Can she find a second chance… on a town’s holiday wish list?
Organizing her church’s Christmas Wishes program is the perfect start to Vivian Dupre’s new life—one without the shame of her recent mistakes. But as she grows closer to co-coordinator Michael Wood, she’s even more determined to keep her past hidden. Together they can give joy to their small town. But when Michael discovers her secret, will he be willing to grant Vivian’s holiday wish—forgiveness?
From Love Inspired: Uplifting stories of faith, forgiveness and hope.
Toni Shiloh is a wife, mom, and an award-winning Christian contemporary romance author. A native of Texas, she now lives in northern Virginia. Learn more at http://tonishiloh.com.
Her Christmas Redemption by Toni Shiloh is a wonderful faith-filled Christmas read that truly touched my heart this season. I absolutely love Toni’s writing and this did not disappoint! This reads like a cute Hallmark Christmas movie, and I really enjoyed it! 4 stars!
Set in Arkansas, this story is all about Vivian Dupre, who has turned her life around after being in the county jail for 6 months due to situations surrounding her being an alcoholic. Vivian has moved to a new town to start life over and after dedicating her life to Jesus and working at the local church as the new receptionist, she is hopeful for this new change in life. In comes Michael Wood, who took over his father’s business after he passed away and is struggling to trust again after his previous relationship went south and the situation surrounding his father’s passing. Michael and Vivian meet and have to work together in the church’s Christmas Wishes campaign to bring the Christmas spirit to those in need during the holiday season and their story kicks off from there.
I loved reading this book so much. What a great inspirational Christmas read. The faith in this story is top tier with many blessings of God’s love, giving forgiveness and grace to others, blessing others at Christmastime, seeking Jesus is every circumstance – amazing! Seeing Vivian's transformation and life story turning her life around thanks to Jesus was beautiful too!
Side note -- I also love the references to Arkansas Razorbacks, as that is our favorite team. 😊 The Christmas vibes were also awesome because we had them going to a tree farm, hanging up decorations, helping others with gifts, etc.
Overall, I highly recommend picking up this cute cozy Christmas read with great characters and a beautiful faith-filled story! Thank you to Toni Shiloh and the publisher for providing me with a copy to honestly read and review.
I love redemption stories and this one is filled with all that is wondrous about grace and forgiveness. Vivian is a new Christian, eager to put her troubled past behind her and Shiloh has captured all the emotional nuances of her journey. Honestly, this gave me the same feels as watching a classic Christmas movie like 'It's a Wonderful Life' and 'Going My Way.' With the same kind of stand-up-and-cheer (while you wipe away a tear) ending.
Some great secondary characters give me hope that this is just the start of a new series though it isn't labeled as such. And the way the town rallies when all seems lost...sniffle. Loved the ebb and flow of plot and pacing. And the Christmas ambiance throughout makes for a classic holiday read.
What a beautiful and amazing story! Toni Shiloh has knocked it out of the park once again! I loved Vivian and Michael, they were both awesome characters! I absolutely loved the charming and delightful setting. Willow Springs, Arkansas is a wonderful fictional small town that has all the feels you love about those settings! I seriously loved everything about this book, it reads similar to a Hallmark Christmas movie, but with so much beautiful depth! The faith story in this book is absolutely phenomenal, and heart-stirringly genuine! I love the Wood siblings and I can’t wait to read Jordan’s book! Her Christmas Redemption was an absolute joy to read! I loved every minute of this book and most highly recommend it!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. My review was not influenced in any way. All thoughts and opinions are one hundred percent my own.
Her Christmas Redemption is a beautiful, intense story of redemption and forgiveness. I really liked the setting-this may literally be the first romance I’ve read set in Arkansas. I definitely had a neck roll moment with things were said once the heroine’s secret has been revealed and people responded the way they did but even those responses and actions were Real and just made the impact of this story even more powerful. Such a good read!
I really enjoyed this Christmas read, even though I normally don't read Christmas books in January...but I just really wanted to read Toni's newest release.
Vivian has recently become a Christian and moved to a small town right before Christmas. She meets and Michael and before she knows it, the two of them are in charge of the Christmas Wishes program at the local church. But Vivian holds secrets from her past that make her unsure of what others will think about her.
A sweet redemption story of God's love, and how He helps us through all of our problems and anxieties.
I loved the sweet romance and the hometown feel, i l also love a Christmas story that has a Christmas program for helping others as well. This would make a very sweet Hallmark movie.
I just love the way Toni Shiloh tackles difficult topics with so much grace! Vivian is in Willow Springs, Arkansas to make a new life for herself . . . a new life with better choices and the best Guide for that life, her newfound Friend, Jesus. Vivian's desire to be better, to *do* better, came across so well. And her understanding that only God can redeem our most difficult, unwanted circumstances is a great reminder to me of that vital truth. I also liked Michael, but felt like he wasn't as rounded out as Vivian was. Perhaps that was because he was so intent on just making it through, rather than truly LIVING after his father's death. He also made some pretty uncharitable choices, but had several voices willing to call him out on those and tell him to get his head on straight. I loved that the romance was very slow-burn, and purposefully kept understated. (The older I get, the more I appreciate the love stories that take their time!)
Her Christmas Redemption was such a good story! I really liked Vivian and could tell that she had truly made a new start and was earnestly seeking God in her new life. I felt for her as she battled holding in her secrets and the fear of what others would think.
Michael was also a character I liked a lot, although he had held onto a lot of anger which affected him in quite a few different ways as the story progressed. When some things fell apart for him, he immediately reacted in anger and frustration and it took a few different people pointing out that he needed to turn things over to God and seek His guidance. I loved seeing how his heart changed!
This was a great small town Christmas setting and I look forward to reading more stories involving Michael’s siblings!
(4.5 stars)
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
“But Pip, no one ever claimed that church is filled with perfect people who’ve never sinned. The church is full of forgiven sinners.” This is a good clean Christmas read. Vivian, who once was an alcoholic, relocates to Willow Falls, Arkansas, for a fresh start after her recent mistakes. She is paired up with her landlord Michael Woods to co-coordinate their church's Christmas Wishes wishlist. Michael, who took over his father's business after his father's death, struggles with trusting women after his ex girlfriend's betrayal, family issues, and forgiveness. The story's message is a great one that reminds us that the church is not filled with perfect people who've never sinned but is full of forgiven sinners. The message is also about forgiveness and not to judge others. I received a complimentary ARC and all thoughts and opinions are my own.
Her Christmas Redemption by Toni Shiloh is the perfect Inspirational Christmas read. It is a beautiful story of God's love, the gift we get from blessing others, and how we as people should each bestow forgiveness. Vivian Dupre is the newest resident of Willow Springs, Arkansas. As the new church secretary, she is teamed up with Michael Wood to head up the church's Christmas Wishes program. As they both find their way helping bless others, the attraction between them grows. Vivian is experiencing Christmas like never before. She has God's love in her heart and doing all the Christmasy things she never got to do when she was growing up. Michael is changing too. He has trust & control issues. Can he put aside his fear and take a chance on Vivian? She has her own issues too. She is determined to not date a man for at least 1 year, though for good reason. What will happen between them as everyone else sees what these two are refusing to see? I hope you read the book and find out. =) First of off, let me say that I love love love Christmas books. I read them throughout the year. Christmas always makes me happy. This book, though touched me in ways that I hadn’t expected. It had complex issues that I think I needed to be reminded of. I cried throughout the whole book. I smiled and I was touched by God's love shining through. It brought so much happiness to me as I was reading about them granting the Christmas Wishes. Then reading about Michael and his issues with his family. Vivian was a breath of fresh air. As a baby christian, she was teaching Michael (and me) about what it really means to trust and love God with all your heart. She brought a new perspective to Willow Springs. I also really loved the town. It's a small town that I wouldn't mind living in. I loved Michael's siblings and can't wait to get to know them better. The epilogue was the best. Thank you Toni Shiloh for putting it in there. It was great ending. To say that I was truly touched by this book is an understatement. It definitely set the Christmas spirit for me. I hope you read it and it touches you as much! I was blessed by a copy of this wonderful book, but every opinion is my very own.
Her Christmas Redemption is a quick read about Vivian, who has recently been released from prison. She is a baby Christian and is desperately trying to put her past behind her, while being embarrassed by the circumstances she is in.
Vivian Dupre isn't the person that she once was and she's eager to begin a new life in Willow Springs. There is, however, a secret that she's afraid to reveal. She wants to honor her commitment to follow God, but will she lose everything if she tells the truth? Will she be judged for her past mistakes?
Author Toni Shiloh shares a wonderful faith message as she explores Vivian's emotional journey. Fear, uncertainty, shame, and regrets plague Vivian but she also possesses the joy that comes from being a new believer. I was touched by her faith, her eager anticipation to celebrate Christmas in Willow Springs, and her growing attraction to a man who's battling his own trust issues. I was also challenged by Shiloh's references to seasoned believers who may appear judgmental. Would I have allowed Vivian's past to color my feelings?
Her Christmas Redemption is a heartwarming second-chance story that is laced with faith, forgiveness, and redemption. It's a perfect read for the holidays!
I received a complimentary copy from the author and publisher. There was no obligation for a positive review.
I enjoyed reading this book and found it to be well written. There is a nice biblical faith thread through the book. The only thing I didn't like was that Michael claims he has been a believer since birth and that he didn't really have a conversion story since he's just always believed. This is not how salvation works and even if someone doesn't have a dramatic change from their "before Christ" life, it still needs to happen. I've never felt like Toni Shiloh's other books were doctrinally wrong before, so it might have just been a phrase the character used, but it bothered me. I did like the growth and change the characters went through. This story was a nice reminder that in Christ, we are new creations and our lives should reflect that. I look forward to reading more books by Toni Shiloh.
I got a free copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own and given voluntarily. No compensation was received for my review.
Vivian is embarking on a new journey for her life. A new follower of Christ she places her future in His hands while trying to meet new friends and starting a new career. She meets Michael, a fellow believer and her new landlord. They both hold secrets from their pasts and carefully try to work together when given the challenge of heading up the town's Christmas Wishes Program.
There is definitely a good Christmas atmosphere going on in the story and I like that. Toni Shiloh certainly introduces themes that deal with very human circumstances and this one I could relate to. This is a heart touching story. Personally, it gives me a view of the life of a recovering alcoholic, the struggle, guilt and drive to keep going. My father fought alcoholism in his life. I fought hatred toward those who suffered from alcoholism for much of my teen years. This story felt very real to me. I could understand Michael's point of view. Both characters have strengths and obvious weaknesses that made sense. Fear is a powerful thing.
I received an advanced reader's copy of the book from the publisher and NetGalley. I think it is an excellent Christmas story featuring redemption and forgiveness. Christmas is redemption. This is my unsolicited personal opinion about the story.
I throughly enjoyed Her Christmas Redemption. A well written plot and a quick read. I recommend this book. My thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for my 📕. This is my unbiased review.
Vivian Dupre is brand new to Willow Springs, hired to replace the soon-to-retire secretary at the local church. She’s also fresh out of a six month stint in prison and is petrified people will find out her secret and judge her, even though she got sober and found the Lord. Michael Wood is the proprietor of the Willow Springs General Store, as well as Simplicity Rentals, where Ms. Dupre has signed on for a long term rental contract in one of the tiny homes behind the store. “Big Mike” still struggles with the death of his parents, his strained relationship with his 3 siblings, and last but not least, the absolute betrayal by a woman he trusted. He’s got NO time for romance and besides, he can’t trust a woman anymore anyway, right? Michael and Vivian get thrown together to head up Christmas Wishes, a program in the church that helps local folks in need. Both are wary, but as they spend more and more time together, each of their hearts find themselves letting the other in just a little, no matter how hard each tries to keep those hearts shut. Can Viv and Big Mike stop relying on themselves and place trust in the Lord, the God they have have no problem encouraging others to look to? Find out in this beautiful new release, Her Christmas Redemption, by Toni Shiloh. You’ll be glad you did! I received a complimentary copy of this book, but my opinion is entirely my own.
This was a sweet book but I had a harder time getting into it. Her Christmas Redemption by Toni Shiloh is the first book in her new Love Inspired Series. I was excited to see how this book would turn out but it had a bit of a slower start. Vivian was a complicated character. She was trying to start up again and get away from her past. She had made mistakes in the past and she was learning what it meant to give Christ her all. Vivian had a lot of growing to do, but it was sweet to read about her finding her hope in Christ. Vivian had to learn to let go of the past knowing that God had changed her. However, she also had to learn to forgive and see the best in others. Micheal also had a lot to work through. I did end up liking him at the end, but he was also a bit frustrating to read about. He seemed to internalize a lot of things and I feel like if he just talked to others, things might work out. Michael had to learn to turn to God when things got hard. He had to learn to let others in and see that God had a plan. Michael and Vivian were sweet together. They created a friendship and then slowly grew to more. But they had to learn to talk to each other and trust each other when troubles came. The side characters were also fun and I am excited for Michael’s siblings to get their own books. So, Her Christmas Redemption was a sweet Christmas book but I was not able to connect with the characters as much. However it was still an enjoyable read and I am hoping to read the other books. I would recommend Her Christmas Redemption to those who enjoy clean inspirational Christian romances.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the publisher through Netgalley. All views expressed are only my honest opinion, a positive review was not required.
Vivian is looking for a fresh new start and got roped into the small towns Christmas Wishes program working with her landlord and fellow Co-Coordinator Michael. As the work together to make some Christmas Wishes come true it seems they start to fall for one another but Vivian has a secret that could ruin things.
This was such an interesting read. I liked seeing how Vivian was working to keep on her current path of sobriety and trying to better herself. She worked so hard to keep her secret because she didn't want the judgment and she has a a lot of regrets that she's working through. I loved seeing that sweet attraction between the two and if your wondering this is a clean romance. I thought it was interesting seeing Michaels point of view of what was going on to see how he was really feeling and how he had an interest in Vivan but because of his ex it made him a bit tougher on who he chooses as a partner. Overall this was a pretty tame and enjoyable book I really liked it.
This was a sweet story by Toni Shiloh. I loved the romance between Michael and Vivian. I liked how they both had to deal with things from their past in order to trust each other and to have a health relationship. I also loved seeing Vivian’s journey to becoming a stronger Christian and changing her life. I loved the setting and how close knit the community was. I liked seeing the characters grow and seeing them embrace God’s leading.
I received a complimentary book from publishers, publicists, and or authors. A review was not required and all opinions and ideas expressed are my own.
Her Christmas Redemption is a great Christmas story. Very inspirational. Vivian is starting her life over after making some mistakes. She is working with Michael and she doesn’t want him to find her past. I love the project that she is working on for Christmas. I enjoyed reading Vivian story.
I brought the book from the Reader Service. This book review is my own opinion.
Her Christmas Redemption explores some important themes such as the redeeming power of Christ’s love and how this can change our hearts and lives if we let it. It also challenges us about not jumping to judgmental opinions of others based on past mistakes. This book deals with some more serious subjects while still also having elements of light heartedness including Christmas festivities and Michael reconnecting with his siblings.
Vivian has a secret she is hiding from the residents of her new town. She is trying to make a new start while living with the shadow of her past mistakes. She worries that if her new community, especially Michael, knew more about her, she would not be welcome. Vivian and Michael each sense the chemistry but have their own reasons for not giving in and making the leap to start a relationship. But can they fight the sparks when they need to spend a lot of time together giving back to the town of Willow Springs? And what will happen if Michael discovers her secret?
Her Christmas Redemption was a classic example of why I tend to really enjoy Love Inspired books. It was adorable, inspirational, and a quick read. This story had the added bonus of being set at Christmas time, which is definitely my favorite time of the year. I’m excited that this launches a new Love Inspired series by Toni Shiloh and I can’t wait to read the others as they are released.
I received a complimentary copy of this book and I’m leaving an honest and voluntary review.
I had the honor of reading an advanced copy. Toni writes a masterful story of giving of oneself, thinking of others, love, and forgiveness. She has quickly become one of my favorite authors.
HER CHRISTMAS REDEMPTION by Toni Shiloh it the heart tugging inspirational story of Vivian Dupre as she tried to learn from her mistakes and move forward and Michael Wood who had his heart badly bruised and is determined of staying clear of any relationship.
Vivian grew up in what most would see as the perfect family – educated and highly skilled parents, living in the “right” neighborhood and basically getting just about anything she needed or wanted. However, looks can be deceiving. The one thing she craves is time and personal connection with her parents who always seem to busy to really notice her. Maybe that’s why she acted out so much, which lead to abuse of alcohol and ended up with her ramming a police car while driving under the influence. After six months in jail and her parent’s disowning her and as a new Christian, she is happy to accept the receptionist job at the Spring Bible church and the tiny house for living arrangements in the little town of Willow Springs that had been arranged for her upon release. It would be a job she could definitely handle, minimal expenses and a chance to start over where no one knew her past. She sure wasn’t giving out details of her past!
Michael had thought they were in love, but he found out that the woman he had intended to ask to marry him was just a selfish, back stabbing, ladder climber. She’d taken his work and ideas presenting them as her own and left him in the dust hurt and confused. Well, he definitely learned his lesson. He’s returned to his hometown where he ended up taking over his dad’s family business – the General Store. After his dad’s passing, he had found out fast that there was a lot of work in running the store and not that big of an income from it. To make ends meet and to help pay of the mortgage his dad had taken out, he added tiny home rentals. The income was helping, but they also added lots more work. One thing he knows for a fact, he is going to stay away from women in the relationship department since his character judgement meter evidently was way off. When Vivian shows up in town, Michael knows she’s going to be someone he needs to keep at arm’s length just from her beauty. Vivian is automatically drawn to her new landlord, but the program says to stay clear of relationships for the first year of sobriety meaning it’s a no go for several more months before she even thinks romance. She’s determined to stay sober and prove to her parents she can be trusted ----- and loved. She’s ready to take her new faith and go out into the world again as a new person leaving her past behind her.
When Ms. Ann, the elderly church receptionist that Vivian came to replace, insists on Vivian and Michael becoming a team to fulfill the Christmas Wish program, will the rules each one of them have made for themselves end up being broken? Will they be able to answer all the Christmas wishes, instead of just a few, if they approach the end results in a different than usual way? Will the joy of each wish delivery, bring them more and more the joy and true meaning of Christmas? Will Vivian’s Christmas wish come true? Or will secrets she’s worked so hard to hide come out smashing her dreams? Will Vivian be able to stay in the small town she longs to call home or will pressure and rumors have her running for the big city to get lost in? What will it take for Michael to figure out that he has to find forgiveness in his own heart before he can offer it to others? Is there even the slightest hope for romance in Willow Springs?
HER CHRISTMAS REDEMPTION is an amazing story of redemption, second chances, budding romance and forgiveness. Toni Shiloh wraps it all in a thread of faith that lifts the heart with each chapter. This is one Christmas story that makes an excellent read anytime of the year. The message in the story is bound to touch one’s heart as well as to remind us that we are to forgive as we have been forgiven. The romance in the story confirms that true love can survive all that’s thrown at it with prayer and hard work. The supporting characters and the ambiance the small town sure makes me hope this is just the first book with more to come from Willow Springs. It is definitely a FIVE STAR book and I highly recommend it!
"Why had she let her parole officer convince her northwest Arkansas would be the best place for her new life? She should've stayed in Little Rock. The population was large enough that she might not run into anyone from her past. Then again, she'd been a total chicken, too afraid to take the chance. Hence the desire to go along with the relocation plan. Probably because her first year of sobriety was crucial. Removing herself from temptation was just as important as a believer surrounding herself with like-minded people to help her learn the ways of Christ. Surely working as the new church receptionist would keep her on the straight and narrow. Maybe facilitating the Christmas Wishes program would even help."
Vivian knows she has to start over. But she didn't realize that it would be so hard. Letting people know her past seems daunting. What happens when people find out the truth?
This book is about recovering from alcoholism. Vivian's story could happen to any of us who look to alcohol for relief rather than finding other coping mechanisms. Vivian learns to turn to God. Personally I am glad that this book is not full of nitty, gritty details of turning to drink. I think readers can more easily relate to Vivian's steps downward because they were gradual ones. This is a well-written book on this topic.
I enjoyed "meeting" Michael Wood and his siblings. Michael struggles a bit with being judgmental. Seeing how he works on this flaw is another interesting point in the plot. I am glad that the author plans to write about the other three siblings. I plan on reading all of them.
What I appreciated about Toni's books is that the romances are paced well. Couples do not get engaged after a week of knowing each other. Connections are made, but they are proven over time. The relationship matters more than the physical expression. Great book!
Our pasts often cloud our future. In this sweet story, this is what Vivian and Michael learn and struggle to overcome. However, God wants to show them there is redemption and grace. This is a beautifully touching story with rich word pictures. There were many times, I felt deep emotions as I was reading this book. I related to the feelings of doubt, low self-esteem, grief, and fear of letting go and letting God lead. These are many feelings we all deal with from time to time. I loved this book. I was captured from the first page to the last. Toni Shiloh has a wonderful way of conveying the feelings of each of the characters in this book. She brings these characters to life in a vivid and real way. This book really was a joy to read. I laughed, I cried, and I stayed up WAY TOO LATE, just so I could get one more chapter read! Through it all there is a strong message of how God loves us and will be there for us, even when we feel we have made the biggest mistakes of our lives, and are so unworthy of His love. He shows us forgiveness and redemption and how to extend it to others. I highly recommend you read this book! I was given this book by the author which did not influence my review in any way, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
This is an entertaining read that deals with forgiveness, redemption, hope, second chances, great characters with an awesome plot that kept me turning page after page. Vivian moves to Willow Springs for a new beginning and where no one knows her of her pass. She has landed a new job in a new town. Michael’s dad passed away and he is running the local store and running the inn without the help of his sibling of which he could use their help. Michael is also dealing with mistrust issues from his ex. Vivian is renting from Michael and the two have been tasked with working together on the Christmas Wish Program. Vivian is hiding something from her past and she is doing her best to keep her secret. As the two are working together and are growing closer and closer and Michael finds out what Vivian is hiding and he is not too happy about it. Vivian’s secret was nothing to be ashamed of or worth hiding. She is on the right path and being judged for her pass should not happen. These two are perfect for each other and can and will do great together.
Can Michael understand why Vivian didn’t inform him of her secret, Will Vivian be able to forgive Michael for not trusting her, will Michael apology to Vivian, can Michael get past his mistrust of women and is there an HEA in store for Michael and Vivian? #TeamVivianAndMichael.
I received an ARC via NetGalley and HARLEQUIN - Romance (U.S. & Canada), Love Inspired I am leaving my review voluntarily.
Vivian is recovering from her past mistakes and is looking forward to starting over. When she arrives to her new place it isn’t long until she’s paired up with Michael, her landlord, to help grant Christmas wishes for those in the community. Neither one is excited about being partnered together, but the more time they spend together, the more they begin to consider the feelings growing between them. The Christmas wishes aspect was so delightful! I loved the glimpse into this opportunity to help those struggling at Christmas time! I really loved Vivian and the way she was navigating her new faith and her kindness and vulnerability. This was such a sweet holiday romance and had wonderful inspirational themes! I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
I loved reading Her Christmas Redemption. Toni Shiloh has crafted a wonderful story about finding God’s grace and love. While it is clear that Vivian has turned her life around, she still struggles with her past. She arrives in a new town determined to make a fresh start.
Vivian and Michael are thrown together to work on fulfilling the Christmas Wishes List for their church. While they are both a little wary about working together, they make a great team and a budding friendship develops. However, they are both weighed down carrying around guilt and hiding under the shame of past mistakes.
Toni takes us on the journey with these 2 as they finally learn to reconcile their pasts and to embrace the love and forgiveness of God. I really love how Toni always weaves such a strong faith element in her stories. This is a great story about forgiveness, grace and redemption - perfect any time of the year, but especially at Christmas.
I received an early copy to read for review. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.
This book is a delightful mixture of a cozy Christmas read and thought provoking growth in the characters. Vivian is starting over in a new place, and fears sharing her past. Michael is struggling to recover from betrayal, the loss of his father, and the distance between himself and his siblings. Toni Shiloh addresses some hard issues in this story, but still leaves the reader with a nice relaxing Christmas story plot. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and hope you grab a copy for yourself. Vivian and Michael each have a lot to learn and maybe you will find yourself challenged, too.
I requested and received a copy of this book for review. The thoughts and opinions expressed here are wholly my own.