Christian Small Publishers 2009 Book of the Year. It's 1967, and the Vietnam War is tearing the country apart, slicing through generations and shattering families. Because of Japanese atrocities he witnessed as a Marine in the South Pacific during WWII, Frank McRae despises all Asians. Now his son, Mike, is a grunt in Viet Nam, and his wife, Maggie, is fighting her own battle against cancer. When Mike falls in love with Thi Nhuong, a young Buddhist woman, and marries her in spite of his father's objections, Frank disowns him. Then, as Christmas approaches, Frank's world is torn apart, and he turns bitter, closing his heart to God and to his family.But what Frank doesn't know is that on this bleak Christmas Eve, God has in mind a miracle. As on that holy night so long ago, a baby will be born and laid in a manger-a baby who will bring forgiveness, peace, and healing to a family that has suffered heart-wrenching loss."
J. M. Hochstetler dug deep into the well of emotions and came up with a story that strikes the heartstrings in a tender and yet also provocative manner. The characters are so well drawn, they've stayed in my mind long after reading the book, almost as if they were real people that I've known for a long time. Being the daughter of a Vietnam Vet, I also appreciated Hochstetler's gentle handling of one of the most tumultuous times in our country's history. And even though it's set during the Vietnam era, there are lessons to be learned and truths to be taken away from this beautifully crafted story for today. Highly recommended." -Kaye Dacus, author of Follow the Heart
"Amazingly, Hochstetler tackles several big issues--love, loyalty, war and death--while maintaining a positive thesis. Family can survive. Human love is grander in weakness than in strength. And faith is, by necessity, stronger in tragedy than in triumph. One Holy Night is a soon-to-be-classic miracle story with an inspirational message that will warm your heart with love. It is a wonderful statement of faith and a gift of hope. -Kathy Harris, author of The Road to Mercy
"Within its pages you will discover the most beautiful modern-day essence of Christ's nativity, mercy, and grace you've read in a very long while! As the story unfolds its final scenes, the reader is left with renewed hope in God's sovereign design for each of our lives and His miraculous ability to bring good out of even the darkest circumstances." -Kim Ford, Window to My World Blog
