Things on a Tree is an adventure fantasy novel for children and preteens written by D.L. Finn and illustrated by Monica Gibson. Aimee is not at all pleased with the state of affairs this Christmas Eve. Granted, it was not the worst Christmas Eve ever; last year's would always be that. She and her family would never really get over the tragic loss of her father last Christmas. He had died in a car accident on his way home from last-minute shopping. It had seemed strange and weird to even think about celebrating Christmas with him gone, but Aimee remembered how important Christmas was to her dad, and she knew he'd want his family to be celebrating, even if it was without him. Having the flu now was not at all an impressive beginning to the holiday, however, and being stuck inside while her mom, sister and brother were playing in the snow wasn't very fair as far as she was concerned. She did, at least, have the Christmas tree right by her bed. This was a first for her, and she did rather like having her bed set up near the tree, and the ornaments hanging from it were all clearly visible from this perspective. When she began to hear a repeated clinking noise, she figured at first that it was someone from outside tossing a snowball at the window, but then she saw the tiny, white kittens running up the tree.

D.L. Finn's adventure fantasy for children and preteens, Things on a Tree, is a fast-paced and imaginative tale about a thirteen-year-old girl who has a chance to go back and change things, if she has the courage and belief in her ability to do so. The author creates a unique and original mythology for Santa Claus and the traditions of Christmas which she weaves into this tale where the forces of evil are determined to end Christmas and displace Santa forever. Along the way, Aimee gets to experience the world through a dog's eyes, meets a Yeti named Rodger, and discovers her rather remarkable family lineage. I enjoyed reading this story. Aimee is feisty and bright, and her coming of age is definitely different than any I've read about in other coming of age stories. Finn digs deeply into her treasure trove of remembered classic fairy tales, and spins a fabulous holiday tale of her own in Things on a Tree,. It’s highly recommended.

Things on a Tree by DL Finn is a children’s adventure story. It’s Christmas Eve and Aimee is ill. She lies on the couch next to the Christmas tree, missing her father who was killed in an accident the previous Christmas Eve. Her mum is playing in the snow with her brother and sister, and Aimee has nothing to do but sleep and dream. A noise awakens her – was it a snowball against the window? But wait! That sound is coming from the tree, not outside. Aimee thinks she must be really suffering with a fever because, all of a sudden, the ornaments on the tree are moving. Things happen quickly after that and Aimee discovers a world she ever knew existed, a world of magic that isn’t all as happy as it should be. Someone is trying to kill Aimee and she needs to find out who. Her journey takes her to the North Pole, to the home of Santa Claus, and the promise that the clock can be turned back to before her father died. Can she trust anyone? Nothing is straight forward and not everything is what it appears to be.

Things on a Tree by DL Finn is a delightful story, filled with magic. I was drawn in right from the very first page and hooked until the last. The author has perfected the fine art of drawing a reader in, using easy to understand language and writing in an incredibly engaging manner. The whole plot was very well thought out with just the right amount of twists and turns to it, and there was non stop adventure. The characters were exceptionally well written, enough to ensure that the reader gets to know them very well and, although this was a standalone story, it would be nice to see another, perhaps a follow-on adventure.

Aimee spends Christmas Eve day sick on the couch in the living room while her mother, brother and sister play outside in the snow. She doesn’t feel like celebrating, anyway, since it is just one year since her father died in a car crash. Things on a Tree by D.L. Finn follows Aimee as she sleeps away the day, only to awaken at night to find the ornaments on her tree actively moving around. She's not sure if she has lost her mind or is hallucinating from fever as Santa explains to her that she is very special and must take over the care of the magical woods near her home. He goes on to say that if she joins him back at the North Pole, she may even be able to reverse the actions of the past year and have her father back. This leads to an amazing adventure with elves, woodland creatures, and even a stop at a diner run by Mrs. Claus. Aimee is determined to disrupt the plans of Ricky Bowman who is intent on ruining Christmas for everyone and destroying her family in the process. Will she find the strength to combat years of bad feelings to create the love needed to save the holiday?

This is without a doubt one of the most positive messages of love and family in print today. Woven around the Christmas theme, Things on a Tree by D.L. Finn demonstrates the strength of character of a young girl who loves her family with all her heart and is willing to tackle even the most evil man to set things right. This is an incredible story that is as optimistic and uplifting as it is exciting. A must-read for children and not bad for adults, either!

What could be worse than being sick on Christmas Eve? How about being sick and remembering the tragedy of the previous Christmas Eve and the accident that took away a loved one forever? Or, perhaps it’s not forever? At the time, Aimee’s father’s death did seem rather final. However, things are starting to develop into something very bizarre. For someone who no longer believes in Santa Claus, let alone in magic, Aimee is starting to see things dancing around her Christmas tree. The ornaments have come alive. Then, as midnight approaches, she is startled awake from her fever-induced sleep to discover that she’s all better and Santa himself is standing over her. Perhaps she’s dreaming. Perhaps it’s the sickness making her see things. Or perhaps not. After all, it does seem quite real. And, when she realizes that her grandmother’s in danger, she’s not willing to take any chances. Aimee wants to make things right and suddenly she has the power to do so.

The battle of good over evil and the fight to save Santa, the elves, and all the special magic of Christmas itself has come together with this marvellous tale by D.L. Finn. Things on a Tree is a children’s story with a family connection and a whole lot of magic and the power to make us all believe once more. Santa is real. And so is the love that encircles the family unit, not just at Christmas time, but all year long. The author has written a riveting story of magic and make believe and the true meaning of Christmas: love and the deep, abiding love of a close family unit. A bedside story treasure for all to enjoy.