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A Christmas in the Alps
After a time of heartache and loss, Simone Winthrop discovers a tantalizing letter from her French great-grandmother, which seems to suggest that she is heir to a family treasure. Ever practical, Simone assumes the claim is baseless, but her best friend encourages her to find out for sure. Despite her deep-rooted fear of flying, Simone boards a jet to travel to Paris at Christmastime to uncover the truth.
During the long flight, Simone meets the charming Kyle Larsson, who's on his way to France to become an apprentice clockmaker. Though they abruptly part ways, an unexpected rendezvous in the French Alps at Simone's family's clock factory may lead to the discovery of the family treasure . . . and so much more.
For anyone who is wearying of staying home, Melody Carlson invites you to spend Christmas with her in the beautiful French Alps this year. So pull on your mittens, tie your scarf tight, and prepare yourself for a magical mountain holiday.
During the long flight, Simone meets the charming Kyle Larsson, who's on his way to France to become an apprentice clockmaker. Though they abruptly part ways, an unexpected rendezvous in the French Alps at Simone's family's clock factory may lead to the discovery of the family treasure . . . and so much more.
For anyone who is wearying of staying home, Melody Carlson invites you to spend Christmas with her in the beautiful French Alps this year. So pull on your mittens, tie your scarf tight, and prepare yourself for a magical mountain holiday.
176 pages, Hardcover
First published September 7, 2021
59 people are currently reading
4202 people want to read
About the author
Melody Carlson
421 books3,269 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 422 reviews
December 22, 2022
Family treasure hunt in France.
Simone finds a letter from her late great-grandmama about the family treasure she left behind in Avre, France. On the flight, Simone meets a cute guy Kyle who is seeking an apprenticeship with a clockmaker.
I think readers will figure this one out before the MC does. It's a quick read involving meeting family you never knew, acceptance, forgiveness, and light romance. There's not a whole lot of festive feel, and the setting was a bit of a waste, I mean look at that cover!
After a few minutes of listening to A Christmas in the Alps, I realized I started this one last year but didn't log it on GR because I quit shortly into the book. It comes down to a personal preference for the narration. I might have enjoyed it more if I read it. 2.5⭐
Usually, Melody Carlson delivers great holiday reads, this is a miss for me.
Simone finds a letter from her late great-grandmama about the family treasure she left behind in Avre, France. On the flight, Simone meets a cute guy Kyle who is seeking an apprenticeship with a clockmaker.
I think readers will figure this one out before the MC does. It's a quick read involving meeting family you never knew, acceptance, forgiveness, and light romance. There's not a whole lot of festive feel, and the setting was a bit of a waste, I mean look at that cover!
After a few minutes of listening to A Christmas in the Alps, I realized I started this one last year but didn't log it on GR because I quit shortly into the book. It comes down to a personal preference for the narration. I might have enjoyed it more if I read it. 2.5⭐
Usually, Melody Carlson delivers great holiday reads, this is a miss for me.
December 30, 2021
Simone Winthrop discovers something special left for her by her French great-grandmother: a letter. It notifies her of a secret family treasure. At first, Simone doesn't believe it can be true; she insists it must be a mistake, but her friend Andrea won't let this go. She talks Simone into flying out to France at Christmastime to find the lost family treasure. Now there's only one problem: Simone has a fear of flying.
After mustering up the courage to go, she meets Kyle, a man who's also on his way to France to become a clockmaker. Kyle is just what Simone needs to keep her calm, and he's interesting too. Unfortunately, they have to part ways, but is there a chance they'll meet up again? Will Simone discover this family treasure or just more family secrets while in France?
This story grabbed me from the beginning. The idea of packing up and heading to France during Christmastime seems like a dream. Many questions came to my mind about Simone's family and what might be waiting for her in France. The mystery throughout kept my attention, and I couldn't wait to see what she'd find. The story is heartwarming and adventurous, and I could easily relate to Simone in more ways than one. The descriptions made this feel Christmassy enough for the season as well. There's a lot to like here, but my issue was forcing myself to suspend disbelief because there were just too many coincidences with people running into each other and other things just working out. The ending was also extremely abrupt. There needed to be more character development and not the instalove connection between certain characters for my taste.
Even though this fell a little short for me in some ways, A Christmas in the Alps was enjoyable and an overall feel-good story. It has themes of family, friendship, courage, and forgiveness, which I adore. It also has the clean romance you can expect from Melody Carlson. I can easily see this story adapted into a Hallmark movie.
3.5***
After mustering up the courage to go, she meets Kyle, a man who's also on his way to France to become a clockmaker. Kyle is just what Simone needs to keep her calm, and he's interesting too. Unfortunately, they have to part ways, but is there a chance they'll meet up again? Will Simone discover this family treasure or just more family secrets while in France?
This story grabbed me from the beginning. The idea of packing up and heading to France during Christmastime seems like a dream. Many questions came to my mind about Simone's family and what might be waiting for her in France. The mystery throughout kept my attention, and I couldn't wait to see what she'd find. The story is heartwarming and adventurous, and I could easily relate to Simone in more ways than one. The descriptions made this feel Christmassy enough for the season as well. There's a lot to like here, but my issue was forcing myself to suspend disbelief because there were just too many coincidences with people running into each other and other things just working out. The ending was also extremely abrupt. There needed to be more character development and not the instalove connection between certain characters for my taste.
Even though this fell a little short for me in some ways, A Christmas in the Alps was enjoyable and an overall feel-good story. It has themes of family, friendship, courage, and forgiveness, which I adore. It also has the clean romance you can expect from Melody Carlson. I can easily see this story adapted into a Hallmark movie.
3.5***
November 15, 2022
Cute story. The end felt a little rushed, but I still enjoyed it. A good way to start the holiday reads.
Narrator was kind of annoying, seemed like she was in a hurry to read the story.
Narrator was kind of annoying, seemed like she was in a hurry to read the story.
November 21, 2021
A solid one! There's more than romance in this story. It was mainly Simone trying to figure out the story of her great-grandma's mysterious life and treasure.
I liked that there was French included especially since it was set in a smaller French town.
I'd recommend it!
I liked that there was French included especially since it was set in a smaller French town.
I'd recommend it!
December 16, 2022
3.5 - cute story about a girl who finds her great grandmother’s letter about her long list treasure, who then travels to France on the journey, meets a cute guy on the plane and the rest is history. Had a good time with this, didn’t love it but overall fun and interesting with everything tied to the treasure plot!
August 23, 2021
I've made it a tradition every year to read Melody Carlson's annual Christmas novella. This year was one of her best ones yet with this enchanting holiday tale set mostly in The French Alps. Carlson is a gifted writer who never fails to draw this reader in from the first chapter. In this book I was so wrapped up in the story it was as though I was on that plane with Simone on my way to Paris. I felt the anticipation of spending Christmas in Paris and then in the French Alps! How wonderful to make this trip while sitting in my recliner. The story was filled with old world charm, romance and the spirit of Christmas. The book is a fast and engaging read that I didn't want to put down. It deserves more than five stars.
While packing up and preparing her late Grandmothers house to be listed for sale, Simone and her friend Andrea find a letter that had never been opened. It was from Simone's Great Grandmother and her namesake and it was addressed to her. The letter had been sent about three years ago and her great grandmother had since died. In the letter the 95 year old French lady had asked Simone to go to Avre in the French Alps to find a treasure the Great Grandmother had left hidden there during the war years. Was her Great Grandmother of sound mind and if so would the treasure still be there?
Simone is terrified of flying. Just the thought of it sends her into a panic attack. Her friend Andrea talks her into going against her better judgement. The trip is planned and the day arrives for her departure. The trip isn't going well until Simone meets a nice young man who talks to her and calms her down. Later after a lay over in Iceland the man takes another plane to Norway. Simone is able to go on with her flight to Paris thanks to the kindness of a stranger. The story doesn't stop here and readers are left to wonder if the two will meet up again and Simone hopes to be able to find her Great Grandmother's treasure and maybe some French cousins she never knew she had.
I recommend this book to readers of contemporary romance and fans of Melody Carlson. It's a very good Christmas book that you will want to make a part of your holiday reading. This book is scheduled to be released on September the seventh of this year.
I received an Arc of this book from the Author and Publisher through Netgalley. A favorable review was not requested. All opinions expressed here in this review are my own.
#A Christmas in the Alps#Netgalley
While packing up and preparing her late Grandmothers house to be listed for sale, Simone and her friend Andrea find a letter that had never been opened. It was from Simone's Great Grandmother and her namesake and it was addressed to her. The letter had been sent about three years ago and her great grandmother had since died. In the letter the 95 year old French lady had asked Simone to go to Avre in the French Alps to find a treasure the Great Grandmother had left hidden there during the war years. Was her Great Grandmother of sound mind and if so would the treasure still be there?
Simone is terrified of flying. Just the thought of it sends her into a panic attack. Her friend Andrea talks her into going against her better judgement. The trip is planned and the day arrives for her departure. The trip isn't going well until Simone meets a nice young man who talks to her and calms her down. Later after a lay over in Iceland the man takes another plane to Norway. Simone is able to go on with her flight to Paris thanks to the kindness of a stranger. The story doesn't stop here and readers are left to wonder if the two will meet up again and Simone hopes to be able to find her Great Grandmother's treasure and maybe some French cousins she never knew she had.
I recommend this book to readers of contemporary romance and fans of Melody Carlson. It's a very good Christmas book that you will want to make a part of your holiday reading. This book is scheduled to be released on September the seventh of this year.
I received an Arc of this book from the Author and Publisher through Netgalley. A favorable review was not requested. All opinions expressed here in this review are my own.
#A Christmas in the Alps#Netgalley
September 10, 2021
I love Carlson's books and read then every year. They are one of the Christmas books that I look forward to.
This year I was not disappointed one bit. I loved every page I read. I loved sweet humble Simone and Kyle was the icing on the cake.
You are going to love how this turns out I am a sucker for a great unexpected romance, I could not turn the pages fast enough. I had to know if the clock factory would make it.
I HIGHLY recommend this 5 star two times Christmas read.
The Mary Reader received this book from the publisher for review. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are our own.
This year I was not disappointed one bit. I loved every page I read. I loved sweet humble Simone and Kyle was the icing on the cake.
You are going to love how this turns out I am a sucker for a great unexpected romance, I could not turn the pages fast enough. I had to know if the clock factory would make it.
I HIGHLY recommend this 5 star two times Christmas read.
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 20, 2021
It truly wouldn't be the holidays without Melody Carlson's annual Christmas novella releasing.
I read the newest one every year without fail.
I loved this year's one.
An emotional tale that has Simone Winthrop traveling to Paris at Christmas time.
On the plane on the way over Kyle helps her get over her fear of flying .
Lovely descriptions of a fabulous holiday time in Paris and the French Alps.
Family secrets are uncovered in this sweet and emotional book and mysteries are solved.
I was holding my breath to see how things would turn out with family's clock factory .
Warm holiday novella perfect for reading during the busyness of the holidays.
Pub Date 07 Sep 2021
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. Thank you.
All opinions expressed are my own.
I read the newest one every year without fail.
I loved this year's one.
An emotional tale that has Simone Winthrop traveling to Paris at Christmas time.
On the plane on the way over Kyle helps her get over her fear of flying .
Lovely descriptions of a fabulous holiday time in Paris and the French Alps.
Family secrets are uncovered in this sweet and emotional book and mysteries are solved.
I was holding my breath to see how things would turn out with family's clock factory .
Warm holiday novella perfect for reading during the busyness of the holidays.
Pub Date 07 Sep 2021
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. Thank you.
All opinions expressed are my own.
August 17, 2021
A Christmas in the Alps by Melody Carlson is a sweet Christmas novella, that takes the reader to a gorgeous town in the snowy French Alps. It’s a quick read, with enough depth of characters to make this a very satisfying holiday read.
Simone Winthrop has just lost her grandmother and is cleaning out her grandmother’s home when she discovers a letter from her Great Grandmother, also named Simone. Her great grandmother’s letter tells her to go to her hometown in the french alps to collect the treasure that she left behind after leaving hastily. Simone’s great-grandmother had rescued an American navigator who had bailed out of a plane and landed near their home in France, and after he received from his injuries, they fell in love and he brought her back to America to make a life together.
Simone doesn’t really believe there is a treasure left for her. But, her friend convinces her to sell her Grandmother’s home and go to France to check out the claim of the treasure. Simone reluctantly agrees, even though she is very afraid of flying. On the plane, she meets Kyle Larsson, who is traveling to Europe also. Kyle helps Simone deal with her anxiety about flying and they hit it off on the long flight.
I enjoyed the setting and the description of the small alpine town, and the watchmaking factory. I think this could have been a good dual timeline book, as the action in the past is just as emotional and exciting as the action in the present. Simone and Kyle were both sympathetic characters and their romance seemed real and not too rushed. I did wish for a longer, more detailed ending, but, it’s a novella, and there was not enough room for that. There are subtle references to Christianity and the characters’ beliefs, but it’s not overwhelming.
I highly recommend this book to lovers of sweet romance and Christian romance. I received a complimentary copy of this book. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Simone Winthrop has just lost her grandmother and is cleaning out her grandmother’s home when she discovers a letter from her Great Grandmother, also named Simone. Her great grandmother’s letter tells her to go to her hometown in the french alps to collect the treasure that she left behind after leaving hastily. Simone’s great-grandmother had rescued an American navigator who had bailed out of a plane and landed near their home in France, and after he received from his injuries, they fell in love and he brought her back to America to make a life together.
Simone doesn’t really believe there is a treasure left for her. But, her friend convinces her to sell her Grandmother’s home and go to France to check out the claim of the treasure. Simone reluctantly agrees, even though she is very afraid of flying. On the plane, she meets Kyle Larsson, who is traveling to Europe also. Kyle helps Simone deal with her anxiety about flying and they hit it off on the long flight.
I enjoyed the setting and the description of the small alpine town, and the watchmaking factory. I think this could have been a good dual timeline book, as the action in the past is just as emotional and exciting as the action in the present. Simone and Kyle were both sympathetic characters and their romance seemed real and not too rushed. I did wish for a longer, more detailed ending, but, it’s a novella, and there was not enough room for that. There are subtle references to Christianity and the characters’ beliefs, but it’s not overwhelming.
I highly recommend this book to lovers of sweet romance and Christian romance. I received a complimentary copy of this book. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
September 17, 2021
Melody Carlson is one of my many favorite authors, I always get excited when her new books come out. A Christmas in the Alps by Melody Carlson is a Christmas novella about forgiveness, mending with family, past secrets, and coming to terms with family you never knew you had. I absolutely adored this short Christmas read, that's why it's an easy 5 star book for me!! A Christmas in the Alps takes place in France, there were some French writing in this novella that I didn't quite understand, but other than that I loved this story!! It pulled me in from the very beginning and I couldn't put it down, I love books that make me feel that way.
Simone Winthrop has just lost her grandmother and is cleaning out her house when she discovers a letter from her great grandmother who is also named Simone Sophia, which has never been opened before telling Simone that she needs to to the French Alps to discover a hidden treasure. Simone things nothing of it and thinks its a crazy idea, and that her great grandmother wrote it because she was suffering from Alzheimer's. Simone is cleaning out her grandmothers house with her best friend Andrea.
Andrea encourages Simone to go on this trip to find the hidden treasure, but Andrea doesn't know that Simone has a fear of flying because Simone's grandfather's plane was shot down. Simone finally agrees to go, during the plane ride she meets charming Kyle Larsson, where she leans that Kyle is a clock maker. Simone starts freaking out when the plane takes off but Kyle calms her down. Kyle seems like such a sweet person, and Simone seems so humble, but my heart broke for her when she learns of all this news.
All I can say is pick up this sweet story and a cozy blanket and just start reading because you will NOT want to put it down.
Simone Winthrop has just lost her grandmother and is cleaning out her house when she discovers a letter from her great grandmother who is also named Simone Sophia, which has never been opened before telling Simone that she needs to to the French Alps to discover a hidden treasure. Simone things nothing of it and thinks its a crazy idea, and that her great grandmother wrote it because she was suffering from Alzheimer's. Simone is cleaning out her grandmothers house with her best friend Andrea.
Andrea encourages Simone to go on this trip to find the hidden treasure, but Andrea doesn't know that Simone has a fear of flying because Simone's grandfather's plane was shot down. Simone finally agrees to go, during the plane ride she meets charming Kyle Larsson, where she leans that Kyle is a clock maker. Simone starts freaking out when the plane takes off but Kyle calms her down. Kyle seems like such a sweet person, and Simone seems so humble, but my heart broke for her when she learns of all this news.
All I can say is pick up this sweet story and a cozy blanket and just start reading because you will NOT want to put it down.
August 13, 2021
A traditional Christmas tale by Melody Carlson and one I've come to love. This is my favorite Christmas book yet.
I loved my " trip" to Paris. I didn't want to leave. Maybe I can go for real someday.
This book is short and sweet. It is a fun read.
Carlson has a unique way of drawing her readers into the book and loving every minute of it. I really enjoy her stories. I will look forward to the next one.
Highly recommended
My thanks for a copy of this book. I was NOT required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.
I loved my " trip" to Paris. I didn't want to leave. Maybe I can go for real someday.
This book is short and sweet. It is a fun read.
Carlson has a unique way of drawing her readers into the book and loving every minute of it. I really enjoy her stories. I will look forward to the next one.
Highly recommended
My thanks for a copy of this book. I was NOT required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.
November 11, 2022
This was a major disappointment and I stayed through the end because it was relatively short and I thought and hoped something might actually happen.
The story could have been a really good one, but it was like a young-adult book high-school-romance that was impossible to believe. I wanted a story set in the Alps, and although I learned a little about life in this small village in France, it was really about the secrets and amazing abilities for the characters.
The story could have been a really good one, but it was like a young-adult book high-school-romance that was impossible to believe. I wanted a story set in the Alps, and although I learned a little about life in this small village in France, it was really about the secrets and amazing abilities for the characters.
November 30, 2021
“A French Christmas! Isn’t that tempting? Christmas in the French Alps? And after you find your treasure, you can come home a rich woman.”
“I’ll tell you what helps me most when I’m anxious or afraid…It’s prayer. I find that when I hand these troubles over to God, I start to relax. I trust him for the outcome, and I’ve never been let down.”
“My treasure is your treasure.”
Melody Carlson has a way of making you feel like you know the characters from the very beginning. And I enjoyed the journey of the characters from beginning to end. While the story relies on some coincidences and a little sappy at times, it was interesting and well written. Definitely not my favorite Melody Carlson Christmas book. I enjoyed some of the descriptions of France but honestly wish there was more of that since it is such a great setting. And the story does get bogged down in some of the French translation for characters.
All in all, this was decent. If you read every new Melody Carlson Christmas book each year, then definitely read it. If not, then I would skip it.
* I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley and Revell Publishing Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.*
“I’ll tell you what helps me most when I’m anxious or afraid…It’s prayer. I find that when I hand these troubles over to God, I start to relax. I trust him for the outcome, and I’ve never been let down.”
“My treasure is your treasure.”
Melody Carlson has a way of making you feel like you know the characters from the very beginning. And I enjoyed the journey of the characters from beginning to end. While the story relies on some coincidences and a little sappy at times, it was interesting and well written. Definitely not my favorite Melody Carlson Christmas book. I enjoyed some of the descriptions of France but honestly wish there was more of that since it is such a great setting. And the story does get bogged down in some of the French translation for characters.
All in all, this was decent. If you read every new Melody Carlson Christmas book each year, then definitely read it. If not, then I would skip it.
* I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley and Revell Publishing Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.*
December 15, 2021
A Christmas in the Alps follows Simone, who finds a letter from her Great Grandmother saying she has left her a treasure in France. Simone is afraid of flying. But on the aeroplane, she meets Kyle, a clockmaker, who helps her.
This book was a light, sweet, Christian Christmas romance. I enjoyed reading about the characters and the setting. I would have prefered a longer ending, but overall it was a fun short read.
Rating:
9/10 ⭐
This book was a light, sweet, Christian Christmas romance. I enjoyed reading about the characters and the setting. I would have prefered a longer ending, but overall it was a fun short read.
Rating:
9/10 ⭐
September 5, 2021
I look forward to reading Melody Carlson’s annual Christmas story every fall. This year she has given us A Christmas in the Alps which takes readers to the French Alps. Simone Winthrop just lost her Grandma Betty, and she is busy clearing out her cluttered home. She comes across a letter written to her by her great-grandmother and namesake who has since passed away. Simone is told in the letter that there is a treasure her namesake left behind in Avre when she departed France in the 1940s with the American airman who would become her husband. Her great-grandmother wants Simone to have to the treasure, but she does not provide further details. Simone’s best friend, Andrea convinces her go on the adventure to France. I got to take the journey with Simone to Paris and then Avre. France in December sounds enchanting especially the Christmas markets. I found A Christmas in the Alps to be well-written with steady pacing. This is a short but engaging tale. Simone meets Kyle on the plane and finds herself attracted to him. Unfortunately, Simone fails to get his last name or number before Kyle rushes to catch his flight to Oslo. We wonder if they will meet again. The romance is sweet and plays out slowly. I enjoyed the descriptions of Avre and the factory that makes watches and clocks. The village has an old-world charm that is magical especially at Christmas. Simone gets a chance to search for family and the treasure. There is a light Christian element that emphasizes the importance of prayer and leaving our troubles with in God’s hands. A Christmas in the Alps is a story about family and forgiveness. You do not want to wait until it is too late because then you may never get that chance to make amends with someone important. This is a lovely novella, but I found it lacking the humor and magic of Melody Carlson’s earlier Christmas stories. It is a sweet Christmas tale, but I just wanted a little more. A Christmas in the Alps is a cheery Christmas novella with a lost letter, a furtive treasure, a petrifying plane ride, a charismatic seat companion, charming Christmas markets, secret searches, striking clocks, and an astonishing answer.
August 4, 2021
I will freely admit I am not a huge fan of Christmas novellas. But Melody Carlson are just a delight to read. It put you in the mood to spend the holidays surrounded by family and friends. Preferable in a lovely cabin with loads of snow on the ground and a fire crackling in the fireplace.
Simone is in search of a treasure left behind when her grandparents left France after WWII. She doesn't know what she is looking for.
Cozy, with a sweet little love story to go along with a treasure hunt, Carlson once again reminds us all why her Christmas books have become a Christmas tradition with so many.
Simone is in search of a treasure left behind when her grandparents left France after WWII. She doesn't know what she is looking for.
Cozy, with a sweet little love story to go along with a treasure hunt, Carlson once again reminds us all why her Christmas books have become a Christmas tradition with so many.
October 8, 2021
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 A CHRISTMAS IN THE ALPS a go. You won’t be sorry and your heart will be warmer because of it.
I started A CHRISTMAS IN THE ALPS 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 October. 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 Kyle and Simone spreading Christmas cheer. Simone has a huge heart and just wants to have a happy Christmas. It is now a tradition every year to read Melody Carlson’s annual Christmas novella. A CHRISTMAS IN THE ALPS is one of her best stories so far with this heart warming holiday tale set mostly in The French Alps. 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 A CHRISTMAS IN THE ALPS becoming a Hallmark Christmas movie that I would love to watch. Melody Carlson always puts me on an emotional roller coaster and A CHRISTMAS IN THE ALPS 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 A CHRISTMAS IN THE ALPS 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 A CHRISTMAS IN THE ALPS 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 October. 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 Kyle and Simone spreading Christmas cheer. Simone has a huge heart and just wants to have a happy Christmas. It is now a tradition every year to read Melody Carlson’s annual Christmas novella. A CHRISTMAS IN THE ALPS is one of her best stories so far with this heart warming holiday tale set mostly in The French Alps. 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 A CHRISTMAS IN THE ALPS becoming a Hallmark Christmas movie that I would love to watch. Melody Carlson always puts me on an emotional roller coaster and A CHRISTMAS IN THE ALPS 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 A CHRISTMAS IN THE ALPS 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.
April 28, 2022
A Christmas in the Alps by Melody Carlson 169 pages
Genres: Holiday > Christmas; Romance, Christian Fiction, Contemporary, Inspirationa, Cultural > France
Featuring: Los Angeles, Paris, France, Airports, Traveling, Abandonment, Grief, Family Secrets, Care Bears Conflict, Cheesy Dialogue
Rating as a movie: PG for adult content
My rating: ⭐⭐⭐
My thoughts: Page 51 - This was meh/okay, until I read the last line of chapter 4, it may be saved after all, just a little excitement is all that's missing, it's been cheesy so far.
This book was okay. It started off in the 2 star zone but once we got away from the officious best friend via travel the story greatly improved into nothing special but nice. I did enjoy the descriptions and it was comforting in predictability however it was a bit too sweet for my liking. There was an emotional moment near the end that almost got me but it was quite fleeting so that left me wanting more. It would almost make a good Hallmark movie except, for a Christmas novella it was lacking the festivities. I forgot it was set around Christmas several times, and this is a short book. We had more romance on the elementary playground with platonic chases during recess than these two so I was surprised to discover it was labeled a Romance. The ending was nice.
Recommend to others?: Maybe, in my opinion it's not enough to give you your Christmastime fix, but it was short, sweet, and bearable.
Genres: Holiday > Christmas; Romance, Christian Fiction, Contemporary, Inspirationa, Cultural > France
Featuring: Los Angeles, Paris, France, Airports, Traveling, Abandonment, Grief, Family Secrets, Care Bears Conflict, Cheesy Dialogue
Rating as a movie: PG for adult content
My rating: ⭐⭐⭐
My thoughts: Page 51 - This was meh/okay, until I read the last line of chapter 4, it may be saved after all, just a little excitement is all that's missing, it's been cheesy so far.
This book was okay. It started off in the 2 star zone but once we got away from the officious best friend via travel the story greatly improved into nothing special but nice. I did enjoy the descriptions and it was comforting in predictability however it was a bit too sweet for my liking. There was an emotional moment near the end that almost got me but it was quite fleeting so that left me wanting more. It would almost make a good Hallmark movie except, for a Christmas novella it was lacking the festivities. I forgot it was set around Christmas several times, and this is a short book. We had more romance on the elementary playground with platonic chases during recess than these two so I was surprised to discover it was labeled a Romance. The ending was nice.
Recommend to others?: Maybe, in my opinion it's not enough to give you your Christmastime fix, but it was short, sweet, and bearable.
September 8, 2021
Melody Carlson Christmas books are always short and sweet, with minimal conflict or drama. A Christmas in the Alps is the story of a young girl who decides to sell her grandmother's house and use the money to travel to the French Alps to look for treasure. After her grandmother's death, Simone Winthrop realizes she has no family left, she can have a fresh start. While she's cleaning out the house her grandmother left her, Simone's best friend discovers an un-opened letter to Simone from her great-grandmother. In it she mentions treasure and her hometown in the Alps. With nothing holding her back and at her friend's extreme encouragement, Simone takes a leap of faith and decides to spend Christmas in the Alps. What she doesn't expect to find is family, romance, and a new take on life - but her great grandmother really delivers on the "treasure" that can be found if one is really looking for it. Very sweet, would make a good Hallmark Christmas movie.
December 18, 2025
Aw, precious! This was my second time reading it and it was so delightful! I loved the Europeon setting and all of the fun Christmas-y aesthetics that came with it. The main couple was super sweet and I loved watching their relationship grow! <3 And the mystery element was quite exciting!
All in all, such a lovely clean Christmas-y book!
All in all, such a lovely clean Christmas-y book!
December 7, 2022
I liked the other two Christmas stories I've read by Carlson, but this one didn't quite make it to a like. I'd say it was nearly 2.5 stars. I think I am just so very tired of WW II novels for the most part and books that have people with family who were alive during WW II that it's much harder for these books to make me like them. I have probably read close to a hundred books and short stories set in WW II, although you won't see that many in that shelf since a. not all of the ones there have been shelved properly and b. not all of them are listed in my GR books.
So, the story. Heroine inherits a house, her friend convinces her to visit the area in France her great-grandmother came from to see about some treasure that may or may not be there. Meets handsome man who--surprise, surprise-- ends up in the same place she does,and it turns into a romance.
The last straw that kept this from being 3 stars was a weak attempt at a love triangle. Books of this length just don't have room for that highly overused trope and it was completely unnecessary to this story, IMO. Plus one a secondary ending involving that was very lame.
So, the story. Heroine inherits a house, her friend convinces her to visit the area in France her great-grandmother came from to see about some treasure that may or may not be there. Meets handsome man who--surprise, surprise-- ends up in the same place she does,and it turns into a romance.
The last straw that kept this from being 3 stars was a weak attempt at a love triangle. Books of this length just don't have room for that highly overused trope and it was completely unnecessary to this story, IMO. Plus one a secondary ending involving that was very lame.
September 7, 2021
Simone Winthrop was busy cleaning out her grandmother's house with the help of her best friend, Andrea. Together they discovered a lost letter to Simone from her French Great Grandmother that suggests that Simone is heir to a "treasure." Despite Simone's fear of flying, Andrea manages to encourage her to fly to France and discovering whether there is any truth to the letter.
A Christmas in the Alps was an enjoyable read for me. I liked that this short novella held both a mystery and romance. I enjoyed each of the characters too. Simone seems real but fun and likeable. Kyle also seems like a great guy. There was humor at times and I enjoyed their chemistry. I also thought it was fun to have the book set in France at Christmas time. A Christmas in the Alps was just a sweet read with a mystery that took a bit to unravel in the short book. There isn't a lot of spiritual content to this book but it is a good clean read with a happy ending. I thoroughly enjoyed A Christmas in the Alps and had a hard time putting it down until the mystery had been unraveled and the happy ending was reached. One reason I like a Christmas novella is for the "feel good" factor and I thought this one had it in spades
I received this book courtesy of Baker Publishing Group, Revell Division, through Interviews & Reviews. All opinions in this review are my own.
A Christmas in the Alps was an enjoyable read for me. I liked that this short novella held both a mystery and romance. I enjoyed each of the characters too. Simone seems real but fun and likeable. Kyle also seems like a great guy. There was humor at times and I enjoyed their chemistry. I also thought it was fun to have the book set in France at Christmas time. A Christmas in the Alps was just a sweet read with a mystery that took a bit to unravel in the short book. There isn't a lot of spiritual content to this book but it is a good clean read with a happy ending. I thoroughly enjoyed A Christmas in the Alps and had a hard time putting it down until the mystery had been unraveled and the happy ending was reached. One reason I like a Christmas novella is for the "feel good" factor and I thought this one had it in spades
I received this book courtesy of Baker Publishing Group, Revell Division, through Interviews & Reviews. All opinions in this review are my own.
October 6, 2021
Beloved author Melody Carlson is known for her heartwarming, heart-tugging holiday tales. With their captivating characters, compelling story lines, and underlying element of abiding faith, her seasonal stories are not to be missed. "A Christmas in the Alps" is the story of a young woman's journey outside her own personal boundaries and how the truths she finds and the discoveries she makes will bring the past into the present and clear the way for the future to come. After the death of her grandmother, Simone Winthrop finds a letter addressed to her from her French great-grandmother, who was also named Simone. The long unseen letter had never been opened, and Simone is stunned by its contents. According to the letter, Simone has inherited a treasure, but she must travel to France to claim it. Despite her fear of flying, Simone is encouraged by her best friend to take a leap of faith and claim the treasure. Simone is quite discomfited on the flight--until a nice young passenger, Kyle Larsson, calms her and makes the time pass in a pleasant manner. Kyle is on his way to Europe to become an apprentice clockmaker. They part ways at the airport, but have an unexpected reunion at the clock factory owned by Simone's family. This is a sweet, charming, holiday love story where the true meaning of "treasure" is love of family and friends, spiritual faith, and care for one's fellow man. The descriptions of holiday celebrations in other cultures are like a happy travelogue, and are especially uplifting to those of us facing travel restrictions.
Review Copy Gratis Revell Books
Review Copy Gratis Revell Books
September 28, 2021
My thoughts: Melody Carlson is an avid writer in almost all genres but what I really look forward to each year is her annual Christmas book. This one takes a grieving granddaughter away from the only home she's ever known to a foreign land where she doesn't even know the language in search of a treasure. What is the treasure? I had my suspicions but I was partly wrong and partly right. The heroine was sweet and naive, opening up to complete strangers and telling everything she knows which kind of made her unwelcome in some circles and welcomed in others. I loved the way the story came together and I loved the ending and the cover is absolutely gorgeous. I was given a copy free and all opinions are my own.
October 18, 2021
It drives me nuts when a publishing company slaps a tree on the cover of a book, adds the word "jingle" or "holiday" and then market it for the Christmas season. This book, has very little if anything to do with the holiday season. It almost feels like, the author wrote the story and then someone said, "It is 30 pages until the end, let's have someone bring an evergreen inside. It is 20 pages until the end, let's have some snow and add a fireplace. There you go! Christmas book!" The readers spend more time on the main character's fear of flying than we do celebrating the holiday or figuring out the mystery. For me, Carlson's holiday books are hit and miss. Sometimes you get a winner, but unfortunately, this go around was not one of them.
September 19, 2021
*received from the publisher and voluntarily reviewed*
I’ve previously read three of Melody Carlson’s Christmas books, and loved all of them, but this one just didn’t quite live up to those others for me.
While cleaning out her deceased grandmother’s home, Simone finds a letter addressed to her, from her great-grandmother, who shared her name. The letter tells Simone that her great-grandmother left a treasure behind when she fled France, and beseeches Simone to retrieve it, but does not say what the treasure is. After some pushing from her best friend, Simone, who is terrified of flying, finds herself on a plane to France.
I did enjoy the first part of the book. Kyle is Simone’s seatmate on the plane, and when she starts to have a panic attack he talks her down and helps her get over the worst of it. I liked Simone and Kyle well enough, though I didn’t really feel any chemistry between them. I loved their conversations and how thoughtful Kyle was, and when Simone learned that they had different destinations and would be parting company at a layover, I was just as disappointed as she was. But they make tentative plans to meet again in Paris, and Simone continues her journey alone.
Once Simone arrives in Avre, the little town where her great-grand-mother grew up, I became less enchanted. I think a part of that was due to the fact that Simone was not very fluent in French, and from that point on there was much less actual dialogue. Instead, it was the author telling us that, for instance, Tante Estelle spoke very rapidly in French, too fast for Simone to follow along, and then Noel, who was acting as an interpreter for her, explained to her that the older woman said this or that. It was just narration.
Speaking of Noel, I really liked him. He and his mother owned the inn where Simone was staying. He obviously had a little crush on Simone, and went out of his way to help her get around and meet people and interpret for her when she was unable to keep up with a conversation. I knew from the synopsis that Kyle was the male protagonist, but I wouldn’t have minded at all if Simone had fallen for Noel instead.
Unfortunately, the story just lagged a bit for me from that point on. I enjoyed the scenes where Simone was just spending time with Noel or Kyle, but her search for the unknown treasure and her interactions with her French relatives weren’t as engaging to me. Despite that, I did still love the author’s writing, and her descriptions of Paris through Simone’s eyes, and of the little town of Avre and the home where Simone’s great-aunt still lived. And I’m still keeping an eye out for books from the author’s backlist and looking forward to more of her Christmas novels.
I’ve previously read three of Melody Carlson’s Christmas books, and loved all of them, but this one just didn’t quite live up to those others for me.
While cleaning out her deceased grandmother’s home, Simone finds a letter addressed to her, from her great-grandmother, who shared her name. The letter tells Simone that her great-grandmother left a treasure behind when she fled France, and beseeches Simone to retrieve it, but does not say what the treasure is. After some pushing from her best friend, Simone, who is terrified of flying, finds herself on a plane to France.
I did enjoy the first part of the book. Kyle is Simone’s seatmate on the plane, and when she starts to have a panic attack he talks her down and helps her get over the worst of it. I liked Simone and Kyle well enough, though I didn’t really feel any chemistry between them. I loved their conversations and how thoughtful Kyle was, and when Simone learned that they had different destinations and would be parting company at a layover, I was just as disappointed as she was. But they make tentative plans to meet again in Paris, and Simone continues her journey alone.
Once Simone arrives in Avre, the little town where her great-grand-mother grew up, I became less enchanted. I think a part of that was due to the fact that Simone was not very fluent in French, and from that point on there was much less actual dialogue. Instead, it was the author telling us that, for instance, Tante Estelle spoke very rapidly in French, too fast for Simone to follow along, and then Noel, who was acting as an interpreter for her, explained to her that the older woman said this or that. It was just narration.
Speaking of Noel, I really liked him. He and his mother owned the inn where Simone was staying. He obviously had a little crush on Simone, and went out of his way to help her get around and meet people and interpret for her when she was unable to keep up with a conversation. I knew from the synopsis that Kyle was the male protagonist, but I wouldn’t have minded at all if Simone had fallen for Noel instead.
Unfortunately, the story just lagged a bit for me from that point on. I enjoyed the scenes where Simone was just spending time with Noel or Kyle, but her search for the unknown treasure and her interactions with her French relatives weren’t as engaging to me. Despite that, I did still love the author’s writing, and her descriptions of Paris through Simone’s eyes, and of the little town of Avre and the home where Simone’s great-aunt still lived. And I’m still keeping an eye out for books from the author’s backlist and looking forward to more of her Christmas novels.
December 16, 2021
A delightful holiday story of redemption and finding lost family. I really enjoyed how Simone who thought she had no family after the loss of her great grandmother. Found a letter while she was cleaning up the estate with a clue leading her to France. She decided to take the trip since she had nothing keeping her in the states. She met an attractive man on the plane who helped her with her fear of flying that she might run into later.
I enjoyed the uncovering truths to find who her relatives were in this small village. Due to how her great grandmother left she was not accepted at first but this led to reconciling. I loved the reasons that she was sent there in the end. It's the stuff Christmas miracles are made of.
I enjoyed this story of loss, reconciling, love and finding a family you didn't know you had. Also, recreating your life halfway across the world where your families are still thriving was so beautiful. I would love to visit France in the winter or anytime! Thank you for the little Christmas Trip!
I enjoyed the uncovering truths to find who her relatives were in this small village. Due to how her great grandmother left she was not accepted at first but this led to reconciling. I loved the reasons that she was sent there in the end. It's the stuff Christmas miracles are made of.
I enjoyed this story of loss, reconciling, love and finding a family you didn't know you had. Also, recreating your life halfway across the world where your families are still thriving was so beautiful. I would love to visit France in the winter or anytime! Thank you for the little Christmas Trip!
October 6, 2021
Oh, my goodness! After reading A Christmas in the Alps, I have the strong urge to go out and purchase all of Melody Carlson’s other Christmas novels and novellas! Carlson recounts an amazing story of finding family and restoring relationships long ago damaged and severed. All set against a backdrop of a young woman seeing Paris for the first time, then staying in a lovely chateau-hotel in a quaint village in the Alps. I felt like I was traveling along with Simone, suffering through the trans-Atlantic flight, seeing the beautiful sights, stumbling through awkward attempts at communicating in French.
If you love Hallmark movies, you will love this novel that begs to be its own movie. Several love triangles make for romantic tension and swoon-worthy reading. Team Kyle or Team Noel? Team Sylvie or Team Simone? How will the love triangles affect the loyalties and action and other relationships in this beautiful story?
*Sigh.* I don’t reread books. But I just may have to make an exception!
I received a copy of this book from Revell Reads. All opinions are my own.
If you love Hallmark movies, you will love this novel that begs to be its own movie. Several love triangles make for romantic tension and swoon-worthy reading. Team Kyle or Team Noel? Team Sylvie or Team Simone? How will the love triangles affect the loyalties and action and other relationships in this beautiful story?
*Sigh.* I don’t reread books. But I just may have to make an exception!
I received a copy of this book from Revell Reads. All opinions are my own.
November 3, 2021
This is definitely the perfect book for this time of year ! A book to cosy up with on a night and delve into.
In this book we meet Simone Winthrop , when she discovers a letter from her French great grandmother with hints that there might be some family treasure that she is heir too. Her best friend encourages her to take the plunge , fly over to the alps and find out if it is true.
This is a book of mystery, unexpected romance , Christmas fun and light hearted. A lot of people might not be able to travel anywhere this Christmas so Melody Carlson transports you to the snowy alps this Christmas time, she describes it beautifully , you can close your eyes and imagine it all. The book has wonderful characters that you get to know well throughout the book , brilliantly written and a book you can't put down this winter!
In this book we meet Simone Winthrop , when she discovers a letter from her French great grandmother with hints that there might be some family treasure that she is heir too. Her best friend encourages her to take the plunge , fly over to the alps and find out if it is true.
This is a book of mystery, unexpected romance , Christmas fun and light hearted. A lot of people might not be able to travel anywhere this Christmas so Melody Carlson transports you to the snowy alps this Christmas time, she describes it beautifully , you can close your eyes and imagine it all. The book has wonderful characters that you get to know well throughout the book , brilliantly written and a book you can't put down this winter!
August 19, 2021
"A Christmas in the Alps" is a romance novella. Simone had a safe, dull life until the last of her family died. Her best friend pushed her to go look for her French extended family (and a vague "treasure"). She ended up with two men interested in her (both were extremely kind), the treasure of family, and a new home and job. My two problems: who would tell someone to go to a city to find a physical object which is their inheritance without telling them what it is and where to find it? The story would have worked even if she had this information. Also, Simone was initially a play-it-safe person who had trouble even spending money on a new wardrobe, then suddenly she's making impulsive decisions that involve spending a lot of money and huge changes in her life.
If those points don't bother you, then it's a fast, sweet romance were difficulties melt away faster than the snow and everyone has a happy ending. Simone had to forgive someone for a wrong done to her. There was no sex or bad language.
I received an ebook review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.
If those points don't bother you, then it's a fast, sweet romance were difficulties melt away faster than the snow and everyone has a happy ending. Simone had to forgive someone for a wrong done to her. There was no sex or bad language.
I received an ebook review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.
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