Thoughts
Yes, this is the last list of Christmas favorites for the season and then I’ll leave it up to you.
Today I’m presenting two: One is a novel turned into a movie and the other a surprisingly sweet Christmas movie that the CE picked out. (Of course, he is the romantic in the house, so you might suspect it’ll be predictable. It is.)
Christmas Book
The Christmas Train by David Baldacci
October 28, 2014
Publisher: Grand Central Publishing
ASIN: B001GUXJN8
What, you say? A Baldacci Christmas book? Yes, and you know I couldn’t resist requesting this one from my favorite library as I know and enjoy Baldacci books. Well, this one doesn’t disappoint.
It’s Christmas. Don’t expect it to be a heavy thriller. It’s easy reading. Lots of engaging characters from the wacky old lady to the main character, Tom Langdon, a journalist riding the rails of Twain’s historical account.
This is a disillusioned journalist (ex-war correspondent) who is trying to get to LA by Christmas to see his lady but aggravatingly enough, runs into the one he really loves, coincidentally on the same train. (Yeah, I know…but you have to have a little romance.)
I might have enjoyed a bit more on the scenery—it was a fascinating route—but loved the info on trains. Interestingly enough, it’s also my second Christmas review with a train as the first character, Meet Me at the Christmas Train Parade, the first.
It’s supposed to be a feel-good story—it’s the holidays. So it’s full of whimsical characters, a predictable plot, nice pace, and GULP! An avalanche! (Spoiler: The movie? It’s Hallmark. No one will die.)
I kept having to remind myself that this is the same Baldacci who writes “those” thrillers. Who knew? Add this one to your holiday TBR list. Read it—or watch the movie. (I must admit I haven’t seen the movie yet, but that is now on my holiday to be watched list.) So it’s a light-hearted romp on a holiday train—read it for the fun, the characters, and the little mystery that is satisfactorily solved at the end. We do love our happily ever afters!
The Movie – The Christmas Train
November 25, 2017
Starring Dermot Mulroney as Tom Langdon and Kimberly Williams-Paisley as Eleanor Carter with Danny Glover as Max Powers
The Christmas Train – available on the Hallmark Channel as well as streaming services (except Netflix) and subscription services such as Amazon Prime Video, Ruku, and Hulu.
The Movie – The Family Holiday
December 4, 2007
Starring Dave Coulier as Donald “Doc’ Holiday and Alexa Fischer as Elizabeth Rogers
This is supposed to be a “romantic” family comedy about a con man who owes money to the mob. Here’s the rub. He’s supposed to come into a twenty-million-dollar inheritance but must prove he has a family and is now an upright citizen. Oh, gawd…
Don’t look at me—this is a CE pick. I told you he was a romantic! So, how did I manage to get through the hour and a half movie? Really, I’m not sure, but I found myself hooked. It was the kids.
Must have been!
No, really, these are two cute kids. And a dog. yes! The dog!
Entirely predictable: Pretty woman comes to audition for a supposed nanny position, stays for… Well, now she’s stuck. The kids are cute and have more sense. The boy wants to split, but the little girl wants a family. And he needs the 20 mil.
Will this tug at your heartstrings? You betcha. Just look at those eyes. (Yes, the dog.)
This is one you can sit down with your own kids and watch. Silly, predictable, simple, a trope you’ve seen before. But the characters are sweet. Except for Doc of course. His transformation to family man is a bit unbelievable, but, hey, it’s Christmas. Miracles do happen.
The Family Holiday is available on Netflix.
©2025 V Williams
Rosepoint Publishing 