“The Christmas Hope” is the third novel from The Christmas Hope series to be adapted for television, and I couldn’t be more thrilled with Lifetime’s presentation! From day one it has been surreal to stand along the side and watch as the books go through the process of transformation, but so much fun to experience! People always ask me if the movies are different from the books, and of course I say yes. It’s impossible to bring to life every character and plot line from a novel, but the movies have always maintained the spirit of the books and have touched many viewers, so in the end I’m always pleased. If you’re a first-time viewer, I hope you’ll enjoy the movies as much as I do but also take the time to read how the novel unfolds.

“The Christmas Hope” is a novel that’s close to my heart because it deals with adoption, and my husband and I have been through the process three times. What started out as my greatest heartache turned into my greatest joy. It was my hope that within the pages of “The Christmas Hope” I could paint a picture of the social services system here in the United States and the tough but fulfilling job that social workers perform. I work as an adoption advocate, and if I have somehow inspired one more person to consider adoption through the pages of “The Christmas Hope,” then I consider my work successful.

I wrote “The Christmas Secret,” the fifth novel in The Christmas Hope series, as a tribute to single mothers; I even dedicated the book to a hardworking single mother who provided insight into her thoughts and feelings. My sister is a single mother, and I have several friends who juggle children, work and even night classes without spousal support. It is thankless, frustrating, challenging, difficult and exhausting but, according to my friend who is raising two boys alone, the most rewarding job on earth.

I wrote “The Christmas Secret,” the fifth novel in The Christmas Hope series, as a tribute to single mothers; I even dedicated the book to a hardworking single mother who provided insight into her thoughts and feelings. My sister is a single mother, and I have several friends who juggle children, work and even night classes without spousal support. It is thankless, frustrating, challenging, difficult and exhausting but, according to my friend who is raising two boys alone, the most rewarding job on earth.

Christine Eisley works hard as a waitress (I’ve worked at many restaurants in several positions, none more grueling than long shifts spent on my feet toting food to customers) to pay the bills and keep her children fed but always feels inadequate.

“Time and again I found myself fighting and scraping to keep my head above water and have been ready to give the whole thing up. I have told myself that the kids would be better off somewhere else with someone who can provide everything they need.”