Gabe Rodriguez never thought he'd be where he is today ... working at an elementary school in the facilities and maintenance department. He's made a mess of his life and is trying to put it back together. However, he loves his work, and more than that, he loves the children, especially little Madeline Grace. Maddie is a sweet and precocious, seven-year-old who has stolen Gabe's heart. He'd do almost anything for her, except meet the new volunteer at Glory's Place where Maddie goes after school each day. Maddie's trying to be a match-maker!

The new volunteer is Amy Denison, an insurance adjuster from the next town over who has come to help out at Glory's Place in the afternoons. Amy too is trying to put the shattered pieces of her life back together. She's feeling unfulfilled in her job and in her life. She just wants something more. Amy loves the children and workers at Glory's Place and the volunteer work she is doing. She has a special affection for Maddie. Who doesn't love Maddie! Maddie is smart, a little bit deceptive and is doing her best to bring Gabe and Amy together. Will it happen, or is there something more in store for Maddie?

THE CHRISTMAS STAR is a charming story by Donna VanLiere about love and loss, about putting the broken pieces of our lives back together and moving on through our faith and hope. It's about finding hope in the darkest places, through forgiveness and mercy. Both Gabe and Amy know they cannot change the past and must forge on to make a new future. They are very realistic characters with hurts and hang-ups from their pasts that have brought them to where they are today. Maddie is a delightful character, very mature and articulate for a seven-year-old, and just wants to see Gabe and Amy happy. We meet old friends from Glory's Place who were in Ms. VanLiere's book, THE CHRISTMAS HOPE. The delightful and quirky characters here make this story a real treat. THE CHRISTMAS STAR is an inspirational Christmas story that will warm your heart and nurture your belief in the spirit of Christmas. Do not miss this one!

The Christmas Star by Donna VanLiere is an easy to read touching and heartwarming story that has the Season’s message of hope and giving. This is the perfect Christmas read but can be read any time of year. Even though this is book 9 in the Christmas Hope Series it can very well be read as a standalone. I am definitely going to read the first eight books in the series. Warning this will make you cry but also it will make you smile.

Another fantastic read by Donna VanLiere. The Christmas Star is heartwarming and a feel-good read, perfect for the Christmas Season. Grandon Elementary student, Maddie, age 10, acts as a matchmaker for new Glory Place volunteer, and her beloved maintenance manager from school.. What she doesn't know is the two already have a history. Set in picturesque Grandon, Van Liere's novel illustrates what second chances are all about- forgiveness and love.

This book tells about different couples stories. They are all connected like a family through a children’s school and a place for children called Gloria’s house. It’s a small town come to celebrate Christmas and a Christmas star. Very emotional and funny at times.

Donna Van Liere’s books always bring me to that special place that leaves me with a big satisfied smile when I reach the end. I loved the dynamic of the characters and how letting the Lord into their hearts helped to change them and move them in a positive direction for their futures. I especially loved Gabe and Maddie and the dynamic between them. Maddie didn’t let her disabilities get her down and through the strength helped to bring Gabe to a different path than he imagined. I always enjoy reading Donna’s books and highly recommend them to anyone looking for a feel good Christmas story.

The Christmas Star, the ninth novel in the Christmas Hope series by Donna Van Liere, is a perfect story to give you just what this series is about: hope. It has all the necessary ingredients to fill your heart in the Christmas season – a beautiful precocious child, Maddie, Gabe, who seems like a good guy but has such a cloud of sadness and regret hanging over him, and Amy, who is full of love to give and is moving on but is protecting her heart because it’s already been shattered once.

I had not read any of the previous books in this series, but just a couple of paragraphs in I got a warm pleasant feeling that stayed with me through the entire story. I felt like I already knew many of the characters and will be going back to read the previous books to learn more about their stories.

The Christmas Star tugs at your heart. Maddie is a foster child with physical limitations who longs for a forever home. Both Gabe and Amy have much to give but at the same time feel like life has dealt them hands they must now be satisfied with. The rest of the marvelous characters have fascinating stories of their own.

I started smiling as soon as I started reading. Even through adversity, faith and love and the spirit of giving shine through. You can’t help but be in the Christmas spirit. The Christmas Star is a wonderful read. I received a copy of this book from the Publisher St Martin’s Press via NetGalley. I was not required to review it but I recommend it without hesitation. Read The Christmas Star and the entire Christmas Hope series; you’ll be glad you did.

Sweet but unremarkable holiday book which fell flat I have not read any previous tales by this author but wouldn't rule out giving her another try. A quick read for between pre Christmas activities.

"The Christmas Star"
By Donna VanLiere
St. Martin's Press

Contemporary Fiction -- Release Date: October 16, 2018

ReaderToReader.com review for NetGalley download

Mr. G. (AKA Gabe) is the janitor at the Grandon Elementary School. A reformed alcoholic, he is getting his life back on track after drinking ended his marriage. His job and connecting with children bring him much happiness. In particular, he enjoys seven-year-old Maddie, who is a foster child with cerebral palsy. She is loquacious and outgoing and has won Gabe's heart, especially seeing he leads a solitary existence.

Amy Denison, an insurance adjustor feels something missing in her life. She's become a loner after a ruined relationship, but she loves children so she decides to volunteer at Glory's Place, where youngsters go for after-school care until their parents can come for them. It is here where Amy meets Maddie, and she too is immediately besotted by the child.

Maddie is cheerful, loving, and upbeat despite her affliction, and she adores Mr. G. and now Amy too. Deciding to be a match-maker, Maddie insists Gabe and Amy meet. After all, they are both all alone, and Maddie wants everyone to be happy. When they do get together, Maddie learns they already know each other, but can she persuade them to be a couple? Can hurt be absolved and the past be changed? Never underestimate the power of a child who is determined to achieve what she knows and believes is right.

Though the plot is predictable, this enchanting tale offers subplots to make one smile with charming as well as humorous characters. A fast-paced, quick read, "A Christmas Star" encompasses heartbreak as well as forgiveness and joy creating a happy ever after.

Thank you to Netgalley for the ARC.

I loved it so much. It was funny, romantic, light hearted, sweet and just all around great book. I want to go back and read some of the other Christmas books by this author. Little Maddie made this book so lovable.
I enjoyed it so much.

While the premise to this story is really good, the beginning was confusing to me until about the third chapter. I was really enjoying the story when it turned all Christian on me. While I have no problem with God and church I don't really want it so prominent in my escape to romance. I did not finish this book, therefore, I won't rate it. So I was just told I had to include a star rating in order to send this review. I hope the publisher realizes that my star rating isn't a rating on the book it was just not my preferred reading.

Every year I look for a new book by Donna VanLiere, the queen of Christmas stories. I was thrilled to find the ninth book in the series, The Christmas Star, releasing this year.

A return trip to small town Grandon gave me all the warm cozy sentimental feelings I have come to expect from a VanLiere story complete with trips to Betty's Bakery and Glory's Place.

The cast of quirky yet loveable characters make for a memorable holiday experience worthy of a Hallmark movie. The sarcastic witty banter between Gloria and Miriam had me laughing and the charming innocence of Ben the grocery bagger as he continues on with his holiday note making is as touching as before. I also enjoyed seeing Lauren and Travis get their happy every after and new volunteer to Glory's, Amy and maintenance worker, Gabe get a second chance at happiness. But without a doubt little seven year old Maddie stole the show. What a sweet poignant story she has, abandoned at birth, diagnosed with cereal palsy and in foster care, none of which dampens her optimism and buoyant personality. Watching her handle all life's challenges and find her forever home is the stuff of Christmas miracles.

I really enjoyed this heartwarming inspirational story so full of the Christmas spirit in all of it's loving and giving glory. In the words of Ben, "Love came at Christmas and is here to stay." Well said Ben, and well done Donna VanLiere!
I appreciate St. Martin's Press making a copy of The Christmas Star available for review.

A sweet and heartwarming story about second chances and redemption, “The Christmas Star” presents a cast of well-rounded characters, including a precocious seven-year-old girl, Maddie.
The story is full of meaningful moments, plenty of human kindness and some sorrow and regrets, which either will bring you to tears or make you smile with joy.
Gabe is a tortured hero who went through a process of redemption and is now in peace with himself and his past mistakes. The reconnecting was smoothly written, with no needless drama; I liked how the author wrote this important dimension of the plot so smoothly.
What stands out for me in this book is the kindness of all these characters; I particularly loved Gabe’s tenderness with the little girl is really sweet and a pleasure to read.

Second chances come in many forms and this story is full of them. Amy, Gabe and Maddie prove that beyond a shadow of a doubt.

The Christmas Star is an incredibly sweet and lovely holiday read! Gabe and Amy were divorced six years earlier after his alcoholism destroyed their marriage. They meet again through an adorable seven year old matchmaker. Maddie is a student at the school where Gabe works. He has become very fond of the sweet little girl who is a spitfire in spite of having been abandoned ny her parents at birth and having cerebral palsy. Amy becomes a volunteer at the community center program which Maddie attends after school. Maddie matchmakers Gabe and Amy, not realizes that they were previously married. After a few twists and turns, they get back together and adopt the precocious Maddie. The supporting cast of characters are also a joy. Well done!

The Christmas Star by Donna VanLiere is a fabulous holiday story. Ms. VanLiere has provided readers with a touching, well-written Christmas romance that may have you shedding a few tears. Gabe is the school maintenance person at Grandon Elementary School. He adores his little friend Maddie. Amy volunteers at Glory's Place, helping children with homework, playing games and enjoying the kids. Gabe and Amy's story is packed with drama, humor and Maddie. Kudos to Ms. VanLiere for lightening what could be a dark book with her skillful weaving of humor into the story, and everyone needs a little Maddie in their lives. I totally loved reading The Christmas Star and look forward to reading more from Donna VanLiere. The Christmas Star is book 9 of the Christmas Hope Series but can easily be read as a standalone. This is a complete book, not a cliff-hanger.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book that I received from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

'The Christmas Star' by Donna VanLiere warmed my heart, and gives me hope. It is filled with good people who are trying to make the right choices in life, even when their lives are difficult. There is a darling matchmaker in Maddie, who decides her new tutor at Glory's Place should meet her beloved Mr. G, the maintenance man at her elementary school. There is a lot of insight into how one can give and receive forgiveness, something I need to be reminded of my life. There is a tender connection with characters from a previous book that is wonderful. I can't recommend this lovely Christmas story highly enough.

I would rate this story 3.5 stars. I really enjoyed the plot of the story, The story was very easy to predict what was going to happen, so it was hard to stay engaged in the story for the entire book. It was a very sweet, lovely romance story that was faith based & a quick read.

CHRISTMAS HOPE #9

This is another heart warming and faith-based book in the series.

This time we meet Maddie, a little girl who has been through so much but has the most positive outlook on life.

Amy is ready to get out there and stop mourning the marriage that didn't work out. What better place than Glory's Place as a volunteer. Maddie has already captured her heart.

Gabe has messed up plenty in the past but for the past 5 and a half years he's gotten sober, works at Maddies' school and is almost done with college and getting his teaching certificate. Maddie is the highlight of Gabe's day and she is determined to set him up with her new friend at Glory's.

Will they all have a Christmas miracle? With this group they just may.

This series is always inspiring. And full of really good characters. It's not all sunshine and rainbows but they always have each others backs.  Faith, Family and Love.

Well Done!

Netgalley/October 16th 2018 by St. Martin's Press

This was a cute story about an orphan seven year old who is determined to do some matchmaking with Gabe, the custodian of her elementary school and Amy. the volunteer at Glory’s Place, an after school daycare . One of them feels he has to atone for his past mistakes and the other one has experienced a great deal of heartaches.
It’s a story about hope , redemption and second chances.
That said, I found the style of the writing not one I enjoyed , and at times, felt at a loss since I had not read the previous books in the series.
I was entrusted a copy of this book by Netgalley and St Martin’s Press. The opinions expressed are solely my own.

I love a really great Christmas. It always makes me smile. It's always a very happy book. This is the first book I have read by Donna and I was really glad I did