Kelly chats with beloved author Melody Carlson about her heartwarming and deeply personal Christmas novella, Once Upon a Christmas Carol. What starts as a lighthearted holiday romance takes on deeper meaning as Melody shares the story’s uncanny parallels to her real life—including the grief of her first Christmas as a widow and the unexpected gift of a new “bonus daughter.” Set against the snowy charm of Michigan farmland, this novella is packed with holiday warmth, romance, and a powerful message of grace. Melody opens up about the book’s serendipitous themes, her favorite Christmas traditions, and how God’s timing is always perfect, even in fiction.

Listen to the episode here.

Melody Carlson is the award-winning author of more than 250 books with sales of more than 7.5 million, including many bestselling Christmas novellas, young adult titles, and contemporary romances. She received a Romantic Times Career Achievement Award, her novel All Summer Long has been made into a Hallmark movie, and the movie based on her novel The Happy Camper premiered on UPtv in 2023.

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“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.”
– John 3:16 (NKJV)

What will happen when a tropical escape from holiday blues turns into a snowy wonderland filled with joy and cheer?

Carol Langstrom hates Christmas. Growing up in a dysfunctional home, with a birthday on December 25 and too many dashed childhood expectations, she would rather avoid the holiday season. And working in the design industry where she manages seasonal decor for wealthy, entitled clients certainly hasn’t helped!   

So, this year her goal is to flee to the Bahamas–by herself–bah humbug! But bad weather and God’s radically different plan redirect her flight to blustery Michigan, where she gets stuck on her aunt’s farm and discovers a different kind of Christmas–one wrapped in love, family, and holiday spirit.

Melody Carlson’s Christmas novella delivers all the charm of a holiday Hallmark movie, is rooted in Christian faith, woven with sweet romance, and features A Christmas Carol themes.

Get your copy today!

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Baker Book House

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Thank you so much to everyone who has supported me during the Kickstarter! I’m so grateful for you!

Her family secrets. His guilt. One road trip that changes everything.

Raven Cunningham has built a quiet life between the shelves of a small-town bookshop, ghostwriting stories for others while hiding her own. She’s long believed her father abandoned her, until a letter from her late grandmother reveals a shocking truth.

Convinced the reclusive author J.C. Nevermore is her father, Raven sets out to uncover the real story. When her childhood friend Cole Walker, a former Army medic wrestling with his own scars, offers to help, she’s not sure if she can trust him . . . or herself.

As they chase clues and revisit old memories, what begins as a search for answers becomes a journey toward something deeper.

Finding Forevermore is a heartfelt story about faith, family, and the kind of love that’s anchored in God’s unfailing grace.

For Kindle Unlimited lovers, Finding Forevermore is ready for you to check out.

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