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Christmas in Bethel
From Richard Paul Evans, the New York Times bestselling author of The Christmas Promise and The Christmas Box, a new novel celebrating the life-changing power of the holiday spirit.
Leigh Beth Stilton has never liked the holidays. After growing up in an unstable home, escaping an abusive marriage, and witnessing daily tragedies as an EMT, Leigh just can’t bring herself to care about Christmas cheer. In fact, she’s so convinced she’s not worth loving that one winter’s eve, she decides she can’t go on—until she comes across a book called Bethel and starts to read.
Leigh is unfamiliar with the author, J.D. Harper, but his words speak directly to her. She’s never felt so seen and understood, and this connection gives her the strength to carry on. She avidly reads every novel Harper has written, and when he comes to town for a book signing, she jumps at the opportunity to meet the writer who means so much to her.
In a twist of fate, Leigh runs into J.D. in a coffee shop, and the two immediately click. Before she knows it, she’s swept up in a whirlwind of fancy dinners, exciting travel, and the attention of the man whose work has been so meaningful to her. But she’s leery after a lifetime of pain and when she discovers that J.D. hasn’t been completely honest, her hopes are dashed. Can they find their way back to each other and can Leigh learn to trust her heart?
Leigh Beth Stilton has never liked the holidays. After growing up in an unstable home, escaping an abusive marriage, and witnessing daily tragedies as an EMT, Leigh just can’t bring herself to care about Christmas cheer. In fact, she’s so convinced she’s not worth loving that one winter’s eve, she decides she can’t go on—until she comes across a book called Bethel and starts to read.
Leigh is unfamiliar with the author, J.D. Harper, but his words speak directly to her. She’s never felt so seen and understood, and this connection gives her the strength to carry on. She avidly reads every novel Harper has written, and when he comes to town for a book signing, she jumps at the opportunity to meet the writer who means so much to her.
In a twist of fate, Leigh runs into J.D. in a coffee shop, and the two immediately click. Before she knows it, she’s swept up in a whirlwind of fancy dinners, exciting travel, and the attention of the man whose work has been so meaningful to her. But she’s leery after a lifetime of pain and when she discovers that J.D. hasn’t been completely honest, her hopes are dashed. Can they find their way back to each other and can Leigh learn to trust her heart?
Kindle Edition
First published November 26, 2024
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About the author
Richard Paul Evans
226 books6,457 followersWhen Richard Paul Evans wrote the #1 best-seller, The Christmas Box, he never intended on becoming an internationally known author. His quiet story of parental love and the true meaning of Christmas made history when it became simultaneously the #1 hardcover and paperback book in the nation. Since then, more than eight million copies of The Christmas Box have been printed. He has since written eleven consecutive New York Times bestsellers. He is one the few authors in history to have hit both the fiction and non-fiction bestseller lists. He has won several awards for his books including the 1998 American Mothers Book Award, two first place Storytelling World Awards, and the 2005 Romantic Times Best Women Novel of the Year Award. His books have been translated into more than 22 languages and several have been international best sellers.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 713 reviews
December 26, 2024
I've never read a book by this author but the title intrigued me so I had to give it a go.
There are some hard topics covered, and with the way it started I was wondering what I was getting myself into, but then Beth met the author who technically saved her life and the story went up from there. That's not to say Lee and Beth didn't face any challenges while getting to know each other, and it definitely wasn't all sunshine and roses, but I did like their story.
It also wasn't very Christmas-y, but since it says so in the beginning I wasn't expecting it to be.
I recommend the audiobook, the narrator was perfectly chosen and brought the characters to life. She also did a good enough job to make me want to check out Evans's other books.
There are some hard topics covered, and with the way it started I was wondering what I was getting myself into, but then Beth met the author who technically saved her life and the story went up from there. That's not to say Lee and Beth didn't face any challenges while getting to know each other, and it definitely wasn't all sunshine and roses, but I did like their story.
It also wasn't very Christmas-y, but since it says so in the beginning I wasn't expecting it to be.
I recommend the audiobook, the narrator was perfectly chosen and brought the characters to life. She also did a good enough job to make me want to check out Evans's other books.
November 25, 2024
the setup…
Leigh Beth Stilton hasn’t had an easy life. From her abusive childhood and marriage to a sexual assault and the horrific situations she witnessed as an EMT, Leigh reached a point where life no longer had meaning. Then she read a book called Bethel by J. D. Harper and it literally saved and changed the course of her life. When she stops for coffee before attending a book signing by the author and accidentally meets the man, it was kismet.
the heart of the story…
We know that Leigh is a bit broken but don’t know J. D.’s backstory and how he gained the insights that make his books so emotionally compelling. Their relationship develops quickly but it’s not without some bumps in the road. It was heartwarming how these two people found each other against some incredible odds, all because of a place called Bethel.
the narration…
Helene Maksoud has a lovely voice tone, especially as Leigh’s voice. My only issue was she always sounded upbeat, even when things were dismal. Her storytelling skills otherwise were strong.
the bottom line…
The Christmas season serves as the backdrop and it evokes the spirit of the holidays. Leigh and J. D. (he actually goes by another name, as does she) are two deserving souls who somehow not only find each other but the love that’s been so elusive to them. It’s a lovely story with some surprising twists.
Posted on Blue Mood Café
(Thanks to Simon & Schuster Audio for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.)
Leigh Beth Stilton hasn’t had an easy life. From her abusive childhood and marriage to a sexual assault and the horrific situations she witnessed as an EMT, Leigh reached a point where life no longer had meaning. Then she read a book called Bethel by J. D. Harper and it literally saved and changed the course of her life. When she stops for coffee before attending a book signing by the author and accidentally meets the man, it was kismet.
the heart of the story…
We know that Leigh is a bit broken but don’t know J. D.’s backstory and how he gained the insights that make his books so emotionally compelling. Their relationship develops quickly but it’s not without some bumps in the road. It was heartwarming how these two people found each other against some incredible odds, all because of a place called Bethel.
the narration…
Helene Maksoud has a lovely voice tone, especially as Leigh’s voice. My only issue was she always sounded upbeat, even when things were dismal. Her storytelling skills otherwise were strong.
the bottom line…
The Christmas season serves as the backdrop and it evokes the spirit of the holidays. Leigh and J. D. (he actually goes by another name, as does she) are two deserving souls who somehow not only find each other but the love that’s been so elusive to them. It’s a lovely story with some surprising twists.
Posted on Blue Mood Café
(Thanks to Simon & Schuster Audio for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.)
November 7, 2024
I received a free copy of, Christmas in Bethel, by Richard Paul Evans, from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Leigh has never liked the holiday, she has had a very traumatic life, and the holidays were not always a time for joy. Leigh meets famous author J,D, harp at a coffee shop in the mall, before his book signing. I usually love Richard Paul Evans book, but not this one. Not going to spoil the plot, but I knew what was going to happen, and I did not like it.
November 15, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I loved “Christmas in Bethel” I’m so surprised more people haven’t read this wonderful story.
I loved “Christmas in Bethel” I’m so surprised more people haven’t read this wonderful story.
November 11, 2024
Leigh has not had an easy life. She avoids Christmas at all costs. Her remote job keeps her busy. Whe she meets her favorite author, he sweeps her off her feet. I liked this book.
October 27, 2024
I loved this book. It is an easy read that hooks you from the beginning. Though it is heartbreaking in parts, it also has redemption and hope. There is romance, humor and great side characters. I also liked that we got a little peek into the book industry.
There were a couple of side stories I would like to have seen taken further, so I think this would make a great series!
Thanks so much to NetGalley and Gallery Books for the ARC. All opinions are my own.
There were a couple of side stories I would like to have seen taken further, so I think this would make a great series!
Thanks so much to NetGalley and Gallery Books for the ARC. All opinions are my own.
November 28, 2024
Richard Paul Evans’ Christmas books are always a warm hug, this time a year. This book is not any different.
December 7, 2024
Richard Paul Evans has got to be the best author ever! This book is more than a 5✨. Love, healing, and forgiveness…in all things Love
November 22, 2024
I read ‘the Christmas box’ last year and liked it. This newest release, though, was a disappointment. The romance was way too rushed and got to the point that I was feeling uncomfortable reading it and had to stop. The plot line was very predictable and too coincidental at times.
I was so disappointed because the cover is absolutely beautiful and Leigh’s story/ background had the potential of bringing a good message of hope and forgiveness to readers. That said, the author put too much emphasis and attention on the wrong things and added unneeded details to the plot-line.
Thank you to Net Galley for the chance to read and review this book before its publication date.
I was so disappointed because the cover is absolutely beautiful and Leigh’s story/ background had the potential of bringing a good message of hope and forgiveness to readers. That said, the author put too much emphasis and attention on the wrong things and added unneeded details to the plot-line.
Thank you to Net Galley for the chance to read and review this book before its publication date.
December 21, 2024
This book goes to show that men should not write from the perspectives of women. There were so many things that happened that made no sense and honestly made me question the writer's life choices. This book DID NOT pass the Bechdel test and that's the thing that concerns me the least out of everything. It just... wasn't good. If the author wants to write books with so many female characters, I think he needs to go outside and talk to a few first. And then stick to writing male characters.
November 1, 2025
RPE has done it again. 🥹
December 6, 2025
I love Richard Paul Evans Christmas books. Each offers an uplifting message of overcoming hardships and finding grace, along with a sweet romance. Another wonderful story.
December 9, 2024
Richard Paul Evans always delivers a sweet story with a happily ever after. I admire him as both an author and as a person. He writes with true Christian values, no sex or profanity. Nice for a change!!
December 2, 2024
It was predictable and not very Christmasy. I had high hopes for this one because it sounded good, but it fell short.
December 24, 2024
Another absolutely wonderful, heart-stirring novel from my favorite Christmas time author. A beautiful keeper for my shelves.
December 21, 2024
I love his Christmas stories.
November 18, 2025
I borrowed this from my local library. It's a book club read for December 2025.
I have never read Richard Paul Evans before, though I've certainly seen his books for years. I approached this with some leeriness, as I don't usually read contemporary feel-good romances along this line. I was surprised by how much I liked it.
The concept is formulaic and simple: Beth goes to meet her favorite author, the one whose books saved her life, and they hit it off. Before she knows it, she's being treated to a full princess fantasy in New York, complete with jewelry from Tiffany. Her struggle against darkness from the past, and Lee's own secrets, cause divisions as the holiday season nears.
What makes this book stand out is the writing. Evans's dialogue is fantastic. It feels realistic and the wit caused me to laugh aloud at several points. The character building is great, too. Even with the display of wealth, the characters never feel vapid or alien (a big issue I had with the appalling Danielle Steele book I read for another book club earlier this year). This is a perfectly cozy read. You know how it will end but the ride to get there is enjoyable and manages a few little surprises, too.
I have never read Richard Paul Evans before, though I've certainly seen his books for years. I approached this with some leeriness, as I don't usually read contemporary feel-good romances along this line. I was surprised by how much I liked it.
The concept is formulaic and simple: Beth goes to meet her favorite author, the one whose books saved her life, and they hit it off. Before she knows it, she's being treated to a full princess fantasy in New York, complete with jewelry from Tiffany. Her struggle against darkness from the past, and Lee's own secrets, cause divisions as the holiday season nears.
What makes this book stand out is the writing. Evans's dialogue is fantastic. It feels realistic and the wit caused me to laugh aloud at several points. The character building is great, too. Even with the display of wealth, the characters never feel vapid or alien (a big issue I had with the appalling Danielle Steele book I read for another book club earlier this year). This is a perfectly cozy read. You know how it will end but the ride to get there is enjoyable and manages a few little surprises, too.
December 26, 2024
My dad told me to read this story and promised it wasn’t too cheesy and he was right. Cute little Christmas book that I would probably not recommend to anyone hahahaha
January 20, 2025
Christmas in Bethel by Richard Paul Evans (2024)
+253-page Hardback
Genre: Holiday > Christmas, Thanksgiving; Christmas Fiction, Christmas Romance
Featuring: Deckled Edge Pages, Author's Bibliography, EMT, Self Esteem, Novelists, Diary, Epigraphs, Child Abuse, Suicide (off camera & mentioned), Lancaster, Pennsylvania; Book Tour, Book Club, New York City, New York; Cape Cod, Massachusetts; Thanksgiving, Secrets, Self-Actualization
Rating as a movie: PG-13/PG-15 for adult themes
Songs for the soundtrack: "I Write The Songs" by Barry Manilown "Cape Clear" by Yoko Ono, Highway In The Wind by Arlo Guthrie
Books and Authors mentioned: Gone With the Wind by Margaret Mitchell, Slaughterhouse-Five, or The Children's Crusade: A Duty-Dance with Death by Kurt Vonnegut, The Matrix by The Wachowskis, Stephen E. Ambrose, Mary Higgins Clark, Nicolas Sparks, Nora Roberts, Mary Poppins Series by P. L. Travers and illustrated by Mary Shepard, Charlotte's Web by E. B. White, Pictures by Garth Williams, Where the Red Fern Grows - The Story of Two Dogs and a Boy by Wilson Rawls, Old Yeller by Fred Gipson, The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini, John Grisham, Ernest Hemingway, Breakfast At Tiffany's by Truman Capote, Lewis Carroll, J. K. Rowling, Harper Lee, J. D. Salinger, J. D. Robb, Dr. Seuss, O. Henry, John Updike, Salman Rushdie, Al Gore, Stephen King, Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare, The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck, Cannery Row by John Steinbeck, Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck, East of Eden by John Steinbeck, The Winter of Our Discontent by John Steinbeck, Agatha Christie
Memorable Quotes: "How did the book make you feel when you read it?"
"Sad. It made me cry. Especially when Nicole died."
"Good. Sad sells"
"I'm sure you're right, but I don't understand it. Isn't there enough sadness in life without seeking it out?"
"There's a lot of circulation about that. But look how attentive you were when I was telling you about my dog."
"That's true."
"Some psychologists say it's the same reason we like hot peppers. The pain releases endorphins, which causes pleasurable feelings and numbs our pain. But I think it's more than that. I think, more than anything, we want to feel. Sad stories make us feel more alive. It's a way to experience sadness and catharsis without the real-life anxiety or stress."
"We all did. The thing is, writing a story is like falling in love. You think you're pulling the strings until you discover you're really the puppet."
My rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟📚🔮🦃☃️🎄
My thoughts: 📖 Page 45 of 253 Chapter Four - I kinda love it already. The opening was sad, but it's been great from there. I wish I could stay, but I need to run an errand.
I was worried but this book is safe. I enjoyed it and it was nice to see "broken" people get some happiness without trauma bonding. I did end up passing on my errands but it was only partially because of this book.
Recommend to others: Yes, although the MC is right this is more Romance than Christmas.
+253-page Hardback
Genre: Holiday > Christmas, Thanksgiving; Christmas Fiction, Christmas Romance
Featuring: Deckled Edge Pages, Author's Bibliography, EMT, Self Esteem, Novelists, Diary, Epigraphs, Child Abuse, Suicide (off camera & mentioned), Lancaster, Pennsylvania; Book Tour, Book Club, New York City, New York; Cape Cod, Massachusetts; Thanksgiving, Secrets, Self-Actualization
Rating as a movie: PG-13/PG-15 for adult themes
Songs for the soundtrack: "I Write The Songs" by Barry Manilown "Cape Clear" by Yoko Ono, Highway In The Wind by Arlo Guthrie
Books and Authors mentioned: Gone With the Wind by Margaret Mitchell, Slaughterhouse-Five, or The Children's Crusade: A Duty-Dance with Death by Kurt Vonnegut, The Matrix by The Wachowskis, Stephen E. Ambrose, Mary Higgins Clark, Nicolas Sparks, Nora Roberts, Mary Poppins Series by P. L. Travers and illustrated by Mary Shepard, Charlotte's Web by E. B. White, Pictures by Garth Williams, Where the Red Fern Grows - The Story of Two Dogs and a Boy by Wilson Rawls, Old Yeller by Fred Gipson, The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini, John Grisham, Ernest Hemingway, Breakfast At Tiffany's by Truman Capote, Lewis Carroll, J. K. Rowling, Harper Lee, J. D. Salinger, J. D. Robb, Dr. Seuss, O. Henry, John Updike, Salman Rushdie, Al Gore, Stephen King, Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare, The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck, Cannery Row by John Steinbeck, Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck, East of Eden by John Steinbeck, The Winter of Our Discontent by John Steinbeck, Agatha Christie
Memorable Quotes: "How did the book make you feel when you read it?"
"Sad. It made me cry. Especially when Nicole died."
"Good. Sad sells"
"I'm sure you're right, but I don't understand it. Isn't there enough sadness in life without seeking it out?"
"There's a lot of circulation about that. But look how attentive you were when I was telling you about my dog."
"That's true."
"Some psychologists say it's the same reason we like hot peppers. The pain releases endorphins, which causes pleasurable feelings and numbs our pain. But I think it's more than that. I think, more than anything, we want to feel. Sad stories make us feel more alive. It's a way to experience sadness and catharsis without the real-life anxiety or stress."
"We all did. The thing is, writing a story is like falling in love. You think you're pulling the strings until you discover you're really the puppet."
My rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟📚🔮🦃☃️🎄
My thoughts: 📖 Page 45 of 253 Chapter Four - I kinda love it already. The opening was sad, but it's been great from there. I wish I could stay, but I need to run an errand.
I was worried but this book is safe. I enjoyed it and it was nice to see "broken" people get some happiness without trauma bonding. I did end up passing on my errands but it was only partially because of this book.
Recommend to others: Yes, although the MC is right this is more Romance than Christmas.
December 6, 2024
Not my favorite by this author. It was okay. A sweet story. The main character had been abused and neglected as a child, she had gotten to a point where she had a plan to end her life, but then she discovered a book that seemed to speak directly to her, which helped save her. She fell in love with the author's books and felt he was "her author."
Fast forward several years where she's improved her live but is still dealing with issues from her past. She has the opportunity to meet the author at the book signing for his new release. I don't want to give more details of that, but there is a meeting, a getting to know each other, and seeming to fall for each other very fast. They seem to connect really quickly and get awfully cozy really quickly. Which did bother me a bit. Plus there was a lot of social drinking going on. I'm not one to say any drinking at all is sin, but I also am not a fan of so much drinking in the books I read, especially if they are classified as CF.
Through the story we learn more of the backstory of both her and the author and there are instances of abuse being talked about in detail.
There is really no mention of faith in either of their lives for most of the book. Talk about the universe at one point sort of turned me off of the book and made me hesitant. For being a Christian book I didn't really see it coming out in the story.
There was a bit of a twist that I didn't quite see coming. I thought something was going to be up with another character, but it wasn't quite what I was thinking it was going to be.
I did enjoy the book, but I wouldn't really classify it as Christian fiction. I know I've had that issue with another one of this author's books.
That said, it was an enjoyable story.
I received an e-copy of this book through NetGalley and was not required to write a favorable review. These are my own honest thoughts.
Fast forward several years where she's improved her live but is still dealing with issues from her past. She has the opportunity to meet the author at the book signing for his new release. I don't want to give more details of that, but there is a meeting, a getting to know each other, and seeming to fall for each other very fast. They seem to connect really quickly and get awfully cozy really quickly. Which did bother me a bit. Plus there was a lot of social drinking going on. I'm not one to say any drinking at all is sin, but I also am not a fan of so much drinking in the books I read, especially if they are classified as CF.
Through the story we learn more of the backstory of both her and the author and there are instances of abuse being talked about in detail.
There is really no mention of faith in either of their lives for most of the book. Talk about the universe at one point sort of turned me off of the book and made me hesitant. For being a Christian book I didn't really see it coming out in the story.
There was a bit of a twist that I didn't quite see coming. I thought something was going to be up with another character, but it wasn't quite what I was thinking it was going to be.
I did enjoy the book, but I wouldn't really classify it as Christian fiction. I know I've had that issue with another one of this author's books.
That said, it was an enjoyable story.
I received an e-copy of this book through NetGalley and was not required to write a favorable review. These are my own honest thoughts.
February 26, 2025
This was such a good book!
I almost stopped reading it after the prologue because it was so depressing. I don't like depressing!
But starting at chapter 1 it all changed. Beautiful, perfect book!
I almost stopped reading it after the prologue because it was so depressing. I don't like depressing!
But starting at chapter 1 it all changed. Beautiful, perfect book!
December 25, 2024
I’d give this 4.3 if I could. It was a good read for the Christmas season. Good message.
January 25, 2025
Libby Audio Loan 5 hours 28 min. Narrated by Helene Maksoud(5)
It's not the usual charming, feel-good Christmas plot one expects from RPE. I read his first three Christmas stories when they were released in the 90's, but nothing since.
The three main characters all have had badly scarred souls (and bodies) from abusive childhoods. Can they learn to trust and forgive? Evans reveals the perks and drawbacks of being a popular author from what must be from his own experience.
This book kept my attention through a sleepless night.
It's not the usual charming, feel-good Christmas plot one expects from RPE. I read his first three Christmas stories when they were released in the 90's, but nothing since.
The three main characters all have had badly scarred souls (and bodies) from abusive childhoods. Can they learn to trust and forgive? Evans reveals the perks and drawbacks of being a popular author from what must be from his own experience.
This book kept my attention through a sleepless night.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 30, 2025
Amazing. Love, sorrow, redemption.
February 7, 2025
Christmas in Bethel was such a beautiful story!! I loved it and will read more by this author!!
December 6, 2024
LOVE all his books! This is a must read.
December 29, 2024
Another great book from Richard Paul Evans.
December 8, 2024
I am still trying to process the twist! I didn't see that coming. I am a huge RPE fan. I love his books!
January 13, 2025
This is a quick easy read by one of my favorite authors. I thought the ending of the story saved the book because the middle was starting to drag. Leigh meets a famous author in Starbucks while she is waiting to have her book signed. They instantly have a connection which becomes more apparent as you read the book. There are several times when she leaves, but he always finds her again or she finds him. It was a sad story but had a wonderful ending.
December 5, 2024
I have a love/hate relationship with Mr. Evans’ books. I love reading them, and I hate finishing them. Although I figured out, too soon, where this one was going, I thoroughly enjoyed it. Read this one and, if you haven’t yet, read all of his Christmas books. Come for the heartwarming seasonal themes and stay for the deeply insightful, inspirational, wise and sometimes humorous sayings.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 713 reviews