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Christmas Tree Wishes

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Archie
We have an understanding. We have an end date, and that date has arrived. I finish travelling and walk away thinking I will never see him again, but fate has other ideas. When I knock on that door, I never expect to see him standing there. Suddenly, he’s thrust himself back into my world. Now we are trying to save the town Christmas tree, and I’m trying to find the strength to tell the world who I really am.

River
I have rules I live by. Rules that keep me safe. And they worked... Until I met him. I want to tell him to stay, but I don’t. I let him go. I never expect for him to turn up on my doorstep. Now we’re working to save something we both love — the town Christmas tree. But I’m trying to save something else. Something I never wanted before — a future with someone. A future with him.

132 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 21, 2022

29 people are currently reading
55 people want to read

About the author

Kelsey Hodge

20 books61 followers

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5 stars
69 (42%)
4 stars
54 (33%)
3 stars
32 (19%)
2 stars
6 (3%)
1 star
2 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
Profile Image for RedsBookReads.
475 reviews20 followers
December 11, 2022
Loved it

This was such a sweet story! I loved how River was so patient with Archie and allowed him time to work through his concerns. I also adored how they worked together to make sure they could get the village tree back in time for Christmas. A really great seasonal story
Profile Image for DLB2572.
3,261 reviews26 followers
December 8, 2022
Archie & River

This is a nice holiday story. I enjoyed reading it a lot.

I received an ARC and this is my unbiased opinion
Profile Image for LGO.
464 reviews
December 29, 2023
3´5 estrellas

Archie y River están pasando unos meses viajando por el mundo antes de establecerse en un lugar. Así es cómo se conocen, cuando River le encuentra perdido a Archie en un aeropuerto del Sudeste Asiático y se ofrece a ayudarle. Pasan una parte del viaje juntos divirtiéndose en Tailandia y en Phuket, tienen una gran química entre ellos y mantienen una especie de relación. Tienen normas ya que no se cuentan nada de sus orígenes y sus vidas pasadas y ponen como fecha de fin de su relación su vuelta a casa.
Al acercarse las navidades, Archie decide volver a casa y, aunque tiene muchas ganas de seguir en contacto con River, decide cumplir su pacto. River también vuelve a casa poco después con las mismas ganas de mantener a Achie en su vida y, de hecho, aunque es el principal inductor del pacto que han hecho, está seguro de querer encontrarle en redes sociales. Lo que no saben es que viven en el mismo pueblo. De hecho, a los pocos días de haberse despedido se reencuentran intentando salvar el árbol de navidad que solían poner todos los años en la plaza como decoración y que este año corre peligro por falta de financiación. El problema es que Archie en casa y en el pueblo está en el armario por lo que no puede ofrecer a River lo mismo que tenían durante el viaje. River quiere tanto mantener a Archie en su vida que acepta tener una relación secreta. Pero ambos saben que eso no puede durar para siempre.

La forma en que está escrito, apareciendo la misma vivencia contada desde el punto de vista del otro personaje cuando cambia el capítulo no me ha gustado mucho ya que al ser un libro corto, se hace repetitivo. Tampoco hay un motivo claro por el que Archie tenga que esconder su sexualidad ya que sus padres son buenas personas y el resto de gente del pueblo parece agradable por lo que, en realidad es un conflicto que no es. Por lo demás, es una historia navideña dulce y acogedora que es recomendable de leer en estas fechas.

#M-M-romance
Profile Image for Denise GremoryKohta.
4,264 reviews8 followers
December 15, 2022
Wow!!!

This was so good. I loved how they met back up and their personal back stories. Just by reading them you could tell they were perfect for each other. That ending snd what River did… that was so romantic.
Profile Image for Leanne.
1,453 reviews33 followers
December 2, 2022
OMG! I absolutely adore River and Archie! They’re so sweet and perfect together. They meet while both are traveling abroad and agree to a fling type of relationship. They both go home for the holidays not knowing that their relationship wasn’t really left behind. They end up working together to save the town Christmas tree and as they do so, they both realize that they want more than just a fling.

This book has all of the Hallmark elements that leave you feeling warm and fuzzy inside. It’s a sweet story that makes for a perfect read during the holidays. So grab a cup of cocoa, a blanket, and a comfy place to relax for a few hours. River and Archie are a must this holiday season.

I received an ARC courtesy of the author in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Jenn ReadsBooks.
310 reviews16 followers
December 11, 2022
Archie and River meet while travelling. They agree to a vacation only romance, so when they head home their time together is finished. What neither of them counted on was catching feelings. However, they agreed, so neither man says anything before Archie heads home.

Archie grew up in the village of Broadway until he moved away during Christmas break at age 14. He loved Broadway at Christmas; the decorations, the residents and, most of all, the tree in the town square. Archie makes a visit to the tree before he leaves and makes a wish to one day return home with someone he loves.

River’s parents are incense-burning, frequently relocating hippies, dragging River around until he’s 14 and they settle in the village of Broadway during Christmas break and put down roots. River loves Christmas and, though his parents don’t really care for the holiday, humour River’s love of the holiday by allowing him to decorate. River loves how Broadway celebrates Christmas; the decorations, the residents and, most of all, the tree in the town square.

After spending so much time moving around, River finds himself itching to travel, so he saves up and begins travelling all over the place. It is during these travels that River sees Archie at the airport after saying goodbye to his most recent vacation fling. He is instantly smitten and thus begins their romance. After Archie goes home, River finds himself at loose ends and decides to go home to stay with his parents for awhile.

Archie was surprised to hear that his parents had decided to move back to Broadway, but he isn’t complaining. He can’t wait to see the village again and to lay eyes on the tree once again. He was surprised to find out that there isn’t a tree this year due to lack of funding. Archie sets out on a mission to get the tree back. Imagine his shock at finding his vacation fling at a house in the village, where the residents (who turn out to be River’s parents) are now completely against Christmas, the tree and everything it stands for. Thankfully River doesn’t share their sentiments and Archie & River decide to work together to bring the tree back.

What should be a happy reunion for the two lovers may never happen. See, Archie isn’t out at home and River is. River wants Archie so badly, that he agrees to be a secret, but it begins to grate on him because he wants to be with Archie in the open. Can Archie work up the nerve to come out so that he can be with River in the way that River deserves? Will the two men succeed in bringing the tree back to the village or will that turn out to be as difficult as being together has been?

I received a complimentary copy of this book and, as always, my review is unpaid and honest.
Christmas Tree Wishes
Kelsey Hodge
504 reviews11 followers
December 20, 2022
What a wonderful Christmas story in the “Home for the Holidays” series by several authors. This one was written by Kelsey Hodges. It was an easy read and I loved how the story flowed together. I had the pleasure of reading few stories in that series.

The story starts with Archie and River hanging out in a different country. They just met in one country and decided to go to another country just for the fun of it. No commitment, no issues…just enjoying each other’s company. The time came where Archie had to fly back home just right before Christmas. Unbeknownst to Archie, River’s family lived in the same town. When Archie arrived home, he found out that the town decided not to do a Christmas tree in the plaza this year. He was upset because it was something he always looked forward to every Christmas. He decided to take matters in his hands and went from doors to doors to get signatures for the petition to be brought to City Hall. When he got to that house, he was surprised to see River there. That’s where I’m going to stop and have you pick up the book and read! 5 stars reading from me!
Profile Image for Penny.
389 reviews5 followers
November 18, 2022
Omg! Archie and River are so cute together. Their traveling adventures brings these two together by chance. But they hit it off as friend before they find out the other one is gay. From there all bets are off. They heat up them sheets and sparks fly! They end things when they both decide to head back home. But then fate steps in and BAM!! They are face to face once again. They end up working together to bring the village tree back to its rightful place. It's during this time that it all hits my heart. The village tree has so much meaning to them and to have it back means so much more. You will feel the true meaning of the Christmas spirit as these two work to bring it back. The joy and love shines through. River and Archie are two souls who truly belong together. Kelsey Hodge did an amazing job with their story. You won't want to miss this heartfelt story. Bravo Kelsey! This deserves more than a five star rating.
4,906 reviews18 followers
December 15, 2022
You always come back to your heart. Archie, family moves where the Dad can find work. When they left Broadway, Archie left a piece of his heart behind. When he gets older, he travels the world. He meets River in Thailand and has a romantic tryst. When he leaves to return home, he leaves a piece of his heart behind. When River was young, his family moved around, one year they moved to a town called Broadway and stayed a while. Then he decided to travel the world and while he was in Thailand, he met Archie. They catch the feels even thought they had decided to be platonic. They have lots of surprises and maybe shocks during their relationship. Will they tell each other about their feelings? Will they meet again? Will they discuss their parents living in the same village? Interesting story. The story is told from both points of view. They don't communicate very well and cause a bit of uncertainty. Nice story. I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Janet Hunt.
3,538 reviews46 followers
November 17, 2022
Christmas Tree Wishes is the first story in the multi author series, Home for the Holidays. Archie and River have an understanding. They have an end date. I totally disliked that end date, I felt their emotions and wanted to cry when they parted. Archie heads back home to a small village of Broadway. River is a little lost without Archie, so he decides to go home also, to Broadway! When they arrive, both are upset to learn that the Christmas tree in the village center is not there. Archie decides to see if the town is interested in the tree. He stops at River’s parents house and is surprised to see River there. But Archie is not out, so there’s a little pining there. This story is sooo sweet and left me smiling, the perfect Christmas novella! Reminded me of a Hallmark movie. Overall, a great story, well written and fast paced!
1,044 reviews10 followers
November 22, 2022
Christmas Tree Wishes is part of the multi-author Home for the Holidays series. This is a sweet story about Archie and River. They met while traveling and didn't expect to see each other again. Just a bit of fun away from home. But fate had other plans for Archie and River. Now they both find themselves home and in need of saving a special part of their village that has meant so much to them, together. I appreciated River's parents' point of view on the tree issue. They got me thinking. Archie and River have wonderful chemistry and I was hoping they'd find a way to be together and for Archie to be his authentic self. This is a wonderful make you feel good story and I recommend it.
I voluntarily reviewed an arc of this book.
Profile Image for Janice Wilson.
637 reviews2 followers
December 19, 2022
Archie and River were carefree travelers that met and agreed to a no-strings fling. But chance puts them back in each other's orbit, and in a strange twist of fate in the same hometown. Together, they work together to save the town's tree during their Christmas celebrations. And in the meantime, feelings and romance are rekindled.

I really liked this book. I was sad when they had to say goodbye when they felt so strongly towards each other. I am so glad that they were able to meet again and work through their issues so that they can be together for real. This book was well-written and I just loved the supporting characters. Sweet holiday story to warm you from the inside out.

I received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
393 reviews3 followers
December 11, 2022
Such a great book. Loved it from start to finish. Emotional and heartfelt. Archie and River meet while travelling. They develop feelings for each other. They have an agreement to just enjoy heir time together but that it will end at some point in the future. when their time together comes to an end both men have want more but neither speak up. Little do they know they are both from the same town. They soon find each other again. They join together in a mission to bring the town Christmas back on a year when the tree isn't scheduled. Can the Christmas tree bring them together? I highly recommend.
Profile Image for E.L. Ough.
Author 10 books106 followers
December 13, 2022
This is a very cute festive novella, book 1 in the Home for the Holidays series.

This just goes to show how small the world can be, two men meet in the airport, they both love travelling, both never felt settled when moved as young boys, one was moving to the village and one was moving out, they just missed crossing paths till the day in the airport, but even then they didn’t know they both lived in the same town.

Both decided that the relationship they were in whilst travelling was to stay there once they both went home. Only to discover fate had a way of showing its hand and they meet again over a Christmas tree.

Fun Christmas read with a touch of spice.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️
1,011 reviews10 followers
November 22, 2022
Wonderful holiday story

A wonderful holiday story! Archie and River were strangers turned travelling companions that evolved into a fun, although fleeting, romance. They went their separate ways only to discover they live in the same small village. Both were devastated to discover the village didn't put up the annual Christmas tree. I loved that Archie and River both shared a love for the village Christmas tree, each in their own special ways. Can they rekindle their romance and save the village Christmas tree? A sweet holiday story full of special moments and love.
2,203 reviews5 followers
November 29, 2022
All the happiness of a holiday romance.

Archie and River meet while traveling. Both fall for one another in a way never expected. When it was time to part, the decision wasn't an easy one. What was though to be a moment of the past, turned out not be a surprise and a sign for them both.
There are still some unresolved issues as one of them is still in the closet to everyone close to him. Will this be a burden for their future or will they cling to the love they shared in Asia?

Low angst and all of the seasonal joy!


*I received this ARC for my honest feedback.**
Profile Image for Raven and Chris.
3,313 reviews31 followers
December 2, 2022
What are the odds of two people from the same village being in the same place for vacation at the same time? I loved the characters, especially River. I felt a little sorry for Archie that he felt like he had to hide, especially when they were both more invested than they realized in their vacation relationship. I am glad River didn’t give up on him though. I understand it’s hard to be your authentic self when people knew you from before, but at some point a person has to figure out how they truly want to live. This was a sweet little novella full of Christmas cheer.
Profile Image for Heather MMRomanceReviewed.
1,736 reviews88 followers
December 12, 2022
River and Archie are fated to meet up after separating a world away and ending up back in their home town - the one where they missed crossing paths as children, but are both back for the holidays and looking forward to the town's large Christmas tree that isn't there...

Working together gives them reasons to get together, even though Archie is in the closet and isn't ready to come out...

This book front ends the steam, as we meet the boys at the end of their time in Thailand before heading back home and ends up sweet and perfect for the holidays...
623 reviews11 followers
December 13, 2022
When Archie and River met when traveling, it was only ment to be a holiday romance. They both wanted more but River had already layed the ground rules down.
When Archie arrived back home he was upset the village had not put the Christmas tree up , and wanted to do something about it.
While going door to door he was surprised River opened one . They worked together to save the tree, while seeing if they could have a relationship, as Archie had not told anyone he was gay.
Really sweet story with a perfect ending.
I received an advanced copy of this book from GRR for a honest review
Profile Image for Ida Umphers.
5,551 reviews48 followers
December 16, 2022
Archie and River are travellers who meet overseas, have what both take to be a brief fling and separate. They both remember a town they lived in when young, however, and in particular the town Christmas tree acts like a beacon drawing them home, coincidentally at the same time. With the tree under threat, both dedicate themselves to saving this childhood symbol of all that is wonderful about the holidays and their memories. Over the course of saving the tree, they also dedicate themselves to each other. Loved this feel-good romance.
Profile Image for Edga.
2,248 reviews23 followers
November 17, 2022
A really cute second chance romance novella. Both Archie and River want the same thing, the village Christmas tree brought back to pride of place in their village. They find that the whole community spirit is enhanced by the wish of bringing back the missing Christmas Tree. It makes for a warm hearted Christmas feel good story which has all the factors that you need for a festive read. It's a book for snuggling up and reading to get you into the spirit of things. Lovely epilogue.
Profile Image for Demetra Roussakis.
1,520 reviews14 followers
November 20, 2022
What a great book. Archie and River met while travelling and went from friends to more. Even though they both wanted more, they both had to go back home. What surprised them both was that they lived in the same village. They worked together to raise money to bring back the town Christmas tree. Loved how they worked; great chemistry between them and no angst.

I received a copy of this book for my review.
1,199 reviews8 followers
November 25, 2022
Can a Christmas tree bring two men and a community together?

What a lovely Christmas story. Part romance, part quest, total love. Come. Join free spirit River and practical Archie as they discover that love comes in many forms; and that being "out" isn't the end of the world. Don't forget the quest to reinstate the community Christmas tree. The quest that brought the back together and cemented their relationship. This story is sweet and sexy feel-good romp. You need to Get. It. Now!
Profile Image for Steph.
741 reviews17 followers
December 2, 2022
This is a cute novella which seems a bit unrealistic at first, but what is a Christmas story without a bit of magical license.  This is definitely an original story and the MC's were both really likeable. I loved the chemistry between them throughout and the sex scenes were hot. This story gets more Christmassy as the story unfolds and the end is so sweet. I loved the epilogue it gave the perfect HEA.
3,557 reviews38 followers
December 9, 2022
A tree is a symbol for more than just River and Archie…but an entire community.

What a wonderful story about the holiday season and wishes.
How you might have the ability to make your dreams come true.
What changes can occur between family members when love and hope bring about new beliefs and new beginnings.

I'm convinced you're going to want to read this tale about River and Archie more than once...possibly every year at Christmas.
Profile Image for avid reader 1.
821 reviews1 follower
December 14, 2022
Christmas Tree Wishes is the first I’ve read by this author.
I enjoyed the premise of the story and liked Archie and River, separate and together. The storyline was easy to follow, and I was satisfied with the conclusion and their HEA. Secondary characters did their job and pushed the story along when needed.
In the end, I was happy with what I'd read and look forward to more from this author.
Profile Image for ME E.
584 reviews57 followers
November 16, 2022
Wow, this was the sugary sweet Christmas novella I was looking for!! I'm so happy that this was my first Kelsey Hodge book. I found myself smiling and swooning the whole time.

If you are looking for two adorable characters who clearly belong together, Christmas Tree Wishes and sweet winter moments, then I highly recommend!!!
(SOLID 5 STARS)
Profile Image for R.
2,121 reviews
November 19, 2022
River and Archie and their wish for a special Christmas tree was wonderful.

Settle in by the fire, pour the hot chocolate, and let Christmas joy surround you. The thoughts of Christmas this story brought to mind were perfect, may even of been a tear or two. Adored River and Archie and their happy place with the town tree.

A swoony Christmas nibble of goodness. Well done.
Profile Image for Cynthia M Brow.
1,313 reviews17 followers
November 21, 2022
This story is perfect to get you in the Christmas spirit. This is a story about trying to bring the town Christmas tree back to what it used to be. I just love Archie and River. They start as friends who meet while traveling. This story has everything you could ask for, romance, a task to complete, and some steamy sexy times. I would definitely recommend this book.
1,721 reviews14 followers
December 8, 2022
A short holiday diddy about the love and loss of the towns Christmas tree. The two m/c’s have an interesting story. Their time together had an expiration date, they both knew, though there were hopes. Chance bringing them back together was fun. Their mission was sweet as was their love story. I voluntarily reviewed an arc of this book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews

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