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Christmas with a Crank
A second chance with your first crush.
Doesn’t happen often.
For Liam Fisher, that first crush was his next door neighbor, Olive Witherby.
Childhood was lazy summers, treehouse stargazing, and endless games of hide and seek at Pine Creek, the Christmas tree farm that’s been in Liam’s family for generations.
When Liam moves away, he and Olive say goodbye the only way they know how—with a fumbling first kiss neither of them will ever forget.
Even though twelve-year olds’ promises of keeping in touch feel eternal, time and distance eventually make Olive and Liam practically strangers.
Twenty years later, Liam’s parents announce they’re retiring and selling the tree farm.
Twenty years later, Pine Creek is the last place grown-up Liam wants to be. Inherit this legacy? Not on your life.
And twenty years later, grown-up Olive is stuck.
Her work life is a lot like her love life—floundering. After a humiliating business failure, loads of debt, and one too many laughable first dates, she’s in no hurry to put herself out there again, in business or in romance.
When Olive is hired by Liam’s parents to rekindle the lost magic of the farm one final time before it’s sold, she sets out to make this the last, best Pine Creek Christmas, for the town and for a very cranky, not-so-talkative, surprisingly attractive Liam.
Part of her mission? Convince the crank to fall in love with Christmas.
The other part? Not fall head over heels in the process.
Christmas with a Crank is a grumpy/sunshine, childhood crush, opposites attract romance with plenty of sizzle, but none of the steam.
Doesn’t happen often.
For Liam Fisher, that first crush was his next door neighbor, Olive Witherby.
Childhood was lazy summers, treehouse stargazing, and endless games of hide and seek at Pine Creek, the Christmas tree farm that’s been in Liam’s family for generations.
When Liam moves away, he and Olive say goodbye the only way they know how—with a fumbling first kiss neither of them will ever forget.
Even though twelve-year olds’ promises of keeping in touch feel eternal, time and distance eventually make Olive and Liam practically strangers.
Twenty years later, Liam’s parents announce they’re retiring and selling the tree farm.
Twenty years later, Pine Creek is the last place grown-up Liam wants to be. Inherit this legacy? Not on your life.
And twenty years later, grown-up Olive is stuck.
Her work life is a lot like her love life—floundering. After a humiliating business failure, loads of debt, and one too many laughable first dates, she’s in no hurry to put herself out there again, in business or in romance.
When Olive is hired by Liam’s parents to rekindle the lost magic of the farm one final time before it’s sold, she sets out to make this the last, best Pine Creek Christmas, for the town and for a very cranky, not-so-talkative, surprisingly attractive Liam.
Part of her mission? Convince the crank to fall in love with Christmas.
The other part? Not fall head over heels in the process.
Christmas with a Crank is a grumpy/sunshine, childhood crush, opposites attract romance with plenty of sizzle, but none of the steam.
Audible Audio
First published November 1, 2024
2116 people are currently reading
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About the author
Courtney Walsh
37 books5,404 followersCourtney Walsh is a novelist, theatre director, and playwright. She writes low spice romance and women's fiction while juggling the performing arts studio and youth theatre she owns and runs with her husband. Her debut, A Sweethaven Summer, hit the New York Times and USA Today e-book bestseller lists. She is also a Carol award winner and Christy award finalist.
A creative at heart, Courtney has also written two craft books and several full-length musicals. She lives in Illinois with her husband and three children and a sometimes naughty Bernedoodle named Luna.
Visit her online at www.courtneywalshwrites.com.
A creative at heart, Courtney has also written two craft books and several full-length musicals. She lives in Illinois with her husband and three children and a sometimes naughty Bernedoodle named Luna.
Visit her online at www.courtneywalshwrites.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,197 reviews
November 4, 2024
Super sweet Christmas clean romance. Not my favorite from CW but lovely just the same!
December 7, 2024
My first Courtney Walsh book was a hit. I LOVED it.
Why?
✔️Walsh captures the magic of Christmas
✔️Sweet holiday romance
✔️Best friends to lovers
✔️Second chances
✔️Small town
✔️Clean romance
I appreciated the strong characters who took a stand for what they wanted and made their own happiness. I’m sure most of us have been handed something we didn’t ask for and/or didn’t want and have been reluctant to speak up. One of these characters gracefully makes a stand, experiences a softening of his heart and realigns his vision for the future.
I loved the messages about not quitting just because something is difficult, that failing at something doesn’t make you a failure, and that you can never go wrong if you pursue peace.
This sweet story featuring a Christmas tree farm in trouble, a fantastic ‘tinsel intervention’, and the emotional pull of great chemistry needs to be on your holiday reading list.
Why?
✔️Walsh captures the magic of Christmas
✔️Sweet holiday romance
✔️Best friends to lovers
✔️Second chances
✔️Small town
✔️Clean romance
I appreciated the strong characters who took a stand for what they wanted and made their own happiness. I’m sure most of us have been handed something we didn’t ask for and/or didn’t want and have been reluctant to speak up. One of these characters gracefully makes a stand, experiences a softening of his heart and realigns his vision for the future.
I loved the messages about not quitting just because something is difficult, that failing at something doesn’t make you a failure, and that you can never go wrong if you pursue peace.
This sweet story featuring a Christmas tree farm in trouble, a fantastic ‘tinsel intervention’, and the emotional pull of great chemistry needs to be on your holiday reading list.
November 25, 2024
Courtney Walsh writes the cutest little love stories and this one is no different! No spice, no profanity, no tears, all joy. Perfect for the holiday season.
November 15, 2024
Absolutely adored so many moments in this book, not to mention, it genuinely made me laugh out loud.
November 12, 2024
I struggled to finish this one.
Pine Creek Tree Farm is adored by the neighbouring small towns, but to Liam, it’s just an overly romanticized money pit. Uninterested in inheriting the family business, his moody attitude is challenged by Olive, his childhood crush, who is determined to help him see the magic and peace the farm brings—through one last Christmas celebration.
I love a lighthearted Christmas story, so that certainly wasn't the problem here. There just wasn’t enough happening to keep me engaged. Perhaps it was the repetitiveness, or maybe it simply lacked the depth or warmth I was hoping for. Overall, it felt a bit bland and missed the heartfelt, funny, or entertaining elements I want in a holiday story.
(heat level: kissing only)
Pine Creek Tree Farm is adored by the neighbouring small towns, but to Liam, it’s just an overly romanticized money pit. Uninterested in inheriting the family business, his moody attitude is challenged by Olive, his childhood crush, who is determined to help him see the magic and peace the farm brings—through one last Christmas celebration.
I love a lighthearted Christmas story, so that certainly wasn't the problem here. There just wasn’t enough happening to keep me engaged. Perhaps it was the repetitiveness, or maybe it simply lacked the depth or warmth I was hoping for. Overall, it felt a bit bland and missed the heartfelt, funny, or entertaining elements I want in a holiday story.
(heat level: kissing only)
December 11, 2024
Wholesome small town romance between childhood friends, great characters and a fun setting made it the perfect book for me to read this holiday season.
November 30, 2024
This is only my third Courtney Walsh book, but she’s a fast FAVE and books like this are the reason why. 😍
Christmas with a Crank is what I want in a feel-good holiday romance. The Christmas vibes were hitting, the setting was stellar, the characters were charming and relatable, and the story drew me in and made me want to keep reading.
I loved Olive and Liam! They’re the perfect grumpy versus sunshine, old friends to lovers, second chance couple. I also love the journey that each character takes—toward one another and their own self-discovery.
What a sweet Christmas read, y’all! Go on and add it to your TBR if it isn’t already there. Definitely recommend! 🤩
Thanks so much to @courtneywalsh for selecting me for her ARC team and providing me with a digital copy. So glad to get to support you in this way, Courtney! 🥰
Christmas with a Crank is what I want in a feel-good holiday romance. The Christmas vibes were hitting, the setting was stellar, the characters were charming and relatable, and the story drew me in and made me want to keep reading.
I loved Olive and Liam! They’re the perfect grumpy versus sunshine, old friends to lovers, second chance couple. I also love the journey that each character takes—toward one another and their own self-discovery.
What a sweet Christmas read, y’all! Go on and add it to your TBR if it isn’t already there. Definitely recommend! 🤩
Thanks so much to @courtneywalsh for selecting me for her ARC team and providing me with a digital copy. So glad to get to support you in this way, Courtney! 🥰
November 5, 2024
I’ve never met a person who had ambivalent feelings towards a Hallmark Christmas movie—- love em or hate em. Well if you LOVE them, like I do, have I got a book for you!
It has everything!
🎄a Family Tree Farm in financial trouble
🎄Grumpy/Sunshine
🎄Second Chance Romance
🎄Out of Towner visits the small town
🎄Closed door romance, no swearing, no spicy scenes
🎄Nostalgia
🎄literally reindeer
I loved Olive and Liam from the first page. I loved the stories about how things used to be and the affinity for Christmas. I loved a good second chance romance. This is definitely a warm Christmas hug of a book.
It has everything!
🎄a Family Tree Farm in financial trouble
🎄Grumpy/Sunshine
🎄Second Chance Romance
🎄Out of Towner visits the small town
🎄Closed door romance, no swearing, no spicy scenes
🎄Nostalgia
🎄literally reindeer
I loved Olive and Liam from the first page. I loved the stories about how things used to be and the affinity for Christmas. I loved a good second chance romance. This is definitely a warm Christmas hug of a book.
December 16, 2024
4.5 stars, rounding up to 5!
My Quick Takes:
- 4.5/5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
- Language 🤐 none
- Spice ❤️🔥 kisses only
- Content considerations 🤔 past off page infidelity
A cutie second chance romcom and I loved every minute of it. The characters are realistic and I really enjoyed that the female main character had a few quirks but not outlandishly silly or ditzy. I knew it was about saving a family Christmas tree farm but it’s not plotted how I anticipated so it kept it fun.
The family and friend characters were all very sweet and down to earth, I liked that the friends had more air time than some romances do. I really wish there was an epilogue, but there’s really no doubt in the readers mind where it’s heading. I personally connected with the female main character through similar interests and always love when characters are relatable.
Christmas with a Crank is sure to add some holiday cheer to your Christmas season, and reads like the hallmark movies we all know and love. Absolutely recommend adding this into your holiday reading!
Tropes: second chance romance, childhood friends to more, he falls first, it was always you, grumpy/sunshine, dual pov
My Quick Takes:
- 4.5/5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
- Language 🤐 none
- Spice ❤️🔥 kisses only
- Content considerations 🤔 past off page infidelity
A cutie second chance romcom and I loved every minute of it. The characters are realistic and I really enjoyed that the female main character had a few quirks but not outlandishly silly or ditzy. I knew it was about saving a family Christmas tree farm but it’s not plotted how I anticipated so it kept it fun.
The family and friend characters were all very sweet and down to earth, I liked that the friends had more air time than some romances do. I really wish there was an epilogue, but there’s really no doubt in the readers mind where it’s heading. I personally connected with the female main character through similar interests and always love when characters are relatable.
Christmas with a Crank is sure to add some holiday cheer to your Christmas season, and reads like the hallmark movies we all know and love. Absolutely recommend adding this into your holiday reading!
Tropes: second chance romance, childhood friends to more, he falls first, it was always you, grumpy/sunshine, dual pov
November 4, 2024
Every single time I finish a Courtney Walsh book, I announce that it’s my favorite Courtney Walsh book… so here we go again. 😂
This IS my favorite Courtney Walsh book. This one has it all - a Christmas tree farm, lifelong friends with secret crushes, cozy holiday vibes, a plucky heroine down on her luck, a swoony-but-silent male lead, small town vibes, and REINDEER!
I felt like I had leapt directly into a Hallmark movie set in Stars Hollow, which is arguably the happiest place I can imagine. There’s a decades-long crush to maneuver, a failed business and a family business that has seen better days, and “one last Christmas” to save it all.
I loved every single character, the dialogue was sweet and believable, and the story stole my heart. I was rooting for Olive and Liam from the first page to the last, and I adored their families, their friends, and the townspeople.
This is a sweet, closed-door holiday romance with heart. It’s everything I want in a holiday read, and absolutely one I will read again during future holiday seasons.
As always, absolute PERFECTION from one of my most favorite authors, Courtney Walsh. It’s out now on Kindle, so go get it!
This IS my favorite Courtney Walsh book. This one has it all - a Christmas tree farm, lifelong friends with secret crushes, cozy holiday vibes, a plucky heroine down on her luck, a swoony-but-silent male lead, small town vibes, and REINDEER!
I felt like I had leapt directly into a Hallmark movie set in Stars Hollow, which is arguably the happiest place I can imagine. There’s a decades-long crush to maneuver, a failed business and a family business that has seen better days, and “one last Christmas” to save it all.
I loved every single character, the dialogue was sweet and believable, and the story stole my heart. I was rooting for Olive and Liam from the first page to the last, and I adored their families, their friends, and the townspeople.
This is a sweet, closed-door holiday romance with heart. It’s everything I want in a holiday read, and absolutely one I will read again during future holiday seasons.
As always, absolute PERFECTION from one of my most favorite authors, Courtney Walsh. It’s out now on Kindle, so go get it!
November 18, 2025
If books could vote, this book would be a conservative republican
February 19, 2025
Excellent writing of a delightful storyline. Clean, romantic, and hilarious. 4.5 stars.
December 9, 2025
I started listening to this book on Hoopla, but it was returned, and I couldn't check it out again. The narrators were fine. I ended up checking the book out from Kindle Unlimited to finish it.
Being set on a Christmas tree farm, this has all the Christmas vibes. I struggled to connect with or relate to the characters, which affected my overall enjoyment of the book.
Read for:
🎄grumpy/sunshine
🎄Christmas tree farm
🎄family traditions
🎄second chance romance
🎄saving the farm
This is not Courtney Walsh's best Christmas book. I liked it, but I didn't love it. It dragged in parts and felt too long. The last part of the book was the best, but it took a while to get there.
Being set on a Christmas tree farm, this has all the Christmas vibes. I struggled to connect with or relate to the characters, which affected my overall enjoyment of the book.
Read for:
🎄grumpy/sunshine
🎄Christmas tree farm
🎄family traditions
🎄second chance romance
🎄saving the farm
This is not Courtney Walsh's best Christmas book. I liked it, but I didn't love it. It dragged in parts and felt too long. The last part of the book was the best, but it took a while to get there.
January 27, 2025
3.5 stars
November 12, 2024
'"I'm taking a break from men, remember?" I say because Phoebe isn't the only one who's endured a string of bad first dates....
"That would imply that you, at one time, feasted on them," Phoebe cracks.'
Courtney's humor mixed with hilariously, fun tropes like: Grumpy/Sunshine, first crush, second chance romance, found family, boy next door and so much more is a recipe for a deliciously crafted Christmas romance!
Liam is the perfect grump contrasted by Olive's cheerful personality. I love that both of these characters grow so much throughout these chapters. Their arcs are believable and relatable making you fall in love with them. The side characters are chef's kiss, perfection and I couldn't help but fall hard for this romance story!
If you like Christmas, you like romance and you like cheering for your characters, then this is the perfect next read for you!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Content: minimal innuendo, a handful of religious exclamations, mentions of bad relationships, romance-kisses only.
"That would imply that you, at one time, feasted on them," Phoebe cracks.'
Courtney's humor mixed with hilariously, fun tropes like: Grumpy/Sunshine, first crush, second chance romance, found family, boy next door and so much more is a recipe for a deliciously crafted Christmas romance!
Liam is the perfect grump contrasted by Olive's cheerful personality. I love that both of these characters grow so much throughout these chapters. Their arcs are believable and relatable making you fall in love with them. The side characters are chef's kiss, perfection and I couldn't help but fall hard for this romance story!
If you like Christmas, you like romance and you like cheering for your characters, then this is the perfect next read for you!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Content: minimal innuendo, a handful of religious exclamations, mentions of bad relationships, romance-kisses only.
November 11, 2024
3 Stars.
🎄 The vibes:
- Small town
- Christmas tree farm
- Childhood friends
- Grumpy x sunshine
- Closed door
🎄 My thoughts:
Olive is a lot. She has a huge personality and she never stops talking and she has the most bubbly personality ever. Liam is the total opposite. He would literally just not respond to Olive sometimes when she was talking to him or just respond in very short, very gruff way. I like the grumpy character, but sometimes he came across as just rude which kind of made him a little bit unlikable for me. Overall- Liam and Olive felt a little bit one dimensional- very set in their extreme personalities and I didn’t fully connect with them.
This book also had a “villain” type of character which I struggle with. I like it in fantasy, but not so much in a contemporary romance with adults.
There are some really fun Christmas elements in this one. I think Courtney did the christmasy vibe well. The main issue I had with this book was feeling bored for most of the journey and not connecting with the characters.
If you’re looking for a super chill, low stakes Christmas romance - you might like this one.
Note- closed door
🎄 The vibes:
- Small town
- Christmas tree farm
- Childhood friends
- Grumpy x sunshine
- Closed door
🎄 My thoughts:
Olive is a lot. She has a huge personality and she never stops talking and she has the most bubbly personality ever. Liam is the total opposite. He would literally just not respond to Olive sometimes when she was talking to him or just respond in very short, very gruff way. I like the grumpy character, but sometimes he came across as just rude which kind of made him a little bit unlikable for me. Overall- Liam and Olive felt a little bit one dimensional- very set in their extreme personalities and I didn’t fully connect with them.
This book also had a “villain” type of character which I struggle with. I like it in fantasy, but not so much in a contemporary romance with adults.
There are some really fun Christmas elements in this one. I think Courtney did the christmasy vibe well. The main issue I had with this book was feeling bored for most of the journey and not connecting with the characters.
If you’re looking for a super chill, low stakes Christmas romance - you might like this one.
Note- closed door
December 4, 2024
4.5 stars
And she does it again!
Olive is making ends meet but no longer pursuing her first love of art when her brick and mortar store died.
Inspiration strikes when she has the opportunity to help bring about the best last Christmas to the local Christmas tree farm before it goes on the market in the new year. Liam is home at the farm for the holidays and somewhat eager to be rid of his family's legacy.
Courtney's books bring me so much joy and this is no exception! She delivers every time on feel good stories with lovable and relatable characters. Liam and Olive are so sweet on each other and I'll never get over a childhood sweetheart love story. It's funny and heartwarming with the perfect amount of character growth and chemistry I want to see in a romance centered around Christmas.
Thank you to the author for the gifted copy. All thoughts are my own.
And she does it again!
Olive is making ends meet but no longer pursuing her first love of art when her brick and mortar store died.
Inspiration strikes when she has the opportunity to help bring about the best last Christmas to the local Christmas tree farm before it goes on the market in the new year. Liam is home at the farm for the holidays and somewhat eager to be rid of his family's legacy.
Courtney's books bring me so much joy and this is no exception! She delivers every time on feel good stories with lovable and relatable characters. Liam and Olive are so sweet on each other and I'll never get over a childhood sweetheart love story. It's funny and heartwarming with the perfect amount of character growth and chemistry I want to see in a romance centered around Christmas.
Thank you to the author for the gifted copy. All thoughts are my own.
November 30, 2025
I absolutely love listening to this audiobook! It was so much fun. (I will say, there were some times when the girl was sounding like the man and it was a little bit cringey to me. Other than that, it was so much fun!)
Courtney Walsh has become one of my favorite authors! She’s funny, witty, and all of her characters are just so much fun to follow.
This one has all the Hallmark vibes: Christmas tree farm, grumpy friend, and fun/energetic girl that wants to “save Christmas,” and family selling the farm. Truly, if this became a Hallmark movie, it would be so fun!
I really loved watching the main character, Olive, find herself and find true love while she was at it. It was really cool because I am also a crafter and I love to do social media too, so it was like two main themes in the story came alive with something that I enjoy doing. I really felt like I could relate to some aspects.
But honestly, one of my favorite characters was Liam’s sister, Lacey. I would very much love a book about her! She had spunk, and she was pretty sure of herself! I found her confidence to be fun to listen to and fun to see what she was up to next.
There were a few small hang-ups. It did not affect my rating; it’s just some things to consider: there is slightly a little bit more kissing/making out in this book than I’ve noticed in the other ones.
There was a sentence where Lacey said, “I need money, not thoughts and prayers,” and I didn’t really love that sentence.
And lastly, there was a small quote that was from Brené Brown, who isn’t someone that I 100% agree with.
Other than that, this book is filled with all of the Christmas Hallmark vibes that you’re looking for when you’re looking to pick up a Christmas romcom!
Courtney Walsh has become one of my favorite authors! She’s funny, witty, and all of her characters are just so much fun to follow.
This one has all the Hallmark vibes: Christmas tree farm, grumpy friend, and fun/energetic girl that wants to “save Christmas,” and family selling the farm. Truly, if this became a Hallmark movie, it would be so fun!
I really loved watching the main character, Olive, find herself and find true love while she was at it. It was really cool because I am also a crafter and I love to do social media too, so it was like two main themes in the story came alive with something that I enjoy doing. I really felt like I could relate to some aspects.
But honestly, one of my favorite characters was Liam’s sister, Lacey. I would very much love a book about her! She had spunk, and she was pretty sure of herself! I found her confidence to be fun to listen to and fun to see what she was up to next.
There were a few small hang-ups. It did not affect my rating; it’s just some things to consider: there is slightly a little bit more kissing/making out in this book than I’ve noticed in the other ones.
There was a sentence where Lacey said, “I need money, not thoughts and prayers,” and I didn’t really love that sentence.
And lastly, there was a small quote that was from Brené Brown, who isn’t someone that I 100% agree with.
Other than that, this book is filled with all of the Christmas Hallmark vibes that you’re looking for when you’re looking to pick up a Christmas romcom!
December 15, 2024
Courtney always puts me in the holiday romance spirit!
November 9, 2024
Courtney Walsh never fails to make me smile and laugh with her books. They’re so refreshing and cute. This is perfect for the holidays!!
November 1, 2024
I hate to play favorites but I just can't help myself, Courtney is my absolute favorite rom com author. She has the winning formula for closed door romance. Her books are swoony, the kissing scenes are smoldering, and the characters are all mature and act age appropriate. And above all else, her books make me feel good. Happier having read them.
Christmas With A Crank is no exception. A grumpy sunshine trope at its finest. Liam is the perfect grump, or scrooge if you will, it's a Christmas book afterall. And Olive is sunshiny, positive, and inspiring.
I loved the dual perspectives, the Christmas setting of a Christmas tree farm, the small time vibes and of course the Illinois location.
Christmas With A Crank is no exception. A grumpy sunshine trope at its finest. Liam is the perfect grump, or scrooge if you will, it's a Christmas book afterall. And Olive is sunshiny, positive, and inspiring.
I loved the dual perspectives, the Christmas setting of a Christmas tree farm, the small time vibes and of course the Illinois location.
December 26, 2024
I read one of Courtney Walsh’s holiday romance novels a couple years ago and I remember it being really sweet, so when I saw she was releasing a new one this year I pre-ordered the kindle version 🤪
Liam and Olive were sweet and I enjoyed the shared history. I also ALWAYS love a small town Christmas story hehe—literally saving the family farm?? Count me in 😂 there was nothing spectacular about this book, but also no glaring problems. I don’t think I liked it quite as much as Cross Country Christmas, but for my friends who enjoy a cute lil closed-door holiday romcom, this one hits all the marks!
Liam and Olive were sweet and I enjoyed the shared history. I also ALWAYS love a small town Christmas story hehe—literally saving the family farm?? Count me in 😂 there was nothing spectacular about this book, but also no glaring problems. I don’t think I liked it quite as much as Cross Country Christmas, but for my friends who enjoy a cute lil closed-door holiday romcom, this one hits all the marks!
December 7, 2024
I really liked the female main character in this book, but the main character who is a male was so grumpy. I just wish they wouldn’t have made him such a grump. For me it made it hard to get past him being such a grump and be a likable guy.
November 17, 2024
4/5 ⭐️
If you’re craving a cozy Christmas romance set against the idyllic backdrop of a small-town Christmas tree farm, Christmas with a Crank is the perfect pick.
Olive is a relatable heroine—frustrated by failed relationships and haunted by a passion project that didn’t pan out, leaving her scrambling to repay her loan. Enter Liam, a childhood friend returning home for the holidays to escape a less-than-stellar job. Their dynamic takes us on a delightful friends-to-lovers journey, filled with heartfelt moments, misunderstandings, and a shared mission to save the beloved family Christmas tree farm from being sold.
Courtney Walsh masterfully weaves a story full of warmth, humor, and festive charm. The small-town setting, combined with Olive and Liam’s journey of growth and love, makes for a heartwarming read that feels like a hug filled with holiday cheer.
This book is best enjoyed with a crackling fire and twinkling Christmas tree lights, making it a must-read for fans of Hallmark-style holiday romances.
If you’re craving a cozy Christmas romance set against the idyllic backdrop of a small-town Christmas tree farm, Christmas with a Crank is the perfect pick.
Olive is a relatable heroine—frustrated by failed relationships and haunted by a passion project that didn’t pan out, leaving her scrambling to repay her loan. Enter Liam, a childhood friend returning home for the holidays to escape a less-than-stellar job. Their dynamic takes us on a delightful friends-to-lovers journey, filled with heartfelt moments, misunderstandings, and a shared mission to save the beloved family Christmas tree farm from being sold.
Courtney Walsh masterfully weaves a story full of warmth, humor, and festive charm. The small-town setting, combined with Olive and Liam’s journey of growth and love, makes for a heartwarming read that feels like a hug filled with holiday cheer.
This book is best enjoyed with a crackling fire and twinkling Christmas tree lights, making it a must-read for fans of Hallmark-style holiday romances.
November 10, 2024
3.5!
this is a hallmark christmas movie in book form ! and i love hallmark christmas movies!!
my favorite thing about this book was the setting. it’s set on a christmas’s tree farm in a small town & it’s so cozy and idyllic. i loved the family and community aspect of it. i loved the scenes with the market because they felt so real!
i honestly just wish there was more romance in here. it’s dual pov (which i love) so we knew that both of them had feelings for each other from the beginning but we don’t see anything happen with them until the 65-70% mark. i love a good slow burn but i wouldn’t even call it that because there was no flirting or touching or really anything romantic until bam they’re kissing.
it took me a little while to get into, but once i did i enjoyed it!
if you’re looking for a cute, cozy, easy christmas read, this a good one!
🔥NO SPICE🔥
🤐NO STRONG LANGUAGE🤐
this is a hallmark christmas movie in book form ! and i love hallmark christmas movies!!
my favorite thing about this book was the setting. it’s set on a christmas’s tree farm in a small town & it’s so cozy and idyllic. i loved the family and community aspect of it. i loved the scenes with the market because they felt so real!
i honestly just wish there was more romance in here. it’s dual pov (which i love) so we knew that both of them had feelings for each other from the beginning but we don’t see anything happen with them until the 65-70% mark. i love a good slow burn but i wouldn’t even call it that because there was no flirting or touching or really anything romantic until bam they’re kissing.
it took me a little while to get into, but once i did i enjoyed it!
if you’re looking for a cute, cozy, easy christmas read, this a good one!
🔥NO SPICE🔥
🤐NO STRONG LANGUAGE🤐
December 10, 2024
4.5 ⭐️
This was the second “save the Christmas tree farm” Christmas book I’ve read this week, and honestly, I’m not mad about it! 🫶🏻
Courtney’s books always deliver on the Christmas charm and sweetness. Thoughtfulness balanced with the perfect amount of fluffiness!
This was the second “save the Christmas tree farm” Christmas book I’ve read this week, and honestly, I’m not mad about it! 🫶🏻
Courtney’s books always deliver on the Christmas charm and sweetness. Thoughtfulness balanced with the perfect amount of fluffiness!
December 4, 2025
I loved this book so much. It spoke to my Hallmark movie loving soul and gave me all the Christmas happy vibes. I loved the characters, the setting, the sweet romance. Perfect first Christmas read of the season!
November 14, 2025
So like… did we not save the tree farm? Is there a second book?! Overall, it was cute and wholesome, but like I read this whole book to not know the outcome? What am I missing here.
December 12, 2024
“I guess somewhere along the way, his melancholic mood became his whole personality. He needs some Christmas cheer.
He needs some holly and some jolly. He needs a tinsel inter-vention…..a tinselvention?”
I’m always in for a sweet and clean Christmas book; especially if it overflows with pine trees, hot cocoa, and all the Christmas festivities! It’s your classic “grumpy x sunshine” troupe, with the two main characters reminding me of a Luke/Lorelai (Gilmore Girls) dynamic. The family centeredness was really endearing and I enjoyed all the Christmassy elements for the season!
I did have a hard time getting all the way through the book. It a little long for the type of story (almost 400 pages). The writing takes a much more casual form that I prefer, which made it difficult for me to read smoothly.
Lovers of the Hallmark style “save the family business”, happily-ever-after stories would enjoy this clean romance story!
He needs some holly and some jolly. He needs a tinsel inter-vention…..a tinselvention?”
I’m always in for a sweet and clean Christmas book; especially if it overflows with pine trees, hot cocoa, and all the Christmas festivities! It’s your classic “grumpy x sunshine” troupe, with the two main characters reminding me of a Luke/Lorelai (Gilmore Girls) dynamic. The family centeredness was really endearing and I enjoyed all the Christmassy elements for the season!
I did have a hard time getting all the way through the book. It a little long for the type of story (almost 400 pages). The writing takes a much more casual form that I prefer, which made it difficult for me to read smoothly.
Lovers of the Hallmark style “save the family business”, happily-ever-after stories would enjoy this clean romance story!
November 23, 2024
This was not my favorite by Courtney Walsh but I didn't hate it. I do like A Cross Country Christmas way better and would point people in that direction first. I just found myself bored and I skimmed a good chunk in the middle. The last 75-100 pages is where it's really at with this one. And it still had the ability to make me tear up!
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