The Christmas Catch - by Toni Shiloh

Enjoyed it! Quick read, my first book I read in a day! Love that it’s spiritual based. Will be looking into more of Toni’s books.

If Toni Shiloh writes it, I’m going to read it! I loved her last holiday novel, You Make It Feel Like Christmas, so I was beyond excited for The Christmas Catch. If you enjoy swoon-worthy second chance romance and sports romance, you’ll fall in love with this book. It’s one of those reads you can’t put down and easily finish in one sitting. The characters are wonderfully written, and Toni keeps the story fun and light with plenty of laughs. A perfect holiday romance.

I’m a huge fan of second chance romances and this one did not disappoint! Jahleel and Bebe grew up next door to one another. They were also high school sweethearts. But a pre-college breakup and subsequent ghosting has left them in an awkward place. So when Jahleel and Bebe see one another for the first time in decades, Bebe’s left to figure out if she can truly forgive and forget. Jahleel has some forgiving to do himself. A football injury has him back at home in Georgia with his parents—and his father feels like his worst critic. Will being back home cause the rift in their relationship to widen? Or will he risk being honest for the possibility of restoration? I loved everything about this book! I enjoyed the setting, Bebe and Jahleel’s journey, the family elements, and the faith thread woven throughout. I read Toni’s 2023 Christmas novella and she has become a go-to Christmas author for me. I LOVE Christmas and her stories are full of holiday festivities and general merriment! Make sure to add this one to your holiday TBR!!

Toni Shiloh beautifully blends the festivities of Christmas, long-lost love, and the subtlety of football in her latest release, The Christmas Catch. This novella runs on the theme of second chances as we enter the story of Bebe Gordon and Jahleel Walker and their reunion in Peachwood Bay, Georgia. Each character brings a unique perspective to this sweet Christmas novella and reminds us of the true reason for the season. With her usual gentle approach, Shiloh addresses many topics, from forgiveness and religion to overcoming strained relationships with parents. Bebe was a wonderful character to read—right along with her daughter, Hope. The mother-daughter pairing was refreshing to see as they enjoyed the Christmas season with movies, decorations and baking. I enjoyed reading about Jahleel’s desire to reconnect and mend his torn relationship with Bebe. The story was an all-around festive journey. The romance in The Christmas Catch was as sweet as the Christmas cookies baked in the book. The pacing of the story was just right, allowing us to savor the cute banter between the main characters, experience their heartbreak and forgiveness, and eagerly anticipate the oncoming Christmas season. The heartwarming world of Peachwood Bay in The Christmas Catch is one I will definitely return to. I received an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Thanksgiving, football, Christmas, and romance. This short novella isn't just a perfect choice when reading time is limited, it is also a terrific way to prepare your heart and mind for the holidays! Author Toni Shiloh shares the touching story of a young, divorced woman who wants to be the best mother that she can be but still yearns for love and romance. Could the return of a former flame be the answer to the longing of her heart? Or a painful reminder that he chose a football career over a future with her? I guarantee that this captivating story will remain with you long after you finish it! The Christmas Catch has family, faith, and second chances, along with a reminder that life isn't always fair, and hurts are often afflicted by those we love the most. Well-developed characters, valuable life lessons, and swoony romance make this a book to enjoy and savor, and I recommend it to all who enjoy romantic Christian fiction with holiday themes. I received a complimentary copy from the author and publisher. There was no obligation for a positive review.

A novella as sweet as southern tea is what you get when reading The Christmas Catch by author Toni Shiloh. NFL player Jahleel “Jay” Walker is back home in Georgia, recovering from a season-ending injury. He’s got a lot on his mind, dealing with what his future holds, a preacher father who is cold as ice, and the beautiful, kind next door neighbor he dated and dumped over a decade earlier. Divorcee Bebe Gordon is a wonderful mom to her seven year old daughter, but after the what she went through with Jay, then even worse from her ex-husband, she’s rightfully gun-shy as far as relationships go. But the sparks she and Jay had in high school didn’t seem to fade one bit. Jay’s throwing Bebe a Hail Mary, but will the Lord direct her to complete the catch for a future together, or are they destined to fumble? You will want to find out in The Christmas Catch, plus it has my favorite, an epilogue! I received a complimentary copy of this book, but my opinion is entirely my own.

The Christmas Catch is the perfect holiday read! Even though the temperature has been in the 90s here, I'm ready for Christmas after reading this novella. Bebe and Jahleel's second chance romance is adorable, and little Hope adds some fun, whimsical moments. I appreciated the reminder to be present in the moment and not forget how to live life because of past hurts. Overall, this is definitely a must-read for the upcoming holiday season! I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

This is a must read! It is a quick read (it's a novella) but is so sweet and Christmasy (hot chocolate, peppermint, Christmas trees, reindeer, lights, all the "things"). It's a joyful story and has all the feels! No spoilers but I love the relationships between the characters and even though there is some dissension it's not over the top and crazy. And there's little spiritual nuggets all throughout the book. Yet there is a realistic aspect to everything that happens and I adore the way the plot resolves. Great to get you in the Christmas spirit but honestly I would read this at any time of the year.

The Christmas Catch by award-winning author Toni Shiloh is a delightful holiday treat. Shiloh’s story of a second chance romance between Jay and Bebe is the perfect read to get you in the mood for the Christmas season. After reading this book in August, I was ready to get out my decorations and go shopping. Both Bebe and Jay experience familial relationship problems and tensions are high. Shiloh expertly deals with each of these issues and brings the entire story to a satisfying conclusion. I enjoyed this book very much and will put it on my “Reread each Christmas” list. I was given a copy by the publisher and was not required to give a positive review. All opinions are my own.

Ensure your Christmas TBR list includes The Christmas Catch, republished with a new title, cover facelift and added content. Toni Shiloh has once again written a book full of holiday cheer, depth, and a strong message of faith woven seamlessly through out. Readers will be refreshed by this football focused, high school sweethearts, second chance romance as they too consider whether or not to let life sideline them. This is a sweet Christmas read you’ll return to year after year.