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Dream Harbor #3
The Christmas Tree Farm
From the #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Pumpkin Spice Cafe comes a #1 Sunday Times bestselling grumpy x sunshine Christmas romcom! ❄️
‘A charming break from reality’ Publishers Weekly
❄️❄️❄️❄️
Every book in the Dream Harbor series can be read as a standalone.
Kira North hates Christmas. Which is unfortunate since she just bought a Christmas tree farm in a town that’s too cute for its own good.
Bennett Ellis is on vacation in Dream Harbor trying to take a break from both his life and his constant desire to fix things.
But somehow fate finds Ben trapped by a blanket of snow at Kira’s farm, and, despite her Grinchiest first impressions, with the glow of the fairy lights twinkling in the trees, and the promise of a warming hot chocolate, maybe, just maybe, these two lost souls will have a Christmas they’ll remember forever…
The Christmas Tree Farm is a spicy romantic mystery with a HEA guaranteed, perfect to curl up with this winter!
Tropes:
Grumpy x Sunshine
Small Town
Forced Proximity
One Bed
‘A charming break from reality’ Publishers Weekly
❄️❄️❄️❄️
Every book in the Dream Harbor series can be read as a standalone.
Kira North hates Christmas. Which is unfortunate since she just bought a Christmas tree farm in a town that’s too cute for its own good.
Bennett Ellis is on vacation in Dream Harbor trying to take a break from both his life and his constant desire to fix things.
But somehow fate finds Ben trapped by a blanket of snow at Kira’s farm, and, despite her Grinchiest first impressions, with the glow of the fairy lights twinkling in the trees, and the promise of a warming hot chocolate, maybe, just maybe, these two lost souls will have a Christmas they’ll remember forever…
The Christmas Tree Farm is a spicy romantic mystery with a HEA guaranteed, perfect to curl up with this winter!
Tropes:
Grumpy x Sunshine
Small Town
Forced Proximity
One Bed
370 pages, Paperback
First published October 10, 2024
23434 people are currently reading
155646 people want to read
About the author
Laurie Gilmore
21 books14.5k followersLaurie Gilmore is a #1 New York Times, Sunday Times, and Globe & Mail bestselling author who writes steamy small-town romance. Her Dream Harbor series is filled with quirky townsfolk, cozy settings, and swoon-worthy romance. The first book in the series, The Pumpkin Spice Cafe, was featured on Good Morning America and was named the TikTok Shop Book of the Year 2024.
She loves finding books with the perfect balance of sweetness and spice and strives for that in her own writing. If you ever wished you lived in Stars Hollow (or that Luke and Lorelai would just get together already!) then her books are definitely for you.
She loves finding books with the perfect balance of sweetness and spice and strives for that in her own writing. If you ever wished you lived in Stars Hollow (or that Luke and Lorelai would just get together already!) then her books are definitely for you.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 23,136 reviews
December 2, 2024
I hate these but I’ll continue to read them because I hate myself
Did not finish
November 9, 2024dnf @40%
Not working for me at all. Everything about this story feels forced and unrealistic and the character development is very weak. I can't stand Kira. She is supposed to be grumpy, but there's 'grumpy' and than there's 'mean for no reason'. The reasons behind her buying the farm are ridiculous. Bennett, with his hero complex, is supposed to be nice, but the way he lets women take advantage of him is pathetic. And totally unbelievable. The insta-lust between them came out of nowhere. I'm not invested in this and I find the storyline bland and boring.
Not working for me at all. Everything about this story feels forced and unrealistic and the character development is very weak. I can't stand Kira. She is supposed to be grumpy, but there's 'grumpy' and than there's 'mean for no reason'. The reasons behind her buying the farm are ridiculous. Bennett, with his hero complex, is supposed to be nice, but the way he lets women take advantage of him is pathetic. And totally unbelievable. The insta-lust between them came out of nowhere. I'm not invested in this and I find the storyline bland and boring.
Want to read
December 1, 2024 Alright... might as well just read this one too...
╰⪼ 🎄Heartwarming and Festive
╰⪼ 🐾Dog Lovers
╰⪼ 🌟Christmas Magic
╰⪼ 🎄Seasonal Ambiance
╰⪼ ☃️Hallmark Vibes with Spice
╰⪼ 🌟Small Town
╰⪼ 🎄Black Cat ✘ Golden Retriever
╰⪼ ☃️Cozy and Lighthearted
╰⪼ 🌟Low Stakes
╰⪼ 🎄Heartwarming and Festive
╰⪼ 🐾Dog Lovers
╰⪼ 🌟Christmas Magic
╰⪼ 🎄Seasonal Ambiance
╰⪼ ☃️Hallmark Vibes with Spice
╰⪼ 🌟Small Town
╰⪼ 🎄Black Cat ✘ Golden Retriever
╰⪼ ☃️Cozy and Lighthearted
╰⪼ 🌟Low Stakes
December 26, 2025
Cute bit nothing crazy
October 27, 2024
unfortunately, the super mario movie has altered the way i hear the word “peaches” forever, and bennett calls kira this an ungodly number of times in this book
March 16, 2026
"There was just something magical about snow on Christmas."Kira North is a grumpy city girl through and through...and after spending her trust fund on what some would consider 'frivolous' causes, she buys a rundown Christmas tree farm in the town of Dream Harbor with the last of her dregs.
At first she thought life would be all pickling cucumbers, canning jams, and roaring fires in the fireplace...but all too soon she realizes that she needed to actually make money.
And fast. But she's through relying on other people. Kira will handle it herself. Definitely. (hopefully). (ohgodwhyistheboilernotworkingit'sfreezinginhere).
Enter Bennet Ellis, brother to Jeanie, recent owner of the Pumpkin Spice Cafe in Dream Harbor.
"Unfortunately, no one really advertises that growth hurts."
Bennet is staying in the little apartment above the cafe with his dogs as he tries to decide what to do with his life. Unfortunately, he's a people pleaser and that has not worked well for him in the love department.
A chance encounter with Kira North quickly goes south. She doesn't want help, he cannot stop himself for helping...the only question is, who will give in first?
"He’d liked the way people appreciated him when he did them a favor, he liked the feeling of being needed, of being useful."
Normally by a third book in a series, you can tell whether the books will have staying power...and this one definitely cements the Dream Harbor series for me.
I mean, who hasn't wanted to drop a ton of money on a Christmas Tree Farm and live out in a beautiful cabin surrounded by snowy woods with a cozy dog or three at their feet?
As always, I love the townspeople - from the busybody bookclub to the nosy seniors to the zany mayor with his 'visions' - I think they really bring the charm for this series.
That being said, what brought this book down was the whole enemies-to-lovers for me. Don't get me wrong, I love a good representation of that trope...but this one had the characters sniping at each other a bit too much.
Instead of loving the witty banter, it became Kira absolutely SHOOTING down Bennet and then Bennet finding another way to help her. I get that it's a grumpy-and-sunshine, but I don't think I would have stuck around for Kira, even if she's a dog lover.
Even though I didn't mesh super well with the leads, once they got on track with the romance, I was locked back in and overall rather enjoyed this book!
October 24, 2024
they need therapy and not each-other
November 12, 2024
I’m deeply sad to report that these continue to get worse
October 11, 2024
By far my favorite of the three!! It’s basically a cute Christmas hallmark movie where the FMC is the grinch. I adored this one and their relationship very much. Quick and easy read! 🎄🎁
December 13, 2024
This is a cozy holiday read that I am not mad at at all. Had a good time with her🩷
November 19, 2024
3.5
WHEN WILL WE GET ANNIE x MAC 🥲🥲🥲🥲
I enjoyed this one but I think largely because I read the first two books in the series first and knew all the supporting characters. Imagine a Christmas hallmark romcom with above average spice and you get this book - lovely easy read x
WHEN WILL WE GET ANNIE x MAC 🥲🥲🥲🥲
I enjoyed this one but I think largely because I read the first two books in the series first and knew all the supporting characters. Imagine a Christmas hallmark romcom with above average spice and you get this book - lovely easy read x
December 16, 2024
from the bottom of my heart, I’m telling you this book was written by ai
December 3, 2024
2.75 🌟 cute, def “Christmas-Cringe”
December 3, 2025
[1.1⭐] 𝙇𝙖 𝙜𝙧𝙖𝙣𝙟𝙖 𝙙𝙚 𝙖́𝙧𝙗𝙤𝙡𝙚𝙨 𝙙𝙚 𝙉𝙖𝙫𝙞𝙙𝙖𝙙 es una novela romántica publicada en 2024 por Laurie Gilmore. La historia gira en torno a Kira North, una mujer que, a pesar de detestar profundamente la Navidad, decide mudarse a un pueblito para hacerse cargo de una granja de árboles navideños. Allí conoce a Bennett Ellis, un hombre bueno hasta la ingenuidad que llega a Dream Harbor buscando descansar de su impulso de “arreglarlo todo”.
Lo primero y lo que marcó absolutamente toda mi experiencia, es que Kira es insufrible. No solo no pude conectar con ella: es, honestamente, la peor protagonista que he leído en mi vida, La autora no da ningún motivo coherente para justificar por qué es tan mala, tan cruel y tan pesada con absolutamente todas las personas que respiran en su misma dirección. Supuestamente odia la Navidad, pero tampoco hay un trauma real o una explicación de peso detrás de ese odio, lo que vuelve todavía menos lógico (y casi cómico, si no fuera tan irritante) que abandone su vida para comprar precisamente una granja de árboles de Navidad. ¿Para qué? ¿Por qué? No tiene sentido.
A lo largo de todo el libro, Kira se dedica a tratar mal a quien se le cruce: habitantes del pueblo, el alcalde, los clientes y, por supuesto, a Bennett, que es probablemente el personaje más noble de toda la saga. Es terrible ver cómo lo maltrata mientras él sigue insistiendo en ayudarla, apoyarla y acompañarla. Hasta me frustraba lo mucho que él se arrastraba emocionalmente, intentando rescatar a alguien que no solo no quería ser rescatada, sino que lo atacaba cada vez que podía.
Y no exagero con lo de que es un personaje vacío e insufrible. Un ejemplo perfecto es esta joyita de diálogo:
“–Sí. La pobre Elaine, nuestra empleada doméstica, se llevó una buena sorpresa a la mañana siguiente.
–No me extraña.
–No te preocupes, aquel año le hice un regalo de Navidad especialmente bueno.
–¿Qué le regalaste?
–Dinero. –respondió Kira con una carcajada incrédula.”
¿De verdad se supone que me caiga bien alguien que se ríe así, como si fuera la gran cosa, siendo que ni siquiera está haciendo algo mínimamente amable? Ese tono de soberbia y de desprecio por los demás se mantiene durante TODA la novela.
Otro ejemplo aún más grave es cómo trata a Bennett incluso cuando él intenta demostrarle amor de la forma más genuina y dulce posible:
“No hace falta que te inventes elogios cutres para acostarte conmigo. (...) Ya lo has conseguido. No hace falta que sigas, ¿de acuerdo?”
Él le dice halagos románticos porque la ama —aunque realmente no sé por qué la ama— y ella lo ataca de inmediato, como si él fuese el malo. Mientras él arregla la granja, la acompaña, la protege y le da cariño, ella le devuelve puras hostilidades.
Incluso cuando él intenta ayudarla en algo tan simple como bajar un colchón, ella reacciona así:
“–Que no me discutas.
–¡Ja! Claro, me lo dices así de tajante y voy a darte la razón sin más.”
El nivel de pelea y discusión gratuita que genera es agotador. Cada escena en la que aparece Kira es una batalla y no una interesante, sino que una desgastante.
Llega el momento en que Bennett se abre emocionalmente, le dice todo lo que siente y ella se queda callada. Él termina yéndose de vuelta a California con el corazón roto y recién ahí a ella se le ocurre ir detrás de él. Pero lo peor: le escribe la carta más cutre, fría y poco romántica que he leído en muchísimo tiempo. Es irónico, considerando que la propia Kira pasa medio libro diciendo cuánto ama las cartas de amor, que le encantaría que esa tradición volviera y que sus nietos pudieran encontrarlas. ¡Pues qué decepción! Porque si esa carta llegara a sus nietos, capaz la tiran a la basura pensando que es un borrador mal hecho.
Mientras él hace literalmente TODO por ella —abandona su hogar, viaja al otro extremo del país, le arma un árbol de Navidad con cartas de amor colgadas, le repara la granja y la acompaña para que no pase sola las fiestas— ella no hace nada. NADA. Solo se aprovecha del pobre hombre, me dio tanta rabia. Es la definición perfecta de “ella no merece a este hombre”.
Por si fuera poco, el famoso “misterio” del libro termina siendo otra decepción. Pasas toda la novela esperando descubrir qué había en la propiedad, solo para que te lo cuenten recién en el epílogo.
Alerta de spoiler, no leer si vas a leer el libro: el misterio eran joyas. No tienen una historia emotiva detrás, ni un significado especial, ni nada que les dé peso. Hubiera sido tan lindo que fueran joyas con historia, con una carga emocional, algo que conectara con la vida anterior del dueño y que aportara humanidad. Pero no: aparecen joyas, las venden, arreglan la propiedad y listo. Más anticlimático, imposible.
Honestamente, este libro habría sido excelente si la protagonista fuera otra persona porque Kira arruina por completo la lectura. En varios momentos pensé en abandonarlo o simplemente leer en diagonal para terminarlo de una vez.
Quería una lectura bien navideña para inaugurar diciembre con algo suave y acogedor, pero terminé con enojo, frustración y ganas de darle un abrazo a Bennett para pedirle perdón por todo lo que tuvo que soportar.
Finalmente, puedo decir que 𝙇𝙖 𝙜𝙧𝙖𝙣𝙟𝙖 𝙙𝙚 𝙖́𝙧𝙗𝙤𝙡𝙚𝙨 𝙙𝙚 𝙉𝙖𝙫𝙞𝙙𝙖𝙙 es el peor libro de toda la saga Dream Harbor. No sé por qué sigo torturándome con estos libros si ya sé que no me gustan, pero aquí estamos de nuevo.
Mi 1.1 corresponde a una sola razón: ese 0.1 se lo doy exclusivamente a Bennett, para que al menos alguien le dé un poco de cariño y apoyo, porque lo dejaron solo con una protagonista absolutamente insufrible.
Lo primero y lo que marcó absolutamente toda mi experiencia, es que Kira es insufrible. No solo no pude conectar con ella: es, honestamente, la peor protagonista que he leído en mi vida, La autora no da ningún motivo coherente para justificar por qué es tan mala, tan cruel y tan pesada con absolutamente todas las personas que respiran en su misma dirección. Supuestamente odia la Navidad, pero tampoco hay un trauma real o una explicación de peso detrás de ese odio, lo que vuelve todavía menos lógico (y casi cómico, si no fuera tan irritante) que abandone su vida para comprar precisamente una granja de árboles de Navidad. ¿Para qué? ¿Por qué? No tiene sentido.
A lo largo de todo el libro, Kira se dedica a tratar mal a quien se le cruce: habitantes del pueblo, el alcalde, los clientes y, por supuesto, a Bennett, que es probablemente el personaje más noble de toda la saga. Es terrible ver cómo lo maltrata mientras él sigue insistiendo en ayudarla, apoyarla y acompañarla. Hasta me frustraba lo mucho que él se arrastraba emocionalmente, intentando rescatar a alguien que no solo no quería ser rescatada, sino que lo atacaba cada vez que podía.
Y no exagero con lo de que es un personaje vacío e insufrible. Un ejemplo perfecto es esta joyita de diálogo:
“–Sí. La pobre Elaine, nuestra empleada doméstica, se llevó una buena sorpresa a la mañana siguiente.
–No me extraña.
–No te preocupes, aquel año le hice un regalo de Navidad especialmente bueno.
–¿Qué le regalaste?
–Dinero. –respondió Kira con una carcajada incrédula.”
¿De verdad se supone que me caiga bien alguien que se ríe así, como si fuera la gran cosa, siendo que ni siquiera está haciendo algo mínimamente amable? Ese tono de soberbia y de desprecio por los demás se mantiene durante TODA la novela.
Otro ejemplo aún más grave es cómo trata a Bennett incluso cuando él intenta demostrarle amor de la forma más genuina y dulce posible:
“No hace falta que te inventes elogios cutres para acostarte conmigo. (...) Ya lo has conseguido. No hace falta que sigas, ¿de acuerdo?”
Él le dice halagos románticos porque la ama —aunque realmente no sé por qué la ama— y ella lo ataca de inmediato, como si él fuese el malo. Mientras él arregla la granja, la acompaña, la protege y le da cariño, ella le devuelve puras hostilidades.
Incluso cuando él intenta ayudarla en algo tan simple como bajar un colchón, ella reacciona así:
“–Que no me discutas.
–¡Ja! Claro, me lo dices así de tajante y voy a darte la razón sin más.”
El nivel de pelea y discusión gratuita que genera es agotador. Cada escena en la que aparece Kira es una batalla y no una interesante, sino que una desgastante.
Llega el momento en que Bennett se abre emocionalmente, le dice todo lo que siente y ella se queda callada. Él termina yéndose de vuelta a California con el corazón roto y recién ahí a ella se le ocurre ir detrás de él. Pero lo peor: le escribe la carta más cutre, fría y poco romántica que he leído en muchísimo tiempo. Es irónico, considerando que la propia Kira pasa medio libro diciendo cuánto ama las cartas de amor, que le encantaría que esa tradición volviera y que sus nietos pudieran encontrarlas. ¡Pues qué decepción! Porque si esa carta llegara a sus nietos, capaz la tiran a la basura pensando que es un borrador mal hecho.
Mientras él hace literalmente TODO por ella —abandona su hogar, viaja al otro extremo del país, le arma un árbol de Navidad con cartas de amor colgadas, le repara la granja y la acompaña para que no pase sola las fiestas— ella no hace nada. NADA. Solo se aprovecha del pobre hombre, me dio tanta rabia. Es la definición perfecta de “ella no merece a este hombre”.
Por si fuera poco, el famoso “misterio” del libro termina siendo otra decepción. Pasas toda la novela esperando descubrir qué había en la propiedad, solo para que te lo cuenten recién en el epílogo.
Alerta de spoiler, no leer si vas a leer el libro: el misterio eran joyas. No tienen una historia emotiva detrás, ni un significado especial, ni nada que les dé peso. Hubiera sido tan lindo que fueran joyas con historia, con una carga emocional, algo que conectara con la vida anterior del dueño y que aportara humanidad. Pero no: aparecen joyas, las venden, arreglan la propiedad y listo. Más anticlimático, imposible.
Honestamente, este libro habría sido excelente si la protagonista fuera otra persona porque Kira arruina por completo la lectura. En varios momentos pensé en abandonarlo o simplemente leer en diagonal para terminarlo de una vez.
Quería una lectura bien navideña para inaugurar diciembre con algo suave y acogedor, pero terminé con enojo, frustración y ganas de darle un abrazo a Bennett para pedirle perdón por todo lo que tuvo que soportar.
Finalmente, puedo decir que 𝙇𝙖 𝙜𝙧𝙖𝙣𝙟𝙖 𝙙𝙚 𝙖́𝙧𝙗𝙤𝙡𝙚𝙨 𝙙𝙚 𝙉𝙖𝙫𝙞𝙙𝙖𝙙 es el peor libro de toda la saga Dream Harbor. No sé por qué sigo torturándome con estos libros si ya sé que no me gustan, pero aquí estamos de nuevo.
Mi 1.1 corresponde a una sola razón: ese 0.1 se lo doy exclusivamente a Bennett, para que al menos alguien le dé un poco de cariño y apoyo, porque lo dejaron solo con una protagonista absolutamente insufrible.
December 21, 2025
3.75 ⭐️ this actually surprised me in the best way. i think i actually loved this more than book one. i went into it mainly for the christmas vibes but the story really pulled me in.
i loved the forced proximity so much and i was not expecting the emotional moments to hit the way they did. the ending made me cry, which i honestly did not see coming. such a sweet, cozy story that ended up meaning more to me than i expected 🥹
overall, a really enjoyable holiday romance that i’m glad i picked back up after not continuing it last year
i loved the forced proximity so much and i was not expecting the emotional moments to hit the way they did. the ending made me cry, which i honestly did not see coming. such a sweet, cozy story that ended up meaning more to me than i expected 🥹
overall, a really enjoyable holiday romance that i’m glad i picked back up after not continuing it last year
November 8, 2025
❄️🎄.ִֶָ𓂃 recommended age: 16-17+
₊˚⊹♡ rating ! : 5/5
────୨ৎ────
𝜗 review ! ৎ finished while listening to a holly jolly christmas by burl ives ♡
જ⁀➴ 💞 “I think you are the most beautiful in the morning when your hair is a mess and you’re all soft and warm from sleep. I could look at you like that forever.”
this marks my first holiday tbr book this year! and may i say it was a magical start too! now let me give you guys what i know you've been waiting for way too long...
────୨ৎ────
I absolutely fell in love with these lovely characters from the VERY BEGINNING. This gave the most gilmore girls, rom-com, hallmark-movie-cozy vibes ever and guess what? your girl was HERE FOR IT!
This author has been so hyped for the past year or two and I was really skeptical but I gave it when I found out her Dream Harbor was seasonal?? of course I had to pocket the winter reads for now..
I decided to start my day off with a sugar cookie latte and this cozy read and let me tell you it was so worth it! After I write this I will be putting my tree up and decorating for the best holiday of the year that I die for.
This book starts us out with Kira who is leaving her life behind to start her anew in Dream Harbor! She then meets Bennett when starting off her Christmas tree farm and she was never the same since.
If you adore seasonal reads or just love that cozy feel with your romance then I would 100% get this book!
Now I am sorry for keeping you guys away, trust me it's been pure torture not being able to read and write reviews like I did this summer but school has been HEAVY and marching season left no room for reading at all. But I am trying my best to get back into my feels and trust me you've got some reviews coming your way..
Have the most wonderful night lovelies!! See you later!
— playlist I listened to while reading!! : ⊹₊ walking in a winter wonderland
⋅˚₊‧ ୨୧ ‧₊˚ ⋅
𑣲 ezra / ezzy
₊˚⊹♡ rating ! : 5/5
────୨ৎ────
𝜗 review ! ৎ finished while listening to a holly jolly christmas by burl ives ♡
જ⁀➴ 💞 “I think you are the most beautiful in the morning when your hair is a mess and you’re all soft and warm from sleep. I could look at you like that forever.”
this marks my first holiday tbr book this year! and may i say it was a magical start too! now let me give you guys what i know you've been waiting for way too long...
────୨ৎ────
I absolutely fell in love with these lovely characters from the VERY BEGINNING. This gave the most gilmore girls, rom-com, hallmark-movie-cozy vibes ever and guess what? your girl was HERE FOR IT!
This author has been so hyped for the past year or two and I was really skeptical but I gave it when I found out her Dream Harbor was seasonal?? of course I had to pocket the winter reads for now..
I decided to start my day off with a sugar cookie latte and this cozy read and let me tell you it was so worth it! After I write this I will be putting my tree up and decorating for the best holiday of the year that I die for.
This book starts us out with Kira who is leaving her life behind to start her anew in Dream Harbor! She then meets Bennett when starting off her Christmas tree farm and she was never the same since.
If you adore seasonal reads or just love that cozy feel with your romance then I would 100% get this book!
Now I am sorry for keeping you guys away, trust me it's been pure torture not being able to read and write reviews like I did this summer but school has been HEAVY and marching season left no room for reading at all. But I am trying my best to get back into my feels and trust me you've got some reviews coming your way..
Have the most wonderful night lovelies!! See you later!
— playlist I listened to while reading!! : ⊹₊ walking in a winter wonderland
⋅˚₊‧ ୨୧ ‧₊˚ ⋅
𑣲 ezra / ezzy
December 11, 2024
3.5⭐️
Okay this was actually soooo cute!! This is the perfect fluffy Christmas romance to kick off December with 🤭
I really enjoyed Kira and Bennett as individuals and as a couple! Their chemistry was really good and I definitely think they fit in with the small town vibe that this book is known for. This is a reverse grumpy x sunshine with Bennett being a golden retriever boyfriend and it was done so well! I found both of them to be very relatable, even though they didn't have a lot of depth to them (but I wasn't expecting that so how can I hold it against the book?)
The one thing that is consistent between every book in this series is the HEAVY insta-love. We're talking like these people fall in love within days and are already planning to get married and have kids. CAN WE AT LEAST SEE Y'ALL GO ON A DATE OR SOMETHING FIRST??? 😭😭😭 I also need to point out that the third-act breakup in this book was so bad it was completely unnecessary and was just kinda thrown in there for shits and giggles.
Overall, this book was a classic Hallmark movie but put it on trees. I mean that in both good and bad ways. It was cute, quick, and quirky but it also missed on several levels. I still preferred the first one more, and if you saw my review on the second one...you'd know just how much this one was an improvement. I don't think this is anything legendary and you could definitely read it on it's own (if you're okay missing some of the characters and their relationships). Wouldn't be a bad idea to give it a shot! 🩵
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I'm crossing my fingers and toes that I don't end up hating this as much as the last one 😭
Okay this was actually soooo cute!! This is the perfect fluffy Christmas romance to kick off December with 🤭
I really enjoyed Kira and Bennett as individuals and as a couple! Their chemistry was really good and I definitely think they fit in with the small town vibe that this book is known for. This is a reverse grumpy x sunshine with Bennett being a golden retriever boyfriend and it was done so well! I found both of them to be very relatable, even though they didn't have a lot of depth to them (but I wasn't expecting that so how can I hold it against the book?)
The one thing that is consistent between every book in this series is the HEAVY insta-love. We're talking like these people fall in love within days and are already planning to get married and have kids. CAN WE AT LEAST SEE Y'ALL GO ON A DATE OR SOMETHING FIRST??? 😭😭😭 I also need to point out that the third-act breakup in this book was so bad it was completely unnecessary and was just kinda thrown in there for shits and giggles.
Overall, this book was a classic Hallmark movie but put it on trees. I mean that in both good and bad ways. It was cute, quick, and quirky but it also missed on several levels. I still preferred the first one more, and if you saw my review on the second one...you'd know just how much this one was an improvement. I don't think this is anything legendary and you could definitely read it on it's own (if you're okay missing some of the characters and their relationships). Wouldn't be a bad idea to give it a shot! 🩵
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I'm crossing my fingers and toes that I don't end up hating this as much as the last one 😭
November 14, 2025
Updated Review: I am sad to say that I am DNFING this book for a third time due to reasons I would rather not say. I’m not certain if I will continue reading this book series as of this moment.
Update, Good news!!! I found out that I can continue to go to equine therapy and work with my horse, Tequila! Therefore, I can now continue reading this book! I’m really excited about continuing to read this book series because I love it so much so far!
Updated Review: I was able to get past some of the things that bothered me the first time I read this book and I was able to read a little bit further in the book this time but unfortunately I am going to have to DNF this book a second time. I made it through this book until I read the part where Kira rescued a racehorse. On Halloween, I found out that my time doing equine therapy is ending and I can’t go there anymore to work with my horse 🐴 Tequila. I was absolutely heartbroken 💔 and I inhaled so much Halloween candy 🍬 because I am depressed. And then I became even more depressed because they suggested that I go to clubhouses for disabled people where I have already been at and I quit both of them because they made me depressed like listening to Coldplay in the dark depressed. Which trust me will most likely happen again. Therefore, I unfortunately can’t continue reading this book and this series.
Update: I am going to try to start reading this book again because I love this series so much and I am very excited about starting this book over again!
I’m sadly going to DNF this merry and festive book. I find that I am too closely relating to Kira, our heroine. I’m also having a hard time with things that this author finds amusing and I don’t especially as well. I love some aspects of Kira and I absolutely love Bennett. I love the Christmas aspects of the book. I also really love the first two books in the series so much, so I am sad that I didn’t enjoy this book as much as I enjoyed reading the other two books I read.
Update, Good news!!! I found out that I can continue to go to equine therapy and work with my horse, Tequila! Therefore, I can now continue reading this book! I’m really excited about continuing to read this book series because I love it so much so far!
Updated Review: I was able to get past some of the things that bothered me the first time I read this book and I was able to read a little bit further in the book this time but unfortunately I am going to have to DNF this book a second time. I made it through this book until I read the part where Kira rescued a racehorse. On Halloween, I found out that my time doing equine therapy is ending and I can’t go there anymore to work with my horse 🐴 Tequila. I was absolutely heartbroken 💔 and I inhaled so much Halloween candy 🍬 because I am depressed. And then I became even more depressed because they suggested that I go to clubhouses for disabled people where I have already been at and I quit both of them because they made me depressed like listening to Coldplay in the dark depressed. Which trust me will most likely happen again. Therefore, I unfortunately can’t continue reading this book and this series.
Update: I am going to try to start reading this book again because I love this series so much and I am very excited about starting this book over again!
I’m sadly going to DNF this merry and festive book. I find that I am too closely relating to Kira, our heroine. I’m also having a hard time with things that this author finds amusing and I don’t especially as well. I love some aspects of Kira and I absolutely love Bennett. I love the Christmas aspects of the book. I also really love the first two books in the series so much, so I am sad that I didn’t enjoy this book as much as I enjoyed reading the other two books I read.
December 19, 2024
this book has solidified that I am now a Christmas romance girlie
January 7, 2025
The Christmas Tree Farm by Laurie Gilmore, the third book in the Dream Harbour series, focuses on Kira North, who recently purchased the Christmas tree farm in town. This is a grumpy x sunshine troped romance, and that is where most of my issues with this book lie. She was so 'grumpy' she was borderline mean and I just didn't love that aspect. Otherwise, it was cute, and Christmasy, just nothing stand-out or special (hence the 3 star rating). Probably one of the better holiday romances I've read to be honest. Although this one wasn't my favourite, I do love this world, and being back with the characters from the previous two books. There were some cute scenes with everyone, and I'm looking forward to reading the fourth and fifth installments when they come out later this year!
If you're a fan of cute, cozy, interconnected romance series, like Elsie Silver's Chestnut Springs series, I highly recommend picking this series up!
Read my reviews for Laurie Gilmore's books here:
The Pumpkin Spice Café - 3.5 stars
The Cinnamon Bun Book Store - 3 stars
The Christmas Tree Farm - 3 stars
If you're a fan of cute, cozy, interconnected romance series, like Elsie Silver's Chestnut Springs series, I highly recommend picking this series up!
Read my reviews for Laurie Gilmore's books here:
The Pumpkin Spice Café - 3.5 stars
The Cinnamon Bun Book Store - 3 stars
The Christmas Tree Farm - 3 stars
October 14, 2025
Uneven (2.5 ⭐️)
This was a sweet and heartwarming story with a smooth flow from start to finish. The pacing was on the slower side, but in the right way—more of a gentle slow burn than a drag. It had that cozy, comforting charm that makes it an easy, relaxing read.
The character development started strong but had some inconsistencies that took away from the story. The main female lead felt confused and all over the place—one moment wanting to break free from the world her family built for her, the next making impulsive, almost illogical choices. Moving to a random town, buying a farm and house where she knew no one, and—ironically—not even liking Christmas trees? It made her journey feel a bit messy and hard to connect with at times.
As for the male lead, his emotions were scattered and his character felt somewhat contradictory. His reactions didn’t always align with his supposed personality, which made the emotional dynamic between the two feel uneven.
Overall, it’s a soft, gentle read with a pleasant tone and smooth flow—but the shaky character direction kept it from reaching its full potential.
This was a sweet and heartwarming story with a smooth flow from start to finish. The pacing was on the slower side, but in the right way—more of a gentle slow burn than a drag. It had that cozy, comforting charm that makes it an easy, relaxing read.
The character development started strong but had some inconsistencies that took away from the story. The main female lead felt confused and all over the place—one moment wanting to break free from the world her family built for her, the next making impulsive, almost illogical choices. Moving to a random town, buying a farm and house where she knew no one, and—ironically—not even liking Christmas trees? It made her journey feel a bit messy and hard to connect with at times.
As for the male lead, his emotions were scattered and his character felt somewhat contradictory. His reactions didn’t always align with his supposed personality, which made the emotional dynamic between the two feel uneven.
Overall, it’s a soft, gentle read with a pleasant tone and smooth flow—but the shaky character direction kept it from reaching its full potential.
December 2, 2024
It’s official December…bring on the Christmas. I have simultaneously started reading Christmas fiction alongside my daily advent Bible reading. Bring on the joy ✨
Ah, it always feels like a breath of fresh air returning to Dream Harbour. After loving both books 1 and 2, I was more than excited to start this new Christmas instalment. I will say up front, I am not usually a Christmas fiction fan…I usually find them over the top cheesy and predictable but, this one I had to get my hands on.
I have very mixed opinions about this book. It wasn’t what I had hoped for but it did deliver in some aspects...
3.5 🌟🌟🌟💫
Kira hates Christmas…well that is a good start when you are buying a Christmas tree farm…Kira’s plan was to get as far away from her old life as possible. She was in need of a total reimagining of who she wanted to become. Kira was done with wasting her life away being simultaneously spoiled and stifled by her parents… this is what led her to Dream Harbour. She found this piece of land without realising it was a Christmas tree farm. And despite hating Christmas, she slowly grew to appreciate its novelties.
Bennett is on vacation, visiting his sister who lives in Dream Harbour. He is a ‘fix-it’ man. That is his weakness.
A snow storm rolls in and fix-it man can’t help but do something to help Kira survive the storm in her old dark and cold house…I am sure you can see where this is headed…
As with the previous books in this series, I loved the dual POV. Personally, I find getting inside the heads of both main characters is key to my overall enjoyment of the book. I also really appreciated Laurie’s decision to include the couples from her previous books. This is not a stand alone novel (although it could be read as such) and was very much embedded in the cozy small town of Dream Harbour.
I love this series, so I am sad to be writing this, but this story just didn’t do it for me. It lacked depth of feeling. I wasn’t invested enough in the characters. The romance seemed fake and rushed. Oh, it just wasn’t right. Sorry 😢
I found it very hard to connect with Kira’s character which I think impacted my overall enjoyment of the book. She isn’t the easiest character to like but she did grow on me as the book went on and I enjoyed the more subtle signs of affection towards the end of the book.
This book had so much promise. So much to give. And I was SO looking forward to it; Perhaps too much! While it did entertain me, I felt that it desperately lacked the WOW factor.
All in all, it was an entertaining holiday read which just fell a little flat. It was also extremely predictable from the word go, which is something coming from me because I am usually awful at guessing the outcome of novels 😂 Nevertheless, I will still be dreaming of book 4 to come in the new year.
Some little quotes I liked:
‘Your vibe attracts your tribe’ ✨
‘…being independent doesn’t have to mean being alone.’ ❤️
I am interested to hear what any other Dream Harbour lovers thought of this book???? 👇🏼👇🏼👇🏼
Ah, it always feels like a breath of fresh air returning to Dream Harbour. After loving both books 1 and 2, I was more than excited to start this new Christmas instalment. I will say up front, I am not usually a Christmas fiction fan…I usually find them over the top cheesy and predictable but, this one I had to get my hands on.
I have very mixed opinions about this book. It wasn’t what I had hoped for but it did deliver in some aspects...
3.5 🌟🌟🌟💫
Kira hates Christmas…well that is a good start when you are buying a Christmas tree farm…Kira’s plan was to get as far away from her old life as possible. She was in need of a total reimagining of who she wanted to become. Kira was done with wasting her life away being simultaneously spoiled and stifled by her parents… this is what led her to Dream Harbour. She found this piece of land without realising it was a Christmas tree farm. And despite hating Christmas, she slowly grew to appreciate its novelties.
Bennett is on vacation, visiting his sister who lives in Dream Harbour. He is a ‘fix-it’ man. That is his weakness.
A snow storm rolls in and fix-it man can’t help but do something to help Kira survive the storm in her old dark and cold house…I am sure you can see where this is headed…
As with the previous books in this series, I loved the dual POV. Personally, I find getting inside the heads of both main characters is key to my overall enjoyment of the book. I also really appreciated Laurie’s decision to include the couples from her previous books. This is not a stand alone novel (although it could be read as such) and was very much embedded in the cozy small town of Dream Harbour.
I love this series, so I am sad to be writing this, but this story just didn’t do it for me. It lacked depth of feeling. I wasn’t invested enough in the characters. The romance seemed fake and rushed. Oh, it just wasn’t right. Sorry 😢
I found it very hard to connect with Kira’s character which I think impacted my overall enjoyment of the book. She isn’t the easiest character to like but she did grow on me as the book went on and I enjoyed the more subtle signs of affection towards the end of the book.
This book had so much promise. So much to give. And I was SO looking forward to it; Perhaps too much! While it did entertain me, I felt that it desperately lacked the WOW factor.
All in all, it was an entertaining holiday read which just fell a little flat. It was also extremely predictable from the word go, which is something coming from me because I am usually awful at guessing the outcome of novels 😂 Nevertheless, I will still be dreaming of book 4 to come in the new year.
Some little quotes I liked:
‘Your vibe attracts your tribe’ ✨
‘…being independent doesn’t have to mean being alone.’ ❤️
I am interested to hear what any other Dream Harbour lovers thought of this book???? 👇🏼👇🏼👇🏼
December 27, 2024
3/5 ⭐️
- This was a fun and fluffy read. Enjoyable, but I probably won’t remember most of in it a month. I definitely will recommend it for a cute christmas read!
- It was definitely a spicy book so if you go into it, keep that in mind! Wasn’t expecting them to bring toys into the mix because the vibes were giving hallmark, but the first page did say it was spicy so at least I had fair warning!
- Kind of wish I read the books in order because the pumpkin spice cafe was mentioned, but it didn’t change my perspective of the story so then again maybe reading the book I was most interested in was the right choice!
- This was a fun and fluffy read. Enjoyable, but I probably won’t remember most of in it a month. I definitely will recommend it for a cute christmas read!
- It was definitely a spicy book so if you go into it, keep that in mind! Wasn’t expecting them to bring toys into the mix because the vibes were giving hallmark, but the first page did say it was spicy so at least I had fair warning!
- Kind of wish I read the books in order because the pumpkin spice cafe was mentioned, but it didn’t change my perspective of the story so then again maybe reading the book I was most interested in was the right choice!
December 13, 2024
This one might be my favorite so far! I thought I wasn't going to like it bc Kira annoyed me at first, but she definitely is redeemed. And Bennett is just 🥵🥵 I definitely liked the spice more in this book than the first 2!
November 20, 2025
How Many Festive Stars! 5 ⭐️🎄
This story completely swept me away with its cozy charm, holiday magic, and the perfect sprinkle of spice! ❄️❤️🔥
This is without a doubt my favorite of the Dream Harbor series so far. I fell in love with everything, and I mean everything: the setting 🎄✔️ the characters 🎄✔️ the adorable dogs running around 🎄✔️ and the small-town warmth that made the whole book feel like coming home. 🎄✔️🏡🐶💚
Kira and Bennett? LOVED THEM. Their banter had me laughing, smiling, and rooting for them from start to finish. Their backstories added so much depth, and watching their relationship unfold made my heart melt. 💕💌
The vibes? Pure perfection.
✨ Cozy holiday spirit
✨ A pinch of spice
✨ Sweet moments & heartfelt letters
✨ Quirky characters & found-family feels
✨ And THE CUTEST Christmas atmosphere! 🎁🌟🎄
The ending was beautiful and gave me all the warm fuzzies. This book is magical, engaging, and absolutely perfect for sparking holiday excitement. I’m so glad I saved it for the season!!! It truly delivered all the nostalgia, sweetness, and twinkle-light joy I was hoping for. ✨☕️📖
If you love small-town romance sprinkled with sweetness, sass, and festive cheer… this one belongs on your holiday reading list. 💚🎄💚
This story completely swept me away with its cozy charm, holiday magic, and the perfect sprinkle of spice! ❄️❤️🔥
This is without a doubt my favorite of the Dream Harbor series so far. I fell in love with everything, and I mean everything: the setting 🎄✔️ the characters 🎄✔️ the adorable dogs running around 🎄✔️ and the small-town warmth that made the whole book feel like coming home. 🎄✔️🏡🐶💚
Kira and Bennett? LOVED THEM. Their banter had me laughing, smiling, and rooting for them from start to finish. Their backstories added so much depth, and watching their relationship unfold made my heart melt. 💕💌
The vibes? Pure perfection.
✨ Cozy holiday spirit
✨ A pinch of spice
✨ Sweet moments & heartfelt letters
✨ Quirky characters & found-family feels
✨ And THE CUTEST Christmas atmosphere! 🎁🌟🎄
The ending was beautiful and gave me all the warm fuzzies. This book is magical, engaging, and absolutely perfect for sparking holiday excitement. I’m so glad I saved it for the season!!! It truly delivered all the nostalgia, sweetness, and twinkle-light joy I was hoping for. ✨☕️📖
If you love small-town romance sprinkled with sweetness, sass, and festive cheer… this one belongs on your holiday reading list. 💚🎄💚
December 12, 2024
ALLURE's December Group Read!!!
2/5 ★'s
This one was just not it for me! I felt like it was SO repetitive. They thought the same surface-level things over and over again. They were completely enthralled with each other before even really knowing one another.
The town was cute, as always. However, I've read so many seasonal romances that are worlds beyond this series in my opinion! I think I just don't click with "Laurie Gilmore" unfortunately.
No sustenance was added to grip me in or feel anything for the characters. Personally, I would skip this. It is the second book I've read by the author and I don't plan to read another!
2/5 ★'s
This one was just not it for me! I felt like it was SO repetitive. They thought the same surface-level things over and over again. They were completely enthralled with each other before even really knowing one another.
The town was cute, as always. However, I've read so many seasonal romances that are worlds beyond this series in my opinion! I think I just don't click with "Laurie Gilmore" unfortunately.
No sustenance was added to grip me in or feel anything for the characters. Personally, I would skip this. It is the second book I've read by the author and I don't plan to read another!
October 13, 2024
"The lies we tell ourselves are often stronger than the truth. They worm their way into our hearts and our minds until they are all we see, all we believe."
I thought this book was adorable. I think it would make a great rom com Christmas movie. Bennett and Kira were adorable.
I thought this book was adorable. I think it would make a great rom com Christmas movie. Bennett and Kira were adorable.
January 11, 2025
Cute asf
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Need something cute and festive 🤭 in my holiday era 💅🏻
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Need something cute and festive 🤭 in my holiday era 💅🏻
November 30, 2025
To tego typu książka, która ogrzeje wasze serce
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