Tidings of Joy

Christmas In Evergreen #3

by Nancy Naigle

An unexpected encounter...
An extraordinary discovery...
Welcome back to the town of Evergreen.

Katie, an author struggling to write her second novel, heads to Evergreen, Vermont for a holiday retreat—only to get an assignment to write an article about the town. On the train, she meets Ben, a former big-city reporter who’s now a librarian in Evergreen.

Katie’s initially skeptical about Evergreen’s love of Christmas; the place seems too good to be true. Meanwhile, Ben’s wary of Katie’s intentions. He’s protective of his small town, and he knows all too well how cynical the media can be. Then a hunt for a fifty-year-old time capsule leads to a remarkable discovery. As Katie and Ben get caught up in the community’s past and present, they both begin to envision new possibilities for the future.

This feel-good Christmas romance includes a free Hallmark original recipe for Cranberry Crostini.

Genres: Christmas, Romance, Holiday, Fiction, Audiobook, Contemporary Romance, Contemporary

280 pages, Paperback

First published November 3, 2020

About the author

NEW RELEASE: A South Hill Christmas Keepsake—out now!
USA TODAY bestselling author Nancy Naigle writes heartwarming small-town stories of love, faith, and second chances. With more than forty novels to her name, eight have been adapted for television on Hallmark Channel, Hallmark Movies & Mysteries, and FOX Nation. Her award-winning ECPA Bestseller The Shell Collector was also the first FOX Original Movie and is now streaming on FOX Nation.
Nancy’s newest Christmas novel, A South Hill Christmas Keepsake, is a heartfelt story inspired by her real-life hometown in Virginia—a tale of lost love, small-town wonder, and rediscovering the magic of community during the holidays.
Up next, she’ll return to the beloved Whelk’s Island universe in Home No Matter Where (coming May 2026), the third installment in The Shell Collector series—continuing her signature blend of coastal charm, healing, and hope.
After a successful career in the banking industry, Nancy followed her heart and took early retirement to write full-time. Now living in the small town of Franklin, Virginia, she crafts stories that celebrate the simple joys of life, the beauty of belonging, and the power of love to restore even the most fragile hearts.
When she’s not writing, you’ll find her browsing antique shops, painting, or weaving pine needle baskets—always on the lookout for the next small spark of inspiration to turn into a story you’ll never forget.

Reviews

[Kay · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5⭐
This one is super sweet and festive. Christmas In Evergreen series has all the charming elements of Christmas Town.

I enjoy returning to Evergreen, Vermont for Christmas, and this time by train! New York author Katie who needs inspiration for her new book is visiting Evergreen and Ben, ex-journalist and town's librarian meet during the train ride. 🚂🎄

If you enjoy sweet small-town romance during Christmas don't miss out on this series. I believe that the books are written from Hallmark movies.

[Gloria · Rating 4 out of 5]

A trip back to Evergreen, Vermont means a light, fun read to get in the Christmas spirit where there is always a sense of community, fun Christmas activities, and magic in the air. Katie in from New York City and needs a break, a vacation to gather new ideas for her next book so she takes the Evergreen Express leaving Penn Station going to Evergreen. Ben is from Evergreen and heading home from the city when he and Katie meet on the train. Ben is a former journalist now working in the town library for his grandmother Nan. Katie loves the Evergreen and is quick to make new friends while joining in with cookie making, tree decorating, skating on the pond, building snowmen, visit Christmas tree farms, and more. One of the local attractions to the local as well as tourists is the famous snow globe in the cafe' where one makes wishes on it that come true. There is a time capsule that is rumored to be in the town somewhere but no one seems to know where it is until it is stumbled on accidentally. Wonderful things happen in Evergreen where people go to visit and some even stay for good. It was fun to visit and see people again and see romance is in the air along with the Christmas spirit. Katie and Ben are drawn to each other as well but her life is in the city and his is in Evergreen. Can anything bring them together? This is another great Christmas in this magical small town.
I received a complimentary ARC from Hallmark Publishing through NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are mine only.

[Melissa Borsey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Anyone who loves Christmas will fall in love with how Christmas is celebrated in the town of Evergreen. This is the perfect read for everyone who loves a sweet holiday romance. I thank Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.

[Teenie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute, feel good Christmas book.❤️🎄☺️

[Brooke · Rating 4 out of 5]

This series is just so cute and Christmasy I love it. It’s nothing too deep or anything and the instalove does kind of make me roll my eyes but it’s just so cute and I love it. I would definitely recommend this series to read during Christmas time.

[Bree Hill · Rating 4 out of 5]

Christmas in Evergreen: Tidings of Joy is the romance between New York City girl Katie and resident of Evergreen, Ben. The two meet on the train heading into Evergreen and with it being a small town, their paths continuously cross. Ben is very skeptical of Katie's motives in the beginning once he learns that she is a reporter trying to find inspiration of an article. In the past, reporters have come to Evergreen and poked fun at how seriously the town gets over the holidays and he thinks that's what she's there to do. In the beginning she does have intentions of writing an article on Evergreen and she is a little suspicious of all of the holiday cheer but she never showed any intention of poking fun. This is their romance.

It was kind of hard rating this book. I immediately wanted to rate it a five/five star which who knows, maybe eventually I will? The Tidings of Joy film premiered on Hallmark's Countdown to Christmas of 2019. Of course I saw it and of course I loved it. I love the Evergreen movies. It is just really weird when a book is written after a movie versus when you've read and loved a book and then we get a film adaptation. With book to movie adaptations you get to see the stories you love brought to life but on one hand where is the fun with that when you saw the film first? On the second hand though, as I read this book which beat by beat was exactly like the film, I could imagine the characters in my head based off that experience.

That being said, Nancy Naigle is slowly becoming a go to for holiday romances for me. I read The Christmas Shop by her last year and really loved the spin on You've Got Mail and this one didn't disappoint. She really nails the small town charm and sense of community. There is more than one love story in this one, I specifically love Hannah and Elliott's story, I remember crying when they finally got together in the movie. I was so happy for Michelle and Thomas. I love the time capsule aspect to the story, sort of this surprise across time from Evergreen 50 years ago. It was really sweet.
If you're into sweet, Holiday romances set in small town Vermont which I've pulled up on Pinterest and is absolutely gorgeous during the fall and winter, I definitely think this series is a try. If you've already seen the film adaptations and are just nostalgic for the stories then give them a read but honestly, what you see in the movie is what you get in the book so you be the judge!

[Mayda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Though skeptical at first, Katie, a writer and visitor to Evergreen, soon succumbs to the magic of the town. She gets caught up with the Christmas activities, and makes friends with the townsfolk, especially with Ben, a journalist turned librarian. Getting past some initial distrust, they discover they have much in common. Whether they can overcome some formidable obstacles remains to be seen. Romance is definitely in the air, along with some Christmas miracles, all of which help to solve a few town mysteries. It’s an enjoyable tale, well written and entertaining, and peopled with delightful characters.

[Carla · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my third trip back to Evergreen Vermont, which means I am in for a fun, community Christmas. This time around, Katie has planned a short vacation in Evergreen to try and get some ideas for her new novel. While she is there, her mother convinces her to write an article for the magazine she works for after one of their freelancers became unavailable. Katie is reluctant, but as she learns about the hidden time capsule, the snow globe that grants wishes and the wonderful caring community, she falls in love with the town and doesn't want to write an article about the commercialism of Christmas. Katie meets Ben, who lives in Evergreen and she is attracted to him, and the feeling is mutual. As readers enjoy the town, the hunt, the history and the events, the story will make you smile. It is a wonderful addition to the series with happy ever afters, mysteries solved and friendship and community that made this reader want to visit. This book was actually based on a Hallmark movie that I watched last year and enjoyed, the book was just as good. This was another relatively quick Christmas story that left me smiling. I was gifted a copy of this book upon request. The rating and opinions shared are my own.

[The Candid Cover (Olivia & Lori) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Full Review on The Candid Cover

Christmas in Evergreen: Tidings of Joy by Nancy Naigle is a holiday book based on the original Hallmark movie. If you enjoy a small town romance that takes place during the Christmas season, then this is one to add to your reading list. It is a fun and entertaining story that will put you into the spirit of the season.

I have to admit that I have yet to watch this movie, so I can’t compare the book to the film, but the descriptions and overall feel of the story are classic Hallmark. The book is told in multiple perspectives, however it mostly focuses on Katie. She is a writer looking for an inspiring place to work on her novel. While Katie is in Evergreen she winds up being commissioned to write a story about the town for her mother’s magazine. This turn of events changes her entire perspective of people and the magic of Christmas.

❀ SMALL TOWN SETTING

What is one of the most enjoyable aspects of the movie is its small town setting. There is no end to its holiday charm and Christmas magic. It is a place that exudes the holiday spirit, complete with a snow globe that grants wishes and a holiday train that takes tourists from the city into town. Also, the discovery of a 50 year old time capsule just before the holidays adds a nostalgic and old fashioned feeling to the novel.

❀ SLOW-BURN ROMANCE

As with many Hallmark stories, this one focuses on the themes of self-discovery and finding true love. The slow-burn romance between Katie and Ben is really sweet to read and there are lots of cute moments, including tree decorating, cookie baking and carolling. When things start to heat up, both characters need to look inwards and make some hard choices.

❀ CHRISTMAS MAGIC

Christmas in Evergreen: Tidings of Joy by Nancy Naigle is a wonderful read that really puts you in the holiday spirit. It is a nice break from the chaos in the world right now. A definite must-read for anyone who enjoys a happy ending and lots of Christmas magic.

[Barb · Rating 4 out of 5]

In general, I don't read many straight-out romance books, but I make an exception for books by this author, especially at this time of year. With all the chaos of preparing for the holidays, I need an occasional break from the murder and mayhem that usually populate my reading lists :)

This has been a cute series from the start - who wouldn't love the idea of a small Vermont town filled with Christmas magic and a snowglobe that seems to be able to grant wishes? The red truck is almost a character too, adding to the town's appeal. Much like Debbie Macomber's Cedar Cove (and other) series, each book focuses on a different couple, although the MCs from the previous books are still present. The stories are predictable, but not in an irritating way.

There is one more book in this series, but it's by a different author and the Goodreads reviews are less than encouraging, so I'll probably skip that book, call the series finished with this book, and look for another light holiday romance series to add to my list for next year.

[Amy Hornek · Rating 4 out of 5]

I gave this story a rating for what it was. It was a light hearted Christmas romance, completely implausible, but heartwarming all the same. It wasn’t written to be the next great classic, so I didn’t rate it as one.

[Annarella · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm always happy to travel to Evergreen and live in this cozy and lovely town.
This story was no exception and I thoroughly enjoyed, I rooted for the characters and had a lot of fun.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine

[Jennifer Wheeler · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one is my least favourite so far. I’m not really sure why… I don’t think there’s any single thing I can point to, but I definitely dragged my feet a bit finishing it.

[Judy Christiana · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you like Hallmark movies, then you will love this book. It is a Hallmark movie! Nancy Naigle wrote this book based on a Hallmark movie. The book is more elaborate and more detailed in my opinion, and that makes it a pleasure to read. I saw this movie last Christmas season, and enjoyed it so much and definitely wanted to read this book.

I love the Evergreen town stories. Everyone in the Evergreen gets along wonderfully, especially at the holiday season. The delight of Christmas time is something that all of them have in common. On several occasions, tourists come to the town at Christmas and move to live there.

The two main characters of the story are meant for each other and it is wonderful to read their story. I especially love the part of the plot of the town’s time capsule, which has long been a rumor and in this book we find that it is true. Also making appearance is the story are the adored red truck and the magical snow globe!

I have read many of Nancy Naigle’s books, and I enjoy her writing so much. I am thrilled that Hallmark has chosen her to write the Evergreen books based on their movies. I highly recommend this book! It will definitely get you into the Christmas spirit, no matter what time of the year you chose to read it!

I want to thank NetGalley and Hallmark Publishing for giving me the pleasure of reading the advanced reader copy. My opinion is my own not influenced by receiving the ARC.

[Jodie (That Happy Reader) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nancy Naigle has become the Queen of taking Hallmark movies and translating them into book form. Despite the fact I’ve seen the movie, reading the book still feels as warm and cozy to me as if I didn’t know the story. I’d say that is the sign of a good writer.

In her latest book, we see Katie taking the scenic trip from New York City to the town of Evergreen (the setting of several other books and movies) by train. Katie is a writer looking to get some rest and relaxation and inspiration for a second book. On the train she meets Ben, a former NYC reporter turned Evergreen librarian who informs Katie the things that make Evergreen so special. It doesn’t take long for Katie to understand what Ben has told her, but is this place really too good to be true? After her editor mother requests Katie write an article on the town, will she be able to write with the critical eye that she requires? Having had several negative articles written by other journalists in the past, Ben is feeling very protective about the town he calls home.

Evergreen has a unique history, and this is the year that the town needs to find the key to opening the time capsule which was sealed up fifty years ago. This provides a context for the story which includes many activities we have associated with Christmas. The community absolutely loves Christmas, and eats and breathes it during the season. For those that have read any other books (or seen the Hallmark movies) set in Evergreen, you will understand the small town charm that oozes from its citizens: the reason why many that visit never leave.

I love to read these books and watch Christmas movies and 2020 only makes me want it more. I’d love to be transported to Evergreen for a stay and this book allows me to feel as though I have. The characters are well developed, likeable and the story engaging. Although this book is not officially part of a series, there is a history in Evergreen that continues from the earlier books. I love how several romances transpire during the length of the book and Hallmark really does this well. What I really appreciated, though, was the added bonus of the time capsule: what it unlocks is simply magical.

Thanks to Netgalley and Hallmark Publishing for the ARC of this book in exchange for the honest review provided here.

[Jules]

A sugar cookie of a book, based on the Hallmark original movie of the same name. Katie, a New York City-based author and journalist, arrives in Evergreen, Vermont, eager to start gathering ideas for her next book. When her mother asks for a favor --- use this trip to write an article on the Christmas town for her business magazine --- Katie reluctantly agrees. Surrounded by a close-knit community where (cue Cheers theme) everybody knows your name and is engaged in well-timed festivities, she develops mixed feelings of skepticism (is it all too good to be true? A marketing campaign in disguise?) and delight and excitement (especially where Evergreenian and fellow journalist Ben is concerned). Couples and denizens from the series' previous books/movies contribute to the story's festive and sweet atmosphere. A charming surprise propels the story and burgeoning relationship between Katie and Ben forward. If you've enjoyed this Hallmark series and/or like Nancy Naigle's previous novels (see Secret Ingredient), you'll find much to appreciate.

[Heidi Pergolski · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tidings of Joy is a sweet romance with a bit of a mystery. Oh how wonderful to spend the holidays in a town such as Evergreen! The characters were endearing and it felt like they had become old friends. This story is told from several different points of view which I thoroughly enjoy. Getting multiple views deepens the characterization in my opinion. This book pulled me in from the first page and I had a hard time putting it down. Now I need to read the two before it.

[Tracy Fritts · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christmas in Evergreen: Tidings of Joy is a fun, charming, and a heartfelt story. I truly enjoyed reading about these two characters. Its a heartwarming Christmas story. Its a page turner and wonderful written . its a delightful and a really good storyline.
I read and and reviewed an Advanced Copy of this book All thoughts and opinions are of my own.
Thank you NetGalley and Hallmark Publishing for letting me read this book.

[Dolorianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first one in the series that I watched the Hallmark movie before reading the book. I remember liking the movie, and kept getting flashes of scenes as I listened to the audiobook. It was so nice to catch up with the Evergreen folks, and it felt like I was getting a behind the scenes look at what was happening. The story itself was charming and fun. And I loved the added bit of mystery.

[Cozy Book Spot]

Cute Christmas time romance book. I felt in love with Evergreen and it's residents. I love Vermont and I love that small town feeling so I enjoyed reading this book. I saw that there's a movie too so I can't wait to watch it! The romance between the two main characters was a little blend but I enjoyed the rest of the story. I received a free digital copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review

[Paige · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is as heartwarming as reading a Hallmark movie. I enjoy this series that takes place in the small town of Evergreen in Vermont. This can be read as a stand-alone, but I found myself getting slightly distracted and confused by all of the previously introduced characters that made appearances in this book. This had a bit of a mystery and was full of holiday love and cheer.

[Rachael Kamm · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun read and the time capsule was a great addition!

[Melmo2610 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another charming return to the wonderful town of Evergreen. This story with the town mysteries, and the bookish/writing angle thrilled my mystery/book loving heart. Cute story and fun ending.

[Caitlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love these books as much as I love the movies.

[Sierra Livengood · Rating 2 out of 5]

for some reason i decided to read a christmas book in march. i really liked it in the beginning but i found myself losing interest as the book went on, although i really really liked katie.

[Vfields Don't touch my happy! · Rating 4 out of 5]

I can’t believe I read another book in this series. It’s such an easy, breezy, entertaining read.

[Jen · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have missed my Hallmark channel since we got rid of the dish and live on Netflix!! This helped my heart.

[Virginia Campbell · Rating 5 out of 5]

With "Christmas in Evergreen: Tidings of Joy: Based on the Hallmark Channel Original Movie", special holiday storyteller Nancy Naigle once again treats readers to Christmas magic with a return visit to the quaint little town of Evergreen, Vermont. In this third installment in the "Christmas in Evergreen Series", a chance meeting on a train will be the start of a journey of a lifetime for a man and a woman who will each discover that the very things that they are trying to escape are the things that will bring them true happiness. Katie Connell needs a break from New York City and decides that the holiday village of Evergreen is just the place for a respite, and maybe she will find the inspiration to write a new novel. Working as a freelance reporter, which sometimes includes writing for her mother's magazine, is not the real career that Katie envisions for herself. On the train, she meets Ben Baxter, a native of Evergreen on his way home from the big city. Ben formerly was an NYC reporter, and he gave up that life to help his grandmother run the town library. While he enjoyed life in Evergreen--running the library with his grandmother, story time with the children, and the overall spirit of fellowship--he was beginning to feel the urge to return to his former life. Katie is enchanted by Evergreen--Christmas is not just business there--it's a way of life. The whole community puts their all into the traditions and prosperity of the town. There's a mystical snow globe that is said to make wishes come true, and it's time for the 50th Annual Christmas Festival and a hunt for a legendary time capsule. Finding the time capsule will affect the town residents in many different ways and lead to new beginnings. Katie and Ben both have their own dreams for the future, but if they put their hearts and minds together, will their futures include each other? Readers will also greatly enjoy the first two books in the series" "Christmas in Evergreen" and "Christmas in Evergreen: Letters to Santa". Highly recommended for lovers of small town romance filled with the spirit of the season.

Book Copy Gratis Hallmark Publishing

[Readsandeats · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a joyful book to read. I have seen the movie of this book and loved it, so there was no doubt that I wouldn’t love this as well. This was a day read for me and it was a day well spent.
It was so nice to be back in Evergreen again and meeting up with all the characters from before. In this book Katie comes to Evergreen to have a vacation and get inspiration for her next novel. On the train she accidently bumps in a gentleman and there is a spark, his name is Ben. He offers a life to her B&B but she decides to walk as she needs to get a phone cable. As she walks into town she is greeted by various locals.
This novel is about Katie realising that there are people who are genuinely welcoming and thoughtful and the friendships she makes in Evergreen. There is also the story of Evergreen celebrating 50 years of their Christmas Festival.
I don’t want to say anymore, as I don’t want to spoil the story. This is a book you should read snuggled up in a comfy chair, with the Christmas tree lights twinkling, candles flickering, the fire crackling (if possible) and a hot cuppa in your hand. Will I be watching the movie again this holiday season? Absolutely.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed my return to Evergreen and its sweet, small-town romance. Evergreen has gained a reputation for its Christmas spirit, making it a popular tourist destination. Looking for a chance to clear her head and maybe find some inspiration for her second book, Katie travels to Evergreen for a holiday break. After years of city life, Katie is a little skeptical about the town's reputation, believing that it is a show put on for the tourists. On the train, she meets Ben, a born and bred Evergreen resident.

Ben is a former Chicago journalist who returned to Evergreen five years earlier to take care of his injured grandmother, Nan, and never left. A little burned out on his reporting career, he turned his attention to helping Nan at the town library. Lately, he's felt the urge to return to his career, and when he meets Katie, he has just had an unsatisfactory interview for a New York City reporting job.

I liked the first meeting between Ben and Katie. She is snapping pictures right and left on the train until her phone runs out of charge. When she looks for an outlet for her charger, the train's lurch sends her falling straight into Ben. There's a fun bit of semi-flirty back-and-forth between them, as Ben counters her skepticism with his knowledge of the town. Though they part ways as they exit the train, it's a small town, so you know they'll see each other again.

I enjoyed the development of the relationship between Ben and Katie. Katie quickly found herself enmeshed in the town's activities, frequently in Ben's company. He seems determined to show her the truth of the town's Christmas spirit, and Katie's skepticism dies a pretty quick death. There are some sweet scenes of them together, from cookie making to ice skating to snowman building. Their interest in each other grows the more time they spend together, but there are obstacles neither can forget. Katie is only there for a visit, and Ben doesn't see himself leaving any time soon. I ached for them both when it was time for her to leave Evergreen. Even Ben's visit to the city didn't turn out the way I expected, though I was sure they'd find a way back to each other. I loved the twist at the end that did just that, and it was the perfect ending for the book.

A recurring theme was the search for a fifty-year-old advent calendar that is part of the town's history. I loved the creative method of hiding the clue and the unexpected way it was revealed. The town's enthusiasm for the tasks they carried out was fun to watch and made me feel as though I were right there with them. The final task was a surprise, but it made a lot of sense and was a perfect wrap up when I thought about it.

The secondary characters are all an important part of the story. Some of them starred in the previous two books, so it was nice to catch up with them. Romance is in the air for more than just Ben and Katie. A broken snowglobe brings love to two unsuspecting people while the town's new mayor waits for her sweetheart to return from his out-of-town business. The Christmas Eve ceremony provides several surprises that warm the heart.