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The Noel Collection #3
Noel Street
In this new offering from “the king of Christmas fiction” (The New York Times), #1 bestselling author Richard Paul Evans shares a story of heart, loyalty, and hope as he explores the deeper meaning of the holiday season and asks what it truly means to love and forgive.
The year is 1975. Elle Sheen—a single mother who is supporting herself and her six-year-old, African-America son, Dylan, as a waitress at the Noel Street Diner—isn’t sure what to make of William Smith when his appearance creates a stir in the small town of Mistletoe, Utah. As their lives unexpectedly entwine, Elle learns that William, a recently returned Vietnam POW, is not only fighting demons from his past, but may also have the answer to her own secret pain—a revelation that culminates in a remarkable act of love and forgiveness.
The year is 1975. Elle Sheen—a single mother who is supporting herself and her six-year-old, African-America son, Dylan, as a waitress at the Noel Street Diner—isn’t sure what to make of William Smith when his appearance creates a stir in the small town of Mistletoe, Utah. As their lives unexpectedly entwine, Elle learns that William, a recently returned Vietnam POW, is not only fighting demons from his past, but may also have the answer to her own secret pain—a revelation that culminates in a remarkable act of love and forgiveness.
299 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 5, 2019
834 people are currently reading
5283 people want to read
About the author
Richard Paul Evans
230 books6,553 followersWhen Richard Paul Evans wrote the #1 best-seller, The Christmas Box, he never intended on becoming an internationally known author. His quiet story of parental love and the true meaning of Christmas made history when it became simultaneously the #1 hardcover and paperback book in the nation. Since then, more than eight million copies of The Christmas Box have been printed. He has since written eleven consecutive New York Times bestsellers. He is one the few authors in history to have hit both the fiction and non-fiction bestseller lists. He has won several awards for his books including the 1998 American Mothers Book Award, two first place Storytelling World Awards, and the 2005 Romantic Times Best Women Novel of the Year Award. His books have been translated into more than 22 languages and several have been international best sellers.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 865 reviews
November 17, 2019
Elle is a single mom living in Mistletoe, Utah. The year is 1975 and her husband has passed away in the Vietnam War. She struggles financially while trying to raise her son, Dylan.
The people in Mistletoe are kind, but when Elle meets a local mechanic named William, he puzzles her. After a kind gesture, the two connect, and Elle discovers that William is a Vietnam POW who's still living with demons.
I'm in the minority here. This turns into such a an emotional story, but I couldn't connect to the characters and it was a bit dramatic for me. The book does touch on some difficult, important topics.
Rating this lower would be wrong because the writing is good and it was neat how the characters connected in the end. The ending was predictable, but it's beautiful. I just simply didn't enjoy the story; however, the message of hope, faith, and forgiveness is lovely.
Better luck next year.
3***
The people in Mistletoe are kind, but when Elle meets a local mechanic named William, he puzzles her. After a kind gesture, the two connect, and Elle discovers that William is a Vietnam POW who's still living with demons.
I'm in the minority here. This turns into such a an emotional story, but I couldn't connect to the characters and it was a bit dramatic for me. The book does touch on some difficult, important topics.
Rating this lower would be wrong because the writing is good and it was neat how the characters connected in the end. The ending was predictable, but it's beautiful. I just simply didn't enjoy the story; however, the message of hope, faith, and forgiveness is lovely.
Better luck next year.
3***
December 26, 2019
A '70s Christmas story with great messages. Noel Street is another fantastic Christmas book by RPE. He is the KING of the genre.
November 13, 2019
Noel Street holds Richard Paul Evans's classic charm and redemptive properties. I read it during the week of Veteran's Day which was perfection as it offers elements related to those who have served. The storyline is predictable but enjoyable. I'm always in the mood for this author's writing.
December 16, 2019
I always look forward to Richard Paul Evans' Christmas novel each year! NOEL STREET was a fantastic holiday romance which will warm your heart. I purchased the audiobook and the narrator, Helene Maksoud was exceptional. Highly recommend. This is one for the stocking or an ideal Christmas gift.
For fans of holiday inspirational reads, mixed with magical charm. Also for those who enjoy upcoming romance by Rochelle B. Weinstein's This Is Not How It Ends.
For fans of holiday inspirational reads, mixed with magical charm. Also for those who enjoy upcoming romance by Rochelle B. Weinstein's This Is Not How It Ends.
October 29, 2019
Every year I look forward to his Christmas Romance book. This one did not disappoint. The diverse characters did not lead to the predictability of past books, but alas... they always have a happy ending.
December 3, 2019
"Every story is a road. And on all roads there are potholes and bumps, detours and unexpected encounters. This stretch of my story took place back in 1975 in a small mountain town you've never heard of — Mistletoe, Utah. It was a harsher than usual winter, and everything it seemed, was frozen — including my life as a single mother working as a waitress at the Noel Street Diner.
"Then, on one of those cold days, something came along that changed everything for me. More correctly, someone. It was the day I found William Smith lying under a truck on Noel Street."
The Noel Street Diner was where she first stopped when she happened to land with her son, needing a job, a place to live, and a better life for them both, along with a way to heal. Her son’s father died in Vietnam before Dylan was even born. Her parents have never met Dylan – they didn’t approve of Elle dating, let alone marrying, an African-American man, and were not interested in welcoming this child. She’s still struggling financially, but keeps trying. Fortunately, most people in this small town are more helpful than hurtful.
When she runs into car problems, she finds out there’s a new guy, a young Vietnam POW, who has replaced the mechanic where she takes her car to be fixed. He doesn’t really make the best first impression, but the shop owner vouches for him. Despite her initial impression, they eventually become friendly, although she struggles, wondering if she is ready for more from anyone, he struggles thinking he is not worthy of anyone’s affections.
"In the middle of a snowstorm we tubed down a steep hill, blind and out of control. That pretty much describes my life these days." -- Elle Sheen's Diary
Another sweet, if predictable, Christmas story by Richard Paul Evans, this one tackles PTSD along with other social issues including race, and war - but at it’s heart, it’s all about love. The love of a parent for a child, along with a theme of love, forgiveness, and maintaining a sense of hope and faith despite seemingly overwhelming circumstances.
"Then, on one of those cold days, something came along that changed everything for me. More correctly, someone. It was the day I found William Smith lying under a truck on Noel Street."
The Noel Street Diner was where she first stopped when she happened to land with her son, needing a job, a place to live, and a better life for them both, along with a way to heal. Her son’s father died in Vietnam before Dylan was even born. Her parents have never met Dylan – they didn’t approve of Elle dating, let alone marrying, an African-American man, and were not interested in welcoming this child. She’s still struggling financially, but keeps trying. Fortunately, most people in this small town are more helpful than hurtful.
When she runs into car problems, she finds out there’s a new guy, a young Vietnam POW, who has replaced the mechanic where she takes her car to be fixed. He doesn’t really make the best first impression, but the shop owner vouches for him. Despite her initial impression, they eventually become friendly, although she struggles, wondering if she is ready for more from anyone, he struggles thinking he is not worthy of anyone’s affections.
"In the middle of a snowstorm we tubed down a steep hill, blind and out of control. That pretty much describes my life these days." -- Elle Sheen's Diary
Another sweet, if predictable, Christmas story by Richard Paul Evans, this one tackles PTSD along with other social issues including race, and war - but at it’s heart, it’s all about love. The love of a parent for a child, along with a theme of love, forgiveness, and maintaining a sense of hope and faith despite seemingly overwhelming circumstances.
June 16, 2020
I can always count on Richard Paul Evans for a feel good, quick read, albeit all the tears in the end. I related to this book with William a Vietnam vet and Elle who is estranged from her family. I loved the relationship between William and Elle who it was obvious were meant for each other, with the little bit of help from her husband who was killed. The determination of William to live and thrive what he went through. The hardships of Elle as a single mother trying to make ends meet with no help from family, not to mention the upcoming bigotry towards her son, Dylan. In the end forgiveness and understanding are all that is needed.
A great end to the Noel Collection series and one I would recommend.
A great end to the Noel Collection series and one I would recommend.
November 16, 2019
Nice conclusion to the Noel Collection Series. It's rare to find a novel set in the 1970s. Noel Street is set in 1975 Mistletoe, Utah. The main character, Elle, is a widow of a Vietnam soldier. The lead male character, William, was a prisoner of war in Vietnam.
The way Elle and William meet was well written. The speed at which they fell in love happened rather quickly. Two other things seemed out of character for Elle. First, the number of dates she had where she left her son with a babysitter seemed high. Absolutely, it was good for Elle and William to have time by themselves. It was the number of times that Elle's son wasn't included that surprised me. Second, there was one scene at William's apartment that seemed more intimate than I expected.
Overall, it was an enjoyable Christmas novel and I loved the Hallmark ending.
The way Elle and William meet was well written. The speed at which they fell in love happened rather quickly. Two other things seemed out of character for Elle. First, the number of dates she had where she left her son with a babysitter seemed high. Absolutely, it was good for Elle and William to have time by themselves. It was the number of times that Elle's son wasn't included that surprised me. Second, there was one scene at William's apartment that seemed more intimate than I expected.
Overall, it was an enjoyable Christmas novel and I loved the Hallmark ending.
October 22, 2020
As the days get shorter and we begin to anticipate Thanksgiving and Christmas, a Richard Paul Evans book is a must. This book is #3 in the Noel series and is set in the mid-1970's. Elle and her little boy Dylan will capture your heart. Themes of grace, mercy, and forgiveness remind us of our Heavenly Father. And the twists and turns their story takes over the holidays will make you cry tears of sadness and of joy. RPE does an admirable job incorporating the horrors and difficulties for Vietnam Vets into this 2019 offering.
Some own up to their past. Some are owned by their past. The wise take what they can from the past and then leave it behind. --Elle Sheen's Diary
Some own up to their past. Some are owned by their past. The wise take what they can from the past and then leave it behind. --Elle Sheen's Diary
December 19, 2019
"Every story is a road. And on all roads there are potholes and bumps, detours and unexpected encounters."
"The cost of love is the risk of losing it. But it's always worth it. After all, in the end, what else is there?"
"The cost of love is the risk of losing it. But it's always worth it. After all, in the end, what else is there?"
November 28, 2021
Rok 1975. Wdowa i matka czarnoskórego chłopca. Matka, która chciałaby dać synowi wszystko czego zapragnie, lecz przeszkodą są pieniądze, których brakuje.
Opowieść o utracie, wojnie i jej skutkach, rasizmie i jego wpływie na ludzi, niespodziewanej miłości, a także wierze.
Ta książka miała wielki potencjał i połowicznie został on wykorzystany. Relacja Elle z Williamem rozkręcała się w bardzo szybkim tempie, co sprawiło, że tego nie czułam. Nie czułam tej relacji. Nie czułam żadnych emocji. A sztywne dialogi nie pomagały.
Żałuję, że kwestia rasizmu nie została dopracowana, ale w zamian za to dostałam dość dobre zakończenie i relację, która wybrzmiała "po latach".
Opowieść o utracie, wojnie i jej skutkach, rasizmie i jego wpływie na ludzi, niespodziewanej miłości, a także wierze.
Ta książka miała wielki potencjał i połowicznie został on wykorzystany. Relacja Elle z Williamem rozkręcała się w bardzo szybkim tempie, co sprawiło, że tego nie czułam. Nie czułam tej relacji. Nie czułam żadnych emocji. A sztywne dialogi nie pomagały.
Żałuję, że kwestia rasizmu nie została dopracowana, ale w zamian za to dostałam dość dobre zakończenie i relację, która wybrzmiała "po latach".
December 11, 2019
The beautifully written book by Richard Paul Evans is told through the eyes of Elle Sheen. The year is 1975, and if you were alive then, you will remember the country being divided. The war in Viet Nam had ended, soldiers had returned to a less than welcoming public, race wars were still going on...in short, it was a rather tumultuous time.
For Elle, devastation came in the death of the father of her son, an African American man who lost his life in Viet Nam. She lives in the tiny village of Mistletoe, Utah, and her son is the only person of color who lives there. Her family abandoned her when she dared to love an African American man, and she works in a diner to support herself and her son. Luckily for Elle, her son Dylan loves her as much as she does him, and together they form a family, albeit a rather small one. She misses Dylan's father more than words can say.
Into the small town, there is a newcomer, which is a rather unusual happening as no one apparently goes to Mistletoe on purpose, much less stays there. William Smith is operating a car repair service, and Elle meets him when her 1957 Ford Fairlaine is in dire need of repairs - again, something she can ill afford.
A Viet Nam veteran himself, William and Elle are definitely attracted to each other. William, however, suffers from an extreme case of PTSD from his time in the war, and both he and Elle have suffered through prejudice for various reasons.
This is yet another beautiful story by Evans, focusing on love and forgiveness and the healing it brings.
For Elle, devastation came in the death of the father of her son, an African American man who lost his life in Viet Nam. She lives in the tiny village of Mistletoe, Utah, and her son is the only person of color who lives there. Her family abandoned her when she dared to love an African American man, and she works in a diner to support herself and her son. Luckily for Elle, her son Dylan loves her as much as she does him, and together they form a family, albeit a rather small one. She misses Dylan's father more than words can say.
Into the small town, there is a newcomer, which is a rather unusual happening as no one apparently goes to Mistletoe on purpose, much less stays there. William Smith is operating a car repair service, and Elle meets him when her 1957 Ford Fairlaine is in dire need of repairs - again, something she can ill afford.
A Viet Nam veteran himself, William and Elle are definitely attracted to each other. William, however, suffers from an extreme case of PTSD from his time in the war, and both he and Elle have suffered through prejudice for various reasons.
This is yet another beautiful story by Evans, focusing on love and forgiveness and the healing it brings.
November 17, 2019
My mom is a longtime fan of Richard Paul Evans, so, she asked me to get a copy of this book from the library at which I work. I was able to score a "no reserves" copy just as it was making its way to the "new book" shelf. SCORE!
I've read one or two of his novels previously, but, it's been a long time; as an avid reader, maybe I should try some of his other books, and not just the Reader's Digest condensed version like I did with one some time ago.
As a whole, this story charmed me; it was a touching account of triumph over tragedy, and the historical setting gave it a lot of old-school charm. Mr. Evans' writing was very crisp and engaging.
However, I did have two problems with it: First off, there was a lot of wasted space; did they really need to have a whole page just to divide the chapters, especially for a book this size? My biggest problem, though, was that one part implied sexual relations between an unmarried couple, which is made all the more shocking by a scene in a later chapter when they attend church. Though illicit affairs have been happening since the days of Genesis, you'd think that Christian characters would know better than that, especially decades ago. Those issues messed up what was otherwise a great read.
I've read one or two of his novels previously, but, it's been a long time; as an avid reader, maybe I should try some of his other books, and not just the Reader's Digest condensed version like I did with one some time ago.
As a whole, this story charmed me; it was a touching account of triumph over tragedy, and the historical setting gave it a lot of old-school charm. Mr. Evans' writing was very crisp and engaging.
However, I did have two problems with it: First off, there was a lot of wasted space; did they really need to have a whole page just to divide the chapters, especially for a book this size? My biggest problem, though, was that one part implied sexual relations between an unmarried couple, which is made all the more shocking by a scene in a later chapter when they attend church. Though illicit affairs have been happening since the days of Genesis, you'd think that Christian characters would know better than that, especially decades ago. Those issues messed up what was otherwise a great read.
November 7, 2019
A very nice heart warming story. Being familiar with all previous works by this author, the climax and ending were both predictable, but that didn't take away from the story's charm. I'm usually not one to get teary eyed easily while reading, but this one came really close to doing so (in a good way). If you're an RPE fan, you'll love this book. If you've been a little bored with his last couple of Christmas novels (as I have been), this one really makes up for it. As with his other books, the novel isn't near long enough. Got through this one in just 2 evening sittings of about 4 hours total. If I didn't have to work this morning, I definitely would have stayed up last night to finish it --- yes, it's just that good. You won't be disappointed. Hoping Hallmark will choose to make a movie of this novel, only if they don't make a lot of changes.
September 25, 2020
Another lovely, feel good story by Richard Paul Evans.
This book reminds me that it doesn't take a COMPLICATED plot, multiple time lines or a plethora of characters to create a good book.
A good book is simply one that tugs at your heart strings, has you pulling for the characters, and in the end...leaves you feeling a little better than when you picked it up.
Well done, Mr. Evans. Well done.
Highly recommend.
This book reminds me that it doesn't take a COMPLICATED plot, multiple time lines or a plethora of characters to create a good book.
A good book is simply one that tugs at your heart strings, has you pulling for the characters, and in the end...leaves you feeling a little better than when you picked it up.
Well done, Mr. Evans. Well done.
Highly recommend.
December 1, 2019
Nice Christmas story about a widow and a soldier who meet when her car needs repairs. She is a poor waitress and he has PSTD. Her son is the only black child in school and her father disowned her when he found out. This tells how she and the soldier get together.
November 7, 2019
A heartwarming story to read during the holidays. Yet, very predictable. ( :
November 20, 2019
I always look forward to Richard Paul Evan's Christmas books. They consistently offer an inspirational message of hope, love and forgiveness.
Set in 1975. Elle Sheen is barely getting by, working at a diner and raising her six year old son, Dylan, as a single mother. Her husband was killed in Vietnam before he had a chance to meet Dylan. She is estranged from her parents, but has the support of her fellow employees at the Noel Street Diner in Mistletoe, Utah.
When she encounters William, a Vietnam POW, something in her heart awakens. Yet it will take a lot of grace for their relationship to blossom. But isn't Christmas about new beginnings and hope for the future.
A great book for the holiday season.
Set in 1975. Elle Sheen is barely getting by, working at a diner and raising her six year old son, Dylan, as a single mother. Her husband was killed in Vietnam before he had a chance to meet Dylan. She is estranged from her parents, but has the support of her fellow employees at the Noel Street Diner in Mistletoe, Utah.
When she encounters William, a Vietnam POW, something in her heart awakens. Yet it will take a lot of grace for their relationship to blossom. But isn't Christmas about new beginnings and hope for the future.
A great book for the holiday season.
November 16, 2019
This book really resonated with me as it is set in 1975. The main male character is a returning soldier from Vietnam who spent 5 years in the Hanoi Hilton. My husband served in Vietnam; and, although he was not captured or spent time as a POW, I could recognize many of the feelings of the main character, William Smith. I also enjoyed the many references to books, songs, and cultural events during that period. Small town, Mistletoe Utah, was in some ways a delightful place to live; but for Elle Sheen, a struggling Vietnam widow, and the parent of a biracial son it meant both good and bad times.
Richard Paul Evans has the ability in his writing to evoke every sort of feeling a reader can imagine. But his happily ever after endings and Christmas magic make his books shine, and this one had a totally unexpected (at least to me) twist at the end.
Richard Paul Evans has the ability in his writing to evoke every sort of feeling a reader can imagine. But his happily ever after endings and Christmas magic make his books shine, and this one had a totally unexpected (at least to me) twist at the end.
November 10, 2019
Sweet nice Christmas story! Rpe comes out with a Christmas book every November! I always look forward to them!
December 11, 2019
Lately, it seems like Richard Paul Evans has come out with a new little holiday romance each year! I have loved making them part of my holiday-cheer reading!! I have enjoyed all of them on audio and each one usually has that snow fall, tree trimming feel to it! While usually sweet and predictable, they still seem to shine bright and set the tone for the Christmas season!!
This year the book takes place in Mistletoe, Utah in the mid 70's. While not as heart warming as past books I still enjoyed the quick read. I didn't feel the connection to Elle and William, but the cast of characters really added to it!
This year the book takes place in Mistletoe, Utah in the mid 70's. While not as heart warming as past books I still enjoyed the quick read. I didn't feel the connection to Elle and William, but the cast of characters really added to it!
December 12, 2019
I know people love these books but they are just so excruciating! So simplistic and eye-rolling inducing. The protagonist Elle is a single mom with a biracial son whose husband was killed in Vietnam. At least, she’s a wealthy white Mormon man’s vision of a single mom. It’s patronizing. And I like a happy ending as much as the next gal, but everything wraps up just a bit too neatly. The “conflicts” in this book last for about 2 pages and everything just sorta sits on the surface. And the writing is just...bad. Descriptions a kid would write and clunky phrases that are trite.
December 10, 2019
Christmas without a new Richard Paul Evans book is like a Christmas tree without lights! Noel Street is a lovely story about hope and reconciliation, love and redemption. Wonderful characters and a wintery setting add to the charm of this book.
November 17, 2019
This is like a Hallmark Christmas movie in book form. I read it in one sitting.
December 10, 2019
I did enjoy the Noel Street book. I did however find some moments that I felt less than inspired. It was a good read. It missed a little that would have made it more impactful for me as a reader. I felt a hunch at one point and my intuition was right. I did like the cathartic ending was a satisfying element. It also tackled some issues in this story that aren't ususally addressed in this type of book. I liked that. It addresses the tendency for people to prejudge things based on their biases. The assessment of the masses based on appearance showed a lot. It was multilayered in this story in a couple of different characters. Overall, I would read it again.
December 28, 2025
"Maybe that's why I've always thought of God less as an engineer than an artist-- one who uses our hopes, fears, dreams, and especially our tears, to paint on the canvas of our souls, rendering something beautiful."
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
December 1, 2023
I loved this book and now I need to read all of his books!
December 1, 2019
RPE didn’t disappoint. This was a great story. I couldn’t put it down.
November 20, 2019
3.5 stars. Short, sweet, quite lovely.
November 6, 2019
Last year I was greatly disappointed but this year wow. I loved the story and at one point, I didn't know if I could read on with the matter of the story being played out. It deals with a VietNam vet and his experiences during that "war" and it hit very close to home. I lost quite a few dear friends over there and my husband also was there, so the understanding of what went on and how it affects those even to this day hit hard. At first I was so worried it would not end how I had been hoping for and then when the ending came, it was fantastic. So much like my husband and myself's story. Thank you Mr. Evans. It's been years, PTSD is real (both my husband and I suffer from it through for different reasons), but to show things can work out is so wonderful. Thank you for helping put into perspective what "it" was all about and finally shine a star on those caught in its web.
Please read this book and understand. Read as soon as it arrived in one sitting.
Please read this book and understand. Read as soon as it arrived in one sitting.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 865 reviews