The Christmas Star

When single mom Hope Reynolds returns to her small New Jersey hometown a decade after a rift with her father, there's only one thing she's looking forward to: seeing her beloved Christmas Star shining across the valley. For townspeople, it's been a beacon of hope, a symbol of miracles. And Hope, who may be losing her job, needs a miracle now more than ever.

But the star, which has been shining over Hackettstown every Christmas since welcoming its soldiers home from World War II, is no longer lit, damaged from a recent superstorm. Hope is devastated and her son Zach is disappointed.

Soon, though, Hope begins to feel the magic of Christmas for the first time in years and is persuaded to spearhead a fundraiser to bring back the star. Though extending her stay could jeopardize the new life she's building down south to give Zach roots, how can she say no? The star is part of her family history.


Just when it seems she might actually pull off this miracle, Hope finds one final obstacle standing in her way: Ryan Miller, a former Marine and local handyman, who has awakened in Hope feelings she's avoided for years.

Will Hope be able to convince Ryan to let the star shine once again? Or will it be Ryan who shows Hope that sometimes miracles come where we least expect them?

The highly anticipated holiday novel inspired by the star that shines over award-winning author Maryann McFadden's hometown.