Once Upon a Christmas Carol

by Melody Carlson

What will happen when a tropical escape from holiday blues turns into a snowy wonderland filled with joy and cheer?

Carol Langstrom hates Christmas. Growing up in a dysfunctional home, with a birthday on December 25 and too many dashed childhood expectations, she would rather avoid the holiday season. And working in the design industry where she manages seasonal decor for wealthy, entitled clients certainly hasn't helped!   

So, this year her goal is to flee to the Bahamas--by herself--bah humbug! But bad weather and God's radically different plan redirect her flight to blustery Michigan, where she gets stuck on her aunt's farm and discovers a different kind of Christmas--one wrapped in love, family, and holiday spirit.

Melody Carlson's Christmas novella delivers all the charm of a holiday Hallmark movie, is rooted in Christian faith, woven with sweet romance, and features A Christmas Carol themes.

Genres: Christmas, Romance, Christian Fiction, Holiday, Fiction, Audiobook, Christian

169 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 1, 2025

About the author

Melody Carlson is the award-winning author of over two hundred books, several of them Christmas novellas from Revell, including her much-loved and bestselling book, The Christmas Bus.

She also writes many teen books, including the Diary of a Teenage Girl series, the TrueColors series, and the Carter House Girls series.

Melody was nominated for a Romantic Times Career Achievement Award in the inspirational market for her books, including the Notes from a Spinning Planet series and Finding Alice, which is in production as a Lifetime Television movie. She and her husband serve on the Young Life adult committee in central Oregon.

Reviews

[Cara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once Upon A Christmas Carol written by Melody Carlson was ✨🎄😭magical, heart warming, snowy, captivating, emotional, and whimsical✨🎄😭. As September rolls around the corner, I absolutely love picking out Christmas books, and of course I always have to make sure Melody Carlson makes that list because her Christmas books truly are the most magical gems. You just can’t spell Christmas without a Melody Carlson novella. I had the biggest honor of being spoiled like a little kid in a candy story with the chance to read this precious holiday novella early, and I couldn’t be more blessed because I mean, look at that snowy back drop, the twinkle lights, a cabin decked out in Christmas decorations, and of course that red truck that likes to make it’s presence known during the winter/holiday months. 🎄👑🤶As many of you know by now, or you are new here, one of my best friends SK has given me the nickname The Christmas Queen because I’m just a sucker for a cutesy Christmas book🎄👑🤶. I know Christmas should be all about happy moments, but Once Upon A Christmas Carol was about family, forgiveness, found family, making memories, and being surrounded by your loved ones. I typically don't talk about my Faith, but Once Upon A Christmas Carol was so big on Faith and praying to God when times get tough, it was truly just so beautiful to witness. This book better be on everyone's Christmas list this year or I will haunt you, because you definitely don't want to miss out on Melody Carlson's new Christmas novella. Oops, did I mention how much I loved this perfect story? Well, I absolutely loved it so much that the only thing I would change is that I would love to see this become a full length novel, because I never wanted it to end, oh, Once Upon A Christmas Carol needs to be a Hallmark movie as well.

THANK YOU TO NETGALLEY AND REVELL FOR AN ARC OF THIS BOOK IN EXCHANGE FOR AN HONEST REVIEW!!!!!!!

"💓🎅I'm not sure if you are an angel of mercy or one of Santa's elves, but I'm so glad you are here💓🎅".

"❤😭Having someone beside you, someone you can go through struggles with, spending life with your best friend.... well, I think it's worth giving up a little independence❤😭".

"❤💚Mr. Right was a mere figment in fairy tales and Hallmark movies❤💚".

"💞✨Vivere il momento💞✨".

Carol Langstrom bah humbug absolutely hates Christmas thanks to her parents dysfunctional relationship during her childhood, well she's also known as "Christmas Carol" because her birthday is December 25th, which also happens to be the day of Christmas. Many people like to have a countdown to Christmas Day, well Miss Carol over here like to have a countdown to when Christmas will be over. Carol breaks out into hives at the sound of Jingle Bells playing, and The Twelve Days of Christmas grates on her ears like a dentist's drill. I know many people have their reasons for despising Christmas, but after hearing Carol's story my heart just broke for her. Carol works at Divine Design which is a home staging firm- Carol works for entitled clients that want to sell their houses, so she makes sure the houses are decorated for Christmas so they can sell faster. If you couldn't tell by this little information, Carol has Yuletide phobia because her love for Christmas has been ruined thanks to her parents constant bickering when she was just a little girl. Carol won't be joining her father and her step mom for Christmas in British Columbia like she usually does, instead she will be spending her Christmas in a sunny destination- THE BAHAMAS!!!!!!!

Carol is on a flight from Seattle Washington to The Bahamas when her flight gets delayed and canceled in Grand Rapids, Michigan due to tornadoes in the south and a huge snow storm deciding to wreck havoc on everyone's travel plans and Christmas plans. With no where to go because of the ground stop, Carol is stuck in Michigan until she can get on the next flight to The Bahamas but with Mother Nature that next flight is to be determined at a later date. When Carol is stuck at the airport, she learns she has an estranged aunt that lives in Michigan and she's more than willing to open her doors for Carol. This aunt used to send Christmas cards, but Carol's mom would just throw them away in the trash unopened. Carol has never met her aunt, but as her flight gets cancelled she spends time with her aunt- Maria O'Harney. Maria lives in Miller Creek, Michigan. Maria used to live with her husband- Don but he was killed in a tragic tractor accident. Maria fell and injured her arm before Carol's arrival, but now that Carol is there she gets reacquainted with her aunt Maria. Maria is super big on her Faith, but she broke my heart, she had a miscarriage in 1985 with her first child and was never able to get pregnant again. I absolutely loved and adored Maria, she was such a pure angel.

During the time at her aunt's house, Carol is in charge of decorating for Christmas. But before arriving, Carol is picked up at the airport by Victor Clarkson who is the son to one of Maria's best friend. Victor, my goodness, this man was so freaking sweet, he can cook, he has a sense of humor, he's intelligent and so kind. Together, Maria, Carol, and Victor decide to spend time with another and they all decorate Maria's house together. On Christmas Eve, this lovely group of humans talk about their ritual of having Sicilian dishes for Christmas Eve dinner. As I was reading, it felt like I had known Carol, Victor, and Maria forever, but their strength is God truly was so beautiful. I know it's only September, but this novella made me want to start decorating for Christmas already, but I won't because I still need to have my first pumpkin spice latte. This was also the very first Christmas for Maria without her husband, I just wanted to reach into my kindle and give this amazing kind hearted woman the biggest hug, but I'm truly so happy she had Carol and Victor to lean on. It truly was magical to spend Christmas in Miller Creek, Michigan with all of these beautiful kind characters. I absolutely loved the found family trope, it was so heart warming to witness all of these characters finding each other during the dark times despite the holidays arriving on their doorstep within a click of their fingers. Carol, Maria, and Victor, I will miss you all dearly and I wish you all the best in life.

[theliterateleprechaun · Rating 4 out of 5]

Melody Carlson writes to show us that being kind isn’t simply gratifying, but also a path to happiness and joy.

It’s amazing what a shift in perspective does for us and those we interact with daily. Wallowing in her frustration over the Christmas reverie and past disappointments, Carol Langstrom continues to dig a deep well of disappointment. The more she focuses on herself and what she doesn’t like about sharing her birthday with a seasonal holiday, it takes her further away from joy. A blizzard on her way to escaping Christmas is just the obstacle Carol needs to shift perspective.

I love that she learns to give of herself and help her estranged aunt Maria. In doing so, she mends all that is broken in her life. It’s a good lesson for us all; taking the focus off ourselves and putting it on helping others brings joy.

Carlson has blended faith, family, and romance in a charming Christmas read. If you enjoy A Christmas Carol, you’ll want to add this one to your holiday list.

[Karen J · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5⭐️’s

A very heartwarming story with love, compassion and forgiveness for family.

[Gloria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once Upon a Christmas Carol is a heartwarming story of love, faith, and healing. Carol is escaping Seattle and her job of decorating homes for Christmas in the Bahamas when her flight is deterred to Grand Rapids, Michigan due to storms across the country. Born on Christmas Day, thus her name, she does't like Christmas due to an unhappy childhood. She connects with an aunt that she has never met who lives outside the city. And since her Aunt Maria fell and hurt her arm, Carol is a godsend for an active woman. The two get acquainted and grow to care for each other in a short time. Carol discovers that Christmas is about family and friends, including a new possible romantic interest, that make the celebration of Christ's birth a joy. Sweet story.
I received a copy for the purpose of an honest review. These are my thoughts.

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

Once Upon A Christmas Carol by Melody Carlson
4 Stars

I really liked this year's Christmas novella by Melody! It has A Christmas Carol feel with our main character of Carol who is a bit of a Scrooge about Christmas, but she soon realizes Christmas may finally be a happy day after all when her planned trip to the Bahamas gets derailed due to a snow storm in Michigan - which just so happens to be where her Aunt Maria - who she never met before - lives. Her mother and Maria have been estranged for years due to a falling out many years ago. When Carol randomly calls her up needing a place to stay due to her travel delays, Maria is beyond kind and welcomes her to her farm with open arms. This blesses Carol in many ways.

As Carol stays with Maria, she realizes she may never want to leave and Michigan feels more like home than anywhere else before...especially after she meets the handsome Victor. :) Victor did have a girl Victoria he had been seeing on a few dates but nothing serious and you can tell he is trying to break it off with her at some point and its more on Victoria's side. I didn't mind that storyline really as there wasn't a romantic interest between Carol and Victor much with them until more of the end.

This book had a lot of holiday spirit, joy and read like it could easily be a Hallmark movie. We have all the checkboxes for a cute Christmas read - a sweet romance, family elements, the real meaning of Christmas and a girl who realizes what matters most.

Seeing Carol's perspective change on Christmas after spending time with her Aunt was the best part of the book. I loved their discussions about life, decorating, cooking, and just the holiday season.

I think the only thing that would have made it perfect was the addition of an epilogue - maybe like, 6 months later or the next year at Christmas with us seeing everyone together at that time. Other than that, solid Christmas book rec!

Thanks to Revell for a copy of this book to honestly read and review. All thoughts are my own

[Julie Durnell · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like to pick a sweet and lighthearted Christmas romance this time of the year and this one fit the bill perfectly! The occasional mentions of their faith was an extra bonus. I really enjoyed the setting of Michigan in a blizzard and the coziness of Carol’s Aunt Maria’s home. Victor made a nice love interest- a predictable plot or trope but hit the right notes for me!

[Sheila · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received a free copy of, Once Upon a Christmas Carol, by Melody Carlson, from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Carol Langstrom was born on Christmas, but is not a fan of Christmas at all. Carol plans to spend her birthday in a hot place, but ends up in Michigan at her aunts place. I thought this was a good read, a nice Christmas story. Carol, Victor, and Maria were good characters.

[Alissa J. Zavalianos · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first Melody Carlson novella and it won’t be my last. I adored this story! Truly something so sweet and special! I think Christmas novellas are now one of my new favorite genres. This story was the perfect length and held all the cutesy romance feels without the prolonged angst and miscommunication I often can’t stand. Now I only want to read Christmas stories!

Also, I love how in this short amount of time, we get so much characterization. I really loved Carol and Victor and that they both had likable qualities individually, not just romantically. Well done!

Thank you Revel Publishers for a copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.

[Carrie Schmidt · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s not Christmas without snow, twinkle lights, and a Melody Carlson novella… and Once Upon a Christmas Carol is as lovely and heartwarming as I expected it to be. Carol Langstrom thinks she’s escaping the holiday she hates by treating herself to a sunny vacation in the Bahamas instead of holing up at home in rainy Seattle. When a wide-reaching storm front strands her in wintry Michigan instead, she throws herself on the mercy of a local aunt she’s never met and quickly discovers that God’s plan might not look like we expected but it’s always perfect and way better than our own.

I enjoyed getting to know Carol, her recently-widowed aunt Maria, and family friend Victor in Once Upon a Christmas Carol. Each of these characters has compelling layers and drew me easily into their charming shared story, as though I were enjoying the winter weather and preparing for Christmas right beside them. Carol and Victor have instant chemistry but I appreciated that their relationship progresses at a reasonable pace, despite Carol only being in Michigan for a few days. I also appreciated the especially swoony kiss we’re treated to though, so don’t mistake my ‘reasonable pace’ to mean ‘glacial’ LOL. I particularly loved Aunt Maria and wanted to just sit with her and chat a spell about life and God and – of course – Christmas. Victor’s parents were also lovely to meet on these pages, and Carol’s interactions with Victor’s dad melted my heart. Of course, it’s not all smooth skiing (‘sailing’ didn’t feel right, out of respect for Carol’s cancelled Bahamas trip lol) and their obstacles to a peaceful Christmas made this sweet story even more meaningful in the end. Kinda the way life works too, isn’t it?

Bottom Line: Once Upon a Christmas Carol by Melody Carlson weaves together endearing characters, a cozy small-town setting, a feel-good plot, and just the right amount of holiday drama. Carol’s journey from disappointment to unexpected joy is both relatable and inspiring, while her sweet connection with Victor adds the perfect touch of romance. Woven naturally through its pages, the themes of found family, forgiveness, and blessings in disguise each help make this story a heartwarming and rewarding read. It’s perfectly sized for a quick escape from the hustle and bustle of the holidays, and you’ll close the final page with a smile in your heart. If you’re already ready for Hallmark’s Countdown to Christmas, then make Once Upon a Christmas Carol your next read!

(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)

first reviewed at Reading Is My SuperPower

[Mary Jackson _TheMaryReader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Forgiveness, Family, and a little romance. This was the perfect Christmas getaway. I look forward to Carlsons Christmas novellas every year and this one melted my heart. Victor and Carol were the perfect couple. A must read this holiday season.
Mary Reader received this book from the publisher for review. A favorable review was not required, and all views expressed are our own.

[Tasha (the_clean_read_book_club) · Rating 5 out of 5]

“No one knew that Carol Langstrom hated Christmas.”

When your birthday falls on December 25th, sometimes Christmas doesn’t feel like a gift. For Carol, years of family dysfunction and holiday letdowns have left her ready to run as far from Christmas as possible. But when a tropical escape goes sideways, she finds herself in snowy Michigan, where God has a very different plan in store.

Once Upon a Christmas Carol by Melody Carlson has all the charm of a holiday Hallmark movie, but with deeper roots in faith, hope, and love. It’s tender, heartfelt, and reminds us that even when life hands us hard things, joy is found in Who we belong to.

Why you’ll love it:
Small-town farm holiday magic
Real-life struggles met with hope
Christian faith & a beautiful Christmas message
Sweet romance (kisses only!)
A novella you’ll devour in one sitting

This story is a beautiful tribute to what’s good in life—and why we celebrate Christmas in the first place. It left me smiling, comforted, and full of gratitude for the season ahead.

Once Upon a Christmas Carol is available now—the perfect cozy holiday read to kick off your Christmas stack.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Content/Trigger warning: neglectful parenting, falling out with family members, mention of miscarriage, romance (kisses only).

[Katherine. 🌸 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Мелоди Карлсон ни подарува кратка, слатка и топла приказна која совршено ја носи магијата на празниците. Главниот лик, Керол, е жена која отсекогаш го мразела Божиќ – иронија, бидејќи е родена токму на тој ден. Израсната во семејство полно со разочарувања, празниците за неа никогаш не биле симбол на радост.

Овој Божиќ, решена да избега од празничната атмосфера, Керол планира патување на Бахамите. Но, снежното време и откажаните летови ја носат во едно мало село во Мичиген, кај нејзината тетка. Токму таму, во само 24 часа, таа ќе открие дека љубовта, семејството и празничната атмосфера можат да ја променат нејзината перспектива и да ѝ донесат вистинска божиќна магија.

Со само 200 страници, книгата е лесна и брзо-читлива, идеална за празнични вечери со топло чајче. Карлсон успева да создаде приказна што е едноставна, но полна со емоции и надеж.

„Си беше еднаш една божиќна песна“ е книга што ќе ве потсети дека понекогаш најголемите подароци не се оние материјалните, туку моментите на блискост и љубов. Вреди да се прочита, дефинитивно! ♥

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

ONCE UPON A CHRISTMAS CAROL is a slow burn contemporary story that I was pulled in to from the very first page. To be honest, I fell in love with the cover the minute I saw it. I knew I would read it anyway, because I love Melody Carlson, but the cover really pulled me in. I mean, an old red pickup truck and a holiday decorated cabin? Yes please!! What more could you want? Melody Carlson has been on my author radar since I read the very first book by her. She has a way of making you become emotionally invested in all of her characters and soon you find yourself cheering them on and praying they find their happily ever after. Melody creates characters that pull you right in and never let you go, even after the last page is read. The way Melody writes, puts you right in the middle of their story, leaving you feeling like you truly know the characters and feeling exactly what they are going through. I love when an author can do that to me! I loved everything about this beautiful story and I’m excited to recommend it to my reading friends. Melody Carlson stories always has a way of grabbing readers and they never lets us go.

ONCE UPON A CHRISTMAS CAROL really takes a turn that will have you unable to put this beautiful story down. Neither Carol or Victor are looking for a relationship, but they can’t seem to ignore their growing feelings. Melody Carlson writes some amazing, holiday with all the feels stories! I started ONCE UPON A CHRISTMAS CAROL one afternoon and couldn’t stop reading until the very last page. I want to get out my tree and decorations now and set it up and it’s only September. I have always enjoyed Melody Carlson’s stories and this one does not disappoint. Melody’s stories always leave me feeling warm and fuzzy inside with a huge smile on my face. As I was reading, I felt like I was right there with Victor and Carol spreading Christmas cheer. Victor has a huge heart and just wants to have a happy Christmas. It is now a tradition every year to read Melody Carlson’s annual Christmas novella. ONCE UPON A CHRISTMAS CAROL is one of her best stories so far with this heart warming holiday tale set in Miller’s Creek, Michigan. Melody Carlson has a gift for telling uplifting and inspirational stories and she knows exactly how to get the reader in the holiday spirit. ONCE UPON A CHRISTMAS CAROL screams Hallmark movie and will make the reader crave hot chocolate.

ONCE UPON A CHRISTMAS CAROL is filled with twists and turns and will have the reader staying up way too late one night to finish! I had to know where Melody Carlson was taking us and what would happen to Maria, Victor, and Carol. There is so much heart in Melody’s writing that I’m always left with a huge smile on my face and my heart very happy. All of the characters are very interesting and believable, so much so that I felt as if I’ve known them for a very long time. I love how Melody does that to me each and every time. I can totally see ONCE UPON A CHRISTMAS CAROL becoming a Hallmark Christmas movie that I would love to watch. Melody Carlson always puts me on an emotional roller coaster and ONCE UPON A CHRISTMAS CAROL is exactly why! Now the only thing I’m sad about is, I just finished her wonderful book and now I have to wait for the next one! It was so nice to read a clean romance, where the couple actually have a friendship and not fall in love instantly. Although light, spiritual content is woven through the story and left my mind at peace. Melody has been one of my top authors from the very first book of hers that I had the pleasure of reading and when you read ONCE UPON A CHRISTMAS CAROL you will know exactly why.

I received a complimentary copy of this book through the author and Netgalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[Melissa (christianbooksandcoffee) · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars!

Carol doesn’t like Christmas. She tries to escape to the Bahamas but when her flight has to land unexpectedly in Michigan due to a snowstorm. She meets her Aunt for the first time and a man named Victor. As she stays with her aunt she learns Christmas might not be so bad after all.

I really enjoyed this story! I loved Carol and loved watching her grow through out the story. The relationship between her and her Aunt is so touching. I felt bad for the Aunt and how Carol’s mom didn’t want contact with her. I loved how helpful Carol was to her Aunt and loved all the Christmas decorating. The Aunt’s house sounds so cozy! We also have an added bonus of a romantic relationship between Carol and Victor which I also really liked. Victor is a great guy. Loved how Christmasy this book felt. Light Christian content. Overall a great read and I recommend!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

[Crystal · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is such a delightful little Christmas novellas! The setting was very Christmasy, and I really loved the feeling of redemption this book had. The main character, Carol, has a rough past, and has so many bad memories of Christmas, she is not a fan of Christmas at all. Unexpected circumstances lead her to a farm in Michigan, where healing takes place. I think for many people who have a hard time with the holidays, this book will hit home. The ending was so sweet and just such a perfect ending for a delightful book. And last note, Stephanie Cozart is the audiobook narrator, (anyone who follows my reviews knows she is my favorite), so of course I highly recommend listening to the audiobook!

[Sherry Bendorf · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5⭐

I liked this story, but I felt like it was rushed at the ending. Everything was tied up in a neat little bow. Very reminiscent of a Hallmark movie. It was fun, but just needed a bit more depth. I enjoyed the narrator of the audiobook. She did a great jib.

[(Katie) Paperbacks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Melody Carlson writes the sweetest Hallmark style Christmas stories. I was Enchanted by the characters and setting of this story.

Sweet Carol with problems of her own for the holidays, finds family and the Christmas spirit in the most unlikely of places...Grand Rapids, Michigan. A sweet story of family with a dash of romance and what it means when God sends someone into your life at the perfect time.



*thank you to Revell for a complimentary copy of this book to read. All thoughts are my own.

[Parkland Mom · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.25 Stars
Completed: Sep. 3/25

Format: e-ARC
Challenge Prompt: FFF's "winter vibes" -- set over Christmas

Book #111 of 2025: This is a cozy Christmas holiday story. I really enjoyed the character of Maria in particular. I did feel like the book was hinting toward some sort of family secret with Maria/Rosa but I was wrong.

As much as I liked Victor, Carol isn't someone I felt a kinship to and I didn't feel much investment into the story. I enjoyed the small community feel and the importance of family and connections. However, the story was a little choppy and some things felt unanswered or unresolved.

I loved another Christmas book by this author and this just didn't reach that same level for me. I also felt it ended a little abruptly without much build-up.

***Thanks to Revell and Net Galley for an advanced reader copy. This is my honest review and in my own words.

[Vickie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book offers a sweet Christmas story with family drama and a developing romance. Carol is planning a Christmas vacation from Washington state to the Bahamas but gets stranded in Michigan when a big winter storm grounds her plane there. Fortunately, she has an aunt she doesn’t know well living close enough to get to, so she ends up at her Aunt Maria’s house to wait out the storm. She makes a new friend named Victor, once a restauranteur but now just caring for his elderly parents. He is a good cook and an all-around kind man who chauffeurs Carol wherever she wants to go, so they get to know each other. I really enjoyed how the story was woven around Carol’s disdain for Christmas and the way she gradually comes to accept the holiday and then actually enjoy it. I liked most of the townspeople and thought that all of the characters were well-developed, even the secondary ones. There is one character who was perfect for her part, but she wasn’t particularly likable and that was purposeful. The pace was moderate, a perfect way for a developing romance to be showcased as I got to know each character’s strengths and backstories. There were multiple themes to the story, all based on faith and including self-discovery, forgiveness and kindness to strangers and estranged family members. This is a perfect story for the Christmas season as it embodies giving, sacrifice and love in one beautifully written story.
I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions expressed are my own.

[Lou Allen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Story Enjoyment Rating: 8.5/10 Christian Faith Rating: 2/3
The story centres on Carol, a woman who has grown to resent Christmas. Born on Christmas Day into a dysfunctional family, she’s always associated the holiday with disappointment rather than joy. Ironically, her job requires her to stage other people’s homes for Christmas, even though she dislikes the season. When the busy period finally ends, she plans a relaxing getaway to the Bahamas—but severe weather diverts her flight, landing her in Grand Rapids, Michigan instead. Stranded in the snow, Carol discovers she has an aunt living nearby, someone she has never met. With no other options, she turns to this relative for shelter, which unexpectedly draws her into long-buried family tensions and forces her to explore why her mother cut ties with her sister.
For me, the strongest elements of the book were the family dynamics and Carol’s personal growth. Although there is a romantic subplot—which I did enjoy—it felt somewhat rushed and leaned toward “insta-love,” likely due to the novella’s short, Christmas-themed format. Still, the inclusion of these additional layers helped keep the story engaging. The book also weaves in faith and Christian themes, and as it’s a quick read, I finished the audiobook in no time.

[Janice Sisemore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christmas Carol

A really great Christmas storyteller. Carol flight is delayed because of weather. She gets to spend time with her aunt she never met in the city where she was stranded. I loved Carol getting to know her aunt and new friends. I would really love to read more about the characters in the future.

I read the book through Hoopla library app. This book review is my own opinion.

[Candy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Melody’s Christmas books. I look forward to it every years

[Natalie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was Melody Carlson’s 2025 Christmas novella. I always enjoy reading a book or two by her each Christmas season. I really liked the relationship between Carol and her aunt. I like seeing them get to know each other. The romance was sweet as well. Being a novella, there were some things that were wrapped up a little too conveniently, but this was an enjoyable holiday read.

[Toni · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute story about a girl finding both Christmas and family.

[ADHD Book ✨Gal · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute PG Christmas 🎄 themed Hallmark book with heart, charm, good characters and HEA.

[Cathryn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this story of family, love, and making the best out of a stormy situation! ❄️❤️🎄

[Nadine Keels · Rating 2 out of 5]

I heard about this ChristFic Christmas novella in an announcement from the publisher, saying the book is for fans of Dickens's A Christmas Carol and describing the heroine as "a modern-day Scrooge." Because I so enjoyed reading that classic before, and because Scrooge (1951) is one of my all-time favorite films, I decided to give Once Upon a Christmas Carol a try.

Despite the title, though, I didn't really find this story to have much in common with Dickens's classic, plot wise. And simply preferring to avoid Christmas because of some bad holiday experiences in the past doesn't make someone an Ebenezer Scrooge, character wise.

This book just seems more like a regular Hallmark-Christmassy tale, which would have been fine on its own. But admittedly, certain aspects of this specific read didn't work for me.

The older I get, the more I believe that it's perfectly possible to appreciate and to celebrate romance and marriage without putting down singleness. Whether or not it's intentional, I think some of the characters' dialogue in this book sends a message that if someone has decided they'd rather be single at a certain time in their life (or for however long), something must be wrong with them, in one way or another. Or that the adults who are staying single these days must all be "afraid" of the alternative. That certainly isn't the case across the board.

I didn't particularly care for the way this story touches on the issue of divorce either—particularly, divorced people—but that'd be a lot to address further right now.

I'll also admit that when it comes to the prospective couple in a romantic read, it usually puts a damper on the story for me if one of those characters is currently involved with someone else. I tend not to relax into a story's romantic development when one of the characters hasn't ended (and had some quality time away from) their other romantic relationship.

It's an added turn-off for me if that character starts showing signs of being unassertive and indecisive about the person they're already involved with. Then if the story starts to sink into rather teenage-ish love-triangle friction, that's pretty much it for me.

While this story didn't turn out to be my cup of cocoa, I have enjoyed around five other Christmas novellas by this author before, including A Quilt for Christmas and A Royal Christmas.

I received a complimentary copy of this book for an honest review.

[Chelsie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a cute Christmas novel! Carol works literally for the Christmas season and each year she looks forward to her time away from this holiday. A beach, somewhere warm where she can forget about time, tinsel, glitter, lights and Christmas altogether. But her plans change when bad weather covers pretty much the entire US, and her plane is grounded in Michigan with continued delays and cancellations. She knows she has family in the area, so begrudgingly she calls her mother to find out where her aunt lives. After a heated conversation and some googling, she finds Maria's information and before she can thank her, she already has a ride headed to get her from the airport. When she gets to Maria's house, she finds an aunt with open arms who is just thrilled to have Carol for a visit. Carol can hardly believe how welcoming Maria is, her house is so cozy, all this snow really is very pretty and this feels like a home. A well lived in, loved home that she has always wished for. Everyone is so excited for the Christmas season and Carol is just wanting to escape it all but the more time she spends at Maria's the more she sees the other side of the holiday. The family, the laughs, the love and finally finding what she may have been looking for her whole life, she decides to stay for the holiday and couldn't have been happier by her decision. This is a sweet story about family, forgiveness and finding home. Thank you to the author and Revell Fiction for the complementary novel. This review is of my own opinion and accord.

[Lisa G. Hudson · Rating 5 out of 5]

BEST CHRISTMAS EVER!

Award-winning author Melody Carlson presents a heartwarming Christmas novella that follows the story of Carol Langstrom's Best Christmas Ever! For much of her life, Carol has dreaded the holiday season because her birthday falls on Christmas Day, and her dysfunctional family never made much of either occasion special. Working as a designer, she has grown tired of creating exceptional Christmas decorations for her entitled clients, resulting in a depleted Christmas spirit.

In search of some much-needed rest and relaxation, Carol decides to escape to the Bahamas. However, fate intervenes when inclement weather causes her flight to be stranded in Michigan, forcing her to miss her connecting flight. Little does she know that being stuck in Michigan will serve as a turning point in her life.

Instead of enjoying a tropical paradise with no responsibilities, Carol finds herself forming meaningful relationships—with an aunt, a supportive community, and a significant other. For the first time, she discovers what it means to have a sense of belonging. Carol realizes that by immersing herself in her time, talents, gifts, and abilities, she becomes the recipient of unexpected blessings. Ultimately, her life is transformed, and she experiences the best Christmas ever.

Revell and NetGalley provided me with a copy of this Novella. The opinions expressed here are entirely my own.

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed Once Upon a Christmas Carol! I think it would make a fun Christmas book club read if you're looking for something sweet and short during the holidays.

Since Carol had a dysfunctional family life growing up, she's not a fan of Christmas and the whole holiday season. As she's on her way to the Bahamas for a by-herself-Christmas getaway, she ends up in Michigan during a blizzard. Luckily she remembers that she has an aunt somewhere and decides to try to find her and spend a day or so with her until she can get another flight. The finding and reconciliation with Aunt Maria was so sweet and she also meets Victor who turns out to be just what she needed!

Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review. All opinions are my own.

Publication date: 2 September 2025