Narrator: Helene Maksoud
Simon & Schuster Audio
ISBN: 9781668014882
Publisher: Gallery Books
Publication Date: 11/26/2024
Format: Other
My Rating: 5 Stars (ARC
From Richard Paul Evans, the New York Times bestselling author of The Christmas Promise and The Christmas Box--"the most popular holiday tale since Tiny Tim" (Newsweek)--a new novel celebrating the life-changing power of the holiday spirit.
Leigh Beth Stilton has never liked the holidays. After growing up in an unstable home, escaping an abusive marriage, and witnessing daily tragedies as an EMT, Leigh just can't bring herself to care about Christmas cheer. In fact, she's so convinced she's not worth loving that one winter's eve, she decides she can't go on--until she comes across a book called Bethel and starts to read.
Leigh is unfamiliar with the author, J.D. Harper, but his words speak directly to her. She's never felt so seen and understood, and this connection gives her the strength to carry on. She avidly reads every novel Harper has written, and when he comes to town for a book signing, she jumps at the opportunity to meet the writer who means so much to her.
In a twist of fate, Leigh runs into J.D. in a coffee shop, and the two immediately click. Before she knows it, she's swept up in a whirlwind of fancy dinners, exciting travel, and the attention of the man whose work has been so meaningful to her. But she's leery after a lifetime of pain and when she discovers that J.D. hasn't been completely honest, her hopes are dashed. Can they find their way back to each other and can Leigh learn to trust her heart?
My Review
The King of Christmas storytelling, bestselling author Richard Paul Evans, returns with a heartfelt tale, CHRISTMAS IN BETHEL —celebrating the life-changing power of books and the holiday spirit.
Even in the darkest times, the light of hope can still shine, and the power of redemption can transform even the most broken souls.
About...
Leigh Beth Stilton does not have much to celebrate this holiday season. She grew up in an abusive household and later survived an abusive marriage. Plus, as an EMT, she has witnessed her share of tragedy.
She is about to give up on life and any Christmas cheer when she stumbles across a book called Bethel. It grabs her attention and resonates with her. She finds comfort in its inspiring words and storytelling.
The author is J.D. Harper, and she finds comfort in its inspiring words and storytelling. Leigh is so captivated she reads all his books, and when he comes to town for a book signing, she cannot wait to meet the author.
Then, she unexpectedly runs into the author in a coffee shop, and they click. Soon, she is swept up in his life, from travel to the best restaurants to gifts and attention. She feels she does not deserve this man who lives in a different world than hers.
When she learns some disturbing information about the author, she is crushed and feels she can no longer trust him.
However, she leaves him behind without knowing the whole truth. Can they find their way back to one another?
My thoughts...
CHRISTMAS IN BETHEL is a love letter to the power of stories, literature, and the healing of the human spirit. This is a fascinating look into the bond between siblings and the life-changing magic of stories. I look forward to reading Richard Paul Evans' books every Christmas holiday. I have read them all, and CHRISTMAS IN BETHEL is another inspiring read!
A compelling and emotional journey into the human psyche, and stories that make us who we are with the power to transform and heal the brokenhearted with a strong takeaway message.
When you think you've figured out where the story is headed, it takes a surprising and unexpected turn that will warm your heart. It is a story of hope, tragedy, love, loss, trauma, abuse, and redemption. Literary lovers will also enjoy the book within a book!
Read and discover the special magical place called Bethel and the power of storytelling! A charming and inspiring novel that's perfect for the holiday season but will also add a delightful twist of romance to your festive reading list!
Ideal for book clubs!
Recs...
CHRISTMAS IN BETHEL is for fans of the author and those who enjoy works by Viola Shipman, Patti Callahan Henry, Meg Shaffer, Kristy Woodson Harvey, Catherine Ryan Hyde, Nicholas Sparks, and Mary Kay Andrews.
Thanks to Gallery Books and NetGalley for an advanced reading copy in exchange for an honest review.
@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
Pub Date: Nov 26, 2024
My Rating: 5 Stars
About the Author
Richard Paul Evans is the #1 New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author of more than forty novels. There are currently more than thirty-five million copies of his books in print worldwide, translated into more than twenty-four languages. Richard is the recipient of numerous awards, including two first place Storytelling World Awards, the Romantic Times Best Women’s Novel of the Year Award, and five Religion Communicators Council’s Wilbur Awards. Seven of Richard’s books have been produced as television movies.
His first feature film, The Noel Diary, starring Justin Hartley (This Is Us) and acclaimed film director, Charles Shyer (Private Benjamin, Father of the Bride), premiered in 2022. In 2011 Richard began writing Michael Vey, a #1 New York Times bestselling young adult series which has won more than a dozen awards. Richard is the founder of The Christmas Box International, an organization devoted to maintaining emergency children’s shelters and providing services and resources for abused, neglected, or homeless children and young adults. To date, more than 125,000 youths have been helped by the charity.
For his humanitarian work, Richard has received the Washington Times Humanitarian of the Century Award and the Volunteers of America National Empathy Award. Richard lives in Salt Lake City, Utah, with his wife, Keri, and their five children and two grandchildren. You can learn more about Richard on his website RichardPaulEvans.com.
