The Christmas Shoes

Rating:
Summary: A beautifully written novel
Review: I originally picked this book up for my wife. When I saw the cover of The Christmas Shoes I had to pick it up. After reading the cover flap, I knew she'd love it. I took it home and she started reading it at 8:00 and wouldn't put it down until she finished it that very same night. She kept saying, "You have to read this. Oh my gosh, you have to read this." At one point she yelled out, "This book is a movie!"

Needless to say, she had gotten my attention and my interest in the book was high. I took it on a business trip with plans to read it in my off time, but when I started it on the plane I found it just as captivating and hard to put down. I am a father of two children and I was challenged and inspired by the story Donna VanLiere wrote. Whoever said that fiction can't impact your life has never read this book. It's a beautifully written novel and an inspiring story of hope. I hope you read it today!

Rating:
Summary: Touching story!
Review: I started this book late last night and got up VERY early to finish reading. It was just such a quick read and so sweet that I didn't want it to end.
As you know from the title it is a story that is set during some various holiday seasons over the years. There are actually two stories that are intertwining together. The narrator is a successful lawyer named Robert. Robert has used his success and money to buy his family's love and is coming the realization that money can't buy love. The other story that we see is the story of Nathan, a third grader, who's mom is dying of cancer. A chance meeting on Christmas Eve intertwines the lives of Robert and Nathan together in a meeting that will affect the rest of their lives. In this meeting Robert realizes that the smallest things in lives are what matters and sets out to change his outlook on life.
This is one of the first books that I have cried over in a long time and cry more than once I did. As a teacher I was just touched by the kindness that Nathan's teacher showed him and as a person I was touched by the kindness of others in the book.
I have never heard the song that this book is based on, but now I hope I get the chance to. I also hope that you get the chance to read this book. It is wonderful.

Rating:
Summary: BETTER THAN THE SONG!!!
Review: It doesn't need to be the holiday season to enjoy this gem of a book. I read it on the airplane and I can honestly tell you, I lied to my wife. I told her my allergies were bothering me. In reality the lovely words found in the The Christmas Shoes drove me to tears (lots of tears). The character development makes this book easy to read. The two story lines are simple to follow. The Christmas Shoes is a real page turner. The epilogue in this book is the best epilogue I've ever read. My wish is that Donna VanLiere would write more, I can't wait to read the sequal to The Christmas Shoes -- The Christmas Blessing. Bottom Line -- Read the Book (with a box of tissues)!!!!!!!!!!!