I love the cover for Christmas in Bethel by Richard Paul Evans. Unfortunately, I found the story was predictable. The book had potential, but the author wandered down a different path. I thought Leigh Beth Stilton was a developed character. I thought she was a little too hung on up J.D. Harper, the author. I admit that I was not a fan of either character. I was unable to get into Christmas in Bethel. The story failed to hold my attention. The romance is rushed (J.D. Harper swept Leigh off her feet). The story follows an expected path. I knew what was going to happen long before it occurred. There were some uncomfortable moments in the story which surprised me (made me want to quit reading immediately). There were also unneeded details (do we really need detailed descriptions of a car that is sitting in the garage and will not be driven). Christmas in Bethel was not cut from the same cloth as this author’s other stories (I have read all of them). While Christmas in Bethel was not my cup of tea, I look forward to reading Richard Paul Evans’ next book.

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. Then, 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?

Evans is probably the best author around for books about Christmas. I have read some of his previous ones which I liked, and this one did not disappoint. He usually starts out with a flawed character, lets them see themselves and find love, and then the struggles with this love that results in a happy ending. Just what the reader wants in a holiday story! Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for granting my request for this holiday book that was a good read during the holiday season.

Christmas in Bethel is another emotional, heartfelt holiday novel by Richard Paul Evans. He introduces readers to main character Leigh, an army veteran, who has escaped a very unstable home and an abusive marriage. Trauma at an early age led her to almost taking her own life until she read a book by JD Harper called Bethel. While she doesn't love the holidays and lives a relatively quiet life, Leigh has made friends and joined a local book club. When she finds out Harper will be at local bookstore for a signing, she immediately decides to attend and meet the man whose words saved her life. Unexpectedly she runs into him while grabbing coffee-before the signing-and doesn't make the connection he is the reclusive author. Sparks fly and she slowly lowers her guard during the festive season. Soon, a whirlwind romance ensues, a love story that is classic Richard Paul Evans, but filled with secrets. Will Leigh let her past ruin her future? This beautiful novel is sure to please fans of all ages and melt even the Scroogiest amongst us.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC in exchange for my honest feedback.

This book was good overall. It was confusing at times and the story did move fast for my taste. It was a clean and short story. The beginning was my favorite part as well as the book club. It has a very slight Christmas undertone. If you want something with more holiday spirit I would read something else.

Thank you NetGalley and Richard Paul Evans for letting me read this book!

Richard Paul Evans' annual Christmas release has become a cornerstone of my December reading ritual, and his latest work proves why this tradition endures. The narrative demonstrates Evans' masterful ability to weave complex emotional threads into a compelling story that resonates long after the final page.

This year's offering centers on a profound exploration of healing and connection, as two individuals scarred by their pasts find solace in their shared love of literature. The author's treatment of trauma, particularly in the portrayal of Lee, Marc, and Beth's experiences, is handled with remarkable sensitivity and depth. Their pain is rendered with such authenticity that readers will find themselves deeply invested in their journey toward healing.

While the subject matter is weighty, Evans demonstrates skilled narrative balance. The Thanksgiving dinner scene, for instance, provides measured moments of levity that serve not to diminish the story's gravity, but rather to illuminate the characters' resilience and growing bonds. The romance develops with appropriate restraint, allowing the emotional depth of the characters' connection to take precedence over physical attraction.

The setting of Bethel emerges as a powerful metaphor for renewal, its carefully crafted description serving as both backdrop and catalyst for the protagonists' intertwined histories. Evans has constructed a narrative architecture where past and present merge seamlessly, creating a story that is both psychologically nuanced and emotionally resonant.

Rating: 5/5

[Disclosure: This review is based on a copy provided by NetGalley and Gallery Books for review purposes.]

Leigh Beth Stilton has been abused by men throughout her life and experienced many other horrors as well. She has plans to end her life on Christmas day, but after reading a book by an author she’s never read, she finds the strength to carry on. Fast forward ten years, and a chance encounter with “her author” leads her into a whirlwind of fancy dinners, expensive gifts, and a hectic book tour schedule. Beth and J.D. Harper form a quick connection, but the pain in her past threatens to ruin everything.

First things first—this is not really a Christmas story. It takes place from before Thanksgiving to after Christmas, and some festivities are involved, but they’re really just background. It’s really just a contemporary romance that happens to take place at Christmastime. Not a deal breaker for me, but it’s good to make sure potential readers are aware. Also, you might see this marketed as Christian fiction in some places. It’s not. I’ve only read a few of Evans’s other books, but I’ve never gotten the impression that he was a Christian author, or even a Christian who is an author. The book doesn’t mention God once, unless you count the explanation of the meaning of the word “Bethel” (house of God). The two main characters become fairly intimate pretty quickly, though it’s pretty vague whether or not they actually sleep together and there’s nothing graphic. And there is a minor character who is somewhat-subtly gay. None of these things would bother me normally, but when the book is listed as Christian fiction (at least on Amazon and NetGalley), it definitely confuses me.

As for the book itself, I found the plot to be shallow and a bit muddled, and I didn’t really connect with the characters. I questioned so many things while I read. For example: Beth’s first name is Leigh (presumably pronounced like “Lee”), but she goes by Beth. So why did she give her name as “Lee” to the barista at Starbucks? Why, to give her the coincidental chance to meet J.D. Harper (whose real name is Lee), of course…though that could have still been worked out without her using her first name that she never uses. And why didn’t Beth recognize J.D./Lee? Sure, his picture isn’t on his books, but apparently his visage is widespread enough on TV and the internet for him to be recognized like crazy when he’s out at restaurants and stores…yet Beth, who has been halfway in love with him for ten years, doesn’t recognize him? I have other examples, but I don’t want to extend the review too much or come across like I’m ranting.

Not a fault of the book, but I don’t really connect with the heavy abuse in both of the characters’ pasts. But more than that, I felt that the romance was hurried and lacked any depth. They connect quickly, but then Lee stars inviting Beth to all sorts of events and even to his home, with barely any time to get to know each other. I guess the romance is mostly supposed to be in Beth falling in love with Lee through his writing, but since we don’t get to read any of his writing, it falls flat for me. In fact, I’d really like to know…anything about his books, especially the one that saved her life. We get only brief glimpses and are basically told that he writes about love so poignantly that he’s a big-name author. Maybe a romance based around the impact of fictional books works for some people, but it didn’t for me.

When I started to realize the little twist that was coming, I thought it might go a different way, but in the end, I did appreciate the way this story ends. It wasn’t nearly enough to salvage the rest of the book for me, though. I also have realized that I don’t really care for Evans’s writing style—I thought before that it was just his YA style, after reading most of the Michael Vey series, but now I know it’s just his style in general. I don’t personally recommend this book for anyone, but if the synopsis sounds interesting to you, please check out other reviews. They’re way more positive than not (which is pretty normal for me).

Richard Paul Evans is normally one of my go-to Christmas authors, I was super disappointed he didn't have a new book out last year. That said... Christmas in Bethel fell a little short of my usual expectations for his novels. I enjoyed it, I didn't dislike it, but I didn't read it and feel the passion and emotion that one can usually anticipate. Not my favorite, but definitely still worth the read.

Christmas in Bethel by Richard Paul Evans
This book begins with a story of physical abuse. Leigh “Beth” has suffered abuse at the hands of a family member. She thinks about commiting suicide but after reading a certain book, she doesn’t. Because of the abuse she also suffers from PTSD and other emotional issues. She meets Lee in a coffee shop and immediately likes him. What she doesn’t know is that he is really the man who wrote the book that impacted her so much. He calls himself J.D. Harper. Their relationship grows and she learns that like her, he and his brother faced abuse as well.
This book contains a lot of witty dialog but is more intimate that what I expect from a book that some call Christian.
While this book is set around Christmas time, I would not call it a typical Christmas story. The topics of abuse, suicide, betrayal, and deception are not those that I expect in a Christmas story. Of course, if you are not a fan of typical Christmas stories, this might be your cup of tea. As readers, we are all different and we all have different expectations. There is a surprising revelation that adds another dimension to the story.
This is from the publisher’s website:
“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?”
If you are looking for a different kind of Christmas story, give this a try.
I received a complimentary ARC of this book from the publisher via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own

Special book at Christmas!

This Christmas story is full of love. The main characters are well developed and easy to like. They are broken people that had a very tough childhood, so they have that in common. The details about their childhoods are heart breaking and hard to read about.

This story shows us the power a very special book can have - it can change your life. The author in the book seems to change so many lives with his books. What a very special gift. Everyone needs to read this book so they understand the very special place call Bethel. We all need a Bethel.

CHRISTMAS IN BETHEL by Richard Paul Evans (The Christmas Box) is another Christmas-themed romance from a master of the art. Having endured a hard life and abusive marriage, Leigh Beth Stilton was deep in despair until she read a book called Bethel by J. D. Harper. It saved her life, and she is excited about meeting the author at a book signing. By coincidence, they meet at a coffee shop and almost magically begin dating. Many of their interactions felt like he was manipulating her and taking advantage – even if that was not his intent. For example, I found it difficult to believe that she would up-end her life to move to his house, especially with his heavy travel schedule. There are bumps along the way, but the happy ending should satisfy Evans' many, many fans. 3.5 stars

I absolutely love all of Richards Christmas books. This one was extra good as the storyline revolves around an avid book reader and an Author. Heartwarming, great characters and a beautiful story, all the feels around Christmas time. Thank you to Netgalley, Gallery Books and the Author, Richard Paul Evans for an Arc of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you to NetGalley, Gallery Books and the author for my e-arc!

If you are looking for a warm, feel good, holiday hug in a book that embodies the spirit of Christmas … I got you!

This is not only an entertaining story with light romance, a little humor and an engaging plot … the book is powerful!

At times, it really made my heart hurt but in the end it does what this author does best … filled me with hope and renewed my faith in the miracle of love & redemption. The absolute perfect read for Christmas … but also for any time you may need a good ol’ shot of warm fuzzies!

This author is an auto buy for me … because simply, Richard Paul Evans brings it … every single time! I’m slowly working my way through his backlog and so far I have not read one of his books that I didn’t end by throwing ALL the stars at it! Even his YA (Michael Vey) series that I began reading with my daughter when she was in middle school is so, so good! She’s not a reader & really loved it. Point made!

Not my favorite by this author. It was okay. A sweet story. The main character had been abused and neglected as a child, she had gotten to a point where she had a plan to end her life, but then she discovered a book that seemed to speak directly to her, which helped save her. She fell in love with the author's books and felt he was "her author."

Fast forward several years where she's improved her live but is still dealing with issues from her past. She has the opportunity to meet the author at the book signing for his new release. I don't want to give more details of that, but there is a meeting, a getting to know each other, and seeming to fall for each other very fast. They seem to connect really quickly and get awfully cozy really quickly. Which did bother me a bit. Plus there was a lot of social drinking going on. I'm not one to say any drinking at all is sin, but I also am not a fan of so much drinking in the books I read, especially if they are classified as CF.

Through the story we learn more of the backstory of both her and the author and there are instances of abuse being talked about in detail.

There is really no mention of faith in either of their lives for most of the book. Talk about the universe at one point sort of turned me off of the book and made me hesitant. For being a Christian book I didn't really see it coming out in the story.

There was a bit of a twist that I didn't quite see coming. I thought something was going to be up with another character, but it wasn't quite what I was thinking it was going to be.

I did enjoy the book, but I wouldn't really classify it as Christian fiction. I know I've had that issue with another one of this author's books.

That said, it was an enjoyable story.

I received an e-copy of this book through NetGalley and was not required to write a favorable review. These are my own honest thoughts.

I have never read a book by Richard Paul Evans (shocking but true). I very much enjoyed Christmas in Bethel. Even with the heartbreaking circumstances several of the characters endured the themes of redemption and hope are strong. The story has good humor and of course romance along with some good insight and inspiration. It is an easy, enjoyable holiday read.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read for my honest review.

I read ‘the Christmas box’ last year and liked it. This newest release, though, was a disappointment. The romance was way too rushed and got to the point that I was feeling uncomfortable reading it and had to stop. The plot line was very predictable and too coincidental at times.

A sweet book just in time for Christmas. Evans creates characters that expertly show the brokeness many of us have experienced in our lives and connects them to the impacts that can have on our futures. Evans takes imperfect stories of realistic people and wraps it into a story perfect for the Christmas season that many can relate to.

I loved the writing in this book, but not the actions of the male lead. That definitely humanized the character for me though because that is life! Definitely there’s a theme of forgiveness as well as family loyalty and connection.

While CHRISTMAS IN BETHEL may not replace Richard Paul Evan's iconic THE CHRISTMAS BOX as many people's favorite holiday read, it is a touching story with a surprising twist. Leigh Stilton is not a fan of the holidays. Really, she is not a fan of much. Life has been harsh for her - childhood abuse, an alcoholic mother, absent father, violent marriage. In recent years, she has cocooned into a job she can do from home, few friends except for her book club. But when she reads her first book by J. D. Harper, she feels he is speaking right to her, and even more, she feels he is writing about her. So when she finds that he is doing a book signing in HER town, she must attend. It is a day that will change her life forever. While parts of the story feel like a magical fairy tale, Leigh's reaction and actions reflect the very real patterns wounded people often take. Like life itself, CHRISTMAS IN BETHAL follows a bumpy path to acceptance and happiness.

Christmas in Bethel by Richard Paul Evans is a romance, but not your typical one. These people have substance and backstories. Many romances do not have these things. It is a mixed up mess of feelings and solutions and secrets. It was a wonderful read. Told as only a master storyteller can tell it. Every moment was enjoyable. Not every moment was easy. For me or for the characters. I don’t know what else to say.

A woman meets a man in a coffee shop. When she gets to the head of the book signing line, she discovers it is him, her favorite author, whom she met in the coffee shop. That’s the brunt of it.

I was invited to read Christmas in Bethel by Gallery Books. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #GalleryBooks #RichardPaulEvans #ChristmasInBethel

Title: Christmas in Bethel
By: Richard Paul Evans
Pub. Date: November 26, 2024

Genre:
Adult Fiction, Christmas, Christian

Trigger Warnings:
Discussions of Abuse, Neglect,

Quotes:
“If I left the hard parts out, there would be no story. And you wouldn’t believe it anyway. Only lives on social media don’t have problems.”

“That’s when it occurred to me that he was happy, not because of what she could do for him, but because of what he could do for her.”

“The greatest shackles we wear are those forged by our own fear.”

Summary:
Leigh Beth Stilton has endured a life filled with trauma, including an unstable childhood, an abusive marriage, and a demanding career. At her lowest point, she discovers a book called Bethel by J.D. Harper, which profoundly impacts her, sparking reflection on her struggles and darkness. Harper’s words speak to her wounded soul, offering her a sense of healing. By chance, Leigh meets Harper in person, and through this encounter, she begins to open her heart, learning to love herself and others.

Review:
Richard Paul Evans' heartfelt Christmas writing is both thought-provoking and deeply inspiring. Christmas in Bethel is a perfect reflection of his mastery. The richly developed characters, the captivating, fast-paced plot, and the overarching themes of love, forgiveness, and hope create an unforgettable narrative. As an avid reader, I particularly appreciated the book-within-a-book,, which added an extra layer of depth. Evans’ work continues to uplift and remind us of the true meaning of life this holiday season.

Thank you Richard Paul Evans, Gallery Books, and NetGalley for the Advanced Reader Copy for free. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

#ChristmasInBethel
#RichardPaulEvans
#GalleryBooks
#reluctantreaderreads
#advancedreadercopies
#NetGalley