Most people who read a novel and then watch the movie say, "the book was better."
It makes sense. An author gives the reader a peek inside the minds of each character. With a movie, we are only bystanders. A novel provides ample time to set each scene and offer explanations, but a movie, with time constraints, doesn't have that luxury.
One thing is certain--you expect the movie and the book to share more similarities than differences.
The Christmas Town novel by Donna VanLiere is an inspiring story about hope, but how Hallmark's 2019 movie is "based" on this story is a mystery.
If you watched Hallmark's 2019 premiere of Christmas Town starring Candace Cameron Bure, you will remember she played Lauren Gabriel, a teacher who sets off for a new job in a new state, only to land in Grandon along the way.
Lauren also carries a broken angel wing, although the tree topper it belongs to is sent off for repair and then never seen again, until a Christmas miracle that reunites the angel with its wing.
The are only three things the novel shares in common with the movie:
There is no angel with a broken wing, but there is a special box engraved with a scripture Lauren loves as a child that finds its way back to her. The Bible verse on it reads:
This novel contains a treasure trove of motivational one-liners.
Hallmark could have come up with a different set of names for the characters and town, and no one would have accused them of copyright infringement. The book and the movie are completely different stories.
It makes sense. An author gives the reader a peek inside the minds of each character. With a movie, we are only bystanders. A novel provides ample time to set each scene and offer explanations, but a movie, with time constraints, doesn't have that luxury.
One thing is certain--you expect the movie and the book to share more similarities than differences.
The Christmas Town novel by Donna VanLiere is an inspiring story about hope, but how Hallmark's 2019 movie is "based" on this story is a mystery.
Hallmark's Christmas Town Is A Different Story
If you watched Hallmark's 2019 premiere of Christmas Town starring Candace Cameron Bure, you will remember she played Lauren Gabriel, a teacher who sets off for a new job in a new state, only to land in Grandon along the way.
Lauren's mom dies when she is little, and her dad also dies by the time she is six, so she spends many years in foster care.
In Hallmark fairy tale fashion, Lauren's dad manages to write letters before his death that are mailed sporadically to her through the years, which she always keeps nearby.
Lauren also carries a broken angel wing, although the tree topper it belongs to is sent off for repair and then never seen again, until a Christmas miracle that reunites the angel with its wing.
While she's in Grandon, Lauren helps out as a waitress at a local bakery; she lives over an antique shop; and she organizes a charity drive for a neighboring town that suffered a devastating fire.
Lauren falls in love with Travis, and she gets approved to adopt his foster son. A friend from the Grandon school district retires, so Lauren takes her job so she can live there permanently.
How is this different from the novel?
The Christmas Town According to Donna VanLiere
The are only three things the novel shares in common with the movie:
- The characters names are the same.
- The story takes place mostly in Grandon.
- Lauren is a former foster child.
That is it.
In Donna VanLiere's book, Lauren is a 20-year-old working in a grocery store. Her dad runs off when she is a kid, and she never hears from again. Her mom is a drug addict with issues who hasn't seen Lauren in seven years.
Lauren posts an ad on Craig's List seeking a family for Christmas.
Meanwhile, Lauren drives to Grandon on a whim, and there she meets several townspeople who make her feel like family.
Lauren volunteers at a non-profit organization, Glory's Place, where she gets a chance to work with kids and even prepares them for a sing-a-thon to raise money.
One of the sweetest aspects of the story is a young man named Ben, a grocery bagger at Clauson's. Ben is a special needs guy with a big heart who leaves handwritten notes in all of his customers' grocery bags. People wait patiently in a long line to receive one of his encouraging messages.
Travis works at the Parks Department, and he asks Lauren on a date; however, romance is not the focal point of the story.
The Christmas Town Is A Story of Hope
There is no angel with a broken wing, but there is a special box engraved with a scripture Lauren loves as a child that finds its way back to her. The Bible verse on it reads:
The Lord says, 'I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you.'
As Lauren finds a town full of people who love her and adopt her into their hearts and community, it becomes clear that despite the troubles she has faced, God still has a good plan for her life, and He has divinely orchestrated events to meet her needs and take care of her.
Isn't that a message we all need to hear? God is involved in our lives. He cares. He can take all the rotten stuff that's been thrown at us and still bring something good out of it in the end. He never leaves us, even when other people do.
Inspiring Lines From the Book
This novel contains a treasure trove of motivational one-liners.
Les, Ben's manager at the grocery store, considers all the encouraging notes Ben leaves in customers' bags, but Less "had no idea they could be life-changing. Sometimes that's just the way it is with things that seem too simple to matter."
The little things are what matter. Whenever you feel the urge to say or do something for someone, don't hesitate. It might seem insignificant to you, but it could make a huge impact on someone's day.
Let me share an example. Speaking of grocery stores, one day I was waiting in line. I noticed the woman behind me looked very put together. She had a healthy tan, a neatly coordinated outfit, and a very stylish and flattering hair-do. I considered giving her a compliment, but I didn't want to sound weird. The urge to say something to her intensified, so I thought maybe God was giving me a push to open my mouth. Finally, I turned to her and said, "I just want to tell you how pretty you look. I love your hair and couldn't help but notice how good that style looks on you."
The woman almost broke into tears! She shared with me that she had cancer and was in chemotherapy. Her hair had fallen out, and she was so self-conscious about wearing a wig that she hadn't ventured from home. This was her first time going out in public. She could barely contain the tears and told me how much she needed to hear what I had said.
God knows what people need, and sometimes He uses us to deliver the message.
Lauren has been crushed time and time again. Despite the pain, she continues to reach out to others and do good. One of the ladies from town who "adopts" her notes,
"Some people keep others at a distance their entire lives, but you don't do that. Despite your past, you've kept your heart."
Do you know anyone like that? Someone gets their heart broken, so they harden themselves and go through life like an empty shell--a walking dead person. Opening our hearts make us vulnerable, but it's the only way to live.
Read the Book
Hallmark could have come up with a different set of names for the characters and town, and no one would have accused them of copyright infringement. The book and the movie are completely different stories.
Despite the disparities, the book and movie are equally enjoyable. If you've seen the movie but haven't read the book, pick up a copy and enjoy!
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