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Christmas Hope #7
The Christmas Light
In the small town of Grandon, five very different people discover the true meaning of Christmas. Jennifer and Ryan are both single parents, struggling with their own losses and heartache as they attempt to move forward in the present while still holding onto the memories, joy, and heartache of the past.
Sixteen-year-old Kaylee is faced with a life-changing situation that has affected her whole family. Stephen and Lily are happily married and ready to start a family. All of them are facing their own struggles, and all are finding their way through the dark. When they are brought together for a rather unconventional church Nativity, they will learn that with strength, courage, and love, there is always hope.
The New York Times bestselling author of the beloved The Christmas Hope series returns with this new heartwarming, inspirational story about the power of love and faith to reveal the possibilities that lay right in front of you.
Sixteen-year-old Kaylee is faced with a life-changing situation that has affected her whole family. Stephen and Lily are happily married and ready to start a family. All of them are facing their own struggles, and all are finding their way through the dark. When they are brought together for a rather unconventional church Nativity, they will learn that with strength, courage, and love, there is always hope.
The New York Times bestselling author of the beloved The Christmas Hope series returns with this new heartwarming, inspirational story about the power of love and faith to reveal the possibilities that lay right in front of you.
224 pages, Hardcover
First published October 14, 2014
58 people are currently reading
2540 people want to read
About the author
Donna VanLiere
78 books1,341 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 391 reviews
December 19, 2022
There are two ways of spreading light: to be the candle or the mirror that reflects it. ~ Edith Wharton
It's Christmastime in Grandon and someone needs to take over the church Nativity program. Gloria and Miriam find themselves in the driver's seat and we get to enjoy their friendly banter as they recruit the people they need for all the parts and set construction. If you like the book The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, you will also love the Ramsey triplets and their twist on the message of the angels. On the subject of angels, a little girl named Avery has an angel doll that was given to her by a mysterious stranger after she was in a car accident. Her mother Jennifer is trying to find out who helped them that night. There is also a teen mother making a tough decision and a divorced dad who has been in the dark about where he and daughter Sofia should live. See them all come into the light during this seventh installment in the Christmas Hope series. I'll leave you with a significant quote from the Nativity program: "Listen to me!" the Angel of the Lord shouts. "The baby of all babies has been born!"
It's Christmastime in Grandon and someone needs to take over the church Nativity program. Gloria and Miriam find themselves in the driver's seat and we get to enjoy their friendly banter as they recruit the people they need for all the parts and set construction. If you like the book The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, you will also love the Ramsey triplets and their twist on the message of the angels. On the subject of angels, a little girl named Avery has an angel doll that was given to her by a mysterious stranger after she was in a car accident. Her mother Jennifer is trying to find out who helped them that night. There is also a teen mother making a tough decision and a divorced dad who has been in the dark about where he and daughter Sofia should live. See them all come into the light during this seventh installment in the Christmas Hope series. I'll leave you with a significant quote from the Nativity program: "Listen to me!" the Angel of the Lord shouts. "The baby of all babies has been born!"
December 18, 2021
I always try to read a Christmas novel by Donna VanLiere each year. This year the Author didn't write a new Christmas book so I read the Christmas Light. I read the audio of this book and I loved that the author narrated it. There was a lot of characters in this novel and each one had their own challenges. There was a young widow and her six year old daughter who had grieved the loss of her father deep in her heart. A young father has troubles excepting that his wife divorced him because of another man. A teenage girl finds herself pregnant and wonders what the future holds for her. A man and woman haven't been able to have children and apply for adoption. Gloria and Marian find themselves heading up the Nativity play at the local church. All these different characters come together to help get this play together. I thought the story was Christmassy and didn't disappoint this reader. Well written with a beautiful ending.
I recommend to readers of clean read fiction and fans of the Author. Readers who enjoy Christmas books will like this book.
I borrowed an audio copy from Hoopla library. A review was not requested. All opinions expressed here are my own.
I recommend to readers of clean read fiction and fans of the Author. Readers who enjoy Christmas books will like this book.
I borrowed an audio copy from Hoopla library. A review was not requested. All opinions expressed here are my own.
October 8, 2014
I firmly believe that you shouldn’t go through a Christmas season without reading something from Donna Van Liere. Her books are short and sweet, with a light romance. They’re clean, and always bring people together in unexpected ways. Small little connections turn into big ones, and heartstrings are always pulled. I’ve yet to make it through one of her books without tears.
I’ve read (and enjoyed) almost everything Van Liere has written. My momma has, too, and she’s not even a big reader. This book has characters and connections from her other Christmas books, but it’s been so long since I’ve read them, that I didn’t recognize everyone like I would have liked. That means I need to spend this Christmas catching up with some re-reads!
In this particular story, the focus is mainly on 4 groups of people, though we DO get to know many more, both old and new. Jennifer has a 6 year old daughter that can’t move past her dad’s death. Ryan and his daughter are looking for a new place to live, while still learning to deal with his divorce. There’s also Kaylee, who is pregnant at 16, and feeling guilty at the changes happening to her family. Stephen and Lily befriend Kaylee and try to cheer her up with all jokes, but she soon learns that the have their own heartbreak happening.
I can easily recommend this book. Add it to your Christmas line-up, for sure!
I’ve read (and enjoyed) almost everything Van Liere has written. My momma has, too, and she’s not even a big reader. This book has characters and connections from her other Christmas books, but it’s been so long since I’ve read them, that I didn’t recognize everyone like I would have liked. That means I need to spend this Christmas catching up with some re-reads!
In this particular story, the focus is mainly on 4 groups of people, though we DO get to know many more, both old and new. Jennifer has a 6 year old daughter that can’t move past her dad’s death. Ryan and his daughter are looking for a new place to live, while still learning to deal with his divorce. There’s also Kaylee, who is pregnant at 16, and feeling guilty at the changes happening to her family. Stephen and Lily befriend Kaylee and try to cheer her up with all jokes, but she soon learns that the have their own heartbreak happening.
I can easily recommend this book. Add it to your Christmas line-up, for sure!
December 9, 2018
Heart warming Christmas story. Miriam and Gloria add just the right amount of comedy. Their banter is lots of fun.
February 10, 2017
Reviewed for THC Reviews
"4.5 stars" The Christmas Light is another heartwarming, holiday read from Donna VanLiere in her Christmas Hope series. Once again, we get to visit with some of the residents of the little town of Grandon, where everyone pulls together to help their neighbors and where the residents know how to spread the spirit of Christmas. While most of the previous books in the series followed perhaps two or three major characters with the other townspeople in supporting roles, this book has more of an ensemble cast. The stories of several characters are interwoven together, surrounding preparations for the upcoming Nativity pageant put on by a local church. Because there are so many characters, we don’t get to know them on quite as deep of a level as some of the past characters in the series, but they’re all still likable people who I’d love to have as neighbors.
First, we have Jennifer and her daughter, Avery. Jen is still working through the loss of her husband three and a half years earlier, while Avery has never truly made peace with her father’s death. These two seem to be walking through life in a blur, putting one foot in front of the other, but not really living until they finally find that “magical” breakthrough each of them needs to put the past to rest. Enter Ryan and his daughter, Sophia, who is the same age as Avery. Ryan is the nephew of Gloria Wilson, and he went through a painful divorce after his wife left him. He and Sophia are getting along fine now, and he comes to town, checking into a new job opportunity. However, he’s trying to choose between the job that is close to his aunt and another one that is four hours away. There’s a touch of romance between Ryan and Jen and a serendipitous connection that helps Jen in her quest for peace.
Then, there’s Kaylee, a pregnant, unwed teen, whose parent’s are planning on moving soon. She worries about what the future holds for her and her child. She meets Lily, a social worker, who’s the now-grown daughter of Robert Layton (The Christmas Shoes), and her husband, Stephen. They’re a sweet couple who desperately want a child of their own, but haven’t been able to have one. A little divine nudge and a Christmas Eve surprise brings them all the peace they’ve been searching for.
Finally, the glue that holds this bunch together are best friends, Gloria and Miriam (The Christmas Promise). After the director of the upcoming Nativity pageant unexpectedly steps down, they’re tasked with putting on the play. It’s a humorous, raucous affair that nearly gives perfectionist Miriam an aneurysm. But in the end, it’s a blessing to all.
One reason I knocked off the half-star was because The Christmas Light was more predictable than some of the others in the series, so perhaps not quite as engaging to me. The other is that the author wrote the entire book in third-person, present-tense, which is a very unusual style choice. I believe this is the first book I’ve read that was written in this style, which made it a little more difficult for me to get into. I checked and it appears that all the previous books were written in either first-person or third-person, past-tense. Either these, or first-person, present-tense, are much more common writing styles, so it makes me wonder why the author chose to write it this way, when it’s inconsistent with her other books. Overall, it wasn’t too bad, though, and as usual, the story was sweet and heartfelt, with a little inspiration on the side. The Christmas Light was the perfect compliment to this holiday season. I always enjoy my imaginary trips to Grandon and look forward to going back with the next book of the series, The Christmas Town.
"4.5 stars" The Christmas Light is another heartwarming, holiday read from Donna VanLiere in her Christmas Hope series. Once again, we get to visit with some of the residents of the little town of Grandon, where everyone pulls together to help their neighbors and where the residents know how to spread the spirit of Christmas. While most of the previous books in the series followed perhaps two or three major characters with the other townspeople in supporting roles, this book has more of an ensemble cast. The stories of several characters are interwoven together, surrounding preparations for the upcoming Nativity pageant put on by a local church. Because there are so many characters, we don’t get to know them on quite as deep of a level as some of the past characters in the series, but they’re all still likable people who I’d love to have as neighbors.
First, we have Jennifer and her daughter, Avery. Jen is still working through the loss of her husband three and a half years earlier, while Avery has never truly made peace with her father’s death. These two seem to be walking through life in a blur, putting one foot in front of the other, but not really living until they finally find that “magical” breakthrough each of them needs to put the past to rest. Enter Ryan and his daughter, Sophia, who is the same age as Avery. Ryan is the nephew of Gloria Wilson, and he went through a painful divorce after his wife left him. He and Sophia are getting along fine now, and he comes to town, checking into a new job opportunity. However, he’s trying to choose between the job that is close to his aunt and another one that is four hours away. There’s a touch of romance between Ryan and Jen and a serendipitous connection that helps Jen in her quest for peace.
Then, there’s Kaylee, a pregnant, unwed teen, whose parent’s are planning on moving soon. She worries about what the future holds for her and her child. She meets Lily, a social worker, who’s the now-grown daughter of Robert Layton (The Christmas Shoes), and her husband, Stephen. They’re a sweet couple who desperately want a child of their own, but haven’t been able to have one. A little divine nudge and a Christmas Eve surprise brings them all the peace they’ve been searching for.
Finally, the glue that holds this bunch together are best friends, Gloria and Miriam (The Christmas Promise). After the director of the upcoming Nativity pageant unexpectedly steps down, they’re tasked with putting on the play. It’s a humorous, raucous affair that nearly gives perfectionist Miriam an aneurysm. But in the end, it’s a blessing to all.
One reason I knocked off the half-star was because The Christmas Light was more predictable than some of the others in the series, so perhaps not quite as engaging to me. The other is that the author wrote the entire book in third-person, present-tense, which is a very unusual style choice. I believe this is the first book I’ve read that was written in this style, which made it a little more difficult for me to get into. I checked and it appears that all the previous books were written in either first-person or third-person, past-tense. Either these, or first-person, present-tense, are much more common writing styles, so it makes me wonder why the author chose to write it this way, when it’s inconsistent with her other books. Overall, it wasn’t too bad, though, and as usual, the story was sweet and heartfelt, with a little inspiration on the side. The Christmas Light was the perfect compliment to this holiday season. I always enjoy my imaginary trips to Grandon and look forward to going back with the next book of the series, The Christmas Town.
December 22, 2017
I thought this was okay. The first book in this series was magical but not this one.
September 19, 2022
This one is adorable and tackles grief and loss from a child's perspective. And I continue to adore Gloria and Miriam's friendship and banter!
January 13, 2024
Story about love, light and hope, but I've expected much more.
December 21, 2025
What a joy to read a story celebrating “the baby of all babies” being born. I loved hearing about how Miriam and Gloria planned the Christmas nativity play. Aside from that this book was filled with the grief and sorrow that sometimes happens at Christmas, but that the greatest reminder of all is that Jesus is there for our joy. This book made me laugh out loud, but it also made me cry tears of sadness and joy! It was marvelous!!
December 19, 2023
The book version of a Hallmark movie.
The writing was cheesy, and the story was predictable. But, cheesy and predictable can be fun every now and then.
This was an easy, fun read for my Christmas break.
The writing was cheesy, and the story was predictable. But, cheesy and predictable can be fun every now and then.
This was an easy, fun read for my Christmas break.
December 24, 2019
This was my 5th time reading a book by Donna and she is definitely my favorite Christian Christmas Book Author!!
This story surrounded a widow named Jennifer who lost her husband 3 years ago from a sudden heart attack and about a divorcee Ryan whose ex wife left him for another man and through the story we learn about a connection they both have to each other going back 3 years that they themselves didn't even know about.
I wish I could of rated this book 10 stars cause it was so good!! Can't wait to read more by Donna in the future!!
This story surrounded a widow named Jennifer who lost her husband 3 years ago from a sudden heart attack and about a divorcee Ryan whose ex wife left him for another man and through the story we learn about a connection they both have to each other going back 3 years that they themselves didn't even know about.
I wish I could of rated this book 10 stars cause it was so good!! Can't wait to read more by Donna in the future!!
December 30, 2019
Well, dang. I’m metaphorically inserting my foot into my mouth on this one, as I originally blasted myself on Instagram for even picking up this book...as if I were pandering to the lowest common denominator of holiday book fluff. And here I am at the end, actually having cried genuine tears and holding the book to my chest in satisfaction. It was endearing and beautiful and heartwarming and the best Christmas-centric “fluff” I’ve read in a long time. Thoroughly enjoyed.
October 10, 2021
The author must have been a fan of The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, because the Nativity pageant scenes in this book feel like copycats. One of the biggest flaws in the writing is the dialogue of the 6 year old girls. They speak like they are 36. After reading the forward and the first few pages, you basically know what is going to happen throughout the entire story. Predictable and dull.
November 18, 2015
This is the first book I read by Donna VanLiere and I enjoyed it. It was a bit confusing jumping back and forth to the different stories. Was neat how it all came together, tho.
January 13, 2022
Cute story
January 1, 2015
SUMMARY: In the small town of Grandon, five very different people discover the true meaning of Christmas. Jennifer and Ryan are both single parents, struggling with their own losses and heartache as they attempt to move forward in the present while still holding onto the memories, joy, and heartache of the past. Sixteen-year-old Kaylee is faced with a life-changing situation that has affected her whole family. Stephen and Lily are happily married and ready to start a family. All of them are facing their own struggles, and all are finding their way through the dark. When they are brought together for a rather unconventional church Nativity, they will learn that with strength, courage, and love, there is always hope. The New York Times bestselling author of the beloved The Christmas Hope series returns with this new heartwarming, inspirational story about the power of love and faith to reveal the possibilities that lay right in front of you.
REVIEW: Filled with characters who are each battling problems at Christmas time, Van Liere has once again penned a Christmas novel that provides laughter, tears, joy and the true meaning of Christmas. A quick easy read with an interesting story line, each of the main characters intersects one another while assisting Gloria and Miriam to put on the annual Christmas Nativity. Little did they know that they would each help one another find hope and solutions.
I loved the bantering relationship between Gloria and Miriam and they provide laughter throughout the story. The triplets were hysterical; and the developing relationship between Ryan, Jennifer, and their girls was tenderhearted and sweet.
FAVORITE QUOTES:
"Since Julie left he has come to believe that what happens to people isn't just by accident, like the scattering of leaves in the wind, but that there is a divine order to life and that situations and events and wrong turns don't just lead anywhere but the somewhjere we are supposed to be."
"No one can deny the many miracles of Christmas."
"Time doesn't heal all wounds. I know know who first said that, but they were wrong. It can't heal all wounds but people sure help ease the pain."
REVIEW: Filled with characters who are each battling problems at Christmas time, Van Liere has once again penned a Christmas novel that provides laughter, tears, joy and the true meaning of Christmas. A quick easy read with an interesting story line, each of the main characters intersects one another while assisting Gloria and Miriam to put on the annual Christmas Nativity. Little did they know that they would each help one another find hope and solutions.
I loved the bantering relationship between Gloria and Miriam and they provide laughter throughout the story. The triplets were hysterical; and the developing relationship between Ryan, Jennifer, and their girls was tenderhearted and sweet.
FAVORITE QUOTES:
"Since Julie left he has come to believe that what happens to people isn't just by accident, like the scattering of leaves in the wind, but that there is a divine order to life and that situations and events and wrong turns don't just lead anywhere but the somewhjere we are supposed to be."
"No one can deny the many miracles of Christmas."
"Time doesn't heal all wounds. I know know who first said that, but they were wrong. It can't heal all wounds but people sure help ease the pain."
September 17, 2014
I got this book free from Firstreads. This is my honest review.
This beautiful little Christmas book is the story of different people in a small town, each with their own struggles. The beginning of every chapter has a thoughtful quote that adds to the story. One of my favorites was "Maybe you have to know the darkness before you can appreciate the light." ( Madeleine L'Engle). The widowed mother, the divorced father, the grieving child, the pregnant teen, and the childless couple are all brought together during the creating of the annual Christmas pageant.
When a lovely Christmas story makes me cry for joy, I call it a success. Perhaps the most successful part of this book was the telling of the young child's grief process and how the adults around her helped her deal with the loss of her father. Once again Donna VanLiere has created a story to remember year after year!
This beautiful little Christmas book is the story of different people in a small town, each with their own struggles. The beginning of every chapter has a thoughtful quote that adds to the story. One of my favorites was "Maybe you have to know the darkness before you can appreciate the light." ( Madeleine L'Engle). The widowed mother, the divorced father, the grieving child, the pregnant teen, and the childless couple are all brought together during the creating of the annual Christmas pageant.
When a lovely Christmas story makes me cry for joy, I call it a success. Perhaps the most successful part of this book was the telling of the young child's grief process and how the adults around her helped her deal with the loss of her father. Once again Donna VanLiere has created a story to remember year after year!
October 23, 2014
I love Donna Van Liere's Christmas books. I never miss them. This one was good, but seemed to be missing something. It was not as good as the rest of her Christmas books. It just didn't seem to have the emotional punch of the others. It's not her best work, but still good.
If you want to read her absolute best work, read The Good Dream. Absolutely amazing and heart wrenching.
If you want to read her absolute best work, read The Good Dream. Absolutely amazing and heart wrenching.
December 23, 2017
This was so good. I'm starting to feel sad that I'm nearing the end of the series. This book features several families who are dealing with heartache of one kind or another. The church Christmas pageant brings everyone together to form a very wonderful Christmas story.
November 23, 2017
Last year I read A Christmas Carol during the holiday season. It was a great way to slow down to reflect on the "reason for the season" and not "all that must be done". The Christmas Light is the story of a charming little town and some of its residents. It is a comforting story of love and hope in the midst of tragedy or unexpected occurances. The Christmas Light is a reminder to trust others but also to maintain a strong faith. I found the story and the writing very peaceful. This was the first book by Donna Van Liere that I have read, her seventh in the series...so I have ordered book #1.
March 8, 2017
Uplifting reading for Christmas time.
December 28, 2017
Another amazing book! I love reading books with a Christmas theme during this wonderful time of year and this is another great book filled with the message of Christmas.
January 4, 2022
Heartwarming.
January 20, 2022
Humorous at times, very serious at others. I like that problems are resolved in this series, not always in a completely happy way because some situations aren't all the way happy.
December 15, 2022
Although the plot was cute and endearing, I could not stand the writing style. It’s a classic example of being “told” instead of being “shown” what’s happening throughout the story.
December 17, 2022
I never read this author before but I recommend reading her book. It is a nice book to read at Christmas time.
December 28, 2022
I love reading a Donna VanLiere book during the Christmas season. Ridiculously predictable, a Hallmark movie on paper, but it just feels good.
September 27, 2023
Enjoyed more of Miss Glory and Miriam.
December 19, 2023
Really a 3 star but it made me cry so extra star
December 15, 2025
A Great Story with a Wonderful Message of how the Christmas Season brings unlikely people together
Displaying 1 - 30 of 391 reviews