The Christmas Shoes

By: Donna VanLiere

Narrated by: Paul Michael

Length: 3 hrs and 3 mins

Publisher's summary

Donna VanLiere's The Christmas Shoes is an extraordinary tale based on the #1 hit single of the same name. The unforgettable, heartwarming song by NewSong instantly soared to the top of the charts, mesmerizing listeners. The book captured the hearts of readers everywhere.

Robert is a successful attorney who has everything in life, and nothing at all. Focused on professional achievement and material rewards, Robert has lost sight of his wife, family and, ultimately, himself. An eight-year-old Nathan is losing his beloved mother, Maggie, to cancer. But Nathan and his family are building a simple yet full life, and struggling to hold on to every moment they have.

A chance meeting on Christmas Eve brings Robert and Nathan together, and in this one encounter their lives are forever altered as Robert learns an important lesson: sometimes the smallest things can make all the difference.

Donna VanLiere's The Christmas Shoes, a tale of our shared humanity, is a universal story of the deeper meaning of serendipity and how a power greater than ourselves can shape, and even save, our lives.

Listen to more of Donna VanLiere's Chistmas stories.

©2001 Donna VanLiere (P)2001 Audio Renaissance, A Division Of Holtzbrinck Publishers, LLC

Critic reviews

"Makes for a heartwarming story, and VanLiere writes some affecting family scenes that contrast the material poverty of the Andrewses with the spiritual poverty of the Laytons." (Publishers Weekly)
"A delightful book." (The Tampa Tribune)
"Heartwarming." (The Sanford Herald)

Reminds me of my mom

Every time I listen to this story I will always think of my mom, for two reasons. One she read this story to me for the first time. And two I lost her several years ago now at Thanksgiving time. She loved the holiday season and loved her family. This story helps remind me that I will see her again someday.

Sobbed

I cried with the song too, I knew what I was getting myself into. It was a very sweet but very sad story of family and loss. It makes you appreciate what you have. I kind of wish it was longer, but honestly, I'm not sure what more could have been added.

A must read

This is one of the best books I’ve read/listened to this year. It pulls at my heart strings and also adds some laughter. Knowing that God places people and circumstances in our path to shape us into the people he intended for us to be amazed me.

Definitely a must read! 5+ stars!

Do yourself a favor and buy the book or audiobook. It is well worth the credit/money! What an awe inspiring beautiful story of unconditional love, the meaning of Christmas, and the strength of bonds between families, friends, and communities. We may not realize how greatly our actions effect others, or how sometimes it’s the most common or simple things that matter. Donna VanLiere did an incredible job emphasizing that in this powerful book of love! Keep a box of Kleenex nearby, but without a doubt, it’s one of the most touching and best books I’ve ever read/listened to!

Great Christmas story

The story line captures true family activities surrounding Christmas and the holidays! Relationships are so important and can become messy. Enjoyable story!!

Poignant and Meaningful

This poignant and meaningful story is told in the setting of Christmas, when our hearts are the most tender, and able to love others. Sometimes we need a little help doing this well, and it often comes in the most unexpected ways.

Outstanding

A beautiful story of love, hope, trust, forgiveness, and a changed heart!
Highly recommend! Christmas or anytime!

Christmas

sad but heart felt great for holidays a fast read a story about two families

Very sweet and sad at the same time

This story is of both loss and of finding purpose. I teared up several times and smiled too. It was worth reading but I can’t say I’m in any hurry to re-read it or make it an annual classic.

A beautiful, family-oriented, modern-day twist on “A Christmas Carol”

This is beautifully written, inspiring, bittersweet and full of hope. Memorable and well worth the reading.