O Little Town of Bethlehem - by Elizabeth Boyle (Hardcover)

About the Book

A cozy and magical novel about a small, turn of the century Wyoming town where the arrival of a modern brash stranger, Madeline Drake, upends the tranquility of the community and wrenches open the lives of the town's spinster postmistress, Parathinia Minch, and Savannah Clarke, a starchy widow with dark secrets.

Book Synopsis

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.

Review Quotes

"Elizabeth Boyle has always had a rare gift for giving us people to care about, but she's put her whole heart into this beautiful, magical story that caught my heart completely in its spell. Absolutely enchanting!" Susanna Kearsley

"O Little Town of Bethlehem is a beautifully written story and so cleverly crafted, but it's done so subtly that if you don't know what to look for it just sort of washes over you. You can feel the magic even if you don't know precisely why on a conscious level." CJ Hunt

"Boyle's story of placemaking and letting go of the past is sure to enchant readers." Kirkus Reviews