Book Review: The Christmas Secret by Donna VanLiere

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What is this book about?

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 life difficult for Christine by using the children as pawns. She works long hours as a waitress to make ends meet, but her job is in jeopardy because she’s often late to work due to the unreliable teenaged sitters she’s forced to use. When Christine saves the life of a woman who works in Wilson’s department store, the owner of Wilson’s wants to find her, to thank her, but Christine has disappeared, losing another job once again. He sets his grandson, Jason, to the task of finding the mysterious “Christy.” Jason, an accountant by trade who has lost his job to downsizing, thinks he is “above” working at Wilson’s. Soon, he discovers that this new task gives him more than he bargains for. The Christmas Secret is a novel for anyone who wants to see how love is a gift that keeps giving back; that hope is a treasure that never runs dry, and that faith is a miracle that is reborn with each new day.

My review:

The beginning was a little slow while introducing the characters but once established, I was delighted by the twists and revealed secrets. Christine was a struggling single mom who was battle weary and skeptical of goodness in the world. The way that the author braided the lives of the individual people together made for a good read. The message of hope and human goodness was deep.

What I enjoyed most about this book:

The secrets revealed toward the end.

What I didn’t like about this book:

Slow start to establish the characters.

Would I recommend this book to others? Absolutely. Once getting through the slow start, this story delightfully surprises the reader.

Where can I learn more about this author and their books?

Donna VanLiere, author website

-Loraine Nunley

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