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Christmas Hope #6
The Christmas Note
Gretchen Daniels has recently moved into a condo with her two children to be closer to her mother, Miriam. As they build a life together in their new community, they notice a mysterious young woman, Melissa McCreary, who lives next door. She has few possessions, little personality, and keeps to herself. One day a local landlord who is looking for Melissa knocks on Gretchen's door for assistance. Melissa's mother has died and in the coming weeks the landlord needs Melissa to empty her mother's apartment. Gretchen reaches out and offers to help Melissa, but the apartment is a gut-wrenching shamble of a home. There is little worth saving except for a few photos and a note that is discovered on the crate beside the bed. It is unfinished, but in the two scribbled lines, Melissa discovers secrets about her family that she never could have imagined. Can two very different women embark on a journey that explores a long-buried need for forgiveness, hope, and redemption'
208 pages, Hardcover
First published October 25, 2011
77 people are currently reading
3769 people want to read
About the author
Donna VanLiere
78 books1,333 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 526 reviews
December 17, 2022
In faith there is enough light for those who want to believe and enough shadows to blind those who don't. ~ Blaise Pascal
Melissa McGreary has had a hard life. Her mother Ramona was abusive and unpredictable. After Ramona's unexpected death, Melissa's next-door neighbor Gretchen insists on helping her clean out the mother's apartment. They discover a note that was only half-written and indicating that Melissa has two half siblings. No names or any other information were included. Gretchen encourages her to ask Robert Layton, (the lawyer from The Christmas Shoes, for help. There are other connections to earlier books. Gretchen is Miriam's (The Christmas Promise, for example. It is a treat to spend time with the folks in Grandon. They remind us about being good neighbors and family members as we draw near to the manger this Christmas. There is a good dose of serendipity in this one, but that is what makes fiction so satisfying. And keep this last bit of wisdom from Mrs. Schweiger in mind when you are tempted by that dessert table:
It's Christmas. You do out-of-ordinary things at Christmas and wear big pants.
Melissa McGreary has had a hard life. Her mother Ramona was abusive and unpredictable. After Ramona's unexpected death, Melissa's next-door neighbor Gretchen insists on helping her clean out the mother's apartment. They discover a note that was only half-written and indicating that Melissa has two half siblings. No names or any other information were included. Gretchen encourages her to ask Robert Layton, (the lawyer from The Christmas Shoes, for help. There are other connections to earlier books. Gretchen is Miriam's (The Christmas Promise, for example. It is a treat to spend time with the folks in Grandon. They remind us about being good neighbors and family members as we draw near to the manger this Christmas. There is a good dose of serendipity in this one, but that is what makes fiction so satisfying. And keep this last bit of wisdom from Mrs. Schweiger in mind when you are tempted by that dessert table:
It's Christmas. You do out-of-ordinary things at Christmas and wear big pants.
December 13, 2015
What do a mother of two young children whose husband is in a military hospital in Germany after being seriously wounded and an anti-social divorced woman who works two jobs to make ends meet have in common? Not much, it would seem. Gretchen Daniels has just moved into a condo with her two kids to be closer to her mother. Soon after they get settled, Gretchen must be the bearer of bad news. Melissa McCreary’s mother has passed away, according to the mother’s landlord. Gretchen offers to help her Melissa go through her mother’s things, and she is startled to learn that the woman does not seem sad or upset to receive word of her death. Melissa does, however, relent and allow Gretchen to help her clean out her mother’s shabby apartment. Most of what they find is not worth saving, except for a scribbled note that changes everything for Melissa.
Despite some character flaws and predictability in the plot, I really enjoyed Donna Van Liere’s The Christmas Note. Gretchen is extremely pushy. Instead of giving up and respecting her neighbor’s desire for solitude and privacy, she nags and practically forces her to follow up on the note that she found. And Melissa lets herself be pushed! She has virtually zero social skills, which she always, always, always blames on her late mother, Ramona, for whom there was no love lost, obviously. Somehow, I found myself intrigued by the bond form between these two women and also the connection between Miriam, Gretchen’s mother, and Gloria, Miriam’s best friend. Melissa was welcomed into the group, and I enjoyed watching her come out of her shell.
I felt that the other characters were realistic, for the most part. The two kids, Josh, Mrs. Schweiger – I found them all rather endearing. This story could have been set at any time of year, but the fact that it is set around the Christmas holiday makes it more special. Gretchen is missing her husband Kyle and more than ever wants to see him at Christmas. Everyone gets caught up in the Christmas spirit, but this is a story about friendship, love, transformation, and forgiveness, which could be appropriate for any season.
There are no loose ends in The Christmas Note. Things come together and are nicely packaged and tied up with a pretty bow, just the way I like my Christmas reading to be.
4 stars
Despite some character flaws and predictability in the plot, I really enjoyed Donna Van Liere’s The Christmas Note. Gretchen is extremely pushy. Instead of giving up and respecting her neighbor’s desire for solitude and privacy, she nags and practically forces her to follow up on the note that she found. And Melissa lets herself be pushed! She has virtually zero social skills, which she always, always, always blames on her late mother, Ramona, for whom there was no love lost, obviously. Somehow, I found myself intrigued by the bond form between these two women and also the connection between Miriam, Gretchen’s mother, and Gloria, Miriam’s best friend. Melissa was welcomed into the group, and I enjoyed watching her come out of her shell.
I felt that the other characters were realistic, for the most part. The two kids, Josh, Mrs. Schweiger – I found them all rather endearing. This story could have been set at any time of year, but the fact that it is set around the Christmas holiday makes it more special. Gretchen is missing her husband Kyle and more than ever wants to see him at Christmas. Everyone gets caught up in the Christmas spirit, but this is a story about friendship, love, transformation, and forgiveness, which could be appropriate for any season.
There are no loose ends in The Christmas Note. Things come together and are nicely packaged and tied up with a pretty bow, just the way I like my Christmas reading to be.
4 stars
December 8, 2018
Another well written Christmas novel by Donna VanLiere. What I loved the most is the way the author showed that sometimes we should get out of our comfort zone to be kind to strangers, show affection for new friends, etc and the risk just may be worth it.
November 24, 2018
Just because people are neighbors, it doesn’t mean that they’ll have enough in common to be friends. Gretchen and Melissa seeem to have nothing in common except their proximity as neighbors. Gretchen is new to the neighborhood, and Melissa is as unwelcoming as can be. But when a landlord tells Gretchen that Melissa’s mother has died and since he can’t reach Melissa, Gretchen must tell her that her mom is dead and Melissa now has one week to clear out her mother’s things. Gretchen doesn’t want to, but her kids guilt her into complying, and this is the beginning of their relationship, a sort of friendship-in-progress. And while you likely will guess how it comes out, it is still a pleasant journey that will leave you with a warm fuzzy feeling. The characters are likable and if the plot seems a bit contrived, it can be excused because it’s Christmas. Listen to the audio if you can - the author does a good job of narrating her own novel.
September 27, 2021
I'm listening to this series in random order as library CDs become available. Was thrilled to go back to the early Gloria and Miriam days (I've only read the most recent two books where their give-and-take quirky relationship is well established.) Anyway, while The Christmas Note isn't really about them, they do play pivotal roles so that was fun.
This is Christmas heartwarming at its best. The story starts out quite bleakly -- characters weighed down with troubles that seem too heavy to bear. And they are, while facing them alone. It's when Gretchen and Melissa reluctantly connect that hope slowly brightens the story. And oh, the twists! Some kinda predictable but still infinitely thrilling in this classic small town Christmas tale. A perfect illustration of how amazing God's love is.
This is Christmas heartwarming at its best. The story starts out quite bleakly -- characters weighed down with troubles that seem too heavy to bear. And they are, while facing them alone. It's when Gretchen and Melissa reluctantly connect that hope slowly brightens the story. And oh, the twists! Some kinda predictable but still infinitely thrilling in this classic small town Christmas tale. A perfect illustration of how amazing God's love is.
November 27, 2011
I feel bad being the first reader to give this book only two stars but I really didn't like it all that much. I've read other books by this author and really liked them but this one... The plot moves slow, the characters are flat and the ending sort of contrived. I think the story idea was a good one but it didn't fall into place. It was like looking at a bunch of puzzle pieces that didn't quite connect so someone simply pushed them haphazardly together just to be done.
September 18, 2022
So very predictable, but I love Miriam and Gloria's friendship so much!
December 12, 2015
I won this Freebook from Goodreads First- reads. When Melissa and her neighbor were cleaning out her mother's apartment she found a note her mother deceased mother had written "you have 2 siblings". This news gave Melissa hope.
Her neighbor helped her in so many ways. She was like a life coach to her.
Melissa asked her boss to help her find her missing siblings . They had been adopted . It turns out her neighbor is her younger sister and she made phone contact with her brother . A wonderful story of family, love and Christmas.
Her neighbor helped her in so many ways. She was like a life coach to her.
Melissa asked her boss to help her find her missing siblings . They had been adopted . It turns out her neighbor is her younger sister and she made phone contact with her brother . A wonderful story of family, love and Christmas.
December 13, 2018
It's great to be back in the wonderful Christmas novel world where things always work out well and the craziest of coincidences happen and are called miracles. I shed some Christmas tears, I'll admit it.
January 1, 2015
SUMMARY: Gretchen Daniels has recently moved into a condo with her two children to be closer to her mother, Miriam. As they build a life together in their new community, they notice a mysterious young woman, Melissa McCreary, who lives next door. She has few possessions, little personality, and keeps to herself. One day a local landlord who is looking for Melissa knocks on Gretchen’s door for assistance. Melissa’s mother has died and in the coming weeks the landlord needs Melissa to empty her mother’s apartment. Gretchen reaches out and offers to help Melissa, but the apartment is a gut-wrenching shamble of a home. There is little worth saving except for a few photos and a note that is discovered on the crate beside the bed. It is unfinished, but in the two scribbled lines, Melissa discovers secrets about her family that she never could have imagined. Can two very different women embark on a journey that explores a long-buried need for forgiveness, hope, and redemption?
REVIEW: Donna Van Liere is a Christmas story writer par excellence. Every one of her Christmas books has made me laugh and cry and given me inspiration. The Christmas Note does not fail. The characters are true-to-life and the storyline filled with twists, turns, and surprises. The introduction of each chapter with a quote, was a great touch and many warmed my heart or caused me to do some pondering. With a smidgen of mystery and intrigue, family problems, and characters who all have their own strengths and weaknesses, this story definitely keeps you turning the pages. Another lovely and heartwarming Christmas read from a fine author.
FAVORITE QUOTES: "Grief can't be shared. Everyone carries it alone. His own burden in his own way." (Anne Morrow Lindburg quote)
"It's harder to let go of a bad relationship than a good one. With a good one you've got sweet memories and kind words. With a bad one you just got a whole lot of unanswered questions and open wounds."
"Grief takes a while but joy does come."
"When you say 'I believe" it has the same power as letting a tiger out of its cage."
REVIEW: Donna Van Liere is a Christmas story writer par excellence. Every one of her Christmas books has made me laugh and cry and given me inspiration. The Christmas Note does not fail. The characters are true-to-life and the storyline filled with twists, turns, and surprises. The introduction of each chapter with a quote, was a great touch and many warmed my heart or caused me to do some pondering. With a smidgen of mystery and intrigue, family problems, and characters who all have their own strengths and weaknesses, this story definitely keeps you turning the pages. Another lovely and heartwarming Christmas read from a fine author.
FAVORITE QUOTES: "Grief can't be shared. Everyone carries it alone. His own burden in his own way." (Anne Morrow Lindburg quote)
"It's harder to let go of a bad relationship than a good one. With a good one you've got sweet memories and kind words. With a bad one you just got a whole lot of unanswered questions and open wounds."
"Grief takes a while but joy does come."
"When you say 'I believe" it has the same power as letting a tiger out of its cage."
July 3, 2016
The Christmas Note is one of several books in a Christmas series. It doesn't have to be read with the other books, although after reading this one you are likely to go looking for the others.
Gretchen and Melissa become next door neighbors right before Christmas. Both are dealing with their own brand of grief and loss. But neither would have imagined that the other could be of any help.
If you like predictable, but sweet Christmas stories (and I do) than this book is great. There were several unexpected little twists in the book, but everything ends neatly and the way one would want it to. It will cheer your heart and make you thankful for the things you have this Christmas.
I received this book free of charge from Booksneeze in exchange for my honest review.
Gretchen and Melissa become next door neighbors right before Christmas. Both are dealing with their own brand of grief and loss. But neither would have imagined that the other could be of any help.
If you like predictable, but sweet Christmas stories (and I do) than this book is great. There were several unexpected little twists in the book, but everything ends neatly and the way one would want it to. It will cheer your heart and make you thankful for the things you have this Christmas.
I received this book free of charge from Booksneeze in exchange for my honest review.
December 7, 2020
I liked this story - it left me with a happy feeling. I liked the way the author tied everything together by the end with a pretty bow - just like I'd like a Christmas story to end. I listened to this through my library app and read my paperback copy at the same time. I listened when I took my walk, picking up the paperback, and sat in a comfy chair when I wanted to relax. This book is written in plain language and wouldn't make my grandmother blush and faith was woven throughout the story. Just a nice Christmas book to take me into the season.
November 22, 2021
Sometimes I just need a lighter read and holiday books fit the bill nicely. What I liked about this one was that one of the main characters, Gretchen, helps her neighbor even while dealing with difficulties in her own life. The tale is told in alternating chapters from the viewpoint of both Gretchen and Melissa so the reader gets to see two sides to the story.
December 10, 2022
I enjoyed this book, although i really liked previous books in this series more. I enjoyed the happy ending. I do intend to finish this series out through out the holiday seasons.
January 5, 2023
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December 21, 2016
One of those books that escaped my reviewing for almost an entire year....thanks to a friend's rating and review, I realized I'd never marked this as read. I actually enjoyed this Christmas story last year!
It wasn't the greatest story ever, but the relationships felt authentic and interesting. The writing is stilted or weak at times, sometimes as though too much was being told within a paragraph for the actions to be shown...perhaps this was done for space, since it is a novella length work.
The family that came and landscaped the MC's yard, as she was gone, designs her new lawn...that was kind of weird. It didn't seem that her family knew her quite that well, but did it without checking on what her plans were. Not something my family, close as we are, would be free to do for each other. Also, the continued question of what her husband's actual prognosis was kept getting pushed back to the very end of the book. In fact, for a good portion of the story, I got the impression she was a widow.
All that said, though, it is a sweet Christmas tale with a good lesson and some nice festive activity. :)
It wasn't the greatest story ever, but the relationships felt authentic and interesting. The writing is stilted or weak at times, sometimes as though too much was being told within a paragraph for the actions to be shown...perhaps this was done for space, since it is a novella length work.
The family that came and landscaped the MC's yard, as she was gone, designs her new lawn...that was kind of weird. It didn't seem that her family knew her quite that well, but did it without checking on what her plans were. Not something my family, close as we are, would be free to do for each other. Also, the continued question of what her husband's actual prognosis was kept getting pushed back to the very end of the book. In fact, for a good portion of the story, I got the impression she was a widow.
All that said, though, it is a sweet Christmas tale with a good lesson and some nice festive activity. :)
October 10, 2015
I enjoyed this audio book very much. It's a feel good novel. I have done some searches for people looking for their birth parents, and this was a fun and perfect reunion of sister's with the same birth mother. There were positive changes in the lives of all those who were involved in this story.
I found this book on CD at the library, and listened to it last night and this morning. This is my second time to listen to this book. It's just four CD's long. It had me crying at the end. This is a sweet uplifting Christmas story. It sounds as if there is or should be another book.
I found this book on CD at the library, and listened to it last night and this morning. This is my second time to listen to this book. It's just four CD's long. It had me crying at the end. This is a sweet uplifting Christmas story. It sounds as if there is or should be another book.
November 25, 2020
A beautiful story about friendship and a heartwarming Christmas story.
December 17, 2022
This was my favorite of the Christmas Hope Series.
November 24, 2023
“For the rest of my life I’ll wonder how all of this happened. I’ll go through the what-if’s countless times and settle on the same conclusion: I am seen.”
March 3, 2018
A friend loaned me this book to read. I was surprised to find it was a signed copy--most people don't loan out signed copies of books!
I enjoyed this book, which was mostly about friendships. Gretchen Daniels and her two children move to a new home. Melissa is their neighbor. At first, Melissa seems stand-offish but then, as life events continue to put the two together, the neighbors become friends. I also enjoyed the friendship between Gretchen's mother, Miriam, and Gloria.
While cleaning out Melissa's mother's apartment, Melissa and Gretchen find a note that indicates Melissa has a brother and sister.
The book contained several plot twists. Some I guessed (like the identity of Melissa's sister) and others I didn't (several incidences involving Kyle). Some plot points are left open-ended (like will Gretchen's mother and father end up getting back together years after their divorce or will they just end up being friends again?) The way everyone she cared about comes together in Melissa's life is a bit over-the-top, but I couldn't help but feel for Melissa who seemed to need that caring friendship.
I enjoyed this book, which was mostly about friendships. Gretchen Daniels and her two children move to a new home. Melissa is their neighbor. At first, Melissa seems stand-offish but then, as life events continue to put the two together, the neighbors become friends. I also enjoyed the friendship between Gretchen's mother, Miriam, and Gloria.
While cleaning out Melissa's mother's apartment, Melissa and Gretchen find a note that indicates Melissa has a brother and sister.
The book contained several plot twists. Some I guessed (like the identity of Melissa's sister) and others I didn't (several incidences involving Kyle). Some plot points are left open-ended (like will Gretchen's mother and father end up getting back together years after their divorce or will they just end up being friends again?) The way everyone she cared about comes together in Melissa's life is a bit over-the-top, but I couldn't help but feel for Melissa who seemed to need that caring friendship.
December 20, 2017
Great story adding more characters. Told by 2 POVs. Glad author finally noted the POVs at each chapter making it easier for the reader to follow along. 1st POV is Gretchen. She is a mother of two who moves into the town where her mother is. Her husband is in the military overseas. The 2nd POV is Melissa she’s the next door neighbor of Gretchen. Her mom just passed away and we learn she’s from an abused home. Lots of twists I didn’t see coming. Great Christmas read of friendship, family, adoption, and hope. No tears for this book as I did feel one of the twists were a bit far fetched. Doubt it would happen in real life.
January 7, 2019
Not my favorite of the series, but still sweet and inspirational.
Melissa grew up rough with her mother. When her mother finally passes, is this the time for Melissa to start over?
Gretchen just moved in next door to Melissa. She’s looking for a way to distract herself from her own life and current situation.
Gretchen and Melissa’s story unfolds and intertwines in a very sweet and unexpected way. The book brings hope and faith just in time for Christmas.
A truly great story all around.
Melissa grew up rough with her mother. When her mother finally passes, is this the time for Melissa to start over?
Gretchen just moved in next door to Melissa. She’s looking for a way to distract herself from her own life and current situation.
Gretchen and Melissa’s story unfolds and intertwines in a very sweet and unexpected way. The book brings hope and faith just in time for Christmas.
A truly great story all around.
January 16, 2022
This was a very emotional story! Melissa finds out she's not alone in the world, and Gretchen gets a huge Christmas surprise. I'm completely enjoying this series!! I also enjoy hearing the author read the audiobooks.
January 3, 2024
The cover looked like it’d be a cheesy romance but I was pleasantly surprised when it wasn’t at all, rather a cozy Christmas novella covering family, stepping outside of your comfort zone and how you can find joy even in the wake of hard things.
November 8, 2017
Great little story
December 15, 2018
Cute story! Good read for the holidays.
February 9, 2019
I just love these little heart warming stories!
December 22, 2021
A young mother Gretchen and her two kids move into the condo next door to Melissa. Melissa is a very private person who only goes out to go to work or for necessities. Gretchen's husband is in a military hospital in Germany slowly recovering from an explosion while on duty. Gretchen's moved there to be nearer to family. Melissa learns of her estranged mom's passing from Gretchen after the landlord stopped at her house when he couldn't reach Melissa. When Gretchen offers to accompany Melissa to go through her mom's apartment, they begin a friendship. They find a note written by Melissa's mom telling her that she has 2 siblings who were adopted. With Gretchen's encouragement Melissa asks her lawyer boss to help her search. The results of this search result in a family for Melissa...her dream since she was a young child.
January 3, 2024
Wonderfully heartwarming story of friendship between two very different women. Nice book to extend the spirit of Christmas.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 526 reviews