Hallmark Christmas Romance Novel: Christmas in Evergreen - Tidings of Joy

For this Reindeer Readathon book (Dancer is the reindeer), the requirement is that it be a companion book or series. The book I chose, Christmas in Evergreen: Tidings of Joy, is the final book in a series of three.
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Christmas in Evergreen: Tidings of Joy

In general, my favorite thing about reading a Hallmark book that was written after and inspired by a Hallmark Christmas movie is that you get to know what the characters were thinking.

Well, this book was written first, but definitely written well. And it's the second in the Christmas in Evergreen series.

There were several interesting storylines in the book, but here is the primary one...
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Katie, an author struggling to write her second novel, heads to Evergreen, Vermont for a holiday retreat—only to get an assignment to write an article about the town. On the train, she meets Ben, a former big-city reporter who’s now a librarian in Evergreen.

Katie’s initially skeptical about Evergreen’s love of Christmas; the place seems too good to be true. Meanwhile, Ben’s wary of Katie’s intentions. He’s protective of his small town, and he knows all too well how cynical the media can be. Then a hunt for a fifty-year-old time capsule leads to a remarkable discovery. - Amazon description 

I found it fun to see Katie's initial skepticism slowly give way to appreciation for Evergreen and its Christmas magic and enthusiasm. And it's always fun when two characters start off in conflict with each other and then gradually discover that the person they saw as an adversary is actually someone who can be trusted.

Having seen the movie version, I think I like seeing those win-you-over transitions better as I read them because some of them are more subtle, but as the reader, I was able to know their thought processes.

I initially like Ben more than I liked Katie, precisely because he was so protective. And I also like reading about the community. It felt like running into old friends.
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Would I Recommend it?

Definitely! I'd recommend watching the movie, too. 

But read the book first, and that will make the movie experience even more special, I think.

Have you fallen in love with the town of Evergreen yet?

See you next time!

Love, Jeanine
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