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Christmas Hope #8
The Christmas Town
Lauren Gabriel spent many years of her childhood in foster homes, wishing her mother would come back for her and be the family she needs. Now twenty-years-old, she still longs for a place that she can truly call home. Her work as a cashier is unfulfilling, and at Christmas it’s unbearable with the songs and carols and chatter of Christmas that she hears throughout the day.
When Lauren ends her shift one night, she finds herself driving aimlessly in order to avoid returning to her lonely apartment. And when she witnesses a car accident she is suddenly pulled into the small town of Grandon, first as a witness but then as a volunteer for the annual fundraiser for Glory’s Place, a center for single mothers and families who need assistance. Could this town and its people be the home she has always longed for?
The New York Times bestselling author of the timeless The Christmas Shoes and The Christmas Hope is back with this moving and uplifting story about finding love, hope, and family in unexpected places.
228 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 18, 2016
211 people are currently reading
3602 people want to read
About the author
Donna VanLiere
78 books1,336 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 682 reviews
December 19, 2022
The Lord says, "I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you." ~ Psalm 32:8
Lauren Gabriel has good reasons to have "closed all her doors." A box she once treasured had the above verse carved into the cover. That box was lost long ago and she was deserted by both parents, spending her teen years in multiple foster homes. Her job at a grocery store in a neighboring town left her feeling like she could do more. A visit to Grandon brings a bagger (Ben) at the local grocery to her attention. He puts a little note in the bag of all his customers and his line is the longest in the store. Lauren finds herself drawn back to him again and again. The notes he write had me grabbing for my tissues. Lauren puts an ad on Craigslist to find a family to spend Christmas with. A goofy idea, she knows, but she catches the attention of our favorite dynamic duo (Glory and Miriam) with comedic and heartwarming results). For such a short book, the connections that are made and the journey of the beforementioned box will amaze and bring tears to your eyes. One of my favorites in the series!
Lauren Gabriel has good reasons to have "closed all her doors." A box she once treasured had the above verse carved into the cover. That box was lost long ago and she was deserted by both parents, spending her teen years in multiple foster homes. Her job at a grocery store in a neighboring town left her feeling like she could do more. A visit to Grandon brings a bagger (Ben) at the local grocery to her attention. He puts a little note in the bag of all his customers and his line is the longest in the store. Lauren finds herself drawn back to him again and again. The notes he write had me grabbing for my tissues. Lauren puts an ad on Craigslist to find a family to spend Christmas with. A goofy idea, she knows, but she catches the attention of our favorite dynamic duo (Glory and Miriam) with comedic and heartwarming results). For such a short book, the connections that are made and the journey of the beforementioned box will amaze and bring tears to your eyes. One of my favorites in the series!
November 7, 2016
This is one book that will stay with you for a long time. Shows how much we take for granted in our hurry up world. I dare you not to fall in love with Ben's kindness . This is a magical story of second chances.
December 6, 2018
Once again, Glory's Place is featured front and center with all its wonderful cast of characters, especially Glory and Miriam. Lauren, a 20 year old who has bounced from foster home to foster home until she aged out at 18, feels like she has never had a family of her own. When she witnesses a hit and run car accident and stays to provide information to the police, she connects with the lady who is driving the car. This, in turns, leads her to Glory's Place to help out the children there. Will she find a whole new family that she never expected?
Glory and Miriam's continuous banter once again adds life and laughter to the story line. Ben, a young mentally challenged adult, fills the Christmas season with his bits of wisdom and love as he places his notes in each of the grocery shoppers' bags. The special box takes place front and center as it weaves its way through the story. Another wonderful read from Donna VanLiere's Christmas Hope series.
Glory and Miriam's continuous banter once again adds life and laughter to the story line. Ben, a young mentally challenged adult, fills the Christmas season with his bits of wisdom and love as he places his notes in each of the grocery shoppers' bags. The special box takes place front and center as it weaves its way through the story. Another wonderful read from Donna VanLiere's Christmas Hope series.
September 30, 2016
Lauren Gabriel has been in many foster homes and now all she wants is to spend Christmas with a family. She puts a post on the Internet hoping that she will get a reply.
Filled with lovely characters especially Ben who writes lovely messages to put in the customers bags he packs at the checkouts.
This novella is a typical heart warming Christmas story that makes you feel good from beginning to end.
I would like to thank NetGalley, St Martins Press and the author Donna VanLiere for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Filled with lovely characters especially Ben who writes lovely messages to put in the customers bags he packs at the checkouts.
This novella is a typical heart warming Christmas story that makes you feel good from beginning to end.
I would like to thank NetGalley, St Martins Press and the author Donna VanLiere for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
February 1, 2024
Four and a half stars.
Lauren Gabriel has spent most of her life in foster homes, always hoping that her mother would come and collect her. Now, a 20 year old Lauren still longs for a family and a place to call home. She works at a grocery store and finds times like Christmas almost unbearable. One night she witnesses a car accident and is pulled into the town of Grandon, initially as a witness. But there is something about the place and its people that draw her in. Somehow she finds herself as a volunteer for Glory’s Place, a centre for single mothers and their children. There she meets Gloria and Miriam, who are about as different from each other as could be. She also becomes intrigued in Grandon by Ben, a young guy who leaves encouraging notes for all his customers in the grocery shop where he works. People in the town love this gentle guy and line up at the checkout to receive the blessing of his individual, hand chosen notes.
It was easy to relate to Lauren. Her story tugs at the heartstrings. And Ben is a gem. Gloria, Stacey and others are all endearing too. Miriam takes longer to warm to.
This is Christian fiction and it engaged me from beginning to end. An involving and emotional read for me. A welcome change after two Christian fiction novels discarded because I could not connect with or care about the characters. But the people here came to life. I loved it.
This is Book 8 in a series but I had not read the others. However this delightful, feel good, read stands alone fine. A strange choice for me since I rarely read Christmas themed books and even stranger to read at this time of year, but a treat to read even if it’s not Christmas. Extremely enjoyable read.
Lauren Gabriel has spent most of her life in foster homes, always hoping that her mother would come and collect her. Now, a 20 year old Lauren still longs for a family and a place to call home. She works at a grocery store and finds times like Christmas almost unbearable. One night she witnesses a car accident and is pulled into the town of Grandon, initially as a witness. But there is something about the place and its people that draw her in. Somehow she finds herself as a volunteer for Glory’s Place, a centre for single mothers and their children. There she meets Gloria and Miriam, who are about as different from each other as could be. She also becomes intrigued in Grandon by Ben, a young guy who leaves encouraging notes for all his customers in the grocery shop where he works. People in the town love this gentle guy and line up at the checkout to receive the blessing of his individual, hand chosen notes.
It was easy to relate to Lauren. Her story tugs at the heartstrings. And Ben is a gem. Gloria, Stacey and others are all endearing too. Miriam takes longer to warm to.
This is Christian fiction and it engaged me from beginning to end. An involving and emotional read for me. A welcome change after two Christian fiction novels discarded because I could not connect with or care about the characters. But the people here came to life. I loved it.
This is Book 8 in a series but I had not read the others. However this delightful, feel good, read stands alone fine. A strange choice for me since I rarely read Christmas themed books and even stranger to read at this time of year, but a treat to read even if it’s not Christmas. Extremely enjoyable read.
December 19, 2025
Lauren, a young woman has come up through the foster system. She puts an ad in Craigslist for a family to "adopt" her for Christmas. In doing so she meets several residents who soon become her friends. One thing leads to another and two women answer her ad. This holiday story is one of surprises, acts of love, and Christmas miracles.
September 20, 2016
Such a beautiful story ! I fell in love with the characters....Lauren, Ben, Miriam, Gloria, the children...
It was exactly what I needed to read today, exactly what I have been looking for the last couple of weeks - a big warm fuzzy that I can escape into and feel completely absorbed - where the characters feel like friends - a story that does all of this with easy comfortable writing. This book swept me away !
I say that I was looking for a book like this - and I was - but I didn't expect it to come in the form of a Christmas themed novella - and yet, with the description of a character that came through the foster care system, I knew I had to read it, but didn't quite believe it was going to be the book I needed until I started reading it, and met Ben ! oh Ben, you remind me of my two daughters - how I loved you so much in this story ! Everybody should be so lucky to have a Ben in their lives ! (I'm blessed to have two female versions)
I will gladly look for more books by Donna VanLiere in the future - particularly at heavy times in my life, or between heavy reads - always nice to know of an author you can turn to and feel confident that the book will deliver an escape, an inspiration - hahaha, I say that, having only read one of her books - but I just have a strong feeling, I guess...
Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin's Press and author Donna VanLiere, for the opportunity to read and provide an honest review in exchange for an advanced reader's copy. Very much appreciated !
It was exactly what I needed to read today, exactly what I have been looking for the last couple of weeks - a big warm fuzzy that I can escape into and feel completely absorbed - where the characters feel like friends - a story that does all of this with easy comfortable writing. This book swept me away !
I say that I was looking for a book like this - and I was - but I didn't expect it to come in the form of a Christmas themed novella - and yet, with the description of a character that came through the foster care system, I knew I had to read it, but didn't quite believe it was going to be the book I needed until I started reading it, and met Ben ! oh Ben, you remind me of my two daughters - how I loved you so much in this story ! Everybody should be so lucky to have a Ben in their lives ! (I'm blessed to have two female versions)
I will gladly look for more books by Donna VanLiere in the future - particularly at heavy times in my life, or between heavy reads - always nice to know of an author you can turn to and feel confident that the book will deliver an escape, an inspiration - hahaha, I say that, having only read one of her books - but I just have a strong feeling, I guess...
Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin's Press and author Donna VanLiere, for the opportunity to read and provide an honest review in exchange for an advanced reader's copy. Very much appreciated !
November 18, 2016
This was a very sweet, charming and heart warming read. I finished reading and could feel that goofy grin on my face from being happy for all the wonderful characters. I love how Donna VanLier can take several characters and plots and tie them together so smoothly, by the end of her stories. Oh, and just look at the cover. Isn't it just the most nostalgic Christmas cover you have seen all year? I love it.
December 10, 2016
Good, but not my favorite in this series.
However, I loved catching up with the recurring characters- especially Gloria and Miriam who had me laughing out loud.
However, I loved catching up with the recurring characters- especially Gloria and Miriam who had me laughing out loud.
October 19, 2016
The Christmas Town by Donna VanLiere is a novel that will linger with you long after you finish reading it. The novel starts in November of 2010. Lauren Gabriel (20) gets off work from Gordon’s Grocery in Whitall where she is a check-out clerk. She does not wish to go home and deal with her roommate. Lauren decides to take a drive and ends up about an hour away in Grandon. She stops at Clauson’s to get something to eat when she realizes she has not had anything to eat in a while. Lauren heads for the check-out and notices that one line is significantly longer than the other. The manager is trying to encourage people to move to the short line, but they want to wait for their slip from Ben. Lauren was going to get into the short line until she heard the comment. She decides to wait and see what the other are talking about. The check-out boy bags her groceries and then puts a slip of paper into her bag. Lauren exits the store and reads her message. It states it is a great day because Lauren is a part of it. Lauren was astonished. No one had ever told her such a thing in her whole life. Lauren goes back into the store to talk to the young man. His name is Ben. Ben gives each customer a different message based on the person. Ben felt the message he gave Lauren was for her. Lauren had a rough childhood. Her father, Victor left when she was four years old. Lauren’s mother was arrested when Lauren was eight. Lauren ended up in foster care bouncing from home to home until she was eighteen. After receiving Ben’s message, Lauren decides to advertise on Craigslist for a family for Christmas. Lauren soon ends up back in Grandon. After witnessing a car accident, Lauren meets Stacy Engler. Lauren ends up volunteering at Glory’s Place, a center for single mothers and families who are having a hard time (a place of hope and help). Read The Christmas Town to see how Lauren gets her family for Christmas and a new take on life.
The Christmas Town was a delight to read. I did not want this story to end. The writing is masterful. Donna VanLiere does a wonderful job at weaving the people and events together into one heartwarming novel. It is very clever how everything fit together like a jigsaw puzzle. The Christmas Town has engaging characters. It also has a small town where people help each other out (they care for each other). I give The Christmas Town 5 out of 5 stars. One line in the novel is very special (and my favorite). It read “miracles occur in the most unlikely of places and in the most unusual ways.” This is one of the novels that you will continue to think about long after you finish it (you will also be left with a smile on her face)! This is by far my favorite novel by Donna VanLiere.
The Christmas Town was a delight to read. I did not want this story to end. The writing is masterful. Donna VanLiere does a wonderful job at weaving the people and events together into one heartwarming novel. It is very clever how everything fit together like a jigsaw puzzle. The Christmas Town has engaging characters. It also has a small town where people help each other out (they care for each other). I give The Christmas Town 5 out of 5 stars. One line in the novel is very special (and my favorite). It read “miracles occur in the most unlikely of places and in the most unusual ways.” This is one of the novels that you will continue to think about long after you finish it (you will also be left with a smile on her face)! This is by far my favorite novel by Donna VanLiere.
November 17, 2016
The Christmas Town is a heartwarming Christmas story of someone - Lauren, who has really never experienced the love and warmth of family at Christmas, until one fateful year when she stumbles into a town that seems to have the spirit of Christmas wrapped about it.
The people of the town are varied and not perfect. But they are caring and thoughtful and they want to reach out to others. Especially Miriam and Gloria who when they hear of a young woman looking for a family for Christmas decide to do something about it.
The best character in the story is Ben, a young man who works packing groceries. At Christmas time he packs along with the groceries a special wish or piece of Christmas wisdom that is unique and suited to the person.
There a number of town characters, not least of all the children that Lauren comes by most days to help prepare for a Christmas sing along.
Filled with Christmas spirit and offering hope and pointing out the best side of all things Christmas related, this was an enjoyable and quick read.
The people of the town are varied and not perfect. But they are caring and thoughtful and they want to reach out to others. Especially Miriam and Gloria who when they hear of a young woman looking for a family for Christmas decide to do something about it.
The best character in the story is Ben, a young man who works packing groceries. At Christmas time he packs along with the groceries a special wish or piece of Christmas wisdom that is unique and suited to the person.
There a number of town characters, not least of all the children that Lauren comes by most days to help prepare for a Christmas sing along.
Filled with Christmas spirit and offering hope and pointing out the best side of all things Christmas related, this was an enjoyable and quick read.
February 13, 2017
Humor, Witt and sadness. These are just a few of the wide range of emotions you will find in this Christmas story. From two neighbors that constantly argue to a young lady seeking to adopt a family for the holidays. You will soon be drawn into this story as you turn the pages and wonder how or if everything will come together before the story comes to an end. It's an easy read you will love. I gave 5 stars because I thought the Author weaved the true meaning of Christmas into the story plot.
I have long been a fan of Donna VanLiere's Christmas novels. I usually try to read one of her Christmas books each year during the holidays. I hope that you will take the opportunity to read The Christmas Town . I know you will not be disappointed.
I have long been a fan of Donna VanLiere's Christmas novels. I usually try to read one of her Christmas books each year during the holidays. I hope that you will take the opportunity to read The Christmas Town . I know you will not be disappointed.
December 19, 2016
A sweet Christmas story.
December 22, 2018
Sweet Christmas novel about a young woman primarily raised in the foster care system. Ben was a fabulous example of showing the light of Christ.
November 29, 2020
Every year during the Christmas season, I read a novella by Donna VanLiere from the Hope Series. I have never been disappointed.
In this Christmas story, Lauren, a 20 year old young women who grew up in foster care, agrees to do volunteer job in a town where she witnesses a car accident. The story is filled with twists and turns and coincidences. Several of the coincidences are predictable, but did not take away from my enjoyment while reading the story.
Many of my friends and family watch feel-good movies on the Hallmark station at this time of year. I prefer to read novellas, because I can use my imagination.
The only aspect of this story that seemed “off” to me, is that 2 characters are introduced early by their racial background. It is never mentioned again.
I rate this Christmas story 4 stars.
In this Christmas story, Lauren, a 20 year old young women who grew up in foster care, agrees to do volunteer job in a town where she witnesses a car accident. The story is filled with twists and turns and coincidences. Several of the coincidences are predictable, but did not take away from my enjoyment while reading the story.
Many of my friends and family watch feel-good movies on the Hallmark station at this time of year. I prefer to read novellas, because I can use my imagination.
The only aspect of this story that seemed “off” to me, is that 2 characters are introduced early by their racial background. It is never mentioned again.
I rate this Christmas story 4 stars.
September 20, 2022
I love that this entry in the series is so focused on hope and God's plans for the characters! Some of the plots have veered in a much sadder, more emotional direction, so this was a nice change of place.
And I'll keep saying it, I adore Gloria and Miriam!
And I'll keep saying it, I adore Gloria and Miriam!
December 12, 2019
Just what I was craving !! A delightful & heartwarming Christmas story 🎄
4 Stars !!!!
4 Stars !!!!
October 9, 2016
The Christmas Town is a stand alone novel by Donna Vanliere. It's the first book I have read of hers, but I am sure it won't be my last.
This is the story of Lauren Gabriel. She has spent many years in and out of foster care and at 20 years old she has never felt the true warmth of family. She's never enjoyed a proper family Christmas. This story is set just before Christmas and starts with Lauren feeling particularly jaded after a long shift in work. Everybody seems to be looking forward to Christmas, but to her it's just a day where she will feel lonely and sad. She jumps in her car and just drives, she has no destination in mind, she just wants to drive and drive and drive. Anything rather than go back to her sad empty apartment. She soon realises that she needs to fill her gas tank, and when she is preparing to pull into a station she witnesses a car crash, one where thankfully nobody is injured, but the driver that caused the crash drives away. Lauren calls 911 to report what has happened and then checks that the other driver in the crash is OK. She is. But that one incident is the beginning of a whole chain reaction that brings some light into Lauren's life.
From just that one incident Lauren ends up getting the hit and run driver arrested, but more importantly she becomes friends with the woman he crashed into. From there she ends up being happily roped into helping out at a Christmas fundraiser, and by doing that she is introduced to some more fabulous characters. She is happy for the first time in a long time, but she still dreads spending Christmas alone, and decides to do something that could be considered really insane, and dangerous, but which she goes ahead with anyway. She puts an ad on Craigslist asking for a family for Christmas. One that she could share the day with. She doesn't want gifts, she's happy to bring food, she just wants to finally join a happy family Christmas. Does she get replies? You will have to read the book to find out.
This was the ultimate in feel good Christmas stories. The characters are just wonderful, especially a young man, Ben, who brings happiness in the most simplest of ways to the people who shops where he works. There are eccentric old ladies, one of them an English lady who always says the silliest of English things that her American friend teases her about. There's all the planning for the fund raiser, and watching Lauren take charge of teaching children to sing carols for a singathon. The best thing about this story is that although Lauren doesn't realise it, all her new friends, and even the children are linked in one very special way. During the whole story as I realised just how linked they all are, I couldn't wait to read how Lauren would react when she found out.
I loved this story so much and even though it is only October I am definitely in a festive mood because of it. The author has had two of her books adapted into successful films. I would love for this one to be made into one too. It would make perfect Christmas time viewing. But until then I fully recommend this book for the perfect Christmas time reading.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
This is the story of Lauren Gabriel. She has spent many years in and out of foster care and at 20 years old she has never felt the true warmth of family. She's never enjoyed a proper family Christmas. This story is set just before Christmas and starts with Lauren feeling particularly jaded after a long shift in work. Everybody seems to be looking forward to Christmas, but to her it's just a day where she will feel lonely and sad. She jumps in her car and just drives, she has no destination in mind, she just wants to drive and drive and drive. Anything rather than go back to her sad empty apartment. She soon realises that she needs to fill her gas tank, and when she is preparing to pull into a station she witnesses a car crash, one where thankfully nobody is injured, but the driver that caused the crash drives away. Lauren calls 911 to report what has happened and then checks that the other driver in the crash is OK. She is. But that one incident is the beginning of a whole chain reaction that brings some light into Lauren's life.
From just that one incident Lauren ends up getting the hit and run driver arrested, but more importantly she becomes friends with the woman he crashed into. From there she ends up being happily roped into helping out at a Christmas fundraiser, and by doing that she is introduced to some more fabulous characters. She is happy for the first time in a long time, but she still dreads spending Christmas alone, and decides to do something that could be considered really insane, and dangerous, but which she goes ahead with anyway. She puts an ad on Craigslist asking for a family for Christmas. One that she could share the day with. She doesn't want gifts, she's happy to bring food, she just wants to finally join a happy family Christmas. Does she get replies? You will have to read the book to find out.
This was the ultimate in feel good Christmas stories. The characters are just wonderful, especially a young man, Ben, who brings happiness in the most simplest of ways to the people who shops where he works. There are eccentric old ladies, one of them an English lady who always says the silliest of English things that her American friend teases her about. There's all the planning for the fund raiser, and watching Lauren take charge of teaching children to sing carols for a singathon. The best thing about this story is that although Lauren doesn't realise it, all her new friends, and even the children are linked in one very special way. During the whole story as I realised just how linked they all are, I couldn't wait to read how Lauren would react when she found out.
I loved this story so much and even though it is only October I am definitely in a festive mood because of it. The author has had two of her books adapted into successful films. I would love for this one to be made into one too. It would make perfect Christmas time viewing. But until then I fully recommend this book for the perfect Christmas time reading.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
December 24, 2016
I'm going to round this one up to 4 stars because I just loved the characters in this book.
This is a quick read (the reason it took me so long is I was reading it as my secondary book that I only read from a few pages each day). Is it saccharine sweet in parts? Yes. Is it totally predictable in parts? Yes. But I didn't care. It's a wonderful, heart-warming story about people entering each other's lives just when they're needed with the old God works in mysterious ways thread. Did it make my eye faucets run a few times? I'm not ashamed to say Yes to that too.
This is a quick read (the reason it took me so long is I was reading it as my secondary book that I only read from a few pages each day). Is it saccharine sweet in parts? Yes. Is it totally predictable in parts? Yes. But I didn't care. It's a wonderful, heart-warming story about people entering each other's lives just when they're needed with the old God works in mysterious ways thread. Did it make my eye faucets run a few times? I'm not ashamed to say Yes to that too.
October 23, 2016
Another heartwarming Christmas story by VanLiere. I look forward to her new Christmas book each year. Glad to return to Glory's Place with characters we've met before but many others too. A heartwarming story that has Christmas front and center along with a small town and people caring!
Lauren has had a hard life - abandoned by her parents and living in several different foster homes. She's a cashier in the town she grew up in but doesn't feel any type of connections to anyone - not even her roommate! She happens to end up in Grandon after driving aimlessly one night after work after having a bad day. That one fateful drive helps to change her life and give her things to look forward to and friends as well. Some tears were shed but also some laugh out loud moments. Ben, a person with special needs, and his messages play an important role in the story. They are spot on and are heartwarming and meaningful to most of those he shares them with in their grocery bag no less!
I hope we return to Grandon and Glory's Place again since there's more story to tell even though there was some closure. Read The Christmas Town to help you get into the holiday spirit. You'll be glad you did!
Lauren has had a hard life - abandoned by her parents and living in several different foster homes. She's a cashier in the town she grew up in but doesn't feel any type of connections to anyone - not even her roommate! She happens to end up in Grandon after driving aimlessly one night after work after having a bad day. That one fateful drive helps to change her life and give her things to look forward to and friends as well. Some tears were shed but also some laugh out loud moments. Ben, a person with special needs, and his messages play an important role in the story. They are spot on and are heartwarming and meaningful to most of those he shares them with in their grocery bag no less!
I hope we return to Grandon and Glory's Place again since there's more story to tell even though there was some closure. Read The Christmas Town to help you get into the holiday spirit. You'll be glad you did!
December 18, 2020
I quit. About half way through chapter two, I just couldn't take it anymore. First, I hate things written in third person present; it's very awkward to read. In addition, I thought the writing was sub-par. Not only was the writing clumsy due to the tense used, but that choice also made the flashbacks confusing. Moreover, the author often just throws things at you with no preparation, not even a couple of words. Far too many times in that short two & 1/2 chapters, I was forced to reread passages or flip back multiple pages to figure out what she was talking about--or when. I have far too many books on my to be read stack to waste my time on this. It actually frustrated me so much that I became angry. I'd give it a negative star if I could.
October 14, 2016
Donna Vanliere has the ability to reduce her readers to tears in her books. I love her Christmas books. Actuallly, all her books are pretty great!! Don't miss reading this year's Donna Vanliere Christmas book!
*I was given a preview copy of this book by Net Galley. All opinions are my own.
*I was given a preview copy of this book by Net Galley. All opinions are my own.
December 25, 2016
A sweet and charming Yuletide read. Perfect for the holiday season.
December 3, 2017
Such a beautiful Christmas tale by Donna VanLiere!!! I highly recommend :)
November 24, 2018
"The Christmas Town" By Donna VanLiere is a wholesome and cheerful story about a young lady, Lauren, who has lived with different foster families throughout her life but has never really had a family she could her own, especially not at Christmas. She works at a grocery store as a cashier and one night before going back to her apartment, which she shares with a roommate, she decides to drive to the next town which is about an hour away. At a stop light, she witnesses a hit and run and calls 911.
That call would change her life as she is called back to the town to identify the hit and run driver, and in so doing gets to know many of the town's citizens. She gets involved in a charity organization that helps struggling families who have children and helps organize a Christmas auction. She becomes a hit with the children and together they form a "sing-a-thon" to help attract people to the auction.
"The Christmas Town" is in no way Charles Dickens or Truman Capote, but it is uplifting and definitely helps one get into the Christmas spirit.
That call would change her life as she is called back to the town to identify the hit and run driver, and in so doing gets to know many of the town's citizens. She gets involved in a charity organization that helps struggling families who have children and helps organize a Christmas auction. She becomes a hit with the children and together they form a "sing-a-thon" to help attract people to the auction.
"The Christmas Town" is in no way Charles Dickens or Truman Capote, but it is uplifting and definitely helps one get into the Christmas spirit.
December 14, 2023
I was in the mood for a very good Christmas Book. A Hallmark book and I thought The Christmas Town would make that craving crunched. Unfortunately it wasn't what I was looking for and I found it hard to pick it up. Perhaps I was to exhausted to even read it or listen to the audiobook. I wouldn't read this again as it felt like a chore. Now I have no feeling to read a Christmas book again.
December 18, 2021
This book was beyond sweet. Such a good story and wrapped up in a beautiful Christmas bow! Loved it. ❤️🎅🏻🎄
December 27, 2023
This book made my heart feel warm and cozy!
September 21, 2016
"My life is the same." Always the same...
Synthesizing this one is the existential condition in which the main protagonist of the latest Christmas novel by Donna VanLiere is living in.
The Christmas Town will be released published by St.Martin's Press on Oct 18th.
Lauren Gabriel, the protagonist (who knows if the last name Gabriel chosen by the author in honor of the archangel Gabriel?) is a cashier in a store.
She is just 20 but her life has known a lot of sufferance during all her still brief life. Very disgraceful parents without any kind of responsibility or maturity abandoned her de fact but also emotively. Later many foster homes, many other people but no one she could called: family. Lauren hasn't never been in grade to call a place "My house" and people living there, "My family."
Lauren has never, never been surrounded by a real family.
The most horrible moment of the year for Lauren is the Christmas Time.
It should be a time of joy, happiness, a moment for staying together, putting up the decoration on the Christmas Trees, singing carols during Christmas Day, choosing presents for relatives and friends the days before Christmas, baking gingerbread cookies, but she doesn't know these feelings.
She hasn't never proved these emotions.
She hasn't never been happy.
But a family...
Someone who love you, someone who think that you are important and treasure your life. There is no price for a dream like this one thinks Lauren.
Lauren in a moment of discomfort but also of great lucidity posts on Facebook her most profound and at the same time hidden dream: spending the Christmas Day in a real family as if that family would be her own family. After all why not?
A family would be the best Christmas gift to her.
She receives just ironic, sarcastic and disenchanted replies so she deletes the post.
She posts on Craiglist and there, someone is truly interested to give her a chance for spending a Happy Christmas Day with a good family.
At the same time a car accident where Lauren is the most important ocular witnesses bring her back to Grandon a place at a hour of distance from her town. The attorney of the woman involved in the car accident needs her help. The man of the truck must be recognized.
That man changed hair cut but not face and Lauren will give clear indications, recognizing without any doubts the responsible of the car accident.
She seems to be born for staying at Grandon, Lauren. She starts to make friendship with the lady involved in the car accident, Stacy and with her she spends some time at Betty's Bakery, where she can finds this world and the other in terms of pastry but also that human warm so necessary to her for going on. And special people, of course.
Other ladies in fact, while they are still chatting stop by Betty's Bakery as well. They are organizing a fundraising for Glory’s Place, dedicated at single mothers and families in need but they don't know how to do that, and Lauren asks to them if they have thought at a sing-a-thon.
Launched the idea the ladies, they don't know Lauren doesn't live in their town, ask her if she wants to be involved as a volunteer. She says yes.
In this town for miss "My life is the same" the re-born.
Optimism at first thanks to Ben a magical young man, with some difficulties. Employed in a store where Lauren stops by he loves to put in every shopper bag a special blessing for everyone.
At the end it pays a lot, because people feel that they are special.
Ben writes these messages personally.
People receive encouragements. They love to be cuddle with these special random blessings. Lauren is not an exception. She starts to think these blessings are real balsam for her soul.
Lauren Gabriel will discover a lot of things about her family while she is in this new town. She will discover that sometimes is no possible to recuperate people lost forever but, most important, she will learn that these wonderful bunch of new people entered for case in her life are becoming important. Lauren doesn't imagine it, but when she will suffer a personal turmoil she will be missed by everyone, because she will also start to make a difference in their life.
What is life without love? What is life without friendship, help, compassion and human understanding?
As always the writing-style of Donna is captivating. She will create a lot of situations plenty of dialogues that will keep the reader interested and curious without forgetting her profound sense of Christianity, one of the best treats of her books.
Another jewel for your Christmas season or a great gift for sending a special message to a friend or someone you love and for let him/she know that she/he is part of your family.
I thank NetGalley and St.Martin's Press for this copy of The Christmas Town.
Synthesizing this one is the existential condition in which the main protagonist of the latest Christmas novel by Donna VanLiere is living in.
The Christmas Town will be released published by St.Martin's Press on Oct 18th.
Lauren Gabriel, the protagonist (who knows if the last name Gabriel chosen by the author in honor of the archangel Gabriel?) is a cashier in a store.
She is just 20 but her life has known a lot of sufferance during all her still brief life. Very disgraceful parents without any kind of responsibility or maturity abandoned her de fact but also emotively. Later many foster homes, many other people but no one she could called: family. Lauren hasn't never been in grade to call a place "My house" and people living there, "My family."
Lauren has never, never been surrounded by a real family.
The most horrible moment of the year for Lauren is the Christmas Time.
It should be a time of joy, happiness, a moment for staying together, putting up the decoration on the Christmas Trees, singing carols during Christmas Day, choosing presents for relatives and friends the days before Christmas, baking gingerbread cookies, but she doesn't know these feelings.
She hasn't never proved these emotions.
She hasn't never been happy.
But a family...
Someone who love you, someone who think that you are important and treasure your life. There is no price for a dream like this one thinks Lauren.
Lauren in a moment of discomfort but also of great lucidity posts on Facebook her most profound and at the same time hidden dream: spending the Christmas Day in a real family as if that family would be her own family. After all why not?
A family would be the best Christmas gift to her.
She receives just ironic, sarcastic and disenchanted replies so she deletes the post.
She posts on Craiglist and there, someone is truly interested to give her a chance for spending a Happy Christmas Day with a good family.
At the same time a car accident where Lauren is the most important ocular witnesses bring her back to Grandon a place at a hour of distance from her town. The attorney of the woman involved in the car accident needs her help. The man of the truck must be recognized.
That man changed hair cut but not face and Lauren will give clear indications, recognizing without any doubts the responsible of the car accident.
She seems to be born for staying at Grandon, Lauren. She starts to make friendship with the lady involved in the car accident, Stacy and with her she spends some time at Betty's Bakery, where she can finds this world and the other in terms of pastry but also that human warm so necessary to her for going on. And special people, of course.
Other ladies in fact, while they are still chatting stop by Betty's Bakery as well. They are organizing a fundraising for Glory’s Place, dedicated at single mothers and families in need but they don't know how to do that, and Lauren asks to them if they have thought at a sing-a-thon.
Launched the idea the ladies, they don't know Lauren doesn't live in their town, ask her if she wants to be involved as a volunteer. She says yes.
In this town for miss "My life is the same" the re-born.
Optimism at first thanks to Ben a magical young man, with some difficulties. Employed in a store where Lauren stops by he loves to put in every shopper bag a special blessing for everyone.
At the end it pays a lot, because people feel that they are special.
Ben writes these messages personally.
People receive encouragements. They love to be cuddle with these special random blessings. Lauren is not an exception. She starts to think these blessings are real balsam for her soul.
Lauren Gabriel will discover a lot of things about her family while she is in this new town. She will discover that sometimes is no possible to recuperate people lost forever but, most important, she will learn that these wonderful bunch of new people entered for case in her life are becoming important. Lauren doesn't imagine it, but when she will suffer a personal turmoil she will be missed by everyone, because she will also start to make a difference in their life.
What is life without love? What is life without friendship, help, compassion and human understanding?
As always the writing-style of Donna is captivating. She will create a lot of situations plenty of dialogues that will keep the reader interested and curious without forgetting her profound sense of Christianity, one of the best treats of her books.
Another jewel for your Christmas season or a great gift for sending a special message to a friend or someone you love and for let him/she know that she/he is part of your family.
I thank NetGalley and St.Martin's Press for this copy of The Christmas Town.
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