What do you think?
Rate this book
O Little Town of Bethlehem
A heartwarming, magical story of a modern woman lost in time who must assist two unlikely strangers in untangling the lies surrounding their lives if she wants to return to her own time and place.
When a snowy accident topples Madeline Drake through a slip in time, she wakes to find herself in tiny, turn of the century, Bethlehem, Wyoming, far from her hectic existence. And as much as it is a shock to her, her arrival immediately upends the tenaciously rooted lives of the town’s odd collection of lost souls.
But the rules are clear—she must stay until Christmas before the door home will open. Having never been much for rules, Madeline begins an all-out campaign to return sooner rather than later, only to find that her arrival has unwittingly upended the lives of the town's kind and shy postmistress, Ninny Minch, and that of sharp-tongued and reclusive widow, Savannah Clarke.
While helping anyone other than herself doesn't come easily to her—and despite Madeline’s best efforts to avoid entanglements—fragile bonds of friendship form between this improbable trio. Much to Madeline’s surprise, she discovers that trust and acceptance once given, may be strong enough to untangle even the most darkly held secrets.
Including a few of her own.
As Christmas draws near, Madeline finds herself so entwined in Bethlehem’s currency of wishes and hope, she starts to wonder if this small town might hold the keys to a life of purpose and empowerment like she’s never imagined. And when the door does open, will she be brave enough to step through it and leave everything and everyone behind?
If you are looking for a warm and cozy holiday read, one to share with your dearest friends, your book club, and your family, O Little Town of Bethlehem is sure to delight. Don't miss out on this wonderful love story to friendship.
When a snowy accident topples Madeline Drake through a slip in time, she wakes to find herself in tiny, turn of the century, Bethlehem, Wyoming, far from her hectic existence. And as much as it is a shock to her, her arrival immediately upends the tenaciously rooted lives of the town’s odd collection of lost souls.
But the rules are clear—she must stay until Christmas before the door home will open. Having never been much for rules, Madeline begins an all-out campaign to return sooner rather than later, only to find that her arrival has unwittingly upended the lives of the town's kind and shy postmistress, Ninny Minch, and that of sharp-tongued and reclusive widow, Savannah Clarke.
While helping anyone other than herself doesn't come easily to her—and despite Madeline’s best efforts to avoid entanglements—fragile bonds of friendship form between this improbable trio. Much to Madeline’s surprise, she discovers that trust and acceptance once given, may be strong enough to untangle even the most darkly held secrets.
Including a few of her own.
As Christmas draws near, Madeline finds herself so entwined in Bethlehem’s currency of wishes and hope, she starts to wonder if this small town might hold the keys to a life of purpose and empowerment like she’s never imagined. And when the door does open, will she be brave enough to step through it and leave everything and everyone behind?
If you are looking for a warm and cozy holiday read, one to share with your dearest friends, your book club, and your family, O Little Town of Bethlehem is sure to delight. Don't miss out on this wonderful love story to friendship.
614 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 1, 2024
58 people are currently reading
6,509 people want to read
About the author
Elizabeth Boyle
88books2,051followersElizabeth Boyle is the New York Times bestselling author of 27 historical romance novels and several novellas. Her upcoming novel, O LITTLE TOWN OF BETHLEHEM, is a mix of women's fiction and historical fiction, with a bit of magic thrown in. This story of friendship and empowerment is already getting rave reviews.
Her first novel, Brazen Angel, won Dell's Diamond Debut Award and the Romance Writers of America's RITA Award for Best First Book. Her books are called "fast-paced," "adventurous," and "funny."
Not sure where to begin? If you love adventure, try THIS RAKE OF MINE or ONE NIGHT OF PASSION.
If you need to laugh, SOMETHING ABOUT EMMALINE, LOVE LETTERS FROM A DUKE, or THE VISCOUNT WHO LIVED DOWN THE LANE.
Want a little magic in your romance? Try HIS MISTRESS BY MORNING.
When not writing, Elizabeth enjoys knitting, gardening, travel and reading a wide variety of stories. She lives with her family in Seattle.
Sign up for her weekly newsletter, Five Things for Friday on her website. A weekly roundup of books, shows, and things to cook or laugh over, her readers love this weekly laugh.
Her first novel, Brazen Angel, won Dell's Diamond Debut Award and the Romance Writers of America's RITA Award for Best First Book. Her books are called "fast-paced," "adventurous," and "funny."
Not sure where to begin? If you love adventure, try THIS RAKE OF MINE or ONE NIGHT OF PASSION.
If you need to laugh, SOMETHING ABOUT EMMALINE, LOVE LETTERS FROM A DUKE, or THE VISCOUNT WHO LIVED DOWN THE LANE.
Want a little magic in your romance? Try HIS MISTRESS BY MORNING.
When not writing, Elizabeth enjoys knitting, gardening, travel and reading a wide variety of stories. She lives with her family in Seattle.
Sign up for her weekly newsletter, Five Things for Friday on her website. A weekly roundup of books, shows, and things to cook or laugh over, her readers love this weekly laugh.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
December 9, 2024
Cozy Christmas vibes.🎄'Tis the season.
November 23, 2024
Elizabeth Boyle, known for her and spicy romances returns with her new release, O� Little Town of Bethlehem, which is bound to be a Holiday classic!
Full of captivating characters and injured connected relationships, made me think of a combination of a Christmas Carol and Little House on the Prairie.
Madeline Drake is an actress who hit a rough spot when she finds herself in a taxi heading to the airport on a blustery Thanksgiving night. A surprise accident finds her waking up just over 100 years in the past in a small and isolated rural town� one that is strangely similar to the set of her last television show!
Upon this discovery she is informed by her time travelling chauffeur that she has 30 days to make herself into a valuable member of the town and he will take her back home- on Christmas Day.
Madeline isn’t having it and resists the pull to make a place for herself in Bethlehem and only causes chaos with all her choices� whale at the same time on different sides of town two different ladies are also going through an evil of their own.
Eventually, all three connect through the Bethlehem Holiday season and create not only friendships, but new direction for all their lives!
Coming in at almost 600 pages this book is thick and you really get a sense of the characters and the individual storylines as they build and develop and eventually intersect. I love seeing the three women all on a precipice, dealing with their life changes and taking control of their futures.
The holidays are definitely a time for family (especially found family!) and personal growth, and this book is the epitome of that!
This is one of those books I feel you can pick up and return to like visiting old friends. A new holiday tradition in the making!
Thanks to author Elizabeth Boyle for my copy and joining our book club tonight! I can’t wait to discuss this one with everyone!
Full of captivating characters and injured connected relationships, made me think of a combination of a Christmas Carol and Little House on the Prairie.
Madeline Drake is an actress who hit a rough spot when she finds herself in a taxi heading to the airport on a blustery Thanksgiving night. A surprise accident finds her waking up just over 100 years in the past in a small and isolated rural town� one that is strangely similar to the set of her last television show!
Upon this discovery she is informed by her time travelling chauffeur that she has 30 days to make herself into a valuable member of the town and he will take her back home- on Christmas Day.
Madeline isn’t having it and resists the pull to make a place for herself in Bethlehem and only causes chaos with all her choices� whale at the same time on different sides of town two different ladies are also going through an evil of their own.
Eventually, all three connect through the Bethlehem Holiday season and create not only friendships, but new direction for all their lives!
Coming in at almost 600 pages this book is thick and you really get a sense of the characters and the individual storylines as they build and develop and eventually intersect. I love seeing the three women all on a precipice, dealing with their life changes and taking control of their futures.
The holidays are definitely a time for family (especially found family!) and personal growth, and this book is the epitome of that!
This is one of those books I feel you can pick up and return to like visiting old friends. A new holiday tradition in the making!
Thanks to author Elizabeth Boyle for my copy and joining our book club tonight! I can’t wait to discuss this one with everyone!
October 7, 2024
‘O Little Town of Bethlehem� took me a long time to decide on a rating after I finished. That is probably due to the fact that this isn’t the normal genre I choose to read. This novel is women’s fiction and historical fiction, with just a very tiny sprinkle of romance.
This was a very slow paced book. The reason I decided not to rate it 5⭐️ is because when I originally read the synopsis, I thought this was going to be a more chaotic book about a woman trying to get back to the time she was accidentally taken from. This was not the case however. Although it was her goal, it was very subtle and not as crazy and exciting as I thought it was going to be.
There is lots of Christmas vibes to this novel and I honestly think it is the perfect winter time read. Lots of cozy cakes and pastries being baked, friendships being made, and just the cheer of the holidays. It also touches on topics such as women in the workplace in the early 1900s, prohibition, and racism within the United States. It covers these topics with care and grace and I think @elizboyle did an excellent job at discussing it throughout the story.
If you are looking for a nice cozy read after Halloween, I would recommend this one!
This was a very slow paced book. The reason I decided not to rate it 5⭐️ is because when I originally read the synopsis, I thought this was going to be a more chaotic book about a woman trying to get back to the time she was accidentally taken from. This was not the case however. Although it was her goal, it was very subtle and not as crazy and exciting as I thought it was going to be.
There is lots of Christmas vibes to this novel and I honestly think it is the perfect winter time read. Lots of cozy cakes and pastries being baked, friendships being made, and just the cheer of the holidays. It also touches on topics such as women in the workplace in the early 1900s, prohibition, and racism within the United States. It covers these topics with care and grace and I think @elizboyle did an excellent job at discussing it throughout the story.
If you are looking for a nice cozy read after Halloween, I would recommend this one!
November 11, 2024
This story was truly magical and enchanting. I loved the travel in time part, the well developed characthers and the gorgeous setting.
A beautiful and delightful book about love, hope and friendship that will warm your heart.
Thank you Suzy Approved Book Tours for this tour invite.
𝗢 𝗟𝗶𝘁𝘁𝗹𝗲 𝗧𝗼𝘄𝗻 𝗢𝗳 𝗕𝗲𝘁𝗵𝗹𝗲𝗵𝗲𝗺 by Elizabeth Boyle released October 1, 2024.
A beautiful and delightful book about love, hope and friendship that will warm your heart.
Thank you Suzy Approved Book Tours for this tour invite.
𝗢 𝗟𝗶𝘁𝘁𝗹𝗲 𝗧𝗼𝘄𝗻 𝗢𝗳 𝗕𝗲𝘁𝗵𝗹𝗲𝗵𝗲𝗺 by Elizabeth Boyle released October 1, 2024.
November 21, 2024
Turned the last page, only to realize it *was* the last page, and became instantly sad it was over. I love the way this book makes you Think capital T and how Boyle still leaves some magic to the story by not answering all my questions.
Having read most of her romance, I knew this book would be written beautifully. I enjoyed seeing how she would write a book that is very slow burn (or as Savanah likes to remind her- a simmer) and clean book. There are still so many precious, romantic moments.
Having read most of her romance, I knew this book would be written beautifully. I enjoyed seeing how she would write a book that is very slow burn (or as Savanah likes to remind her- a simmer) and clean book. There are still so many precious, romantic moments.
September 14, 2024
Her life is going well until she ends up going back into the past where her life is complicated. She knows she needs to find a way to get back to her time. Will she get any help? How will she get on? Will she find a way to get home> see how she gets on
I received an advance copy from hidden gems and I want to review
I received an advance copy from hidden gems and I want to review
December 9, 2024
There are so many great characters in this sweet time travel story about finding friendship and happiness.
It is a thick read but a quick one as the book chronicles every day between Thanksgiving and Christmas giving it a real holiday feel.
Madeline Drake is a present day actress who ends us in 1907 Bethlehem, Wyoming which also happens to be the setting of the tv show she was the star of.
But this is no Hollywood set and even as Madeline wants to go back to the present, the connections she makes here make a difference to many in Bethlehem.
There are two other female characters, Savannah and Parathinia, who are Bethlehem residents. These women and others learn more about themselves after Madeline’s unexpected arrival.
This book has its center around the positivity of the holiday season and the melding of folks from all over time periods which is refreshing. It’s a book I would re-read over and over.
It is a thick read but a quick one as the book chronicles every day between Thanksgiving and Christmas giving it a real holiday feel.
Madeline Drake is a present day actress who ends us in 1907 Bethlehem, Wyoming which also happens to be the setting of the tv show she was the star of.
But this is no Hollywood set and even as Madeline wants to go back to the present, the connections she makes here make a difference to many in Bethlehem.
There are two other female characters, Savannah and Parathinia, who are Bethlehem residents. These women and others learn more about themselves after Madeline’s unexpected arrival.
This book has its center around the positivity of the holiday season and the melding of folks from all over time periods which is refreshing. It’s a book I would re-read over and over.
February 12, 2025
This book was a huge undertaking for me, since I had never read a book with as many pages as this book before ~ 597!!
But it had totally consumed every free minute I had, and some pages I made time for ;)
This was a beautifully written book! Elizabeth Boyle is a wonderfully, talented author. I absolutely loved everything about this book. And although I looked forward to finding out how it ended. I am sorry to have to leave the town of Bethlehem and will miss all the special people who live there.
I would give this book 10 stars if I could!
But it had totally consumed every free minute I had, and some pages I made time for ;)
This was a beautifully written book! Elizabeth Boyle is a wonderfully, talented author. I absolutely loved everything about this book. And although I looked forward to finding out how it ended. I am sorry to have to leave the town of Bethlehem and will miss all the special people who live there.
I would give this book 10 stars if I could!
November 16, 2024
late nights
I thought this was a lovely holiday book. I stayed up past my “bedtime� many nights, not wanting to put this book down.
I thought this was a lovely holiday book. I stayed up past my “bedtime� many nights, not wanting to put this book down.
October 16, 2024
This is a love story to friendship.
November 16, 2024
Madeline Drake is an actress. She is expecting to get a big part but she does not and is standing out in the cold on Thanksgiving waiting for a car to take her to the airport. During the ride to the airport, there is an accident and she travels back in time to 1907 to Bethlehem, WY. She will have until Christmas Eve to find herself and to also help Ninny and Savannah too!! This town is very interesting and very quirky!!
This book is about finding yourself, about opening up and finding new friends, love and so much more!! Loved the magical aspect of the book!!
Highly recommend reading this during the holiday season by the fire with some hot chocolate!!
This book is about finding yourself, about opening up and finding new friends, love and so much more!! Loved the magical aspect of the book!!
Highly recommend reading this during the holiday season by the fire with some hot chocolate!!
November 12, 2024
What an enchanting story that has a dash of magic!
Madeline Drakes life is good well she is about to become a star, until an accident on a snowy road in Wyoming changes everything. Somehow the accident sends her back to the past. She finds herself in a town named Bethlehem she discovers a place that operates by its own set of rules and the oddest gathering of lost souls ever collected. This quirky, small town, with its currency of wishes and second chances, has only one rule—you have until Christmas Eve to prove your worth before you can leave. There’s an issue Madeline doesn’t like rules. begins an out-of-control campaign to get home immediately and regain her modern life. But to her dismay—and then utter amazement—her plans become entwined with that of the town’s proper postmistress, Ninny Minch, and the even more scalding, Savannah Clarke, a widow hiding behind a wall of guilt and grief. Now Madeline must assist these two unlikely women unravel the lies that have left them in knots for decades. Helping anyone other than herself doesn’t come easily to Madeline, but as these fragile new bonds of friendship grow, she finds those threads of trust and acceptance and maybe even change her own life. This is a perfect cozy Christmas story that pulls at your heart and makes you believe in the Christmas spirit!!
Madeline Drakes life is good well she is about to become a star, until an accident on a snowy road in Wyoming changes everything. Somehow the accident sends her back to the past. She finds herself in a town named Bethlehem she discovers a place that operates by its own set of rules and the oddest gathering of lost souls ever collected. This quirky, small town, with its currency of wishes and second chances, has only one rule—you have until Christmas Eve to prove your worth before you can leave. There’s an issue Madeline doesn’t like rules. begins an out-of-control campaign to get home immediately and regain her modern life. But to her dismay—and then utter amazement—her plans become entwined with that of the town’s proper postmistress, Ninny Minch, and the even more scalding, Savannah Clarke, a widow hiding behind a wall of guilt and grief. Now Madeline must assist these two unlikely women unravel the lies that have left them in knots for decades. Helping anyone other than herself doesn’t come easily to Madeline, but as these fragile new bonds of friendship grow, she finds those threads of trust and acceptance and maybe even change her own life. This is a perfect cozy Christmas story that pulls at your heart and makes you believe in the Christmas spirit!!
November 13, 2024
This is a breath of holiday air, eggnog, and cozy fireplace type of story! While it has romance sprinkled in for us, the author has centered it more on historical fiction. With our character trying to get back to her own time! She meets the town and makes friends along the way. Less adventure to the future and more settle in the happiness you find in the past. I definitely recommend!
Thank you to the author and Suzy approved book tours!
Thank you to the author and Suzy approved book tours!
September 27, 2024
Miss Drake needed a reality check. She got in a wreck and was transported back to 1907. She became a Saloon owner from a movie set she worked on and has to figure out the real meaning of life. As the month goes by will she makes friends and finds her place in the small town?
September 30, 2024
Elizabeth Boyle has been one of my favorite historical romance authors for many years. This is her first "women's fiction" book, and while it's not my genre of choice, I definitely wanted to check it out! I want to begin by saying that for people who like this genre - small town, women's fiction with an emphasis on female friendship and the tiniest hint of romance - this should be a big hit.
I wasn't sure what to expect, since this is so different from the Boyle HistRoms I know and love! I knew it was set in 1907 Bethlehem, Wyoming and focused on women's friendships. I was delighted to discover that it also features a light speculative element of time travel.
The book focuses on three different women: Maddie (who's come back in time), Parithinia, and Savannah. The reader comes to learn that much of the town has been "brought there" by a different character, the way Maddie was. But what do they have in common, and why are they all in the same small frontier town?
The book is on the longer side, but I was honestly never bored. I enjoyed seeing all of the plot threads come together. I also really liked seeing a new side of Boyle: part of what I love about her historical romances is her flamboyant and distinctive prose. Here her writing is just as unique, but it was toned down and Americanized in a way that really worked for the narrative.
I think this will especially appeal to people who like small-town romance and Hallmark movies. This felt like it had a lot of the same elements without the treacley sweetness that can pervade them. While I wouldn't classify myself as a smalltown fan, I thoroughly enjoyed this one - especially with its touch of Boyle magic.
This objective review is based on a complimentary copy of the novel.
I wasn't sure what to expect, since this is so different from the Boyle HistRoms I know and love! I knew it was set in 1907 Bethlehem, Wyoming and focused on women's friendships. I was delighted to discover that it also features a light speculative element of time travel.
The book focuses on three different women: Maddie (who's come back in time), Parithinia, and Savannah. The reader comes to learn that much of the town has been "brought there" by a different character, the way Maddie was. But what do they have in common, and why are they all in the same small frontier town?
The book is on the longer side, but I was honestly never bored. I enjoyed seeing all of the plot threads come together. I also really liked seeing a new side of Boyle: part of what I love about her historical romances is her flamboyant and distinctive prose. Here her writing is just as unique, but it was toned down and Americanized in a way that really worked for the narrative.
I think this will especially appeal to people who like small-town romance and Hallmark movies. This felt like it had a lot of the same elements without the treacley sweetness that can pervade them. While I wouldn't classify myself as a smalltown fan, I thoroughly enjoyed this one - especially with its touch of Boyle magic.
This objective review is based on a complimentary copy of the novel.
December 15, 2024
This was the perfect historical holiday read! Madeline Drakes has been picked up by a driver who is to get her back to the airport. The roads are less than ideal and it seems this man is taking some odd back road route, when off the road they go. She must be in a coma or something as she is in an old saloon and those around her and dressed in period clothing. Unsure of what happened, she just knows she needs to wake up and get back to work. But it is so odd, this place is just like the set of a movie but these people are real and truly believe it is 1907. Bethlehem, Wyoming is what they call this place and she can go back home Christmas Eve after she has proven her worth. But many who have come, have stayed but Christmas Eve cannot come fast enough. She cannot believe this is happening to her yet what else is she to do? As Madeline assimilates herself into the town, she learns about all the quirky characters and and takes a liking to Dobbs. Many are not happy she is here, but just as each one has come before her, there is a reason she's here. Will Madeline be able to find herself again as well as what she is really meant to do? I loved this heartfelt story. I really also enjoyed quite a few of the characters and would to read their full story. I especially enjoyed Miss Clarke, Miss Minch, Badger and Poppy. Thank you to the author for the complementary novel and to Suzy Approved Book Tours for the tour invite. This review is of my own opinion and accord.
December 14, 2024
This is such a heartwarming, charming, and, yes, magical story.
Madeline Drake is an actress who, as she said, is 𝑑𝑢𝑚𝑝𝑒𝑑, 𝑜𝑢𝑡, ℎ𝑢𝑚𝑖𝑙𝑖𝑎𝑡𝑒�. Immediately, things get strange when she is picked up by an unusual man named Shandy, who is her driver to the airport. Then, they are in an accident on the snowy roads.
Maddie awakens in 1907 in the small town of Bethlehem, Wyoming. It is a town in the past, but it is a collection of lost people who need a second chance. Maddie is stuck there - until Christmas, as the one rule is that you have thirty days to prove your worth before you can leave and go back to your time.
This is a big book�597 pages—yet the author immerses you in this little, quaint town and its spirited residents. There is such warmth and a sense of community here. It could be seen as a historical read, but because these people have been brought here magically, thanks to Shandy, there is something very different at its heart. I loved hearing their stories and seeing their bonds—oh, there is gossip and rivalry, which all adds to the fun.
Memorable characters, Christmas wishes, secrets, and touches of magic make this a lovely story for the season.
Thank you @suzyapprovedbooktours and @elizboyle for a spot on tour and a gifted book.
January 9, 2025
My goodness this masterpiece grabbed me from beginning and through 500+ pages never let go. The depth to the storyline and backstories was so incredibly thought out and real. I didn’t want it to end. But unfortunately it did. The ending was beautiful and I’ll be thinking of this one for a long time. It dealt with real life tragedies and circumstances and met it with purpose and the support of true friendships and community. *slight spoiler* The lesson that when we step outside of ourselves our light strung together with others� light can have such a greater impact than just us by ourselves will never be forgotten.
I never thought I’d say this about an almost 600-page novel but, I Want More!! I want the back story to Badger and Wick!! And what those mysterious letters were about Badger would get. I want to know if Madeline and Dobbs ever have that conversation. How do the Bergstroms fair?! And oh to get more of Poppy! Loved her!! And do I dare say, I want to know the who, what, when, where, and why about Shandy.
It was all so good. Just. So good!
I never thought I’d say this about an almost 600-page novel but, I Want More!! I want the back story to Badger and Wick!! And what those mysterious letters were about Badger would get. I want to know if Madeline and Dobbs ever have that conversation. How do the Bergstroms fair?! And oh to get more of Poppy! Loved her!! And do I dare say, I want to know the who, what, when, where, and why about Shandy.
It was all so good. Just. So good!
September 29, 2024
This is a fascinating story. I am not usually a fan of historical fiction or time slip stories. This story was just so interesting that I definitely enjoyed it and found it difficult to break away from reading to do anything else! Madeline’s story is so well written. There’s humour and magical moments as the story of each character unfolds. I originally thought that this would be a book about the Bethlehem we think of when we think about the Christmas story. However it is definitely a fantasy place and a story that makes you reevaluate your life and purposes and to look beyond the physical aspects of Christmas to the true meaning of the season through a historical time slip fictional tale. This Bethlehem is described as “A waystation of sorts for lost souls,� and a miraculous place. You find yourself wanting to romp through the book to find out what happens as Christmas approaches but each person and section is so fascinating it’s definitely a warm hug kind of story.
October 21, 2024
When Elizabeth Boyle asks if you want an ARC of one of her books, you don't refuse. Even when she tells you it's historical fiction, not romance. O Little Town of Bethlehem was WONDERFUL. I needed to know what the heck was going on and how she was going to pull this book off. While it may not be romance, it's still very much the Boyle writing you expect: humor, wit, clever comebacks, human connections, and a bit of magic. It's also a great look at the human experience, love (yes, there's nods to love and romance even if it's not a romance), overcoming the bitter bits of life and embracing the sweet. Boyle does a LOT in this book, but it's also like 600 pages so... but it's a beautiful 600 pages, and I regret nothing. HIGHLY RECOMMEND reading this in December as it takes place from Thanksgiving to Christmas. The book follows the residents of a small town in 1907 Wyoming, focusing on 3 women ready for a change.
March 17, 2025
I am not sure why I think this book is odd - perhaps because it doesn’t fit any genre I can think of. It isn’t literary fiction, or women’s fiction or romance, although it has elements from each of them. But it also is fantasy and mystery and cozy. And, it was 604 pages long. I will leave it at that.
The characters make the book, as does the setting. The people of Bethlehem, Wyoming are a mixed bunch, all brought there from different times and places. But they are real - brought to life by the author in a way I didn’t think possible. I wanted more before I was even finished. As I neared the end I knew what Madeline would choose, because otherwise it would be devastating to everyone, especially the readers.
I truly loved this book although I know most people will think it just ok, or a good read but nothing earth shattering. For me it is one of those books I will think about often in the future and smile happily at the memory.
The characters make the book, as does the setting. The people of Bethlehem, Wyoming are a mixed bunch, all brought there from different times and places. But they are real - brought to life by the author in a way I didn’t think possible. I wanted more before I was even finished. As I neared the end I knew what Madeline would choose, because otherwise it would be devastating to everyone, especially the readers.
I truly loved this book although I know most people will think it just ok, or a good read but nothing earth shattering. For me it is one of those books I will think about often in the future and smile happily at the memory.
November 2, 2024
O Little Town of Bethlehem by Elizabeth Boyle is such a beautiful novel that I absolutely enjoyed every minute of.
I have enjoyed many of the authors historical romance novels. I was excited to read the authors first womens fiction book. Though, it's more than just one thing. Think womens fiction, friendship fiction, and sprinkles of history and romance. A little bit time slip/speculative fiction makes this a fantastic book not confined to one genre.
The story takes place in 1907 in the town of Bethlehem, Wyoming.
There are three Maine characters, Maddie, Parithinia, and Savanah.
The characters are well written, fleshed out and developed.
I loved learning about these women and how their stories intertwined.
This book is on the longer side, and I savored every moment.
Highly recommend this wonderful story of a different town of Bethlehem than you might think.
I have enjoyed many of the authors historical romance novels. I was excited to read the authors first womens fiction book. Though, it's more than just one thing. Think womens fiction, friendship fiction, and sprinkles of history and romance. A little bit time slip/speculative fiction makes this a fantastic book not confined to one genre.
The story takes place in 1907 in the town of Bethlehem, Wyoming.
There are three Maine characters, Maddie, Parithinia, and Savanah.
The characters are well written, fleshed out and developed.
I loved learning about these women and how their stories intertwined.
This book is on the longer side, and I savored every moment.
Highly recommend this wonderful story of a different town of Bethlehem than you might think.
February 10, 2025
On the eve of Thanksgiving, TV star Madeline Drake discovers that her plans for her big movie breakthrough have collapsed. Angry and hurt, she is eager to get back to California -- but dismayed that the only ride to the airport that she can take is in a pickup truck with a geezer named Shandy and a rather forlorn dog. Things go from bad to worse when there is an accident...and Madeline awakes to discover that she is in 1907 Wyoming, in a town named Bethlehem, all uncannily like the set for her TV series (where she plays a saloon keeper). How will she get home, back to 'reality' and her life? -- This is a splendid book, filled with vividly-drawn and likeable characters (especially the postmistress Parathinia ['Ninny'] Minch, sisters Savannah and Inola, and Sheriff Wick Fischer) and laced with a dollop of humor. It is, admittedly, a long story -- but one I ended with genuine regret... Highly recommended!
December 7, 2024
What a wonderful reading experience! This book combines all the “feels� and things I find interesting in my books: mysterious time travel, deep quirky and flawed characters, transformation, humor (I could go on). Madeline Drake is magically transformed from her modern-day, unfulfilled personal and professional life to turn-of-the-20th-century Wyoming. Here she meets a colorful assortment of characters, most of whom arrived in much the same manner, from various time periods. The town’s inhabitants are distantly polite, but dance around each other until Madeline helps to thaw relationships, bringing people together to help each other. Will she return to her present or stay when the time comes? This story is indeed the warm hug promised on its front cover.
December 18, 2024
You know the BEAST Yeats talks about in his Second Coming poem?
He’s talking about this book.
This SIX HUNDRED PAGE book.
Except, less slouching, more one-horse-open-sleighing.
With hot cocoa, and warm, fur blankets, jingle bells, because let me tell you, this is one HUGE HUG OF A BOOK.
If you’ve ever dreamed for a tome where Outlander meets Green Gables, meets The Christmas Carol, dream no longer.
It’s here, and it’s GLOOOOOORIOUS.
I loved the small-town setting, the female friendships, and the time travel.
I especially loved the tackling of issues women face, both a hundred years ago, and today.
I’m definitely going to try to track down a physical copy of this modern classic, so my patrons can put it on their 2025 reading list.
He’s talking about this book.
This SIX HUNDRED PAGE book.
Except, less slouching, more one-horse-open-sleighing.
With hot cocoa, and warm, fur blankets, jingle bells, because let me tell you, this is one HUGE HUG OF A BOOK.
If you’ve ever dreamed for a tome where Outlander meets Green Gables, meets The Christmas Carol, dream no longer.
It’s here, and it’s GLOOOOOORIOUS.
I loved the small-town setting, the female friendships, and the time travel.
I especially loved the tackling of issues women face, both a hundred years ago, and today.
I’m definitely going to try to track down a physical copy of this modern classic, so my patrons can put it on their 2025 reading list.
November 5, 2024
When I was offered this ARC I was definitely on board. Historical fiction is not generally one of my genres. However, I do like time travel. I found this book to have some humor in it definite human connection, and the time travel has you believing in Christmas magic This was definitely a very well written book with a lot of thought put into it. The characters were absolutely amazing. It is a bit of a time travel book. It’s a big book, but I definitely felt it was worth my time. You I hope will feel the compassion of the writer as I did.
Definitely a must read Christmas story .
There are three main characters and the story takes place in 1907.
I was asked to read this book by Tule publishing in return for my honest review.
Definitely a must read Christmas story .
There are three main characters and the story takes place in 1907.
I was asked to read this book by Tule publishing in return for my honest review.
December 17, 2024
Madeline is in a car accident on a snowy night and time travels back a century to Bethlehem, Wyoming. She plans on getting back to the present day, but her efforts become entwined with Ninny and Savannah.
This is an expertly written story. There's Christmas magic, self-discovery, and the power of female friendships. It's thick, but don't let that detract you from this magical, beautiful story. The characters feel like old friends, and I know this story will live rent free in my head for a while to come.
This is one book I can see myself reading again and again. It embodies comfort like slipping on a cozy sweater and sitting by the fire.
This is an expertly written story. There's Christmas magic, self-discovery, and the power of female friendships. It's thick, but don't let that detract you from this magical, beautiful story. The characters feel like old friends, and I know this story will live rent free in my head for a while to come.
This is one book I can see myself reading again and again. It embodies comfort like slipping on a cozy sweater and sitting by the fire.
December 10, 2024
It was a little slow at the beginning, but once it got going I enjoyed it. It follows several different characters who all live in Bethlehem, Wyoming. It took me awhile to warm up to Madeline Drake, an actress we meet at the beginning of the book, but the other characters are more sympathetic, so it didn't take me long to get interested in the story lines. It's not a fast-paced story, but there is a lot going on and there is good character development, so once I got into the story it kept me interested.
January 12, 2025
Lovely Christmas Story
The story is set in the mysterious town of Bethlehem where many of its residents have been given second chances if they have the courage to let go of their pasts and embrace their futures. I loved the way that the author provided little glimpses of the histories that had brought each of the principals to the town. My only disappointment was that not all my questions about their pasts or futures were answered. But as with the very best stories, I was left wanting more.
The story is set in the mysterious town of Bethlehem where many of its residents have been given second chances if they have the courage to let go of their pasts and embrace their futures. I loved the way that the author provided little glimpses of the histories that had brought each of the principals to the town. My only disappointment was that not all my questions about their pasts or futures were answered. But as with the very best stories, I was left wanting more.
December 12, 2024
Tender Christmas Tale
This book is poignant with its flawed but lovable characters. Christmas is a time of miracles and transformation, and each character has a chance to change. But no one does it alone. Every life is intertwined with the community, causing a ripple effect. No one is an island. Decisions change not only individual lives but all the surrounding lives. This book acknowledges all the reasons we love the wonder of Christmas.
This book is poignant with its flawed but lovable characters. Christmas is a time of miracles and transformation, and each character has a chance to change. But no one does it alone. Every life is intertwined with the community, causing a ripple effect. No one is an island. Decisions change not only individual lives but all the surrounding lives. This book acknowledges all the reasons we love the wonder of Christmas.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
Can't find what you're looking for?
Get help and learn more about the design.