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The Christmas Hope

(Christmas Hope #3)

Donna VanLiere (Goodreads Author)

4.31 · Rating details · 4,119 ratings · 302 reviews

Patricia and Mark Addison have long given up the hope of having a meaningful Christmas. But this year, Patricia's job as a social worker will lead her to a very special five-year-old. Against her better judgment, Patricia bends the rules and takes the little girl to her own home.

Through the presence of Emily in their house, and her penetrating questions about heaven, the ...more

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Hardcover, 213 pages

Published October 25th 2005 by St. Martin's Press (first published 2005)

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· 4,119 ratings · 302 reviews

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Nov 16, 2016 Madeline K. Worrell rated it it was amazing

Shelves: christian-books, christmas-stories, 5-star-novels

Yes, I'm giving a Christmas novella 5 stars! Totally unheard of, but true!

This is more than a fun, sappy, romance, under the mistletoe story. This is a story of love, loss, and HOPE. I believe that without hope, you have nothing.

It's a beautiful love story on so many levels, I cried and cried and cried.

If you only read one Christmas novel this year, read this one. (I read it in one evening.)

(This story is number 3 in a series, but it reads like a stand alone novel.)

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Dec 21, 2016 Deanne Patterson rated it really liked it

Shelves: christmas-reads-december-2016, library-copy, sfrc-winter-reading, tcf-s-winter-seasonal-challenge

Thanks for the recommendation, Rebecca. Luckily for me I had already checked this out of the library and had it waiting for me to read :)
I enjoyed this heartwarming Christmas story!

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Dec 12, 2011 Julianna rated it it was amazing

Recommends it for: Fans of Heartwarming Holiday Stories

Shelves: desert-island-keepers, general-fiction, holiday-stories, inspirational-fiction, read-2011

Reviewed for THC Reviews
I loved the first two books in Donna VanLiere's Christmas Hope series, and now I can add The Christmas Hope to my list of all-time favorite holiday-themed stories. In spite of my Christian background, I often find it difficult to read inspirational fiction, because it too frequently seems trite, vapid and/or preachy to me. Not so with Donna VanLiere's books. She somehow manages to impart an inspiring message full of depth and meaning that utterly warms my heart without ma Reviewed for THC Reviews
I loved the first two books in Donna VanLiere's Christmas Hope series, and now I can add The Christmas Hope to my list of all-time favorite holiday-themed stories. In spite of my Christian background, I often find it difficult to read inspirational fiction, because it too frequently seems trite, vapid and/or preachy to me. Not so with Donna VanLiere's books. She somehow manages to impart an inspiring message full of depth and meaning that utterly warms my heart without making me feel like I'm being beaten over the head with it. In my opinion, she doesn't water down the faith aspect of her stories, but neither is it exactly overt which I think makes the books accessible to people of many different faiths and backgrounds. Ms. VanLiere just has a very gentle way about her writing that really speaks to me.

The Christmas Hope is told primarily in first-person from the main protagonist, Patricia's point of view. Patricia is a dedicated social worker who goes above and beyond the call of duty in loving and caring for the kids she helps. She had a rather rough life growing up. When her father left them, it was only through the kindness of strangers that her mother, brother and she survived. Now she seems to be paying it forward to other people through her work, but when the story opens, she has no Christmas spirit left and hasn't celebrated the holiday in four years. Patricia is a little on the OCD side, but I later came to understand that her obsession with tidiness was her way of trying to feel in control after the chaos that has been wreaked on her life by the death of her son. Her marriage is failing, with she and her husband acting like little more than polite strangers which I found quite sad especially after learning about their closeness and the very romantic start to their relationship. Everyone grieves in their own way, but I occasionally had a hard time relating to Patricia's way of dealing (or not, as the case may be). On the surface, she seems to have it all together, but inside she had buried herself so deeply in her grief that she wouldn't let anyone in to share it, not even her husband. Patricia frustrated me a little when she kept saying that she didn't know what to do to stop her marriage from crumbling and her husband from leaving, but her friend and co-worker, Roy, had it right when he said that she did know. It was at those moments that I kept wanting to jump into the story and tell her, "Just do it! Just hug him or do something, anything, to show him you still care." Luckily, a sweet little girl named Emily came along to gently wiggle her way into Patricia's closed-off heart when she least expected it, and a Christmas “miracle” finally brought closure to her deep-seated grief.

Patricia's husband, Mark, seemed like a really great guy who was very kind and loving. Since we don't get any scenes from his point of view, I can't be absolutely certain what he was thinking, but I always got the feeling that he didn't really want his marriage to be over. He was just at the end of his rope and didn't know what to do to reach his wife and couldn't stand living in the same house like strangers anymore. Emily inspires Mark every bit as much as she inspires Patricia, and he seemed a little quicker to respond. He saw what Emily needed and was ready to give her that long before Patricia was willing to admit it. He really got into the holiday spirit, buying the perfect gifts for Emily like a regular Santa's helper and excitedly putting up decorations. I just love how when the door opened a crack he eagerly walked through it, more than happy to soak up the love Emily gave and give it in return, as well as being there for Patricia when she was finally ready.

Emily was an absolutely adorable little girl who was a ray of sunshine in Patricia and Mark's lives. Even though she's been through a lot, she has a generosity of spirit and a peace about her that is like a gentle rain on this couple's parched souls. In fact, she touches the lives of so many people just by being herself. Emily's youthful wisdom reminds me of the Bible verse, “...and a little child shall lead them,” because she certainly did lead Patricia and Mark out of a very dark time in their lives and into a brighter future.

Since the main characters weren't familiar to me when I started The Christmas Hope, I wasn't sure if it had a direct connection to the first two books of the series or not. I was very pleasantly surprised when Nathan and Megan Andrews (The Christmas Blessing) showed up, eagerly awaiting the birth of their first child. Nathan also has another unexpected connection to Patricia which he slowly figures out when she brings another of her “kids” to him for treatment of a heart condition. Nathan is a wonderful doctor who is amazing with children. It's obvious that he's finally found his true calling in life. Another former protagonist, Robert Layton (The Christmas Shoes), also shows up in a brief cameo role.

It almost seems like Donna VanLiere has a preoccupation with death especially around Christmastime, but I have to admit that I really like the way she handles this ofttimes difficult topic. As someone who has had trouble with this issue, I can say that she really imparts an inspiring message about death being another step in life. It also wasn't quite as sad for me in The Christmas Hope, because no major characters were dying. In fact, I was surprised to find that this book actually had some lighthearted moments too, with characters gently teasing each other which made me smile. Overall, The Christmas Hope was a heartwarming story that was an inspiration to read, and I'm proud to put it on my keeper shelf to be enjoyed again and again during future holiday seasons. I love Donna VanLiere's way with creating stories in which the characters lives intricately intertwine in wonderful, miraculous and unexpected ways. I can't wait to see what's in store for the next book of the Christmas Hope series. ...more

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Nov 13, 2015 Carolina rated it really liked it

This one was definitely more tear jerking than the other ones but it is also more about children, which I have a special place for in my heart. It was beautiful and tragic and a book full of miracles. I also like how the author somehow ties all the characters together. So great!

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Dec 17, 2016 Carole rated it really liked it

Shelves: read-2016

If you're in the middle of a busy Christmas season, and want a short, sweet, touching Christmas story, look no further! It's about loss, hope & love. It brought a tear or two, and touched my heart. The perfect December book!

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Dec 03, 2017 Sarah rated it liked it

Shelves: 2017, christmas

3.5 Stars

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Dec 06, 2012 Loraine rated it it was amazing

Shelves: christmas-stories

Once again Donna Van Liere has penned a lovely Christmas story. Just as Jesus came into the world to give us second hope, joy and light, Emily and Mia come into Patricia and Mark's lives at Christmas and lead the way to second chances, hope, peace, and light in the darkness restoring the miracle and true spirit of Christmas.

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Nov 25, 2012 Betsy rated it really liked it

Shelves: z-2014-nov

The Christmas Hope is the 3rd book in Donna VanLiere's Christmas Hope series. The story is touching and shows how God can bring hope into your life when you least expect it. Another good story. 3.5 stars

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Dec 06, 2017 Dharshini rated it really liked it

These Christmas series books are cliche and designed to touch the heart strings, but in good way! Loved it! We all need a feel good pick me up book once in a while.

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Dec 03, 2017 Linda Collings rated it it was amazing

Beautiful!

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Dec 26, 2015 Dawn rated it it was amazing

Recommends it for: Anyone who loves Christmas Holiday stories.

Recommended to Dawn by: I read the first two books in the Christmas Hope series.

Although I've enjoyed the first two books in the series, so far, this one has been my favorite. It didn't make me cry like the first book (The Christmas Shoes), but I was really invested in what happened to the main characters in this story. Nathan, the young boy from "The Christmas Shoes" makes a few appearances during this story. I like how it keeps you updated on his life now as a doctor and I hope he is in the rest of the Christmas Hope series. This book makes you realize that God gives us h ...more

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Mar 29, 2017 Natalie Widener rated it it was amazing

A very enjoyable read!

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Dec 02, 2015 Staci rated it really liked it

Shelves: read-in-2015

What a heartwarming story! Another well done Christmas story by the author of The Christmas Shoes.

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Dec 24, 2018 Chloe rated it it was amazing

Shelves: christmas-winter, on-my-holiday-bookshelf

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. I really liked this book! 4.75 stars. This one is about Patricia Addison. She is a social worker who is in a struggling marriage. She lost her son years ago in a car accident (he was on his way home for Christmas) and her marriage fell apart when he died. They didn't know how to deal with grief and they let it destroy them. In present day, we see her interacting with some of the kids that are her clients. There is one in particular named Emily who really captures her heart. Emily's mom was a har I really liked this book! 4.75 stars. This one is about Patricia Addison. She is a social worker who is in a struggling marriage. She lost her son years ago in a car accident (he was on his way home for Christmas) and her marriage fell apart when he died. They didn't know how to deal with grief and they let it destroy them. In present day, we see her interacting with some of the kids that are her clients. There is one in particular named Emily who really captures her heart. Emily's mom was a hard worker who was trying to do the best she could, but she was a single mom with no husband or family to support her. She did have their wonderful elderly neighbors who often took care of 5 year old Emily. One night it is their anniversary and she doesn't want to impose so she says she will find another sitter while she's at work. However, she can't find anyone else so she leaves Emily alone. She tells her when to go to bed and makes sure she's as safe as possible and knows not to answer the door, etc. but what she didn't plan on was dying in a car crash on the way home. Now Emily is left parentless and alone the week before Christmas. So, Patricia breaks the rules and lets Emily stay at her house. The 2 bond in such a beautiful way-- I loved reading it! What follows is the growth of what would end up being a mother/daughter relationship. They continue to bond and Mark (Patricia's husband) comes home and falls in love with Emily as well. She is such a blessing to them because she teaches Patricia that she can love a child like her own and it brings back the joy in her marriage. Throughout their time together, they have to take a baby, Mia, to the hospital because she's super sick and her foster mom can't do it. She expects to hear that its the flu or something like that, but turns out Mia has a heart condition that needs immediate surgery. Patricia and Emily visit her every day and Emily's little girl compassion is so sweet. I can just imagine her and I wanted to hug her! I totally can understand how Patricia and Mark fell in love with such a kind and empathetic little girl. Her doctor is none other than Nathan Andrews from the previous book. He and Meghan (the runner with a heart condition) are married and expecting their first kid (a little girl thats born on Christmas!). He was also the doctor that tried to help Patricia's son when he came in to the ER after his accident, but the connections aren't made until the end. He had been holding on to a gift that he found in the ER but didn't know who it belonged to. Come to find out it was a watch that the son had gotten Patricia so Nathan finally delivered it to her and brought her great peace (there was a note with it from her son).
In the very end, Mark and Patricia get back together and adopt Emily then shortly after they adopt Mia and live happily ever after. The lawyer that did their paperwork was Mr. Robert Layton from the first book (and a little in the 2nd book). Love how this series connects just enough!
Highly recommend-- can't wait to read on in the series! My only complaint is that Patricia was breaking the rules pretty severely by keeping Emily, even if it was over the holidays. She talks about how she could lose her job, etc. but then theres never any mention of consequences. Her boss finds out when she brings the adoption papers to him, but there's not even a mention of the risk. It seemed a little unrealistic, but I don't know enough about the job to know. ...more

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Dec 22, 2017 Kim. E. rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: 2017-individual-challenge, a-4-stars, books-audio, books-electronic, books-library, books-series, books-tear-jerker, genre-christian-fiction, genre-contemporary, genre-fiction

In my prior life as a professional, I was a social worker and later an intensely trained clinician that provided special care to the most vulnerable and endangered in our human population. This book was not only a spirit of hope and love, but of the everyday miracles that come in this field.

This series has been the greatest surprise for me throughout this holiday season, and a gift I will hold onto so much longer than a new pair of pajamas or a piece of my favorite pie only served on Christmas E ...more

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Dec 29, 2017 Sandra Bašić rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

"Dear Mom, You always told me that the best Christmas gift I could ever give was the one I couldn't wrap - the gift of time."
It is true, indeed. Time spent with persons you love is definitely priceless.

I adore Donna's books, because she always brings hope, especially during holidays.

"The word which God has written on the brow of every man is Hope." (Victor Hugo)

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Jul 19, 2012 Michelle rated it it was amazing

Although it currently July, I decided to get a Christmas book the other day while picking out a book. I really enjoyed this book it was great with making you appreciate the small things and had me thinking the worst when infact I was actually wrong about her Husband Mark. After I was finished reading I thought I must be sick and twisted because there were 2 events that I was wrong about but other wise I really liked it... I left me wishing it wasnt july.

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Dec 02, 2016 Camilla rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: my-unfinished-series, winter-reads, own-and-read, 2016, my-book-collection, keepers, favorites

3.75 stars!

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Nov 02, 2015 Beth rated it really liked it

Yep, I cried! Good Xmas story.

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Dec 09, 2017 Mom2triplets04 rated it really liked it

New characters in the 3rd book. It really touches your heart when someone puts out their heart to take care of a little child. This book is about death, fostering, adoption, getting over loss of a loved one. Great Christmas read about hope.

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Nov 10, 2018 Frosty61 rated it really liked it

As we approach the holiday season, I've been searching for some Christmas novels that aren't too sappy (AKA - Hallmark movie sappy). This one fit the bill. Though it's predictable, it has a nice message of hope. Now, on with my search...

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Jun 15, 2017 Glenda L rated it it was amazing

What a beautiful well written story...It is about a little girl who needa s home and a couple who needs a child and a doctor who restores Christmas. I would recommend it to anyone who need uplifting.

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Dec 09, 2018 Kaylee rated it liked it

Shelves: 2018-52-book-challenge, 2018-reads

Good, cute short novel to read for Christmas. :)

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Dec 15, 2014 Emily (ofpagesandink) rated it it was amazing

Summary: Patricia and Mark have drifted apart ever since the death of their son Sean. Their Christmases were just like any other day and they moved through life day by day and avoided not only each other, but their friends and family. One day, Patricia's job brings her to this beautiful little five-year-old girl named Emily who's mother had died in a car crash five months before Christmas and needed a place to stay while her foster family went to a funeral. This special little girl gives the cou ...more

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Dec 28, 2013 Hobby rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: themes-family, genre-drama, themes-friendships, modern-drama, shelves-printed-books-owned-copies, philosophy

Books “PENGHARAPAN NATAL”
Judul Asli : THE CHRISTMAS HOPE
[ book 3 of CHRISTMAS Series ]
Copyright © 2005 by Donna VanLiere
Cover art by Anne Twomey ; illustration by Danilo
Penerbit Elex Media Komputindo
Alih Bahasa : Rosida W. Simatupang
Cetakan I : November 2011 ; 226 hlm ; ISBN 978-602-00-1621-4
Rate : 4 of 5

“...aku selalu menganggap , ketika menginginkan perhatian kita, Tuhan akan melakukan perkara besar demi membangunkan kita dari tidur lelap dan membawa kita kembali pada-Nya. Ternyata aku keliru ...more

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Dec 22, 2018 Jane rated it it was amazing

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

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Sep 01, 2017 Angie rated it really liked it

Shelves: advent-reads, contemporary

Synopsis: "Patricia and Mark Addison have long given up the hope of having a meaningful Christmas. But this year, Patricia's job as a social worker will lead her to a very special five-year-old. Against her better judgment, Patricia bends the rules and takes the little girl to her own home.

Through the presence of Emily in their house, and her penetrating questions about heaven, the Addisons learn that there is no sorrow so great that faith cannot help you find your way through. And Christmas wi ...more

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Dec 05, 2017 Sarah rated it it was amazing

The third book in this inspiring Christmas Hope series. A real heartfelt tear jerker book! Nathan, from (The Christmas Shoes) is brought back into this book. He ends up giving one of the best gifts of all. Trouble in their marriage, Patricia and Mark are about to split up for good. Heartache, in the past few years, has caused this. Being a social worker, Patricia is caught up in very painful situations of kid placements. Little Emily comes into their life and stirs up painful memories. Can Emily ...more

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Dec 07, 2017 Sharon Forbes rated it it was amazing

This is book #3 in a wonderful series of books!! This book really lives up to its title, as Donna VanLiere really did a wonderful job conveying the true meaning and spirit of hope here. This book introduces us to Patricia and Mark Addison, and tells of how they are able, after a terrible tragedy, to come together again through the love of a sweet little girl, Emily, who herself has suffered much in her young five years. A very good book, I highly recommend this series.

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Feb 19, 2019 Patti Dalzell rated it it was amazing

Read this book in a week. Couldn’t put it down. I was home with chronic bronchitis (AGAIN) and was just added emphysema medication to my future routine. I was feeling so very down and worried that my life would be limited with this disease of COPD. And I had only been a social smoker!!! Anyway, this story lifted my spirits and convinced me to not waste a minute of life and all the joys that come with it! Praise the Lord and many thanks to Donna VanLiere.

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About Donna VanLiere

Donna VanLiere

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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 ...more