Dashing Through the Snow: An On the Way to Christmas Novella

On the Way to Christmas

by Melissa Ferguson

When Willow's boyfriend of seven years dumps her on the eve of a romantic getaway, she decides to take the two-week train trip on The Christmas Express alone. Hurt as she feels, she can't anticipate how the hilarious rebound ride with conductor Oliver, elf Ian, and aging world adventurer Clarence will heal her heart--and renew her sense of worth.

Genres: Christmas, Holiday, Audiobook, Novella, Fiction

87 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 29, 2025

About the author

Bestselling author Melissa Ferguson lives in Tennessee, where she enjoys chasing her children and writing romantic comedies full of humor and heart. Her favorite hobby is taking friends and acquaintances and turning them into characters in her books without their knowledge.

Connect with her (and prepare for the possibility of becoming her next character) at:

Instagram: @our_friendly_farmhouse

TikTok: @ourfriendlyfarmhouse

Website: https://melissaferguson.com/

Reviews

[Bookworman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Delightful!

[Hilal Tunçkol · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story is cute, but it is pretty much all I can say about it.

Willow was dumped by her boyfriend, and she decided to lick her wounds on the Christman Express, or whatever the train was called. She meets lots of fun and odd people on board, such as Ian the elf, who was eating sugar everytime he got because apparently that how "elves" are supposed to eat, and he pouts when Willow doesn't want to eat any more sugar.

Yeah, he was weird...

Oliver, the love interest was fine, though. He was sweet and he and Willow understood each other. I guess. I wasn't given a lot of time with them, so this is the best I can do. This was a novella, after all, so I am guessing what is expected of me is to believe these two lived happily ever after.

[Christine B · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dashing Through the Snow is a romantically sweet Christmas novella! Willow has just been dumped by her boyfriend. Leaving it all behind, she sets out on a two week romantic Christmas train ride alone. Meeting new faces aboard she starts to heal. Can the gentle Oliver win her heart? Really loved this novella. It was so sweet and was just seeped with Christmastime! I will definitely be trying other works by this author! I received a digital copy of this book from NetGalley in trade for my honest opinion.

[Jennifer Wasko · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet short Christmas story which inspired me to add taking a train vacation onto my bucket list!!!

[Mackey · Rating 5 out of 5]

My read for "Xmas in July" and I absolutely loved it!

[K H · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would have to say this was an adorable short Christmas book. I really enjoyed how well it was written and how the correct characters figured out what they needed in the end.

[Amanda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nothing super exciting. Short, nice romance aboard a Christmas train.

[KWink]

Now I want to go on a cross-country trip by train. Seeing all the sights, visiting wild places, traveling by train, being with thoughtful and welcoming people… yes please!

[CeeCee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the perfect Christmas vibes romance. Such a beautiful story with lovable characters and the best setting ever. I definitely need to check out more books by this author.

[Hannah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very likable, but also very predictable.

[Jessica Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️

[Leah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Now I want to take a two week Christmas train across the country!

[Kendal Sheldon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a fun Christmas novella. This book made me want to take a cross-country train ride! The sights you could see of our beautiful country would be amazing all in one trip! Willow was super sweet and always thinking of others. Especially the way she truly cared for the elderly and making sure they were well cared for. The Christmas vibes on the train were very whimsical and it reminded me a little of the polar express. This was my first book by Melissa, and I can’t wait to read her backlist. 💕 Definitely read this one if you need a short and sweet Christmas novella.

FMC: Willow - Caretaker for elderly (Seattle)
MMC: Oliver - Train conductor (San Francisco)

What you’ll find:
🚂Single POV (hers)
🚂The Christmas Express
🚂Strangers to Friends to more
🚂Rebound
🚂Cross-Country Train Ride
🚂Clarence (elderly veteran)
🚂New Beginnings
🚂Travel the USA
🚂Christmas Novella

INFO:
📚: Standalone
🔹: Christmas Novella
📖: 87 pages; 🎧2hr 11min

CONTENT:
🌶️: Sweet kisses only
🤬: None
⚠️: None

[Amy Russell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Typical Melissa Ferguson. Funny, sweet, poignant, clean.