I love a good Christmas romance and I love Toni Shiloh's books...so put that together and you have a very entertaining read. Jahleel and Bebe were best friends when they were younger, dated as teens, then broke up when he went to college and wanted a football career. Now many years later when they are both back in their home town, they have a second shot at love. Toni's characters are always so real and I loved seeing how they learned to forgive one another and reconcile. Her faith-filled books are encouraging and always a blessing to read!

Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review. All opinions are my own.

Publication date: 24 September 2024

I’m not a huge fan of Christian fiction, but I’ve come to realize when it comes to holiday romances, it doesn’t quite matter. I will pick it up and smile about it. And that’s exactly what happened with this one.

I usually stay away from Christian fiction because its hard to be preached at. But when it’s surrounding a holiday, sometimes it doesn’t get too preachy. I read Shiloh’s other Christmas book last year and thought it did a good job separating it, so I decided to give this one a try too. This one worked as well. It focused more on the asking forgiveness for herself and himself. I liked that the preachy part and the moral lessons part was contained within the story. It didn’t seem that she was forcing any lessons on people as they read. It was more so she was teaching the characters. If that makes any sense at all.

The book is also a sports romance. He is injured in the very beginning and tears something in his knee. He is sent back to his old home to recover since they were there at the time. That’s really where the sports part ends. They do talk about his knee other times throughout the story, but it’s only to talk about how he’s recovering, so I guess it depends on how you define sports romance.

The romance was cute tho. This is Christian Fiction, so there is no spice, if anyone is wondering. But they do have a great relationship with their God and they do pray for each other and they prey for other things in their life as well. Both together and apart.

The only thing I didn’t love was the way everything lined up so completely perfect. It was like one thing after the other. I just thought there should have been some kind of conflict. It was just too easy for them. And yeah I get it, it’s fiction, but in all books there’s a main conflict in them. This one didn’t and that’s what made it weird.

This could most definitely be described as one of those Hallmark movies. But dare I say this one was better? The diversity makes it 100x’s better than those movies lol Going back to a small town and can’t remember why you ever left. And now you’re in love and can’t think about going back. The ending changes this a bit, but still, very on point. And I’d still prefer this one over the the same ones we see on Hallmark. I promise, if you pick this one up, you will too.

This was enjoyable. I thought it was a nice story. I’m not much into football so that was kind of not my thing. But the plot was good and the characters were good as well.

#BookReview: THE CHRISTMAS CATCH by Toni Shiloh

I thoroughly enjoyed this holiday read. It's a delightful blend of sweetness and fun, while also offering valuable lessons about forgiveness and trusting God. As a fan of second chance romances, I found it endearing to see Bebe give Jay another opportunity to prove his love for her. I particularly enjoyed the baking scene with Bebe, Jay, and Hope. It was a heartwarming and enjoyable moment, filled with hope. This would make a fantastic Hallmark movie.

Rating: 4 ⭐
Pub date: Sep 24 2024

Thank you Bethany House Publishers and #netgalley for the complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own.

Toni does it again with this sweet and swoony novella!
This was my first sports romance, and I am here for it. This Christmas read was a perfect way to cool down and beat the summer heat. I love the way Toni weaves faith into her stories, and this was no different. Can't wait to see what she writes next!
Thank you NetGalley, Toni Shiloh as well as Bethany House for the opportunity to read and review this advanced copy.

Toni Shiloh is a great author whose books I’ve enjoyed for quite a while now. We blogged together at Inspy Romance (now shuttered) for several years, and I’m happy to call her a friend!

That means I’ve read most? all? of her indie books as well as her more recent traditionally published books. And somehow I’d missed the fact that her new publisher had picked up some of her previous stories, had them re-edited and re-covered, then re-released them with a new title.

As I began to read The Christmas Catch, I thought… this sounds familiar. And it was, because I’d read it before. I wish that had been clear in the book description. Still a great story, and I can’t tell you how many changes there had been, since it’s been a while since I first read it, and my memory is a sieve.

I don’t tend to seek out sports romances. I don’t follow any sports in Real Life, either, so reading about training and games and fans and championships doesn’t hold a lot of appeal to me.

This story follows Jahleel after a career-ending injury, so while sports is very important to the story, it’s mostly in the background.

One of the things that fascinated me most was Jahleel’s tenuous relationship with his preacher father. His father had been extremely against his football career, and they’ve been estranged ever since. Through the course of the story they begin to understand each other, and their relationship begins to mend.

Bebe is a fascinating character, too. I enjoyed her and her daughter. I loved the way she and Jahleel were pushed together for the church’s Christmas festivities (that his father has a hard time relinquishing his grip on).

If you’re looking for just a splash of sports and a whole lot of Christmas cheer, check out The Christmas Catch (formerly A Sidelined Christmas, 2018)!

Sigh! This was a sweet, endearing, relatable and inspirational Christmas novella! Christmas stories is one of my favorite genre! There are suppose to highlight the spirit of Christmas: Jesus is the reason for the Season. And Jesus brought us joy and salvation, through sacrifice. This book is perfect in that way! It’s sweet, enjoyable, with relatable and endearing characters, and a faith inspired message! Bebe Gordon, now divorced, and raising her daughter as a single mother, feels a bit lost in what the future holds for her and Hope. One day, she unexpectedly reconnects with Jahleel Walker, his high school sweetheart and former love. The one who left her because his career in the NFL was more important than anything. Now Jahleel in back to his hometown after a serious injury while trying to lead his team to victory, which he did. But now, his future is uncertain. If he can’t play football anymore, what will he do? His dreams seem shattered. Plus, he’s now living again with his parents, and his relationship with his father is strained as he threw him out of the house because he never approved his choice of career. He reconnects con Bebe, being her neighbor again, and sooner than later, they realize that their feelings haven’t changed. But heir lives are so different. Can they find a way to a happily ever after? It was a delightful story! I enjoyed the Christmas details and traditions, it made me wish so much that Christmas was closer enough. Those holidays are the happiest of the year. The writing style is so good, it flows and you can read the book pretty quickly. The details make the book more vivid and helps you feel family of the main characters and root for their chance at a second and ultimate love. In spite of being a novella, the characters are well developed and they both had a journey of personal growth, spiritual growth, and forgiveness. The romance is so sweet and clean, it made me sigh at times. Love the meet-cute. Love that there’s humor in the story. The secondary characters are lovable as well: my favorite is Hope and her interactions with Jay and Bebe. She made me laugh at times. The faith thread is inspiring and thought provoking. I especially loved the theme of forgiveness, knowing one self better so that you can fight to be what God is calling your to do, and yes, trust in God, knowing that everything we have is because God gave it to us, undeservedly, and because his unconditional love for us’o. All in all, a wonderful Christmas story that will keep you reading until the end! Toni Shiloh rocks it once more with her charming yet realistic stories! I highly recommend this book. Even today! There no need to wait for the Christmas season. It’s the perfect way to prepare for the coming of our Savior. Get your jacket on and dive into this enjoyable Christian Romance of second chances. I received a complimentary copy of this book from the Publisher and was under no obligation to post a positive review. This is my honest and unbiased opinion.

This second chance romance has all the elements of a great Hallmark Christmas movie. There's the heroine who is fine on her own, but wouldn't mind someone who loves her. There's the sweet little girl who has spunk and charm. And there's the slightly brooding hero who needs to fix his past. They all come together over Christmas in the sweetest, hot chocolate infused way. A delightful read that is faith-infused in every way.

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.

This was a perfect Christmas romance- adorable, faith-filled, and sweet. I loved the main characters, their struggles, and how their faith played a role in each decision that was made.
I love that the story incorporates single-motherhood and second-chance romance! Highly recommended!

I really enjoyed this second chance at love sports romance. I liked how unexpected circumstances brought Bebe and Jahleel back together. I liked how they got to see each other as mature adults and were able to deal with their past. I liked how they saw who each other was now and got to love that person. I also liked to see the faith journey that they each went on throughout this story to find healing and to be together as a couple. I would recommend this book.

I received a complimentary book from publishers, publicists, and or authors.  A review was not required and all opinions and ideas expressed are my own.

“If someone is gracious enough to give me a second chance, I won’t need a third.” - Pete Rose

Jahleel's mindset towards his high school sweetheart, Bebe, was perfectly captured in the above quote. After a season-ending injury, Jahleel returned home only to find his former best friend back as well. With the help of God, he was determined to make amends and win her back for good.

This book is just perfect for anyone in search of a heartwarming second-chance romance to curl up with over the weekend.

This book is just like a nice warm hug on a cold day. Please just give me all the seasonal books. I just can’t get enough of them. I know it’s still a little early for most of you to read Christmas books, but I’m reading them for you so you know what to read when it really counts…and this is one of them!

There was so much I enjoyed about this book. The setting was fun, the importance of family and faith woven throughout, the main characters Bebe and Jay and of course Hope! It is a novella, which only adds to the list of reasons to read this. I admire authors who can write a good novella, it is so much harder to get everyone to fall in love with the characters and the story in a much shorter book. Toni Shiloh accomplished just that. Also, just look at this cover. It is just too good!

🏈 Sports Romance
🎅 Kisses only
🏈 Dual POV
🎅 Second chance/reunion
🏈 Uplifting Faith
🎅 Single mom

💚 Quote:
"Bebe Willabee."
The use of her maiden name brought her eyes back to his mouth, perfectly framed by his neatly edged beard and mustache.
The better to catch your eyes.
A goofy smile appeared on his face, "Don't you look like a fine Georgia peach."

❤️ Thank you to the author Toni Shiloh, NetGalley and Bethany House Fiction for the eARC and gifted physical copy of the book.

I enjoyed reading The Christmas Catch, a charming romance novella set in Georgia. Bebe was hurt by her cheating ex-husband and she struggles with his lack of interest in their seven-year-old daughter, Hope. Bebe’s renting her childhood home and her next door neighbours are Jahleel’s parents. Bebe and Jahleel were high school sweethearts who split up when Jahleel left town to go to college and pursue his NFL career aspirations.

The story opens with Jahleel moving back in with his parents to recover from injuries that threaten his NFL playing career. We journey with Bebe and Jahleel as they work through their issues and rediscover their old friendship that could become something more. I loved Hope’s optimistic attitude and her situation pulled on my heart strings. I appreciated how the characters prayed and sought His wisdom. I recommend The Christmas Catch to contemporary romance readers who like second chances and single parent Christmas romance novellas with an adorable seven-year-old and a strong faith element in the story.

Many thanks to Bethany House and NetGalley for the advanced reader copy.

I have never been disappointed by a Toni Shiloh book and The Christmas Catch was certainly no exception. I absolutely adored this story. I originally read this book when the author indie published it but it has since had an internal and external makeover thanks to Bethany House. The new cover is so cute and fun, and the inside is filled with so much goodness too! The Christmas Catch makes for a super cute and relatively quick read with plenty of the Christmas feels. There’s talk of Christmas decorations, cookie baking, Christmas music, a reindeer farm, and so much more. It’s a great read any time, but definitely worth adding to your Christmas TBR.

In addition to festive Christmas vibes is a heartwarming second chance romance. The fact that Bebe and Jahleel had known each other so long definitely helped the plot line because it otherwise may have felt too rushed, but I didn't feel that way at all. Their chemistry was great and I actually enjoyed that there was some tension about them giving their relationship a second chance, but there was not some huge drama fueled blow up that tends to happen in romance novels. I also enjoyed the sweet innocence of Bebe’s daughter. If you have never read a Toni Shiloh book, you should. Start with any of them because you can't go wrong.

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!!

This book was so cute and I love how the author incorporates the best most realistic parts of the holiday season to make it whimsical but also have that Hallmark vibe. You’ll be dancing to the Temptations and relaxing to Toni Braxton! To say I’m obsessed is an understatement, and I’ll be adding that popcorn recipe to my real life eats. Jahleel and Bebe are a delight even if I did not so secretly want to see her punch Will.

Another delightful, heartwarming Christmas romance from Toni Shiloh! The Christmas Catch was a fun, second chance, girl next door romance with a handsome pro football player & a darling single mom. I thoroughly enjoyed this tender romance filled with faith, personal growth, repaired relationships, & lots of Christmas cheer.

Lucille “Bebe” Gordon is living in her childhood home with her daughter Hope after her divorce three years ago. Her world is turned upside down when her old high school sweetheart returns to Peachwood Bay, Georgia after a serious football injury looking as amazing as ever. Though she resents him for breaking up with her years ago, it hurts even more to know that their long standing friendship ended too. Now that he’s back, Bebe has to decide if she’s willing to risk another broken heart.

Jahleel Walker is forced to return to his parents’ home after a career ending injury takes him out of the football season. It’s the last place he wants to be considering his strained relationship with his preacher father. As he recovers, he’s surprised to find Bebe, the woman he never forgot living in her parents’ home next door. With lots of time on his hands, he does a lot of soul searching & decides he wants to rekindle his relationship with her, but what happens when he has to return to Texas. Will he be willing to give her up all over again?

I thoroughly enjoyed this story! It’s a quick read, charming novella with all the Christmas feels. I loved seeing “Jay” & Bebe rekindle their friendship & romance. Their history makes their relationship all the more enjoyable as they easily slip back into their familiar jokes & closeness. Bebe’s daughter Hope is an endearing seven year old who tugs on your heartstrings. I enjoyed seeing Jay taking such an active interest in her & supporting her not only because of her mother, but because he wants to really be there for her. I also appreciated the reconciliation that takes place between Jay & his father.

There were so many swoon worthy, touching moments with endearing characters who feel like friends. The author also weaves a beautiful faith narrative throughout that brings a spirit of forgiveness & second chances especially at Christmas time. Highly recommend to contemporary romance & romcom fans! I received an advanced complementary copy from the author & publisher. All opinions are my own & voluntarily provided.

The Christmas Catch gives all the holiday feels!! Toni Shiloh always gives the hallmark romance feel in her stories. These Characters felt like friends and left wanting more.

Such a cute story! Jay is hurt during his NFL career and returns to his home town to recover. He reconnects with his high school sweetheart, who has become a mother. Also has to deal with his minister father who is extremely nuts and overbearing! Cute love story with some football and Christmas balls thrown in.