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!

Don't mind me reading another Christmas story in June. If you are looking for a charming Christmas novella to breeze through then this is the one for you. It isa lovely story about moving on with life and trying to find peace after suffering from a toxic environment.
Our main character Carol grew up in a dysfunctional family and because of that she has developed a sour outlook on the holiday. Heck even her birthday is on Christmas so that's enough to make anyone dislike the holiday even more than they did before. However, a trip detour and a visit to a relative might change that.
Due to bad weather she ends up in Michigan and reconnects with her mother's sister. She also meets a man who is very good friends with her aunt. Along the way she will finally find the strength to heal after suffering from hatred for so long.
I received an arc copy from Netgalley and all opinions are of my own.