This Christmas novel has a different plot and characters than any you've ever read. Finn, a cab driver, helps an elderly lady, Callie, who seems out of it more often than she's with it. Callie's granddaughter, Sydney, a fledgling attorney struggles to keep up with all the work piled on her as well as help her ailing grandmother. The emotion-tugging story captured my heart and made me miss my mother even more. The story helps readers see needy, older people as individuals whom we should relate to and not ignore because life with them may be uncomfortable or inconvenient. Relationships can develop in unexpected ways and among unexpected people. The touching tale may bring some tears, but the story is well worth reading. It feels real, and it's set at Christmas--a perfect time for such a story. I received a copy from Celebrate Lit. All opinions are my own.

A hilarious romp through small-town America, this story will keep you reading just to see what craziness happens next.

If you were ever a fan of the Gilmore Girls and remember the character, Luke Danes -- the cranky-but-lovable cafe owner -- you'll have a fair idea of the hero's personality in Terri Blackstock's Catching Christmas. Picture Gilmore Girls' Luke as a taxi driver stuck with the sweetest -- if a bit mischievous -- little old lady suffering from severe memory difficulties and a tendency to nod off in the backseat without telling him where he is supposed to take her next, and you have a fair idea of the comedy involved. Terri's hero, Finn, just wants to do his job, talk as little as possible, and pay his rent on time. No muss, no fuss. But his softy-heart and a guilty conscience just won't let him push kind-hearted Miss Callie into the "somebody else's problem" category. At one point likening the sweet old woman to a parasite that won't leave his mind alone, Finn finds himself driving Miss Callie all over town while Miss Callie's granddaughter fights to save the job that is footing Miss Callie's bills. When the hero and the heroine finally get together, their mutual concern for Miss Callie's welfare cause both an immediate clash and a common bond. Following along as Miss Callie leads them to a Christmas they'll never forget, was such a pleasure, this book deserves a place on every reader's bookshelf.

I loved this book. I have to say it has been my favorite Christmas book this season. It is different and held my attention to the last page. I loved that one of the main characters was elderly and had dementia, as she brought such life and drama to the story. Make time to read this all in one sitting as you won't want to put it down. It will make you laugh, shed a tear, and leave you with that feel good Christmas feeling. Kudos to the author for a well done story that captures the Spirit of Christmas. I gifted copies to my sisters as I knew they would love it also.

I received a complimentary copy from the publisher/CelebrateLit . The honest review and opinions are my own and were not required.

Catching Christmas Review: Terri Blackstock

When picking up a Terri Blackstock novel, a reader would naturally assume the genre is a mysterybecause that's the genre for which she is known. Imagine my surprise when I realized almost immediately that Catching Christmas is not a mystery at all, but a sweet story of family, faith, and priorities.

I fell in love with Finn Patrick from the get go. It didn't hurt that he was compared to Luke from the television show Gilmore Girls. And I could see that Terri Blackstock might have actually used that character as a guideline when creating Finn Patrick. They shared the same scruffy appearance and gruff exterior which hid a sweet heart of a compassionate man. Finn found himself in what he considered an impossible situationpossibly consequences for his past shortcomings. But as Romans 8:28 reminds us "And we know all things God works for the good of those who love him" Finn just didn't know he was part of God's greater plan.

Callie, a sweet, dementia-challenged grandma, steals the story with her faith in Jesus and love for her granddaughter, Sydney. She manipulates those around her with a trap spun of sugar and truth, as she tirelessly works her agenda on all those she encounters. What's not to love?

And Sydneyan overworked, first-year law associate who struggles with a choice between career and family. She's in a challenging situation, until she realized (almost too late) what's important.

The story was a quick read, but not of the quality I expected of a well-known author of Terri Blackstock's reputation. Although I connected with the characters, I felt as if they were not as developed as I would have liked. There didn't seem to be a real connection between Finn and Sydney, so the quick romance didn't ring true in the end.

I also felt the storyline was rushed. There was little description, and what there was didn't strike me as realistic. St. Louis at Christmas timethe weather should have been some kind of challenge. Instead, doors were left open for convenience-sake and Sydney sits on a pollen-dusted Adirondack chair? The dialogue dragged in places and seemed like it was used as filler rather than to carry the story along.

But if you want a sweet Christmas story and don't expect too much, you'll enjoy Catching Christmas.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Oh my! I love the way that Finn was so reluctant to help Miss Callie, and yet was compelled to do so because of the kindness in his heart (partly guilt, but he wouldn't feel guilty if he didn't have a good heart, right?). He was so much fun and I loved the gruff exterior that hid his very tender heart. As much as he felt that he needed to be finding fares who weren't ancient women so he could pay his rent, he was willing to turn off his meter and get out of his cab to take her to the doctor, to the mall, and even to bring her to lunch - which he paid for. He exemplified agape love towards her even though she was a stranger. In fact, I even love the way he called her granddaughter up and read her the riot act for not taking better care of her.

One thing I noticed that totally cracked me up was the way he kept exaggerating Callie's probable age, almost like a fisherman telling the size of the fish he caught. First, she was in her eighties, then three hundred. I think at one point he even referred to her as being one thousand years old!

Sydney, said granddaughter, was in such a terrible place. She had insane pressure at her job and yet her heart was wanting to care for her grandmother. I felt so terrible for her as she was trying so hard to please everyone. And that just simply can't be done!

Catching Christmas is the story of the struggles of a has-been chef and restaurateur who now spends his time driving a cab and arguing with fares about the superiority of Uber. Of a frail old lady who wants nothing more for Christmas than to give her granddaughter the best gift of all. And of a new attorney given the choice of taking on the most ridiculous case or losing her job. Of caring for her grandmother or losing her job. Of losing her self-respect or losing her job.

This story had me laughing out loud and holding back tears. It was so touching and tender while not being overly heavy. The spiritual aspects of the story were perfect. I was reminded of the books I've read by Angela Ruth Strong in the way that they are over-the-top funny - yet in a good way and they are also tender with a powerful spiritual message.

I know I've heard this author's name for years and am wondering why in the world this is the first of her books that I've read. It will not be the last!

Read with a Preview and Guest Post at AmongTheReads.net

I was given a copy of this book for free. I was not required to give a favorable review nor was any money received for this review. All comments and opinions are my own.