Book Review: The Christmas Table by Donna VanLiere

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What is this book about?

In June 1972, John Creighton determines to build his wife Joan a kitchen table. His largest project to date had been picture frames but he promises to have the table ready for Thanksgiving dinner. Inspired to put something delicious on the table, Joan turns to her mother’s recipes she had given to Joan when she and John married.

In June 2012, Lauren Mabrey discovers she’s pregnant. Gloria, Miriam, and the rest of her friends at Glory’s Place begin to pitch in, helping Lauren prepare their home for the baby. On a visit to the local furniture builder, Lauren finds a table that he bought at a garage sale but has recently refinished. Once home, a drawer is discovered under the table which contains a stack of recipe cards. Growing up in one foster home after another, Lauren never learned to cook and is fascinated as she reads through the cards. Personal notes have been written on each one from the mother to her daughter and time and again Lauren wonders where they lived, when they lived, and in a strange way, she feels connected to this mother and her daughter and wants to make the mother proud.

The story continues to from 1972 to 2012 as Joan battles breast cancer and Lauren learns to cook, preparing for the baby’s arrival. As Christmas nears, can Lauren unlock the mystery of the table, and find the peace she’s always longed for?

My review:

There is so much packed into such a simple short story. I loved revisiting the small town of Grandon and characters I’ve grown to love. This story takes place over two timelines but the author ties both of them together splendidly at the end.  This story made me laugh out loud and get choked up with emotion. My favorite part was the deep inspirational thread woven throughout which showcased how we live our faith in God through the darkest trails.

What I enjoyed most about this book:

The depth of emotion that pulled me into the story.

What I didn’t like about this book:

Omniscient narrator takes some getting used to.

Would I recommend this book to others? Yes. Even though the POV is Omniscient Narrator (the all-knowing voice telling the story) which can take some getting used to, the characters are great and the emotional pull from the story makes it worth it. There is also a nice inspirational thread running through it. This is the 11^th book in this series. It can be read as a standalone but it is fun to watch beloved characters from previous books show up.

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

Donna VanLiere, author website

-Loraine Nunley

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