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A Family Under the Christmas Tree
Now a Hallmark Channel original movie called Picture a Perfect Christmas !
Unexpected events bring together a single father and a fashion photographer, who are united by their connection to a young boy and a mischievous dog, in this heartwarming Christmas romance.
David Murphy never knew much about kids. But when his brother dies unexpectedly, he is granted custody of his six-year-old nephew, Troy. He already has his hands full running his business, and he has no idea how to help the grieving boy. When Troy runs off one day, David finds him at a park playing with an adorable and rambunctious dog—who leads him to Sophie.
Sophie Griffith has spent her life travelling around the world as a photojournalist. She has never stayed in one place for long, and her new assignment—helping her grandmother for a few weeks—is just temporary . Once Christmas day comes, Sophie is off the hook and can leave for a new adventure. Caring for her grandmother is a piece of cake—but caring for her new Bernese mountain dog, Riggs, is a different story. It doesn’t help that Riggs strikes up a friendship with a lost little boy one day at the park—and leads her to David.
Neither David nor Sophie have time for romance. But as their faith and growing love for the boy and dog unites them, they are forced to decide whether their relationship is more than a fleeting holiday romance before the season runs out.
Unexpected events bring together a single father and a fashion photographer, who are united by their connection to a young boy and a mischievous dog, in this heartwarming Christmas romance.
David Murphy never knew much about kids. But when his brother dies unexpectedly, he is granted custody of his six-year-old nephew, Troy. He already has his hands full running his business, and he has no idea how to help the grieving boy. When Troy runs off one day, David finds him at a park playing with an adorable and rambunctious dog—who leads him to Sophie.
Sophie Griffith has spent her life travelling around the world as a photojournalist. She has never stayed in one place for long, and her new assignment—helping her grandmother for a few weeks—is just temporary . Once Christmas day comes, Sophie is off the hook and can leave for a new adventure. Caring for her grandmother is a piece of cake—but caring for her new Bernese mountain dog, Riggs, is a different story. It doesn’t help that Riggs strikes up a friendship with a lost little boy one day at the park—and leads her to David.
Neither David nor Sophie have time for romance. But as their faith and growing love for the boy and dog unites them, they are forced to decide whether their relationship is more than a fleeting holiday romance before the season runs out.
226 pages, Paperback
First published October 4, 2016
32 people are currently reading
786 people want to read
About the author
Terri Reed
192 books3,126 followersNew York Times bestselling author Terri Reed’s romance and romantic suspense novels have appeared on Publishers Weekly top 10 Romance Mass Market Paperback and Publishers Weekly top 10 Religion Fiction, Nielsen’s Bookscan top 50, Amazon #1 Bestseller, featured in USA Today and a Fresh Pick at FreshFiction.com. Her 2016 novel, A Family Under the Christmas Tree, was adapted into the Hallmark movie and retitled Picture a Perfect Christmas.
She resides in the Pacific Northwest with her college-sweetheart husband and when not writing, she enjoys agility with her Australian shepherd.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
May 7, 2021
2.5 stars
Reed's latest is a sweet, romantic holiday tale. There's not a huge amount of depth as the story mostly stays on the surface. The love story is cute and perfect for a lighthearted read during the Christmas season. It takes a while for the tale to find its footing, but once the characters get to a bit of self-discovery things move a little more quickly. Predictable, but still endearing overall.
Sophie Griffith travels the world as a photojournalist, but the only place she has ever felt at home was with her grandmother in Washington state. Sophie goes to help her injured grandmother during the Christmas season and meets her grandmother's neighbors. David Murphy is a computer genius who has unexpectedly become the guardian of his six-year-old nephew Troy upon the death of Troy's parents. Sophie and David bond over Troy and Troy's love for Sophie's grandmother's dog. As the season progresses, they grow closer and must overcome their fears to give themselves over to love.
January 9, 2017
Well, already behind on my reviews for the year! I'm pathetic.
This one kinda turned into a chore for me to read, honestly. Numerous reasons and emotions were rehashed more than once, which got a bit old, and the story is vastly different from the blurb. Here's my own short blurb:
Sophie never intends to get married. Instead, she's bent on proving to her Hollywood family that she has what it takes to be a successful international photographer. When her grandmother summons her home to Washington after hurting herself in a fall, she certainly didn't expect to find that her grandmother's new companion is a massive ten-month-old Bernese mountain dog, and especially not that the dog's best friend is the orphaned nephew of the handsome neighbor. Perhaps her grandmother's insistence that she be the one to come help her during recovery wasn't as innocent as it appeared, but Sophie's not about to fall for that trick. Not even when the orphaned child runs away with her heart.
Just a bit different than what's on the cover, right? She'd already met the neighbors by the time she found the child in the park. But the story does capture the Christmas spirit very nicely. I also liked that, while both characters have difficult family history of different sorts, they don't have massive loads of emotional baggage like many of today's characters end up with. That was a particularly refreshing twist.
All said, it was a cute, light story—but I think I'll stick with Reed's suspense stories.
Also, authors need to start their own hair care line. I'm impressed that Sophie managed to have three scents of shampoo with her for her trip: cinnamon, vanilla, and sunshine.
This one kinda turned into a chore for me to read, honestly. Numerous reasons and emotions were rehashed more than once, which got a bit old, and the story is vastly different from the blurb. Here's my own short blurb:
Sophie never intends to get married. Instead, she's bent on proving to her Hollywood family that she has what it takes to be a successful international photographer. When her grandmother summons her home to Washington after hurting herself in a fall, she certainly didn't expect to find that her grandmother's new companion is a massive ten-month-old Bernese mountain dog, and especially not that the dog's best friend is the orphaned nephew of the handsome neighbor. Perhaps her grandmother's insistence that she be the one to come help her during recovery wasn't as innocent as it appeared, but Sophie's not about to fall for that trick. Not even when the orphaned child runs away with her heart.
Just a bit different than what's on the cover, right? She'd already met the neighbors by the time she found the child in the park. But the story does capture the Christmas spirit very nicely. I also liked that, while both characters have difficult family history of different sorts, they don't have massive loads of emotional baggage like many of today's characters end up with. That was a particularly refreshing twist.
All said, it was a cute, light story—but I think I'll stick with Reed's suspense stories.
Also, authors need to start their own hair care line. I'm impressed that Sophie managed to have three scents of shampoo with her for her trip: cinnamon, vanilla, and sunshine.
September 19, 2016
A Little Bit of Christmas
Christmas is one of my favorite times of year. I admit it, I’m one of those people who turn on the Christmas music waaaaayyyyyy before Thanksgiving (sometimes before Halloween) and I love, love, love those Hallmark Christmas movies. The description of A Family Under the Christmas Tree by Terri Reed certainly sounds like a made-for-TV movie.
First, the description of this book is not quite how the story happens. Yes, Sophie Griffith comes to Washington State to care for her grandmother during the holiday season but she does not meet David Murphy and his nephew at the park. Nope, they are at her grandmothers (along with the dog) when she first arrives. Sophie’s career as a photojournalist has allowed her to travel all over the world and this assignment at her grandmothers is just like all of the others—temporary. Her next assignment is going to open doors for her and her career.
David Murphy is learning to balance his new role as a guardian to his nephew and running his company. He doesn’t have time for anything more—including a relationship with the pretty granddaughter of his next door neighbor. Yet, he and his nephew are both becoming more entangled with Sophie, who is going to leave. Can they survive the loss when she leaves?
This wasn’t quite the story I thought it could be. Yes, it was a light-hearted and fun story but there were a couple things I didn’t love about it. First, the conflict in this story is pretty weak. Both characters are focused on their careers and don’t want to pursue a relationship because of them. But really, when you love someone, you’re willing to give that up (which neither character even considered). The second (and in my opinion) bigger problem with this story is the instant attraction between these two.
From the moment they met, both of these characters were drawn to the other. Yes, I understand a person’s appearance can be appealing to another right off the bat but it does not make for deeper-level relationship. For me, the whole insta-love thread in stories does not allow for the characters to dig into who the other person is other than how they look. This may have been a stronger story if Sophie was merely cute but as David got to know her, she becomes more beautiful.
That said, this couple does spend time talking and growing to admire each other during the few weeks between Thanksgiving and Christmas. And the addition of Riggs (the dog) and Troy (David’s nephew) add a good deal of cuteness to the story.
All in all, an average Christmas read.
***Howard Books provided me with a complimentary electronic copy of this book in exchange for an honest and fair review. All opinions expressed are my own.
Christmas is one of my favorite times of year. I admit it, I’m one of those people who turn on the Christmas music waaaaayyyyyy before Thanksgiving (sometimes before Halloween) and I love, love, love those Hallmark Christmas movies. The description of A Family Under the Christmas Tree by Terri Reed certainly sounds like a made-for-TV movie.
First, the description of this book is not quite how the story happens. Yes, Sophie Griffith comes to Washington State to care for her grandmother during the holiday season but she does not meet David Murphy and his nephew at the park. Nope, they are at her grandmothers (along with the dog) when she first arrives. Sophie’s career as a photojournalist has allowed her to travel all over the world and this assignment at her grandmothers is just like all of the others—temporary. Her next assignment is going to open doors for her and her career.
David Murphy is learning to balance his new role as a guardian to his nephew and running his company. He doesn’t have time for anything more—including a relationship with the pretty granddaughter of his next door neighbor. Yet, he and his nephew are both becoming more entangled with Sophie, who is going to leave. Can they survive the loss when she leaves?
This wasn’t quite the story I thought it could be. Yes, it was a light-hearted and fun story but there were a couple things I didn’t love about it. First, the conflict in this story is pretty weak. Both characters are focused on their careers and don’t want to pursue a relationship because of them. But really, when you love someone, you’re willing to give that up (which neither character even considered). The second (and in my opinion) bigger problem with this story is the instant attraction between these two.
From the moment they met, both of these characters were drawn to the other. Yes, I understand a person’s appearance can be appealing to another right off the bat but it does not make for deeper-level relationship. For me, the whole insta-love thread in stories does not allow for the characters to dig into who the other person is other than how they look. This may have been a stronger story if Sophie was merely cute but as David got to know her, she becomes more beautiful.
That said, this couple does spend time talking and growing to admire each other during the few weeks between Thanksgiving and Christmas. And the addition of Riggs (the dog) and Troy (David’s nephew) add a good deal of cuteness to the story.
All in all, an average Christmas read.
***Howard Books provided me with a complimentary electronic copy of this book in exchange for an honest and fair review. All opinions expressed are my own.
December 11, 2016
Sophie is a world traveling photographer who is basically married to her career. When she goes to Washington State to care for her injured grandma between shoots, she meets David and his nephew, Troy. David has worked hard for the last few years on his start-up company to make sure he never suffers financially again. He is also Troy's guardian, since his brother and sister-in-law died, and is struggling with the precocious boy.
The last thing either of them want is love, yet they each have an instant attraction for the other. I like the fluttering stomach feelings that result, but I don't feel that they really get to know each other as well as they should in this short amount of time, especially considering how career driven they are. Blame it on the magic of the season? There seems to be something missing in their connection that leaves it slightly unbelievable.
I adored Grandma and her puppy, Riggs. When you add that handful, Troy, to the mix, the story is definitely entertaining and fun. They are each catalysts, in their own ways, to bringing this couple together. I do love a story where the characters undergo some change, especially in their outlooks on life. There are some good elements to this story and it is a sweet Christmas read.
Content: mild romance; moderate religious elements.
*I received a copy through Prism Books Tours. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*
The last thing either of them want is love, yet they each have an instant attraction for the other. I like the fluttering stomach feelings that result, but I don't feel that they really get to know each other as well as they should in this short amount of time, especially considering how career driven they are. Blame it on the magic of the season? There seems to be something missing in their connection that leaves it slightly unbelievable.
I adored Grandma and her puppy, Riggs. When you add that handful, Troy, to the mix, the story is definitely entertaining and fun. They are each catalysts, in their own ways, to bringing this couple together. I do love a story where the characters undergo some change, especially in their outlooks on life. There are some good elements to this story and it is a sweet Christmas read.
Content: mild romance; moderate religious elements.
*I received a copy through Prism Books Tours. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*
December 22, 2016
4.5 stars
This is a book that you can snuggle up next to the fireplace and read with a sigh!
Sophie and David are two people who are very giving and loving but who have both guarded their hearts for very different reasons. Louise is the Grandma who seems to be the matchmaker of the family. Troy is David’s nephew who now lives with David after the passing of his parents. Put them all together, splashed with the holiday season, and it makes for a very loving and fun read! Oh my gosh, I almost forgot to mention the extra family member is Riggs. He is a puppy but grows to be one of those really big dogs (Bernese mountain dog). I mean a dog always cinches a deal!!
Both David and Sophie’s POV’s are written. The characters are people with flaws and I like it that way. The book has a Christian based theme with issues on faith.
I might have shed a few tears at the tender moments in the book. So, if you like a little cry, opening up your heart, books with loss, puppies, Christmas, snowflakes, serving others, finding love and having a family that loves you then this might be for you!
This is a book that you can snuggle up next to the fireplace and read with a sigh!
Sophie and David are two people who are very giving and loving but who have both guarded their hearts for very different reasons. Louise is the Grandma who seems to be the matchmaker of the family. Troy is David’s nephew who now lives with David after the passing of his parents. Put them all together, splashed with the holiday season, and it makes for a very loving and fun read! Oh my gosh, I almost forgot to mention the extra family member is Riggs. He is a puppy but grows to be one of those really big dogs (Bernese mountain dog). I mean a dog always cinches a deal!!
Both David and Sophie’s POV’s are written. The characters are people with flaws and I like it that way. The book has a Christian based theme with issues on faith.
I might have shed a few tears at the tender moments in the book. So, if you like a little cry, opening up your heart, books with loss, puppies, Christmas, snowflakes, serving others, finding love and having a family that loves you then this might be for you!
September 7, 2016
A heartfelt Christmas romance, complete with a lovable little boy, a big puppy, and a sweet, meddling grandma.
Loved the setting of December in Bellevue, Washington, with the snowy Cascade mountains as a backdrop, evergreens everywhere and lots of rain (and mud). The author described it perfectly. Filled with all the fun activities that makes Christmas special, from cookie baking, ice skating, a visit to a tree farm, and a church pageant, it made me want to join in with them all. There was a lot more going on below the surface though. The characters seemed to fight their mutual attraction throughout most of the story, trying not to get attached for many reasons, which made me want to shake them a few times, but it's hard to fight a precocious preschooler, a big pup and a grandma with the best of intentions. Their struggles were understandable and relatable, dealing with issues of grief, trauma and abandonment.
Recommend for anyone who enjoys contemporary Christian romances.
(Book provided by NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for my honest review.)
Loved the setting of December in Bellevue, Washington, with the snowy Cascade mountains as a backdrop, evergreens everywhere and lots of rain (and mud). The author described it perfectly. Filled with all the fun activities that makes Christmas special, from cookie baking, ice skating, a visit to a tree farm, and a church pageant, it made me want to join in with them all. There was a lot more going on below the surface though. The characters seemed to fight their mutual attraction throughout most of the story, trying not to get attached for many reasons, which made me want to shake them a few times, but it's hard to fight a precocious preschooler, a big pup and a grandma with the best of intentions. Their struggles were understandable and relatable, dealing with issues of grief, trauma and abandonment.
Recommend for anyone who enjoys contemporary Christian romances.
(Book provided by NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for my honest review.)
December 16, 2016
This book is all sweetness and Christmas goodness. If you are looking for a cute holiday romance then you should check this book out. Curl up, settle in. There is cookie baking, tree cutting and decorating, a visit to Santa and all sorts of traditional Christmas events.
Honestly though? It just may have been little Troy and the dog, Riggs who steal this show. Cuteness overload. David and Sophie both have hesitations in following up their attraction with a relationship. Good thing Grandma is there to push things along!
I enjoyed this book but I felt like the story was spinning in the same place for quite a bit, with the characters thinking the same thing over and over. It was a little slow moving, but the characters were likable and brought a smile to my face. Christmas stories during December are always fun to read!
Honestly though? It just may have been little Troy and the dog, Riggs who steal this show. Cuteness overload. David and Sophie both have hesitations in following up their attraction with a relationship. Good thing Grandma is there to push things along!
I enjoyed this book but I felt like the story was spinning in the same place for quite a bit, with the characters thinking the same thing over and over. It was a little slow moving, but the characters were likable and brought a smile to my face. Christmas stories during December are always fun to read!
March 31, 2017
First, the disclaimer. "I was provided a free copy of this book. All opinions are my own." That done, A FAMILY UNDER THE CHRISTMAS TREE is a sweet holiday romance (which I'm reading late, but it doesn't matter, right? I love Christmas stories any time of the year.) David's brother and wife has died, leaving David the guardian for their six-year-old son, Troy. Troy is very adept at pushing the boundaries. I get that he's grieving and so is David, but I wouldn't put up with a six-year-old's disrespect and attitude. David tries not to, but he is seriously out of his league.
Sophie is an acclaimed photographer getting top jobs and world-wide photo shoots. She goes home to take care of her grandmother who is in a wheelchair for awhile and discovers that grandma is mostly interested in matchmaking David and Sophie. Sophie likes them, doesn't approve of David's parenting skills, tells him so, judges him for being a workaholic (she's one too) and when she babysits, Troy is perfectly behaved and she cleans David's whole house, top to bottom in a few hours.
I loved the dog, Riggs. Such a sweetie with Lassie tendencies.
All in all a sweet holiday romance. Predictable, but sweet, clean, and a non-intrusive faith message.
Sophie is an acclaimed photographer getting top jobs and world-wide photo shoots. She goes home to take care of her grandmother who is in a wheelchair for awhile and discovers that grandma is mostly interested in matchmaking David and Sophie. Sophie likes them, doesn't approve of David's parenting skills, tells him so, judges him for being a workaholic (she's one too) and when she babysits, Troy is perfectly behaved and she cleans David's whole house, top to bottom in a few hours.
I loved the dog, Riggs. Such a sweetie with Lassie tendencies.
All in all a sweet holiday romance. Predictable, but sweet, clean, and a non-intrusive faith message.
July 6, 2016
A Family Under The Christmas Tree is the perfect book for winter (and thanks to living in the Southern Hemisphere and an advanced copy, everything was timed perfectly so that I could enjoy this in the cold months of the year). I adore that cover, especially that cute Bernese you see, who I would like to steal and take home. And I loved the setting, a wintry, snowy Washington. The romance was very sweet and the family aspects heartbreaking, all of which combined to create a charming and enjoyable novel.
Sophie is visiting her grandmother, staying for Christmas only. She is a photographer with a career that is blooming, so she doesn't have much time for family or holidays, and she especially doesn't have time for creating a family of her own. Which is why she is more than a little surprised to be so attracted to her grandmother's neighbour, David. David has recently taken in his nephew after the tragic loss of his brother and sister-in-law. The little family has been shaken by the tragedy and David is struggling to balance work, a home and a rambunctious little boy. Sophie and her grandmother step in to help out and David, too, is shocked to be fighting off attraction to the beautiful photographer. He knows Sophie is leaving soon and can't risk any further damage to his or his nephew's heart.
The attraction between David and Sophie starts from the very first page, the first time they meet. It is instant and plentiful. But there are many obstacles in the way of Sophie and David ever having a happily ever after. Like their reluctance to find love, Sophie's job, Troy and David's grief and both David and Sophie's own past experiences with family and love. Despite the instantaneous nature of their attraction, I loved how their relationship slowly blossomed (and sometimes stuttered). They have a lot to work out both individually and together.
Along with Sophie and David there are a handful of other, excellent characters, especially young Troy, who is a beautiful little boy and keeps David running madly after him. Between his and Riggs' (the Bernese puppy) antics, there is a wonderful humour that offsets the sadness of Troy's loss. Sophie's grandmother and her friend are also wonderful additions to the story.
And, of course, there are all the perfect wintry activities that provide a wonderful background to the romance and family story, including ice skating, Christmas tree shopping, Christmas parades. It gave the book a cozy, feel-good vibe, perfectly adding to this story of love, grief, Christmas and family.
The publishers provided a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Find more reviews on my blog Madison's Library.
Sophie is visiting her grandmother, staying for Christmas only. She is a photographer with a career that is blooming, so she doesn't have much time for family or holidays, and she especially doesn't have time for creating a family of her own. Which is why she is more than a little surprised to be so attracted to her grandmother's neighbour, David. David has recently taken in his nephew after the tragic loss of his brother and sister-in-law. The little family has been shaken by the tragedy and David is struggling to balance work, a home and a rambunctious little boy. Sophie and her grandmother step in to help out and David, too, is shocked to be fighting off attraction to the beautiful photographer. He knows Sophie is leaving soon and can't risk any further damage to his or his nephew's heart.
The attraction between David and Sophie starts from the very first page, the first time they meet. It is instant and plentiful. But there are many obstacles in the way of Sophie and David ever having a happily ever after. Like their reluctance to find love, Sophie's job, Troy and David's grief and both David and Sophie's own past experiences with family and love. Despite the instantaneous nature of their attraction, I loved how their relationship slowly blossomed (and sometimes stuttered). They have a lot to work out both individually and together.
Along with Sophie and David there are a handful of other, excellent characters, especially young Troy, who is a beautiful little boy and keeps David running madly after him. Between his and Riggs' (the Bernese puppy) antics, there is a wonderful humour that offsets the sadness of Troy's loss. Sophie's grandmother and her friend are also wonderful additions to the story.
And, of course, there are all the perfect wintry activities that provide a wonderful background to the romance and family story, including ice skating, Christmas tree shopping, Christmas parades. It gave the book a cozy, feel-good vibe, perfectly adding to this story of love, grief, Christmas and family.
The publishers provided a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Find more reviews on my blog Madison's Library.
October 9, 2016
Short Blurb: “In this heartwarming tale set during the Christmas season, a single father and a fashion photographer are brought together by a young boy and a mischievous Bernese mountain dog—but first they must learn to set aside their differences if they are willing to let their relationship bloom. “
This story is sure to warm the hearts of anyone this holiday season! David finds himself guardian of his young nephew Troy when his brother and sister-in-law are killed in a car accident. Both still raw and grieving, they try to take life one day at a time as it comes. Sophie temporarily moves to Bellevue WA to help take care of her grandma recovering from a fall. Add in the mix a pup and matchmaking scheme and you have a whole lot of fun! I loved how Sophie reached out to David in all the small ways to try to comfort him and help him find his way again. Her gentle faith played out in helping to mend his heart and lead him back to the Father. She’s the perfect mother image to Troy and shows the little boy love. I took great joy in watching these two slowly fall in love, each trying to deny it for valid reasons. I also loved Grandma Louise. She has great intentions when it comes to Sophie and David, even though they see it as meddling! The whole cast of characters were charming and I enjoyed the interplay of each life as they spent more time together. A story as sweet as a cup of hot chocolate and just as rich!
*I received a complimentary copy from Howard Books. A positive review was not required of me and all opinions are strictly my own.*
This story is sure to warm the hearts of anyone this holiday season! David finds himself guardian of his young nephew Troy when his brother and sister-in-law are killed in a car accident. Both still raw and grieving, they try to take life one day at a time as it comes. Sophie temporarily moves to Bellevue WA to help take care of her grandma recovering from a fall. Add in the mix a pup and matchmaking scheme and you have a whole lot of fun! I loved how Sophie reached out to David in all the small ways to try to comfort him and help him find his way again. Her gentle faith played out in helping to mend his heart and lead him back to the Father. She’s the perfect mother image to Troy and shows the little boy love. I took great joy in watching these two slowly fall in love, each trying to deny it for valid reasons. I also loved Grandma Louise. She has great intentions when it comes to Sophie and David, even though they see it as meddling! The whole cast of characters were charming and I enjoyed the interplay of each life as they spent more time together. A story as sweet as a cup of hot chocolate and just as rich!
*I received a complimentary copy from Howard Books. A positive review was not required of me and all opinions are strictly my own.*
December 12, 2016
***3.5 stars***
Awwww....cute! This is a very sweet romance set around the Christmas holiday. It has a very cute little boy and a lovable puppy that pull at the heart strings. The rest of the characters are good, but for me the sweetness factor was the boy and the dog.
The first half of the book was a little slow for me. There is a lot of explanation about the past. The characters are holding a lot of pain and it makes them wary or unwilling to enter into a romantic relationship. David has a little boy to think about. He became his nephew's guardian when his brother was killed in a accident. He wants to shield himself and the boy from pain if he can.
Sophie grew up feeling as if she were her parents afterthought. They placed emphasis on their careers rather than their children. She feels as if she has to prove her worth and a relationship does not fit in her plans. This books shows that as you go about making plans the unexpected can happen. Sometimes plans need to be re-evaluated and new plans need to be made.
I loved that Terri Reed showed the emotional process of David and Sophie as they came to understand what (or who) was important to them. The second half of the book boosted the book from a three star to a three and a half star book for me.
I enjoyed the sweet message of the book. The characters were well written and easy to like. The book is a clean romance with kissing. This is a great Christmas time read to cuddle up with.
Awwww....cute! This is a very sweet romance set around the Christmas holiday. It has a very cute little boy and a lovable puppy that pull at the heart strings. The rest of the characters are good, but for me the sweetness factor was the boy and the dog.
The first half of the book was a little slow for me. There is a lot of explanation about the past. The characters are holding a lot of pain and it makes them wary or unwilling to enter into a romantic relationship. David has a little boy to think about. He became his nephew's guardian when his brother was killed in a accident. He wants to shield himself and the boy from pain if he can.
Sophie grew up feeling as if she were her parents afterthought. They placed emphasis on their careers rather than their children. She feels as if she has to prove her worth and a relationship does not fit in her plans. This books shows that as you go about making plans the unexpected can happen. Sometimes plans need to be re-evaluated and new plans need to be made.
I loved that Terri Reed showed the emotional process of David and Sophie as they came to understand what (or who) was important to them. The second half of the book boosted the book from a three star to a three and a half star book for me.
I enjoyed the sweet message of the book. The characters were well written and easy to like. The book is a clean romance with kissing. This is a great Christmas time read to cuddle up with.
September 28, 2016
More of a 3.5 for me, but rounded up, because it wrapped up so sweetly, still fun, and definitely worth a quick escape. There are definitely Christian elements to this story. Both the h and H have moments where they turn to God to see what is in store for them in the relationship that develops as they meet each other and grow to like each other. While both are busy with careers, they seem to not be able to have a future together. Troy and Riggs with their moments of chaos and madness (child and dog), manage to help throw these two hearts together and consequently figure out that maybe the attraction they feel for each other is more than that, maybe it is love. The lovely holiday setting, and cute moments made for a fun read. A nice addition to a holiday collection for anyone for a quick escape.
I received a copy from NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
I received a copy from NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
December 13, 2016
3.5 stars
If you like binge watching the Hallmark channel during the Christmas season, here’s another book to add to your TBR list for December! A Family Under the Christmas Tree by Terri Reed is cute and sweet and romantic, and it will put you in the mood for cozy Christmas evenings.
Sophie’s grandma is just adorable. Easily my favorite character in the book. She’s all twinkly-eyes and matchmaking plans and homemade cookies, but she also has a mischievous side that reminded me of my own grandma. Riggs the dog is equally adorable (and Zuzu’s favorite character … no surprise here) and the source of a few chuckles throughout the story. Troy, David’s young nephew, is a typical little boy in an atypical situation, and he and his uncle must navigate the unfamiliar and sharp paths of grief as they try to adjust to life together. I appreciated that the author allowed Troy to be a little boy – with all the ups and downs and tumbles that entails – and that the portrayal of his grief seemed realistic without being too heavy.
David and Sophie have an instant attraction that develops despite both being so wrapped up in their careers that they can’t possibly see a way clear to be together. The romance itself is actually my least favorite part of this book – to be honest, it just didn’t ring true for me. It’s well-written … and all the right words and feelings are there … but I just didn’t “feel it”.
I did however love David and Sophie and Troy together – as a family, as a unit. And that really was the highlight of the book for me. Watching them help each other heal and renew faith and find joy.
Bottom Line: A Family Under the Christmas Tree by Terri Reed is sweet and romantic and heartwarming. Troy and Riggs, as well as Sophie’s grandma, add moments of humor and make the story all the more endearing. This is an ideal read for fans of Hallmark Christmas movies or for anyone looking for a quick and uplifting escape from the hustle and bustle of the holiday season.
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.)
See my full review at Reading Is My SuperPower
If you like binge watching the Hallmark channel during the Christmas season, here’s another book to add to your TBR list for December! A Family Under the Christmas Tree by Terri Reed is cute and sweet and romantic, and it will put you in the mood for cozy Christmas evenings.
Sophie’s grandma is just adorable. Easily my favorite character in the book. She’s all twinkly-eyes and matchmaking plans and homemade cookies, but she also has a mischievous side that reminded me of my own grandma. Riggs the dog is equally adorable (and Zuzu’s favorite character … no surprise here) and the source of a few chuckles throughout the story. Troy, David’s young nephew, is a typical little boy in an atypical situation, and he and his uncle must navigate the unfamiliar and sharp paths of grief as they try to adjust to life together. I appreciated that the author allowed Troy to be a little boy – with all the ups and downs and tumbles that entails – and that the portrayal of his grief seemed realistic without being too heavy.
David and Sophie have an instant attraction that develops despite both being so wrapped up in their careers that they can’t possibly see a way clear to be together. The romance itself is actually my least favorite part of this book – to be honest, it just didn’t ring true for me. It’s well-written … and all the right words and feelings are there … but I just didn’t “feel it”.
I did however love David and Sophie and Troy together – as a family, as a unit. And that really was the highlight of the book for me. Watching them help each other heal and renew faith and find joy.
Bottom Line: A Family Under the Christmas Tree by Terri Reed is sweet and romantic and heartwarming. Troy and Riggs, as well as Sophie’s grandma, add moments of humor and make the story all the more endearing. This is an ideal read for fans of Hallmark Christmas movies or for anyone looking for a quick and uplifting escape from the hustle and bustle of the holiday season.
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.)
See my full review at Reading Is My SuperPower
December 27, 2017
I was looking for a lighthearted Christmas read when I pulled this off the shelf. It is that. But there were so many eye-rolling moments that I couldn't lose myself in the story, though I finished it, which is more than I can say for other cheesy romance novels I've read. The emotions of both main characters were spelled out numerous times, pretty much summing up every chapter in the same way. I appreciated that the religious aspects were not heavy-handed, even if David's "conversion" is a bit too quick and convenient. There were also a couple of "huh?" parts that I would've queried/edited the hell out of: in one, a reference to the movie "A Christmas Story" and the boy who's so bundled up that he can't put his arms down is met with "But you're taller than Ralph," when that boy is Ralph's brother. In another, Sophie asks David how he knows all these Christmas carols, like "Rudolph" and "Jingle Bells." The man is a 30-something American guy--why wouldn't he know standard Christmas carols?! Okay, enough bashing. The story was sweet, Grandma Louise is fantastic, the setting is dreamy, and now I want a Bernese mountain dog puppy.
March 2, 2017
It all starts with a dog & a little boy
Everything about A Family Under The Christmas Tree was a delight to read! I've been a fan of Terri Reed's romantic suspense for awhile now but had no clue that she could write Holiday-themed romantic comedy equally as well. But I LOVED this book! It was funny, sweet, sometimes poignant, tale of love and family.
I'm a sap for books with pets in them and it only took a few pages for a certain Bernese Mountain Dog named Riggs to become pretty much my favorite character. He's just so cute and lovable! Anyone who has ever had a big dog will quickly recognize and chuckle at his puppy antics.
With Christmas just around the corner and snow falling it's a great time to stay inside with a good book,
one that will make you laugh, and make you think, and make you fall in love with the characters. Terri Reed's delightful new book A Family Under The Christmas Tree would be the perfect choice.
(I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are entirely my own.)
Everything about A Family Under The Christmas Tree was a delight to read! I've been a fan of Terri Reed's romantic suspense for awhile now but had no clue that she could write Holiday-themed romantic comedy equally as well. But I LOVED this book! It was funny, sweet, sometimes poignant, tale of love and family.
I'm a sap for books with pets in them and it only took a few pages for a certain Bernese Mountain Dog named Riggs to become pretty much my favorite character. He's just so cute and lovable! Anyone who has ever had a big dog will quickly recognize and chuckle at his puppy antics.
With Christmas just around the corner and snow falling it's a great time to stay inside with a good book,
one that will make you laugh, and make you think, and make you fall in love with the characters. Terri Reed's delightful new book A Family Under The Christmas Tree would be the perfect choice.
(I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are entirely my own.)
December 24, 2017
When reading this book, i thought it was going to be a mediocre book. But, i found myself picking up the book and not wanting to stop. Its a very light read and a very christmasy book. It does well highlighting the meaning of christmas. It has Christian tendencies to the book, but dont let that stop you reading this book. The religion is a highlight in this book but the author does really well laying out both of the main characters stories and struggles. Also, the dog Riggs is honestly the best part of this book.
November 21, 2019
A good old fashion holiday story of two independent people knowing careers and family take priority over a love, that is not meant at this time in their lives. Except a loving grandma, Louise knows better. She sees her neighbor, David who is caring for his nephew as the perfect match for her granddaughter Sophie. Will these two fall in love before Christmas?
December 22, 2025
3 1/2 out of 5 stars
It’s no wonder this story was made into a Hallmark story. It reads like one. There is sweet romance, a precocious little boy, lively puppy, and well-intentioned grandmother. The story is a cute and light read.
I received this book complimentary in a giveaway. I was not required to give a review. All of the opinions I have expressed here are honest and my own.
It’s no wonder this story was made into a Hallmark story. It reads like one. There is sweet romance, a precocious little boy, lively puppy, and well-intentioned grandmother. The story is a cute and light read.
I received this book complimentary in a giveaway. I was not required to give a review. All of the opinions I have expressed here are honest and my own.
June 26, 2020
I liked this book. Two workaholics meet, and although it’s only to be for a short time, they can’t help falling for each other. The story takes place during December. Sophie, a world photographer, comes to help her grandmother, who falls and hurts herself, but has another job lined up after the New Year. David lives next door to her grandmother, and has his own start-up tech company, that takes up most of his time. Throw in a five year old whirlwind who has lost his parents in an accident, the grandmother and her huge, rambunctious puppy, and two people afraid to let anyone into their hearts, and you get a beautiful story.
February 6, 2024
Worth Rereading
This book is definitely worth rereading. Although partly through I realized that I had read this book many years before it was nice to refresh my memory of how it unfolded again
This book is definitely worth rereading. Although partly through I realized that I had read this book many years before it was nice to refresh my memory of how it unfolded again
October 16, 2016
A Family Under the Christmas Tree is a sweet holiday romance between Sophie, a photographer who has traveled the world, and David, a stay at home computer programmer. David has recently become the guardian of his nephew Troy when his brother and sister-in-law die in a car accident. Sophie is spending a few weeks before Christmas helping her grandmother who hurt her foot when she fell over her new dog Riggs. Sophie's grandmother, Louise, is David's neighbor and Troy loves playing with Riggs. Louise and Sophie help David out with Troy throwing David and Sophie together. In spite of their attraction, they are both reluctant to fall in love because of their pasts and the differences in their lives.
I enjoyed this book and recommend it. It's a great story about two people figuring out what's important in life. I received a free copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
I enjoyed this book and recommend it. It's a great story about two people figuring out what's important in life. I received a free copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
March 5, 2017
This is such a good book. It had me from the first page!
June 28, 2017
cute storyline, could just about predict what as going to happen
October 6, 2019
I have enjoyed this author's great suspense novels, but this is the first book I have read by her that is not suspense. Loved the story, setting, and characters. Great Christmas story
January 27, 2020
A very enjoyable book
August 22, 2020
Loved this book from the very first page. Sweet romance with Terri's trademark furry friend.
December 31, 2020
The premise was cute but too much of the story was he feels this and she feels that. It would have been much better if the narrative focused on characterization. It’s a warm-hearted light Christmas read if that’s what you are in the mood for.
December 23, 2021
3.5 🌟.. Its your typical Hallmark book. A nice uplifting holiday read. Perfect book for reading on a winter day with a hot beverage. Bonus: It has a dog in the story!
April 11, 2022
This book was absolutely incredible!! A really great read!!
August 23, 2023
A cute family story which was made into a Hallmark movie.
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