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The Christmas Swap
All Emma Daley wants this holiday season is a white Christmas. But the young teacher and struggling musician sure can't find that in sunny Arizona. Luckily, there's someone living in a perfect mountain home in the Colorado Rockies looking to make a vacation trade this year.
Tyler Prescott is an in-demand songwriter and talented musician who put his own singing career on hold to write songs for celebrity acts to perform. When his mother convinces him to do a vacation trade for Christmas, he never imagined one of the houseguests would be so sweet--or so strikingly pretty. Naturally, he decides to stick around, and, to get better acquainted, he poses as the house's caretaker. But when Emma's friend Gillian discovers his true identity and sets her sights on him, things
get . . . messy.
Fan favorite Melody Carlson is back with another delightful Christmas tale to warm your heart on those cold winter evenings.
Tyler Prescott is an in-demand songwriter and talented musician who put his own singing career on hold to write songs for celebrity acts to perform. When his mother convinces him to do a vacation trade for Christmas, he never imagined one of the houseguests would be so sweet--or so strikingly pretty. Naturally, he decides to stick around, and, to get better acquainted, he poses as the house's caretaker. But when Emma's friend Gillian discovers his true identity and sets her sights on him, things
get . . . messy.
Fan favorite Melody Carlson is back with another delightful Christmas tale to warm your heart on those cold winter evenings.
176 pages, Hardcover
First published September 1, 2020
324 people are currently reading
7160 people want to read
About the author
Melody Carlson
418 books3,245 followersMelody Carlson is the award-winning author of over two hundred books, several of them Christmas novellas from Revell, including her much-loved and bestselling book, The Christmas Bus.
She also writes many teen books, including the Diary of a Teenage Girl series, the TrueColors series, and the Carter House Girls series.
Melody was nominated for a Romantic Times Career Achievement Award in the inspirational market for her books, including the Notes from a Spinning Planet series and Finding Alice, which is in production as a Lifetime Television movie. She and her husband serve on the Young Life adult committee in central Oregon.
She also writes many teen books, including the Diary of a Teenage Girl series, the TrueColors series, and the Carter House Girls series.
Melody was nominated for a Romantic Times Career Achievement Award in the inspirational market for her books, including the Notes from a Spinning Planet series and Finding Alice, which is in production as a Lifetime Television movie. She and her husband serve on the Young Life adult committee in central Oregon.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 826 reviews
December 26, 2023
Living in an area that generally has a cold and snowy Christmas, I've wondered what the holiday season looks and feels like in warm climates. Not just on Christmas Day, but also the time leading up to the holidays. What is it like to come inside from 80 or 90 degree hot and sunny weather to shop for wrapping paper, snowman decor, and snow-tipped Christmas trees? Do the collectible village scenes feature palm trees and beachfront shops in the warm-weather areas?
The holidays here are not white this year as a lack of snow is giving us a green Christmas, but the weather has been chilly enough for the usual winter jackets. But even that has been fleeting as today we experienced a high of 52 degrees. But after reading this, I am disappointingly no closer to knowing how Christmas looks and feels like in truly warm climates.
The house swap involves homes in Arizona and Colorado, but only the home in Colorado is featured, and while there is plenty of skiing, there's not much of a Christmas element to the story. I wanted to read about the family having an Arizona Christmas, how it was different for them, and how they enjoyed it. Did it still feel like Christmas to them without the usual environmental trimmings and cues?
Even though it didn't provide the story I anticipated, I still enjoyed the read. It's light and cute and gave me a bit of winter atmosphere during this unusual, snowless Wisconsin Christmas.
The holidays here are not white this year as a lack of snow is giving us a green Christmas, but the weather has been chilly enough for the usual winter jackets. But even that has been fleeting as today we experienced a high of 52 degrees. But after reading this, I am disappointingly no closer to knowing how Christmas looks and feels like in truly warm climates.
The house swap involves homes in Arizona and Colorado, but only the home in Colorado is featured, and while there is plenty of skiing, there's not much of a Christmas element to the story. I wanted to read about the family having an Arizona Christmas, how it was different for them, and how they enjoyed it. Did it still feel like Christmas to them without the usual environmental trimmings and cues?
Even though it didn't provide the story I anticipated, I still enjoyed the read. It's light and cute and gave me a bit of winter atmosphere during this unusual, snowless Wisconsin Christmas.
December 14, 2024
Oh, THE CHRISTMAS SWAP was cute! 🎅🎄❄
Emma Daley travels with her friend Jillian’s family to do a house swap exchange at Christmas time. The characters are what make this so much fun as you have Jillian’s rich family who are a bit snooty, unrequited crushes, and a bunch of drama. They go to Colorado to stay at a luxury cabin, and West, who is a songwriter and owns the cabin, has sent his family to their house in Arizona, meaning to join them, but gets snowed in at Colorado, and not wanting to interact with Jillian’s family, lies and says he’s the caretaker, and tries to hide in his music studio. This was cute, with West teaching lots of ski lessons to the whole family, getting to spend time with Emma, and then getting stuck with Jillian after she figures out he’s famous and tries to scheme her way into getting a rich husband. Five stars for a great novella length contemporary romance and five candy canes for cozy Christmas vibes. 5/5 stars.
Emma Daley travels with her friend Jillian’s family to do a house swap exchange at Christmas time. The characters are what make this so much fun as you have Jillian’s rich family who are a bit snooty, unrequited crushes, and a bunch of drama. They go to Colorado to stay at a luxury cabin, and West, who is a songwriter and owns the cabin, has sent his family to their house in Arizona, meaning to join them, but gets snowed in at Colorado, and not wanting to interact with Jillian’s family, lies and says he’s the caretaker, and tries to hide in his music studio. This was cute, with West teaching lots of ski lessons to the whole family, getting to spend time with Emma, and then getting stuck with Jillian after she figures out he’s famous and tries to scheme her way into getting a rich husband. Five stars for a great novella length contemporary romance and five candy canes for cozy Christmas vibes. 5/5 stars.
October 16, 2020
3.5 stars rounded up to four. I did enjoy it, but not as much as the other Christmas stories by Melody Carlson. Full review to follow.
December 4, 2020
3.5 stars
I liked a lot about this Christmas novella, the main character Emma, specifically. It was a sweet story with a nice romance, but I have to mention Emma’s best friend. She is awful. I’m not sure why, but the last few Carlson books I’ve read have had a horrible character and I would have loved the book much more had she not been so awful.
Audio book source: Hoopla (library borrow)
Story Rating: 3.5 stars
Narrator: Hope Newhouse
Narration Rating: 4 stars
Genre: Women's Fiction
Length: 4 hours and 14 minutes
December 25, 2020
Not particularly good. The plot is a holiday swap; Arizona - Colorado of two families. Two main met blah blah ... I didn't like any characters. I couldn't help but think it's a bad Cinderella story. I also felt the romance was rush even for a Christmas romance. I didn't enjoy the narrator either so that didn't help.
I'm a fan of Melody Carlson's novellas, unfortunately this isn't one of them.
I'm a fan of Melody Carlson's novellas, unfortunately this isn't one of them.
September 6, 2020
I have read every one of and own every one of Carlson's Christmas novellas. I enjoy them all and look forward to them every year. This year Carlson wrote a fun Christmas romance and the ski element was perfect. I want to read this again and again. I love a fun romance set in a ski town. I gave The Christmas Swap 5 stars two times. I HIGHLY recommend this novella.
The Mary Reader received this book from the publisher for review. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are our own.
The Mary Reader received this book from the publisher for review. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are our own.
October 7, 2020
A short but sweet festive story. Emma spends her Christmas holidays with her college BFF Jillian‘s family. This year is a little different they’re doing a house swap and rather than spending Christmas in sunny Arizona they are off to snowy Colorado. When Emma gets to the charming Colorado ski cottage she meets West the caretaker. There is an instant connection between Emma and West that starts with a day on the ski slopes. But West has things to hide and BFF Jillian doesn’t like not getting what she wants. Will everything be merry and bright for Emma? Or will the Grinch steal her Christmas?
This was a delightful holiday read. I loved spending time on the ski slopes with Emma, West, and everyone else. The so-called cottage in Colorado seemed like Christmas perfection. I just loved the comfy feel good vibe to this story. Emma was a great character and I was definitely cheering for her the entire book. Skiing, hot chocolate, music, and Christmas cheer.
This book in emojis 🏔 🎿 ☕️ 🎸
*** Big thank you to Revel for my gifted copy of this book. All opinions are my own. ***
This was a delightful holiday read. I loved spending time on the ski slopes with Emma, West, and everyone else. The so-called cottage in Colorado seemed like Christmas perfection. I just loved the comfy feel good vibe to this story. Emma was a great character and I was definitely cheering for her the entire book. Skiing, hot chocolate, music, and Christmas cheer.
This book in emojis 🏔 🎿 ☕️ 🎸
*** Big thank you to Revel for my gifted copy of this book. All opinions are my own. ***
December 21, 2023
Такими і мають бути різдвяні історії: порівняно коротенькими (тут трохи менше 200 сторінок), дуже сніговими, атмосферними і не тільки легкими та затишними, а ще й з цікавим сюжетом.
Через всю книжку проходить тема нестандартної дружби між головними героїнями, яка веде до головної проблеми і її розвʼязання.
Звісно, тут, як у всіх подібних історіях, треба закривати очі на певну логіку подій, але не було моментів, що заважали б мені насолоджувалися історією. (Згадую Дженні Колган і її різдвяну історію, що я читала минулого року, і це небо й земля). Тут все було солодко, чудово і по-різдвяному, хоч і з деякими бісячими героями 😂
А ще не можу не відмітити момент, що тут ГОВОРЯТЬ, коли є якісь проблеми. Десь це виходить не відразу, але немає цього тропу miscommunication, якого я не люблю ні в книжках, ні в реальному житті.
Через всю книжку проходить тема нестандартної дружби між головними героїнями, яка веде до головної проблеми і її розвʼязання.
Звісно, тут, як у всіх подібних історіях, треба закривати очі на певну логіку подій, але не було моментів, що заважали б мені насолоджувалися історією. (Згадую Дженні Колган і її різдвяну історію, що я читала минулого року, і це небо й земля). Тут все було солодко, чудово і по-різдвяному, хоч і з деякими бісячими героями 😂
А ще не можу не відмітити момент, що тут ГОВОРЯТЬ, коли є якісь проблеми. Десь це виходить не відразу, але немає цього тропу miscommunication, якого я не люблю ні в книжках, ні в реальному житті.
October 23, 2020
Melody Carlson doesn't disappoint in this intriguing Christmas romance. For me it has been a Christmas tradition to read the author's new Christmas novella release each year. This story drew me in so deeply I could see a scene play out in my mind as I flipped the pages. I appreciated the clean Romance and beautiful story that kept this reader entertained and not wanting the end to come. It would have been a plus if Carlson had included a epilogue at the end of the book. I was kind of left with questions about the future of the two main characters. I can only hope that they had a happy ever after!
All fans of Melody Carlson won't want to miss her latest release. Readers of Christian Fiction and clean read will be comfortable reading this novella. I hope you enjoy it as much as this reader did.
I borrowed a Kindle ebook copy from the Hoopla Library. A review was not requested. All comments made here are my own .
All fans of Melody Carlson won't want to miss her latest release. Readers of Christian Fiction and clean read will be comfortable reading this novella. I hope you enjoy it as much as this reader did.
I borrowed a Kindle ebook copy from the Hoopla Library. A review was not requested. All comments made here are my own .
September 22, 2020
Every year I look forward to reading Melody Carlson's new Christmas book when it releases.
This year was no different.
It really doesn't feel like the start of the holiday season until I read her yearly Christmas book.
Reading it puts me in a warm,happy,good place.
Sweet holiday romance that was novella length I enjoyed the house swap and ski vacation theme.
This book was provided by Baker Publishing Group, Revell Division, through Interviews & Reviews.
This year was no different.
It really doesn't feel like the start of the holiday season until I read her yearly Christmas book.
Reading it puts me in a warm,happy,good place.
Sweet holiday romance that was novella length I enjoyed the house swap and ski vacation theme.
This book was provided by Baker Publishing Group, Revell Division, through Interviews & Reviews.
December 22, 2021
🏖 The Christmas Swap ❄️
This was definitely a cute insta-love story where two families switch homes for the holidays and two people that likely would have never met are brought together. But, it didn’t have a whole lot of Christmas in it to be honest.
I was looking for something a little bit more Holly-Jolly to get me into the Christmas spirit ! I also wish it was longer! If you go in knowing this is a sweet romance novel and not a holiday book perhaps it would be a better experience.
I listened to this one on audio and enjoyed the narration.
3 ⭐️.
This was definitely a cute insta-love story where two families switch homes for the holidays and two people that likely would have never met are brought together. But, it didn’t have a whole lot of Christmas in it to be honest.
I was looking for something a little bit more Holly-Jolly to get me into the Christmas spirit ! I also wish it was longer! If you go in knowing this is a sweet romance novel and not a holiday book perhaps it would be a better experience.
I listened to this one on audio and enjoyed the narration.
3 ⭐️.
December 11, 2024
I really enjoyed this lighthearted read. This was the first book I have ever read by Melody Carlson, and I can't wait to pick up more now. One part had me a little confused, but other than that I'm glad I picked this one up for Christmas.
September 8, 2020
I really don't want to rate this book because this may be the first Christmas book that I didn't find much to like about at all! And normally I really enjoy Melody Carlson's books!
The problems? Unlikable, materialistic and judgmental characters. They complain about everything! There is a huge lack of Christmas feeling in this story, too. Besides a house being decorated, some snow and the fact that this takes place around Christmas, there is no feeling of the Christmas season and there's definitely no good will toward men with these cranky, self-absorbed people. The romance was subpar, didn't even crack the surface really or make me interested.
It's a really short book, so it's a fast read if you want to give it a go. Sadly, I won't be recommending this one to my Christmas readers this year.
The problems? Unlikable, materialistic and judgmental characters. They complain about everything! There is a huge lack of Christmas feeling in this story, too. Besides a house being decorated, some snow and the fact that this takes place around Christmas, there is no feeling of the Christmas season and there's definitely no good will toward men with these cranky, self-absorbed people. The romance was subpar, didn't even crack the surface really or make me interested.
It's a really short book, so it's a fast read if you want to give it a go. Sadly, I won't be recommending this one to my Christmas readers this year.
September 6, 2020
Pre Teens- One Star
New Teens- One Star
Early High School Teens- Two Stars
Older High School Teens- Three Stars
My personal Rating- Two Stars
Melody Carlson’s Christmas novellas are ones I typically try to read and review as they come out each year. It definitely wasn’t my favorite one by this author.
While Emma seemed sweet, she was the only character I remotely liked. Her friend, Gillian’s, family bickers so much and it really brought down the book for me. I wouldn’t necessarily consider this book to be a Christian book due to the lack of faith content, probably just a clean Christmas book.
{I do need to note that Emma is mentioned to have at least quarter Japanese descent, and then a bit later, West thinks about her “almost exotic looks”. I would love to see more diversity in Christian Fiction, but not in this way.}
{Official Content Review to Come.}}
New Teens- One Star
Early High School Teens- Two Stars
Older High School Teens- Three Stars
My personal Rating- Two Stars
Melody Carlson’s Christmas novellas are ones I typically try to read and review as they come out each year. It definitely wasn’t my favorite one by this author.
While Emma seemed sweet, she was the only character I remotely liked. Her friend, Gillian’s, family bickers so much and it really brought down the book for me. I wouldn’t necessarily consider this book to be a Christian book due to the lack of faith content, probably just a clean Christmas book.
{I do need to note that Emma is mentioned to have at least quarter Japanese descent, and then a bit later, West thinks about her “almost exotic looks”. I would love to see more diversity in Christian Fiction, but not in this way.}
{Official Content Review to Come.}}
January 1, 2021
A Short Christmas novella to wrap up the reading year.
This was interesting if not a little predictable. A house swap brings the Landers family and Emma Daley to CO where the swapee hasn't left, and decides he wants to get to know Emma. Shenanigans ensue to keep them apart, and his real identity is kept secret.
This was just ok, totally fine- great way to knock out a holiday read, which I appreciated.
This was interesting if not a little predictable. A house swap brings the Landers family and Emma Daley to CO where the swapee hasn't left, and decides he wants to get to know Emma. Shenanigans ensue to keep them apart, and his real identity is kept secret.
This was just ok, totally fine- great way to knock out a holiday read, which I appreciated.
November 8, 2020
When two families swap houses for Christmas because one wants to leave the snow and the other wants to have a snowy Christmas, lots of twists and turns take place. But in the midst of snowy Breckenridge, Colorado, romance abounds and love blooms.
A sweet, easy to read Christmas novella that would make a wonderful Hallmark movie.
A sweet, easy to read Christmas novella that would make a wonderful Hallmark movie.
December 14, 2020
A sweet romance that made me want to experience a Rocky Mountain Christmas.
3.5 stars
3.5 stars
September 13, 2020
The Christmas Swap by Melody Carlson is a lighthearted Christmas romance novella. I look forward to reading Melody Carlson’s Christmas novella each year. There have been some that are just magical (The Christmas Bus, Christmas at Harrington’s, The Christmas Shoppe). The Christmas Swap is easy to read with steady pacing. I liked the premise of swapping houses for Christmas. Unfortunately, there are some terrible characters in the story. The griping, backbiting, and the manipulating did not make this an entertaining Christmas story. I liked Emma Daley and West Prescott. West’s mother was a sweet woman who loves her family and is supportive of West. Mr. Landers was a nice man who has a terrible family. Gillian is pushy, annoying, and scheming. Mrs. Landers was irritating with her constant litany of complaints. I wanted Emma to stand up for herself. I can understand being grateful for being included in the families Christmas plans and wanting to be helpful. However, there comes a time when you need to quit being a doormat. If I were Emma, I would need a vacation to unwind from the trip with the Landers family. I enjoyed the descriptions of Breckenridge, West’s home, the mountains, and the beauty of snow. I could imagine Emma staring in wonder when she sees the clean, fresh snow for the very first time. I missed the feeling of Christmas and humor that is normally present in Ms. Carlson’s Christmas novellas. The romance was minimal. Just when I was starting to smile and enjoy what was occurring, the story was over. The Christmas Swap needed an epilogue. I hope that Melody Carlson gets her mojo back in time for next years Christmas tale.
September 26, 2020
The Christmas Swap was a cute Christmas read. I loved the characters and the plot of swapping houses for Christmas was unique.
I thought the story was written well - up until the ending. It seemed a bit rushed and I just wasn't happy with it.
I loved the setting and it was fun to read the skiing scenes. All in all, The Christmas Swap was a nice read and I recommend it if you like Hallmark Christmas movies, as it had that same feeling for me. :)
*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*
I thought the story was written well - up until the ending. It seemed a bit rushed and I just wasn't happy with it.
I loved the setting and it was fun to read the skiing scenes. All in all, The Christmas Swap was a nice read and I recommend it if you like Hallmark Christmas movies, as it had that same feeling for me. :)
*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*
December 4, 2020
This was another good book by Melody Carlson. I really enjoy her Christmas books, and I look forward to reading them every year. I thought this was so fun set in Breckinridge,Colorado. I’ve always wanted to go to a ski lodge. It was so fun reading about them skiing. I really liked Emma and West together. They were really cute. Oh my gosh! Gillian was so annoying. She’s like the worst friend ever, and Harris was annoying too. Mrs.Landers was a drama queen. I liked Grant and Mr.Landers. They seemed like good characters,but they weren’t in it too much. I did get the copy with a bonus chapter, and it did have a nice ending chapter. I wouldn’t have been sad if I didn’t get the bonus chapter. The ending of the bonus chapter was sweet. I just feel like the other ending would have sufficed me. All together, it was an enjoyable,fun, and romantic Christmas read. I highly recommend, and I can’t wait to read more of Melody Carlson’s Christmas books.
December 31, 2021
As a young lad many decades ago and a voracious reader of Science Fiction and Historical Fiction, I would sometimes find an author who particularly impressed me. When this happened, I would seek out other books by this author until I had read everything that was available. While they were not necessarily great literature, I liked them, even if they followed a formula. The Christmas Swap by Melody Carlson reminds me of that experience. I found her series followed a Christmas theme (very timely) with a fairly predictable storyline; but the stories are interesting with relatable characters. So I continued reading my way through them as a nice break from my recent fare in books. Maybe with all of the crap going on these days it was a break with something dependable to count on. Sort of like a book version of a Hallmark movie...
All Emma Daley wants this holiday season is a white Christmas. But the young teacher and struggling musician sure can't find that in sunny Arizona. Luckily, there's someone living in a perfect mountain home in the Colorado Rockies looking to make a vacation trade this year. Tyler Prescott is an in-demand songwriter and talented musician who put his own singing career on hold to write songs for celebrity acts to perform. When his mother convinces him to do a vacation trade for Christmas, he never imagined one of the houseguests would be so sweet--or so strikingly pretty. Naturally, he decides to stick around, and, to get better acquainted, he poses as the house's caretaker. But when Emma's friend Gillian discovers his true identity and sets her sights on him, things get . . . messy. Melody Carlson brings us another delightful Christmas tale to warm your heart on those cold winter evenings.
All Emma Daley wants this holiday season is a white Christmas. But the young teacher and struggling musician sure can't find that in sunny Arizona. Luckily, there's someone living in a perfect mountain home in the Colorado Rockies looking to make a vacation trade this year. Tyler Prescott is an in-demand songwriter and talented musician who put his own singing career on hold to write songs for celebrity acts to perform. When his mother convinces him to do a vacation trade for Christmas, he never imagined one of the houseguests would be so sweet--or so strikingly pretty. Naturally, he decides to stick around, and, to get better acquainted, he poses as the house's caretaker. But when Emma's friend Gillian discovers his true identity and sets her sights on him, things get . . . messy. Melody Carlson brings us another delightful Christmas tale to warm your heart on those cold winter evenings.
November 29, 2022
3.5🌟
Audiobook (narrated by Hope Newhouse)
A sweet romance is at the center of this Christmas novella. West (Tyler) and Emma fall for each other quickly, and it worked in this setting. Gillian, Emma’s friend, was truly awful. Not sure that I believe she reformed, even if she did apologize.
Robin’s Ratings
5🌟 = Out of this world. Amazing. Unforgettable. A personal favorite.
4🌟 = Excellent read. Couldn’t put it down. Will recommend to others.
3🌟 = Liked it. Glad I read it. Engaging/entertaining/interesting.
2🌟 = The book was okay, but I’ve enjoyed other books so much more.
1🌟 = For whatever reason, I didn’t like it and can’t recommend it.
Audiobook (narrated by Hope Newhouse)
A sweet romance is at the center of this Christmas novella. West (Tyler) and Emma fall for each other quickly, and it worked in this setting. Gillian, Emma’s friend, was truly awful. Not sure that I believe she reformed, even if she did apologize.
Robin’s Ratings
5🌟 = Out of this world. Amazing. Unforgettable. A personal favorite.
4🌟 = Excellent read. Couldn’t put it down. Will recommend to others.
3🌟 = Liked it. Glad I read it. Engaging/entertaining/interesting.
2🌟 = The book was okay, but I’ve enjoyed other books so much more.
1🌟 = For whatever reason, I didn’t like it and can’t recommend it.
November 4, 2020
This was a sweet holiday romance which reads very much like a Hallmark movie. There's the wealthy Arizona family which fondly includes the sweet middle-class girlfriend of the spoiled daughter in all their family celebrations as her family does mission work overseas. The wealthy family opts for a house swap with a Breckenridge, Colorado family. The son of the Colorado family actually owns the mountain home. He misses his flight to Arizona and ends up staying behind but neglects to inform the holiday residents of his true identity. He has his reasons. Needless to say, there's a huge romantic knot of players which eventually works its way out in the end.
The writing was good and the plot, interesting enough. True to most novellas, I again felt a bit cheated out of full character development. There were quite a few loose threads at the end but not so many as to ruin the story which ends with hope. What more could one ask from a short holiday romance story?
The writing was good and the plot, interesting enough. True to most novellas, I again felt a bit cheated out of full character development. There were quite a few loose threads at the end but not so many as to ruin the story which ends with hope. What more could one ask from a short holiday romance story?
December 21, 2025
4.5 stars!
While the writing and dialogue didn’t feel as crisp as her other novels, this story was no less captivating and sweet. Like many of Carlson’s stories, there’s always a character or two you love to hate, and this was definitely the case for me with The Christmas Swap haha. Overall, adorable and cute and I’m so happy I read it!
While the writing and dialogue didn’t feel as crisp as her other novels, this story was no less captivating and sweet. Like many of Carlson’s stories, there’s always a character or two you love to hate, and this was definitely the case for me with The Christmas Swap haha. Overall, adorable and cute and I’m so happy I read it!
December 2, 2025
It features awkward situations, crazy love, skiing, misunderstandings, hidden identities, and a happily-ever-after. There are a lot of things that could interrupt the blooming romance between Emma and the “caretaker,” and it was a lot of fun to read how everything played out.
August 18, 2025
Melody Carlson has been on my author radar since I read the very first book by her. She has a way of making you become emotionally invested in all of her characters and soon you find yourself cheering them on and praying they find their happily ever after. Melody creates characters that pull you right in and never let you go, even after the last page is read. The way Melody writes, puts you right in the middle of their story, leaving you feeling like you truly know the characters and feeling exactly what they are going through. I love when an author can do that to me. If you love a romantic holiday story then you have to give THE CHRISTMAS SWAP a go. You won’t be sorry and your heart will be warmer because of it.
I started THE CHRISTMAS SWAP one afternoon and couldn’t stop reading until the very last page. I want to get out my tree and decorations now and set it up and it’s only September. I have always enjoyed Melody Carlson’s stories and this one does not disappoint. Melody’s stories always leave me feeling warm and fuzzy inside with a huge smile on my face. As I was reading, I felt like I was right there with Emma and Tyler spreading Christmas cheer. Emma has a huge heart and just wants to have a happy Christmas. Melody Carlson has a gift for telling uplifting and inspirational stories and she knows exactly how to get the reader in the holiday spirit.
I can totally see THE CHRISTMAS SWAP becoming a Hallmark movie that I would love to watch. Melody Carlson always puts me on an emotional roller coaster and THE CHRISTMAS SWAP is exactly why! Now the only thing I’m sad about is, I just finished her latest book and now I have to wait for the next one! Melody has been one of my top authors from the very first book of hers that I had the pleasure of reading and when you read THE CHRISTMAS SWAP you will know exactly why.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell Books. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
I started THE CHRISTMAS SWAP one afternoon and couldn’t stop reading until the very last page. I want to get out my tree and decorations now and set it up and it’s only September. I have always enjoyed Melody Carlson’s stories and this one does not disappoint. Melody’s stories always leave me feeling warm and fuzzy inside with a huge smile on my face. As I was reading, I felt like I was right there with Emma and Tyler spreading Christmas cheer. Emma has a huge heart and just wants to have a happy Christmas. Melody Carlson has a gift for telling uplifting and inspirational stories and she knows exactly how to get the reader in the holiday spirit.
I can totally see THE CHRISTMAS SWAP becoming a Hallmark movie that I would love to watch. Melody Carlson always puts me on an emotional roller coaster and THE CHRISTMAS SWAP is exactly why! Now the only thing I’m sad about is, I just finished her latest book and now I have to wait for the next one! Melody has been one of my top authors from the very first book of hers that I had the pleasure of reading and when you read THE CHRISTMAS SWAP you will know exactly why.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell Books. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
July 28, 2020
Between 1 1/2 and 2 stars.
It's a very simplistic, very light story. The writing is mostly dialogue and the characters don't have a lot of depth.
It's the perfect story for readers who like quick Christmas stories that don't require a lot of mental energy.
I received a copy from the publisher via NetGalley and this is my honest opinion.
It's a very simplistic, very light story. The writing is mostly dialogue and the characters don't have a lot of depth.
It's the perfect story for readers who like quick Christmas stories that don't require a lot of mental energy.
I received a copy from the publisher via NetGalley and this is my honest opinion.
September 7, 2020
THE CHRISTMAS SWAP is a fun story, written in Ms. Carlson's sweet, innocent style about two families who swapped homes for the Christmas holidays.
Emma is a sweet, kind girl traveling with her millionaire friends from Arizona to Colorado. She is excited about it, since its her first time seeing snow. West is travelling with with his family to Arizona, but he forgets something and travels home where he is mistaken for the caretaker.
West sticks around because he likes Emma, but when the millionaire's daughter learns who he really is, things get messy.
There is absolutely no faith message but the story is squeaky clean and very fun.
A great book to add to your Christmas reading list.
I was given a copy free. All opinions are my own.
Emma is a sweet, kind girl traveling with her millionaire friends from Arizona to Colorado. She is excited about it, since its her first time seeing snow. West is travelling with with his family to Arizona, but he forgets something and travels home where he is mistaken for the caretaker.
West sticks around because he likes Emma, but when the millionaire's daughter learns who he really is, things get messy.
There is absolutely no faith message but the story is squeaky clean and very fun.
A great book to add to your Christmas reading list.
I was given a copy free. All opinions are my own.
July 18, 2020
It pains me to write this review. I don’t like giving negative feedback, but I feel I need to. This will only be my second-ever one star review. This book was incredibly problematic. From a man describing a woman as “exotic,” to manipulative characters, putting people down for not being rich, and toxic relationships, this book was a chore to read. I wanted to DNF it so many times, but kept reading with the hope that it would get better. I usually LOVE Christmas stories, but this one missed the mark completely. Honestly, I would not even describe this as a Christmas story. It was a story about a family that does a house swap in Colorado, manipulates each other and goes skiing a lot. I sadly can’t recommend this book.
ARC PROVIDED FOR REVIEW.
ARC PROVIDED FOR REVIEW.
July 5, 2025
I very much enjoyed this one! Very Christmassy, with a descriptive and beautiful setting that made me feel like I was spending Christmas vacation on the ski slopes of Colorado. All of the characters had enough depth to make the dynamics between them interesting in this novella. I also enjoyed the fact that despite it being a novella, it did not have the insta love so common in novellas. I did feel slightly disappointed with the ending and wished the ending was a couple of pages long instead of a couple of paragraphs, but I still very much enjoyed it. Definitely recommend as a Christmas read.;
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