Book Review: Holiday Romance by Catherine Walsh

Fitzpatrick Christmas (Book 1)

This book is part of my 10 Christmas Books For This Holiday Season – 2022.

Holiday Romance by Catherine Walsh is a hilarious romantic comedy about two long-time friends with an interesting Christmas time tradition. What a chaotic adventure, when their straight flight to Ireland turns into a three-day trip 😅.

My Overview

Molly and Andrew have an interesting friendship. For the last ten years, they’ve been flying from Chicago to Ireland together. It’s the only time they see each other throughout the year, so their annual flight has become a tradition neither has wanted to break. Once they arrive in Ireland, they each go their separate ways to celebrate Christmas time with their families. Those seven hours of flight time, though, have become a meaningful time for their friendship.

It’s an interesting premise for their story, and it had me interested from the very beginning. What really got my attention and kept me engaged throughout, though, were Molly and Andrew. They’re witty, clever, and total opposites! Molly is an attorney, competitive, and doesn’t care much for Christmas. Andrew is a photographer, easy-going, and loves all things Christmas.

When their flight to Dublin is cancelled, what could’ve been the first time Molly and Andrew would spend Christmas in Chicago, wasn’t. Not one to give up, Molly takes it upon herself to get Andrew to Dublin so he could spend Christmas with his family, no matter what. What ensues is a chaotic string of trips and mishaps, which turns what should’ve been a seven hour and fifteen minute flight into three days of travel. As tiring and expensive as it was for Molly and Andrew, their plight to get to Dublin in time for Christmas is super entertaining! 🚕✈️🚊🛳️

This story worked well for me, because it has everything I look for in a good rom-com:

• Witty banter
• Funny and awkward situations
• Great setting
• Strong supporting characters

The story toggles between present, and back to each of their previous flights together. It’s through those flashbacks to previous flights, that we learn a lot about Molly and Andrew. We learn about them as individuals, and also about the dynamics and progression of their friendship. Through their travels in present time, we see them change as individuals, and their relationship changes too. I enjoyed the toggling between past and present, because it added depth to Molly and Andrew. Add to that their endearing family members, and it all worked well to keep the storyline engaging and entertaining.

Do you love holiday movies? So do Molly and Andrew! Home Alone, Home Alone 2: New York, and Elf are mentioned in this story 😉.

My Recommendation

What a great way to kick off my holiday reading! The story really is “a totally hilarious and unforgettable Christmas romantic comedy“, as the blurb suggests. This is my first book by Catherine Walsh, and now I can’t wait to read more from her. I listened to the audiobook and highly recommend it.