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
In this installment, attorney Dan Raine has been retained by an old friend, a judge, who appears to have a sticky wicket with the apparent death of his son’s girlfriend in his upstairs study. Unfortunately, his son’s girlfriend is part of a large local crime family thought to run a number of deadly secrets.
Turning off the electrical delivery to many states could also result in catastrophic loss of goods and services. The loss of hospital services and transportation during the hottest days of summer could result in nearly 3600 deaths a day. Many seniors cannot live without cooler places to retreat to. Their bodies do not have the capacity to handle these issues. Read this book and be shocked by the eye-opening facts. 4.5 stars – CE Williams
Our trip to southern Illinois for her birthday found us exploring a botanical garden in Springfield, somewhat disappointing with not only the size but end of season flower displays. Usually, we love botanical gardens this time of year as they yield some interesting seeds (shush!), but there weren’t many of those yet either. We loved the bell tower though, the sound much like an active cathedral. Unusual trees—but unfortunately no name plates to tell us what they were. Also, our granddaughter arrived with her family to celebrate her mother’s birthday so we got to see our great-grandchildren. Good grief, have they grown!!
Punkin, now seven years old. She’s pretty much housebroken at this point. She’s allowed me to pet her a couple times—but not approach her unbidden. Unfortunately, she’ll likely never understand what a toy is. She enjoys going outside now—but only when she’s ready. Also, she’s decided my treadmill is a good place to relax. At least it gets some use.
Rosepoint Publishing 