Finn is a taxi driver, not a personal driver, but this sweet old lady Callie still wants to hire him to drive her around. Sydney is a much too busy first year lawyer, who feels bad enough that she had to call for a cab to driver her grandmother to an appt. All Callie wants for Christmas is something special for her granddaughter. I really enjoyed the story and Callie’s character. This is not Terri’s usual mystery/suspense, but a wonderful Christmas themed story that will warm your heart.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

A fun romance ride and just perfect for those getting ready for the Hallmark Christmas movie season.

Sydney Batson is trying her hardest to be a good granddaughter and take care of her ailing grandmother while also trying not to lose her job at her law firm. In desperate need of help to get her grandmother to the doctor at the same time she is due in court Sydney, calls for a cab to take her to the clinic. She knows she should be the one to go but if she loses her job she won’t be able to take care of either of them. Cab driver Finn Parrish is trying to make up for lost money after being robbed and when a call comes to pick up a woman and take her to a doctor’s appointment he reluctantly goes. Miss Callie is a hard reminder of his mother who he feels he let down in her last days and now every time he gets a call he can’t refuse to help. Even when Miss Callie doesn’t remember to pay him, Finn is there for her as she goes around running Christmas errands and looking for a date for her granddaughter. Finn is trying to do all he can to help Miss Callie fulfill her Christmas wish of doing something nice for the only family she has left. When he meets Sydney, he realizes he might just be getting a Christmas gift he never expected.

For me, when I read Terri Blackstock I know I am going to get a good romantic suspense. With her first Christmas novel, Blackstock takes readers on an adventure with these three characters that is sure to put a smile on your face and warmth in your heart. I loved the way this story played out. Finn had just the right amount of grumpiness in him to make him reluctant to want to help but enough goodness in him to overpower and be there when he was needed. Sydney isn’t so driven by her career that she doesn’t care about her family, she just is in a position that makes it hard to be in two places at once. The characters meshed so well with each other in not only dialogue but also narrative sections, which can become a part that drags in the story if not done correctly. Each paragraph brought out more interesting aspects of the characters and more enjoyment in the story. It was fun to see Blackstock stretch her writing while keeping the story flowing without the suspense aspect. There was still plenty of tension to drive the story along, it was just presented in a different way. I recommend this to readers that love a great Hallmark Christmas movie and want to read a story that will play out like the movie while reading. And of course, all fans of Blackstock’s work will enjoy this as well.

I received a complimentary copy of this title from the publisher. The views and opinions expressed within are my own.

This book has a powerful and inspiring message that slowly reveals itself through the transformative journey of two characters who have lost their way in a crazy and chaotic world. Finn is a jaded man whose career ambitions blinded him at a critical time in his life that he deeply regrets. And although Sydney tries her best to take care of her ailing grandmother she can’t be with her every minute of the day because of her highly demanding career. In the middle of all this chaos is Sydney’s sweet grandmother, Callie, whose tenacious spirit and trust in God’s love provides a much needed beacon of faith. I felt a deep emotional connection to all three characters as they struggled through impossible circumstances that deeply touched my heart and I so loved the powerful storytelling of this wonderful author. I read an early copy of this book provided by Thomas Nelson through NetGalley and all opinions expressed in my voluntary review are completely my own.

Terri Blackstock is a NY Times best selling author that is known for writing mystery and suspense books. Catching Christmas is her first Christmas book, and I have to say it was definitely worth the wait! This is a heartwarming romance that perfectly captures the magic of the holiday season.

Sydney Batson is a first-year law associate that is devoting all of her time to the current case she is working on. She has no free time, let alone time to take her grandmother to the doctor in the middle of her court case. Her grandmother's health rapidly declined over the past few days, and she has to find out the cause. Not having any other options, Sydney arranges for a cab to pick up her eighty year old grandmother, Callie.

Finn Parrish is a thirty year old cab driver in Dallas, and his day is not off to a great start. He just dropped off a passenger that he couldn't wait to get rid of, and now has been called to do a pickup in a residential area. He arrives at the house, and when nobody comes outside, he goes to the door. He sees an elderly woman in a wheelchair, and has to help her get into the cab. His passenger, Callie Beecher, keeps falling asleep and has no clue where she is going. Finn calls the dispatch office to see if a destination was given, and finds out she has a doctor appointment After he gets her checked in at the doctor, Finn gives Callie his card in case she needs to get picked up. Little does he know, but this was only the beginning of his journey with Callie.

Callie Beecher, affectionately known as Miss Callie, knows her granddaughter is too busy to always help her, so she begins relying on Finn to take her places. She does not always remember to pay him, but he still is there whenever she calls. Callie has Finn take her to the store, bank, and other errands. However, Callie is also on a mission to find a man for her granddaughter...but maybe she is looking in all of the wrong places.

Catching Christmas is such a beautifully told story! The characters are well-developed, quirky, and at the same time, down to earth. Callie stole my heart right from the start, as well as Finn. My heart broke for Finn, especially since he has not come to terms with the death of his own mother. However, that also plays a huge role in why he continues to help Callie every time she calls...it his way of redemption for the things he did not do in regards to his own mother. As for Callie, she is also trying to make up for something...the years lost when she did not see Sydney.

As the story unfolds, more is learned about each character. Each has a story to tell, and your heart will feel compassion for all of them. Callie is the real star of this story, and her matchmaking definitely leads to quite a few laugh-out-loud moments. I loved how she has no filter, and basically says whatever comes to mind. Callie will remind you of your own mother or grandmother. Callie may be the star of the story, but Finn is the hero. Finn has the patience of a saint with Miss Callie, and seeing the relationship that develops between them is pure joy. Sydney is determined to succeed as a law associate, and is torn between her job and taking care of her grandmother. She does the best she can, and Finn quickly becomes the help she has needed, but could not afford.

Overall, this was a wonderful story that perfectly captures the spirit of Christmas. It is a story covering a lot of topics...friendship, love, family and faith. This story will cause you to tear up at some moments, and laugh out loud at others. Catching Christmas is the perfect holiday book...one that will stay with you long after reading it.

I would like to thank Thomas Nelson-Fiction and NetGalley for allowing me the opportunity to read and review Catching Christmas. My opinions are my own, and are in no way influenced by anyone else.

Catching Christmas by Terri Blackstock was such a great book. It had so much humor in it and Miss Callie was a typical older lady. She spoke her mind and loudly. Her granddaughter Sydney was a first year law associate and was given a case that was impossible to win and if she didn’t win it, she was fired. She got called into the office when she was to be taking her grandmother to a doctor’s appointment. So a cab was called and it turned out to be Finn Parrish. She couldn’t remember so he had to go the extra mile to get her where she was supposed to be. She called for him every day to take her someplace. There was sadness to but the faith Miss Callie had and the messages she left showed her faith and the love she had for her granddaughter.

What do you get when you cross burned out chef turned cab driver Finn Parish with Jesus loving grandma Miss Callie who has dementia issues? A quirky comedy of errors that has Finn beyond frustrated and walking on the edge of his sanity. Add in overextended first year law associate and granddaughter Sydney Batson to the mix and that's a recipe for all kinds of interesting dynamics between the three.
My favorite part was Miss Callie's no-filter funny comments and her Christian witness to everyone she knew. Her lovely thoughts while talking to her pastor in his office explaining what she believed heaven must be like echo my own beliefs, "I can just imagine heaven being a mountaintop experience every day...every hour, just as much as you can stand, till your heart just can't hold anymore." Wonderful to ponder.
I appreciate Thomas Nelson making a copy of Catching Christmas available for review.

I enjoyed this fast read, and you can feel what Christmas is really about, what a great book the author has shared with us.
There are some chuckles and tears here, and you feel compassion for all of those involved, and I felt like I was watching as I read!
You will find yourself thinking of your own mother or grandmother, and putting a face to Miss Callie, and yes, you can actually see that all that happens here could be true.
We really answer the question here of who is really family, and when you think about it the answers come, those who care and love you, and “the cab driver”.
A don’t miss read that will keep your attention!

I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Thomas Nelson, and was not required to give a positive review.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. Sydney is a new lawyer with an important case which can either make or break her career. Her grandmother is sick and is unable to take her to the doctor. Finn is the taxi driver who is called to bring Miss Callie to her appointment. Miss Callie reminds him of his mother, which is why he returns every time she calls. He drives her all over town. She talks to many men about dating her granddaughter. Finn is sure about either woman is Callie delusional, is Sydney a unfit caregiver. I loved this book. There was sad, romantic and funny aspects to this book.

This was a sweet romance, set around Christmas. A jaded cabdriver gets roped into repeatedly helping a sick old woman, and her personality draws him in, despite his initial resistance. Callie (the old lady) was such a great character and reminded me of a lot of old ladies I have met - absolutely no filter, and a great desire to do good. Meanwhile, Callie's granddaughter/caregiver is dealing with enormous work pressure. The story was sweet, funny, and a little sad too - a very nice entry to the Christmas season.

Note: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson through NetGalley. I will definitely look for other books by this author.

This is the best feel-good about Christmas book that I have ever read. The story of Callie, the octogenarian who is determined to create a happy holiday for her overworked granddaughter Sydney, is both heart-warming and realistic. The unexpected character in the story is Finn, the cab driver who is tasked with driving Callie around town so that she can “catch Christmas.” Callie is well aware that she is old and not able to take care of holiday errands, so she is delighted to find a helper in Finn. He’s like a reluctant Christmas elf, driving Callie all around town and seldom getting paid for his troubles because the elderly lady keeps forgetting to pay him. The humor in the book was light but was always present, as was the feeling that time was short for Callie. The theme of valuing time with those you love was well expressed, as I was quickly drawn into the story of Sydney rushing from work to caring for her grandmother, back to work, etc. Finn was my favorite character because he gave his time reluctantly at first, blaming Sydney for her lack of care for her ailing grandmother. When Finn and Sydney finally get together, Callie finds her happy Christmas. It’s their getting together that is the heart of the story and Callie’s ability to see the good and love in both young people is touching and realistic. . I loved this timely Christmas story from one of my favorite Christian authors!

I received this e-book to read and review for free from Thomas Nelson trademark of Harper-Collins Christian Publishing, Inc. I haven't read a book in a while from Terri Blackstock. But I was excited to read this book and it reminds me of what a great writer she is. I will definitely write her name down as an author to go back and catch up on books she has written. Catching Christmas is a light read with a good dose of realism. I loved the characters of Finn, Sydney, but my favorite character is Ms. Callie. You can get help but love her enthusiasm for life as well as her determination and you never know where she is going to go next. This book is for any type of reader and would make a great book club read. This book was a quick read for me because I didn't want to put it down.

This is a sweet story that grabs from the beginning and involves lots of emotions. The star of the story is Callie, an eighty year old grandmother with health and memory issues. Her only living relative is her granddaughter, Sidney, a first year law associate, working under pressure from the partners on a case. Sidney takes care of her grandmother, getting her fed and dressed each morning and night but has to work during the day. When her court case keeps her from taking Callie to the doctor, she has to call a cab for Callie. Finn Parrish is a chef with great credentials but had a restaurant that failed. He is driving a cab to make ends meet. When he goes to pick up Callie, she is asleep and doesn't remember that she has a doctor's appointment. Finn is drawn in to make sure that Callie sees her doctor and is stuck helping her out with Christmas shopping and other errands for the next days. Callie is hilarious. As with so many elderly people, Callie doesn't have a filter on what she says about those around her. But, Callie is a lovely, sweet person of faith. Sidney and Finn get off on the wrong foot. Finn cannot understand why Sidney can't take her grandmother to the doctor but eventually, they unite to take care of Callie. This story will have you smiling and laughing, feeling frustrated with both Finn and Sidney, sad but optimistic, happy about a life well lived and loved, and the hope that comes with the spirit of Christmas. Callie's faith and life has a profound effect of both Finn and Sidney.
I received a complimentary ARC from Thomas Nelson Publishing through NetGalley. The opinions stated are mine only.

When Finn Parish takes a call from his cab dispatcher to pick up a customer, he doesn't expect an elderly lady in a wheelchair, who may not be completely lucid. Nor does he expect to have to help her at the doctor's office, or to be called back to her house the following day. Regardless of his expectations, Finn finds himself drawn into her life, and compelled to help her, whether out of guilt, or his conscience, he's not entirely sure. He's also not sure what to make of Callie's grandaughter, Sydney, whom he at first takes to be detached and uncaring about her grandmother. Sydney, however, is fighting her own battles of trying to save her position as a first-year associate at her law firm, while caring for her ailing grandmother. As the two are drawn together through Callie's needs and wants, they each begin to see their own purposes in life with a new perspective.

Yes, it's only October, and that may seem too early to read a Christmas book, but probably not this one. While the book has Christmas in the title, and Callie's goal is to spend a nice Christmas making sure that Sydney isn't alone for the holiday, Christmas itself was just sort of tangential to the important parts of the story. Maybe it would feel more like a Christmas book if I were to read it at Christmas; who knows?

Finn was such an interesting character, I wish there were more to his story here. But it was fun to watch him go from grumpy, reluctant cab driver to really being invested in Callie's well-being, and even the anger that provoked in him at finding out who was supposed to be helping her, and making sure that the doctors were taking care of her. Sydney, also, was dealing with so much that it made her character feel more complex than the amount of information we were given about her. Trying to balance an ever-increasing work load in a job that made her question herself, versus trying to care for the grandmother who'd shown her such love as a child was taking a toll on her, and it took Finn, the former haute-cuisine chef and current cab driver, to really point out to her the choices that she still had. And, of course- Callie - even if she wasn't sure of everything going on around her, she was always kind and sweet, frequently redirecting conversations with "where are my manners"? She made it seem possible that the unlikely pairing of Finn and Sydney could be drawn together just to make her happy.

A cute book overall; I give it 4 stars. If anything, I wished for more story to delve deeper into these characters' lives, past, present and future!

You can find Catching Christmas HERE.
You can find the author's page HERE.

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

This is such a good book and very well written. It is a sweet but sad story that I read in one setting. I loved how Finn interacted with Miss Callie, some parts were laugh out loud funny and other parts were bittersweet. Don't miss this book. Thank you Thomas Nelson-Fiction via NetGalley for the ARC copy of this book. I was not required to write a review, all opinions expressed in this review are my own.

I didn’t think I would like this book when I started it. I almost didn’t read it at all. Well I decided to give it another chance and I am so glad I did. This book is such a departure from Ms. Coble ‘s normal style. It proves what a talented author she is. Please read this, you won’t be disappointed.

I sometimes forget how hard Christmas can be for some. Books like this one remind me of that and help me see how little acts of kindness can make a difference in changing someone’s experience. In this book, the crusty cab driver, Finn, just wants to make some money and do his own thing for Christmas. Miss Callie, Sydney’s grandma who has a bad memory, on the other hand, has many plans for Christmas and she needs Finn to help her pull them off.
This is a very poignant story. Miss Callie made me laugh with her outrageous comments. I understood her desire behind her actions and was saddened by the necessity. Finn was my favorite. He believes that “Some people are given lemons and they make lemonade—and frankly, I detest those people—and some, like me, are given acorns, and unless you’re a squirrel or a Naked and Afraid contestant, they are pretty much useless” (location 394). Finn is all scratchy on the outside but he just can’t give up on Miss Callie. It’s beautiful watching him come to care for her and Sydney.
I didn’t relate to Sydney as much but that was okay. She was really the third wheel in the book yet tied all the pieces together. I am always drawn to the quirky characters like Finn and Miss Callie.
I really enjoyed this Christmas tale and would recommend it. Thank you to Thomas Nelson for providing me with a free e-copy of this book. I was not required to leave a positive review. All opinions are my own.

Yes, I liked Callie, the older woman on death’s door. And I liked Finn and Sydney. Finn the cab driver who was a chef in a previous life - is it okay to root for him then, because he’s had a more elevated job? And Sydney the new law associate trying to juggle all of life. Likable characters, if not terribly memorable. Well, Callie was memorable.

The book was sweet but too predictable, and the denouement pushed believability in terms of the timing of it all. I almost gave up halfway through.

Still, a sweet story.

What a sweet book! It's a little sad, too, but in a bittersweet way. Callie is every-grandmother...or she's just like both of mine...and her relationship with her granddaughter outweighs all else. The author does such a good job of building characters that I was concerned for her myself! The cab driver is, admittedly, much more patient that I probably would be in the same situation, but it's easy to see God's hand at play in the lives of each character. The ending, though sad, left you with a warm, fuzzy feeling of happiness. .....you'll just have to read it and see. ;)

I'm pretty sure the first chapter's premise came from a meme: cab driver pulls up to house that looks like no one's home. Reluctantly going to the door, he finds an elderly woman asleep in wheelchair and takes her to medical appointment. That's where the meme ends and the novel begins. Over the next several days, former restauranteur Finn needs to pay his rent, but Callie, the elderly woman, is so insistent that he not only driver to her to the places she needs to go (including Christmas shopping), but bring her in to each and every one. That means he can't leave the meter running. That means he's out the cash - and plenty of it. He alternates between anger at Callie's granddaughter, Sydney, who apparently is too tied up in her work to care for her grandmother, and remorse for the way he treated his own mother when she was dying. Great story.

I have read Terri Blackstock's other series books and am thrilled she has written a new book. This book grabs your attention and holds it to the end. True to form, it is Christian fiction but not at all "preachy". It reminds us to treasure every moment with our loved ones and if needed, to renew our relationship with Christ. No report or spoilers from me, but I would love to meet a character like Finn! ☺ Keep your Kleenex ready! I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson through NetGalley, Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.