Rating: 
Summary: Warms the Sole
Review: 'The Christmas Shoes' is a touching story about an attorney who is too busy to stop and enjoy the simple things in life, including his own family. It isn't until his wife is about to leave him that his mother helps him to see what he's been doing wrong and how to fix it. He still doesn't get it until he is doing his rush-rush last minute Christmas shopping. The experience he has in the store changes his life. And, after reading the book, could change yours. The book is very well written. Some parts are very sad, and if you have recently lost a loved one through illness, you may want to postpone reading this for a while. It's a short novelette; just right for cuddling up with during those spare moments you can grab during the busy holiday season.
Rating:
Summary: A surprisingly Good Book
Review: An enjoyable juxtaposition of a rich man who truly has it all, but who is way to selfish to recognize his riches and risks losing it all; and a poor man rich in ways not always visible. A little sappy and light, you will need to get your hankies ready for a peek into what makes Christmas for these families. - Mamalinda
Rating: 
Summary: Heartwarming.... Full of Christmas Spirit
Review: I fell in love with the song that goes with this book, but I decided to purchase the book and give it as a gift. When I received it, I had to read it. When I was done....it was MINE! It touches the heart and makes you believe there are truly Christmas miracles! I recommend this book to all who still believe in miracles at Christmas!
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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)!!!!!!!!!!!
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)!!!!!!!!!!!
Rating:
Summary: Little Things Affect You
Review: The Christmas Shoes by Donna VanKiere is an amazing book. It'an emotinal rollercoaster. From fun laughter to tear jerkers. This story opens up your eyes on life. It shows having money doesen't always bring happiness. Kates family was rich and had just about everything they wanted but happiness. Maggies family was poor but filled with love. These families changed each others lives without even knowing it. Like Kates husband paying for Nathans shoes for his mom before she died. Nathans actions changed Maggies husbands mind on things and how he should be. Little things have big impacts on your life.Read this awsome book and let it change your life.
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Summary: a true joy to read!
Review: The Christmas Shoes was a wonderful Christmas story that shows how precious life is, and how time and love are the greatest gifts we can give.
This is the story of people focusing on what they think is important and that those whose focus is on family and friends are those who truley live a rich life, a life of no regrets. Those who focus on riches like career and finances to the detriment of family are never really fulfilled but continue to work endlessly to fill the unknown void in their lives. In The Christmas Shoes, peoples lives are changed by small acts of kindness that come back to them in unknown ways. This is a lovely tale, and yes it is a tear jerker, and this is meant in the most positive of ways. Truth is conveyed in a wonderful story and the beauty and honesty leads to a rush of emotion. This is a little book (129 fast pages!!) that is big on heart and soul, and a true joy to read!!
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Summary: Jesus is the Reason for the Season
Review: This book is very touching and demonstrates the true meaning of Christmas. It tells you the story of two different families and how they somewhat become connected in a very special way. It is brilliantly written and is a short and easy read. If you like the book you will also like Newsong's song called The Christmas Shoes. I would recomend this book for someone who would like a very good book that will leave you with a new feeling about the wonderful Christmas season.
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