From the blurb:
Sixteen-year-old Jacob has always been able to charm his way out of trouble with the law. But when he’s sentenced to work at a family Christmas tree farm in place of Cody Matthews—a boy killed in Jacob’s last DUI—Jacob is in for a harsh reality check. This emotional story of loss, love, and redemption is impossible to put down.
My rating:

The subject of this book and the message it sends is neither new nor original, but the packaging in which it is delivered was rather enjoyable.
Jacob is a typical teenage boy. He has a girlfriend, but it's not above cheating on her with another girl, he drinks, he parties and he doesn't take life too seriously. When his girlfriend confronts him about kissing another girl at a party, and the other girl's boyfriend gets in his face, Jacob drunkenly drives home. On his way he causes an accident in which he kills a boy about his age. The boy's father, injured in the same crash, asks the judge for leniency during the ensuing trial and requests that Jacob's punishment be to stay on the father's Christmas tree farm until December 24th to help out with the trimming and sale of the trees.
What develops then is a story of redemption, forgiveness and new beginnings, with a sometimes heavy religious undertone that reminded me of my favorite Karen Kingsbury novels. The author did a nice job of weaving her tale but never making it sound preachy. Jacob is not the only one who has a few lessons to learn.
I enjoyed reading this book. The characters were multi-dimensional, struggling with their choices and results from those choices, and growing throughout the story. A satisfying read to curl up with on a cold winter night by a warm fireplace, sipping a mug of hot cocoa. Bring your tissues.
I received a free ARC from the publisher via Netgalley. A positive review was not promised in return.
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Until next time,
