A Christmas Melody

Trevor Family Saga #4

by Anita Stansfield

For twenty-year-old Melody Morgan, Christmas is nothing but a source of shame and embarrassment – just like all the other holidays in her life. She has grown up hating special days – and Christmas is the worst of all.

Then Matthew Trevor walks into her life one November afternoon and turns her world upside down. For Matthew, it’s love at first sight. But how can this handsome, upbeat returned missionary possibly know about the dark, desperate side of Melody’s life – and once he finds out, will he still love her?

This is not just a Christmas story. It’s a touching novel of discovery, renewal, and commitment to eternal principles of love and faith. What Melody learns about Christmas – and about herself – is the greatest gift of all. You’ll be charmed and moved by this sweet and satisfying adventure of the heart. And along the way, you’ll gain a new appreciation for the spirit and wonder of Christmas.

Genres: Lds Fiction, Christmas, Romance, Lds, Fiction, Christian Fiction, Religion

219 pages, Paperback

First published November 1, 1998

About the author

Anita Stansfield, the LDS market's #1 best-selling romance novelist, is an imaginative and prolific writer whose romantic stories have captivated her readers.

"With sales approaching a half million, Anita Stansfield has clearly found a niche in this market," said Nicole Martin, Publicist for Covenant Communications. "Her popularity stems from her ability to empathize with and write about the issues that LDS women deal with on a daily basis."

"I always write for women like me. It's through my interaction with other women that I've found there are some personal and emotional struggles that are typical," said Anita Stansfield. "I hope my writing makes women feel better about themselves and shows them these real problems can be solved through gospel principles."

Reviews

[Lacy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've read this book over and over again.
I first read it when I was 16 and I liked to read it every Christmas. I remember really liking the moral of the story. Is it great writing? I can't really tell you that. It's one of those books I'm just emotionally connected to.

I like:
- the idea of angels being warriors
- that she works at block busters
- rising above her dysfunctional family
- cheesy family Christmases

[The Sweet Bookshelf · Rating 4 out of 5]

This books was so much more than I'd hoped. I loved it! What a Christmas story! There was plenty of fun, adventure, intrigue, mystery, and love. Yes, ALL of those! It was such a pleasant surprise!! I really enjoyed it and the time period. I kind of felt like I was reading some Austen, with a twist.
Loved the characters. Marian and Gil were my favorite, of course. They have so much fun! Marian and her brother Alistair get themselves into so much trouble time and again. It never ceased to amaze me.
I also love it when the characters are friends first before they fall in love. Isn't that how it really happens?! I think it adds something special. I stayed up into the night to finish reading this book. I really enjoyed it. It has all the elements of a perfect Christmas story! I know you'll enjoy it!

[Tara · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book every year during the Christmas season. I admit it is quite cheesy but it is okay once in a while. Past the cheesiness, I like it for multiple reasons. First, the man in this book is named Matthew Trevor and honestly I picture his physical traits like the actor Matthew Mcconaughey even though the author says differently. Also, Matthew is my first fictional crush/love and Christmas wouldn't be the same without him. :) Secondly, It also has a great story and reminds me of how good I had it growing up with parents who gave me wonderful Christmases each year. I also really like the love of angels the author shares. With this perspective, each year I appreciate every tradition we hold and and each of the five senses I am blessed with day to day.

[Summer Van Wagoner · Rating 1 out of 5]

Picked this up at DI. There's a reason it was sitting there practically new and marked on sale for $1. I'm having trouble getting past the second chapter. This author can't have interacted in real life with an actual man. There isn't a man on earth who would feel "spiritually prompted" to go after a cranky, rude, sarcastic female stranger and act like his world will end if that woman never talks to him again, and then pine over her after she slams her door in his face. Not a sane man with any self-respect, anyway. I can't even read the rest of the book- the premise and characters are just too unbelievable and unlikable, and I really don't care what happens to them.

[Lydia Peterson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was so glad to get a view on Matthews life, and that the abuse and hardship from his parents life wouldnt really affect his way to finding true love. I thought it really made a difference and a really connection to the little boy that I grew to love, was after he went to Melodys family and the way her brother yelled. Matthew went back and had his hand on his head and rocking like he did before. Melody was a sweetheart, and even though I kinda got frustrated with her because she has such an awesome guy like Matthew and she was relucant. It was a really nice sweet romance story that made my day better.

[Kate · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the way Matthew and the Trevor family were able to help Melody understand why the traditions and festivities of Christmas are good ways to honour the gift of the Saviour's birth, and how Melody was finally able to overcome her fear of not being 'enough' due to her dysfunctional family background. A sweet addition to the 'Trevor Family Saga'.
(Note that this book is written from a Latter-day Saint worldview, and, as such, may not be of interest to all.)

[Sandie Mixa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although this book was written 24 years ago, I found it to be so full of hope, love, and faith. A wonderful reminder that we all have the capacity to change our past, believe in a happy future, and are worthy of being loved.

[Jami · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this one. There were a few times I worried that it would get too cheesy, but I appreciated what the author did in the end. The target audience is members of the Church of Jesus Christ of latter-day saints, though anyone would feel uplifted after reading regardless of faith.

[Tracy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Despite their abusive backgrounds, the couple is able to rely on their love and their spirituality to connect to each other and to celebrate the true meaning of Christmas.

[Kendra Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a cute book but I wouldn’t read it again. It was sappy and really cheesy. Some people like that but not me. Although the ending was good so it brought my rating up a star!

[Jana · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's a cute story, a little bit cheesy. It does have a good message.

[Lover of Romance · Rating 5 out of 5]

My Review:

A Christmas Melody is a short novel, that is a great retreat into the Latter Day Saint faith and the focus on Christmas. This is a reread, but I haven't read this book in probably a decade lol I absolutely loved getting back to this book and I had forgotten how much I have loved this author and this story. The story is about redemption, healing and finding the Christmas spirit.

In this story, Melody is having a rough road. She grew up in a difficult home environment, with a father that was drunk and emotionally abusive and wouldn't allow his children to celebrate Christmas. But thankfully to a loving neighbor, Melody was still kept strong through her faith in the church. Her siblings have fallen off the path and are living destructive lives. But Melody is working hard but when she is brought into court, because of damages that her sister caused, she stumbles into the judges son, Matthew. Matthew is intrigued by Melody and connects with the hurt and vulnerability within her. They form a quick attachment, and Matthew is determined to show Melody the magic of the Christmas season and what love is capable of.

Overall its a lovely story that if you love Christmas romance, you definitely need to pick up.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked this one. It gave a good perspective on family dynamics. I'm not going to pretend and say that I know every family functions 100%. Those families that do, more power to ya. The truth is: all families struggle with something, that is why they are constantly changing and becoming stronger. It is a never ending cycle. Anyway, I thought that this book gave a few good reminders of how the atonement and the love of our Savior can really heal broken hearts and can touch the lives of those in need. Throwing a little dose of romance in doesn't hurt either! Overall, a very good read!

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a nice easy read and perfect for Christmas. It is about Melody, who rises above her childhood to make a life for herself, and meets the man of her dreams. A nice, easy, fun, romantic Christmas story. Stansfield is LDS, so I like reading her books because I know that there isn't going to be anything questionable in them.

[Annica · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of my favorite books written by Anita Stansfield. I love all her books, but this one was just a little sweeter to me. It is about a young LDS girl who grew up in a disfunctional family, and is trying to ride above it. She meets a boy, named Matthew, who treats her like a princess. This book is the story of Matthew and Melody. It is really cute!

[Rayni · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fairy-tale romance. She dedicates this book to "anyone who has ever hated Christmas." It is fairly convincing. Though I still don't "love" Christmas, I don't hate it either. As the book teaches (or preaches), change comes from within. Although there was supposedly abuse in the past, it all appears happiness & light. As I said, a fairy-tale.

[Susan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Obviously a Christmas story but deals with forgiveness, healing, abuse etc.
Melody doesn't celebrate Christmas because it has no good memories. She is trying to deal with a disfunctional family, and still keep herself together. Her last try to help her sister ended in putting Melody in court requiring her to pay for damage done to an apartment by her sister. Romance as always by Stansfield.

[Melissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ugh,
I know you "get what you pay for" with LDS fiction. I like christmas, but this book was predictable. I think the thing that irked me the most was the false doctrine. One does NOT need to perfom temple work for a dead infant. Just like one does not need to have baptisms and other ordinations done for infants. When things are printed for the world to see, facts need to be straight!

[Marilyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the story of a young girl who came from a totally disfunctional family. She thought she hated Christmas, because her family never celebrated it, and she always felt left out at Christmas time. She met her prince charming and through his loving ways, and the influence of his family, she grew to love Christmas, as well as to love him.

[Karen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute story. Still don't love her writing. Too sappy. Too "perfect". Too many emotional relapses of the same issues over and over again. Too many happy conclusions. If only all of our lives and the people that come into them were as perfect as those in her books....
BUT, always a good message, still made me emotional, and it was a quick read.

[Lacey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I cried all the way through this book. I was at a time in my life when I identified with some of Melody's feelings. At the same time, I was emotionally drawn in by Melody's family plight and trying to be a better person despite her origins. I loved this book!

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a story to get you into Christmas. Like Melody, the Christmas spirit helps us to repent and to get over past issues and life's problems we have to experience. It also helps to have a man like Matthew in your life. This is a great Chrismas read.

[Marsha]

I also liked this one. I enjoy reading Christmas books during December. It was sad reading about how Melody didn't have Christmas when she was growing up and had to learn to like it. I really enjoy her books and others that are love stories that are clean.

[Brooke · Rating 3 out of 5]

A light Christmas romance. The main girl as annoying sometimes just because she couldnt just LET GO of her drama and enjoy a nice guy. But other than that... It was a nice, easy read with a good message.

[Aimee · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sweet story to read at Christmas time. If you haven't read yet I would wait until next December or you won't like it, and it's a good story to get into the Christmas spirit. My only complaint is that Melody cries a lot during the whole book, despite that, it's a story filled with hope.

[Shelby · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a really cute story! I did get a little annoyed at times with how sensitive the main character was, assuming every statement made to her was a dig at her past, but overall, I quite enjoyed this book.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read in HS.

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

If we place ourselves in the lords hand and listen things will work out for us.

[Liesl · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Anita Stansfield books get a little too sappy here and there in my opinion, but they are definately a good fun read.

[Eileen]

I love all Anita Stansfield books. I learn something about having faith through trials, from each book that she writes.