The Road to Christmas - by Sheila Roberts

The Road to Christmas by Sheila Roberts is a sweet holiday novel. I look forward to reading Sheila Roberts’ latest Christmas story each year. The Road to Christmas has family members traveling to Idaho for Christmas. Julia, Max and Michelle’s youngest daughter, has invited everyone to her new home for the holidays. Max and Michelle are traveling from Washington. It is guaranteed to be a tense trip since the two have been sniping at each other and are weeks away from separating forever. Hazel and Warren, Julia’s grandparents, are traveling from Oregon. The trip gets off to a messy start. Audrey and Shyla, Julia’s sisters, are traveling from California. A flat tire turns into an unexpected blessing for the sisters. I thought the story was well-written with steady pacing. The characters and situations were realistic. I could picture each of the incidents happening to me or one of my family members (one was similar to an experience I had one year). I enjoyed the beautiful descriptions of Leavenworth, Washington. It is a picturesque town during the holidays. I loved the ending which had me smiling. The Road to Christmas shows us how “mishaps can turn into golden opportunities.” This is a story that will get you in the mood for the holidays (is September too early to put up the Christmas tree). The Road to Christmas is about family, forgiveness, second chances, and happiness. There is nothing better than a story that makes you laugh. The Road to Christmas is a special holiday tale with a holiday invite, squabbling sisters, a snowstorm shut down, parent problems, ticker troubles, a car misfortune, and red velvet lava.

As I’ve said many times before, I have yet to meet a Sheila Roberts book that I didn’t love and this one is no exception. She has a special touch when she writes her yearly Christmas book. This one centers around family members traveling from different locations to a daughter/granddaughter/sister’s home in the dead of winter trying to beat the snow. Adventures await them all. One is hospitalized, two are in a near collision with a semi, two others have a flat and no hotel reservations that they thought were confirmed and Julia and family they are all traveling toward begins worrying. A reconciliation, a new love and an agreement to a needed surgery that has been avoided, all add up to circumstances that bring joy and thankfulness to this Christmas family’s celebration. There is always heartwarming feelings, humor and a little happy crying when I read any book by this author. A must read to get ready for the Christmas season and put happiness in your heart! I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author but was not required to write a review positive or otherwise.

Sheila Roberts never disappoints and with this newest story, she's topped even herself. This is the hilarious story of a family trying to come together to celebrate the holidays with one obstacle after another that tests their resolve and endurance. Will they make it? Each member of the family faces different challenges. I was especially fond of Hazel and Warren, they are seriously funny and relatable.

I practically inhaled this book! Although it’s marketed as a Christmas book - and it IS that - it’s also a “signature Sheila Roberts book”, which means it’s sweet, funny, and heartwarming. The plot weaves throughout the hearts and lives of an assortment of characters that are SO relatable! We “know” these people; we ARE these people!! The story follows different family members as they all make their way - driving - to gather for Christmas. It’ll be fun, right?? Driving hundreds of miles in December, in the Pacific Northwest … what could go wrong? Every detail, every situation, every conversation resonates with the reader on different levels. Great dialog, a bit of tugging-at-the-heartstrings, sibling rivalry, a marriage headed for an unhappily-ever-after, and, oh yeah! Grandpa forgets his heart meds at home! Fasten your seatbelts, you don’t want to miss this road trip to Christmas!

Christmas came early and all thanks to this author! I absolutely loved the characters in this book. I 100% could see myself and hubby within them! I laughed shed a tear or maybe more than one. A true way to get into the hoilday spirit! I will be adding this book to my early gift giving this holiday season. A must read a must buy a must!