I always look forward to reading a Christmas novella by Melody Carlson! There’s nothing like sitting down for a few hours and immersing myself in what feels like a sweet Hallmark movie in book form.

Carol’s plans are derailed when her flight to the Bahamas to dodge the dreaded Christmas season is cancelled due to bad weather. But what appears to be a huge inconvenience, turns out to be the best thing that happened to her. Stranded in a Michigan airport overnight, she makes an impulsive decision to connect with an aunt she never got to know growing up. What she discovers is a family she grows to care for, a town she falls in love with, and perhaps love of the heart kind too! God redirected her to the best gift of “home” and a heart change for the true meaning of Christmas.

I think my favorite character was Carol’s aunt Maria. She’s full of wisdom, unconditional love & a little bit of stubbornness—I couldn’t help but like her from the get-go! I’m so glad she got to connect with her only niece & form strong family ties with her. What a wonderful relationship it was to watch unfold!

I love this story of faith & family all wrapped up in a sweet package to enjoy over and over again. And of course, a hint of a happily-ever-after at the end.

*I received a complimentary copy through Revell via Netgalley and Interviews & Reviews. I was not obligated to leave a favorable review, all opinions expressed here are my own. *

Once Upon a Christmas Carol by Melody Carlson is a heartwarming Christmas Novella.

Carol Langstrom is all set to head to the Bahamas for Christmas when her flight is diverted to Michigan due to a blizzard. With her birthday Christmas day, Carol was never a fan of the holiday. So she avoids it as much as possible. But being stranded, she finds herself at the home of her estranged aunt, who she has never met before.

This story was one of learning to love and forgive. Insights into how Carol could learn to overcome her relationship with her mother and rediscover happiness with family and friends.

This is a great holiday story told as only Melody Carlson can. The characters were interesting and well written. A warm and uplifting supporting cast. Carols soul searching felt true as the difficulty of her decisions were heart felt. This is a sweet clean romance.

I received a complementary ecopy through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Once Upon a Christmas Carol by Melody Carlson is the sweetest standalone Christmas novella, and it was the perfect addition to my Christmas in July reading! This heartwarming romance totally stole my heart.

Just like the Grinch or Scrooge, Carol, the main character, gets a shot at rediscovering happiness, and I was all in for her journey. A random snowstorm strands her at an airport while she’s headed to the Bahamas for Christmas, and that’s where the magic begins. The way the story wraps her in the warmth of family and the spirit of Christmas is so beautiful—it really opened her eyes to what truly matters in life.

I couldn’t put this book down! It’s cozy, uplifting, and full of that special holiday vibe that makes you feel all warm and fuzzy. If you’re looking for a quick, feel-good Christmas read, this one’s a must!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Once Upon a Christmas Carol (A Christmas Novella) by Melody Carlson
Publisher: Revell
Genre: Romance
Expected Publication Date: September 2, 2025

Oh, what a wonderful Christmas story! Carol Langstrom is a true Christmas Carol, born on Christmas Day, but she is not a fan of the holiday for several reasons. Firstly, she never felt as if she had a real Christmas growing up with parents who were either fighting all the time or divorced, and a mother who thought of herself before anyone else, even Carol. And secondly, because in her job as a decorator, she dreads decorating for Christmas for her wealthy clients with extravagant tastes and hefty budgets beginning just after the Halloween decorations come down. All she wants this year for Christmas is her toes in the sand, a tropical drink in her hand, and the sparkling blue waters of the Bahamas. Life, however, doesn't always give us what we want ....... sometimes it gives us what we need instead. Carol's flight is diverted partway to her destination and sends her to chilly, snowy rural Michigan instead of her anticipated tropical paradise. She finds herself at the home of her aunt who she has never met since she and her mother have been estranged since before Carol's birth. She immediately takes to Aunt Maria and finds herself feeling inexplicably more at home in her house than she has felt anywhere else in her life. She gets to know the wonderful man Maria sent to pick her up from the airport during the snowstorm and they hit it off right away and, again, inexplicably, Carol feels even more at home. Is this the life she has unknowingly been wanting? What will Carol's future hold? Will this be a Christmas that she will finally enjoy and remember forever? You'll just have to read this wonderful book yourself to find out!

This novel reminds me of the book Skipping Christmas, whereby a couple decides not to celebrate Christmas and fly away to a nice warm beach holiday. Carol Langstrom likewise decides to skip Christmas and go on a warm beach vacation. She has numerous clients who have requested she make them a holiday decorating delight. She has done it and is exhausted emotionally and physically. She doesn’t want to see another Christmas decoration. She needs to relax. Problem. Due to the severe snowstorm, all planes are grounded.

She spent the night in the airport and is exhausted. Carol recalls that her mother had a sister who lived close. The problem is that she has never met this aunt and does not know her name. Carol is desperate and phones her mother to get more information. Bingo! Her aunt Maria is thrilled she called and will send someone to pick her up. Little did Carol know what lies ahead in this small quaint town. She will never be the same.
Melody Carlson hits another home run with this lovely story of family, friendships, sweet romance, and a natural spiritual theme. This will get you into the Christmas spirit.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I requested and received a copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Nora St. Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins!
The Book Club Network blog https://psalm516.blogspot.com/

I love a good Christmas book! This one is a short read! Iove a cute hallmark Christmas story. This one has a little family drama. I love the characters in this book. Thank you to the author and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and give the book a review. Super cute book.

Once Upon a Christmas Carol
By Melody Carlson
Publisher: Revell
Series: A Christmas Novella
Rated: 4
Back of the Book: “Carol Langstrom hates Christmas. Growing up in a dysfunctional home, with a birthday on December 25 and too many dashed childhood expectations, she would rather avoid the holiday season. And working in the design industry where she manages seasonal decor for wealthy, entitled clients certainly hasn't helped!   

So, this year her goal is to flee to the Bahamas--by herself--bah humbug! But bad weather and God's radically different plan redirect her flight to blustery Michigan, where she gets stuck on her aunt's farm and discovers a different kind of Christmas--one wrapped in love, family, and holiday spirit.”

Impressions: This was short and sweet. For a novella, the author did a fair job of creating depth to the characters while keeping things simple. Novellas are not usually my favorite, as I enjoy longer stories and series, but this story was festive and fun. The mood was set well in this story and the romance was clean and sweet.

Quotes: “‘But that was my choice and how she reacts to it is her problem.’”

“‘But it troubles me that she’s already been divorced. You probably know what they say about that.’ ‘What’s that?’ Carol was glad she hadn’t mentioned Morris’s failed marriage. ‘Divorce rates increase with each marriage.’” – This was an interesting conversation and I’m not sure what to think of it. Although it rings somewhat true, it also feels very judgmental.

Thank you, NetGalley and publisher for the opportunity to review this book!

I truly enjoyed this book. Carol didn't like Christmas for several reasons but she never had all the info to really enjoy it. Finding a relative she never met who showed her the love and joy she didn't have turned things around. And don't forget Victor who also showed her what she was missing.

Carlson's Christmas novel is something I look forward to every year. She blends family and faith, often with the struggles of everyday life, into each holiday story. This year, we have Carol, who struggles with her mom, has never known her aunt, hates the holidays, and finds herself stranded in a strange place over Christmas. As she counts on the kindness of strangers, and begins to allow herself to open up and change perspectives, she finds that maybe things aren't as bleak as she once thought. There is a nice supporting cast of characters, some likeable, some not, who bring many flavors to the table...

Once Upon a Christmas Carol by Melody Carlson. A charming and delightful read. Recommended rereading during the Christmas season to get into the holiday spirit.

Thank you to the author, Revell Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to preview the book.

I re downloaded it and it seems to be OK this time.
I love Carlsons stories. They always make me feel like I've come home again. Especially this one.
This is a re telling of A Christmas Carol and I loved it! Every single minute of it. Before I knew it, it was over!
Carlson has added the all the right ingredients to keep her audience captivated throughout the entire book. I was sad when it ended.
Carol is a fabulous character and I've enjoyed watching her "grow" into the person I knew she could become. I found myself rooting for her.
I couldn't stand Victoria at all. She absolutely grated on my nerves! Why is it that people need the feel to put others down all the time? I even found myself praying for her along the way.
So many wonderful characters to enjoy too. This is my all time favorite classic and it never gets old.
I'm giving this knew 5 stars!
It just goes to show you that when God closes a door on you He has another plan for you. A much better one.
My thanks for a copy of this sweet story. I was NOT required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine
I was in NO way disappointed. I look forward to her next one!

Every year, I look forward to reading Melody Carlson's Christmas stories. They are always just the right amount of holiday cheer and heartwarming stories that I know are going to entertain. This one was no exception. With the holidays, so often comes with family drama--- and this one certainly brings that in. Carol has a strained relationship with her mother and with the Christmas season, but when her flight to the Bahamas gets cancelled, she unexpectedly finds herself spending the holidays with her mother's estranged sister- the aunt she'd never met. This was a story that, while it had its family drama, also had a beautiful story of growth, healing and family too. It was a super cozy story that is just perfect for the holiday season--- with just the type of Hallmark-like vibes I always enjoy. If you're looking for a heartwarming Christmas read, this is one to add to your TBR!

**ARC received via Netgalley for consideration. All opinions are my own.

I was hooked from the first page!!!!! Someone who doesn't like Christmas? Sign me up! I love Melody's Christmas Novella's because they are like a Hallmark movie in a short book form. And as a bonus they are always funny and have more of a plot than a Hallmark movie. This book was no exception! A quick but sweet and funny Christmas read. 10/10 per her usual!

This was such a great read, I hated for it to end!
Think God had other plans for Carol, off to sunny Bahamas, and then being stranded in Lansing MI in a raging blizzard.
Good thing she remembers she has family in the area!
Carol is leaving Christmas and all that goes with it behind, and when you read her story you really will understand!
Now instead of lying on a sandy beach she is hauling in wood to keep warm, but she is finding warmth in such a different way.
This story soon becomes a beautiful gift to unwrap!
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Revell, and was not required to give a positive review.

This story is just perfect any day, not just at Christmas!

Melody Carlson gives us yet another heartwarming tale filled with love, laughter, family and plenty of snow.
When Carol's plan to escape Christmas by vacationing in the Bahamas are rerouted by a snowstorm, she finds herself landing in
Michigan, at the door of an estranged Aunt she never expected to meet.
The story unfolds with charm and grace giving us a sweet, quick read that reminds us of the surprise of unexpected detours.
I always love Melody Carlson's book and this is easily on of her best!

Thank you to @NetGalley and to @Revell for this ARC and allowing me to provide my own review. Well done!

This was a really sweet story. Super clean and just all around fun. I like a little more details but the storyline kept me reading!

Melody Carlson writes to show us that being kind isn’t simply gratifying, but also a path to happiness and joy.

It’s amazing what a shift in perspective does for us and those we interact with daily. Wallowing in her frustration over the Christmas reverie and past disappointments, Carol Langstrom continues to dig a deep well of displeasure. The more she focuses on herself and what she doesn’t like about sharing her birthday with a seasonal holiday, it takes her further away from joy. A blizzard on her way to escaping Christmas is just the obstacle Carol needs to shift perspective.

I love that she learns to give of herself and help her estranged aunt Maria. In doing so, she mends all that is broken in her life. It’s a good lesson for us all; taking the focus off ourselves and putting it on helping others brings joy.

Carlson has blended faith, family, and romance in a charming Christmas read. If you enjoy A Christmas Carol, you’ll want to add this one to your holiday list.

GREAT title!

I was gifted this copy by Revell and was under no obligation to provide a review.

A delightful read perfect for a cozy evening or an afternoon on the beach.
Melody Carlson packs a lot of heart into this shorter story, complete with a sigh worthy ending.
Anyone who has been stuck in an airport waiting for a flight, will chuckle at her descriptions of people "camping out" there.
"Maybe she would learn to see Christmas in a fresh new light and finally appreciate the holiday for what it was meant to be: a celebration of the One who'd come to give the world hope."
There are likeable characters and ones that bring conflict. This author knows how to bring in the family drama and navigate through situations many of us can identify with. Long lost family connections are found and healing for broken relationships nurtured through forgiveness, grace and faith. Putting up healthy boundaries and learning to lean on faith to help with difficult people, especially ones that "push our buttons", is something I could relate to. We all long for a place to belong and feel like home.
The romance is a fun new friendship to one with future possibilities, ending on a hopeful note.

Recommend to readers who enjoy clean contemporary romances with inspirational moments.
4.5 stars

Five stars for Once Upon a Christmas
She planned to escape the holidays in the Bahamas—but a snowstorm, a detour to Michigan, and a second chance at Christmas had other ideas. ✨🎄
Melody Carlson’s novella is everything I want in a cozy holiday read: Hallmark vibes, a faith-filled journey, sweet romance, and just the right amount of A Christmas Carol magic. Perfect for curling up with a blanket and hot cocoa.

Always for a sweet Christmas story and this was just all the warm and fuzzy feels with the story and the setting. Loved it!