Book Review (and a Giveaway!): A Family Under the Christmas Tree by Terri Reed

On Tour with Prism Book Tours.

In this heartwarming tale set during the Christmas season, a single father and a fashion photographer are brought together by a young boy and a mischievous Bernese mountain dog—but first they must learn to set aside their differences if they are willing to let their relationship bloom.

David Murphy never knew much about kids. But when his brother dies unexpectedly, David is granted custody of his six-year-old nephew, Troy, who he’s only seen once a year since he was born. He already has his hands full running his business, and he has no idea how to help the grieving boy. When Troy runs off one day, David finds him at a park playing with an adorable and rambunctious Bernese mountain dog—who leads him to Sophie.

Sophie Griffith has spent her life traveling around the world as a photojournalist. She has never stayed in one place for long, and her new assignment—helping her grandmother for a few weeks—is just temporary. Once Christmas day comes, Sophie is off the hook and can leave for a new adventure. Caring for her grandmother is a piece of cake—but caring for her new Bernese mountain dog, Riggs, is a different story. It doesn’t help that Riggs strikes up a friendship with a lost little boy one day at the park—and leads her to David.

Neither David nor Sophie have time for romance. But as they spend more time together, they start falling for each other even though they know it can’t go anywhere. Sophie will be gone after Christmas, and the last thing David needs is another distraction as he tries to comfort Troy. But as their faith and growing love for the boy and dog unites them, they wonder whether it’s more than a holiday romance…and maybe Troy might finally get his Christmas wish for a family.

GENRE: Inspirational Contemporary Romance
PUBLISHER: Howard Books
RELEASE DATE: October 4, 2016
PAGES: 240

“Just because she was attracted to him didn’t mean she could let her heart get all mushy about him.”

If you like binge watching the Hallmark channel during the Christmas season, here’s another book to add to your TBR list for December! A Family Under the Christmas Tree by Terri Reed is cute and sweet and romantic, and it will put you in the mood for cozy Christmas evenings.

Sophie’s grandma is just adorable. Easily my favorite character in the book. She’s all twinkly-eyes and matchmaking plans and homemade cookies, but she also has a mischievous side that reminded me of my own grandma. Riggs the dog is equally adorable (and Zuzu’s favorite character … no surprise here) and the source of a few chuckles throughout the story.  Troy, David’s young nephew, is a typical little boy in an atypical situation, and he and his uncle must navigate the unfamiliar and sharp paths of grief as they try to adjust to life together. I appreciated that the author allowed Troy to be a little boy – with all the ups and downs and tumbles that entails – and that the portrayal of his grief seemed realistic without being too heavy.

David and Sophie have an instant attraction that develops despite both being so wrapped up in their careers that they can’t possibly see a way clear to be together. The romance itself is actually my least favorite part of this book – to be honest, it just didn’t ring true for me. It’s well-written … and all the right words and feelings are there … but I just didn’t “feel it”.

I did however love David and Sophie and Troy together – as a family, as a unit. And that really was the highlight of the book for me. Watching them help each other heal and renew faith and find joy.

Bottom Line: A Family Under the Christmas Tree by Terri Reed is sweet and romantic and heartwarming.  Troy and Riggs, as well as Sophie’s grandma, add moments of humor and make the story all the more endearing. This is an ideal read for fans of Hallmark Christmas movies or for anyone looking for a quick and uplifting escape from the hustle and bustle of the holiday season.

(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author via Prism Book Tours. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.)

My Rating: 3.5 stars / Sweet read!

KissingBook Level: 2+ / Mostly just sweetness but occasional breath-stealing moments

Book Depository

Terri Reed’s romance and romantic suspense novels have appeared on Publishers Weekly top 25 Romance and Publishers Weekly top ten Religion Fiction, Nielsen’s Bookscan top 100 and featured in USA Today, Christian Fiction Magazine, More To Life Magazine and Romantic Times Magazine, finaled in RWA’s RITA contest, National Reader’s Choice Award contest, ACFW’s The Carol Award contest. She is an active member of both Romance Writers of America and American Christian Fiction Writers. She resides in the Pacific Northwest with her college-sweetheart husband. When not writing, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends, gardening and playing with her dogs.

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Other Books by Terri Reed

– 1 winner will receive a copy of Love Inspired Classic 2 in 1, Love Comes Home and A Sheltering Love, a light up angle ornament, a Santa bookmark, A Family Under the Christmas Tree bookmark, a manicure set, and a Tule Book Girl book bag (US only)

– 1 winner will receive a $10 Amazon eGift Card (open internationally)

– Ends December 22nd

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Tour Schedule

Visit the Prism Book Tour Page for a list of tour stops.