Part 2: The Christmas Hope by Donna VanLiere

Although this is the third novella in the series (The Christmas Shoes and The Christmas Blessing are the first two), you can just as easily read it as a stand-alone book. And even though it has “Christmas” in the title, The Christmas Hope is an enjoyable (and quick, and inspirational) read any time of the year.

The first two titles were revamped as sappy made-for-TV movies starring Neil Patrick Harris (aka Doogie Howser), who played Dr. Nathan Andrews. He makes an appearance, albeit a brief one, in this book, as well.

The Christmas Hope introduces a new heroine, Patti Addison, a by-the-book social worker who specializes in working with foster children. A few days before Christmas, against her better judgment, Patti brings home a new “client,” 5-year-old Emily, a newly orphaned sweetheart who has no place to go.

As the story unfolds, Patti is challenged to reconcile with her estranged husband, to grieve the death of someone close to her and to learn to love in ways she never imagined possible.

Reviewers call the story “heartwarming,” “escapist,” “tear-jerker,” “touching,” “inspiring” and “coincidental.” It’s all of those. The author, an adoptive mom of two, does a nice job at depicting the lives of children caught in the foster system and of gently showing us that miracles do happen.

I’ll bet we can anticipate a third appearance of Neil Patrick Harris in December of 2006.

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Guarded, by Kirsten Lasinski, is another adoption-themed novel that I feature on my Web site, www. laurachristianson.com. Guarded explores the theme of abandonment through the eyes of Emily Blyton, an adult adopted person who's disillusioned with emotion, intimacy or faith.

In addition to a review of her book, you’ll find a Q & A with author Kirsten Lasinski.