Christmas Trees & Weak Knees

by Katrina Emmel

A cozy YA holiday rom-com set on a snow-dusted Christmas tree farm, where a girl who walked away from music and a country star nursing writer’s block find themselves writing songs—and maybe falling in love—just in time for the holidays.

In my heart is a Christmas tree farm...

Paisley Morgan thought she had left the music world behind after a disastrous encounter with the band Six String Justice. Now, she's content to spend her days at her family's charming Christmas tree farm, secretly nurturing her songwriting dreams. But when a mysterious musician checks into the farm's on-site studio, her quiet life is turned upside down.

Kash "Money" Murray, fresh from a band breakup and struggling with writer's block, is sent to the farm to find inspiration. Little does he know the farm's enchanting atmosphere and its captivating caretaker, Paisley, will provide more than just a creative spark.

As the holiday season unfolds, Paisley and Kash find themselves drawn together by their shared love of music. Amidst the twinkling lights and festive cheer, they embark on a songwriting journey that could change their lives forever. But when Kash takes a bold step that threatens their budding romance, Paisley must decide if love is worth the risk. Will they find harmony together, or will their duet end before it begins?

Genres: Christmas, Young Adult, Romance, Holiday

295 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 27, 2026

Reviews

[Cara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christmas Trees & Weak Knees written by Katrina Emmel was beautiful, emotional, heart warming, lyrical, aesthetic, inspiring, powerful, real, raw, heart tugging, personal, and heart breaking. I typically try to stay away from YA as I have grown from that age bracket, so I was a bit hesitant going into this book knowing it was young adult, but oh my goodness, I absolutely loved this book way more than I thought I would. I was surprised that I felt so many emotions while I was reading this book, I cried, I laughed, I smiled, I screamed, I was angry, I was happy, and I was heart broken. I fell in love with that gorgeous cover, but I didn't expect to love these two characters that I will never meet, but they will forever live rent free in my heart because they were just two amazing people chasing their hopes and dreams. I have never read anything by Katrina Emmel before, but girl whatever you put into this book, I need it tattooed in my veins, your writing style was so beautiful that my kindle was absorbing so many tears along this emotional journey. When I finished this beautiful story, I had to sit with my thoughts for a little bit because while my heart was shattered into a million little pieces, I also had the biggest smile on my face. I'm still just in shock over how much this book made me feel, my emotions were just a crazy spiny roller coaster. If you love Christmas, music, playful banter, emotional moments, and inspiring stories then y'all better mark your calendars for October 27th, 2026 because you won't want to miss out on this power story written by Miss Katrina Emmel. Music and Christmas? I couldn't have asked for a better duo this holiday season.

THANK YOU TO NETGALLEY AND RANDOM HOUSE CHILDREN'S BOOKS FOR AN ARC OF THIS BOOK IN EXCHANGE FOR AN HONEST REVIEW!!!!!!!!

ᥫ᭡.ִֶָ𓂃ᴺᴼᵂ ᴾᴸᴬᵞᴵᴺᴳ : Christmas Tree Farm by Taylor Swiftᥫ᭡.ִֶָ𓂃
0:31 ───|──────3:48

"🖤🦋You will never do a whole lot unless you are brave enough to try". -Dolly Parton🖤🦋.

"❣️🌈Sometimes you have to find your own way❣️🌈".

"❤😭How is it that you can love someone and hate them so much at the same time❤😭?"

"💝💋I promise I will do my very best to support you and make sure you feel seen from here on out💝💋".

Paisley Morgan is Tennessee's Songwriter of the Year and Exit 12S Records youngest in house song writer. Paisley thought she had left the music world behind after a disastrous performance left her with a temporary blackout, Paisley doesn't remember how her performance went on stage, she just remembers it left her with a bruised ego. Paisley had a disastrous stage debut in front of thousands of people and she became the butt of every joke. After this awful fork in the road, Paisley became a hermit, she deferred college and stopped writing music and she even stopped singing, she just soaks her pillow with tears of failure. Paisley decides to put music on hold for a little bit, and instead spends time working on her family's Christmas tree farm- Hideaway at Hidden Acres Christmas Tree Farm. The farm is Paisley's safe haven, it's where she starts finding inspiration to pick song writing back up, it's where Paisley is most comfortable writing songs in the studio that the farm also houses. The studio is Paisley's refuge, this Christmas tree farm is where Paisley finds her most beautiful inspiration. Writing songs brings Paisley pure unbridled happiness, it was just heart breaking to witness Paisley shut down and become a different person without music, but I'm truly so happy she found inspiration at her family's Christmas tree farm. Paisley was just the cutest ever, her wrists were covered in beaded bracelets that were filled with inspirational song titles and acronyms, they were little personal messages to help her focus and spark creativity. These beaded bracelets are meant to inspire, encourage, and remind Paisley that she is part of a sisterhood of songwriters. Paisley's biggest musical inspiration was Carole King. Paisley just had one of the most beautiful voices, she writes folk pop inspired country music. I loved witnessing Paisley with her two reindeer Dunder and Blixem. Paisley, my sweet girl, keep chasing your dreams you beautiful angel. I will cheer you on from the sidelines.

Kash Murray is a member of Six String Justice which is a Nashville country rock band. In seventh grade, Six String Justice was founded by Kash and his best friends but it started fueled by Sour Patch Kids and impossibly large dreams. Six String Justice is now in a tug of war battle between branding and banding but less about writing music, the members are more worried about social media, but Kash decides to voice his opinions because he just wants to write music and sing his heart out. This band is touring constantly, so I think maybe tempers are high, but they kicked Kash out of the band after a fight because Kash just wanted to make music and focus less on social media. Kash founded this band but got left in a fast food parking lot after being kicked out of the band and being kicked off of the tour bus. After this fight and no plans insight, Kash returns to Nashville, Tennessee with a ratty guitar case, worn out boots, and twenty dollars. Kash absolutely loves music, he never wants to give it up, so he signs a solo artist deal with Exit 12S Records. Kash was offered a recording deal for a solo EP, he needs to write six original songs by December 31st and his new label wants him to work at the studio that Paisley's family owns. Kash starts off with nothing but crumpled paper, does he have a song or melody? nope, zero, zilch, nada. I absolutely adore Kash for not giving up his music career just because of a set back, his story was truly inspirational. Kash wants his new success to be his revenge. Kash makes the boy next door aesthetic look so good. Along the way as Kash is finding inspiration at the Christmas tree farm, he's hidden a piece of his soul in every piece of Hidden Acres. Kash is supposed to be at Hidden Acres to work on music, but instead he gets put to work by Paisley and becomes a hot lumberjack cutting down Christmas trees for families. Watching Kash overcome his personal battles and struggles was truly so beautiful, but his story just shattered my heart. Kash, my sweet cinnamon roll, keep writing that beautiful music, I will scream your songs from the top of my lungs on the sidelines.

Paisley and Kash had a disastrous encounter when the members of Six String Justice stole her songwriting notebook and signed their autographs back stage after Paisley had a temporary blackout for her stage debut. Paisley was Six String Justice's opener, but the band made fun of her on social media and told fans they deserved refunds after Paisley's performance left her humiliated. When Kash arrives at Hidden Acres, Paisley holders a grudge but Kash doesn't remember their backstage encounter, but the truth comes out and Kash apologizes, y'all my knees hit the floor, this sweet precious man took accountability and apologized for ruining Paisley's musical career. Exit 12S Records makes a deal with Paisley, if she helps Kash write songs they will double her contracted rate per song they co-write together. Despite their backstage disastrous meet cute, Paisley and Kash meet again at Hidden Acres, Their first interaction is so cute, Kash wants a cheeseburger, fries, a large Coke, and chocolate chip cookies but little does he know that Paisley will give him a piece of her mind, just kidding, this kind hearted fierce woman actually brings him food. I absolutely loved that Paisley put him to work on the Christmas tree farm. During their co-writing sessions, Kash's voice captures a lot of raw emotion, they help each other bring out their best musical versions. My favorite scene in this book was the Thanksgiving Hoedown that Paisley's family hosted and she and Kash had a two step dance to Tim McGraw's song "I Like It, I Love It", that scene was so stinkin cute, it had me smiling like an idiot. Despite helping Kash co-write songs, Kash also inspires Paisley to start singing again. My sweet cinnamon roll Kash, constantly buys Paisley vanilla chai lattes. Despite their personal struggles and grudges, it was truly so beautiful to witness Kash and Paisley come together and help each other out in different ways, Paisley helped Kash write new music, and Kash helped Paisley find her beautiful voice again. Paisley Morgan and Kash Murray, I will hold you two precious souls close to my heart, chase your dreams, spread your wings and soar. My two beautiful kind hearted musicians, keep writing music, I will forever be your biggest fan.

♪♡I couldn't choose for you, it's not my right to take. And even if it hurts, it's a choice you have to make♪♡.

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Adored this read as a cozy sweet YA romance with touches of small town fun, healing and finding your joy. Paisley loves music and is amazing at songwriting yet lacks confidence due to some past encounters. Enter Kash who has the confidence and needs some help with the songwriting aspect of their love of music. You would think it would easy from there … and you would be wrong !!! Really adorable as these two realize what’s important, heal through the past and find each other in this adorable story. I really enjoyed the read !!!

[Get Your Tinsel in a Tangle · Rating 3.5 out of 5]

Paisley is working at her family’s Christmas tree farm, secretly writing songs, refusing to perform them, and behaving like music personally broke into her home and stole her identity. Which, emotionally, it kind of did. Her run-in with Six String Justice went so badly that she walked away from the entire industry and now keeps her songwriting hidden like she is storing classified government documents between the wreath supplies. Then Kash shows up with writer’s block and a deadline, and suddenly she has a famous country singer wandering around the farm asking questions while she tries not to look like a person who has definitely written seventeen songs about being afraid to write songs.

Kash, meanwhile, has just been removed from his band and apparently thinks the appropriate response to a career crisis is to stare at trees until inspiration attacks him. Sir, call a lawyer. Call your manager. Call literally one adult who owns a folder. This man has professional problems involving band breakups, songs, deadlines, and whatever legal nonsense Six String Justice has dragged behind them, but his primary plan is “maybe Christmas will fix it.” And somehow, because this is Clover Pines levels of holiday nonsense, Christmas kind of does.

Paisley knows exactly who Kash is, but Kash has no idea that the girl helping run the farm has enough songwriting talent to save his entire deadline. She keeps accidentally saying things that sound suspiciously like a person who understands music, and he keeps looking at her like, “Why does the Christmas tree employee know how to repair my chorus?” Because she is a songwriter, Kash. She is just also terrified that if anyone hears her work, they will ruin it, mock it, steal it, or ask her to perform it, which is apparently the scariest option of all.

Then they start writing together, and this becomes less “professional collaboration” and more “two emotionally constipated musicians passing feelings back and forth through chord progressions.” Nobody wants to say, “I like you.” They want to write a bridge about longing and then stare across the room like the other person should decode it. Every songwriting session feels like watching two people exchange diary entries while pretending they are discussing rhyme schemes.

And the attraction moves FAST. Kash arrives blocked and professionally homeless, Paisley is hiding from the thing she loves most, and within minutes they are looking at each other like the Christmas lights have lowered everyone’s blood pressure and removed all workplace boundaries. But honestly, I understood it. He hears the part of Paisley she has been trying to bury. She sees the person underneath Kash’s public image, who is scared he may not be worth anything without the band. Of course they latch onto each other. They are both walking around with the same wound in different outfits.

Paisley did occasionally make me want to gently place her in front of a mirror and say, “You know you want this, correct?” But fear is not rational, especially after somebody humiliates you in the exact place where you were most vulnerable. She misses writing. She misses singing. She wants someone to believe in her and also wants everyone to stay fifty feet away from her dreams. That contradiction felt painfully real. Sometimes the thing you want most is also the thing with the clearest path to hurting you again.

Kash has the same issue from the other direction. He is desperate to prove he still belongs in music, but desperation keeps encouraging him to make choices at full speed. Then he takes that big step involving Paisley’s work, because apparently he sees a sensitive personal boundary and thinks, “What if I made this PUBLIC?” He means well. I know he means well. But Paisley’s entire emotional backstory is about losing control of how her music is received, and Kash responds by grabbing the steering wheel because he thinks he knows the destination. My guy. We were doing so well.

That conflict actually worked for me because neither one is entirely ridiculous. Kash sees her talent and cannot understand why she keeps hiding it. Paisley sees his choice and hears every old warning bell in her body start screaming at once. He thinks he is giving her an opportunity. She feels like he has taken away her decision. Both things can be true, which is deeply annoying because I wanted to choose a side and yell from it comfortably.

The Christmas tree farm is doing an absurd amount of emotional labor through all of this. There are snow-covered trees, holiday songs, twinkling lights, and enough cozy farm charm to convince everyone that no problem requires more than cocoa and one vulnerable duet. It has the exact energy of a "Hallmark" movie where the producers accidentally hired two people with actual career trauma. I wanted even more Christmas nonsense, but the farm still felt like the only place these two could have slowed down long enough to hear themselves think.

I’m at 3.5 stars for Christmas Trees & Weak Knees. Paisley and Kash were sweet, the music gave them a reason to understand each other beyond simply being cute in knitwear, and I enjoyed watching them drag one another back toward the dreams they had both started treating like crime scenes. A few moments felt like somebody yelled “wrap it up” while I was still waiting for the rest of the conversation, but I had a genuinely good time watching a Christmas tree farm become couples therapy for two musicians who only communicate fluently in lyrics.

Merry Mayhem Prize: For Most Successful Use of Evergreen Trees as Emergency Career Counseling for Two People Who Refuse to Say Anything Without a Chorus

Thank you to Random House Children’s Books and NetGalley for the ARC, and for sending Kash to a Christmas tree farm instead of a lawyer, a publicist, or one mandatory seminar called “Please Ask Permission Before Making Grand Gestures With Someone Else’s Music.” The trees did their best.

[Charlene · Rating 4.5 out of 5]

Thank you, GetUnderlined and Katrina Emmel, for this physical ARC!
I am fully in the Christmas spirit after this book. I am OBSESSED with this concept! You can tell how much research went into this book because it was steeped in music knowledge, which made it so much fun to write. I grew up in a very music-centered household, so it felt very homey to me. Even though I’m not a country music fan myself, you can see all the fun cameos in here, which added to the vibe.
I loved all the Christmas elements in here. It felt like a very small-town romance with the family business and it being centered around a Christmas tree farm. I really wish we had more time in the setting and got to see Paisley do more domestic Christmas things, but the glimpses we got here and there were still very fun.
The plot was super fun. It brought some high stakes, even in a romance book, which kept me interested in the storyline and brought a unique style of tension between the characters and the plot. Katrina did a phenomenal job, especially considering the length and style. I can see a lot of newer YA readers really appreciating this.
Paisley was a very sweet main character. I appreciated seeing her grow as the book went on and her self-reflection. It made her easy to understand and root for as the book went on. I can really empathize with her backstory, and seeing her continue to push herself was super sweet and exciting for me as a reader.
Kash was super wholesome and fun as well. I loved how much he grew from a cocky musician to one figuring out his place in the world and learning to take failure, criticism, and work with others. He balanced out Paisley’s personality really well, which made the romance super cute.
I loved the tension and slight enemies-to-lovers in there. Despite this being an enemies-to-lovers, there was still a valid reason for the dislike. It led to some great character development and conversations. I appreciated how relevant authentic conversation was to the relationship, because it modeled a good way to handle conflict and ask for forgiveness for younger readers. 10/10 element to me. 
I will literally read everything Katrina writes.
There were a few passionate kisses with little description.

[Corinne’s Chapter Chatter · Rating 3.25 out of 5]

This was a cute read. I received a physical finished copy as part of the Get Underlined Influencer Program and immersion read it with the ALC from the PRH audio influencer program. It was a quick read but it did't feel very "Christmas" despite the title and that was what I was looking for. I am actually doing a reread of it with a student so I will check back with a more in-depth review.

[Natalie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A blend of music and Christmas that hits all the right notes!!!


This is the perfect early Christmas read. It takes place on a Christmas tree farm, and a good chunk of the book takes place leading up to Thanksgiving. This would be a good book to read early in the season because of that. I liked seeing the Christmas tree farm get ready for the Christmas season. Most books don’t show that, but there is a lot of work that goes into getting up and running each year.

Paisley and Kash were both really likable characters, and they each loved music and I liked how they used it in different ways, Paisley with a notebook of lyrics; Kash with playing around with different melodies. There is a LOT of music to the story, and the musical elements were integrated well.

I also really liked that Paisley struggles with stage fright. A lot of performers do, and it was nice that the book touched on that.

The romance was super cute and clean. Really, the whole book was clean. I don’t recall any language or anything like that and the romance was very clean as well.

I loved all the Christmassy things that the Christmas tree farm did and the events they hosted. The whole thing was very festive and fun.

Definitely one to add to your Christmas TBR!!!


Thank you to the publisher, Random House Children’s Books, for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

[Alicia Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley for this ARC. This was such a cute and wholesome YA romance. I loved the storyline and the relationship of Kash and Paisley.

6 months ago Paisley froze in stage and gave a nightmare of a performance. She became the laughing stock of the internet. While she was walking off the stage the main group to perform grabbed her music journal and signed their names thinking she was a fan. She was so embarrassed. The last guy to sign was Kash. She found him very attractive and loved his smile and eyes. But, after the show she saw online the group wrote horrible stuff about her performance and added to the mocking online. She was so embarrassed she shut her phone off and vowed to never sing again.

Present day she gets a call with a recording company she works with about helping a new solo artist write songs for an upcoming album. She’s also wanted to be a songwriter. Behind the scenes, not performing the songs. She agrees to help. Then she finds out it’s Kash. He doesn’t seem to recognize her, and she saw online the group kicked him out. Maybe they can make this work and she will get her big break? And just maybe love can find her too.

This was so cute. A clean, fun romance. I couldn’t put it down, and loved how the story plays out, and ends. A must read this Christmas season. 5⭐️

[Skeena8 · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a sweet Christmas romance that gives those Pride and Prejudice vibes. After their initial interaction both their lives change drastically. I loved watching them dance around each other and slowly open up and accept they need each other.
The tropes in this are
Hurt pride
Forced proximity
Reluctant coworkers
Slow burn
No Spice
Musicians
If you are looking for an adorable feisty Christmas story this is the one for you. The characters are interesting and have good back stories and are likeable. I love the cozy Christmas tree farm and loved the musical moments and cozy hot chocolate vibes.

[Camille · Rating 3.75 out of 5]

If you’re searching for a cozy YA holiday romance, Christmas Trees & Weak Knees is it! This book has forced proximity, a small-town romance, and a Christmas tree farm. Plus, the main characters are easy to love. This is one of my new top three favorite holiday romances!

Christmas Trees & Weak Knees follows Kash, a country music singer recently dropped from a band, and Paisley, a singer-songwriter recovering from a disastrous stage performance… for Kash’s band. When Kash arrives at the Hideaway—a recording studio at her family’s Christmas tree farm—they immediately butt heads. Paisley is still trying to move on from the worst performance of her life, and Kash is determined to show his old bandmates and his new record label that he can write the next hit song. But when they reluctantly agree to work together, they discover their music isn’t the only thing that’s off the charts.

I really liked this book. It gave me the cozy, hot-chocolate-on-a-winter-night feeling I crave in a holiday romance. I already know it’ll be a new staple to my annual winter TBR. But I also think this book is about more than Christmas trees and reindeer rescues. It’s about finding ways to do what you love, taking risks, and refusing to let previous mistakes define you. At its heart, Christmas Trees & Weak Knees is so much more than a fluffy holiday romance.

This book was a fun, heartfelt read. I think it’s perfect for readers searching for a YA holiday romance with a country music twist. 3.75 stars!

I received a copy of Christmas Trees & Weak Knees as a #GetUnderlinedPartner from Penguin Random House. All opinions are my own

[Liberty · Rating 3 out of 5]

Before I get into the review, a quick thank you to both NetGalley and the publishers over at Delacorte Romance for allowing me access to this ARC in exchange for an honest review. Christmas Trees & Weak Knees follows two 18 year olds whose lives are tangled together following a disastrous meeting at a concert they were both performing at; her the opening act before his band headlines the show. But her embarrassing performance and their uncomfortable meeting must be put on the back burner when Kash is sent by his manager to Paisley's family Christmas tree farm to end his writer's block. Paisley and Kash find a rhythm writing music together, but he doesn't remember the first time they met. Will they find new footing as they write themselves closer and closer to the holidays? Will the reindeer on the farm ever stop being so mischievous? And what will they do when Kash accidentally sends his manager the wrong song, the one with both of them singing together?

This book was okay. Not great. I think a lot of the things I struggled with would be less of a factor if I didn't read so many Christmas Romances. I was really wanting more of a dive into the workings of living on a Christmas tree farm. And it never felt very Christmassy to me. I think the author makes all of it feel less like Christmas and more like a list of farm chores to get done every day. And as someone who has spent several years working retail during the holidays, I understand how the holidays can feel less special because of the work you put in to make it special for other people. It just left me wanting. The pieces we got, like the reindeer, were fun and I wish we had gotten to spend more time there. There's also a sweet moment when Kash and Paisley deliver a tree to an older woman and helps her get it set up. The plot itself was okay. I think they had the obvious problem of not communicating in a situation where communicating would literally fix everything. They try to at first but then she deeply misunderstands him at first and if she just let him finish talking then it would all be straightened out. But then while he's gone for a few days she manages to figure it out on her own. Kinda weird to me.

Overall, this was a fun and quick Romance read. I think it will be good for any YA readers who haven't read a million and one holiday Romances yet. If a reader is looking for a country style Christmas Romance, this will be perfect for them.

[Laura B · Rating 4 out of 5]

Paisley is a songwriter through and through. In fact, she has won an award for her song writing. Combine that with her ability to sing, and you get the perfect package. That is until you take into consideration her debilitating stage fright. Convinced to get on stage and perform for the possibly of a big break, Paisley gives the performance of a lifetime - one that has her high tailing it home to hide in embarrassment and humiliation, as she wasn’t able to overcome her anxiety.

Kash has been kicked out of the band that he helped found and is trying to make a go of it as a solo act, but that means he needs a demo album of original songs. He’s never struggled with writing songs in the past, so that shouldn’t be a problem. However, with the deadline fast approaching for his demo album, the only thing that seems to be in his way is writer’s block.

Que the producer, who asks Paisley and Kash to partner together in composing Kash’s demo album. Will they each be able to set their personal problems aside so they can work together, or will they each let their mental struggles get the better of them?

Set on a Christmas Tree farm during the holidays, Emmel creates a Hallmark Christmas movie that isn’t overly about the holiday itself. She allows the characters to be vulnerable and show their true emotions, while at the same time, helping to uplift the other. My only criticism is that the characters came across to me as if they were in their early 20’s rather than just having graduated from high school. The only possible bit of high school angst that was included was Paisley’s high school nemesis creating and posting memes about her humiliating performance, and that was just described, never included as a character in the novel, making it all the more difficult for me to imagine the characters as being about 18. The story truly came across as a Hallmark movie, and as such, the characters seemed a bit older to me.

4 Stars Ages 13+ Clean, nothing more than kissing

[Cindy Huskey · Rating 3 out of 5]

Christmas Trees & Weak Knees is a cozy YA holiday rom-com featuring a Christmas tree farm, a country music star with writer’s block, a girl with songwriting dreams, and enough festive atmosphere to make you want to drink hot chocolate and break out the holiday sweaters.



Paisley has retreated from the music world after a disastrous encounter with the band Six String Justice, while Kash “Money” Murray arrives at her family’s Christmas tree farm hoping to recover his musical mojo after a band breakup. Naturally, put two music-loving people in a picturesque holiday setting, add some songwriting sessions and romantic tension, and somebody’s bound to develop feelings. It’s practically a seasonal requirement.

The strongest part of this story is definitely the music. I think teens who enjoy songwriting, musical performances, and the behind-the-scenes drama of the music industry will find plenty to like here. The characters' shared passion for music gives their relationship a foundation beyond the usual YA-romance formula of two attractive people making increasingly questionable decisions in close proximity.

The romance was pleasant enough, but I wasn't swept away by it. The story had its charming moments, yet I wanted more holiday magic and a stronger sense of that cozy, festive feeling that was promised. Still, the story has an appealing sweetness that makes it an easy choice for readers looking for a lighthearted holiday read.

I'd especially recommend it to teens who love country music, songwriting, and romances with a sprinkling of holiday magic.

Many thanks to GetUnderlined and Delacorte Romance for this gifted copy.

[BookieCookie12 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nothing beats a sweet holiday romcom, and it’s even better with a guitar playing cowboy! “Christmas Trees & Weak Knees,” written by Katrina Emmel has all the holiday feels, from the heartbreak blues, to caroling Christmas tunes, it has it all. After an embarrassing performance as a singer-songwriter, Paisley Morgan, refuses to sing publicly again, let alone write and perform. Until, former band member, Kash Murray, makes a deal she can’t refuse. In hopes of writing six songs before a very close, and looming deadline, Paisley and Kash form a close bond and find they may be more similar than they had thought. The novel was fast paced and the romantic connection formed pretty quickly, but besides that it was a very heartfelt story. Honestly, who doesn’t love a good holiday, cowboy romance? With country song references and a welcoming Christmas tree farm, this book should be read with a side of hot cocoa! As always, thank you to Netgalley for this reviewing opportunity, reviews will be posted on Goodreads, Fable, TikTok, and Instagram!

[Jacquie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was my first book by Katrina Emmel. I was excited to read a Christmas enemies to lovers romance. Thanks to NetGalley and the author, I was given an advanced ebook copy of Christmas Trees and Weak Knees. This story is based on Paisley a singer and song writer who has a bad viral on stage moment that follows her everywhere and stunts her ability to perform live in front of people. She goes back to her family's Christmas tree farm and hides. Then we have Kash who is kicked out of his band and attempts to create a solo career. Kash is send by his manager to work with Paisley to write a new solo album. There is hostility at first, but then they finally find a connection with each other. I wanted to love this book, but some of the parts fell a little flat. There was a ton of famous name dropping which I felt was a bit too much. Paisley had real reasons for not liking Kash in the beginning and I felt like it went to quickly from hate to love. I wanted him to atone more for what he did. But overall a cute clean love story for the holidays.

[book.chats.with.jacki · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you Underlined and Delacorte Romance for the ARC of Christmas Trees and Weak Knees by Katrina Emmel.

This book was just what my soul needed. I LOVE country music (especially the 90s) and romance, so this was the perfect book for me. And while I love country music, I know nothing about the behind-the-scenes process that goes into making hit country songs. Katrina Emmel did a wonderful job of blending a cute, cozy romance with the intricacies of songwriting.

Paisley is a talented songwriter with severe stage fright after a bad performance and Kash is a talented singer who recently broke up with his band. Can they work together to make each other's dreams come true and maybe fall in love along the way?

This is a sweet YA romance where both characters are recently out of high school. Did I mention this takes place on a Christmas tree farm and there are REINDEER?!?!?!

If you want a holiday romance that feels like a warm hug, read this! I think this would appeal to readers of any age.

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Random House Children's Books and NetGalley for the ARC.
Paisley, our main character, was in the music world, but after a humiliating experience is now back home working on her family's charming Christmas tree farm. Things get complicated when Kash, a former band member arrives needing help; he has writer's block and needs Paisley's help writing songs and has a tight deadline. It isn't long before these two musicians, one with stage fright, the other with writer's block start having feelings for each other.

Like all of Emmel's books, this was a fun read, and with the Christmas tree farm setting, it just seemed magical, like a Hallmark movie. This is fine for both HS and MS libraries and for those who have students who are clamoring for holiday books, I would purchase more than one copy.

[The Girlzzz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Christmas Trees & Weak Knees was a cute, young adult romance. Paisley and Kash were both entertaining characters, and the description of their songwriting process was really interesting. While this story did take place during Christmas, it wasn’t that Christmassy. The story was much more focused on the character’s music.

Thank you to NetGalley, Random House Children’s Books, and Katrina Emmel for the ARC we received. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are completely our own.

We’re three sisters who love to read and are always on the hunt for clean books. Read our full review including language, violence/gore, and spice ratings on our blog Clean Reads with the Girlzzz

[OneMadReader · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice: 🌶️
Language: ! (a few uses of @ss and one use of the s-word)
Drug/Alcohol Content: None
Other Content: a few mentions of groupies

Christmas Trees and Weak Knees was was fun, light Christmas read. I enjoyed watching Paisley and Kash grow together. The beginning of their romance felt a little to based entirely off looks for me, but as they got to know each other better, Paisley and Kash's relationship changed. I loved how this book revolved around musicians and gave more of a behind-the-scenes look at how songs are made. I definitely recommend this for a December/Christmas read!

*I received an advanced review copy for free from Net Galley and the publisher/author, and I am leaving this review voluntarily; opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[candaxe reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley, Random House and Delacorte Romance for the ARC of this book.
4.5 Stars
Katrina Emmel will always be an auto-buy author for me!
She just knows how to do cute and cozy YA romances that just make you happy!
Paisley is leaving the music and song writing world and moves back to her families Christmas farm. Then comes along Kash who is struggling with writers block and gets sent to said farm for inspiration!
Their is sparks flying and happiness during the holiday season. The way their story and romance unfolds is so adorable.
You just can't help but root for them and their love story!

[Christel Nance · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I look for a Christmas book, this is exactly what I’m looking for. I want a book worthy of a Hallmark movie. Sweet, romantic, and clean.

Paisley is a songwriter who has stage freight. Kash is a singer who was kicked out of his band. He’s trying to prove his worth in the music business. Together they create music that could fix both of their problems.

Okay. I love a book I can recommend to my teenager and preteen. This is that book. It’s one I’ll buy and share with people. This author is on my radar. The characters were great and progressed well. They healed with one another.

I received this ARC from NetGalley for my honest review.

[Jaime Moschera · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This was a sweet, cozy YA Christmas romance set on a charming tree farm, and it had exactly the kind of warm, festive vibe I was hoping for. I really liked the idea of two musicians finding inspiration and connection in such a quiet, magical setting, and the songwriting element added a nice layer to the story. Paisley and Kash worked well together, and their relationship felt soft and easy to follow as it developed. While it’s definitely a lighter, more wholesome read, it was still enjoyable and gave me all the cozy holiday feels.

[Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOVED!!!!!! This was such a charming, Hallmark Holiday style, kissing only, dual POV YA romance between an aspiring country rock singer and a songwriter with performance anxiety. Together they spend the holiday season collaborating and helping with her family's Christmas Tree farm festivities. Cute and heartfelt with a swoony NYE grand gesture ending and a great epilogue. It was good on audio and perfect for fans of books like All I want for Christmas by Maggie Knox. Many thanks to @prhaudio for a complimentary ALC in exchange for my honest review.

[Claire · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved reading this! Perfect for fans of country music, this book will steal your heart! I fell in love with Paisley and Kash, especially the way they pushed each other to be better and to step outside of their comfort zones. The book has a cute, cozy vibe and is absolutely perfect for a Christmastime read.

Will definitely be pulling this out around Christmas and 100% will recommend to friends!

*review on arc received from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*

[Ashley Tate · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this from Netgalley in Exchange for my honest review.

Katrina is an auto-buy author for me. Trails Rides and Starry Eyes was so cute and my son's favorite book of the year.

Who doesn't love a Cozy, Christmas love story at a Christmas Tree Farm with a Cowboy?

This book was so cute and I had Christmas Tree Farm by Taylor Swift playing in my head the whole time. It was so well written and I loved the chemistry between Kash and Paisley. I am so ready for Christmas now.

[Elle · Rating 3 out of 5]

DNF, 46%. I couldn’t handle the MCs anymore. The FMC was so annoying. I would’ve given it a 2, but I’m going to attribute the fact that she’s so annoying to “she’s young, she’s a teenager” and try to not hold that against her… however, that doesn’t change the fact that I don’t want to read about her anymore. The MMC seems like an asshole and an idiot (why tf haven’t you called a lawyer after everything that happened???). He’s not a teenager though, so he’s not getting a pass. Also, I’m just bored af.

Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for providing the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Ang Guzman · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a cute little read. It gave major hallmark vibes and I loved it! I did drop it a star only because some parts felt a little ‘unfinished’ almost like it was rushed but it was still a really good book and I look forward to reading it again around Christmas!

[Macy · Rating 3.5 out of 5]

3.5 stars! This was a cute YA story. I didn’t feel like I got a real chance to really fall in love with each character themselves. I always enjoy a dual POV. The song lyrics were fun and made me want to hear the real songs. The ending was predictable and cute!

[Joymhb · Rating 4 out of 5]

Christmas Trees & Weak Knees follows Kash, a country music singer recently dropped from a band, and Paisley, a singer-songwriter dealing with overwhelming stage fright. When Kash arrives at the Hideaway—a recording studio at Paisley family’s Christmas tree farm—they immediately butt heads. He is determined to write his own way to redemption, and she is still healing from the fall-out after her disastrous attempt to sing in public ~ some of which was caused by his band. However in time their shared love of music helps them find their way past hurts and fears to a New Year filled with potential. This a wonderful cozy holiday romance complete with hot chocolate, family sing-alongs, and rescued reindeers. It’s about finding ways to do what you love, taking risks, and refusing to let previous mistakes define you.

Thank you to the publishers and NetGalley for my e-arc.

[Janet C · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was just OK for me. I thought the concept was pretty cute and I thought the integration of the main plot dealing with two music artists was integrated well with the Christmas tree farm element. This book is definitely 'light' on the holiday themes, which honestly was fine. While the romance plot was fine, though forgettable, I just did not really like the structure of the chapters. By putting the dates as headers to paragraphs I felt the book didn't flow as nicely as it could have.

[Lucy A · Rating 2.5 out of 5]

2.5 ☆

“Sure, country music is full of the “lost my dog, lost my car, lost my wife” sad songs, but my version…was just too pathetic.”

♫ | now playing
cherry tree by kyra fields

🎄🎸🎤🦌⋆｡༄⋆ overall thoughts :
Starting off strong, there were WAY too many pop culture references!!! Here’s a list: Carly Simon, iPad, GarageBand, Youtube, John Fogerty, Willie Nelson, Elvis, “Blue Christmas” by Elvis, the Grinch, Ebenezer Scrooge, Die Hard (not a Christmas movie btw!), “Chattahoochee”, Clark Kent/Superman, Dolly Parton, Buddy the Elf, Beyonce, “Texas Hold ‘Em”, Brooks & Dunn, Taylor Swift, “Wellerman”, Kacey Musgraves, Tim McGraw, “I Like It, I Love It”, Porter Wagner, Patti Page, AJ Lee and Blue Summit, Chris Stapleton, Johnny Cash, Barry Manilow. Whew! An awful lot of references! At this point, I can forgive one or two. But this many? No. This will not age well and I can’t escape reality if authors are writing it into their book, now can I? Anyways, now to the main characters. Ugh. Paisley is your basic fmc who has stage fright, and she just made me mad. More specifically, she started giving me the ick around the 70% mark. I could smell the third act breakup/argument/immature characters stupid conflict from that point forward. And boy was I right! Basically, Paisley gets mad at Kash because he ACCIDENTALLY sent in the wrong track to the record company, and at the fact that they loved that it was a duet? Like girl, think clearly. They loved your voice, Kash loves your voice, and if the videos still resurfacing from May bother you THAT much, then BLOCK. THEM. BLOCK. SETH. This plot point was so prominent that I even remembered this “nonexistent” character's name! (I think his last name was Carpenter.) And he wasn’t even that rough with her when he was trying to persuade her to sing in public! He wasn’t even using tactics like that! He LITERALLY said, “I have faith in you. I know you can do it.” Then Paisley goes on to basically blame his hair and looks and kisses for trusting him. Like ughhhhhhh she pissed me off SO MUCH! At first, I somewhat related to her, but that was very….surface level and got over fast. I would like to never be associated with this girl. Now, on to Kash. Or as he writes, Ka$h. Cringe. Again, like Paisley, he was as basic as basic could be. He had that typical ‘country’ look to him, ‘southern’ charm and all that. It really didn’t take that long for them to start having feelings for each other and kissing every other page. Anywho, if anyone actually read all this, thanks for listening to my Ted Talk! In summary, this book is good for a forgettable palate cleanser, which everyone needs once in a while.

↳ 🎧 paisley+kash :
lover
daylight
blankets

⋆｡༄⋆ tropes !
dislike to lovers
forced proximity
emotional scars
reluctant allies

✶⋆. Waiting for another five star read (desperately!)

Thank you to Netgalley for providing me with a free e-arc of this book.