The Christmas Star: A Novel

Christmas Hope #9

by Donna VanLiere

From the New York Times bestselling author of The Christmas Hope series comes another heartwarming, inspirational audiobook for the holidays.

Thirty-two-year-old Amy Denison volunteers at Glory's Place, an after school program where she meets seven-year-old Maddie, a precocious young girl who has spent her childhood in foster care. Unbeknownst to Amy, Maddie is a mini-matchmaker, with her eye on just the right man for Amy at Grandon Elementary School, where she is a student. Amy is hesitant - she's been hurt before, and isn't sure she's ready to lose her heart again - but an unexpected surprise makes her reconsider her lonely lifestyle.

As Christmas nears and the town is blanketed in snow and beautiful decorations, Maddie and the charming staff at Glory's Place help Amy to see that romance can be more than heartache and broken promises.

In The Christmas Star, Donna VanLiere delivers yet another sweet, joyous story that is sure to capture listeners' hearts.

Genres: Christmas, Romance, Holiday, Fiction, Audiobook, Christian Fiction, Contemporary

Audio CD

First published October 16, 2018

About the author

Donna 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.

Reviews

[Debbie Oliphant · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review

I always look forward to a Holiday story because the message is cheery and bright. This story did not disappoint.

Gabe works at the school that Maddie attends. Maddie is a foster child who divides her time between school and an after school program. She and Gabe have a special friendship and she wants him to meet Amy, who is single like Gabe, at the after school program. It is Maddie's mission to get the two to meet because she thinks they are perfect. She succeeds with the introduction but their meet does not go as planned. Maddie stays vigilant and you find yourself on a journey of hope and second chances.

This story was a quick and enjoyable read that left you with a smile at the end.

[Dianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

...Because sometimes you just need a Christmas miracle.

A precocious little girl in need of a forever family, a school custodian in need of forgiveness and love, and a woman who has known true heartache when her dreams of a happily ever after go up in smoke.

Maddie was determined to get the school custodian, Mr. G., a wife. She was equally determined that she knew the perfect lady, the new volunteer at Glory’s Place.

Little did she know, her matchmaking couldn’t have hit either Gabe or Amy any harder in their long broken hearts? Could they have finally found their happily ever after?

The miracles of the Holiday Season, the joy of shared love and happiness in a small town and a little girl caught up in the foster care system, longing for her own family. Could her “meddling” be more magical than even she could imagine? Could it have been the magic of THE CHRISTMAS STAR with a story of its own?

Donna VanLiere’s tale of love and Christmas magic is heartwarming, easy reading that brings the season’s message of hope.

I received a complimentary ARC edition from St. Martin's Press!

Publisher: St. Martin's Press (October 16, 2018)
Publication Date: October 16, 2018
Genre: Holiday Romance
Print Length: 240 pages
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
For Reviews, Giveaways, Fabulous Book News, follow: http://tometender.blogspot.com

[Deanne Patterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Donna VanLiere's Christmas books are just what we need each year! They are guaranteed Christmas reads each year for me. I did read the previous book and it made me happy so I was so excited to see characters carrying over in this book from her previous book. I dare you to read this book and not feel happy. This is one book that will stay with you for a long time. The characters are flawed just like us and it makes it all the more real. Beautiful story of a little girl in foster care that brings together her two best adult friends . It's a second chance romance for them. A sweet and joyous romance amidst the beautiful snow covered,brilliantly decorated Christmas tree star lit town filled with the wonder of the season and second chances.
Pub Date 16 Oct 2018
I received a complimentary copy of this book from St. Martin's Press through NetGalley. Thank you! All opinions expressed are my own.

[Darla · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book came to my attention and I decided to read it during the advent season. A sweet story with a touching conclusion and lots of small town TLC. The faith aspect is a bit more understated than I expected. Would possibly help to start with the beginning of the series?

[Aura · Rating 2 out of 5]

I have a pet peeve that drives me crazy. Publishers and authors hide the "Christian fiction" genre to the reader. I do not like reading Christian fiction because of xyz reasons. As a reader, I want to know if the novel I want to borrow from the library or pay money for is a Christian themed novel. There is a difference between novels that include Christianity and Christian themed novels. Many Christian authors hide their religious intent in the description of the book because, I assume, Christian books dont sell.
Anyway, this is a Christian romance novel. Its wholesome and sweet. Its short and simple. There is no mention of Jesus and Church in the first quarter of the book and then the preaching begins. For me its a thanks but no thanks. If you like this genre of books, I think you might enjoy this very sweet book about second chances and salvation through Jesus.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet, little Christmas read. I always enjoy Donna VanLiere's Christmas books.

[Jerry (Rebel With a Massive Media Library) · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sweet, touching story; feels like a Hallmark Channel telefilm.

[Staci · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a sweet Christmas novel. I loved the banter between Miriam and Gloria. They remind me of Oscar and Felix from The Odd Couple. Seven year old Maddie was also delightful.

[Kathleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another beautiful Christmas book by Donna VanLier!! It was magical!!!!

[Linda · Rating 3 out of 5]

A super sweet (and a little cheesy) Christmas novel that will leave you smiling. I have read almost all of this series and it is fun to revisit the townspeople every 2 years. That said, this can be read as a standalone.

[Monica H (TeaandBooks) · Rating 4 out of 5]

We have had cold and snow early this October in the Midwest which has already put me in the mood for the Christmas spirit. I was excited to win a copy of The Christmas Star as I have not read a Donna VanLiere book before but I have always wanted to.


Gabe Rodriguez is a guy who loves children and works in the maintenance department of the Grand elementary school. He often talks to seven-year-old Maddie, a cute little girl who has spent her young life in foster care. Maddie decides to play matchmaker with Gabe when she learns that he is single. Every day after school, Maddie goes to Glory's Place, an after school program while her foster mom works. Amy is a new volunteer there and Maddie thinks she is perfect for Gabe. . .However, there are a few surprises for everyone when they get together.


I enjoyed this sweet inspiring Christmas tale of love and compassion in The Christmas Star. I most definitely would read more of VanLiere's work after reading this book. It was somewhat predictable and there was an extra-happy ending that maybe wasn't entirely realistic. Yet, Christmas dreams are often full of hope in the dreams that can work out most happily the biggest of challenges. I expected the happy ending and that is exactly what I needed to read right now. If you need a happy ending inspirational book too, then The Christmas Star is a good read for you. It is a book full of hope and in a world that sometimes feels hopeless to a lot of people right now, that is a good thing I think.



I received an advanced copy of this book as a prize from a Goodreads Giveaway. I was not required to write a positive review.

[Scottsdale Public Library]

Maddie is a foster child who has always looked on the bright side of things and can find the good in everyone. She is also determined to play matchmaker for Gabe and Amy, the school maintenance man and the new volunteer at Glory’s Place. Little does she know that this couple has a past that neither of them wishes to repeat.
Donna VanLiere is back with her latest installment in the Christmas Hope series. Along with Gabe and Amy, the story revisits Lauren and Grant who are busy preparing for the upcoming nuptials and are determined to keep the wedding small and intimate. – Pam B.

[Madison Warner Fairbanks · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Christmas Star By Donna VanLiere

Written in present tense. 9th book in the Christmas Hope inspirational series. Can be read as a standalone.
A young foster child plays matchmaker in this holiday romance. A lit Christmas star is the focus of various family and couple moments.
Lots of feel good, ahhhh, moments. Maddie, the child, is adorable.
Special, peaceful and a bit spiritual.

I received a copy of this book via NetGalley.

[Kav · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book I've read by Donna VanLiere -- also, obviously, the second in her long list of short Christmas novels, some of which have even been made into movies. I read The Christmas Table last year and rushed to my library to for more VanLiere novels only to find them all checked out with hefty holds lists. Fast forward a year and I decided to get a head start on my Christmas reading, this time well ahead of those pesky holds!

The Christmas Star embraces the spirit of Christmas through characters who are striving to live faith-filled lives. They aren't perfect, some can be downright snarly (I'm looking at you, Miriam) but all of them have hearts of gold and generous spirits.

Star among them is seven-year-old Maddie, matchmaking wannabe who seems to have a direct line with Heaven in the matter-of-fact way innocent children have. I was prepared for a cute, light romance with festive flare. What I got was a shattering "Oh! Uh-oh!!! Yikes!!!" moment that switched to "Uh-huh, amen!" by the end of the book. And tons of deep, abiding, life-affirming faith moments that crescendo into a glorious finale! In short, sweet holiday perfection.

[MissBecka Gee · Rating 4 out of 5]

I absolutely LOVED this book!!!
This is a cutie Christian romance in a small town.
Second chance romance, entertaining side characters, sweet plot with some drama and a fantastic small town setting.
What a delight!
Maddie & Miriam stole the show on this one, but I really liked all the characters and the thoughtful bits of kindness sprinkled though out.
Kindness is always my favourite part of the Christmas season.
People seem to try a little bit harder in December, exuding happiness that they seem more willing to share. It's most definitely my favourite thing to absorb over the holiday season!!!
This gave me all the warm and fuzzies I was hoping for.

[Shirley Chapel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I always read at least one of Donna VanLiere's Christmas books each year. This author weaves the spirit of the season through out her stories. In The Christmas Star a seven year old orphan girl plays the role of matchmaker as she tries to bring two of her adult friends together over the holidays.
Amy Denison is a new volunteer at Glories Place, that is an after school program for children whose parents work late. Gabe Rodriquez works for the elementary school as a maintenance man. He has been a recovering alcoholic for the past five years. Little Maddie has always had a special place in his heart.
Maddie thinks that Gabe and Amy should start dating. Trouble is that neither Gabe or Amy are in the least bit interested in dating. Maddie is determined to bring these two Together. Can she achieve this before Christmas or will her plans fall apart?
The author pens surprises into the story along with Christmas magic through the eyes of a young child. I liked that The Christmas Star continued on from her Christmas release of 2016. Both books can be read as a stand alone but I would recommend that The Christmas Town be read first in order to appreciate both stories. This book made this reader laugh out loud and at times I was shedding tears too. I highly recommend both books for your holiday reading schedule. All readers of Christian Fiction will love both books.

[Loraine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Donna Van Liere and Melody Carlson are two authors whose Christmas stories never disappoint. Van Liere's newest in The Christmas Hope series is once again sweet, full of the Christmas Spirit, and joyous. I would recommend every single book in this series, and, of course, the first: The Christmas Shoes is my favorite. Maddie, a seven year old foster child, spends her time after school at Miss Glory's place. Miss Glory is a loving mama who wraps her love around every child she touches and is one of my favorite characters in this series. Maddie loves Miss Amy one of the volunteers almost as much as she loves Mr. G. her school custodian. So Maddie's goal for Christmas is to get her two favorite people together. Filled with second chances, warm holiday feelings, and lots of love, this is a perfect read for the Christmas season. It would make a wonderful Hallmark movie!

[Kay · Rating 3 out of 5]

I did not love this one. It was a good - heart warming and second chances etc, but I may have set a high expectation from Donna VanLiere. The emotions just weren't there. If you haven't read her The Christmas Shoes, you must! Here is my review for that book.

[Loraine Nunley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love revisiting the town of Grandon with these short stories. As usual, this one tugged at my heart strings. There was not one, but two romances, a precocious little girl, and a host of well loved quirky characters.

[Cindy · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's always nice to read a book that you just know is going to have a happy ending! It's a Christmas story and we all know miracles can happen at that time of year.

Maddie is a 7 year old girl who has grown up in foster care. She is a sweet little girl, wise beyond her years. When she decides to play matchmaker, you never know what might happen.

This was a very beautiful story about giving second chances. A good read to relax with at the holidays.

* I was provided an ARC to read from the publisher and NetGalley to read. It was my decision to read and review this book.

[Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've enjoyed this series since the first book, The Christmas Shoes, and I always look forward to catching up with the people of Grandon celebrating the Christmas season. Grandon seems like the perfect little town in the heart of America. I love to read these types of books during the holiday season. A simple story, where you may be able to figure out the storyline and nothing earth shattering happens, but a story that makes you feel good about mankind and conveys the true spirit of Christmas.

[Carla · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the ninth book in Donna VanLiere's Christmas Hope series and it was just what I expected. A story of hope, love, belief, and second chances with a Christian message. I always look forward to her Christmas stories because I know it will have a wonderful message with a happy ending.

Gabe is a maintenance worker at the school that Maddie attends. Maddie is a seven year old sweetheart who is a foster child who divides her time between school and Glory's an after school program. She and Gabe have a special friendship and she wants him to meet Amy. Amy volunteers at Glory's and she is single like Gabe, and old like him. It is Maddie's mission to get the two to meet because she thinks they are perfect. When they do meet, there is a surprise that no one was expecting.

I love the character of Maddie. Not only does she live in a foster home, but she has cerebral palsy. The story does not bash foster homes, in fact, Maddie lives in a good one. She is a strong little girl who is willing to try pretty much anything even if she is not successful. She has a charm and innocence about her that made me want to give her a big hug and let he come and live with me. As I said earlier, this is a story full of second chances and with faith, not being afraid to take a leap into the unknown. It was a very quick read and perfect for a Christmas Eve story. The publisher, St. Martin's Press, generously provided me with a copy of this book upon my request. The rating, ideas and opinions shared are my own.

[Richelle Robinson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Anyone who knows me is well aware that I LOVE Christmas stories. I can read them all year round. So when I was given a widget of this book by a publisher I HAD to check it out. This was my first time reading anything by this author. I like her writing style and the plot helps my attention. I loved the little girl Maddie in this book. She was so cute and she really made this story for me. If I’m being honest I had a hard time connecting to Gabe and Amy. Don’t get me wrong I liked them but I just didn’t feel the romantic connection. They have a past history which we are told about but I rather have liked to watch it unfold with flashbacks. I do have to say I love how diverse the characters are in this story. They all come from different walks of life but they are still a family. This was a feel good Christmas that shows you what the holiday season is all about and even though I had some issues, I was still left with a smile when I finished.

*NetGalley Review*

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

** I received a free ARC of this book from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review. **

This book was a wonderful follow-up to The Christmas Town. It's a very heartfelt book centered around a 7-year-old girl who wants to try to play matchmaker with the custodian from her elementary school and the newest volunteer at Glory's Place.

The other characters from the previous book also get tied in as well and have their own smaller story lines. Overall, this is a cheery, feel-good read that is perfect for the upcoming Christmas season.

[Mary Jackson _TheMaryReader]

I have read every book that VanLiere has out and I love them ALL. I was not disappointed at all with The Christmas Star. I can't wait for her next book.

[✰ BJ's Book Blog ✰Janeane ✰ · Rating 3 out of 5]

ARC received via Netgalley for an honest review

I have not read any of Donna VanLiere's stories before, and although this is Christmas Hope #9 this did not affect my reading of this book at all.

Amy and Gabe's story is sweet and cute, a whole lotta the Christmas spirit and a manipulative (in a good way, not a bad way) 7 year old who will steal your heart.

I will say, I kinda had a guess where part of this story was going to go, but there were still some surprises in stall for me too.

There are lots of secondary characters in this story (whom probably have their own stories in the series) that make this a well rounded out group of friends. Some made me laugh, some got me frustrated, but together they all made me laugh.

A bit too much of the God stuff than I would like, but don't let this stop you from reading.

[Maureen Timerman · Rating 4 out of 5]

The author has given us a story of hope, with people who love God and work at schools, and then donate their time for a safe place for children to go after.
The spirit of giving is alive here, and it keeps touching so many, and makes it a perfect Christmas read.
I did not read the previous book, but now I would love to, but you will not be lost here, and the story plays out beautifully.
While I figured out early on how I thought the story would play out, there were still a lot of surprises!

I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher St Martin’s Press, and was not required to give a positive review.

[Jodie (That Happy Reader) · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you are looking to read a heart-warming Christmas read then look no further.

The Christmas Star is a story of second chances. Maddie is a sweet seven year old girl who has spent her life in foster care. Maddie is also a little matchmaker who sets to fix up Amy, who volunteers at a an after-school program, with Gabe who is a maintenance worker at Maddie’s school. Maddie has no idea that these two have been married to each other before. Will Gabe and Amy have a second chance at love?

The book is set in a community full of Christmas spirit, celebrations and magic. I enjoyed this very sweet book, and recommend it to those who enjoy a holiday romance read.

[Windi · Rating 5 out of 5]

The most delightful one of the series to date. Believable? Not so much..........but then again....that's what Christmas miracles are all about. I enjoyed this tale of Grandon quite a lot. On to the next and final (to date) book in the series. I sure hope there will be more. Gloria and Miriam and their banter grows more fun with each tale.

[Kristina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another heartwarming entry in the series! While many of these can be read as standalones, this and the installments surrounding it really should be read in order to get the full story.