Member Reviews

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

Was this review helpful?

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

Was this review helpful?

Loved it! Just what I needed this time of year! A feel good story from Richard Paul Evans is always a winner. I love all his books.

Was this review helpful?

This story about Beth and Lee was not my favorite. I went in expecting a Christmas story, and instead got a love story.
The theme of people being hurt by abuse was tough to navigate and read, for me personally.

Was this review helpful?

Writing a book is like falling in love. You think you're pulling the strings until you discover you're really the puppet. ~ J.D. Harper

Open up this new holiday release from Richard Paul Evans and fall in love with a story of forgiveness. Leigh (Beth) Stilton and J.D. Harper (Lee) have a meet cute before his book signing. They make an instant connection as both have been deeply damaged by their pasts.

Therefore I tell you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven—for she loved much. But he who is forgiven little, loves little. ~ Luke 7:47

What follows is a beautiful tale of learning to love each other in "all the ways." There are some ups and downs. You will need your tissues -- I always do with Richard Paul Evans. He has a way of making my Christmas season richer and more meaningful with each new book.

Thank you to Gallery Books and NetGalley for a DRC in exchange for an honest review. Happy Publication Day - November 26, 2024. 🥳

Was this review helpful?

Another great Christmas story from the author! I was hooked from the beginning of this short story about love, forgiveness, and hope. I loved the theme that you are the one that decides who you want to be. I loved the characters in the book. Beth and Lee made a perfect couple because they both grew up in abusive homes and understood the hurt and pain that accompanies being in that situation. The abuse descriptions are disturbing and might be a trigger for some readers. (There is a warning at the beginning of the book.) Despite the harsh realities of life mentioned in the book, the story ends with a hopeful message that leaves the reader feeling uplifted.

Thank you NetGalley and Gallery Books for the ARC in exchange for my honest review!

Was this review helpful?

The King of Christmas storytelling, bestselling author Richard Paul Evans, returns with a heartfelt tale, CHRISTMAS IN BETHEL —celebrating the life-changing power of books and the holiday spirit.

Even in the darkest times, the light of hope can still shine, and the power of redemption can transform even the most broken souls.

About...

Leigh Beth Stilton does not have much to celebrate this holiday season. She grew up in an abusive household and later survived an abusive marriage. Plus, as an EMT, she has witnessed her share of tragedy.

She is about to give up on life and any Christmas cheer when she stumbles across a book called Bethel. It grabs her attention and resonates with her. She finds comfort in its inspiring words and storytelling.

The author is J.D. Harper, and she finds comfort in its inspiring words and storytelling. Leigh is so captivated she reads all his books, and when he comes to town for a book signing, she cannot wait to meet the author.

Then, she unexpectedly runs into the author in a coffee shop, and they click. Soon, she is swept up in his life, from travel to the best restaurants to gifts and attention. She feels she does not deserve this man who lives in a different world than hers.

When she learns some disturbing information about the author, she is crushed and feels she can no longer trust him.

However, she leaves him behind without knowing the whole truth. Can they find their way back to one another?

My thoughts...

CHRISTMAS IN BETHEL is a love letter to the power of stories, literature, and the healing of the human spirit. This is a fascinating look into the bond between siblings and the life-changing magic of stories. I look forward to reading Richard Paul Evans' books every Christmas holiday. I have read them all, and CHRISTMAS IN BETHEL is another inspiring read!

A compelling and emotional journey into the human psyche and stories that make us who we are with the power to transform and heal the brokenhearted with a strong takeaway message.

When you think you've figured out where the story is headed, it takes a surprising and unexpected turn that will warm your heart. It is a story of hope, tragedy, love, loss, trauma, abuse, and redemption. Literary lovers will also enjoy the book within a book!

Read and discover the special magical place called Bethel and the power of storytelling! A charming and inspiring novel that's perfect for the holiday season but will also add a delightful twist of romance to your festive reading list!

Ideal for book clubs!

Recs...

CHRISTMAS IN BETHEL is for fans of the author and those who enjoy works by Viola Shipman, Patti Callahan Henry, Meg Shaffer, Kristy Woodson Harvey, Catherine Ryan Hyde, Nicholas Sparks, and Mary Kay Andrews.

Thanks to Gallery Books and NetGalley for an advanced reading copy in exchange for an honest review.

Blog review posted @
JudithDCollins.com
@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
Pub Date: Nov 26, 2024
My Rating: 5 Stars
Nov 2024 Must-Read Books
Nov Newsletter

Was this review helpful?

This just didn’t keep my attention. The romance moved very quickly. And the plot was pretty predictable. This author is a great one and I would recommend his other books. I received a copy from NetGalley. Opinions expressed are my own

Was this review helpful?

Fiction readers who enjoy Christmas stories look forward each year to Richard Paul Evan’s new book. When Beth, on the brink of suicide discovers the book Bethel in a bookstore, she sees hope. After a life filled with brutality, will she find “home.” Will J.D, author of Bethel with his sweet spirit be able to touch Beth’s broken soul. This heartwarming story about love and redemption is predictable at times but a worthy read. Recommended.

Was this review helpful?

I have been a fan of Richard Paul Evans for years and I have read every book he has written. He has NEVER disappointed me and he still hasn't. This book was absolutely AMAZING!! I devoured this book in a day because I couldn't put it down.

Leigh has had some bad luck throughout her life with an abusive marriage, growing up in an unstable home and witnessing tragedies as an EMT. She feels like she has nothing left to give until she finds a book by J.D. Harper called Bethel. That book spoke to her in so many ways. Because of how he made her fell with Bethel she started reading everything he wrote. She still knew nothing about him as an author but loved his writing. He ends up coming to town for a book signing and she decides she is going to attend to finally meet the man who spoke to her in Bethel. Of course by a twist of fate, these two run into each other at a coffee shop and thet have an instant connection. These two get swept up in dinners and some travels along the way. J.D. also has a past that was not easy and has a secret he needs to tell. Will that tear them apart or bring them closer?

This is an absolute must read holiday story! The story and characters were well written and so enjoyable. Richard Paul Evans just has a way of writing the perfect story that will make you fell all your emotions but still have you smiling. I HIGHLY recommend this book. I would also recommend anything Richard Paul Evans writes as well.

Thank you NetGalley and Gallery Books for allowing me to read this ARC for my honest opinion.

Was this review helpful?

Leigh Beth Stilton has had a lifetime full of heartbreak and trauma. She was broken - until she read the book Bethel that is. That book changed her perspective, and she felt like the author was speaking directly to her. She went on to read every book that J.D. Harper, had written to date. When he comes to town for a book signing, she jumps at the chance to meet her favorite author. In a twist of fate, Leigh runs into J.D. in a coffee shop, but not knowing what he looked like and he was using the name Lee, she had no idea that was who he was. The two immediately hit it off, and before she knows it, she’s swept up in a whirlwind romance. But she’s still guarded after a lifetime of pain and when she discovers that J.D. hasn’t been completely honest, she shuts down and walks away. Can they find their way back to each other and can Leigh learn to trust her heart?

This is a quick read that is both magical and heart-wrenching. The romance between J.D. and Leigh is magical and I wanted it to work out for them. Both of their backstories however, were heart-wrenching. It nearly brought tears to my eyes reading about what horrors parents inflicted upon them. This wasn't so much a Christmas story as it was a love story & a story of reinvention. I loved it, and I think you will too.

Was this review helpful?

This felt very different from the other books by Richard Paul Evans that I’ve read, and I’ve read quite a few of them. In one way, it added an essence of reality to the story, while at the same time feeling as though this was written by a different author at times. But then again, I have typically read his books that were not quite as different as this one was, and I enjoyed seeing that side of how he writes.

A love story, if not your everyday kind of love story, this is a story of two souls who have had a life that was filled with pain, especially in their younger years. A pain that still manages to haunt them both. They meet randomly, when she was in line to have the author sign his latest book but left to get something for herself and another woman who is holding her place in line. But as she’s waiting for her orders, the author offers her a seat, and a conversation follows. What follows is the beginning of a friendship that grows into something more.

A sweet story, overall.


Pub Date: 26 Nov 2024


Many thanks for the ARC provided by Gallery Books

Was this review helpful?

Thank you to NetGalley, Gallery Books and Simon Audio for the ALC and ARC.

This was a really beautiful and thought provoking novel from best selling author Richard Paul Evans. I enjoyed his series of "Mistletoe" themed books, and his "The Christmas Box" is a favorite book and classic Hallmark movie of mine to read and watch around the holiday season, so I was super excited to read this amazing book. I loved the story of Beth and Lee and compared to some romance novels written today, their characters felt like they could be real people. Real people with real flaws and emotions. This shows that Richard Paul Evans is a fantastic writer.

I also thought that Helene Maksoud was the perfect narrator for this book, and I found her voice to be sweet and soothing. I believe I have listened to her narrate other books before, and I would certainly be interested in listening to future audiobooks narrated by her as well. I loved how she brought Beth and Lee's character's to life.


At some points in the story, I felt like I was inside the book experiencing what the characters were going through with them. That is a definite sign of an amazing writer. While this book may not be my favorite Christmas novel by Richard Paul Evans, this book really touched my heart and soul and made a great impact on me. I am sure I will want to revisit this book in Christmas seasons to come as I have done with other Richard Paul Evan's Christmas novels.

I highly recommend you pick this book up for a quick and easy read this holiday season!

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC and ALC.

Was this review helpful?

Tear-jerker about an abused woman whose life changes when she meets her favorite author. A bit melodramatic, but still an enjoyable holiday read.

Was this review helpful?

I received an arc copy of this book from Net Galley in exchange for my honest opinion of it. I normally read psychological thrillers but I can never pass up a book by this author! I finished it up in a day. It was an absolutely wonderful Christmas story! His words just flow and have so much meaning!!!!

Was this review helpful?

Evans' latest Christmas romance follows Leigh Beth Stilton, a woman who is single by choice, and who has never liked the holidays. She grew up in an unstable home, and escaped an abusive marriage, and has had enough.

She doesn't care about Christmas, but she does care about her favorite author, J.D. Harper, a man whose books spoke to her long ago when she happened upon one of them in a bookstore years ago. Now she finally has a chance to attend one of his signings and meet him in person.

Richard Paul Evans' books tug at your heartstrings, and this one is no different. I absolutely adored this book!

Was this review helpful?

WOW! Richard Paul Evans doesn't disappoint! He is always a must read for me - where you drop everything to read his newest reads and he did it again!

He is well known as an amazing writer who tends to write on the inspirational side and his Christmas books are unparalleled. His newest one, Christmas is Bethel touches every level of the heart and emotions. The past experiences of all the characters and their stories and how he weaves it together, he truly has a gift!

For those, who lived through childhood trauma, myself included, this could be hard to relive, however, the power of healing is so evident in this story and so happy to have read this powerful read.

Was this review helpful?

Would you like to spend Christmas in Bethel? Where is Bethel you ask? You need to read this book to find out. Two souls who didn't know they needed each other meet in this fabulous read. Leigh is a lost soul as is JD Harper. They meet unexpectly and their lives are changed forever. I finished it in one day. What an amazing book!!!!

Was this review helpful?

Thanks Netgalley for allowing me to read this book. Leigh has not had an easy life. She avoids Christmas at all cost. Her remote job keeps her busy. When she meets her favorite author, she is surprised. The author is very nice to her and sweeps her off her feet. I liked this book.

Was this review helpful?

I have been a fan of Richard Paul Evans books for quite some time and eagerly anticipate his holiday books.
First of all, the cover is beautiful. Christmas card pretty! The themes of redemption and hope should have been moving but fell a bit flat for me. The chemistry between J.D. and Beth rang false to me and the storyline although heartbreaking didn't engage me as a reader. I'm disappointed this simply missed the mark for me this time.
Lots of triggers in this book (multiple abuses) for some readers.
However, l will continue to pick up and read the books of Richard Paul Evans.

Thank you to #netgalleyand #gallerybooks for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
This book releases November 26/2024.

Was this review helpful?