Patricia and Mark Addison have long given up the hope of having a meaningful Christmas.

But this year, Patricia's job as a social worker will lead her to a very special five-year-old.

Against her better judgment, Patricia bends the rules and takes the little girl to her own home. Through the presence of Emily in their house, and her penetrating questions about heaven, the Addisons learn that there is no sorrow so great that faith cannot help you find your way through. And Christmas will once more be a time of joy in their home.

The Christmas Hope is a story of love in the face of loss, joy when all seems hopeless, and how light can shine into the darkest places.

About the AuthorDONNA VAN LIERE is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of The Christmas Hope series, which includes The Christmas Shoes and The Christmas Blessing. Her husband is the manager for the group NewSong; NewSongs Billboard hit The Christmas Shoes is played on radio stations across the country each holiday season.