This was a sweet Christmas read. Easily read in one setting but you do get to know the characters - what drives some of their decisions and get a happy ending. Two cute characters - West and Emma who you root for as their relationship traverses some pitfalls some of the other characters present. You can even commiserate with Emma - having a friend that you don't love everything about but there is a bond there that lets you move beyond some of their actions. A down to earth heroine, a couple of snobby but nice people and some others that you sometimes are irritated with but wait to see where it all ends. Though West's mom is only on the phone you even get to like her! I wish there was an epilogue - just wanted to see the relationship a little further down the road but the read does tie up loose ends. The main characters were likeable and you just wanted to keep reading about them. Enjoy.

#TheChristmasSwap #NetGalley
What a thoroughly enjoyable Christmas read. Reminiscent of a Hallmark Christmas movie. All the feel goods and a cozy winter setting sets the scene for romance. I invite you to come to Colorado and root for West and Emma as they begin to fall in love.

A short but sweet festive story. Emma spends her Christmas holidays with her college BFF Jillian‘s family. This year is a little different they’re doing a house swap and rather than spending Christmas in sunny Arizona they are off to snowy Colorado. When Emma gets to the charming Colorado ski cottage she meets West the caretaker. There is an instant connection between Emma and West that starts with a day on the ski slopes. But West has things to hide and BFF Jillian doesn’t like not getting what she wants. Will everything be merry and bright for Emma? Or will the Grinch steal her Christmas?

This was a delightful holiday read. I loved spending time on the ski slopes with Emma, West, and everyone else. The so-called cottage in Colorado seemed like Christmas perfection. I just loved the comfy feel good vibe to this story. Emma was a great character and I was definitely cheering for her the entire book. Skiing, hot chocolate, music, and Christmas cheer.

This book in emojis 🏔 🎿 ☕️ 🎸

*** Big thank you to Revel for my gifted copy of this book. All opinions are my own. ***

This was a great book! I loved the story, the characters, the setting! There was nothing about this book that I did t love, except that it ended. I wish it would have gone on and on. Do yourself a favor and read this book.

Emma goes with her friend’s family as they swap homes from Arizona to spend Christmas in Colorado. At times fun to read, although don’t understand why she is friends with this family. A quick and easy read though, and fun Christmas novella. Would recommend.

The Christmas Swap is a beautifully written, charming, lighthearted Christmas story by Melody Carlson, one of the most prolific writers of our times. In this clean, warmhearted romance, two souls ultimately find each other, as they weave their way through a web of deception to expose the lies and reveal the truth hidden within. Emma's deep inner beauty is seen by West, a gifted songwriter and talented musician, who pretending to be a humble caretaker, sets out to ensure that a girl like her could love a guy like him, simply for himself. A book with sterling qualities and values, I highly recommend it to all who desire truth in their innermost beings.

The Christmas Swap is a short novella written by Melody Carlson. While I have enjoyed many of the author's other works, this one seemed rushed. Two families swap houses for Christmas - one in Arizona, the other in Colorado. The storyline starts like it's the setting of a Hallmark movie. I enjoyed the skiing scenes the most. They really did make you want to hit the slopes. But where it fell flat for me was the interaction between characters and how rushed the storyline felt. Maybe the behaviors of the mom and adult daughter would have been more tolerable with some additional character development. Instead they came off as miserable, unkind and not who the main character would choose to spend her holidays around. The relationship that develops between the two main characters is very rushed, specifically at the end. For me it was just ok, but I will say it's a quick read and others may find it enjoyable. If you are looking for something fast to read that puts you in the mood to ski or stay in a beautiful cabin on a mountain, then give The Christmas Swap a try.

This was a fun Christmas novella but it could have been better. I didn't really see the attraction between how main charactors as they didn't spend all that much time toegther. And I hated Gillian, she was a terrible friend and I didn't een understand why Emma was friends with her. I think I would hate rated the book higher if Gillian wasn't in it as she really annoyed me.

I really liked the cabin aspect and it made for a cosy read. The whole book felt a bit rushed and the ending was abrupt. There was too much skiing and far too much speech.

This was a short and sweet Christmas romance.

I watch a lot of Hallmark Christmas movies, and The Christmas Swap would be the perfect narrative for one of these films. Likeable characters, the perfect set-up and accidental meet, and a solid conflict and resolution. I'd probably watch it as a movie—I just didn't enjoy it in book form. The writing was too simple and everything moved too fast. Maybe Melody Carlson's writing just isn't my style, but I wouldn't recommend this if you're looking for a good Christmas romance.

If you are looking for a fun, clean, Hallmark type Christmas story, look no further! The Christmas Swap by Melody Carlson is such a fun concept: 2 families switch houses for the holidays.

Emma joins her BFF ( Gillian)’s family when they go from Arizona to Breckinridge, Colorado for Christmas. West is a famous musician and through a mix up, ends up staying in Breckinridge. He and Emma hit it off but Gillian wants West for herself! And West isn’t as honest with Emma as he should be. Predictable trouble ensues but we all get the happy ending we’ve come to love from Carlson’s Christmas novellas.

The Colorado Christmas provides a cozy Christmas setting that makes me want to fast forward a few months.

Thank you to Revell for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This was my first Melody Carlson book and I thought it was a cute novella. It had plenty of "feel good" vibes to it and it is an easy read - I read it all in one sitting. When I need another feel good book, I will look for more by Melody Carlson.

Emma is basically all alone for Christmas and this year that's exactly how she wants it to be. But her friend Gillian has other ideas. Emma always spends the holidays with Gillian and her family since her own parents are off running a missionary in Uganda, but this year she really wants to just stay home and do things for herself. Gillian's parents have arranged a "house swap" for the holidays with a family in Breckenridge so they are begging Emma to join them, along with Gillian's brother, Grant, and his best friend, Harris. Emma reluctantly agrees to it only because she has never seen snow before and she figures this is her perfect chance.

What happens next is lots of failed matchmaking - it seems Emma is a catch since she is so nice and genuine so both Grant and Harris have their eyes on her. But Gillian prefers Harris so she is trying to her best to make sure he knows she is attracted to him. Emma wants nothing but friendship with either guy. But then she meets West and her opinions suddenly change. But will Gillian set her efforts on grabbing West also?

I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. The opinions stated above are mine without biases.

The Christmas Swap was a cute Christmas read. I loved the characters and the plot of swapping houses for Christmas was unique.

I thought the story was written well - up until the ending. It seemed a bit rushed and I just wasn't happy with it.

I loved the setting and it was fun to read the skiing scenes. All in all, The Christmas Swap was a nice read and I recommend it if you like Hallmark Christmas movies, as it had that same feeling for me. :)

*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. 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.*

The Christmas Swap is a sweet Christian, Christmas romance.

Every year since her parents moved to Africa, Emma has spent Christmas with her best friend’s (dysfunctional) family. This year, they are doing a house swap where they stay at someone’s house in the cold north while the owner’s family stays at their home in the sunny south. Only, the owner of the house they’re staying in hasn’t quite left, is quite attractive, and is masquerading as the caretaker.

This was a cute Christmas story, perfect to be turned into a Hallmark movie. It features awkward situations, crazy love pentangles (is that a word?), lots of skiing, misunderstandings, hidden identities, and a happily-ever-after. As you might imagine from my description, there are a lot of things that could interrupt the blooming romance between Emma and the “caretaker,” and it was a lot of fun (mixed with frustration) to watch everything play out. I really enjoyed this easy, Christmas read, and I would recommend it to those who enjoy light holiday romances.

I received a complementary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

Melody Carlson has been on my author radar since I read the very first book by her. She has a way of making you become emotionally invested in all of her characters and soon you find yourself cheering them on and praying they find their happily ever after. Melody creates characters that pull you right in and never let you go, even after the last page is read. The way Melody writes, puts you right in the middle of their story, leaving you feeling like you truly know the characters and feeling exactly what they are going through. I love when an author can do that to me. If you love a romantic holiday story then you have to give THE CHRISTMAS SWAP a go. You won’t be sorry and your heart will be warmer because of it.

I started THE CHRISTMAS SWAP one afternoon and couldn’t stop reading until the very last page. I want to get out my tree and decorations now and set it up and it’s only September. I have always enjoyed Melody Carlson’s stories and this one does not disappoint. Melody’s stories always leave me feeling warm and fuzzy inside with a huge smile on my face. As I was reading, I felt like I was right there with Emma and Tyler spreading Christmas cheer. Emma has a huge heart and just wants to have a happy Christmas. Melody Carlson has a gift for telling uplifting and inspirational stories and she knows exactly how to get the reader in the holiday spirit.

I can totally see THE CHRISTMAS SWAP becoming a Hallmark movie that I would love to watch. Melody Carlson always puts me on an emotional roller coaster and THE CHRISTMAS SWAP is exactly why! Now the only thing I’m sad about is, I just finished her latest book and now I have to wait for the next one! Melody has been one of my top authors from the very first book of hers that I had the pleasure of reading and when you read THE CHRISTMAS SWAP you will know exactly why.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell Books. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

It's not Christmas without reading one of Carlson's Christmas stories! This is her newest one and it was great!
If this little book doesn't get you into the Christmas Spirit I don't know what will!
I love books that leaves my heart feeling full and this one didn't disappoint. It's not Christmas without reading Carlason's Christmas books!
The only character I didn't really like was Gillian. I agree with another reader.
Carlson does such a good job in bringing some of my favorite people like Emma to life once again. I was happy to have her back because in the first book I felt like she was my best friend since we related to so many things.
I finished this book in less than an hour because I didn't want to leave my happy place that Carlson has made for me while reading this book. I didn't want it to end. This book truly made me forget what all was happening in the world right now. With much appreciation and thank you Melody Carlson.
I've seen snow most of my life and I really don't care for it. It was why I moved to Florida. Snow and ice and me do NOT get along!
I've been to Colorado and I loved it so it was easy to picture the ski resort in which this story takes place.
I was NOT required to write a positive review and all opinions are my own. Thank you Netgalley/Revell publishers for a copy of this book;

Melody Carlson is a fairly new to me author. I have read only a few of her books. Her books are usually light hearted and fun. This book was fun and somewhat light hearted but some of the bickering could have been toned down. However, that being said how many families actually don't contain some friction. I love that this is set during Christmas time. The story was fast paced with short chapters that were an easy read. I look forward to more from this author. I received a copy through Netgalley. A positive review was not required.

Thank you to NetGalley and Revill for kindly providing me with a digital copy of this book for review.
Ahhh, this book was very cute. I’ve got a bit of a soft spot for Christmas stories set at ski lodges. Goodness only knows why as I have zero desire to actually be anywhere near snow- but I do enjoy the visual look of snow if not the cold and wet part! This is the story of our heroine Emma, a part time relief teacher who wants to be a singer and West, a very successful song writer. They cross paths when they are part of a Christmas house swap and I’m sure we all know what happens from there. This book held little surprise for me, but was I bothered? Not really- I think you read these Christmas romances entirely because you know what you’re getting- it’s familiar, it’s warm, it’s comforting and it’s cosy. And I thoroughly enjoyed it. No sexy times to be seen, which is fine by me- you could read this one to your Gran at Christmas without blushing into your glass of sherry. This book was out for general release 01/09/2020 so available now.

The Christmas Swap by Melody Carlson.


What a cozy sweet Christmassy story. Honestly speaking, we are just few months to Christmas and reading this novel is making the reality so real.
In my country, Nigeria, there are no snow because we are in the tropics of Africa. Seeing how descriptive a white Christmas is, I couldn’t help wishing for snow so I can experience the awe Emma had when she saw snow for the first time.


The book was so engaging from page one. The bickering between the Landers family was just too amusing.


I already like West immediately I started reading tit bits of his life.


You know those Hallmark movies with Christmas themes? This book is perfectly suited for a Hallmark movie.

West is such a perfect gentleman.


This is a short novel that I read between 2 hours approximately in morning so early while still up on my bed.


I am rating it 5 perfect stars. It is such a clean and romantic read.


Melody Carlson writes so amazingly!


I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell. Opinions expressed in this review are mine.

Once again I have to say, “it just wouldn’t be Christmas without the latest Novella by Melody Carlson”. I have been reading them for ten years or more and always look forward to them. The Christmas Swap is her offering for the year 2020. Thankfully, the actual events of this year did not show up in the book!

I thoroughly enjoyed this light-hearted romance featuring a Christmas house-swapping. Unfortunately it was a done deal when songwriter West Prescott learned that his step-father had swapped his house for the holidays. When circumstances arise that force West to return to his home, he decides to sleep in his studio until the guests leave. Of course one of the guests attracts his attention but one complication after another makes things difficult for West to connect with what could be the woman of his dreams.

The Christmas Swap moves along at a steady pace and can easily be read in one sitting for a reader like me. Characterization is well developed and I found it easy to relate to them all, especially Emma and West. One character in particular caused some problems but even she was not deliberately divisive or mean. Overall this book is a feel-good story that is perfect for a relaxing evening as the holidays approach.

Every year I look forward to reading Melody Carlson's new Christmas book when it releases.
This year was no different.
It really doesn't feel like the start of the holiday season until I read her yearly Christmas book.
Reading it puts me in a warm,happy,good place.
Sweet holiday romance that was novella length I enjoyed the house swap and ski vacation theme.