The Gist:
When journalist Tom Langdon
embarks on a cross-country trip by train one Christmas season, he expects to
have a chance to enjoy a leisurely journey while researching his next
projects. Little does he know, this
trip will change his life. While
onboard the two trains, he encounters a group of quirky, lovable (for the most
part) characters that will change his view of life entirely.
This story is jam
packed with everything, romance, suspense, comedy, drama, and a lot of
heart. Readers join Tom through
battles with a horrible entitled lawyer, history lessons from long-time train
employees, and lessons in what is truly important from two star-crossed lovers,
a gospel singer, and a choir from the wrong side of the tracks.
What I thought:
Buy this book now- you will
thank me later! This is a story
for anyone looking to get into that feeling of Christmas euphoria that we all
yearn for this time of year. It is
a really good story- nothing too deep, but it flooded me with happiness, and
left me satisfied at the end.
I do have to warn that if you are a “happy-book” kind
of person with not much interest in history, (like me) you might wonder why I
recommended this book when you start.. stick with it- the story will captivate
you quickly, but there is a tiny bit of train history at the start which might
make you question what kind of story that I’ve gotten you into.
Mr. Baldacci is
an amazing storyteller. I love it
when you pick up a story to read, but upon reflection find that you were so
invested in the characters and situations that you actually feel as though you
lived the experience with them.
The main character of Tom Langdon is a very likable every-man
(reminiscent of George Bailey), who you can’t help but root for. All of the other passengers from
Eleanor, Tom’s long-lost love, to Agnes Joe a large, loud woman who rides the
train for companionship, to Max Powers, a well-known Hollywood director leap
off of the pages and make me want to book a train ticket today.
Authors that can
successfully merge different genres into one amazing and cohesive story always
impress me, and this story does just that. You will run a full gamut of emotions from swooning to
laughter to nail biting suspense, and emerge on the other side fully in the
Christmas spirit. Get cozy under a
blanket, turn on some quiet Christmas music and get ready to take a ride on The
Christmas Train.
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