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.

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

Gabe is a man who has been clean and sober for over five years. He is divorced and, working as a janitor in a middle school. and also, volunteering at Glory's Place. .Amy moved to a new town and, is working as an accountant. She decides she needs to volunteer and, signs up at Glory's place, a place for at risk kids. When Amy and Gabe meet again, sparks fly but, they are both gun shy after the divorce six years ago..Gabe knows that he treated Amy horribly during their marriage and, is afraid that she has never forgiven him. Amy has never stopped loving Gabe but, can't forget the type of person he used to be. A cute little matchmaker named Maddie is determined to get these two back together!
This is a wonderful, inspirational story that will warm your heart!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review

I always look forward to a Holiday story because the message is cheery and bright. This story did not disappoint.

Gabe works at the school that Maddie attends. Maddie is a foster child who divides her time between school and an after school program. She and Gabe have a special friendship and she wants him to meet Amy, who is single like Gabe, at the after school program. It is Maddie's mission to get the two to meet because she thinks they are perfect. She succeeds with the introduction but their meet does not go as planned. Maddie stays vigilant and you find yourself on a journey of hope and second chances.

This story was a quick and enjoyable read that left you with a smile at the end.

Maddie isn’t your typical seven year old girl. She’s bright and spunky with an irresistible personality and an eye for matchmaking.

One of Maddie’s favorite people is Mr. G (Gabe Rodriguez) one of the maintenance men who works at her elementary school. Mr. G. is a lot of fun and Maddie enjoys talking with him and asking lots of questions about anything and everything. So she knows that he was married, but now he isn’t and he has no kids. This is not a good thing and she tells him that she is going to find him somebody perfect for him.

Growing up in foster care, Maddie spends her days at the local elementary school and her after school hours at Glory’s Place, an aftercare program run by volunteers. Amy Denison has just begun volunteering at Glory’s Place and the first child she encounters is Maddie. Amy is pretty and single and Maddie’s wheels are in motion. She just knows that Amy is the perfect person for Mr. G. and she’s going to make sure they both know it too!

This story is filled with warmth, love and holiday cheer. The cast of characters surrounding Maddie, Amy and Gabe all have their stories to tell and Donna VanLiere interweaves all of those stories seamlessly with tears, laughter, spirituality and above all love

I received this book for free to read and review for St. Martin press. This first that I read by author Donna VanLiere and can't wait go look up what other books she has written. I loved this book this a feel good book. Yes the setting is at Christmas time, but I think that you could easily read this anytime. This would make a great Christmas gift. But if you read this before Christmas it will get you in the mood. And remind you that people are good and can do thing and not for selfish reasons. You will fall in love with Maddie, Gabe, Amy, Lauren, Gloria and many more. When you get to the end you will be disappointed that the book has ended. This is for any reader.

Amy Denison is looking for something to give her life meaning, so she volunteers to work at Glory's Place, an afterschool program. There she meets Maddie, a precocious little girl who has spent her entire life in foster care. Mr G works as a custodian at Maddie's school and Maddie adores him. Maddie becomes determined to set Amy and Mr G up together. Will this Christmas be a Christmas to remember?
I really enjoyed this book. It was a very light-hearted, quick read. There was more story than there was romance, so that is good for those of us who aren't big fans of romance novels. This will be a great Christmas book to help you get in the Christmas spirit.

So did he go to college?

Ah, the days of extra credit.

Maddie comes to school in a van?

I always thought Florence Nightingale was American. I learned something new.

Aw honey, I have spina bifida. You're doing great.

Haha, Luke, wait until you're a little older.

Travis is right. Life happens now.

Poor Gabe! Fifty!

The kid has quite the vocabulary.

That's a fun idea.

There's tasteful and frugal, and then there's no wedding cake. Get the cake.

Er, guys? What is the big deal?

Awkward.

Ben made it sound so simple. I like that.

I wonder if Miriam actually believes everyone else is wrong.

Gabe was born to be a father.

I was hoping Lauren would do something like that.

Damn, Gabe can give one romantic speech!

Lovely wedding all around.