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The Christmas Stranger
5 hours, 50 minutes
From the #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Christmas classic The Christmas Box and the #1 Netflix movie Noel Diary comes a powerful and thought-provoking holiday story about hope, love, and the mysterious workings of heaven.
Sometimes the universe sends us exactly who we need...
Three years after losing his family in a Christmas Eve accident, grief-stricken Paul Wanlass hasn’t just given up on Christmas, he’s given up on life. He can’t imagine anything to keep him here—not his work as a computer repairman, not the residents in his Salt Lake City neighborhood, and certainly not the idea of connecting with someone new. When a stranger knocks on his door, claiming to be picking up a laptop, Paul allows him in—but discovers the man has a very different mission in mind.
Paul wakes the next morning unsure if his encounter with the stranger really happened or was just a dream–but when the stranger shows up again, Paul challenges him to give him just one reason to live. The stranger agrees to the challenge but warns Paul not to expect a path he would have guessed or chosen.
As the stranger promised, Paul’s life takes a wild and fateful turn. A robbery connects him with a woman who has also lost the love of her life, and, in a seemingly unrelated incident, Paul rescues a young boy from bullying, only to find the boy needs a different kind of rescue. The twists leave Paul wondering what these people have in common, and why they were brought together. Who—or what—really is this Christmas stranger, and how will Paul find meaning once again?
From the #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Christmas classic The Christmas Box and the #1 Netflix movie Noel Diary comes a powerful and thought-provoking holiday story about hope, love, and the mysterious workings of heaven.
Sometimes the universe sends us exactly who we need...
Three years after losing his family in a Christmas Eve accident, grief-stricken Paul Wanlass hasn’t just given up on Christmas, he’s given up on life. He can’t imagine anything to keep him here—not his work as a computer repairman, not the residents in his Salt Lake City neighborhood, and certainly not the idea of connecting with someone new. When a stranger knocks on his door, claiming to be picking up a laptop, Paul allows him in—but discovers the man has a very different mission in mind.
Paul wakes the next morning unsure if his encounter with the stranger really happened or was just a dream–but when the stranger shows up again, Paul challenges him to give him just one reason to live. The stranger agrees to the challenge but warns Paul not to expect a path he would have guessed or chosen.
As the stranger promised, Paul’s life takes a wild and fateful turn. A robbery connects him with a woman who has also lost the love of her life, and, in a seemingly unrelated incident, Paul rescues a young boy from bullying, only to find the boy needs a different kind of rescue. The twists leave Paul wondering what these people have in common, and why they were brought together. Who—or what—really is this Christmas stranger, and how will Paul find meaning once again?
Audiobook
Published November 4, 2025
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About the author
Richard Paul Evans
225 books6,445 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 521 reviews
December 1, 2025
One of the most emotional and healing stories I’ve ever read!
The Christmas Stranger didn’t just touch my heart... it went straight to my soul. From the very first chapter, I felt every ounce of grief, every flicker of hope, and every fragile step toward healing. This book is raw, tender, and breathtakingly human. 💔✨
Some moments shattered me… truly shattered me. And then some moments felt like someone gently placing a warm hand over the broken pieces, reminding me that light always finds a way back in. Some chapters made me pause just to breathe; others made me cry without even realizing tears had begun falling.
Paul’s journey is one of the most beautiful portrayals of pain and resilience I’ve ever experienced in fiction. He is broken, yet his heart is still so good. You can’t help but ache for him, root for him, and love him. His story reminded me that even in our darkest winters, grace still reaches us... sometimes through strangers, sometimes through quiet miracles. ❄️💫
Richard Paul Evans’ narration made the emotions even richer, more intimate, more personal. It felt like he was sitting with me, telling me a story that mattered. 🎧❤️
This book is a reminder that love isn’t lost… it’s waiting. Healing isn’t impossible… it’s slow and quiet. And hope isn’t gone… it returns when we least expect it.
By the end, I was crying for everything the characters lost... and everything they found.
A stunning, heartfelt, unforgettable read. 🎄💞
P.S. And honestly… I don’t know if I’ll find a better book to listen to this Christmas... the bar has been raised incredibly high. ✨
The Christmas Stranger didn’t just touch my heart... it went straight to my soul. From the very first chapter, I felt every ounce of grief, every flicker of hope, and every fragile step toward healing. This book is raw, tender, and breathtakingly human. 💔✨
Some moments shattered me… truly shattered me. And then some moments felt like someone gently placing a warm hand over the broken pieces, reminding me that light always finds a way back in. Some chapters made me pause just to breathe; others made me cry without even realizing tears had begun falling.
Paul’s journey is one of the most beautiful portrayals of pain and resilience I’ve ever experienced in fiction. He is broken, yet his heart is still so good. You can’t help but ache for him, root for him, and love him. His story reminded me that even in our darkest winters, grace still reaches us... sometimes through strangers, sometimes through quiet miracles. ❄️💫
Richard Paul Evans’ narration made the emotions even richer, more intimate, more personal. It felt like he was sitting with me, telling me a story that mattered. 🎧❤️
This book is a reminder that love isn’t lost… it’s waiting. Healing isn’t impossible… it’s slow and quiet. And hope isn’t gone… it returns when we least expect it.
By the end, I was crying for everything the characters lost... and everything they found.
A stunning, heartfelt, unforgettable read. 🎄💞
P.S. And honestly… I don’t know if I’ll find a better book to listen to this Christmas... the bar has been raised incredibly high. ✨
November 4, 2025
The Christmas Stranger is the best book I’ve read all year. It’s an emotional read and a very realistic and meaningful read. It’s a Christmas story but it’s also a story about the hard times that comes in life even during the Christmas season. There’s loss and grief on the pages of this book. Richard Paul Evans is the Author of this book. He draws his readers into the book so deeply that they forget it’s a book. I’m not going to say much more about The Christmas Stranger except that this book will stay with me for a long time. This book allows its readers to understand the real meaning of Christmas.
I strongly recommend this book to readers of Christmas novels, and romance books. Fans of Richard Paul Evans will not want to miss reading this book. It is a standalone novel.
I voluntarily read a advanced readers copy of this book.. All thoughts and opinions shared here in this review are entirely my own.
I strongly recommend this book to readers of Christmas novels, and romance books. Fans of Richard Paul Evans will not want to miss reading this book. It is a standalone novel.
I voluntarily read a advanced readers copy of this book.. All thoughts and opinions shared here in this review are entirely my own.
November 7, 2025
the setup…
Paul Wanlass is a Salt Lake City computer repairman who works from home and is pretty much a recluse. It’s been three years since he lost his wife and son in a car accident on Christmas Eve. He’s still consumed with grief and has decided to end his life as the holiday season approaches. Just as he’s partway into the process, a stranger knocks on his door and enters his home, claiming he’s there to get his computer. But he’s there for a completely different purpose. The next morning, Paul has only a vague recollection of the previous evening. When the man later reappears and asks him to not go forward with his plan, Paul challenges him to provide a reason not to. Soon a series of events begin to awaken something in Paul.
the heart of the story…
I knew as soon as the stranger appeared he was someone special and Paul’s life would take a turn. I just wasn’t sure what it would look like and was immediately drawn in as the events began to unfold. The acts of kindness, big and small, touched my heart and never let go. Paul gets swept up in them, slowly giving him a reason to get up everyday.
the narration…
Evans narrates his own story and I loved everything about his performance. It’s always something more when the author does the storytelling.
the bottom line…
This was just lovely. Even though I knew the framework of where this might lead, the execution was flawless. It’s what I look for in a Christmas story and will probably listen to this every year going forward. The spirit of the season is in every element of this gorgeous story.
Posted on Blue Mood Café
(Thanks to Simon & Schuster Audio and Libro.fm for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.)
Paul Wanlass is a Salt Lake City computer repairman who works from home and is pretty much a recluse. It’s been three years since he lost his wife and son in a car accident on Christmas Eve. He’s still consumed with grief and has decided to end his life as the holiday season approaches. Just as he’s partway into the process, a stranger knocks on his door and enters his home, claiming he’s there to get his computer. But he’s there for a completely different purpose. The next morning, Paul has only a vague recollection of the previous evening. When the man later reappears and asks him to not go forward with his plan, Paul challenges him to provide a reason not to. Soon a series of events begin to awaken something in Paul.
the heart of the story…
I knew as soon as the stranger appeared he was someone special and Paul’s life would take a turn. I just wasn’t sure what it would look like and was immediately drawn in as the events began to unfold. The acts of kindness, big and small, touched my heart and never let go. Paul gets swept up in them, slowly giving him a reason to get up everyday.
the narration…
Evans narrates his own story and I loved everything about his performance. It’s always something more when the author does the storytelling.
the bottom line…
This was just lovely. Even though I knew the framework of where this might lead, the execution was flawless. It’s what I look for in a Christmas story and will probably listen to this every year going forward. The spirit of the season is in every element of this gorgeous story.
Posted on Blue Mood Café
(Thanks to Simon & Schuster Audio and Libro.fm for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.)
November 19, 2025
I received a free copy of, The Christmas Stranger, by Richard Paul Evans, from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Paul and Colette both lost their spouses, they have different ways of coping with their losses. I was not expecting the plot twist but I should of. This was a really good but sad and humbling read.
November 6, 2025
This was such a beautiful and heartwarming book. It is a quick read, but does such a good job of dealing with grief, loss, and healing. I really enjoyed the characters and the way the story wrapped up. I loved it.
Thanks so much to NetGalley and Gallery Books for the ARC. All opinions are my own.
Thanks so much to NetGalley and Gallery Books for the ARC. All opinions are my own.
December 10, 2025
5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️What an epic story!
To describe what this saga brought to me is amazement and heavenly inspiration. One of the things that struck me about this story was that when Paul’s family was alive, he had hit the top of a successful business and comfort of affording anything tangible for them. When his family dies, Paul fell to rock bottom, he lost all interest in the possessions he owed and things he coveted, like his Ferrari. He quickly learned that all his possessions and money meant nothing to him. This was the pivotal point in which the meaning of his life changed immensely.
Initially, I felt so sad for Paul, losing his family to a DUI car accident, three years past. Never recovering from his loss on that Christmas Eve when he received the tragic news.
My sadness never left me, but my senses claimed other emotions as this incredible story unfolded. First, feelings of great loss, loneliness and despair clearly came across as Paul was ready to end his own life. But WAIT! This story goes UP an unimaginable path as Gabrielle, an angel appears to Paul and guides him through what could have been Paul’s last moments here on earth. Instead, the course of Paul’s life is changed.
As Paul meets random characters that
have been predicted by Gabrielle, to cross his path, the threads start weaving in this story.
A woman with loss of her own. He doesn’t see that he has anything to offer her until…
A young boy being bullied at school. How can Paul possibly help this kid?
The story is incredibly well crafted and it comes together so nicely. I got goosebumps at a time of the revealing of surprises, and was very happy with how it ended. So do you believe in angels? I do! I highly recommend the read.
To describe what this saga brought to me is amazement and heavenly inspiration. One of the things that struck me about this story was that when Paul’s family was alive, he had hit the top of a successful business and comfort of affording anything tangible for them. When his family dies, Paul fell to rock bottom, he lost all interest in the possessions he owed and things he coveted, like his Ferrari. He quickly learned that all his possessions and money meant nothing to him. This was the pivotal point in which the meaning of his life changed immensely.
Initially, I felt so sad for Paul, losing his family to a DUI car accident, three years past. Never recovering from his loss on that Christmas Eve when he received the tragic news.
My sadness never left me, but my senses claimed other emotions as this incredible story unfolded. First, feelings of great loss, loneliness and despair clearly came across as Paul was ready to end his own life. But WAIT! This story goes UP an unimaginable path as Gabrielle, an angel appears to Paul and guides him through what could have been Paul’s last moments here on earth. Instead, the course of Paul’s life is changed.
As Paul meets random characters that
have been predicted by Gabrielle, to cross his path, the threads start weaving in this story.
A woman with loss of her own. He doesn’t see that he has anything to offer her until…
A young boy being bullied at school. How can Paul possibly help this kid?
The story is incredibly well crafted and it comes together so nicely. I got goosebumps at a time of the revealing of surprises, and was very happy with how it ended. So do you believe in angels? I do! I highly recommend the read.
December 23, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
An absolutely perfect Christmas story and wonderful characters to read two days before Christmas.
An absolutely perfect Christmas story and wonderful characters to read two days before Christmas.
December 25, 2025
I’ve loved everything I’ve ever read by Richard Paul Evans. The cover was even inviting and beautiful. Paul was ready to give up until he met Gabrielle. Everything is not as it seems and this is both a heartbreaking and heartwarming story. My daughter and I have already decided to do a buddy read of this next December. Highly recommend.
I was blessed with an ARC. Thank you NetGalley. The opinions expressed are my own and unbiased.
I was blessed with an ARC. Thank you NetGalley. The opinions expressed are my own and unbiased.
October 15, 2025
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me the opportunity to be part of Richard Paul Evans’ Book Ambassador program and read this beautiful story early. I just finished The Christmas Stranger, and I’m still sitting here with a full heart and misty eyes. This book was everything I hoped for and more. I read this book in one sitting.
From the very first chapter, I was drawn into the warmth and quiet power of the story. Evans has such a unique gift for writing characters who feel real — flawed, hopeful, kind, and deeply human. The characters in The Christmas Stranger each carried a certain tenderness that made me care deeply about their journeys. Their struggles, their moments of grace, and their small acts of love all came together in a way that truly hit me in all the feels.
What stood out most to me was how this story blends heartache with healing. Evans beautifully captures how even in the hardest seasons of life, kindness and faith can light the way forward. The story reminded me that sometimes the people we least expect can become the ones who help us find hope again.
The writing was comforting and heartfelt — every page felt like a gentle reminder of the true spirit of Christmas: forgiveness, connection, and love that transcends pain. It’s a book that makes you reflect on your own life and the people who’ve shown up for you when you needed it most.
By the time I reached the end, I found myself smiling through tears. This story isn’t just a Christmas tale; it’s a message about resilience, redemption, and how strangers can change our lives in the most unexpected ways.
Richard Paul Evans has done it again — The Christmas Stranger is an emotional, inspiring, and unforgettable addition to his collection of heartfelt holiday stories. This one will stay with me for a long time.
From the very first chapter, I was drawn into the warmth and quiet power of the story. Evans has such a unique gift for writing characters who feel real — flawed, hopeful, kind, and deeply human. The characters in The Christmas Stranger each carried a certain tenderness that made me care deeply about their journeys. Their struggles, their moments of grace, and their small acts of love all came together in a way that truly hit me in all the feels.
What stood out most to me was how this story blends heartache with healing. Evans beautifully captures how even in the hardest seasons of life, kindness and faith can light the way forward. The story reminded me that sometimes the people we least expect can become the ones who help us find hope again.
The writing was comforting and heartfelt — every page felt like a gentle reminder of the true spirit of Christmas: forgiveness, connection, and love that transcends pain. It’s a book that makes you reflect on your own life and the people who’ve shown up for you when you needed it most.
By the time I reached the end, I found myself smiling through tears. This story isn’t just a Christmas tale; it’s a message about resilience, redemption, and how strangers can change our lives in the most unexpected ways.
Richard Paul Evans has done it again — The Christmas Stranger is an emotional, inspiring, and unforgettable addition to his collection of heartfelt holiday stories. This one will stay with me for a long time.
October 15, 2025
The christmas stranger.
Richard paul evans.
Sometimes strangers walk among us.
sometimes angels are a gift.
This story pulls at your heartstrings.
Sometimes people appear in your life.When you least expect or know what you're needing.
This story brought tears to my eyes.What a beautiful story. Love loss and family.
One of my very favorite authors.
Richard paul evans.
Richard paul evans.
Sometimes strangers walk among us.
sometimes angels are a gift.
This story pulls at your heartstrings.
Sometimes people appear in your life.When you least expect or know what you're needing.
This story brought tears to my eyes.What a beautiful story. Love loss and family.
One of my very favorite authors.
Richard paul evans.
November 26, 2025
Heartbroken widower attempts suicide when he is stopped by "Gabriel " who tells him his life is about to get interesting. A nice Christmas story.
1 thing that bothered me, as noted by another reader, our hero, Paul, who is a stranger to 9 year old Ronald, has no problem talking to and giving a ride to said 9yo. Has the author never heard of "stranger danger "? I know our protagonist was helping but it was just odd. Get past that and enjoy the story. Merry Christmas!
1 thing that bothered me, as noted by another reader, our hero, Paul, who is a stranger to 9 year old Ronald, has no problem talking to and giving a ride to said 9yo. Has the author never heard of "stranger danger "? I know our protagonist was helping but it was just odd. Get past that and enjoy the story. Merry Christmas!
October 11, 2025
Thank you NetGally for a chance to read one of my favorite authors.
Another amazing book from Richard. No book has ever brought me to tears, this one did it. I was so emotionally involved with the characters. This book tore at my heart. I can't wait to have a physical copy. This is a definite must read, especially for the holidays. We follow Paul on this journey of grief and forgiveness and new life.
Just read it. :)
Another amazing book from Richard. No book has ever brought me to tears, this one did it. I was so emotionally involved with the characters. This book tore at my heart. I can't wait to have a physical copy. This is a definite must read, especially for the holidays. We follow Paul on this journey of grief and forgiveness and new life.
Just read it. :)
November 23, 2025
There is nothing to dislike about this book and it will certainly put you in the Christmas spirit. A tragedy happened three years ago when Paul’s wife and young son were killed by a drunk driver. It happened on Christmas Eve. For the past three years, Paul has been a recluse. He sold his business and only goes into town when he has to. Gabriel enters the restaurant and sits down and talks to Paul. It is not clear who Gabriel is, but you soon figure out that he is an angel. He saves Paul and helps him to see that life is very valuable and should be treasured. I especially liked the fact that Paul helps out a young boy because he himself had been in foster care when he was young.
November 23, 2025
Excellent Christmas story simply and beautifully written.
November 6, 2025
The Christmas Stranger is the new Christmas gem of the Season! This book is filled with love, grief, family and heartfelt joy.
I was captivated on page one and couldn’t put the book down! It grabs you by the heart and fills you with so many emotions and feels!
Richard Paul Evans takes us on a journey that will captivate your heart and soul.
It felt good to read about humanity and by helping others we can help ourselves. I believe this book will resonate with so many readers and they too will feel so much joy and gratitude for having read this beautiful story. It truly makes you stop and think what would I have done in this position? Would I have made those same decisions and choices? If you believe in faith and renewal of love, life and family, this book is for you!
A new holiday read that will be cherished. I can’t wait to keep recommending this book to all my family and friends. A 10 star 🌟read!
I received an arc copy of This book from Net Galley and it publishers in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you Richard Paul Evans for a beautiful Christmas treasure!
#netgalley #simonandschuster #TheChristmasStranger #RPE
I was captivated on page one and couldn’t put the book down! It grabs you by the heart and fills you with so many emotions and feels!
Richard Paul Evans takes us on a journey that will captivate your heart and soul.
It felt good to read about humanity and by helping others we can help ourselves. I believe this book will resonate with so many readers and they too will feel so much joy and gratitude for having read this beautiful story. It truly makes you stop and think what would I have done in this position? Would I have made those same decisions and choices? If you believe in faith and renewal of love, life and family, this book is for you!
A new holiday read that will be cherished. I can’t wait to keep recommending this book to all my family and friends. A 10 star 🌟read!
I received an arc copy of This book from Net Galley and it publishers in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you Richard Paul Evans for a beautiful Christmas treasure!
#netgalley #simonandschuster #TheChristmasStranger #RPE
December 9, 2025
OVERALL STAR RATING: 5/5
CLEAN RATING: 5/5
One of my book besties sent me a DM saying she was sending me a book. She wouldn’t tell me a thing about it, just that she loved it and she advised not even reading the synopsis before going into it. The excitement in her voice was palpable. She binged this book in a single day, and I did as well! This one absolutely sucks you in with curiosity and intrigue. The premise of this story is hopeful and inspiring, but you really must wade through a lot of grief and pain to get there. There are a million faith-filled lessons within the pages. It’s a beautiful reminder for us to rewire and view our lives through a God centered lens. If you’re wanting to feel deeply, but wind up wrapped in layers of hope, pick this book up. It gave me some A Man Called Ove vibes at the beginning, also very thought provoking in the way Mitch Albom writes his books.
Paul Wanlass tragically lost his wife and son in a car accident on Christmas Eve. Three years has since past and as much as he’s tried to climb himself up and out of the hole of grief, he feels defeated and ready to take his own life. It’s at that moment the unexpected happens. And even more unexpected events continue to unfold after that. And really, that’s ALL I want to say. My friend Laura was right when she suggested going into this one blind. The less you know, the better. Just know it’s heavy, redeeming and the ending may just require that you have tissues nearby.
I read a lot of historical, contemporary romance, and RomComs. While they can be very different, there’s still a common thread of similarity throughout them. THIS book right here was so very refreshing and a story I won’t soon forget. Oh, and the hardcover has deckled edges…IYKYK.
Grab this one! I truly can’t recommend it enough. I’m so excited to see how many other books Paul has published and look forward to discovering more of his work in the new year.
*For more reviews and bookish content, be sure to follow me on Instagram @aliciasbooksanctuary
CLEAN RATING: 5/5
One of my book besties sent me a DM saying she was sending me a book. She wouldn’t tell me a thing about it, just that she loved it and she advised not even reading the synopsis before going into it. The excitement in her voice was palpable. She binged this book in a single day, and I did as well! This one absolutely sucks you in with curiosity and intrigue. The premise of this story is hopeful and inspiring, but you really must wade through a lot of grief and pain to get there. There are a million faith-filled lessons within the pages. It’s a beautiful reminder for us to rewire and view our lives through a God centered lens. If you’re wanting to feel deeply, but wind up wrapped in layers of hope, pick this book up. It gave me some A Man Called Ove vibes at the beginning, also very thought provoking in the way Mitch Albom writes his books.
Paul Wanlass tragically lost his wife and son in a car accident on Christmas Eve. Three years has since past and as much as he’s tried to climb himself up and out of the hole of grief, he feels defeated and ready to take his own life. It’s at that moment the unexpected happens. And even more unexpected events continue to unfold after that. And really, that’s ALL I want to say. My friend Laura was right when she suggested going into this one blind. The less you know, the better. Just know it’s heavy, redeeming and the ending may just require that you have tissues nearby.
I read a lot of historical, contemporary romance, and RomComs. While they can be very different, there’s still a common thread of similarity throughout them. THIS book right here was so very refreshing and a story I won’t soon forget. Oh, and the hardcover has deckled edges…IYKYK.
Grab this one! I truly can’t recommend it enough. I’m so excited to see how many other books Paul has published and look forward to discovering more of his work in the new year.
*For more reviews and bookish content, be sure to follow me on Instagram @aliciasbooksanctuary
December 2, 2025
5 stars. Richard Paul Evans is my favorite go-to author when needing a comforting, heart-tugging, inspirational story during the holiday season. Evans latest is a tender, emotional tale with a twist. Is about forgiveness and love after loss (with a little help from Heaven), and the sentiment of finding hope and joy in our lives. Perfect for gift giving. 🌟🪽 Pub. 11/4/25
December 8, 2025
I’ve read 6 of RPE’s Christmas novels. This one is the worst. I can’t tell if he just mailed it in on the story by borrowing the plot from every Christmas movie he could come up with or if he asked A.I. to write it. He’s had some winners for sure for feel good holiday books, but this one wasn’t it.
November 10, 2025
Did not disappoint!! I had all the feels. Crying by the end.
November 8, 2025
Just a perfect Christmas story. So much tragedy but hope and love prevails. A keeper!!
November 6, 2025
Once again a heart felt wonderful book!
November 17, 2025
His books are so readable and I love the twists and turns yet this one had a few major red flags for me. I young boy of 9 is being bullied and Paul stopped and helped him. No problem. Then he tells the boy to get in his truck and he will drive him home. RED FLAG. No child should do this. Then he buys him new glasses, gives them to him and invites him for food. Jump in my truck. RED FLAG. Looks a lot like grooming to me. Then he bribes another child to watch out for the first boy and gives him $100 bills. RED FLAG. This is just scary to me. If I was a parent I would be calling the police on this creeper. Now I enjoyed the twists at the end that I did not see coming but in today's world you just can't have characters, even if they are good people, doing these kinds of things. It is just misleading to children.
November 5, 2025
This is an incredibly moving and thoughtful book perfect for anytime of year. Page one will capture not only your interest but your heart. Paul Wanlass is a man broken by loss, trudging through life with no hope of joy—until a mysterious visitor named Gabriel shows up at his door, setting off a chain of encounters that begin to heal old wounds. "Kindness is contagious~Sometimes, someone just needs to be brave enough, loving enough, to start the ball rolling." Richard Paul Evans provides a short packed novel with lessons of love, forgiveness and hope for the future. Many thanks to Netgalley, the publisher and heartfelt thanks to Richard Paul Evans for creating such a wonderful masterpiece one that everyone will want to pick up.
October 16, 2025
Thank you to the publisher for a chance to read this book prior to publication.
The Christmas Stranger by Richard Paul Evans is another unforgettable addition to his collection of holiday treasures. From the very first page, Evans captures your heart with his signature warmth, emotional depth, and message of hope. As always, his storytelling is so compelling that once you start reading, you simply cannot stop. Each chapter draws you deeper into a world where faith, forgiveness, and love intertwine beautifully against a backdrop of Christmas magic.
Evans has an unmatched gift for reminding readers of what truly matters—kindness, connection, and the power of second chances. The Christmas Stranger is both a comforting escape and a moving reflection on the miracles that appear when we least expect them. A perfect read for the holiday season—and one that will stay with you long after the last page is turned.
#netgalley
The Christmas Stranger by Richard Paul Evans is another unforgettable addition to his collection of holiday treasures. From the very first page, Evans captures your heart with his signature warmth, emotional depth, and message of hope. As always, his storytelling is so compelling that once you start reading, you simply cannot stop. Each chapter draws you deeper into a world where faith, forgiveness, and love intertwine beautifully against a backdrop of Christmas magic.
Evans has an unmatched gift for reminding readers of what truly matters—kindness, connection, and the power of second chances. The Christmas Stranger is both a comforting escape and a moving reflection on the miracles that appear when we least expect them. A perfect read for the holiday season—and one that will stay with you long after the last page is turned.
#netgalley
December 14, 2025
Richard Paul Evans Christmas stories never fail to be wonderful reads, and his newest was amazing. Paul Wanless was a Christmasaholic until he lost his wife and son in a tragic car accident just before Christmas three years earlier. It's Christmas once again and Paul meets a curious stranger named Gabriel who appears and disappears but always leaves him with a message that comes true.
When Paul sees a young boy who was being bullied and he stops it, he connects with the boy's mother. They seem to have a lot in common as her husband is in prison, and they have divorced. Will Collette be able to bring back Paul's Christmas spirit?
Once again, Evans pens a Christmas story that is filled with the true spirit of Christmas and fills your heart with Christmas love.
When Paul sees a young boy who was being bullied and he stops it, he connects with the boy's mother. They seem to have a lot in common as her husband is in prison, and they have divorced. Will Collette be able to bring back Paul's Christmas spirit?
Once again, Evans pens a Christmas story that is filled with the true spirit of Christmas and fills your heart with Christmas love.
December 6, 2025
This was such a lovely, heartwrenching and thoughtful story.
“Heaven is a place where all broken hearts are made whole and everything lost will be returned. Redemption, my friend. Redemption and resumption.”
“Everything in this realm is temporary. Everything. If it doesn’t leave you, you leave it.”
“Loss is humanity’s universal condition. Everyone experiences loss.”
“Until you have lost what you love most, you will never fully understand that most of what you think you love you can do without.”
“Heaven is a place where all broken hearts are made whole and everything lost will be returned. Redemption, my friend. Redemption and resumption.”
“Everything in this realm is temporary. Everything. If it doesn’t leave you, you leave it.”
“Loss is humanity’s universal condition. Everyone experiences loss.”
“Until you have lost what you love most, you will never fully understand that most of what you think you love you can do without.”
November 15, 2025
Great Christmas story!
December 9, 2025
Evans always wins a four, if not more. Sweet, peaceful and spiritual Christmas read.
December 17, 2025
Beautifully written. pulls at the heart strings!
October 25, 2025
This is a sweet story about Paul, a man in a dark place whose life is interrupted when he is visited by Gabriel. Baffled that Gabriel knows things he shouldn’t, Paul follows the instructions he is given and finds people to help and a new path to follow.
This is a book about hope, love, forgiveness, and mercy. It is listed as Christian fiction, but the theology is terrible so don’t try to reconcile it with true Christianity. Just enjoy the spirit of hope.
Family friendly.
Thanks to NetGalley and Gallery Books. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
This is a book about hope, love, forgiveness, and mercy. It is listed as Christian fiction, but the theology is terrible so don’t try to reconcile it with true Christianity. Just enjoy the spirit of hope.
Family friendly.
Thanks to NetGalley and Gallery Books. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
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