Things on a Tree

by D.L. Finn, Monica Gibson (Illustrator)

What a way to spend Christmas Eve! Thirteen-year-old Aimee is sick and missing her dad, who died in a car accident last year. While the rest of her family are outside playing in the snow, she is alone by their Christmas tree. Aimee sighs as the tears begin to fall. She wishes she still believed in Santa Claus. Then she could ask him to change the last year. Yeah, right, she thought. She turns away from the tree, and falls asleep. Later that night, Aimee awakens to a strange noise. Clink! Clink! Clink! Her fever must be higher than she thought, because she can’t believe what she is seeing running down her purple blanket! But everything that was happening to her was very real, including the fact someone wanted her dead. Aimee was thrust into a world of magic, wonder and greed. Her journey takes her from her snowy rooftop, to the streets of New York and the North Pole with the promise to return her father to her family. Was her wish coming true or was there more to this. Who could she trust when things aren't always what they seem?

2016 Readers' Favorite Book Award Finalist!

Genres: Christmas, Childrens

190 pages, Paperback

Published June 10, 2016

About the author

D. L. Finn is an independent California local who encourages everyone to embrace their inner child. She was born and raised in the foggy Bay Area, but in 1990 she relocated with her husband, kids, dogs, and cats to Nevada City, in the Sierra foothills. She immersed herself in reading all types of books but especially loved romance, horror, and fantasy. She always treasured creating her own reality on paper. Finally, surrounded by towering pines, oaks, and cedars, her creativity was nurtured until it bloomed. Her creations include children’s books, adult fiction, and poetry. She continues on her adventure with an open invitation to all readers to join her. You can learn more about Ms. Finn at her website: www.dlfinnauthor.com , or email her at: d.l.finn.author@gmail.com

Reviews

[Jacquie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Things on a Tree is a fun middle-grade fantasy from the talented hand of D.L Finn.

Aimee is sick at Christmastime and wants nothing more than a hug from her father who died in a car accident the year before. Sad and depressed, Aimee falls asleep staring at the Christmas tree and awakens to a new, fantastical, and dangerous world.

With the help of three kitten tree ornaments come to life, a whimsical elf named Holly, and her long-lost grandma, Aimee works to save Christmas (regaining her belief in Santa Claus along the way) and reverse time to bring back her dad.

Beautiful illustrations bring the story to life and add dimension to a classic tale of faith, love and trust against impossible odds.

A great read for children and adults alike!

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very interesting book for Christmas. I didn't realize it at first, but it is a book for middle schoolers, but adults may enjoy it as well. The illustrations in the book are delightful and add to the story. It's a story about the magic of Christmas and one little girl who has magical powers. She doesn't know of these powers at first, but by the end of the book she becomes well versed in them. If you enjoy using your imagination about Christmas and what might be behind Santa Claus, you'll enjoy this book.

I received a free download of this book from Story Cartel for an unbiased review.

[Janine · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book through Goodreads Giveaways for an honest review.

Things On A Tree was a cute read for kids and adults. It started slowly but really picked up in the middle and end. I enjoyed the magic in the book and the main character, Aimee. The illustrations were few but great.

I would recommend for middle-schoolers.

[Megan Rang · Rating 4 out of 5]

I won this book as a Goodreads Giveaway. It is written for preteen readers. It is packed with adventure and magic. I plan to pass my copy on to my 11 year old daughter.

[M.J. Mallon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a lovely and unusual story about saving Christmas and believing in yourself from D L Finn. The main protagonist young Aimee is sick on Christmas eve with a temperature of a 102. She misses her dad who has passed away. She begins to think she is seeing, or hearing things due to her fever.  All sorts of extraordinary happenings occur, like ornaments coming to life and animals becoming humans. Santa, magic dust, the kittens, danger, becoming the caretaker of the forest, a dubious elf, humour, grandma, her uncle, etc, are all intriguing elements/characters.

Who is who? And who are the bad guy/s, trying to control the North pole, divesting it of magic? Is Santa a good guy? And can there be a happy ending?

And what can Aimee's special part be in all of this?

The tale has the added bonus of great illustrations.  It is a lively and fun story to whet your appetite for the forthcoming Christmas season!

I really enjoyed this imaginative family Christmas story for middle grade kids and I'm sure adults will enjoy it too!

Read on kindle unlimited

[Kelley · Rating 2 out of 5]

Novel courtesy of Goodreads.com First Reads Giveaway

This book feels like a short story that tried too hard to be longer. It had too many parts that were awkward and felt forced. I would find it difficult to recommend to some kids because Aimee, through her magic, makes the past year and her father's death disappear. I know too many kids for whom that would be too much to handle. I also found that all of the relationships to Santa were difficult to follow. Aimee's family is related to Santa but the lines were murky and confusing.

I liked the idea of the story and I think that with some editing and re-working it could be a really fun Christmas story.

[Maeva ( maevareadsbooks_ ) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don’t even remember how I discovered this book, I think I was looking for different genres/kinds of Christmas books. And even though it’s supposed to be for middle grade readers, this self published novel was a really cute Christmas story, with some magic, some cute animals, it was well written, even for a grown-up who is used to read a lot of different genres and I really had a good time ! ☺️

[Darlene Foster · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fun little story, full of action and magic. A young girl, Aimee, is missing her dead father at Christmas time and would do anything to have him back. Then the ornaments on the Christmas tree come to life and the adventure begins. She meets a friendly elf, talking kittens, a lucky rabbit, sled dogs and reindeer, as well as the big guy himself, Santa Clause. She also meets some evil people who want to destroy Christmas and her family. She needs to muster all her strength and belief in herself to overcome the evil, but will it be enough? A light-hearted Christmas fantasy that kids and grown-up kids will enjoy any time of the year.

[Beth Hudson · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a sweet book, and one that probably succeeds in being a fun read for kids. That said, I was a little disappointed: despite dealing with some weighty themes, the story seemed to lack a certain depth that IMHO the best children's books have. Possibly this was because it alternated between trying to be a serious story and trying to be cute and light-hearted, and as a result, did not entirely succeed in either. Still, it makes for enjoyable holiday reading.

[Margaret]

I started reading the book and it was more of a fantasy book for a younger child. I gave it to my 9 year old Granddaughter who is an avid reader, I think she will enjoy the story a lot.

[EnchantedCat · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good enough story if you love sentimental prose.
Light on originality, but it's a holiday story...