If you’re looking for a nice batch of fluff to read, this is it. All the books in Laurie Gilmore’s Dream Harbor series are quite fluffy with similar storylines and a moderate amount of spice. Largely unrealistic plot points, but happy, cozy, low-stakes small town living that’s pleasant to read about. Nothing life-changing, but in our current societal chaos, it’s a nice escape. (It can also provide a nice, syrupy-sweet balance if you tend to read multiple things at a time! I read this alongside Onyx Storm, & when that one got too intense or confusing, it was nice to visit The Christmas Tree Farm for a few chapters. 😜)

This is my favorite book in the series so far!

I love how despite the name, the book isn't all about holiday cheer. Instead, it gives space to properly get to know the main characters, their chemistry together, and see them both putting effort into personal growth while trying to break their previous bad habits. Having some (or a lot of) focus on personal growth and slowly evolving interpersonal relationships is something I will gladly devour in a book.

The grumpy x sunshine trope works wonders in this book. I always love a goodhearted grumpy hermit, and the woman being in that role makes this romance even better: it's nice to see the usual roles reversed, havinh the man being the ultimate sunshiney cinnamonbun.