O Little Town of Bethlehem

by Elizabeth Boyle

With her beloved charm and wit, New York Times bestselling author Elizabeth Boyle brings to life a heartwarming story of empowerment, redemption, and the joy of finding friendship. Even during the holidays.

Madeline Drake is on the verge of stardom when an accident on a snowy Wyoming road sends her careening a century into the past.

Landing in the quaint town of Bethlehem, she discovers a place that operates by its own set of rules and the oddest gathering of lost souls ever collected. This quirky, small town, with its currency of wishes and second chances, has only one rule—you have until Christmas Eve to prove your worth before you can leave.

Having never been much for rules, Madeline begins an out-of-control campaign to get home immediately and regain her modern life. But to her dismay—and then utter amazement—her plans become entwined with that of the town’s proper postmistress, Ninny Minch, and the even more scalding, Savannah Clarke, a widow hiding behind a wall of guilt and grief.

Now Madeline must assist these two unlikely women unravel the lies that have left them in knots for decades. Helping anyone other than herself doesn’t come easily to Madeline, but as these fragile new bonds of friendship grow, she finds those threads of trust and acceptance, once woven, may be strong enough to unpack even the most closely guarded secrets.

Even a few of her own.

For fans of Debbie Macomber, Evie Woods and Barbara Davis, O Little Town of Bethlehem makes for an enchanting winter read on a cold, snowy night, as well as the perfect December book club pick.

Genres: Christmas, Historical Fiction, Holiday, Magical Realism, Fiction, Fantasy, Time Travel

598 pages, Paperback

Published October 1, 2024

About the author

Elizabeth Boyle is the New York Times bestselling author of 28 historical romance novels and several novellas. Her most recent novel, O LITTLE TOWN OF BETHLEHEM, is a mix of women's fiction and historical fiction, with a bit of magic thrown in. This story of friendship and empowerment has garnered rave reviews. Her next book in the series, WE THREE KINGS will arrive in the Fall of 2027.

Her first novel, Brazen Angel, won Dell's Diamond Debut Award and the Romance Writers of America's RITA Award for Best First Book. Her books are called "fast-paced," "adventurous," and "funny."

Not sure where to begin? If you love adventure, try THIS RAKE OF MINE or ONE NIGHT OF PASSION.

If you need to laugh, SOMETHING ABOUT EMMALINE, LOVE LETTERS FROM A DUKE, or THE VISCOUNT WHO LIVED DOWN THE LANE.

Want a little magic in your romance? Try HIS MISTRESS BY MORNING.

When not writing, Elizabeth enjoys knitting, gardening, travel and reading a wide variety of stories. She lives with her family in Seattle.

Sign up for her weekly newsletter, Five Things for Friday on her website. A weekly roundup of books, shows, and things to cook or laugh over, her readers love this weekly laugh.

Reviews

[Teres · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cozy Christmas vibes.🎄'Tis the season.

[Natalie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Turned the last page, only to realize it *was* the last page, and became instantly sad it was over. I love the way this book makes you Think capital T and how Boyle still leaves some magic to the story by not answering all my questions.
Having read most of her romance, I knew this book would be written beautifully. I enjoyed seeing how she would write a book that is very slow burn (or as Savanah likes to remind her- a simmer) and clean book. There are still so many precious, romantic moments.

[ꕥ Ange_Lives_To_Read ꕥ]

DNF @ 14%

Facebook suckered me into buying this book, because it obviously knows that I enjoy books about time-travel; and books about Christmas; and especially books about time-travel during Christmas. But this was just weird and never grabbed my attention. Since I own it, maybe I'll give it another shot next year.

[Gracie · Rating 4 out of 5]

‘O Little Town of Bethlehem’ took me a long time to decide on a rating after I finished. That is probably due to the fact that this isn’t the normal genre I choose to read. This novel is women’s fiction and historical fiction, with just a very tiny sprinkle of romance.

This was a very slow paced book. The reason I decided not to rate it 5⭐️ is because when I originally read the synopsis, I thought this was going to be a more chaotic book about a woman trying to get back to the time she was accidentally taken from. This was not the case however. Although it was her goal, it was very subtle and not as crazy and exciting as I thought it was going to be.

There is lots of Christmas vibes to this novel and I honestly think it is the perfect winter time read. Lots of cozy cakes and pastries being baked, friendships being made, and just the cheer of the holidays. It also touches on topics such as women in the workplace in the early 1900s, prohibition, and racism within the United States. It covers these topics with care and grace and I think @elizboyle did an excellent job at discussing it throughout the story.

If you are looking for a nice cozy read after Halloween, I would recommend this one!

[Booksandcoffeemx · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story was truly magical and enchanting. I loved the travel in time part, the well developed characthers and the gorgeous setting.
A beautiful and delightful book about love, hope and friendship that will warm your heart.

Thank you Suzy Approved Book Tours for this tour invite.

𝗢 𝗟𝗶𝘁𝘁𝗹𝗲 𝗧𝗼𝘄𝗻 𝗢𝗳 𝗕𝗲𝘁𝗵𝗹𝗲𝗵𝗲𝗺 by Elizabeth Boyle released October 1, 2024.

[Lindsay pinkcowlandreads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Elizabeth Boyle, known for her and spicy romances returns with her new release, O’ Little Town of Bethlehem, which is bound to be a Holiday classic!

Full of captivating characters and injured connected relationships, made me think of a combination of a Christmas Carol and Little House on the Prairie.

Madeline Drake is an actress who hit a rough spot when she finds herself in a taxi heading to the airport on a blustery Thanksgiving night. A surprise accident finds her waking up just over 100 years in the past in a small and isolated rural town… one that is strangely similar to the set of her last television show!

Upon this discovery she is informed by her time travelling chauffeur that she has 30 days to make herself into a valuable member of the town and he will take her back home- on Christmas Day.

Madeline isn’t having it and resists the pull to make a place for herself in Bethlehem and only causes chaos with all her choices… whale at the same time on different sides of town two different ladies are also going through an evil of their own.

Eventually, all three connect through the Bethlehem Holiday season and create not only friendships, but new direction for all their lives!

Coming in at almost 600 pages this book is thick and you really get a sense of the characters and the individual storylines as they build and develop and eventually intersect. I love seeing the three women all on a precipice, dealing with their life changes and taking control of their futures.

The holidays are definitely a time for family (especially found family!) and personal growth, and this book is the epitome of that!

This is one of those books I feel you can pick up and return to like visiting old friends. A new holiday tradition in the making!

Thanks to author Elizabeth Boyle for my copy and joining our book club tonight! I can’t wait to discuss this one with everyone!

[Wendy Hill · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a love story to friendship.

[Tanya · Rating 5 out of 5]

Her life is going well until she ends up going back into the past where her life is complicated. She knows she needs to find a way to get back to her time. Will she get any help? How will she get on? Will she find a way to get home> see how she gets on
I received an advance copy from hidden gems and I want to review

[Doug Nelson · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed the premise BUT I felt it was much too long.

[Debbie Rozier · Rating 4 out of 5]

There are so many great characters in this sweet time travel story about finding friendship and happiness.

It is a thick read but a quick one as the book chronicles every day between Thanksgiving and Christmas giving it a real holiday feel.

Madeline Drake is a present day actress who ends us in 1907 Bethlehem, Wyoming which also happens to be the setting of the tv show she was the star of.

But this is no Hollywood set and even as Madeline wants to go back to the present, the connections she makes here make a difference to many in Bethlehem.

There are two other female characters, Savannah and Parathinia, who are Bethlehem residents. These women and others learn more about themselves after Madeline’s unexpected arrival.

This book has its center around the positivity of the holiday season and the melding of folks from all over time periods which is refreshing. It’s a book I would re-read over and over.

[Cathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a huge undertaking for me, since I had never read a book with as many pages as this book before ~ 597!!
But it had totally consumed every free minute I had, and some pages I made time for ;)
This was a beautifully written book! Elizabeth Boyle is a wonderfully, talented author. I absolutely loved everything about this book. And although I looked forward to finding out how it ended. I am sorry to have to leave the town of Bethlehem and will miss all the special people who live there.
I would give this book 10 stars if I could!

[Shawna Shaw · Rating 4 out of 5]

late nights

I thought this was a lovely holiday book. I stayed up past my “bedtime“ many nights, not wanting to put this book down.

[Cathy Coco · Rating 2 out of 5]

Way too long. I kept plodding through it hoping for something better, but no… When you spend 150 pages with the main character trying to figure out what happened (duh- time traveling honey) you know this writer needed a better editor.

[Sarah Jensen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book Review: O Little Town of Bethlehem

Rating: ★★★★☆ (4 out of 5 stars)

Full review available here: https://prairiefoxreads.blogspot.com/...

Disclaimer: I was provided a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher for review purposes. This arrangement has in no way affected the content, objectivity, or critical evaluation presented in this review.

Publication & Context

Title: O Little Town of Bethlehem
Author: Elizabeth Boyle
Publication Date: October 1, 2024 (Reviewed retrospectively in May 2026)
Publisher: Elizabeth Boyle (Independent/Author-Published)
Page Count: 598 pages (Paperback)
ISBN: 978-1733676540 (ASIN: 1733676546)
Genre: Magical Realism / Historical Fiction / Holiday Fantasy / Time Travel
Target Audience: Adult fiction readers seeking character-driven, speculative historical narratives.

Publication Context: Released in the final quarter of 2024, O Little Town of Bethlehem arrived at a cultural moment when readers were increasingly gravitating toward “cozy fantasy” and speculative fiction that prioritized emotional repair over apocalyptic stakes.
Author Background: Elizabeth Boyle is a New York Times bestselling author traditionally celebrated for her sharp, witty historical romances. This novel marks a fascinating pivot—or perhaps an expansion—into magical realism and women’s fiction, proving her adeptness at maneuvering complex emotional architectures without abandoning the charm that defined her earlier oeuvre.
Purpose and Thesis

This review posits that O Little Town of Bethlehem is far more than a standard holiday romance or a simple time-travel romp. Rather, the book pairs accessibility with ambition, inviting a broader readership without compromising depth. By utilizing a magically enclosed setting governed by strict operational rules, Boyle conducts a rigorous, empathetic examination of female solidarity, the systemic burdens of unacknowledged grief, and the calculus of human connection. It is a thoughtful interrogation of its genre that leaves readers with surprising, resonant questions about how we measure the worth of a life.
Summary of the Work

Madeline Drake is a modern-day woman on the precipice of stardom. Her trajectory is violently interrupted when a snowy car crash in Wyoming catapults her precisely one century into the past. She awakens in Bethlehem, a quaint but peculiar town that functions as a temporal purgatory for lost souls.

Bethlehem operates under a strict operational framework: its currency is not capital, but “wishes and second chances,” and its primary mandate dictates that residents must “prove their worth” by Christmas Eve to secure their exit. Used to bending environments to her will, Madeline initially treats this metaphysical detour as a logistical error to be managed. However, her aggressive campaign for autonomy inadvertently entangles her with two locals: Ninny Minch, the town’s rigidly proper postmistress, and Savannah Clarke, a widow guarding her secrets with the aloof, watchful wariness of a stray feline.

Note: This review assumes a basic understanding of time-travel tropes but avoids specific spoilers regarding the women’s ultimate fates or the precise nature of their hidden traumas.
Analysis and Evaluation
Themes and Ideas

At its core, the novel examines the anatomy of redemption. Grief in this novel is not presented as a barren landscape, but rather as an overgrown garden requiring careful, deliberate pruning. The narrative dissects the emotional labor required to maintain a community, shifting Madeline from a highly individualized, self-serving protagonist into a collaborative ally.
Characters and Voices

The triad of women forms the novel’s beating heart. Madeline’s evolution from a narcissistic, career-driven soloist to a woman capable of profound empathy is charted with forensic precision. Ninny and Savannah provide vital counterweights. Savannah, in particular, embodies the complexities of middle-aged survival; she is a woman who has built a fortress out of guilt. The developing trust among these three is portrayed as a fragile root system, slowly taking hold in hostile soil.
Plot, Pacing, and Structure

At 598 pages, the novel is undeniably hefty for a holiday-themed book. The pacing, especially in the second act, requires a patient reader. However, the narrative architecture is sound. The town of Bethlehem functions as a closed operational environment—a crucible where the variables of time and consequence are strictly controlled. This structural constraint forces the characters into necessary confrontations.

“A rare blend of immediacy and craft that makes the ordinary feel urgent.”

Style and Craft

Boyle’s prose is both elegant and economical, proving that restraint can illuminate complexity rather than obscure it. She retains her signature wit, but deploys it here as a defense mechanism for her characters. The diction shifts subtly to reflect the blending of Madeline’s modern sensibilities with the 1920s historical backdrop, creating a linguistic tension that mirrors the plot.
Setting and World-Building

Bethlehem is rendered with exquisite sensory detail. The biting Wyoming cold, the scent of woodsmoke, and the claustrophobia of a town that won’t let you leave are palpable. The magical realism is treated as a matter of fact—the “rules” of the town are bureaucratic, inescapable laws of physics within this micro-universe.
Strengths and Limitations

Strengths: The novel’s greatest triumph is its character dynamics. Boyle writes a bold, empathetic perspective that challenges conventional expectations without losing heart. The integration of time-travel mechanics with profound psychological healing is masterfully executed.
Limitations: The sheer volume of the text (nearly 600 pages) occasionally dilutes the narrative tension. Certain mid-book chapters detailing town lore could have been condensed to maintain the suspense of the looming Christmas Eve deadline.
Evidence and Support

Boyle’s method of world-building relies heavily on the psychological state of her protagonists. While exact text quotes are left to the reader’s discovery, the thematic framing is evident in how the town evaluates “worth.” The novel implicitly argues that worth is not an individual metric, but a relational one. Madeline cannot save herself without untangling the systemic lies binding Ninny and Savannah. By applying a lens of relational psychology to the text, it becomes clear that Boyle is arguing for community as a mechanism for survival.

“Craft that sings in the gaps—between what is said and what remains unsaid, between memory and truth.”

Contextual Analysis & Comparisons
Historical and Social Context

Viewing this work from our current vantage point in 2026, the novel reflects the mid-2020s cultural craving for accountability and collective healing. Following years of global isolation and fractured communities, fiction that emphasizes the repair of the social fabric holds distinct resonance.
Comparisons

Marketed for fans of Debbie Macomber, Evie Woods, and Barbara Davis, Boyle’s work sits comfortably in this echelon but brings a sharper, more analytical edge to the magical realism. Where Macomber’s interventions often rely on divine or angelic simplicity, Boyle’s Bethlehem requires grueling emotional labor from its inhabitants. It is a work that not only tells a story but reframes how we talk about its themes.
Suitability and Audience Guidance

Reading Level: Adult.
Content Warnings: Discussions of grief, loss of a spouse, vehicular accidents, and historical misogyny.
Best-Fit Audience: Readers who appreciate slow-burn character studies, complex female friendships, and magical realism grounded in historical settings. It is ideally suited for those who view reading as an immersive, extended experience rather than a quick weekend diversion.

Practical Considerations

Availability: Widely available in Paperback and E-book formats.
Length Expectations: At 598 pages, readers should anticipate a marathon rather than a sprint. The book demands, and rewards, sustained attention.

Conclusion and Verdict

O Little Town of Bethlehem is a triumph of speculative women’s fiction. Elizabeth Boyle has crafted a narrative that operates as both an intimate character study and a broader allegory for how we process guilt and forge alliances in the darkest parts of our lives.

Verdict: Highly recommended for readers who desire depth alongside their holiday magic. It is a drama of language and memory that lingers long after the last page. The novel’s ultimate significance lies in its insistence that salvation is never a solo endeavor; it is a collective achievement.
Supplementary Elements: Buyer’s Guide & Beyond
Discussion Prompts for Book Clubs

How does the town’s “currency of wishes” mirror our modern concepts of emotional debt and forgiveness?
Madeline begins the novel focused on her personal trajectory and career metrics. How does her definition of “success” change by the novel’s climax?
Discuss Savannah’s use of isolation as a protective measure. How does the novel dismantle the idea that we can survive purely on our own resilience?

What to Read Next

The Keeper of Happy Endings by Barbara Davis – For those who appreciated the intersection of historical secrets and magical realism.
The Lost Bookshop by Evie Woods – If the whimsy and systemic rules of Bethlehem appealed to you.
The Midnight Library by Matt Haig – For readers drawn to the themes of second chances and the evaluation of a life’s worth.

“This is a book that invites rereading, revealing new layers with each visit… an invitation to linger, reflect, and revisit—a testament to enduring relevance.”

Rating: ★★★★ 4/5

- Prairie Fox 🦊📖

[Annissa Joy Armstrong · Rating 5 out of 5]

Madeline Drake is an actress. She is expecting to get a big part but she does not and is standing out in the cold on Thanksgiving waiting for a car to take her to the airport. During the ride to the airport, there is an accident and she travels back in time to 1907 to Bethlehem, WY. She will have until Christmas Eve to find herself and to also help Ninny and Savannah too!! This town is very interesting and very quirky!!

This book is about finding yourself, about opening up and finding new friends, love and so much more!! Loved the magical aspect of the book!!

Highly recommend reading this during the holiday season by the fire with some hot chocolate!!

[Cassie’s Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

What an enchanting story that has a dash of magic!
Madeline Drakes life is good well she is about to become a star, until an accident on a snowy road in Wyoming changes everything. Somehow the accident sends her back to the past. She finds herself in a town named Bethlehem she discovers a place that operates by its own set of rules and the oddest gathering of lost souls ever collected. This quirky, small town, with its currency of wishes and second chances, has only one rule—you have until Christmas Eve to prove your worth before you can leave. There’s an issue Madeline doesn’t like rules. begins an out-of-control campaign to get home immediately and regain her modern life. But to her dismay—and then utter amazement—her plans become entwined with that of the town’s proper postmistress, Ninny Minch, and the even more scalding, Savannah Clarke, a widow hiding behind a wall of guilt and grief. Now Madeline must assist these two unlikely women unravel the lies that have left them in knots for decades. Helping anyone other than herself doesn’t come easily to Madeline, but as these fragile new bonds of friendship grow, she finds those threads of trust and acceptance and maybe even change her own life. This is a perfect cozy Christmas story that pulls at your heart and makes you believe in the Christmas spirit!!

[Air · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a breath of holiday air, eggnog, and cozy fireplace type of story! While it has romance sprinkled in for us, the author has centered it more on historical fiction. With our character trying to get back to her own time! She meets the town and makes friends along the way. Less adventure to the future and more settle in the happiness you find in the past. I definitely recommend!

Thank you to the author and Suzy approved book tours!

[vicki · Rating 5 out of 5]

Miss Drake needed a reality check. She got in a wreck and was transported back to 1907. She became a Saloon owner from a movie set she worked on and has to figure out the real meaning of life. As the month goes by will she makes friends and finds her place in the small town?

[Jackie · Rating 1 out of 5]

Too long

There just isn’t enough story in this book for 600+ pages. The characters were not well defined which made the book tedious.
Stopped at about page 150 because I just didn’t have an interest in the storyline or characters after that many pages. That should give you a clue.

[Rob Murray · Rating 5 out of 5]

O Little Town of Bethlehem is a beautifully imagined novel that blends magical realism, historical fiction, and heartfelt holiday storytelling into an unforgettable reading experience. Elizabeth Boyle has crafted a story that goes far beyond seasonal charm, delivering an emotionally rich journey about redemption, friendship, forgiveness, and discovering that sometimes the greatest miracle is becoming the person you were always capable of being.

From its captivating opening, the novel immediately draws readers into an extraordinary premise. Madeline Drake's unexpected journey from modern-day Wyoming to a mysterious town existing a century in the past creates an irresistible sense of wonder. Rather than using time travel simply as a plot device, Boyle transforms it into a powerful opportunity for personal growth, allowing the past to illuminate truths that transcend time itself.

Madeline is a wonderfully layered protagonist. At first, her ambition, impatience, and determination to return to her successful modern life make her both entertaining and believable. Yet beneath her confidence lies vulnerability and emotional uncertainty that gradually emerge as the story unfolds. Watching her evolve from someone focused almost entirely on herself into a woman capable of profound compassion and selflessness is one of the novel's greatest rewards.

The town of Bethlehem is truly magical ot merely because of its unusual rules or its currency of wishes, but because of the remarkable people who call it home. Boyle creates a setting that feels timeless, comforting, and quietly enchanting. Every street, every home, and every resident contributes to an atmosphere filled with warmth, mystery, and hope. Bethlehem becomes far more than a backdrop; it becomes a place readers wish they could visit themselves.

The relationships at the heart of the story are exceptionally well written. Madeline's growing friendships with Ninny Minch and Savannah Clarke provide the emotional foundation of the novel. Each woman carries wounds shaped by regret, grief, and hidden truths, yet their shared journey toward healing unfolds with remarkable authenticity. Their evolving bond beautifully illustrates the transformative power of kindness, trust, and genuine friendship.

One of the novel's greatest strengths is its exploration of second chances. Boyle reminds readers that redemption rarely arrives through grand gestures but often begins with simple acts of compassion, honesty, and forgiveness. Every character is given the opportunity to confront the burdens they carry, making the story emotionally satisfying without ever becoming sentimental.

The historical setting is equally immersive. The contrast between Madeline's modern perspective and the customs of early twentieth-century Bethlehem creates numerous moments of humor, reflection, and emotional insight. Boyle seamlessly blends historical detail with magical realism, allowing both elements to complement one another while maintaining the novel's consistent sense of wonder.

The pacing is impressive, especially given the novel's length. Each chapter deepens the characters, reveals meaningful secrets, or strengthens the emotional connections that drive the story forward. The quieter moments are just as compelling as the dramatic ones, allowing readers to fully appreciate the growth of each relationship before the moving conclusion.

Elizabeth Boyle's writing is graceful, heartfelt, and beautifully descriptive. Her prose captures both the warmth of the holiday season and the complexity of human emotion with equal skill. The dialogue feels genuine, the emotional moments are deeply earned, and the novel's themes of hope, healing, and forgiveness resonate long after the final page.

Overall, O Little Town of Bethlehem is a remarkable novel that successfully combines historical fiction, magical realism, time travel, and heartfelt family drama into a deeply moving story about finding purpose through serving others. It celebrates the enduring power of friendship, the possibility of redemption, and the timeless hope that Christmas represents.

Highly recommended for readers who enjoy emotionally rich historical fiction, uplifting holiday novels, magical realism, and unforgettable stories about second chances, healing, and the enduring strength of the human spirit.

[PlotTrysts · Rating 5 out of 5]

Elizabeth Boyle has been one of my favorite historical romance authors for many years. This is her first "women's fiction" book, and while it's not my genre of choice, I definitely wanted to check it out! I want to begin by saying that for people who like this genre - small town, women's fiction with an emphasis on female friendship and the tiniest hint of romance - this should be a big hit.

I wasn't sure what to expect, since this is so different from the Boyle HistRoms I know and love! I knew it was set in 1907 Bethlehem, Wyoming and focused on women's friendships. I was delighted to discover that it also features a light speculative element of time travel.

The book focuses on three different women: Maddie (who's come back in time), Parithinia, and Savannah. The reader comes to learn that much of the town has been "brought there" by a different character, the way Maddie was. But what do they have in common, and why are they all in the same small frontier town?

The book is on the longer side, but I was honestly never bored. I enjoyed seeing all of the plot threads come together. I also really liked seeing a new side of Boyle: part of what I love about her historical romances is her flamboyant and distinctive prose. Here her writing is just as unique, but it was toned down and Americanized in a way that really worked for the narrative.

I think this will especially appeal to people who like small-town romance and Hallmark movies. This felt like it had a lot of the same elements without the treacley sweetness that can pervade them. While I wouldn't classify myself as a smalltown fan, I thoroughly enjoyed this one - especially with its touch of Boyle magic.

This objective review is based on a complimentary copy of the novel.

[Chelsie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the perfect historical holiday read! Madeline Drakes has been picked up by a driver who is to get her back to the airport. The roads are less than ideal and it seems this man is taking some odd back road route, when off the road they go. She must be in a coma or something as she is in an old saloon and those around her and dressed in period clothing. Unsure of what happened, she just knows she needs to wake up and get back to work. But it is so odd, this place is just like the set of a movie but these people are real and truly believe it is 1907. Bethlehem, Wyoming is what they call this place and she can go back home Christmas Eve after she has proven her worth. But many who have come, have stayed but Christmas Eve cannot come fast enough. She cannot believe this is happening to her yet what else is she to do? As Madeline assimilates herself into the town, she learns about all the quirky characters and and takes a liking to Dobbs. Many are not happy she is here, but just as each one has come before her, there is a reason she's here. Will Madeline be able to find herself again as well as what she is really meant to do? I loved this heartfelt story. I really also enjoyed quite a few of the characters and would to read their full story. I especially enjoyed Miss Clarke, Miss Minch, Badger and Poppy. Thank you to the author for the complementary novel and to Suzy Approved Book Tours for the tour invite. This review is of my own opinion and accord.

[Susan Ballard (subakkabookstuff) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is such a heartwarming, charming, and, yes, magical story.

Madeline Drake is an actress who, as she said, is 𝑑𝑢𝑚𝑝𝑒𝑑, 𝑜𝑢𝑡, ℎ𝑢𝑚𝑖𝑙𝑖𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑑. Immediately, things get strange when she is picked up by an unusual man named Shandy, who is her driver to the airport. Then, they are in an accident on the snowy roads.

Maddie awakens in 1907 in the small town of Bethlehem, Wyoming. It is a town in the past, but it is a collection of lost people who need a second chance. Maddie is stuck there - until Christmas, as the one rule is that you have thirty days to prove your worth before you can leave and go back to your time.

This is a big book—597 pages—yet the author immerses you in this little, quaint town and its spirited residents. There is such warmth and a sense of community here. It could be seen as a historical read, but because these people have been brought here magically, thanks to Shandy, there is something very different at its heart. I loved hearing their stories and seeing their bonds—oh, there is gossip and rivalry, which all adds to the fun.

Memorable characters, Christmas wishes, secrets, and touches of magic make this a lovely story for the season.

Thank you @suzyapprovedbooktours and @elizboyle for a spot on tour and a gifted book.

[Victoria · Rating 5 out of 5]

My goodness this masterpiece grabbed me from beginning and through 500+ pages never let go. The depth to the storyline and backstories was so incredibly thought out and real. I didn’t want it to end. But unfortunately it did. The ending was beautiful and I’ll be thinking of this one for a long time. It dealt with real life tragedies and circumstances and met it with purpose and the support of true friendships and community. *slight spoiler* The lesson that when we step outside of ourselves our light strung together with others’ light can have such a greater impact than just us by ourselves will never be forgotten.

I never thought I’d say this about an almost 600-page novel but, I Want More!! I want the back story to Badger and Wick!! And what those mysterious letters were about Badger would get. I want to know if Madeline and Dobbs ever have that conversation. How do the Bergstroms fair?! And oh to get more of Poppy! Loved her!! And do I dare say, I want to know the who, what, when, where, and why about Shandy.

It was all so good. Just. So good!

[Jean · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fascinating story. I am not usually a fan of historical fiction or time slip stories. This story was just so interesting that I definitely enjoyed it and found it difficult to break away from reading to do anything else! Madeline’s story is so well written. There’s humour and magical moments as the story of each character unfolds. I originally thought that this would be a book about the Bethlehem we think of when we think about the Christmas story. However it is definitely a fantasy place and a story that makes you reevaluate your life and purposes and to look beyond the physical aspects of Christmas to the true meaning of the season through a historical time slip fictional tale. This Bethlehem is described as “A waystation of sorts for lost souls,” and a miraculous place. You find yourself wanting to romp through the book to find out what happens as Christmas approaches but each person and section is so fascinating it’s definitely a warm hug kind of story.

[Nicole (Happily_After_HEAs) · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Elizabeth Boyle asks if you want an ARC of one of her books, you don't refuse. Even when she tells you it's historical fiction, not romance. O Little Town of Bethlehem was WONDERFUL. I needed to know what the heck was going on and how she was going to pull this book off. While it may not be romance, it's still very much the Boyle writing you expect: humor, wit, clever comebacks, human connections, and a bit of magic. It's also a great look at the human experience, love (yes, there's nods to love and romance even if it's not a romance), overcoming the bitter bits of life and embracing the sweet. Boyle does a LOT in this book, but it's also like 600 pages so... but it's a beautiful 600 pages, and I regret nothing. HIGHLY RECOMMEND reading this in December as it takes place from Thanksgiving to Christmas. The book follows the residents of a small town in 1907 Wyoming, focusing on 3 women ready for a change.

[Theresa Sandifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am not sure why I think this book is odd - perhaps because it doesn’t fit any genre I can think of. It isn’t literary fiction, or women’s fiction or romance, although it has elements from each of them. But it also is fantasy and mystery and cozy. And, it was 604 pages long. I will leave it at that.
The characters make the book, as does the setting. The people of Bethlehem, Wyoming are a mixed bunch, all brought there from different times and places. But they are real - brought to life by the author in a way I didn’t think possible. I wanted more before I was even finished. As I neared the end I knew what Madeline would choose, because otherwise it would be devastating to everyone, especially the readers.
I truly loved this book although I know most people will think it just ok, or a good read but nothing earth shattering. For me it is one of those books I will think about often in the future and smile happily at the memory.

[Portegiesje · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is by far one of my favorite books I read this year.

It's completely different from the author's previous books - which I've read and loved - but don't let that stop you from picking this one up.

It's at the same time a big book and fast-paced. Things aren't solved within the blink of an eye; indeed some of the struggles Maddie faces last quite a while. And honestly, if you were to put yourself in her shoes, it would take you a while to adjust too.

There are a lot of different characters, and while we don't get to know every single one of their complete backgrounds, you do grow to understand many. There are those to love and those to loathe, and it actually left me craving more from this world!

A large amount of research must have went into the background of the town, the era it's set in, and the situation. It doesn't gloss over the hard truths and facts, but honors them in a way that I very much appreciated.

[Miss W Book Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

O Little Town of Bethlehem by Elizabeth Boyle is such a beautiful novel that I absolutely enjoyed every minute of.

I have enjoyed many of the authors historical romance novels. I was excited to read the authors first womens fiction book. Though, it's more than just one thing. Think womens fiction, friendship fiction, and sprinkles of history and romance. A little bit time slip/speculative fiction makes this a fantastic book not confined to one genre.

The story takes place in 1907 in the town of Bethlehem, Wyoming.

There are three Maine characters, Maddie, Parithinia, and Savanah.

The characters are well written, fleshed out and developed.

I loved learning about these women and how their stories intertwined.

This book is on the longer side, and I savored every moment.

Highly recommend this wonderful story of a different town of Bethlehem than you might think.

[David Dunlap · Rating 5 out of 5]

On the eve of Thanksgiving, TV star Madeline Drake discovers that her plans for her big movie breakthrough have collapsed. Angry and hurt, she is eager to get back to California -- but dismayed that the only ride to the airport that she can take is in a pickup truck with a geezer named Shandy and a rather forlorn dog. Things go from bad to worse when there is an accident...and Madeline awakes to discover that she is in 1907 Wyoming, in a town named Bethlehem, all uncannily like the set for her TV series (where she plays a saloon keeper). How will she get home, back to 'reality' and her life? -- This is a splendid book, filled with vividly-drawn and likeable characters (especially the postmistress Parathinia ['Ninny'] Minch, sisters Savannah and Inola, and Sheriff Wick Fischer) and laced with a dollop of humor. It is, admittedly, a long story -- but one I ended with genuine regret... Highly recommended!