Christmas in Bethel
By Richard Paul Evans
Beth Stilton has truly hit rock bottom. Life started off in a bad place with bad people and it only got worse. Over and over she tried to escape the abuse but never found her happy ending. When she finally gave up, Beth, a lifelong reader, discovered a novel by J.D. Harper. It saved her life, literally. This author, whose books she devoured, helped her survive. To her delight, J.D. Harper has scheduled a local book signing, and Beth would not miss it for the world. In line for hours, she takes a coffee break and magically meets the man himself. He is kind, smart, handsome and calls himself Lee. Beth cannot imagine why this perfect human is interested in her sorry self, but he is. Their instant friendship blossoms with a love and excitement that Beth only dreamed about. There is a lot J.D. doesn’t know about Beth’s horrific past. And apparently, there is an equal amount Lee is hiding. As Christmas approaches, Lee and Beth must figure out if their love can withstand the difficult truth. Forgiving oneself is the theme of this magical holiday story that I read in one sitting.
Shine a Light
By Rebecca Crowley
All Ellie ever wanted was to be an actress. After her parents passed away, time got the best of her. Stuck in a good but unfulfilling job, Ellie avoided painful memories and continued saving to follow her dreams of performing. One night as she prepares dinner, a small mishap sends the apartment up in flames. Luckily, the fire department arrives and the only damage is to her unit. The night is a disaster, despite the firefighter who shows up and happens to look like a movie star. Once again washing away dreams of Hollywood, Ellie heads off to stay with her sister’s family in the town where she was raised. She offers to help out with the Hanukkah play, something her mother cherished. Dredging up the life she lost and career she never attained, Ellie quietly reflects as she lights the menorah each night. As fate would have it, Ellie sees the firefighter in the window next door. Jonah may have dropped out of the seminary, but he is doing his best to mend fences with his father, the rabbi. Each carrying their own disappointments, this nightly menorah lighting turns into a friendship that will change everything.
The Christmas You Found Me
By Sarah Morgenthaler
When Guy walked into the coffee shop, Sienna immediately thought it was part of a joke. As her divorce finalized, her best friend Jess hung up flyers featuring a “husband wanted” ad. But Guy was not laughing. The man who approached her begged with his blue eyes for work, and he was willing to do anything. Guy admitted his daughter Emma was suffering from stage 5 kidney failure and was on the transplant list. He desperately needed insurance and a paycheck for the medicine. Even though Sienna’s heart broke hearing of Emma’s illness, there was not much she could offer. After her divorce, the family ranch, rich in history and beauty, was short on cash. Unable to stop thinking about this startlingly handsome stranger, Sienna comes up with a plan. She could marry Guy, put him on her insurance, and with her connections scramble up some local jobs. Having previously shut down all emotional attachments, Sienna is surprised to find herself falling in love. Laser-focused on getting Emma the care she needs, they are praying for a Christmas miracle. A heartfelt, loving holiday story you will be thinking about long after the final page.
#WorthWatching: “Our Little Secret” follows Avery spending Christmas with her boyfriend’s family – including a mother who doesn’t approve. To make matters worse, her ex shows up as the plus-one for his sister. Hiding their romantic history is a nightmare in this holiday comedy. Take a Netflix break and check out this surprisingly funny flick.
