Reviewing: A Crhistmas in the Alps A Novella by Melody Carlson

...my thoughts...

After a time of heartache and loss, Simone Winthrop discovers a tantalizing letter from her French great-grandmother, which seems to suggest that she is heir to a family treasure. Ever practical, Simone assumes the claim is baseless, but her best friend encourages her to find out for sure. Despite her deep-rooted fear of flying, Simone boards a jet to travel to Paris at Christmastime to uncover the truth.


During the long flight, Simone meets the charming Kyle Larsson, who's on his way to France to become an apprentice clockmaker. Though they abruptly part ways, an unexpected rendezvous in the French Alps at Simone's family's clock factory may lead to the discovery of the family treasure . . . and so much more.

For anyone who is wearying of staying home, Melody Carlson invites you to spend Christmas with her in the beautiful French Alps this year. So pull on your mittens, tie your scarf tight, and prepare yourself for a magical mountain holiday. 

...my thoughts... 

Melody Carlson's A Christmas in the Alps is a wonderful novella that tells the romantic story of Simone and Kyle.  It is one of those stories that will warm your heart because, after all, with their chance meeting on a flight that Simone dreaded, everything was destined to fall in place for their happy ever after. However, that was not how it played out.  Learning about her great grandmother's amazing past was well worth the trip out of her comfort zone. Finding a new path for her own life was priceless. 

I enjoyed this story for the rich color within the fabric of these characters lives. Simone's family, like so many who lived through the rigors of World War II are inspiring.  Had Simone stayed behind and bathed in her practical comfort zone she would have missed out on all of the rewards life had to offer her.

Every year I wait to read Melody Carlson's latest Christmas story.  A Christmas in the Alps is just one of those stories that make you glad you picked up a book and skipped a cookie cutter Christmas movie. Novellas may be short but this one is long on heart!