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The Christmas Secret

(Christmas Hope #5)

Donna VanLiere (Goodreads Author)

4.22 · Rating details · 3,398 ratings · 309 reviews

When a struggling young single mother saves the life of an elderly woman, she sets into motion a series of events that will test her strength, loyalty, and determination, all the while setting her on the path to finding true love.

Christine Eisley is the mother of seven-year-old Zach and five-year-old Haley. Her ex-husband provides little, if any, child support and makes

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Hardcover, 291 pages

Published October 13th 2009 by St. Martin's Press (first published September 19th 2009)

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4.22 ·

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· 3,398 ratings · 309 reviews

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Nov 26, 2018 Erin rated it liked it

Shelves: november-2018

As you all know by now, I'm a soulless lunatic. So my love of all things Christmas is peculiar and a bit strange. What can I say I'm a weirdo.

Christmas novels and movies are always sugary sweet. The Christmas Secret is almost too sweet. The town is filled with all the nicest and most generous people ever. I had to put the book down for a few days because I was afraid I would go into diabetic shock.

The Christmas Secret is about single mom Christine Eisley who is struggling to raise her two kids ...more

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Feb 13, 2014 Kathleen rated it did not like it · review of another edition

Shelves: fiction, holiday, kids-in-plot, dnf, audio, inspirational

I loved this author's recent novel, The Good Dream, so I thought I'd try one of her shorter novels. Maybe it would have been better as a rapid reading experience where I could skim, skim, skim, but I listened to it. Ugh. Ugh. So much bickering, griping, squabbling. I didn't care for the transparent plot either.

But ....the worst thing? I didn't like Jason at all. I had no wish to see him turn over a new leaf, become more humane, soak up the true Christmas spirit. The author did an excellent job p ...more

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Mar 28, 2013 Julianna rated it it was amazing

Recommends it for: Fans of Heartwarming Holiday Stories

Shelves: desert-island-keepers, general-fiction, holiday-stories, read-2013

Reviewed for THC Reviews
I can always count on Donna VanLiere to give me a heartwarming holiday read, and The Christmas Secret is no exception. I've absolutely fallen in love with the nameless small town where all her Christmas Hope books take place and would love to live there. The residents of the town really bring it to life, creating a warm, inviting atmosphere. They're always ready to lend a helping hand to those in need, and I love how all their lives intertwine into a beautiful, intricate Reviewed for THC Reviews
I can always count on Donna VanLiere to give me a heartwarming holiday read, and The Christmas Secret is no exception. I've absolutely fallen in love with the nameless small town where all her Christmas Hope books take place and would love to live there. The residents of the town really bring it to life, creating a warm, inviting atmosphere. They're always ready to lend a helping hand to those in need, and I love how all their lives intertwine into a beautiful, intricate web. Every time I read one of Ms. VanLiere's books, I'm reminded of the It's a Wonderful Life principle that each of our lives touch so many others, we are simply part of a much larger picture and not an island unto ourselves. I also enjoyed the fact that The Christmas Secret is a little more upbeat than some of the earlier books in the series that dealt with heavier topics. This one even has a wonderfully serendipitous little romance, which as a romance lover, I thoroughly appreciated. All in all, I couldn't have asked for a better book to put me in the holiday spirit.

The author continues her tradition of alternating first and third person POVs. In this book, the first person narrator is Christine, a struggling single mother of two young children. As the story opens, Christine loses her job as a waitress due to circumstances outside her control. She's been late to work several times due to unreliable babysitters and is given one last warning. The next day, her car is trapped in her driveway by the car of a older woman who has had a heart attack at the wheel. Fortunately, Christine is able to save the woman's life, but her heroic effort is lost on her boss. Luckily, she manages to find employment at another restaurant, but her life has otherwise become one huge instance of the old adage “when it rains, it pours.” She's constantly threatened by an ex-husband who isn't paying child support, but who dares to call social services on her. She's being evicted for not keeping up with her rent, and then, all the Christmas gifts she buys for her children are stolen from her car, not to mention, the car breaks down. Poor Christine just can't seem to catch a break, but in spite of being desperately in need herself, she generously takes time to talk with and monetarily help another woman who is a regular customer at the restaurant.

The primary third person narrator is Jason, who is the grandson of Marshall Wilson, owner of the iconic Wilson's department store that has become the centerpiece of the town in these books. While in between jobs, Marshall invites Jason to come work for him in his store. In Jason's mind, it isn't the ideal job, but having nothing better to do while waiting for his headhunter to call, he agrees. Jason is a young accounting major who has a slightly overinflated sense of self-importance. He comes from the city and doesn't really pay much attention to the people around him. I love the lesson his grandfather teaches him with his repeated quizzes that business is not just about the numbers but the people. By the time Jason is finally able to answer the questions correctly, I think he's learned his lesson well. Marshall also encourages Jason to volunteer at Glory's Place, a program that assists single mothers and their children. I think Jason was a bit surprised to find how good he is with the kids. The thing I liked most about Jason though, was the gentle way he flirted with Christine every time he came into the restaurant. Initially, she gives him the cold shoulder, because she thinks he's there playing spy for her ex-husband. In spite of her stand-offish-ness, Jason never gives up on trying to get her to go out with him, until slowly but surely these two start to fall for one another even though neither knows the other's real name. Through all of his experiences with the store, the kids, and Christine, Jason gradually comes to realize that he wants more out of life than what he's been pursuing up to that point. He wants a forever kind of love like his grandparents shared.

A few of the secondary characters get their own POV scenes. Marshall is struggling with a life-changing decision. Gloria ( The Christmas Promise ) returns along with her best friend, Miriam. The two of them become a support system for Christine. Patricia Addison ( The Christmas Hope ) is the social worker who looks into the allegations of child neglect brought by Christine's ex-husband. Many other characters from past novels in the series have briefer supporting roles, or at the very least, are seen in the background. I've always loved how Donna VanLiere can pull together multiple story lines into one big whole. There are certain subplots that the reader is kept in the dark about throughout the entire book, but when all is said and done, they all converge into a perfect ending that could easily be tied up with a bow. I think it's this cohesive sense of oneness that makes this little town feel so warm and close-knit. The Christmas Secret was another great read in this already wonderful series. I'll certainly be looking forward to continuing with the series and eventually re-reading it for many Christmases to come. ...more

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Nov 24, 2018 Staci rated it really liked it

Shelves: read-in-2018

Such a sweet Christmas novel! I especially loved Marshall, Miriam and Gloria.

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Dec 14, 2015 Arlene rated it really liked it

Shelves: adult, christmas, read-2015, romance

Loved this one! Christmas miracles, the promise of love and the hope of something better. Perfect for the holidays!

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Nov 30, 2018 Patty (IheartYA) rated it it was ok

The ending was rushed and felt incomplete. At times there were so many characters involved that it was confusing. I read this because of the Hallmark movie. The movie was better. The book was short and sweet but not fulfilling.

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Dec 19, 2017 Mom2triplets04 rated it really liked it

What a great story. Great to have new characters experience love during the Christmas season. Love to see friendship develop more with old characters and the addition of children were so adorable. Also liked the appearance of old characters from time to time. Think I even cried once.

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Oct 31, 2009 April rated it it was amazing

One of my favorite things to do during the holiday season is to curl up with a wonderful, touching and inspiring book. Donna VanLiere has become such a tradition for me, or rather her books have. Each year I eagerly anticipate her newest release, which I gobble up within a couple of days and then I am left downtrodden because I know I have to wait another year for another treasure by her.

Each of Ms. VanLiere's stories are filled with the greatest of struggles, perseverance, warmth, the greatest One of my favorite things to do during the holiday season is to curl up with a wonderful, touching and inspiring book. Donna VanLiere has become such a tradition for me, or rather her books have. Each year I eagerly anticipate her newest release, which I gobble up within a couple of days and then I am left downtrodden because I know I have to wait another year for another treasure by her.

Each of Ms. VanLiere's stories are filled with the greatest of struggles, perseverance, warmth, the greatest of goodness and bonds of selfless friendship. Each and every story has yet to fail to warm my heart and put a smile to my face at the acts of kindness and generosity of the characters.

The Christmas Secret is the story of a young single mother, Christine, who is constantly struggling to make money to feed, clothe and take care of her beloved young children. To make matters worse, her ex-husband is a vengeful man who tries, at every corner, to make Christine's life more stressful and worrisome with threats of taking the kids away from her.

This is a story of one young mother's deep and unyielding love for her children. A mother who would do anything to care for them. Christine's big break seems to come when she is hired by Betty who is the owner of a bakery/restaurant. It is here that Christine meets many new friends and learns the true meaning of faith, bonding and what it is like to belong. Not to mention this is also the place she comes in contact with an obnoxious and overbearing, but very handsome man, who she feels a strange sort of connection with.

The Christmas Secret is full of delightful twists and turns and a few surprises along the way. I have to say that I adored all of the characters and felt a very special adoration for Gloria, one of the most generous and caring woman you will ever meet. Throughout the entire story, I was brought to tears, laughter, warmth and every motion in-between. Ms. VanLiere has such a mind-blowing talent to bring her readers into the story, make them care deeply for the characters and make the characters and actions remain with the reader long after the final word is read.

I actually discovered Donna VanLiere a few years ago and have felt truly blessed by her work ever since. As I had stated previously, hers is one of the new releases that I eagerly anticipate each year and I have yet to be disappointed. For me, the holiday season isn't off to an official start until I have read a novel by this wonderful author.

I highly recommend The Christmas Secret for anyone looking for an excellent and engrossing story. A story that will remain with you for a very long time and turn you into a huge fan of Ms. VanLiere. ...more

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Jan 02, 2010 Shonda rated it really liked it

Shelves: read-2009

During the holiday season, I enjoy reading a feel-good Christmas story. This season, The Christmas Secret was a perfect fit for me. Christine has been cynical for most of her life. She stopped believing in the miracles of Christmas a long time ago. Struggling to make ends meet, Christmas is now one more thing that will set her back and something she just can't afford. Christine wants to see and feel the beauty of Christmas once again, but unfortunately life and unexpected events have harden her. ...more

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Dec 10, 2012 Jacqueline J rated it it was ok

Shelves: baby-child-involved, book-club, fiction-general

This was just okay. Nothing particularly outstanding about the writing style mechanics or word choices. It was told partly in first person and partly in 3rd which I don't like and find a bit of a cop out. If you can't tell the whole story in 1st person then just use 3rd.

The story was nice and I guess you could call it heartwarming but it really had nothing new to say. It was predictable and overly full of coincidences.

There were some nice moments and it was a pleasant story. If you're looking ...more

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Nov 25, 2012 Betsy rated it really liked it

Shelves: z-2015-nov

Donna VanLiere does again. Another great story. 4 stars

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Oct 02, 2009 Ronda Tutt rated it it was amazing

Shelves: christmas

I love all of Donna VanLiere's books, they are so heart felt and leave you either crying happy tears or your eyes misting for happiness at the end. All these books are christian based novels.

I've read all her books except for one and that is "Finding Grace" but I plan to get it because her novels are wonderful. Her other books are as follows:

Finding Grace
The Angels of Morgan Hill
The christmas Shoes - (my favorite)
The christmas Promise
The christmas Blessing
The Christmas Hope
The Christmas Secret

En ...more

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Aug 02, 2013 Nancy Brady rated it really liked it

Shelves: from-another-bookcrosser

This is a wonderful story about the power of love to change people. What starts out as one disaster after another for Christine, a single mother of two young children who is trying to survive, becomes something more as she goes about her daily life. It is nearly Christmas and the people she meets at her new waitressing job open their hearts to her. A heartfelt tale.

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Oct 19, 2016 Gina Shupp rated it really liked it

This book was #5 in the series and I think this was the best one. It told of real hardships and struggles that people face today and their triumphs to makes their lives better and more rewarding.

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Jan 26, 2010 Loraine rated it it was amazing

Shelves: christmas-stories

Once again Donna Van Liere has captured the true spirit of Christmas in another wonderful Christmas story. Loved being back at Glory's Place with all the gang.

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Dec 25, 2017 Alanna rated it really liked it

This was a great continuation in the series, for some reason i found it easy to put down though. It very well could be that it was just a busy time in life, I will definitely continue on!

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Oct 13, 2018 Gail rated it it was amazing

A heartwarming Christmas story that will melt your heart.
A must read for the Christmas season.

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Jan 01, 2019 Kelly Seifert rated it really liked it

Sweet story .... light read 😉

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Nov 16, 2010 Katrina Burchett rated it really liked it

Shelves: books-i-own, christmas-story

Angelia Christine Eisley’s husband left her two and a half years after the ‘I Do’s’. She had settled for the wrong man, and now she’s a single parent raising a son and a daughter. She puts up with irresponsible babysitters and she isn’t getting one penny of child support from her ex. Nothing ever goes right or if something does work out there is another problem right around the corner – this is what she believes. But then, she gets a job as a waitress at Betty’s Bakery & Restaurant –that’s a Angelia Christine Eisley’s husband left her two and a half years after the ‘I Do’s’. She had settled for the wrong man, and now she’s a single parent raising a son and a daughter. She puts up with irresponsible babysitters and she isn’t getting one penny of child support from her ex. Nothing ever goes right or if something does work out there is another problem right around the corner – this is what she believes. But then, she gets a job as a waitress at Betty’s Bakery & Restaurant –that’s after she loses her job at Patterson’s , because coming to a woman’s aid had made her late for work again - and gradually things begin to turn around.
I felt for Christine (the name Angelia preferred) because she was struggling so much as a single parent. And her immature ex-husband wasn’t making the situation any easier for her with his constant harassment. There was a choice she made, though – one that could have endangered her children’s safety – that I didn’t think was necessary. If I remember correctly, she was working for Betty by this time and as kind a Betty was, all Christine had to do was ask for help. She did find lots of help, eventually. Or I should say that helped found her. The job at Betty’s Bakery & Restaurant didn’t just provide her with the money she needed to buy her children what they needed; it also blessed her with good friends who were willing to lend a helping hand.
This is Book #5 - the second book I’ve read in The Christmas Hope series. The Christmas Promise (Book #4) was a good read; however, I thought this one was better. It wasn’t the whole thing with Christine and Jason that kept the pages turning, though. I liked reading about Gloria and Miriam. They were just getting to know each other in The Christmas Promise, and in this story it seemed they got the kinks out of their relationship. Even though they had their disagreements, they seemed to like each other. I love these characters. They remind me of Lucy (Lucille Ball) & Ethel (Vivian Vance).
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Dec 16, 2014 Rachel Marie rated it it was ok

The Christmas Secret Book Review What a misleading title. I expected to find a book focused on Christmas and the holiday spirit. Or at least a sappy romance taking place during the time period. Don't let the cover mislead you like it did myself.

Christy is a single mother of two children trying to make a living while working extra nights at her restaurant. Her ex doesn't pay child support yet demands to see his children. When one instance changes her life forever she begins a new job and has a h ...more

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Mar 11, 2011 Rayni rated it really liked it

Recommended to Rayni by: Favorite author

Shelves: 2011-reads, christmas, christian, series, unputdownable

It was definitely an un-put-downable book. I read this in one sitting or as close to one sitting as I could get. I found it in the library, came home & sat in the car until it was too dark to see. I did have to put it down to do the mundane, go to the grocery, fix supper, check on my mother.

I felt like I was out of the loop though … people were mentioned & I didn't know where they fit in. A name would be mentioned & I would have to stop & search the data bank of my memory, "Who i ...more

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Nov 16, 2012 Tiffany rated it it was amazing

Shelves: 2012-books-i-read, favorites

Have you ever read a book that is so amazingly good that it makes you want to be better, kinder, and more helpful. This was a sad and incredibly moving story. I loved every bit of it!!! What a great holiday story that makes you smile, brings a tear to your eye, and most definitely makes you want to help "move the boulder" for someone. Loved it!!! The book was clean. There were 2 swear words in the novel.

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Dec 25, 2012 Tamara rated it it was amazing

Shelves: favorites

Loved this book! What a great read. I felt so sorry for Christine as the book began and things kept going bad for her, so happy that it all turned around for her and her whole family. Of course as secrets were exposed her family grew by the end, I will not say any more so nothing is given away. Definitely a book that I'll be recommending to my friends. I will also read more of this author.

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Oct 14, 2013 Margaret rated it it was ok

Shelves: fiction

I enjoyed the story and there was more character study and depth to this installment of the Christmas series. There was an on-going miscommunication between several of the characters in regards to names and who was who but it added to the book. Though I think my interest started to wane at the very last part of the book.

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Apr 03, 2013 Alicia rated it liked it

Recommended to Alicia by: Sandra

My friend dropped off 5 books by this author for me to read. They're a little too sappy for me, and I'd rather be reading Charles Dickens, but this was a sweet and heartwarming story (with as many amazing coincidences as a Charles Dickens book).

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Jun 07, 2010 Tressa (Wishful Endings) rated it really liked it

This is written about a struggling single mom who finds new family all around her: in a new job, when she helps someone out, and in a neighbor (without giving too much away). I was pleasantly surprised by this book and really enjoyed reading it.

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Dec 04, 2013 Bonnie Walker rated it it was amazing

I really enjoyed this book. It is a nice story about a single mom dealing with a lot of hardships and let's just say, it has a happy ending :)

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Dec 14, 2013 Sherri Anderson rated it it was amazing

These books are my Hallmark movies for the holidays. This story had a very good message.

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Dec 11, 2017 Sandra rated it really liked it

Shelves: 2017, audiobook, library-books, part-of-a-series

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Nov 16, 2014 Sam rated it really liked it

Shelves: donna-van-liere, own

Beautiful story, fast easy read. Will fill your heart w the spirit and blessings that we are all here together.

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Kindle Book Club ...: SPOILER ALERT, The Christmas Secret, Reading Completed	6	7	Dec 21, 2017 03:58PM
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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