Noel Street (The Noel Collection)

I really liked the depth of the characters. Richard Paul Evans brought everything to life. He's a great storyteller. What a gift!

NOEL STREET by Richard Paul Evans Thoughts of a reader. It has been my privilege and honor to serve as an Executive Producer on Richard Paul Evans’ “Mistletoe” series of Christmas movies for the Hallmark Channel with THE MISTELTOE SECRET scheduled to air this coming November 10. My energies as a television movie producer are now focused on the “Noel” series with THE NOEL DIARY in development at Netflix. The author has graciously shared with me his third “Noel” novel, NOEL STREET, scheduled for publication on November 5 of this year. In this story, while Christmas is an element, Evans takes the reader into the year 1975 as the Vietnam War comes to an end, the United States is suffering from political turmoil, racism and a search for normalcy. Sound familiar? Here are some of my thoughts that hopefully will lead all fans and potential new readers of Richard Paul Evans to the Internet to purchase this novel which will be a treasure in millions of personal libraries worldwide. The NOEL STREET story is told by Elle Sheen, a waitress at the Mistletoe Diner in the small town of Mistletoe, Utah. She’s a single white mother of a black child in a town with no other African Americans. Her heart has been broken by the loss of her husband in Vietnam, and her family abandoned her for daring to love a man of color. Her love is focused on seven-year old son, Dylan, who returns her effusive affections. Enter into their lives, William Smith, a newcomer to Mistletoe and a car repair center where he is soon to repair Elle’s 1957 Ford Fairlaine. William is a handsome and strong but an emotionally damaged Vietnam vet who suffers uncontrollable bouts of PTSD. An instant physical attraction between Elle and William leads them to powerful self-discoveries of their lives that have been impacted by racism and war. Love is the only power that can overcome their damaged lives and souls, and it asserts itself as Christmas approaches. I’ll leave it to the reader to explore and embrace the fears and beauty of this extraordinary drama. On a personal note, I am a Vietnam combat veteran from 1968, the year of the height of the troop strength and the most casualties. A year that changed American forever with the murders of Martin Luther King and Robert Kennedy. I came home to a country where I couldn’t mention my military service, not knowing if my hand would be shaken or my face spit upon. The story of NOEL STREET touched my personal experience, but I believe its brilliance transcends my life experience and will touch the minds and hearts of all readers who understand the power of love to heal and define the best potentials of our lives. Respectfully submitted, Norman in Reno Reno, Nevada November 6, 2019

Vietnam sent home some military members wrapped in our USA flags. It also sent home broken men. This was a love story, that brought home memories and brokenness that learned to love again. If I could have, I would have given it at least 6 stars. It was that good.

A single mother, Elle Sheen, was supporting herself as a waitress in Noel Street Diner and her six-year-old son in 1975. William Smith is a recently returned Vietnam POW who is trying to deal with his demons and painful past. This is a quick but compelling read on love and forgiveness; Christmas time and Richard Paul Evans' books go hand in hand. Life is not easy, but often the Lord brings precisely what is needed at the perfect time. This is a sweet story that reminds readers it is the people in your life that make the holidays what they should be about. It is also an essential reminder of what soldiers may be dealing with after they return from war. Wonderful holiday book.

Mr. Evans is one of my favorite authors, but it's been a few years since I picked up a new title by him. As I grew up in the sixties and seventies, the time period of the novel attracted me and the author stays true to it. This book reads more like a letter to a friend; a long chat or interview wherein Elle tells us the story of her life. By the end, the retrospective lessons benefit William, Elle, and Dylan, as well as the reader. This story exemplifies how the sustaining strength of hope, the healing power of forgiveness , and the transformative miracle of love are part of God's purpose for all of us.

The third book in the Noel Collection, no one tells a Christmas story better than Richard Paul Evans. Noel Street is about love, loss, and finding family in those around you. Elle and her son, Dylan struggle to make ends meet, and against prejudices in a small town. When a stranger moves to town offering much needed kindness and help. It will hook you early and keep your attention to the end.

I'm so into Christmas novels and this was by far THE BEST! It was thought provoking, tender, realistic and just a perfect holiday novel. I will definitely need to check out this author.... Loved his style.

I think I have read almost every book this author has written. I was hooked on his writing right from the time I read The Christmas Box. This book is excellent. This author's books are always a quick read in that I am so caught up in the story that time fades and my emotions kick in. This book is no different, a twist on the story I did not expect, a glimpse back in time at an era when I was a young adult, Vietnam, a glimpse at racism and hatred, only this time with a silver lining although it was hard won. This story brought back memories of my own, some good, some not so much, just like the story told by Evans. One of the best books I've read in a while, Evans is truly gifted.

I have or have read many books by this author. Richard Paul Evans never disappoints. I loved it !

This novel was very good because there was no repetition from former novels. Thank you Richard

Gift