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Christmas Keepsakes: The Christmas Shoes & The Christmas Blessing
Christmas Keepsakes: Two of Donna VanLiere's most cherished holiday novels are inspirational stories about hope existing in the darkest places, teaching us that love is always the greatest gift of all...
The Christmas Shoes
Eight-year-old Nathan is losing his beloved mother to cancer. His family is living a simple yet full life, struggling to hold on to every moment that they have together. Robert is a successful attorney who has everything-but has lost sight of what truly matters. When their paths cross on Christmas Eve, Robert is shopping for a family he hardly knows, and Nathan is shopping for the mother he is soon to lose. Through their meeting they will learn that the smallest things can make all the difference.
"Has precious gifts for all of us."-The Washington Times
The Christmas Blessing
Nathan is now a medical student in his third year, and he realizes that there are still things to be learned about faith, blessings, and sacrifice. Lessons he will learn from Meghan Sullivan-a young woman born with a hole in her heart that has not kept her from becoming a champion runner. And lessons learned from a young boy named Charlie, who teaches him how to live with true courage. Together, they will help guide Nathan through one of the most challenging times of his life...
"A story of tragedy and, of course, ultimate triumph."-New York Daily News
The Christmas Shoes
Eight-year-old Nathan is losing his beloved mother to cancer. His family is living a simple yet full life, struggling to hold on to every moment that they have together. Robert is a successful attorney who has everything-but has lost sight of what truly matters. When their paths cross on Christmas Eve, Robert is shopping for a family he hardly knows, and Nathan is shopping for the mother he is soon to lose. Through their meeting they will learn that the smallest things can make all the difference.
"Has precious gifts for all of us."-The Washington Times
The Christmas Blessing
Nathan is now a medical student in his third year, and he realizes that there are still things to be learned about faith, blessings, and sacrifice. Lessons he will learn from Meghan Sullivan-a young woman born with a hole in her heart that has not kept her from becoming a champion runner. And lessons learned from a young boy named Charlie, who teaches him how to live with true courage. Together, they will help guide Nathan through one of the most challenging times of his life...
"A story of tragedy and, of course, ultimate triumph."-New York Daily News
368 pages, Paperback
First published October 15, 2013
4 people are currently reading
1400 people want to read
About the author
Donna VanLiere
78 books1,336 followersDonna is a New York Times and USA Today best-selling author. She's an in-demand conference speaker and gifted teacher and has 14 published books including four that have been adapted into movies.
Donna is the recipient of multiple industry awards including a Retailer's Choice Award for Fiction, a Dove Award, a Silver Angel Award, two Audie Awards for best inspirational fiction, a nominee for a Gold Medallion Book of the Year and is an inductee in the Ohio Foundation of Independent Colleges Hall of Excellence joining such luminaries as Coretta Scott King, Hugh Downs, Dr. Norman Vincent Peale and Senator John Glenn.
Learn more about Donna by visiting www.DonnaVanLiere.com and stay up-to-date and in-touch by subscribing to her free Friendship List.
Donna is the recipient of multiple industry awards including a Retailer's Choice Award for Fiction, a Dove Award, a Silver Angel Award, two Audie Awards for best inspirational fiction, a nominee for a Gold Medallion Book of the Year and is an inductee in the Ohio Foundation of Independent Colleges Hall of Excellence joining such luminaries as Coretta Scott King, Hugh Downs, Dr. Norman Vincent Peale and Senator John Glenn.
Learn more about Donna by visiting www.DonnaVanLiere.com and stay up-to-date and in-touch by subscribing to her free Friendship List.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
December 10, 2021
The original review is missing...
Two stories 1. The Christmas Shoes 2. The Christmas Blessing
Great holiday novellas and should be read in order. The first one is so good, you'd need a box of tissue.
Two stories 1. The Christmas Shoes 2. The Christmas Blessing
Great holiday novellas and should be read in order. The first one is so good, you'd need a box of tissue.
January 2, 2019
3.75...not quite a four star. Christmas Keepsakes is two short novels together in one book. The Christmas Shoes is the first book, followed by The Christmas Blessing. Both are sweet, yet sad stories. Easy reading, and I think the only time to read them would be during the Christmas season. The writing flows nicely, but there are moments when the story connections an coincidences are a bit much. Have the tissues close by...
December 11, 2019
I think most people are familiar with the NewSong song 'Christmas Shoes' about a little boy who ends up needing help to buy his dying mother one last Christmas gift. The first of these novels is a fleshing out of the story told in that song. I thought it was a wonderful way to remind us of the lessons that can be learned when we open our hearts to what God wants to teach us, sometimes using random encounters with people we may never see again.
The second book is a continuation of the story of that little boy (Nathan). I loved how we saw the threads of how he was affected by his mother's death in his decisions in his young adulthood, and how he was finally able to figure out what his gift from God was, and how he could use that gift to benefit others.
Note: These books are listed as numbers 1, and 2 in the 'Christmas Hope' series. I would recommend reading them in this format (one book together), or back-to-back, as they really are just two halves of one story.
4.5 stars
The second book is a continuation of the story of that little boy (Nathan). I loved how we saw the threads of how he was affected by his mother's death in his decisions in his young adulthood, and how he was finally able to figure out what his gift from God was, and how he could use that gift to benefit others.
Note: These books are listed as numbers 1, and 2 in the 'Christmas Hope' series. I would recommend reading them in this format (one book together), or back-to-back, as they really are just two halves of one story.
4.5 stars
December 21, 2022
I'll write review later.
December 17, 2024
The Christmas shoes and its sequel, both heartbreaking and heartwarming in equal measure.
March 4, 2018
This book is two books in one, both of them wonderful.
Both stories revolve around Nathan, a young child who is watching his mother die from cancer in the first one, and who is a medical student in the second. In the first, he is shopping for a Christmas gift for his mother's last Christmas, and in the second, he is trying to save a child.
Without divulging too much, both of these stories are sad in parts and joyous in others. Christmas, after all, is the magical season.
Both stories revolve around Nathan, a young child who is watching his mother die from cancer in the first one, and who is a medical student in the second. In the first, he is shopping for a Christmas gift for his mother's last Christmas, and in the second, he is trying to save a child.
Without divulging too much, both of these stories are sad in parts and joyous in others. Christmas, after all, is the magical season.
May 28, 2023
Oh, be still my heart. This is a 2 books in 1 and let me tell you right now, get the Kleenex box out, your going to need it!
The Christmas shoes won me over as soon as I started reading. It was emotional and heartfelt and I couldn't put it down.
Upon finishing The Christmas shows, I followed up immediately on The Christmas Blessing. Whew, that had me teary eyed and heartbroken one minute, and crossing my fingers and praying for a miracle the next.
Both of these books are absolutely incredible! There are not enough words to type out how much I enjoyed these books. However, I will say that they are beautifully written and extraordinary and wonderful when paired together.
I recommend this 2 in 1 book to everyone! It is a perfect holiday book if your seeking a Christmas miracle...no I take that back, this a perfect book for any time of year!
With all of the beautiful quotes that are listed in this book, I loved this one paragraph as it stood out to me and it was a perfect way to sum up both stories, "But I know that although we may never understand it, there is a plan and though it may be traced in pain, in the end there will be joy, and it will be beautiful." -Nathan / Donna VanLiere
Thank you, thank you, thank you Donna VanLiere! For the reminders that I needed to feel and experience throughout reading these wonderful books. Please, keep writing! I will keep reading ❤️
The Christmas shoes won me over as soon as I started reading. It was emotional and heartfelt and I couldn't put it down.
Upon finishing The Christmas shows, I followed up immediately on The Christmas Blessing. Whew, that had me teary eyed and heartbroken one minute, and crossing my fingers and praying for a miracle the next.
Both of these books are absolutely incredible! There are not enough words to type out how much I enjoyed these books. However, I will say that they are beautifully written and extraordinary and wonderful when paired together.
I recommend this 2 in 1 book to everyone! It is a perfect holiday book if your seeking a Christmas miracle...no I take that back, this a perfect book for any time of year!
With all of the beautiful quotes that are listed in this book, I loved this one paragraph as it stood out to me and it was a perfect way to sum up both stories, "But I know that although we may never understand it, there is a plan and though it may be traced in pain, in the end there will be joy, and it will be beautiful." -Nathan / Donna VanLiere
Thank you, thank you, thank you Donna VanLiere! For the reminders that I needed to feel and experience throughout reading these wonderful books. Please, keep writing! I will keep reading ❤️
June 16, 2023
Oh I wish I thought to have tissues handy. Just like the song says, Nathan's a little boy whose mother is dying. After hearing his mother takes a turn for the worse, he decides to run to the local department store and buy her some sparkling Christmas shoes. Without having enough money the impatience stranger behind him realizes the boy's situation and decides to pay for the shoes so he can run home and give them to his mother before she dies.
In the second half of the book Nathan is a grown man in medical school. He meets a woman that he falls in love with who is very sick. She needs a transplant and it is Christmas time and all he can think about is he is going through this once again. In the final seconds of her life, while he is sitting there holding her hand and she is dying, her transplant comes through and all is a happy ending.
I pretty much cried throughout the entire book, so make sure you have tissues when you read this tear jerker.
In the second half of the book Nathan is a grown man in medical school. He meets a woman that he falls in love with who is very sick. She needs a transplant and it is Christmas time and all he can think about is he is going through this once again. In the final seconds of her life, while he is sitting there holding her hand and she is dying, her transplant comes through and all is a happy ending.
I pretty much cried throughout the entire book, so make sure you have tissues when you read this tear jerker.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 19, 2020
This is 2 books in one. I had already read the Christmas Shoes, which is a wonderful story and saw the movie. I also saw the Christmas Blessing and this was book 2. The author does a great job in her prose, and really tied in some endearing thoughts about love and loss. The books take place during Christmas, which is my favorite season and I think we should try to keep the spirit alive
all year long.
all year long.
December 9, 2023
It definitely was a tear jerker and a great book to read around Christmas time. It has two stories in one but with all the same characters. The first story is about Nathan and his childhood. The second story is years later when Nathan is grown up and in college. Definitely a heart warming book to read.
December 27, 2017
Two short novels present feel good romances with a Christmas theme. The two novels are interconnected. Ok, a little stereotypical, but safe and easy reading, very sweet, with positive theme and characters who learn and change for the better. Sentimental--keep handkerchiefs handy.
November 24, 2020
It was predictable but I kinda knew that might happen. I just wanted an easy holiday read. A little manipulative with the death of a couple of people between the two books, but still sweet and enjoyable.
December 28, 2017
Light reading, worthy of a box of Kleenexes.
May 2, 2018
Cried a lot! Can't help it with these touching stories!
January 3, 2019
Very good and a tearjerker!
January 18, 2019
A tear jerker - keep your kleenex close.
January 3, 2022
Loved reading these stories and seeing their connection.
April 21, 2022
Two sad but wonderful stories!
September 18, 2022
2 books in one
Christmas Shoes and Christmas Blessing
Both books well written
Christmas Shoes and Christmas Blessing
Both books well written
December 17, 2022
I enjoyed both stories, The Christmas Shoes and The Christmas Blessing, but I especially enjoyed the way the author brought the stories full circle at the end of the second one.
December 11, 2023
Two stories based on Nathan, the little boy who wants to buy his Mom beautiful shoes to wear when she meets Jesus. Both stories were beautiful especially at Christmas time.
January 19, 2024
It’s probably just not for me but it was so boring that I couldn’t finish it.
November 18, 2025
This book 📙 was very good. It really had a different ending then what I thought was going to happen.
December 21, 2023
Sweet Christmas stories, but sad at times. Easy to read stories, definitely emotional 😭 .
January 22, 2016
THIS SUMMARY/REVIEW WAS COPIED FROM OTHER SOURCES AND IS USED ONLY AS A REMINDER OF WHAT THE BOOK WAS ABOUT FOR MY PERSONAL INTEREST. ANY PERSONAL NOTATIONS ARE FOR MY RECOLLECTION ONLY
If we're open to it, God can use even the smallest thing to change our lives...to change us. It might be a laughing child, car breaks that need fixing, a sale on pot roast, a cloudless sky, a trip to the woods to cut down a Christmas tree, a schoolteacher, a dunhill billiard pipe...or even a pair of shoes. Some people will never believe. They may feel that such things are too trivial, too simple or too insignificant to forever change a life. But I believe and I always will."
"Some people go their entire lives missing the small miracles that happen throughout the day--those small blessings God sends from heaven to make us smile, laugh, or to break our hearts, and gently nudge us closer to his side. I used to miss those tiny miracles: my children's giggles, their first awkward steps--their little hands wrapped gingerly around my fingers for support."
"Doris had learned that it wasn't the size or cost of a home that created kind, well-adjusted children, but the love and attention that filled that home."
"These were the last smells of Christmas, the last smiles of her little boy, the last squeals of her baby girl, that she would ever experience. She didn't want to commit them to memory, but, rather, she wanted to be fully present in the here and now and love with all her soul."
"Whoever said 'life's a breeze' should be smacked! That person didn't have a clue. Life isn't easy. Just when you get close to having it figured out, they haul you away in a hearse."
"It's too easy to want to fix someone else but the hard part is fixing yourself. Instead of demanding more from her, you need to give more of yourself."
"No man ever really lives until he gives himself away to others...that's why Jesus was born in a manger . He humbled Himself to give His life away for mankind. That's the meaning of Christmas."
"God didn't make me sick, He helped me through this sickness. He gave me strength to play with you and Rachel and held me on my really horrible days."
"Every happening, great or small, is a parable whereby God speaks to us, and the art of life is to get the message." - Malcolm muggeridge
"Life must be lived forwards, but it can be understood only backwards." -Soren Kierkegaard
"The more I think it over, the more I feel that there is nothing more truly artistic than to love people" - Vincent Van Gogh
"God gave us the greatest proof of love that the world has ever seen." - Andrew Murray
We are not necessarily that God will do the best for us; we are wondering how painful the best will turn out to be." -c.s. Lewis
***************
It's one of those short, heartwarming stories where a hardened workaholic learns the true meaning of Christmas, someone dies (actually multiple people die), and you really wish it was snowing outside. In short, it was lovely, and I cried all the way through it.
The perspective change throughout was a little confusing. Every time a chapter started and the writer said "I", I had to pay careful attention to which story I was reading. I swear I re-read the fake forward about three times (being confused about "Donna Van Liere" writing about her wife.
But it was still a great book, and I loved how Robert's mom yelled at him. I also loved her neighbors, and Doris.
It's great for a good cry and a reminder of what Christmas is all about. And it's a quick read :)
If we're open to it, God can use even the smallest thing to change our lives...to change us. It might be a laughing child, car breaks that need fixing, a sale on pot roast, a cloudless sky, a trip to the woods to cut down a Christmas tree, a schoolteacher, a dunhill billiard pipe...or even a pair of shoes. Some people will never believe. They may feel that such things are too trivial, too simple or too insignificant to forever change a life. But I believe and I always will."
"Some people go their entire lives missing the small miracles that happen throughout the day--those small blessings God sends from heaven to make us smile, laugh, or to break our hearts, and gently nudge us closer to his side. I used to miss those tiny miracles: my children's giggles, their first awkward steps--their little hands wrapped gingerly around my fingers for support."
"Doris had learned that it wasn't the size or cost of a home that created kind, well-adjusted children, but the love and attention that filled that home."
"These were the last smells of Christmas, the last smiles of her little boy, the last squeals of her baby girl, that she would ever experience. She didn't want to commit them to memory, but, rather, she wanted to be fully present in the here and now and love with all her soul."
"Whoever said 'life's a breeze' should be smacked! That person didn't have a clue. Life isn't easy. Just when you get close to having it figured out, they haul you away in a hearse."
"It's too easy to want to fix someone else but the hard part is fixing yourself. Instead of demanding more from her, you need to give more of yourself."
"No man ever really lives until he gives himself away to others...that's why Jesus was born in a manger . He humbled Himself to give His life away for mankind. That's the meaning of Christmas."
"God didn't make me sick, He helped me through this sickness. He gave me strength to play with you and Rachel and held me on my really horrible days."
"Every happening, great or small, is a parable whereby God speaks to us, and the art of life is to get the message." - Malcolm muggeridge
"Life must be lived forwards, but it can be understood only backwards." -Soren Kierkegaard
"The more I think it over, the more I feel that there is nothing more truly artistic than to love people" - Vincent Van Gogh
"God gave us the greatest proof of love that the world has ever seen." - Andrew Murray
We are not necessarily that God will do the best for us; we are wondering how painful the best will turn out to be." -c.s. Lewis
***************
It's one of those short, heartwarming stories where a hardened workaholic learns the true meaning of Christmas, someone dies (actually multiple people die), and you really wish it was snowing outside. In short, it was lovely, and I cried all the way through it.
The perspective change throughout was a little confusing. Every time a chapter started and the writer said "I", I had to pay careful attention to which story I was reading. I swear I re-read the fake forward about three times (being confused about "Donna Van Liere" writing about her wife.
But it was still a great book, and I loved how Robert's mom yelled at him. I also loved her neighbors, and Doris.
It's great for a good cry and a reminder of what Christmas is all about. And it's a quick read :)
August 27, 2016
I received this book from the Goodreads First reads giveaway program. Thank you author/publisher for the opportunity to read these two wonderfully written stories.
Christmas Keepsakes:Two Books in One: The Christmas Shoes & the Christmas Blessing are two of Donna VanLiere's bestselling novels combined in one book.
I love reading a good Christmas story during the holidays. This book was exactly what I was looking for. The Christmas Shoes touched me on a personal level. I think we all have lost someone during the holiday season at some point in our life. As a kid I lost my Dad Christmas Eve to liver cancer. In the story an eight year old boy Nathan is losing his mother to cancer. This family has a strong foundation and finds their way through this trying time.
Nathan comes across a stranger who helps him out. Nathan in his own way helps the man (Robert) to realize the important things in life are not material. Robert goes on to try to repair his marriage and family.
The Christmas Blessing is a continuation of Nathan's story except he is all grown up in this one. He is a medical student and he is not sure he is cut out to be a doctor. He meets two patients Meghan and Charlie that help him figure that out.
Both stories were very inspirational some parts very sad. Leaving you with feelings of HOPE, faith, LOVE, and joy just in time for the holidays. I highly recommend this book to put anyone in the Christmas spirit.
Also loved the quotes at the beginning of every chapter.
Christmas Keepsakes:Two Books in One: The Christmas Shoes & the Christmas Blessing are two of Donna VanLiere's bestselling novels combined in one book.
I love reading a good Christmas story during the holidays. This book was exactly what I was looking for. The Christmas Shoes touched me on a personal level. I think we all have lost someone during the holiday season at some point in our life. As a kid I lost my Dad Christmas Eve to liver cancer. In the story an eight year old boy Nathan is losing his mother to cancer. This family has a strong foundation and finds their way through this trying time.
Nathan comes across a stranger who helps him out. Nathan in his own way helps the man (Robert) to realize the important things in life are not material. Robert goes on to try to repair his marriage and family.
The Christmas Blessing is a continuation of Nathan's story except he is all grown up in this one. He is a medical student and he is not sure he is cut out to be a doctor. He meets two patients Meghan and Charlie that help him figure that out.
Both stories were very inspirational some parts very sad. Leaving you with feelings of HOPE, faith, LOVE, and joy just in time for the holidays. I highly recommend this book to put anyone in the Christmas spirit.
Also loved the quotes at the beginning of every chapter.
January 1, 2014
Here we are at the holidays and many people will want to pick up something to read that reflects this time of year. Usually I would grab up a collection of short, Christmas themed murder mysteries to while away the deep winter’s eves but this year I received a copy of “Christmas Keepsakes” through Goodreads and felt I was required to read it. And I am glad I did. Although I had never read the first of the two books in the collection, “The Christmas Shoes,” I have had the radio on, have heard the wonderfully touching song about a million times (perhaps I exaggerate to the minus as it might be closer to two million times) and have even been subjected to the movie half a dozen times or so. Yet the book with it’s simple tale of finding redemption at the season of the Yule was both touching and heart-warming and delightful to read.
The second book, “The Christmas Blessing” follows the story young the young man wanting to buy the shoes who is now a medical student who discovers there are still lessons of love and hope to be learned through others, reflecting the earlier tale of Robert’s redemption through empathy for others. Together the two tales form one united story of Christmas hope which will carry the reader into the New Year and beyond.
The second book, “The Christmas Blessing” follows the story young the young man wanting to buy the shoes who is now a medical student who discovers there are still lessons of love and hope to be learned through others, reflecting the earlier tale of Robert’s redemption through empathy for others. Together the two tales form one united story of Christmas hope which will carry the reader into the New Year and beyond.
March 22, 2015
First and second book in a four book series. The Christmas Shoes has 8 yr old Nathan trying to find a pair of shoes when he realizes his mother is going to die. He doesn't have enough money and Robert, auccessful attorney, buys the shoes. Robert was just going through the motions for Christmas since his wife wants a devorice after Christmas. Robert realizes he has let his family down and trys to change.
In book 2, Nathan is an intern. He meets a girl and is effected by her health and children in the hospital. He even thinks about quiting. A transplant is needed but someone has to die for it to be available.
In book 2, Nathan is an intern. He meets a girl and is effected by her health and children in the hospital. He even thinks about quiting. A transplant is needed but someone has to die for it to be available.
December 17, 2011
We started listening to this later in the evening. I thought I'd start listening to it, find out if I liked it & stop it & go to bed, like I have done with every other book I've listened to. Finally, at 11:30 p.m., the book was over & I could go to bed, way past my bedtime. For that reason, I am glad it is a short book.
It was sad. I have lost both my mother & my daughter at Thanksgiving time. I appreciated the fact that even though the book was sad, VanLiere taught Maggie was going to be RECEIVED in heaven.
It was sad. I have lost both my mother & my daughter at Thanksgiving time. I appreciated the fact that even though the book was sad, VanLiere taught Maggie was going to be RECEIVED in heaven.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews