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One Holy Night
This is the out-of-print edition. The new, revised edition, ISBN 978-1-936438-24-2, releases October 1, 2013.
272 pages, Paperback
First published April 1, 2008
43 people are currently reading
75 people want to read
About the author
J.M. Hochstetler
11 books91 followersI am the daughter of Mennonite farmers and grew up in central Indiana. I am a publisher, professional editor, award-winning author, and proud member of Daughters of the American Revolution. My American Patriot Series is the only comprehensive historical fiction series on the American Revolution. The Northkill Amish Series, coauthored with Bob Hostetler, is closely based on the story of our Hochstetler ancestors, who came to this country in 1738 seeking religious freedom, only to be caught up in the savage clashes of the French and Indian War. Book 1, Northkill won Foreword Magazine's 2014 Indie Bronze Award for historical fiction. Book 2, The Return, won the Interviews and Reviews 2017 Silver Award for historical fiction and was chosen as one of Shelf Unbound's 2018 Notable Indie Books. One Holy Night, a modern-day nativity story, was selected as Christian Small Publishers 2009 Book of the Year.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
March 11, 2017
One Holy Night by J. M. Hochstetler
One Holy Night could be called a modern-day retelling of the nativity story set in 1967 Shepherdsville, Minnesota. This story takes the reader on an emotional roller-coaster ride, it brought me to tears as I read—so you may want to have tissues near. I wasn't sure I was going to like the book when I first started it but as I got into the story I became engrossed into the lives of the characters as I turned the pages. The McRae family were facing some tough challenges at home and with a loved one far away in harms way in Viet Nam. As a retired Oncology RN I wanted to help Julie care for her mother, Maggie, as she battled the cancer raging through her body. And at the same time I wanted to give her father, Frank, a piece of my mind about a few things, but he was struggling with his own battles—old battles and bitterness/anger as well as new. There are twists and turns and surprises that I had not seen coming and one scene that I wanted to stop from happening, but couldn't of course. I cried as the scene unfolded and hoped things would change. Ah, the ending was everything I had hoped and more!...happy sigh. I appreciate the inspirational elements woven within the storyline culminating in the miraculous birth of a very special baby—not saying more, don't want to spoil it. With deep emotional—heart-wrenching at times—scenes, One Holy Night is an inspiring story of faith, forgiveness, love, hope and God's grace.
~I won a copy of the book from the author, (no monetary gain were exchanged), I was not required to give a review, this is my honest review~
One Holy Night could be called a modern-day retelling of the nativity story set in 1967 Shepherdsville, Minnesota. This story takes the reader on an emotional roller-coaster ride, it brought me to tears as I read—so you may want to have tissues near. I wasn't sure I was going to like the book when I first started it but as I got into the story I became engrossed into the lives of the characters as I turned the pages. The McRae family were facing some tough challenges at home and with a loved one far away in harms way in Viet Nam. As a retired Oncology RN I wanted to help Julie care for her mother, Maggie, as she battled the cancer raging through her body. And at the same time I wanted to give her father, Frank, a piece of my mind about a few things, but he was struggling with his own battles—old battles and bitterness/anger as well as new. There are twists and turns and surprises that I had not seen coming and one scene that I wanted to stop from happening, but couldn't of course. I cried as the scene unfolded and hoped things would change. Ah, the ending was everything I had hoped and more!...happy sigh. I appreciate the inspirational elements woven within the storyline culminating in the miraculous birth of a very special baby—not saying more, don't want to spoil it. With deep emotional—heart-wrenching at times—scenes, One Holy Night is an inspiring story of faith, forgiveness, love, hope and God's grace.
~I won a copy of the book from the author, (no monetary gain were exchanged), I was not required to give a review, this is my honest review~
March 3, 2009
Will One Holy Night make a difference in one anger, bitter man's life? What will it take to bring Frank McRae to forgive those that have done him and those he loved wrong. Frank finds himself bitter and very hateful of any Asian person that comes across his path. He saw alot while fighting in WWII, more than he wishes and the memories seem to be like open wounds in his mind. The atrocities of war; purposeless killing and senseless dying brings Frank to a hatred of any Asian and they don't have to be Japanese. Frank finds his relationship with his son, Mike, not to be the best especially when Mike joins the Army and sent to Viet Nam. Frank, like many others, isn't too sure if this war is justified for the US to be involved in. Things get even worse between father and son when Mike takes a Vietnamese girl to be his wife. Frank tries to bargain with God once his wife has a relates with cancer. If God will heal his wife, Maggie, then he would serve Him. However, God is sovereign and knows what is best even when we think we have it all together. We can shake our fist at God but His existence doesn't depend on what we believe. Finally, it takes a monstrous act on his part for God to get his attention. Will Frank be able to ever see that all things work together for good? Will he be able to truly say as Job, "The Lord giveth and the Lord taketh away. Blessed be the name of the Lord." This book is a tear jerker in some spots so you may need a tissue handy. I haven't read a tear jerker in a while.
May 15, 2010
The Viet Nam conflict is in full swing, but Frank McRae still lives in the past, tormented by his nightmares of fighting the Japanese in WWII. Even worse, Frank's family is being torn apart. His wife Maggie, the love of his life, is being tortured by ovarian cancer. The thought of losing her is devastating and he urges her to continue the fight. His son, Mike, goes off to Viet Nam, where God knows what could happen to him. Actually, Frank knows all too well.
When Frank learns that Mike has fallen in love with Thi Nhuong, despite Maggie's pleas and his daughter Julie's urging, Frank disowns his son. If there is a God, where is He? How could he let such horrible things happen?
I have never read a book quite like One Holy Night. This modern-day retelling of the nativity story set in Minnesota in 1967, finds a family that is torn apart by the war, disease, and suffering brought together again by the miraculous birth of a baby.
This is a deeply emotional, heart-wrenching book. I have never cried so much while reading as I did with One Holy Night. And yet, it is such an inspiring story of hope and how God's grace touches all of us, that you can't help but feel uplifted by the time you're done reading it--which certainly won't take you long because you'll never be able to put it down once you start.
One Holy Night is destined to become a Christmas classic as moving as Max Lucado's The Christmas Child. This book would also be wonderful on film.
If you want to experience the true meaning of Christmas, buy this book. I can't recommend it highly enough. Joan Hochstetler has gained a fan for life!
When Frank learns that Mike has fallen in love with Thi Nhuong, despite Maggie's pleas and his daughter Julie's urging, Frank disowns his son. If there is a God, where is He? How could he let such horrible things happen?
I have never read a book quite like One Holy Night. This modern-day retelling of the nativity story set in Minnesota in 1967, finds a family that is torn apart by the war, disease, and suffering brought together again by the miraculous birth of a baby.
This is a deeply emotional, heart-wrenching book. I have never cried so much while reading as I did with One Holy Night. And yet, it is such an inspiring story of hope and how God's grace touches all of us, that you can't help but feel uplifted by the time you're done reading it--which certainly won't take you long because you'll never be able to put it down once you start.
One Holy Night is destined to become a Christmas classic as moving as Max Lucado's The Christmas Child. This book would also be wonderful on film.
If you want to experience the true meaning of Christmas, buy this book. I can't recommend it highly enough. Joan Hochstetler has gained a fan for life!
November 18, 2009
The year is 1967. Shepherdsville, Minnesota is where Frank McRae and his family lived. The war in Viet Nam is about to cause a huge rift between Frank and his son, Mike. Mike goes off to war.
Back home, Frank has a lot on his mind with worrying about his son and caring for his wife, Maggie. Maggie is fighting her own war. She has cancer. She puts her trust in God.
Mike falls in love with a Vietnamese woman named Thi Nhuong. When Mike’s father learns that he is married, he goes into a rage. As if marrying a Vietnamese was bad enough, Thi Nhuong is also a Buddhist. Frank has a big issue with Mike marrying Thi Nhuong. Frank still holds a grudge against the Japanese, from back when he fought in the south Pacific during WWII.
Frank receives an upheaval when both Maggie and Mike die. Can Frank forgive and forget when Thi Nhuong shows up at his door step…pregnant.
I really liked this book. I almost finished it in one sitting. The characters were engaging and interesting. I felt bad for Frank. His rock, Maggie had just passed way, leaving Frank to fend for himself. It is easier to hold a grudge then it is to forgive. This was the plot of the story. Through, Mike has gone to war; I got to know him through the letter he wrote. I thought One Holy Night was a good book. Would read more by this author.
Back home, Frank has a lot on his mind with worrying about his son and caring for his wife, Maggie. Maggie is fighting her own war. She has cancer. She puts her trust in God.
Mike falls in love with a Vietnamese woman named Thi Nhuong. When Mike’s father learns that he is married, he goes into a rage. As if marrying a Vietnamese was bad enough, Thi Nhuong is also a Buddhist. Frank has a big issue with Mike marrying Thi Nhuong. Frank still holds a grudge against the Japanese, from back when he fought in the south Pacific during WWII.
Frank receives an upheaval when both Maggie and Mike die. Can Frank forgive and forget when Thi Nhuong shows up at his door step…pregnant.
I really liked this book. I almost finished it in one sitting. The characters were engaging and interesting. I felt bad for Frank. His rock, Maggie had just passed way, leaving Frank to fend for himself. It is easier to hold a grudge then it is to forgive. This was the plot of the story. Through, Mike has gone to war; I got to know him through the letter he wrote. I thought One Holy Night was a good book. Would read more by this author.
December 20, 2011
Bigotry. Abandonment. Fighting a cancer battle. Divorce. Betrayal. Unforgiveness. Bargaining with God. What type of ground is the “bargain-hunter’s” faith built on?
One can almost get to know some of the main characters as though they were a part of one’s own life.
While Mike is in Vietnam during the war, his mother, Maggie is fighting a battle of her own – the battle of survival – from ovarian cancer. Neighbor Olivia has a struggle as well.
How does one trust God when their lives appear to be falling apart and it feels as though He’s not listening?
Being around Christian speak for a length of time, you can pick up the jargon as most Christians seem to be hard-wired to respond with identical or close to identical verbal responses. (ie. planting a seed, “they rejoiced,” and “Be faithful and leave the response to “God.”) I wonder what would happen if someone actually responded a bit differently.
There’s much sorrow in this book to which Christian platitudes are often given and with Dan and Julie being the quintessential Christian couple – especially Dan, they pretty much seem to have the “correct” Christian response.
Good story. Good character-building.
One can almost get to know some of the main characters as though they were a part of one’s own life.
While Mike is in Vietnam during the war, his mother, Maggie is fighting a battle of her own – the battle of survival – from ovarian cancer. Neighbor Olivia has a struggle as well.
How does one trust God when their lives appear to be falling apart and it feels as though He’s not listening?
Being around Christian speak for a length of time, you can pick up the jargon as most Christians seem to be hard-wired to respond with identical or close to identical verbal responses. (ie. planting a seed, “they rejoiced,” and “Be faithful and leave the response to “God.”) I wonder what would happen if someone actually responded a bit differently.
There’s much sorrow in this book to which Christian platitudes are often given and with Dan and Julie being the quintessential Christian couple – especially Dan, they pretty much seem to have the “correct” Christian response.
Good story. Good character-building.
Read
October 23, 2017My contemporary novel, One Holy Night, was named the 2009 Christian Small Publishers Book of the Year in its original edition. It releases in a new edition in October 2013. Kim Ford writes in her review posted on the Window to My World blog: "Within its pages you will discover the most beautiful modern-day essence of Christ’s nativity, mercy, and grace you’ve read in a very long while."
January 5, 2010
A sweet story, although slow to start and somewhat predictable. A moving story of the importance of forgiveness and the necessity of not harboring bitterness.
February 1, 2026
The time is December 1966. Mike is leaving for Vietnam. Frank and Maggie his parents are with him. As well as his sister, Julie and her husband, Dan. The story takes place during this time as Maggie battles cancer. Frank fought in WWII and has held bitterness against Asian people. He isn't happy that Mike is fighting over there. Dan is a pastor. When Mike marries a Vietnamese girl, Frank disowns him. Maggie, Julie and Dan try to convince him that he needs to forgive. There are neighbors and other friends. It got a bit confusing to keep up with all the characters and what was going on in their lives. Good book. Just seemed like there were too many side stories.
December 10, 2017
Excellent Message for Christmas rand Beyond!
This book was a wonderful mix - love, drama and a true Christian message. This is why I read Christian Fiction. I feel encouraged spiritually, and can more carefully guard my heart. Looking forward to reading more books by JM Hockstetler!
This book was a wonderful mix - love, drama and a true Christian message. This is why I read Christian Fiction. I feel encouraged spiritually, and can more carefully guard my heart. Looking forward to reading more books by JM Hockstetler!
November 11, 2025
Emotional, tear-jerker
Wow...what a raw and emotional ride. This inspiring book was definitely a tear-jerker. The characters were great, and it was well-written. I loved how sweetly faith and Scripture was woven into the story. I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys a faith-filled story. Lots of great life advice to be found on the pages of this book.
Wow...what a raw and emotional ride. This inspiring book was definitely a tear-jerker. The characters were great, and it was well-written. I loved how sweetly faith and Scripture was woven into the story. I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys a faith-filled story. Lots of great life advice to be found on the pages of this book.
September 19, 2023
What I truly most loved about this book was its sweet surprise ending. So dear and so touching.
The story is set in the Viet Nam Era in which I grew up. So not difficult to relate to what was happening in the world and among this family and their friends.
The story is set in the Viet Nam Era in which I grew up. So not difficult to relate to what was happening in the world and among this family and their friends.
November 29, 2025
A beautiful, poignant read. So much heartbreak, but so much joy.
December 3, 2025
Emotional
Usually books don't bother me because they're stories. This is one you won't want to skip a single word. It had me in tears several times.
Usually books don't bother me because they're stories. This is one you won't want to skip a single word. It had me in tears several times.
December 22, 2025
Good for renewal of faith although sad. I am sure many household experienced similar back during the Viet Nam war.
November 1, 2013
The Title Says It All - One Holy Night!
This is one book you don’t want to miss. The emotional ride that this author takes you through is one you won’t soon forget. The setting of this book is 1967 during the Viet Nam War.
The characters in this story are unforgettable. Frank McRae is struggling with his faith in God. Why would a loving God put him through this much pain? Where is God when he needs him?
Frank has a lot of pain, anger, bitterness, and unforgiveness bottled up inside of him. Can his wife Maggie help him to let it go? Can God work a miracle in Frank’s life after Frank does something that I can only describe as detestable?
As this story unfolds and holds the reader spellbound we find that God is truly at work in each character’s life. They experience the joys of life, the pains of life, the heartache of a broken marriage, a terminal illness and a miracle waiting to happen.
I broke down and cried at the end of this book. The sadness, the pain, the bottled up anger, and then the miracle.
This is the first book that I have read by J.M. Hochstetler. I’m looking forward to reading more of her books.
This is one book you don’t want to miss. The emotional ride that this author takes you through is one you won’t soon forget. The setting of this book is 1967 during the Viet Nam War.
The characters in this story are unforgettable. Frank McRae is struggling with his faith in God. Why would a loving God put him through this much pain? Where is God when he needs him?
Frank has a lot of pain, anger, bitterness, and unforgiveness bottled up inside of him. Can his wife Maggie help him to let it go? Can God work a miracle in Frank’s life after Frank does something that I can only describe as detestable?
As this story unfolds and holds the reader spellbound we find that God is truly at work in each character’s life. They experience the joys of life, the pains of life, the heartache of a broken marriage, a terminal illness and a miracle waiting to happen.
I broke down and cried at the end of this book. The sadness, the pain, the bottled up anger, and then the miracle.
This is the first book that I have read by J.M. Hochstetler. I’m looking forward to reading more of her books.
August 2, 2014
I have read this on the Kindle there seems to have been a problem as some words was replaces with 3/4 sign But below is my review
This book was such a read i needed a tissue close in parts it was about a family a son who has gone to fight in the Vietnam war while his mother is fighting Cancer
It was well written & told the story of family & friends & their faith or lack of it in some cases you have a sister who married to a Pastor, the father who is bitter from WW2 & the Japanese & all Asians then the Son who marries a Vietnamese girl
I think i sort of guess what will happen but was not sure, reading it I did have tears running down my face i the sort who have tears at the soppy films as well
I got this when it was on offer & had not read it when i got it but now i have i would recommend this strongly as a good read not my normal read but certainly well worth it
This book was such a read i needed a tissue close in parts it was about a family a son who has gone to fight in the Vietnam war while his mother is fighting Cancer
It was well written & told the story of family & friends & their faith or lack of it in some cases you have a sister who married to a Pastor, the father who is bitter from WW2 & the Japanese & all Asians then the Son who marries a Vietnamese girl
I think i sort of guess what will happen but was not sure, reading it I did have tears running down my face i the sort who have tears at the soppy films as well
I got this when it was on offer & had not read it when i got it but now i have i would recommend this strongly as a good read not my normal read but certainly well worth it
December 13, 2013
One Holy Night is about a family during the 1967 Vietman War era. Frank McRae witnesses horrible things in the South Pacific during World War II and becomes to dislike all Asians. His wife, Maggie, is fighting a battle with cancer. His son, Mike, is in Vietnam, falls in love with a young Vietnamese girl and marries her. Frank becomes livid and refuses to have anything else to do with Mike Then tragedy strikes before Christmas. What will happen when a baby is born on Christmas?
This is such a heart wrenching story. If you read this book, be prepared to have your tissues ready. I thought this was a great story! Such a powerful message at the end. I would definitely recommend this wonderful Christmas story. 5 stars.
This is such a heart wrenching story. If you read this book, be prepared to have your tissues ready. I thought this was a great story! Such a powerful message at the end. I would definitely recommend this wonderful Christmas story. 5 stars.
November 24, 2014
This is a story of a family in Minnesota in a time of crisis. Maggie and Frank McRae have two adult children Julie and Mike. Maggie is fighting cancer. Mike is heading for Viet Nam in 1967. Frank is making deals with God if God will heal Maggie, Frank will dedicate his life to God’s service. Julie is married to Dan, a pastor and has one child a daughter, Amy. The story includes family friends, Olivia, Terry and his wife Angie, and finally Mike’s Vietnamese wife Thi Nhuong and her and Mike’s son. The most emotional part of the story takes place between July and Christmas.
March 10, 2015
Good book. I was in tears several times as it brought back memories of my mom being so sick and passing away at the young age of 55. Good Christian book.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews