Thursday, September 15, 2022

Review - - The Road to Christmas

The Road to Christmas
by Sheila Roberts
Publisher: MIRA
Release Date: September 20, 2022
Reviewed by PJ




Michelle and Max are not planning on a happy holiday. Their marriage is in shambles and the 
D word has entered their vocabulary. But now their youngest daughter, Julia, wants everyone to come to her new house in Idaho for Christmas, and she’s got the guest room all ready for Mom and Dad. Oh, joy.

Their other daughters, Audrey and Shyla, are driving up from California and hoping to meet a sexy rancher for Audrey along the way. What they don’t plan on is getting stranded on a ranch when the car breaks down.

The ones with the shortest drive are Grandma and Grandpa—also known as Hazel and Warren. It’s still a bit of a trek, and Hazel doesn’t like the idea of driving all that way in snow, but Warren knows they’ll have no problem. They have a reliable car—and snow tires and chains if they need them. They’ll be fine.

Surprises lie in store for all three sets of intrepid travelers as they set out on three very different adventures, all leading to one memorable family Christmas.

PJ's Thoughts:

Tucking into a new holiday novel by Sheila Roberts has become an annual tradition for me. I've had the opportunity to meet this author at various book signings over the years. Her personality always puts me in mind of a mischievous elf, with a ready laugh and a twinkle in her eyes, traits clearly evident in her stories. This year's holiday novel, The Road to Christmas is the first holiday story I've read this year and has me ready to ring in the season. 

I love multi-generation, family-centric stories, the type at which Roberts excels. There are no secondary characters occupying the role of literary wallpaper in this book. Each member of the three generations of this family is created with care, fully developed, and with an interesting story. 

I've also always had a fondness for road romances, a trope used with satisfying success in this book. Each featured member of this family is at a crossroads, facing decisions and dilemmas appropriate to their generation and circumstance. It's a tribute to Roberts' writing that, even though I'm of a age with the grandparents in this story, I was able to easily identify with the women in all three generations. Their journeys are by turns humorous, frightening, enlightening, romantic, and joyful...and I enjoyed them all. 

If you're looking for a humorous, heart-tugging novel that will have you wanting to pull out your Christmas decorations and gather your family together, pick up a copy of The Road to Christmas. It's a heartwarming holiday delight. 

8 comments:

  1. This book has been on my list for quite some time. Cannot wait to read it.

    ReplyDelete
  2. It's a feel-good story, perfect with a cozy blanket and mug of hot cocoa.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. A cozy blanket and hot chocolate with real whipped cream is one of my favorites. Patoct

      Delete
  3. Sounds wonderful!

    Denise

    ReplyDelete
  4. I am a fan of Ms Roberts and I like the charm in her books. Holiday books even better. Thanks for the review.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Holiday books are always a great read! :)

      Delete
  5. It is a little bit early for me to read a holiday story, but I can't wait to read this one. As soon as I finish the book I am reading now I will start it. I could copy your comments on her stories for I feel the same. She does an excellent job of managing multiple story lines, seamlessly weaving them together. I know this book will be a treat. It will be my first Christmas gift.

    ReplyDelete