The Christmas Catch

Author: Toni Shiloh
Genre: Contemporary Holiday Romance
Pages: 224
Release Date: September 24, 2024
Publisher: Bethany House

When two high school sweethearts reunite, will they take another chance at love or let life sideline them at Christmas?

Benched with a career-ending injury, NFL wide receiver Jahleel Walker is forced to return to his hometown of Peachwood Bay, Georgia, during the holidays to heal, despite his rocky relationship with his father. Nothing shocks him more than running into Lucille "Bebe" Gordon.

Bebe Gordon came home to Peachwood Bay three years ago with a divorce certificate and her daughter. When Jahleel returns--for the first time in eight years--all the memories of the past come rushing back. The connection between them is still strong, but Jahleel has no plans to stay in Peachwood Bay, and Bebe won't risk him leaving her again. As their hometown's Christmas festivities bring them together, Jahleel must decide if he's only home for the holidays or if the Christmas spirit that brought them together will last all through the year.

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Reviewer: Monica Huyser

The Christmas Catch by Toni Shiloh is described on the cover as "a sweet holiday novella." I have to admit every year, I look forward to the latest Christmas novellas as they are usually quick and uplifting reads. This one is exactly that.

NFL Wide Receiver Jahleel "Jay" Walker injures his knee at a big football game and returns to his hometown to heal. Bebe Gordon is back in her hometown with her daughter, Hope, following a divorce. At one time, Jay and Bebe were an item but Jay left town to follow his football dream. Can they heal from past hurts and forge a new relationship?

It is fun to watch Jay and Bebe renew their relationship in The Christmas Catch. At the same time, both characters have some challenges. Bebe has an ex-husband who wants nothing to do with his daughter and has a new wife. Jay is struggling with a relationship with his father and healing old wounds with his dad. He also has a knee to heal and is wondering if he will heal enough to be able to play football again. 

There is also a spiritual element in the book as the couple works with other church members to put on a community Christmas celebration. I thought their struggles seemed real. 

The relationship did move kind of fast but the couple was already well acquainted with each other too, which made it make sense. I am not a big football fan but I could follow all of that easily. I also enjoyed the secondary characters in the family members and friends. The Christmas Catch was indeed a quick and enjoyable holiday read.

I received a copy of this book from Revell through Interviews & Reviews. All opinions are my own.

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Reviewer: Linda Klager

Bebe Gordon’s husband decided he did not want to be married anymore. They had a young daughter together. This husband found a new love and completely ignored his daughter. He acts like she was never born. How sad!

Jahleel Walker was an NFL wide receiver. In his last game, he caught the football only to be crushed by his opponent and Jahleel became badly injured. His football career was over. He lived and breathed football. He came back to his hometown to recuperate and decide what his future would be.

Bebe and Jahleel were high school sweethearts. Their careers took them away from each other. Bebe and Jahleel never really forgot the love that they shared.   

There was a lot of terminology about football, and fans of the game would enjoy this novella. Bebe and her daughter were huge football fans, so Bebe would eventually get together with Jahleel again. This was a very sweet romance, done very tastefully.

I enjoy reading stories that feature Christmas and our Savior’s birthday.

I received a copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers via Interviews & Reviews.  

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