
Member Reviews

I typically enjoy Richard Paul Evans’ Christmas novel but this one just didn’t resonate with me. Not his finest work.

I received a free copy of, Christmas in Bethel, by Richard Paul Evans, from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Leigh has never liked the holiday, she has had a very traumatic life, and the holidays were not always a time for joy. Leigh meets famous author J,D, harp at a coffee shop in the mall, before his book signing. I usually love Richard Paul Evans book, but not this one. Not going to spoil the plot, but I knew what was going to happen, and I did not like it.

We meet Beth Stilton when she has truly hit rock bottom. Running through the timeline of her life it seems she started off in a bad place with bad people and it only got worse. With each turn Beth tried her best to escape the abuse and loneliness that haunted her days but Beth never found that happy ending she dreamed about. When she had finally given up, Beth - a lifelong reader - found a novel by J.D. Harper. It saved her life, literally. The years following she remained as isolated as possible but this author, whose books she devoured over and over again - helped her climb into the light of the living. To her delight J.D. Harper scheduled a local book signing and Beth would not miss it for the world. In line for hours she takes a coffee break and miracle of miracles, meets the man himself. He is kind, smart, good looking and calls himself Lee. Beth cannot imagine a scenario where this perfect human is interested in her sorry self. But he is. Their instant connection and friendship blossoms with love and excitement that Beth had long ago given up on. There is a lot J.D. does not know about Beth’s horrific past. And apparently there is an equal amount Lee is hiding. As the Christmas season approaches Lee and Beth must figure out if their feelings can withstand the hard truth. Forgiving oneself is the theme of this magical holiday story that I read in one sitting.

Always an author who brings tears to my eyes and just like in this book, feels he speaks to me. A heartfelt story of broken people who find each other. A hopeful story of being patient and knowing that someone/something will come along to help you and give you purpose! A beautiful story of 2 beautifully healing people.

This story is comforting, a blessing, brought tears to my eyes, and as Beth and Lee's connection started, it reminded me of a few things. One thing that Beth said in the book, was when she was at her lowest, she read the book, Bethel written by the author J.D. Harper, and she felt he was speaking directly to her. It gave her the courage to pick herself up and move on. When she learned that he was going to be signing books nearby, she knew she had to go. Oh, how this changed her and her life.
Richard Paul Evans book, Christmas in Bethel, like his others, makes me feel like he is talking to me. I received an ARC from Gallery Books through NetGalley. If I could give it a 10, I would. It is a heartfelt story, that went into my soul and nourished it.

I loved this book. It is an easy read that hooks you from the beginning. Though it is heartbreaking in parts, it also has redemption and hope. There is romance, humor and great side characters. I also liked that we got a little peek into the book industry.
There were a couple of side stories I would like to have seen taken further, so I think this would make a great series!
Thanks so much to NetGalley and Gallery Books for the ARC. All opinions are my own.

Beautiful!
One of my few 5 star books this year, Beth and Lee’s story is simply wonderful. They’ve both come from terrible backgrounds, yet their relationship is pure and real. Starting as strangers at a coffee shop, then Beth finds out that Lee is actually an author whose works she has admired for years, and played a pivotal part in her survival.
There is a secret revelation that endangers their relationship, but I don’t write spoilers so no more about that. Take my word that you will love this story!
Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book, but my opinions are my own.

I really loved this story . Leigh Beth was reading The Bethal by J,D Harper and found out he was coming to her home town for a book signing .She felt that this author really was reaching out to her and she wanted to meet him. Not knowing who he was he asked to sit down with her and had coffee and talked and really connected , she didn't actually who he was until she was up to get her book signed. They started hanging out. He even came to her book club and she was so impressed. She had so many problems and a feeling of not being lovable due to her childhood and how he had experienced some of the same. Follow them on their journey as they attempt to get together and all the problems they have. THIS IS A GREAT READ. I highly recommend it/

I absolutely loved this book!!! I loved how Lee is so persistent in pursuing Beth, despite her fear that, like everything other good thing in her life, their relationship will end. Every woman wants to be pursued like that! This was such a well written romance, without too much romantic fluff. I’ll definitely be recommending this book to my book club!
I received an advanced readers copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Each year I look forward to this author’s Christmas offering – his writing style is a comforting invitation to inhabit another perspective and always delivers an uplifting ending.
This novella brings together two people who were emotionally and physically abused as children. The visible and invisible scars have profound effects on their lives, and yet, they find solace in each other as they experience falling in love and overcoming their individual pain in the season leading up to Christmas. A bit of humor is injected into the story by the blunt, acerbic comments made by a brother who uses humor to cope with his own wounding.
Overall, this was a satisfying addition to the author’s collection of annual Christmas books.
My thanks to the author, the publisher, and NetGalley for the privilege of reviewing this book. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
This review is being posted immediately to my GoodReads account and will be posted on Amazon upon publication.

Beth attends a book signing of J. D. Harper and accidentally meets the author himself. Beth has been deeply touched by a previous book of the author's and has since read all his books. Beth and Lee (the author's real name) begin a relationship. Problems arise on a visit to Lee's house. Read this one coming in November to find out what happens with Beth and Lee's romance.
I enjoyed this addition from Mr. Evans. I look forward to his Christmas offering every year and this one was a wonderful addition.

I loved this book, but unfortunately, I read it to fast, and I wanted more!
I loved how the two main characters meet, Lee meet Leigh, and the cup of coffee!
Without realizing it, these two rather broken individuals, are very much alike, and they need each other.
Can you imagine meeting someone, and then finding out they are famous, but they are ordinary people, right? This basically happens here, but there is so much going on, and Lee is infatuated, but will Leigh, Beth, be able to come to terms to all the secrets?
Some of the secrets these two hold would break anyone, but they have endured so much hardship and pain.
There are surprises, and gifts that need to be opened, and at time it reads like a warm hug!
You will find love and redemption here, and hopefully the new beginnings.
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Gallery Books, and was not required to give a positive review.

Beth has had a hard life. She feels unworthy of love and when it finds her, she doesn't believe that it will last. When she meets Lee, a famous. author that wines and dines her, she can't believe in his love or goodness. Beth is quick to believe the worst when she discovers something about Lee that has her fleeing from him and his love. This book is a true Richard Paul Evans novel and, like his others, is a warm spirited book meant for holiday reading. I am honored to have received a digital ARC from NetGalley and Gallery Books. This review is my own opinion of the book.

Enjoyable read that gets shaken upside down and back again. Lots of surprises and second chances. A book with heart.

Read in one night as Richard Paul Evans never fails to deliver the best Christmas stories of the season.

Another great book by Richard Paul Evan’s. This man’s books never disappoint but often leaves me wanting more. Can’t wait for his next book.

I have read many of this author's books and loved them. Unfortunately, Christmas in Bethel is not among them. I didn't care for either of the main characters from the start. I struggled to get into this book, it just did not hold my attention for very long at a time. Thanks to the author, Gallery Books, and NetGalley. I received a complimentary copy of this ebook. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

Pleased to read an advance ARC copy of this romance. The story moved at a good pace and held my interest. Warning for those who have abuse triggers. This story involves backgrounds for main characters of severe childhood abuse. There was a surprise twist at the end of the story. The romance was a bit more than I like in a story, but perhaps expected from this author.
Thanks to #NetGalley, # RichardPaulEvans, and #GalleryBooks

This was a very sweet b and touching story. Two broken people find each other. A woman with past trauma meets her favorite author who gave her hope. He is also dealing with his own painful past. I loved this book.

I love Richard's christmas books and this was not a disappointment! Leigh beth goes to a book signing of her favorite author. While she is there, Lee, reaches out for her coffee because they have the same name. They end up chatting, and Beth realizes just who he is when she gets back in line to get her book signed. This is a high warming story of two adults that had horrible abusive childhoods finding happiness. The only thing that is kind of bothering me, is that someone in all of his books ends up not being worth and runs away. They kind of all have the same plot. We know how it's going to end. But great book!