Lauren Richmond never should have agreed to ride with Will Sinclair from California to Illinois for Christmas, but her brother, Spencer and his wife are having their first baby, and he wants her there to share it. After an experience with Will in college that hurt her deeply, Lauren has stayed away from him and any other possibility for relationships. Her fear makes flying out of the question, and she's too late to get a bus or train ticket, so she will have to put up with Will, while hoping she doesn't fall for him again.

A Cross-Country Christmas is a cute, mostly lighthearted romance, but there are some serious issues that both characters are dealing with from the past. The road trip adventure leads the protagonists into some unique and humorous situations that balance the heavier topics raised throughout the story. Unfortunately, the length of the book and nature of the narrative make the characters come across as one dimensional, making connecting with them difficult for the reader. Overall, though, A Cross-Country Christmas is an easy and fun read for the holiday season. ( )

“So it’s not what you thought it was going to be—that doesn’t mean it can’t still be something amazing.”

5/5 stars ⭐️! Such a cute Christmas read! Absolutely loved it and could not put it down. I loved the banter between Lauren and Will. Definitely a story illustrating grace and a redemption. If you are looking for a wholesome holiday read, this is the book for you! ( )

“People could not be trusted. They always let you down, and Will Sinclair had already proven that to her, hadn’t he?”

Courtney Walsh has penned another fantastic and delightful story with her new book, A Cross-Country Christmas. The premise is charming and fun, promising much entertainment for the reader, and it definitely didn’t disappoint. Will and Lauren are wonderful, layered, and realistic characters that engaged me quickly and thoroughly. Will has a checkered past, which Lauren unfortunately remembers since Will is her brother’s friend. He is also a changed person after suffering consequences from his actions. I enjoyed the interaction between the two and their changing relationship.

“Nobody deserves forgiveness, Will. That’s the point. That’s what grace is.”
“Do you know how much you’re missing in the moment by always wishing you were somewhere else?”

While this is a charming and seemingly light story, it also deals with the deeper subjects of redemption, second chances, forgiveness, and grace, adding inspiration and depth to it. I always enjoy the deeper messages and emotions Walsh includes in her stories. Her beautiful writing, insights, and inspiration have made her one of my favorite authors. I always look forward to her books. 4.5 stars ( )

Lauren’s feelings about Christmas were a combination of the Grinch and Scrooge. She’s stuck in Christmas past with a hard heart. She can’t remember anything good about the holiday. Why, oh why, had she agreed to go home for Christmas and then procrastinate so long she missed an opportunity to take a train and/or plane. Now she found herself accepting the ride her sweet brother, Spenser, arranged for her. The downside to it all was the fact she was being driven home by her brother’s best friend, Will Sinclair. Drats! The only reason she agreed to this trip was because Spenser was expecting a baby any minute. He wanted her to be part of this magical moment.

Will Sinclair, voted most popular in school, in line for a full scholarship with baseball, and a good shot at the major leagues. She was unpopular in school. Now a woman on a mission; make a Christmas appearance, see the baby, get home in record time, and take as little time off of work as possible. Unfortunately for Lauren, Will was of a different mindset. He wasn’t a planner. He was out for a memorable road trip on the way to the Midwest, as he promised his family and himself.

Lauren is enduring this trip with her emotional walls up high, couldn’t believe Will has no sense setting of a schedule. She hated this trip already, and she wasn’t even in the car yet. LOL!!

I like what the author says at the book’s end,” After the 18+months we’d all had living in and navigating a pandemic, I just wanted to get lost in a sweet romance ...” While this story is light, fun and Christmasy, it does carry with it an important message – there’s grace for our mistakes, and every once in a while, we all need a second chance. What a gift that is…” Amen to that!

I enjoyed this road trip with the character’s ups and downs. It was easy to get lost in this fun story with family drama, Christmas treats as they discover the real meaning of the season. I highly recommend it.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I have received a complimentary copy of this book by the publisher through Kindle Unlimited. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”

Nora St. Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins!
The Book Club Network blog www.bookfun.org ( )