The Christmas Catch by Toni Shiloh was a perfect novella to read on Thanksgiving weekend, a time with lots of football and the gateway to the Christmas season. I adore the cover and really appreciated the characters. As in most romance novellas, attractions develop quickly, but it felt somewhat believable in this second chance romance with forced proximity.
Nextdoor neighbors Bebe and Jahleel went from best friends to dating in high school, but he abruptly ended the relationship when he went away to college, the first step in pursuing his NFL dreams. Heartbroken, Bebe moved on with her life, eventually marrying, having a daughter, and becoming a teacher. When her marriage ended in divorce, Bebe moved back to her childhood home in Georgia. Three years later, Jahleel is severely injured in a game played near that town, and he stays with his parents to recuperate. Living next door again after eight years, can they renew their friendship, or will it develop into more?
For me, this is âromance plusâ since it's about more than the attraction between the main characters. The hero and heroine each struggle with big challenges in key personal relationships. One finds healing and growth while the other doesn't, so representative of real life. Bebe's daughter Hope was adorable and an important part of the story.
In this Christian fiction story, the characters' faith lives are important to the plot in organic ways. I swooned over the two grand gestures involving a sleigh, and I appreciated that while the ending is happy, not every single detail was wrapped up in a big red bow.
Thank you to Bethany House Publishers and NetGalley for the review copy of this festive story.
Nextdoor neighbors Bebe and Jahleel went from best friends to dating in high school, but he abruptly ended the relationship when he went away to college, the first step in pursuing his NFL dreams. Heartbroken, Bebe moved on with her life, eventually marrying, having a daughter, and becoming a teacher. When her marriage ended in divorce, Bebe moved back to her childhood home in Georgia. Three years later, Jahleel is severely injured in a game played near that town, and he stays with his parents to recuperate. Living next door again after eight years, can they renew their friendship, or will it develop into more?
For me, this is âromance plusâ since it's about more than the attraction between the main characters. The hero and heroine each struggle with big challenges in key personal relationships. One finds healing and growth while the other doesn't, so representative of real life. Bebe's daughter Hope was adorable and an important part of the story.
In this Christian fiction story, the characters' faith lives are important to the plot in organic ways. I swooned over the two grand gestures involving a sleigh, and I appreciated that while the ending is happy, not every single detail was wrapped up in a big red bow.
Thank you to Bethany House Publishers and NetGalley for the review copy of this festive story.
