A Christmas in the Alps by Melody Carlson

A Christmas in the Alps

Book Summary

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

I look forward to reading Melody Carlson’s annual Christmas story every fall.  This year she has given us A Christmas in the Alps which takes readers to the French Alps.  Simone Winthrop just lost her Grandma Betty, and she is busy clearing out her cluttered home.  She comes across a letter written to her by her great-grandmother and namesake who has since passed away.  Simone is told in the letter that there is a treasure her namesake left behind in Avre when she departed France in the 1940s with the American airman who would become her husband.  Her great-grandmother wants Simone to have to the treasure, but she does not provide further details.  Simone’s best friend, Andrea convinces her go on the adventure to France.  I got to take the journey with Simone to Paris and then Avre.  France in December sounds enchanting especially the Christmas markets.  I found A Christmas in the Alps to be well-written with steady pacing.  This is a short but engaging tale.  Simone meets Kyle on the plane and finds herself attracted to him.  Unfortunately, Simone fails to get his last name or number before Kyle rushes to catch his flight to Oslo.  We wonder if they will meet again.  The romance is sweet and plays out slowly.  I enjoyed the descriptions of Avre and the factory that makes watches and clocks.  The village has an old-world charm that is magical especially at Christmas.  Simone gets a chance to search for family and the treasure.  There is a light Christian element that emphasizes the importance of prayer and leaving our troubles with in God’s hands.  A Christmas in the Alps is a story about family and forgiveness.  You do not want to wait until it is too late because then you may never get that chance to make amends with someone important.  This is a lovely novella, but I found it lacking the humor and magic of Melody Carlson’s earlier Christmas stories.  It is a sweet Christmas tale, but I just wanted a little more.  A Christmas in the Alps is a cheery Christmas novella with a lost letter, a furtive treasure, a petrifying plane ride, a charismatic seat companion, charming Christmas markets, secret searches, striking clocks, and an astonishing answer. 

A Christmas in the Alps can be obtained from Amazon*.  You can find Melody Carlson's other novels here.  Melody has Looking for Leroy publishing March 1, 2022.  You can follow Melody Carlson on Amazon so you can receive updates on her latest releases.  Thank you for joining me today.  I will return tomorrow with The Inheritance by JoAnn Ross.  I hope that you have a jolly day.  Take care, be kind, and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader 

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