The Christmas Tree Keeper by Tamara Passy

It doesn't need to be Christmas to read a heartwarming story!

 These are miracle Christmas trees. 

Angela Donovan cringes when she hears Papa Shafer convince her 10 year-old daughter that the trees on his lot are miracle trees. Angela needs a miracle, but hasn't the faith to believe a tree could improve her jobless, single-mom life. But as soon as they choose a tree, good things begin to happen, including meeting Mark, Mr. Shafer's grandson.

Though Mark has concerns of his own, his life is mixed up with figuring out how to ask is girlfriend Natalie to marry him, and buying a house--all which hinges on selling the tree lot. The Christmas tree lot is a tradition in the small New England town where they live. He can't see the forest for the trees (I couldn't resist) and disregards the hard work of his parents, Papa, and his great-grandparents in establishing the tree business, and is blind to the needs of the rest of his business family. All he can think about is himself, marrying Natalie, and getting the house he wants. 

The romance is not what's played up in this story, but the character growth of each player. Mark is so self-centered, I wanted to punch him. The ending is fun, though, and sets us up for the sequel, The Tree Keeper's Promise. I loved the story. In fact, for days after reading it, I thought about it a lot, and wanted to read it again. I will definitely read the sequel!

Hubby randomly chose page 99 for the quote: Mark is talking to two inspectors for the land purchase. He is still trying to keep the sale a secret. Papa approaches.

The man continued, "What? Do you need us to pretend to be customers or something?"

Could you?" Mark asked.

"If it's going to be that much of a problem, we can reschedule."

"Mark, are these good men leaving here without a tree?" Papa asked. He reached out and shook their hands. "Call me Papa Shafer. Is my grandson taking care of you?"

"So far," the shorter man said cautiously.

"Did you find what you're looking for?" 

"Not yet." The other gentleman looked at Mark.

"Papa, they stopped in to see what we offered. They weren't prepared to haul a tree. They're coming back," Mark nodded toward the parking lot exit.

"Sounds good. Don't wait to long," Papa warned. "Christmas will come and go before you know it."

Buy The Christmas Tree Keeper on Amazon.

Tamara Passey was born and raised in Massachusetts around a large family, one that has served as inspiration for most of her writing. She was named Arizona Young Mother of the Year in 2013 and contributes marriage and family articles to FamilyShare.com. 

Mothering through the Whirlwind is Passey's first work of non-fiction. She loves most creative endeavors and when she isn't writing or re-writing, you can find her baking or cross-stitching or walking--though not all at the same time. She lives with her husband and three children in Arizona. 

Comment here and be eligible to win a gently read copy of The Christmas Tree Keeper by Tamara Passey, or Clairvoyance by Joan Sowards

Possible comment prompt: Have you experienced a Christmas miracle in your life?