The Christmas Star is a sweet, easy read that would make a great Hallmark movie! The story is about a precocious little girl, in the foster care system from birth, becoming part of a family of her own. The holidays and especially the Christmas Star atop the town square's gazebo affect those around her in very special loving ways. Beautiful, uplifting story.

I just loved this book! When I read Donna’s books I can picture myself write in the setting of the story. Love reading a feel god book around the holidays. Highly recommend

The Christmas Star by Donna VanLiere is the perfect story to bring in the holiday cheer and warmth! A story about friendly people with hearts of gold, you will find yourself smiling and sometimes a little teary eyed.

Gabe Rodriguez works as a handyman at Grandon Elementary School, he has had a troubled past and has decided to open a new page and be a new and better version of himself. He loves his job and the children that he works with, but there is one special little girl, Maddie, who is determined to see the best in him and set him up with a woman whom she believes would be the perfect match for him.

Amy Denison was married to a man who turned out to be a total disappointment. She has also started a new life and is now volunteering at Glory’s Place, an after school program to help children with their school work. It seems that one of the kids has special plans for her and wants to introduce Amy to a man whom she believes would be perfect for her. But there is a little surprise in store for them all :)

A beautifully written, heart warming story about love, trust, second chances and sharing the holiday joy!

I struggled a bit with this book. It took me awhile to connect with the characters but I loved the holiday themes. It all came together for me in the end

I have never before read a book by Donna VanLiere and this one did not disappoint! This is a sweet Christmas story about a precious little orphan, Maddie, who plays matchmaker to Gabe and Amy. The initial meeting does not go as planned and what follows is a lovely story of faith, hope and second chances. The characters are deliciously flawed, just like me, and that makes them relatable.

This is a quick read, it's #9 in a series but works as a stand-alone and is a great holiday read. I very much enjoyed the story and look forward to finding more of this author's work.

I received an advanced reader's copy for a fair and honest review.

Wonderfully, sweet story about a second chance at love brought about by a seven year old little girl. Gabe & Amy both fall in love with a sweet little girl whose life has been anything but easy. She’s a little matchmaker as she decides that her 2 favourite people should be together even though she’s only just met Amy. What she doesn’t know is they were once married & it wasn’t a good marriage. As she pushes them together, Amy sees more & more how much Gabe has changed & they both realize that even though their marriage ended their love for each other never did. Recommend if you’re looking for a quick sweet read.

Christmas. A wedding. A love renewed. A new hope begins. What more could you ask for?

Every year I hope Donna VanLiere will release a new book in the Christmas Hope series and I was so excited when I saw The Christmas Star was being released. I loved the synopsis and couldn’t wait to read it, but I’ll admit I had some trouble getting into the groove.

I really enjoyed The Christmas Star but it’s not my favorite in the series. There was something missing. I loved Mr. G and his relationship with Maddie. I loved that he was able to rectify a passed wrong. I adored the wedding. I laughed at Gloria and Miriam. Still, there was a thread my heart missed.

Overall though, if you’re looking for a heart-warming Christmas Romance, The Christmas Star is the book to read.

I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for my unbiased opinion.

Gabe Rodriguez works as a custodian at Grandon Elementary School and loves interacting with the kids there, including seven-year-old Maddie. Maddie goes to Glory's Place after school until her foster mom gets off work. Amy Denison has just started volunteering at Glory's Place, and Maddie just knows that “Mr. G” and Amy would make a perfect couple. Once she gets the two to meet, there are surprises in store for everyone.

This was a quick, sweet Christian story of second chances. It is the ninth book of a series, but I had no trouble reading it as a standalone. I actually enjoyed this story so much that I would love to check out the other books in the series!

ARC for honest review with no compensation, received from NetGalley.

This was my first book by Donna VanLiere and so enjoyed it! Miracles happen when we least expect them but Christmas time seems to bring about second chances, forgiveness, trust, and finding an everlasting love!!

Looking forward to reading more of Donna VanLiere’s books.

Donna VanLiere's Christmas books are just what we need each year! They are guaranteed Christmas reads each year for me. I did read the previous book and it made me happy so I was so excited to see characters carrying over in this book from her previous book. I dare you to read this book and not feel happy. This is one book that will stay with you for a long time. The characters are flawed just like us and it makes it all the more real. Beautiful story of a little girl in foster care that brings together her two best adult friends . It's a second chance romance for them. A sweet and joyous romance amidst the beautiful snow covered,brilliantly decorated Christmas tree star lit town filled with the wonder of the season and second chances.
Pub Date 16 Oct 2018
I received a complimentary copy of this book from St. Martin's Press through NetGalley. Thank you! All opinions expressed are my own.

The best character of the book was Maddie. I liked that little girl a lot and I wanted to hug her. She is a tiny devilish matchmaker. She has a strong bond with Gabe and she wanted him to be happy so she thought that he and Amy would be a great couple. Gabe is a recovering alcoholic with a shameful past and he is building a new life. Amy has also a past that she is trying to forget because it was painful, but something was always holding her back and we will find out what is that later in the book.

The leads took too much time to meet each other and the book is on the short side, so it wasn't a favorable thing. I would have liked to see a little bit more built up to their romance. Gabe had a lot to atone for and even though I felt that he was regretting his past actions he didn't do enough to be forgiven.

The story is told in present tense and it was really bugging me out. I couldn't get into the story because of that for some time. I got used to it (somewhat), but I feel like I would have enjoyed the story more if it told in past tense.



*A tiny spoiler about the genre of the book is below*


I wished I had known that this is a second chance at love book. 85% of the books I read recently are second chance romances and I didn't want another one. The book wasn't bad, but second chances are not my genre.

Paraphrasing one of this months’ titles: “Oh, my stars.” It just happens that this women’s fiction column is almost all Christmas stories (I think there is one that isn’t). Which is fine and dandy — because you can read them now, then read them again in December or put them back and pull out one of these heartwarming tales when you just can’t bake another batch of cookies, or wrap another present, or decorate another room. Still, no matter the season, all explore the gift of love and friendship.
The Christmas Sisters by Sarah Morgan
What it’s about:
In the snowy Highlands of Scotland, Suzanne McBride is dreaming of the perfect cozy Christmas. Her three adopted daughters are coming home for the holidays and she can’t wait to see them. But tensions are running high…
Workaholic Hannah knows she can’t avoid spending the holidays with her family two years in a row. But it’s not the weight of their expectations that’s panicking her—it’s the life-changing secret she’s hiding. Stay-at-home mom Beth is having a personal crisis. All she wants for Christmas is time to decide if she’s ready to return to work—seeing everyone was supposed to help her stress levels, not increase them! Posy isn’t sure she’s living her best life, but with her parents depending on her, making a change seems risky. But not as risky as falling for gorgeous new neighbor Luke…
As Suzanne’s dreams of the perfect McBride Christmas unravel, she must rely on the magic of the season to bring her daughters together. But will this new togetherness teach the sisters that their close-knit bond is strong enough to withstand anything—including a family Christmas?
The right stuff: Complex family relationships caused by past trauma are resolved in this heartwarming tale. Perfect assembled cast of characters. (See an excerpt on HEA from The Christmas Sisters.)
The Christmas Star by Donna VanLiere
What it’s about:
Thirty-two-year-old Amy Denison volunteers at Glory’s Place, an after school program where she meets seven-year-old Maddie, a precocious young girl who has spent her childhood in foster care. Unbeknownst to Amy, Maddie is a mini-matchmaker, with her eye on just the right man for Amy at Grandon Elementary School, where she is a student. Amy is hesitant – she’s been hurt before, and isn’t sure she’s ready to lose her heart again – but an unexpected surprise makes her reconsider her lonely lifestyle.
As Christmas nears and the town is blanketed in snow and beautiful decorations, Maddie and the charming staff at Glory’s Place help Amy to see that romance can be more than heartache and broken promises.
In The Christmas Star, Donna VanLiere delivers yet another sweet, joyous story that is sure to capture readers’ hearts.
The right stuff: Christian romance book with a heartfelt message of new beginnings and a wonderful second-chance-at-love story.
What Happened to Us? by Faith Hogan
What it’s about:
Sometimes the end is only the beginning…
After ten years together, Carrie Nolan is devastated when she’s dumped by her hot-shot chef boyfriend, Kevin Mulvey without even a backwards glance! But on reflection, she has sacrificed her own long-term happiness by pandering to his excessive ego in their successful Dublin restaurant (and out of it) – but not anymore!
While Kevin is ‘living the dream’ with his beautiful new Brazilian girlfriend, Carrie seeks solace from a circle of mismatched strangers who need her as much as she needs them.
With Christmas just around the corner, all is not quite as it seems and a catastrophic sequence of events leads to the unthinkable.
How far do you need to fall before you learn the true value of family and friends? And is it ever too late to start again…
The right stuff: Spot-on feel-good book. Great characters, wonderful serendipitous reunion and a special bit of karma.
A Healing Justice
by Kristin von Kreisler
What it’s about:
Two years ago, police officer Andrea Brady fell madly in love with a black-muzzled, slightly rumpled German shepherd who showed up at her house one misty autumn day. Now, with the brave and intuitive Justice as her expert K-9 drug sniffer, she’s found an unbeatable partner. Then the unthinkable happens. A savage attack leaves a teenager dead and Andie trapped in every cop’s worst nightmare. Placed on administrative leave, she’s pursued by media and investigated by a deputy sheriff whose handling of the high-profile case could earn him a coveted promotion.
Haunted by self-doubt, Andie is in danger of losing everything—her career, her freedom, and the critically injured dog who’s her soul mate. But as she finds kind allies in her Puget Sound island community, the road back becomes a journey of healing for both Andie and her canine companion. And Andie learns important lessons about justice—and about Justice—as she struggles to find the courage to forgive herself and reclaim the gift of her life …
The right stuff: Perfect homage to people in law enforcement, exploring the split decisions that they must make. Another pet lovers’ delight, along with enticing developing romantic relationship.
Oh My Stars by Sally Kilpatrick
What it’s about:
A heartwarming, hilarious Christmas story with a Southern twist.
Like most things in Ellery, Tennessee, this year’s Drive Thru Nativity is a little unconventional. The Dollar General parking lot doubles as a Bethlehem stable, and widowed writer Ivy Long, who’s been roped into playing Mary, sure as heck isn’t a virgin. But then comes an unexpected development: a genuine, real-life baby left in the manger, with only a brief note. And somehow, in the kerfuffle that follows, Ivy finds her life is about to change …
The holidays are a bittersweet time for Ivy—filled with memories of her beloved late husband and reminders that life doesn’t always offer the happily-ever-afters her readers expect. So when Ivy ends up with custody of the baby, she can only chalk it up to a Christmas miracle. She doesn’t know if it will be forever, but with help from family, she’ll make little Zuzu’s first Christmas a good one. The nativity’s Joseph, aka Gabe Ledbetter, has a pediatrics background that’s coming in mighty handy. In turn, Ivy is helping Gabe find his place in the quirky community. If that place turns out to be somewhere near Ivy, well, maybe this particular Christmas story will turn out to be merry and bright after all …
The right stuff: Down-on-their-luck characters get a second chance at love and new beginnings. Quirky and fun with the right amount of pathos!
Mutts and Mistletoe by Natalie Cox
What it’s about:
Thirty-one-year-old Charlie isn’t in the mood for Christmas cheer...
Her boyfriend has left her for his personal trainer, her mother has absconded with her latest husband for the holidays, and—adding insult to (literal) injury—her London apartment has just been destroyed by a gas leak. Single, mildly concussed and temporarily homeless, Charlie realizes there’s only one place to go: Cozy Canine Cottages, where she’ll spend the season looking after her cousin Jez’s doggy day care center. And if she’s not exactly a dog person, well, no one has to know…
But her plans for a quiet Christmas in a quaint country village are quickly dashed. Peggy the pregnant beagle and Malcolm the anxious Great Dane seem determined to keep her up all night. A strange man has been casing her cousin’s house. And where is Cal, the unbearably patronizing but disturbingly handsome local vet, when she needs him?
As the days tick down to Christmas, Charlie’s life has never felt so out of control—but with some help from her new four-legged friends, she just might learn a thing or two about living in the moment, embracing the unexpected and opening herself up to love…
The right stuff: Looking for a little bit zany and a bit of armchair traveling? Then this is the perfect book for you. Pets, humor and romance!
Christmas at the Cat Café
by Melissa Daley
What it’s about:
The town of Stourton-on-the-Hill has its very own cat café. Resident cat Molly, and her kittens, live here in feline paradise, while owner Debbie serves the locals home-made goodies. But even in the most idyllic surroundings, things don’t always go according to plan …
When Debbie’s heartbroken sister Linda arrives at the café, Debbie insists she move in. But Linda is not alone, and the cats are devastated with the arrival of Linda’s dog, Beau. Sadly, Beau’s arrival is not the only bombshell – now Molly’s home is also under threat when a rival cat moves in on her turf.
With Christmas approaching, Molly is unsettled, barely roused by the promise of tinsel to play with. Fearing for her feline family she hopelessly stares out of the café window searching for an answer. Only a Christmas miracle could bring everyone together.
The right stuff: While this is the second book in a series, it can easily be read as a stand-alone. Think cozy, because that is exactly what this story is. Put your own cat in your lap and enjoy!
Leigh Davis is a former contributor to Heroes and Heartbreakers. When she is not reading, she’s usually outside throwing balls to her insatiable dogs. She loves hearing and talking about great books. You can connect with her on Twitter and Goodreads.
MORE ON HEA: See more posts by Leigh

It's always nice to read a book that you just know is going to have a happy ending! It's a Christmas story and we all know miracles can happen at that time of year.

Maddie is a 7 year old girl who has grown up in foster care. She is a sweet little girl, wise beyond her years. When she decides to play matchmaker, you never know what might happen.

This was a very beautiful story about giving second chances. A good read to relax with at the holidays.

* I was provided an ARC to read from the publisher and NetGalley to read. It was my decision to read and review this book.

True to Donna VanLiere's style, this is a lovely book about hope, forgiveness, second chances and love. And family. This novel introduced many different characters at the beginning, and seemed to have a lot going on, but the author wove all of the stories together nicely and had a great happy ending. The only thing I always want at the end is for the books to be longer.

The Christmas Star may be the 9th book n the Christmas Hope Series but it certainly can be read as a stand-alone, I know this because Donna VanLiere is a new author to me .
This book is not just about romance it’s about getting to know the townsfolk in this sweet, inspirational holiday season story. Amy Denison volunteers at Glory’s Place, an after school program and this is where she meets seven year old Maddie who happens to be a matchmaker in the making. Maddie knows just the right man for Amy but will Amy be ready to open her heart up after all she has had it broken once before .......
Christmas is approaching the snow is falling what a perfect time and place for a Christmas miracle, this is a sweet romance that is sure to capture your heart. Looking forward to more from this author.

This story has no cussing, no sex, and absolutely no need for them. If those are things that turn you off of a book, you have nothing to worry about here. Although this book is part of a larger series you can jump right in here without missing anything at all, but you will be spoiled for previous character stories if that's something you find off-putting.

This book appealed to me because I had enjoyed a couple of Hallmark movies based on this series and I was curious about the books. It was no surprise to me that I loved this story, but I was surprised by just how much I loved it. The town of Grandon was full of amazing characters, and Ms. VanLiere has a real knack for incorporating the side characters into the story in a way that lets them be involved without them overwhelming the main story. Miriam and Gloria were absolutely adorable and now I want to go back and read more books in this series to (hopefully) get more of them and this great town.

The story of Gabe and Amy – and Maddie – was incredibly sweet and so beautiful. Without spoiling anything, I loved the way that they all grew to know each other, and that they fought so hard for their relationship. It was a beautiful story about the power of love and forgiveness. And the part that Maddie played in this story was absolutely perfect.

I would highly recommend this book to anyone who loves a second chance romance or just a really well-written book where the characters lines and love are the key elements, no gimmicky sex required.

This is just the sweetest story about a seven year old girl named Maddie who is a foster child who goes takes part in an afterschool program. Maddie decides to play matchmaker to two of her adult friends, that she knows would be perfect for each other. Meet Gabe, he is the caretaker at the school that Maddie goes to and has a special place in his heart for the young girl. Gabe has had a troubled past, but he has been working hard to keep his life on track. Maddie adores Gabe and they have a growing friendship. Maddie also has a new friend at her afterschool program named Amy. Amy is new to the program and quickly becomes friends with Maddie. Maddie decides that Amy and Gabe would be perfect for each other! When Amy finally meets Gabe, she is shocked and speechless. It turns out the Amy and Gabe already know each other. That’s all I am going to spill about their past. The story twists and turns with Maddie right in the middle hoping her two best friends become a couple. The ending is heartwarming and you can’t help but shed a tear for these loved characters in the story. I can’t wait to read more of the author’s books. A big thank you to St. Martin’s Press for an advanced copy of the book to review.

Who needs a feel-good story to kick off the holiday season? Was that a yes?! Then I have the book for you.

Another wonderful addition to VanLiere’s The Christmas Hope series, The Christmas Star can be read as a stand-alone. Old friends returning to this series will recognize Gloria, Miriam and more, but newbies to town won’t feel lost if they’re visiting for the first time. In this trip we meet Amy Denison, the newest volunteer at Glory’s Place. There she meets seven-year-old Maddie, who unbeknownst to Amy, is a mini-matchmaker. You know there must be some romance in this story, right?

I smiled a lot reading this book because it’s just so feel good. Maddie is great, as are the new characters introduced in this story. It was also nice to visit with the town regulars! There were surprises and lots of heartwarming moments. Do yourself a favor and grab a copy of this book. It’s a quick, easy read, so sit down with a cup of hot cocoa and a blanket and enjoy!

The Christmas Star is the 9th book in the popular Christmas Hope series of books from Donna VanLiere. The Christmas Star is a sweet inspirational story that will get readers ready for Christmas.

I have to say that having a young child as a main character of a story doesn't always work for me. However, I really did fall in love with Maddie the mini-matchmaker. She was so precious and I loved she wanted to get her friend Mr. G married off to the new volunteer at Glory's Place. Of course she has no idea the Gabe and Amy not only already know each other, but also were once married to one another. Both Amy and Gabe have changed so much since their divorce, but Amy understandably has trust issues when they first see one another again.

The slow build to Amy and Gabe finding their way back to one another was done very well. I did see it coming well before they started spending more time together, but it was still sweet to see this couple not only rediscover each other, but find a way to accept the changes that occurred while apart and let go of the past. Maddie was really sweet to keep trying to throw them together in the beginning, but I liked the adults took it into their own hands pretty quickly.

My only real issue with the story was I felt like it was more of a surface story than one the delved into all their feelings about the past and present. I really did want Gabe and Amy to discuss the changes that have come about in their lives. I felt like they accepted the changes really quickly, and I would have liked them to talk a bit more before they made long-term choices.

The Christmas Star was an enjoyable read. Readers who enjoy sweet inspirational stories will fall in love with this book. Maddie is absolutely delightful and her joy and enthusiasm is part of the reason I enjoyed the story as much as I did.

Rating: 3 Stars (B-)

The Christmas Star by Donna VanLiere is book Nine in the Christmas Hope Series. This is the story of Gabe and Amy. I haven't yet read the previous books, so for me this was a standalone book.
Maddie is a foster child who has some matchmaking skills and feels that Gabe and Amy should meet. Maddie feels a connection with both of them. Amy meets Maddie through the Glory's Place where Amy volunteers and Gabe works at Maddie's school.
This was just a really sweet, cute romance. Enjoyed reading it for sure!