A heartwarming Christmas story about finding what really matters in life.
As a first-year law associate, Sydney Batson knows she will be updating her resume by New Year’s if she loses her current case. So when her grandmother gets inexplicably ill while she’s in court, Sydney arranges for a cab to get her to the clinic.
The last thing cab driver Finn Parrish wants is to be saddled with a … wants is to be saddled with a wheelchair-bound old lady with dementia. But because Miss Callie reminds him of his own mother, whom he failed miserably in her last days, he can’t say no when she keeps calling him for rides. Once a successful gourmet chef, Finn’s biggest concern now is paying his rent, but half the time Callie doesn’t remember to pay him. And as she starts to feel better, she leads him on wild-goose chases to find a Christmas date for her granddaughter.
When Finn meets Sydney, he’s quite sure she’s never needed help finding a date. Does Miss Callie have an ulterior motive, or is this just a mission driven by delusions? He’s willing to do whatever he can to help fulfill Callie’s Christmas wish. He just never expected to be a vital part of it.
Praise for Catching Christmas
“The feel-good Christmas book of the year. Blackstock’s tale of love and redemption wrapped in a holiday bow will leave you smiling. Don’t miss Catching Christmas.” —New York Times bestselling author Rachel Hauck
“Blackstock’s Catching Christmas is not your average romance. Darling and laugh-out-loud cute, it makes the reader think about the important things in life. I read it in one gulp and wished there was more. Highly recommended!” —Colleen Coble, USA TODAY bestselling author
“Terri Blackstock’s latest offering touches tender places with its quirky characters and stirring plot. Catching Christmas explores what happens when the paths of a disenchanted taxi driver collide with that of an overworked attorney. Blackstock weaves a compelling, romantic tale that is sure to get you into the Christmas spirit!” —Denise Hunter, bestselling author
- Standalone novel
- Perfect for gift giving or as a stocking stuffer
- Hopeful and encouraging Christmas story that will appeal to fans of Hallmark movies
- Includes discussion questions for book clubs
more
Catching Christmas by author Terri Blackstock is one of the most heart-touching Christmas stories I have ever read. Yes, I have been sobbing but also smiling. I love the character of Finn! He has so much character, wit, and a bit of sarcasm. He is a cab driver who is trying to make up money which was stolen during a robbery just so he will be able to pay his rent. During the Christmas season, he receives a call from the dispatcher to pick up Callie Beecher for a ride to her doctor’s appointment. As the scenes progress, Finn gets a lot more than he bargained for when answering that cal!
Sydney is a young lawyer who is working day and night trying to keep her job during a time of layoffs at her firm. She is given a ridiculous case to clear a rich young offender who had driven his car into the local Burger King. He wants to sue the college because he was drunk and then Burger King. Sydney knows it is a hopeless case but her boss and the wealthy client have given her an ultimatum, win the case or you are fired. Sydney is worried about her grandmother and hopes she makes it to her doctor’s appointment on time.
Now the story really gets interesting! I won’t post spoilers, but I loved this book! I hope no one will feel offended if I add a personal observation. It is the day after Christmas and I have been sneaking away from family to cry every few hours. My sweet mother, eighty-eight years old, died a few weeks ago. I am heartbroken, I miss her voice. I have to believe that she is celebrating with Jesus and singing with joy today. As I read this story, I did not know if I could finish it, because my tears won’t stop. But now, as I have finished the story, I feel a bit of comfort. Reading about Miss Callie reminded me of the hope my mother always had and her pure joy in the positive possibilities of the people she would meet. Merry Christmas!
Oh, my! How can I do this story justice?
I did not know what I wanted to do with Finn Parish, a cab driver fighting the Uber takeover. The beginning did not disclose this seemingly anti-hero’s character. I wanted to shake him, read him the riot act and scream at him, “Have a little compassion, man!!!”
I sympathized and was also frustrated with Sydney Batson. Seriously, how many women, even single women, juggle with trying to do too much while riddled with guilt? Nonetheless, there are responsibilities that can’t and shouldn’t be dropped!
Then, my goodness, there was the unflappable, thoroughly loveable and genial Miss Callie! How I loved this beautiful woman, grandmother to Sydney. Her wisdom and Godliness resonated throughout the entire story.
Catching Christmas is not your typical Terri Blackstock novel. I truly wasn’t sure what to expect as Blackstock’s books are usually in the faith-filled suspense, thriller genre. However, Catching Christmas focuses on the days before, and leading up to Christmas from three very unique perspectives.
I treasure Catching Christmas, a book I will read and relish for years to come and not only during the Christmas season.
I received a copy of the book from Celebrate Lit. However, I was under no obligation to post a review.
There is something so tender and sweet about this story. I loved getting to know Miss Callie and fell in love with her. She may be elderly but she has a heart of gold. Miss Callie is forgetful at times and has started to depend on a cab driver named Finn. What will the doctor discover is wrong with her?
It wasn’t by accident that Finn got the call to pick Miss Callie up one day. You can feel his frustration as he realizes Miss Callie can’t tell him much about where he needs to go. Finn has a special place in his heart for Miss Callie who reminds him of his mother. Does he feel guilt over his mother’s passing? When he finally meets Miss Callie’s granddaughter there is a bit of animosity towards her.
Sydney is doing her best trying to keep her job as a first year law student and taking care of her grandmother. The author does a great job of allowing readers to understand the desperation each character feels. Sydney is doing the best she can, while Finn has suddenly become Miss Callie’s personal driver. I loved how Finn has become attached to Miss Callie and I know there is a reason he has been brought into her life.
When I get to the part in the story where the doctor explains to Sydney and Finn what Miss Callie has, I dropped the book. Oh how I cried because Miss Callie has become like a family member to me. Miss Callie is a woman everyone loves. She has a generous spirit and loves God. It will be hard not to think of her because through this story, she has opened my eyes to Christmas. Her compassion for others is seen throughout the story and her connection with a stranger will change his life in many ways. Sydney can see how much her grandmother loved her. Will she find a way to be happy and follow her heart? It has been an honor to read a book by a very gifted author that has shown me that people do care.
This has been a very well written story with characters that seem like family. I loved watching how Finn grew in his faith and how Sydney realizes what her priorities need to be. This story is set at Christmas time but I think it could be read anytime of the year. The message of love, compassion and the gentle spirit of a special woman makes this story one that you won’t forget.
I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.
Callie is a grandmother in search of ways to give her granddaughter a special Christmas. Sydney, Carrie’s granddaughter is an attorney working for a law firm whose values don’t match hers. Add a French trained chef now a cab driver to the mix and you suspect it will be quite a story. You will laugh and want to cry during the adventures of this threesome. Best of all the true meaning and spirit of Christmas is wrapped in every word.
I will admit it started a bit slow for me but after the first couple of chapters this laugh out loud book had me flipping the pages, just to see what in the world Miss Callie would do or say next.
Tackling some tough issues, especially at Christmas, Catching Christmas really did come across as warm and genuine. Life isn’t always easy but God is able to work through us, even in the hard times. And humor can always be found. Let me state that in no way did I find this book depressing. It was thought provoking, sometimes sad, but I always felt that redemption was just over the horizon so there was hope.
Ms. Blackstock’s characters were very well developed and in need of help, as most of us are. This made them realistic. We learned about priorities, and making time for our loved ones. It was difficult to read sometimes as I wanted to shake Sydney and wake her up to that truth. But to see her grow was as a person was really nice.
With light romance and much laughter, I can highly recommend this book as a sweet Christmas read.
I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not required to leave a review.
I received my copy of Catching Christmas a few months back, but have purposely waited until this week to read and review it. I figured it would put me in the right frame of mind for the holidays, and I assumed correctly.
Reading about the last days of sweet, old Miss Callie put a sweet, holiday smile on my face. How she constantly worries over her granddaughter, Sydney, and the beautiful bond she creates with a lonely cab driver named Finn. No, this is not an action-packed story by any means, but it does remind not only Sydney and Finn, but all of us, what is really important in life, when life is all said and done.
Miss Callie’s character is sweet, sassy, and bittersweet all rolled into one. Reading about her decline in health brought back painful memories of my own grandmother’s decline before she passed away a few short years ago. Watching a loved one having to go through something like that when there is not much you can do is one of the hardest things to endure, and poor Sydney has to learn this lesson all alone, all while trying to juggle an incredibly demanding job that is hanging on by a thread.
Finn is one of those characters that is rough around the edges, but has a heart of gold. Being a huge Gilmore Girls fan, when author Terri Blackstock describes Finn as a Luke lookalike, for the rest of the book I could envision Luke, which made me fall in love with Finn all the more! I also loved how Miss Callie’s faith was not pushed on either Sydney or Finn but lived out, which is how faith should be!
All in all, I really enjoyed Catching Christmas. The writing was good, with an easy flow, which made it a quick, easy read, the characters were likable, and going with the Christmas theme, though having a sad note, put you in the right heart for the season.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson through NetGalley in exchange for an honest, unbiased review. All opinions are my own.
Catching Christmas, by Terri Blackstock, is a truly memorable holiday tale with endearing characters, relevant themes, and a sprinkling of humor and romance. It is an engaging story of faith, love, choices, and second chances. Touching and well-written, this story is entertaining from the first sentence to the last.
Writing in the first person point of view, Ms. Blackstock ensures that that the reader experiences the story through the perspectives of the characters themselves. This narrative style makes the story relatable and engaging. The characters are believable, they are likable, and they make the story shine. Their struggles, insecurities, fears, and beliefs are authentic and moving. Even though they endure real struggles that test their assumptions and their faith, the light of God’s love breaks through with the restorative power of grace and second chances. With warmth and heart, this book also places a significant emphasis on family and friends, and the ways in which they support, encourage, and provide for one another.
Our lives can certainly be full of interruptions, and these interruptions are almost always inconvenient. However, interruptions can be viewed as obstacles or they can be valued as opportunities. Catching Christmas explores the reality that inconvenient interruptions are often opportunities to help others, to practice compassion, and to extend grace in difficult circumstances.
Catching Christmas is a meaningful work of fiction that explores the importance of priorities and purpose during the bustle of the holiday season. It is a story that entertains, uplifts, and inspires. I could easily enjoy re-reading this book in the future and sharing it with my friends too. I sincerely recommend it to all readers.
*I received a copy of this novel through the author and Celebrate Lit. The review I have written is voluntary and contains opinions that are entirely my own.
Stayed up past my bedtime reading this one!
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.
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 my full review with a Preview and Guest Post at Among the Reads
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.
This is a very different Terri Blackstock novel if you’re only familiar with her romantic suspense novels. Yet it’s equally mesmerizing on a completely different level. The author brings together an older fragile woman, her ambitious lawyer grand-daughter, and a grumpy, guilty, fatigued cab driver who used to be a chef in this Christmas story of love, family, dreams, regrets, and the grace of God.
Sydney is the grand-daughter trying to juggle a demanding job, a ridiculous court case on which her job security rides, and an ailing grandmother with no other family members nearby. She’s totally burnt out and out of luck but tries so hard to scrape by. Finn is the cab driver, trying to get through the Uber craze and the Christmas season without letting his bitterness and feelings of guilt break him apart. They are drawn together by Sydney’s grandmother Callie who keeps calling Finn to help her get to places; Finn, despite his gruffness, resigns himself to taking care of Miss Callie and his tender protective side emerges. As Sydney and Finn grapple with what life throws at them, they also start to understand Callie’s faith and on Whom they can lean. It’s a powerful story of redemption, forgiveness, and letting joy and peace rule even in the midst of darkness. It’s not a light and fluffy Christmas feel-good story. But it is a beautiful Christmas story that will challenge you and have you pondering many hours after you’ve finished the book.
I was given a copy of the book by Thomas Nelson Publishers via Celebrate Lit Tours and was under no obligation to post a positive review. All comments and opinions are solely my own.
I am about half way through this book, but I love it so far. Of course, I love everything I have read by Terri Blackstock. My sister also read this book and she can’t wait until I finish so we can talk about the characters. I would highly recommend this one!
Catching Christmas by Terri Blackstock will catch your heart! It’s just the kind of book everyone needs to read amidst the hustle and bustle of the Holidays. Take a few moments and get lost in the lives of first year law associate Sydney Batson, former gourmet chef and restauranteur and present day cab driver Finn Parrish and Sydney’s very special Grandmother, Miss Callie.
Each of three people are experiencing very trying times in their lives and each of them feels very alone. One of them is fighting a losing battle, one is fighting things from the past and one is fighting death by making big plans for Christmas and beyond! These three characters will catch your heart and make this an unforgettable Christmas book!
Blackstock is at her best weaving a story of broken, hurting people allowing them to meet, have conflicts, experience growth in themselves and as a group. It is a story of past failures, wrong choices and most of all redemption and love. It’s always a blessed Christmas Gift to find LOVE in the most unexpected places with the most unexpected people! Treat yourself to the gift of Catching Christmas!
What a lovely way to spend an afternoon – a cup of coffee, the Christmas tree lights and a wonderful story. The author has done a masterful job of keeping us in the dark as to the wishes of Miss Callie. The hustle and bustle of the busyness of life, obligations and Christmas just don’t seem to mix for those close to her. Can she possibly stop her granddaughter long enough so she can catch the Christmas spirit and once again realize what is important?
I received and ARC of this fabulous book from NetGalley and CelebrateLit. All impressions and opinions are my own.
I’ve read most, if not all of Terri Blackstock’s Christian fiction, but I’ve never read Terri Blackstock like this. Catching Christmas is short, sweet, seasonal, and just plain hilarious. I think I laughed out loud every other page, at least.
Callie is an elderly wheel-chair- bound lady whom Finn, a down-on-his-luck cab driver, is called to drive to the dr. The story takes off from there and is so very captivating I almost finished it in one sitting.
I loved reluctant but good-hearted Finn, inhibition-less Carrie and conflicted Sydney.
What a feel-good Christmas book!
Blackstock details a very merry return to faith, roots, and sensibility, with romance mixed in for good measure.
Highly recommended for this season of joy.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley and CelebrateLit. I was not required to leave a review and all opinions are solely my own.
Catching Christmas by Terri Blackstock is flat out delightful. Having read & enjoyed this author’s work before I was eager to read this and am so glad I did. Such a touching and yet often hilarious story. I loved the dry-humored sarcasm of Finn and the subsequent softening of his heart as he escorts the Callie around town for her various errands and becomes entangled in her life. The depth of the characters and their emotions resonates with the reader–sorrow, regret, stress, compassion, fear. Along with the sweet hint of a romance in this charming Christmas story, the author has woven a subtle thread of faith that is comforting and inspiring. One of the characters says “I feel like I’m getting to know Callie’s Jesus a little better, even though I’m doing all the talking. But he speaks volumes in the way he listens.” I love that…what a message to people at Christmas, a time that can be lonely and sad for many folks, that there is a God who cares and listens. Loved this story and will be recommending it to reader friends and family.
I received a complimentary copy of this book via CelebrateLit. A favorable review was not required and opinions are my own. This review is part of a CelebrateLit blog tour.
This was such a great story that really warmed my heart. And though there were some tear-worthy moments, overall a great message of how you can have a do-over in life. It was a quick read for me because it had all the great elements I enjoy. A deep, caring story full of humor, hope and inspiration.
I’ve read many of Terri Blackstock’s books and enjoyed each and everyone. This one was different from any other of hers I’ve read. Usually drawn into romantic suspense and mystery, this was a Christmas story of love, both God’s and Callie’s.
Finn, a cab driver and ex-chef and restaurant owner, is pulled into the life of Callie, an octogenarian, by necessity because she needs a ride to see her doctor. Finn was easy to love. He really cared and went beyond his job requirements to take care of an eighty year old feisty, outspoken lady. I laughed every time Finn exaggerated Callie’s age and recalled her loud and mostly embarrassing comments. I felt for Sydney, the granddaughter, who was pulled both from her job and all its strenuous requirements and from her responsibilities and love toward her aging grandmother.
Some things in life are more important than others as they both find out.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through Celebrate Lit but was not required to write a review positive or otherwise.
As a long-time reader of Terri Blackstock novels, I was expecting a holiday themed romantic suspense. Surprise! No murder mystery or other suspense filled mysteries to solve. What I did discover is that the author also has a wonderful talent for writing a story that is both humorous and poignant with a message of faith and hope that is perfect for the Christmas season.
I loved the characters! Finn went above and beyond the requirements of his job as taxi driver to help Miss Callie despite major inconvenience and expense to himself. Somewhat grumpy, Finn nevertheless had a soft and caring heart that endeared him to me quickly. It was easy to sympathize with Sydney who was caught between a rock and a hard place – spending time taking care of her grandmother or bowing to pressures of her job in order to keep it. And that Miss Callie was a pure joy at times. She managed to keep me laughing even when I suspected that the outlook was grim.
Catching Christmas was a short but mostly sweet novel that I pretty much read in one sitting. It is perfect for a relaxing holiday evening after the gifts are wrapped and the cookies are baked or even for a few stolen moments when a break from the activities of the season is needed. I thoroughly enjoyed it and would not mind seeing more books of this type from Ms. Blackstock.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Celebrate Lit. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
Excellent,thoroughly enjoyable and shows the effects a lived-out faith can produce. Loved it.!!
Cab driver Finn’s personality really shines in this story as he comes to care for a sick, elderly lady he totes to and from her medical appointments. Both his character and the lady’s granddaughter, Sydney, are well-developed and entertaining.
Catching Christmas hits all the right notes with the perfect amount of Christmas levity, genuine emotion born of love and loss, and the gentle spirit of Christmas inviting us to approach the babe in the manger.
One of my favorite Christmas reads!