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Review: Journey to Christmas - Christmas in Garland #6

Journey to Christmas book cover on blue background

Each time I read another book in the Christmas in Garland series, I'm blown away by the imaginative stories and retellings that A.M. Heath offers to readers. Journey to Christmas is the sixth book in this series and is loosely based off Shrek, involving a fun Christmastime road trip adventure. If you've seen Shrek, you'll quickly spot the parallels between some of the names and movie characters 😀

Many thanks to the author for providing a complimentary copy of this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.

Book Synopsis

Love wasn’t on the map … but a little detour never hurt anyone.

Desperate to prove that moving home won’t ruin her social media popularity, Felicity Pruitt is preparing for what she hopes will be a successful rebrand. Her content calendar is organized with charming, small-town events, and she’s even lined up a new on-screen boyfriend to increase viewership. There’s just one problem … she’s falling in love with the wrong guy.

Shane Abernathy only agreed to help Felicity move because he needed some extra money. He never expected the jolt of attraction for her. But a lifetime of shame from living in the shadow of his father’s bad reputation has convinced him that getting involved with Felicity would only lead to trouble, despite their mutual interest.

Felicity craves the spotlight and validation from her online fans, while Shane prefers a quiet life away from the judgment of others. As their feelings for each other deepen, they must navigate their differences and the major business decisions surrounding them and decide if their love is worth fighting for.

Source: Amazon

Book Thoughts

This is a a powerful story about overcoming family stigma and pain by clinging to our identity in Christ. I love that A.M. Heath delivers another stunning Christmas in Garland book that doesn’t shy away from tough issues, like alcoholism or seeking affirmation from the wrong places, while sharing the hope of Christmas. Felicity and Shane have past and ongoing baggage from family members, and it’s gratifying to see how they learn how to become who they’re meant to be as new creations in Jesus. Along the way, several friends like Drew and Gavin are able to impart wisdom to these two, creating a strong sense of community where Felicity and Shane don’t have to battle their challenges alone. What starts out as an unexpected road trip truly becomes transformational, with both main characters gradually applying spiritual truths to their lives.

As always, the humour is top-notch, and the music referenced in the book will have you humming along as Felicity moves to Garland, Tennessee during Christmas. If you’ve already read this series, a few cameo appearances and traditions, such as the mistletoe at The Pantry, will evoke warm memories of a small town that showers love on its residents in the most festive of ways. Readers anticipating the sixth Christmas in Garland book will experience much heart and authenticity as Felicity and Shane embrace what it means to forget what is behind and strain toward what is ahead in their lives and relationship (Philippians 3:13).

Book Summary

  • Format of book: 📱
  • Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
  • Recommendation: 👍
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