Thursday, October 22, 2020

The Christmas Table (Christmas Hope #10) by Donna VanLiere


 







Title: The Christmas Table (Christmas Hope #10)

Author: Donna VanLiere

Pages: 240

Release Date: October 6, 2020

Genre: Holiday Story

Publisher: St. Martin’s Press

Format: eBook (also available in hardcover)

Note: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher, through NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review. All of the opinions expressed are my own.


About the book:


     In June 1972, John Creighton determines to build his wife Joan a kitchen table. His largest project to date had been picture frames but he promises to have the table ready for Thanksgiving dinner. Inspired to put something delicious on the table Joan turns to her mother’s recipes she had given to Joan when she and John married.


     In June 2012, Lauren Mabrey discovers she’s pregnant. Gloria, Miriam, and the rest of her friends at Glory’s Place begin to pitch in, helping Lauren prepare their home for the baby. On a visit to the local furniture builder, Lauren finds a table that he bought at a garage sale but has recently refinished. Once home, a drawer is discovered under the table which contains a stack of recipe cards. Growing up in one foster home after another, Lauren never learned to cook and is fascinated as she reads through the cards. Personal notes have been written on each one from the mother to her daughter and time and again Lauren wonders where they lived, when they lived, and in a strange way, she feels connected to this mother and her daughter and wants to make the mother proud.


     The story continues back and forth from 1972 to 2012 as Joan battles breast cancer and Lauren learns to cook, preparing for the baby’s arrival. As Christmas nears, can Lauren unlock the mystery of the table, and find the peace she’s always longed for?



My review:


     This is a delightful holiday story.


     The story takes place in two different years, 1972 and 2012. The situation in each on is very different. They are both incredibly easy to immerse yourself in. The characters in both years were easy to connect with. At times throughout the book my heart broke for what was going on. Other times I was filled with joy.


     The story makes we wish I lived in a small town like Grandon. It is wonderful how everyone works together to help whoever needs it.


     I’m giving this wonderfully emotional story a rating of 5 stars. I highly recommend it.


Disclaimer: *Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a copy of this book for free in the hope that I would mention or review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I have done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*

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