpower is her secret family recipe for hot chocolate. Early one night, after she had fixed herself some hot chocolate and was ready to get into bed with her favorite book and warm pj's she hears someone calling and hurries outside into the wintry cold to find that someone is trapped under the town's Christmas tree that had fallen over and on top of them. Josh, the town's most eligible bachelor, was planning to decorate the town square's Christmas tree while the rest of the town was away responding to a major traffic accident on the highway. Unfortunately, his plans went awry (or did they?) when his ladder tipped & he fell, with the Christmas tree landing on top of him.
The warm and witty conversation between Emily and Josh as she takes extreme measures to rescue him was sweet and held my interest. I recommend this clean, short and sweet Christmas novella by one of my favorite authors. While I usually prefer my books longer, "Trapped Under the Christmas Tree" is a satisfying quick read during the busy Christmas season. Grab your cup of hot chocolate, a fluffy blanket and enjoy!
I received a complimentary ARC of this book and have voluntarily given my honest opinion in this review.

[Karly · Rating 1 out of 5]

My rating: 1⭐️ umm… not a fan…it was just off!!

This short story (70 pages) promised a sweet romcom… and after the last few that I have read, and really enjoyed I was in the right mood… firstly its never good when you fall asleep (like fast asleep) at 40% in a 70 page book …

And second, this was just weird… the story I guess had promise, most eligible bachelor, large Christmas tree falls on him, and the mousy librarian comes to his rescue with hot chocolate, blankets and her own body heat.. umm what!!

But I was like ok these stories are a bit like this… but it just got weird. They started talking about arranged marriages (they didn't really know each other) instead of romance, how romance could come after marriage so long as they were committed to the other person for life… now… if they were dating and that was were it was going i get but honestly.. they barely knew each other and the conversation was just plain weird.

I wasn’t into this at all… and I was bored… and it wasn’t even slightly funny or fun… I just yeah… not for me.. the dialogue was preachy and boring, the characters were one dimensional and it was poorly written.

Not romantic, not funny…not a winner!!

So the spell is broken on my RomCom streak… 😭what to do now… more murder and mayhem or should I try again!!!

[Joyce Marion · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jake owns a farm outside of Christmas Tree, PA. He has reindeer that the town uses for various events throughout the year. He has also been voted most eligible bachelor for the past 3 years. Jake gave up dating 5 years ago because it seemed that the girls he dated weren't interested in being a farmer's wife or even interested in commitment. This year, Jake was put in charge of decorating the town's Christmas tree in the town square. Earlier in the day, an accident on the interstate in a neighboring town has pulled all the first responders away. Jake decides to start decorating the tree by himself. When the ladder falls and he falls into the tree, the tree falls on top of him. His foot is trapped beneath a limb and he can't get out. Tessa is the quiet town librarian. She lives above the Christmas store and hears the tree fall. She notices someone under the tree and goes to help. Since she can't get him out, she covers him with blankets and a tent - since it has started to rain - freezing rain. She stays with him until help can be sent. As they talk and share, they realize they agree on so many things. Tessa has had a crush on Jake since high school. He was 4 years older and way out of her league. Popular, outgoing while she was quiet and shy. Fun, sweet book.

[Dee Riley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I got so into this book last night that I didn’t want to put it down. I think it’s so cute how Tessa and Jake get together. Jake is decorating the town’s Christmas tree by himself. everyone else, the fire department, the police department, all first responders, and anyone else that can go help with a major accident on the highway. Tessa thinks she sees something under the tree but isn’t sure. She goes outside to check to see what she can do to help and if there really is someone under the tree. She tries to lift the tree off of Jake’s foot. But it’s too heavy and she’s unable to even move it any.

Jake’s phone is smashed due to the fall. They can’t use his phone. Tessa goes back to her apartment and grabs blankets, her phone, and the tent for her niece. She also grabs 2 cups of hot chocolate. Rushes back outside to Jake. She makes him comfortable cuddles up next to him to share body heat. She puts the tent over them due to the icy rain that has started. She calls 911 for help.

To see how this book ends you will need to read. Good clean book. Shorter than her usual books but just as good yes, I recommend this book. And back by this authors awesome.

[Louis D.Gargarella · Rating 5 out of 5]

I Never Thought

Jack was asked to decorate the town's Christmas tree and said that he would. When a group of the men were to meet to decorate there was a 911 Emergency call. All the first responders had to leave Jack and go to the call. Jake decided to try and put the lights up on the tree. He set up the ladder and climbed up. Once up near the top he realized he was still far from the tree. While stretching out as far as he could to try and attach the lights to the tree he lost his balance and trying to adjust his weight he and the ladder fell into the tree. The the tree fell with him and suddenly he found himself under the tree on the cold pavement. He checked himself and figured he hadn't been hurt. His phone dropped out of his pocket, he couldn't move and he was getting cold. Luckily Tessa, the librarian, started gazing out her window and noticed that the tree and ladder had fallen. As she was gazing she th out she saw movement under the tree. Tessa went quickly outside to investigate the situation and started thinking and trying to help Jack. Please read the story to how Tessa becomes Jake's hero.
MK

[Mary Ann Speel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great short Christmas story, quick read before bed. H owns a farm out side of town and is very active in the events in town. He volunteered to decorate the giant Christmas tree that came from his farm and expected to have others come to help him, but none show up because they have gone to an emergency outside of town. He decided that he wanted to get the job done and decided to do it alone. In the process the ladder tipped and he fell into the tree. The tree also fell down and trapped him underneath it. Then it started to rain. As he gets very cold he suddenly has unexpected help, the town librarian whose apartment windows over look the square. She successfully makes him comfortable as they wait for his rescue. After the rescue the H decides that the h is worth developing a everlasting relationship with. You will love the H and the h for the individuals that they are. Recommend this story to everyone who loves sweet Christmas stories. ENJOY!

[Rebmay · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novella is a perfectly delightful treat to read any time of year, not just during the holiday season. Though they have known of each other for years, Jake, a farmer, and Tessa, the town’s librarian, do not really know each other personally. That changes the night a tree falls on him, literally. It is the town’s enormous Christmas that he had been trying to decorate himself when all the other would be helpers were called away on an emergency. Stuck under the tree, unable to wriggle out from under it’s weight, his phone smashed and freezing rain in the immediate forecast, Jake wonders how he is going to get himself out of this prickly and rather dangerous situation. Fortunately, an unexpected angel, Tessa, appears to help him in his time of need. Tessa not only sees to his immediate needs of warmth and shelter from the elements, she also brightens his heart and opens the door to a future together.

This sweet, inspiring story has my wholehearted recommendation.

[Elizabeth Fiscus · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novella is just right when you want to finish a story during a quiet afternoon or before going to bed for the night.
When the town square's Christmas tree gets abandoned instead of decorated due to all the decorating volunteers except one getting called away to an emergency, the final person available decides to go through with his plan to get the tree done. Until the tree decides it would rather be horizontal instead of vertical...trapping the well-meaning decorator underneath. Thankfully, the town's librarian hears the crash and comes to the rescue! Well, sort of. She provides company and conversation and the two realize that they had way more in common than they originally thought!
I love the small town feel that Jessie Gussman incorporates into many of her stories. Heartwarming and inspirational! I received an advance copy of this story from the author. That in no way influenced my review.

[Leis Phinney · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a clean Christmas rom com, the first in a new series of novellas by Jessie Gussman. Tessa has had a crush on Jake for years, but he never noticed Tessa. Now, trying to decorate the town Christmas tree by himself, Jake knocks it over and finds himself stuck under it alone. Tessa, the town librarian has just settled in for the evening when she hears the tree fall. She can't move the tree, but she can call for help and do what she can to keep him warm and dry, because of course, the freezing rain has started. Snuggled under the tree, waiting for rescue, Jake and Tessa have chance to get to know one another. What will happen when they are free to go their own way? This is a sweet quick read with conversations about character and values along with humor and all the feelings of Christmas! I received an ARC of this book and it is my honest opinion that you will really enjoy it.

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fun short bite sized Christmas Romance. I read it in a few hours and it was a complete story.

When Josh, the town’s most eligible bachelor, tries to decorate the massive Christmas tree in the town square by himself, he runs into a problem when the tree falls down with him trapped under it. No one is in town to help because there was a big accident on the nearby highway which has all of the first responders helping with the pileup. The weather is turning cold with icy rain possibly snow expected.
He doesn't think anyone will hear his cry for help so he is totally surprised when the shy town librarian, Emily shows up to assist him

Josh doesn't really know her well but as the night goes on and she does all she can to help him get warm and protected from the weather- Josh will discover she just might be the girl he has been waiting for.

Emily may be shy but she knows a lot about Josh, the town's most eligible bachelor. She has had a crush on him for a long time. What will happen when she steps out of her comfort zone to come to Josh's rescue?

I received a copy of this book from the author and this is my honest unbiased review.

[Dotty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clean Quick read
He just wanted to get a head start and do something nice. Josh decides that while most of the town is working a car accident, he would go ahead and start decorating the town Christmas tree. He did not count on falling and landing under the tree and not being able to get out.
Emily is already to go snuggle up in her warm bed with a book when she hears a noise outside. she decides to go look. She just happens to see something and decides to go outside in the cold to investigate there she finds Josh. What can she do she's just the town Libiran?
I love how the Characters interact with each other to figure out the problem Josh has found himself in. It shows how we should think of others and care about others.

[JLBBM · Rating 5 out of 5]

Trapped Under the Christmas Tree is book 1 in Jessie Gussman’s Christmas Tree, PA Sweet Romcom Reads series. The name of this series says it all. This short book is a very sweet romantic comedy. Who else but the outgoing, town’s most eligible bachelor would get trapped under the town square’s giant Christmas tree trying to decorate it by himself? And who else but the quiet librarian would be the one to find him and stay with him in the icy rain storm until help can get there? But what really makes this story a 5 star read is how by talking and getting to know each other they realize that they may be total opposites, but their values, morals and what they’re looking for in a relationship are very similar.
I can’t wait to read the next book in this series.

[Lucia Valenzuela · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Christmas romcom. Jake is trapped as he cannot free his foot from under the tree. Lying on the cold stones and without the proper clothing, he is in danger of hypothermia. Tessa just glances out her window after hearing a loud noise, but she is sure she sees something red and possibly moving under the fallen tree. I love that she doesn’t hesitate to check things out even though she is already in her flannel pajamas. She grabs the presents she bought for others to cover and protect him. Her caring and character really shines through. The way Jake and Tessa have an honest conversation while trapped is amazing. A wonderful job as always, Jessie Gussman!
I received a copy of this book from the author and this is my voluntary, honest review.

[Sandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you want a fun, humorous, short Christmas read this is my choice. “Sometimes I’m not very smart.” Jake started out by mentioning this fact before he tried to decorate the huge Christmas tree on the town square, only to prove himself accurate by falling off the ladder, into the tree which fell and landed on him. With most of the town away at an accident, he was trapped, his phone too far to reach so no way to call for help. What to do? Ms. Gussman has a great imagination, and this book is no exception. With Tessa, the librarian he never noticed to the rescue would that be enough? It’s a really heavy tree. Loved the humor and seeing them get to know each other.

Received an ARC and this is my honest, unsolicited review.

[Becky Collins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emily is a shy quiet librarian and she is up in her apartment over a shop that looks over the town square in Christmas Tree, PA. She had just put on her jammies and made her a cup of hot cocoa and was ready to settle in for the night when she hears a crash. She looks out her window and sees someone moving slightly underneath the massive town Christmas tree. She runs down to see if she can help. It was Josh the eligible bachelor of the town. Most of the emergency crews were out working a wreck on the interstate. She knew she couldn’t do much for him other than try to keep him warm and comfortable. This was such a sweet short story and it is the first of six short stories by Jessie Gussman.

I received this ARC from the author and I am leaving review voluntarily.

[Michelle Dodge · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a sweet and clean short Christian romance. This is the book you want to grab when you don’t have a lot of time. Less than 100 pages.

Jake is working on the town’s Christmas tree by himself as everyone else helping have been called out on an emergency regarding an accident on the road. However, as he’s trying to do this by himself, the tree falls on him. Tessa, the town librarian, sees something moving and goes to check. Can she help him get out before the storm happens?

This is a cute, short novella. I enjoyed the quick story with Christian values. Getting to know someone for what’s on the inside versus how they look and for their character can show a long lasting relationship.

I received an ARC from the author and am leaving an honest review.

[Elaine Coghlan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Trapped Under the Christmas Tree ~ Christmas Tree PA Sweet Romcom #1 by Jessie Gussman.

A wonderful short Christmas story that has been written brilliantly. This is set in a small town called Christmas Tree PA and it's time to set up the town's Christmas Tree. Josh is the town's most eligible bachelor, and he has taken it upon himself to set up the tree by himself. All is good until it isn't and he gets trapped under the tree. Emily the towns librarian here's the crash and goes to help. Will They find love under the Christmas Tree?
A great start to a new 6 book series from Jessie, highly recommendable.

Reasons I enjoyed this book:
Easy-to-read, Entertaining, Happily Ever After, Page-turner, Romantic, andWonderful characters

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jake owns reindeer, is the towns most eligible bachelor and lives in a town called Christmas Tree so he has to love Christmas. So of course he volunteers to help decorate the town tree.
When a multi-car accident calls all first responders aka all his helpers out of town he decides to continue on his own which ends up putting him in a dangerous situation with a storm starting.
Luckily the town librarian looks out and sees something and goes to investigate and finds him.
While waiting for help to arrive she stays with him and they start talking about a lot of things and really get to know each other.
But what will happen now help has arrived and he no longer needs her.
A wonderful short story and wonderful characters.
I voluntarily read an arc and this is my honest opinion.

[Margaret P Medberry · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Jake, the town’s most eligible bachelor gets trapped under the huge town square Christmas tree, Tessa, the quiet librarian is the only one available to help. Since all of the available fire and rescue people are off dealing with a pile-up on the interstate, Tessa has to help keep Jake warm and dry until someone can help.

This delightful and funny novella from the equally delightful mind of Jessie Gussman is a terrific little tale of two people discovering each other. Clever and romantic, it is both fun and inspirational and a lovely diversion for a cozy Christmas season evening.

I received this advance reader copy for free and I am voluntarily offering my honest opinion.

[Sandra Hartzel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had an ARC for this book, but this is my voluntary and honest opinion. Bachelor Josh is trimming the town Christmas tree when the ladder tips and the tree falls on top of him trapping him. All the first responders are at an accident on the interstate. Town librarian, Emily sees him, and goes to get blankets and a tent to cover him since it’s starting to sleet. She joins him on the ground to help keep him warm until help arrives. It’s the first time he has spent time with her and he decides he’d like to spend more time with her. A lighthearted Christmas story that makes you think about people you might be overlooking.