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Christmas in Garland Collection #6
Journey to Christmas
Love wasn’t on the map … but a little detour never hurt anyone.
Desperate to prove that moving home won’t ruin her social media popularity, Felicity Pruitt is preparing for what she hopes will be a successful rebrand. Her content calendar is organized with charming, small-town events, and she’s even lined up a new on-screen boyfriend to increase viewership. There’s just one problem … she’s falling in love with the wrong guy.
Shane Abernathy only agreed to help Felicity move because he needed some extra money. He never expected the jolt of attraction for her. But a lifetime of shame from living in the shadow of his father’s bad reputation has convinced him that getting involved with Felicity would only lead to trouble, despite their mutual interest.
Felicity craves the spotlight and validation from her online fans, while Shane prefers a quiet life away from the judgment of others. As their feelings for each other deepen, they must navigate their differences and the major business decisions surrounding them and decide if their love is worth fighting for.
Loosely inspired by Shrek and set against the backdrop of a cozy Christmas season, Journey to Christmas is an unforgettable love story full of faith, laughter, and friendship.
Desperate to prove that moving home won’t ruin her social media popularity, Felicity Pruitt is preparing for what she hopes will be a successful rebrand. Her content calendar is organized with charming, small-town events, and she’s even lined up a new on-screen boyfriend to increase viewership. There’s just one problem … she’s falling in love with the wrong guy.
Shane Abernathy only agreed to help Felicity move because he needed some extra money. He never expected the jolt of attraction for her. But a lifetime of shame from living in the shadow of his father’s bad reputation has convinced him that getting involved with Felicity would only lead to trouble, despite their mutual interest.
Felicity craves the spotlight and validation from her online fans, while Shane prefers a quiet life away from the judgment of others. As their feelings for each other deepen, they must navigate their differences and the major business decisions surrounding them and decide if their love is worth fighting for.
Loosely inspired by Shrek and set against the backdrop of a cozy Christmas season, Journey to Christmas is an unforgettable love story full of faith, laughter, and friendship.
Unknown Binding
Published October 20, 2025
3 people are currently reading
34 people want to read
About the author
A.M. Heath
24 books358 followersBesides being an Indie Author, I’m a wife, mother of four, ladies’ Sunday School teacher, sweet tea drinker, history fanatic, romantic, bubbly, lover of broccoli, and a retired cake decorator who has a soft spot for Christmas trees, Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, and sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ.
After years of watching Murder She Wrote, I’ve partnered with my best friend to write Christian cozy mysteries under the pen name Chelsea Michelle. What I’m not is a laundress (or at least not one who keeps up very well), tall, or patient in a doctor’s office.
After years of watching Murder She Wrote, I’ve partnered with my best friend to write Christian cozy mysteries under the pen name Chelsea Michelle. What I’m not is a laundress (or at least not one who keeps up very well), tall, or patient in a doctor’s office.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
October 27, 2025
4.7 stars (5/10 hearts). I don’t know what it was about this story, but it was just such a blast! First off, I really liked the characters. Both were super realistic and relatable, and honestly their problems ended up somewhat similar, which I loved. Shane is SUCH a great guy, and Felicity was so pitiful <3 and it was really cool to have a social media influencer x mechanic. Landon was really nice, briefly as he appeared, and I loved Drew! Also, it was really fun to recognize a few places around Garland ;) and the road-trip setting is just... I don’t know, so fun! The themes were epic, and overall, it's just a fun, intriguing story with the right amount of depth and humour. :) I've never watched "Shrek," but this loose reimagining makes me want to ;)
*I received a complimentary copy of this book for promotional purposes. I was not required to write a positive review. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.*
*I received a complimentary copy of this book for promotional purposes. I was not required to write a positive review. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.*
December 15, 2025
I really look forward to each installment of A.M. Heath's Christmas in Garland series. This one was wonderful and showcased your identity being in Christ. It had plenty of Christmas feels a sweet romatic moments.
December 27, 2025
I don’t read a lot of “rom coms” but I love the Garland series. Anita’s writing style is def my type. She makes me laugh, but there’s also always some depth, AND I can connect to the characters even if we are different. That is good writing!
This story was so sweet. The romance was just right (only a few nondescript kisses, some hugging/ some noticing). The theme in this story is finding our value in Christ. I love that it wasn’t the romantic interest that did the “rescuing”! In real life, Jesus truly is the answer to finding fulfillment ❤️
Per usual I found all the characters likable, even if they made some stupid choices along the way—I’m talking about Felicity mostly 😂 (but I didn’t dislike her). The side character Drew was my definitely my favorite! He stole the show a few times 😜, but I also respected Shane a lot, too.
Loved the end! It was perfect!
Another wonderful edition to the series ❤️
This story was so sweet. The romance was just right (only a few nondescript kisses, some hugging/ some noticing). The theme in this story is finding our value in Christ. I love that it wasn’t the romantic interest that did the “rescuing”! In real life, Jesus truly is the answer to finding fulfillment ❤️
Per usual I found all the characters likable, even if they made some stupid choices along the way—I’m talking about Felicity mostly 😂 (but I didn’t dislike her). The side character Drew was my definitely my favorite! He stole the show a few times 😜, but I also respected Shane a lot, too.
Loved the end! It was perfect!
Another wonderful edition to the series ❤️
December 14, 2025
I very much enjoyed this Shrek-inspired story! Both Felicity and Shane were super interesting characters and I was rooting for both Felicity as she figured out her social media life and Shane with his reputation.
There were some good Christian-themes gems in this story.
And Drew! He was hilarious. Even though I didn’t know all the songs, I appreciated that aspect of the story.
There were some good Christian-themes gems in this story.
And Drew! He was hilarious. Even though I didn’t know all the songs, I appreciated that aspect of the story.
October 21, 2025
This was such a fun story! I’ve enjoyed Anita Heath’s books for years, and eagerly anticipate her Christmas story when it is finally ready to come out. Although It Came Upon a Midnight Clear is still my favorite of her Christmas stories, this book had one of my all-time favorite characters in it. (If you haven’t met Drew yet, you’re in for a treat—he’s hilarious!)
I loved both Shane and Felicity. I felt like I struggled to connect with Felicity to some extent—just because our personalities and perspectives on social media are so different—but I could understand where she was coming from, so I appreciated where she was at. Plus, the awkwardness surrounding what she was trying to do…it just made for solid comedy!
If you enjoy rom-coms, where the comedy keeps you laughing all the way through (it did for me, anyway!), you’ll likely love this book. There’s also a solid faith element in here, which I loved. At one point, a character was talking about his experience as a foster child, and something he realized about God then. It both broke me and melted my heart…seeing the vulnerability of the character, and the joy of knowing the truth. It was beautiful.
Recommended for anyone looking for a lighthearted faith-based story with some sweet romance, a Christmasy atmosphere, and the good old-fashioned comedy-of-errors type of humor!
I was given a complimentary copy of this book, and this is my honest opinion of it.
I loved both Shane and Felicity. I felt like I struggled to connect with Felicity to some extent—just because our personalities and perspectives on social media are so different—but I could understand where she was coming from, so I appreciated where she was at. Plus, the awkwardness surrounding what she was trying to do…it just made for solid comedy!
If you enjoy rom-coms, where the comedy keeps you laughing all the way through (it did for me, anyway!), you’ll likely love this book. There’s also a solid faith element in here, which I loved. At one point, a character was talking about his experience as a foster child, and something he realized about God then. It both broke me and melted my heart…seeing the vulnerability of the character, and the joy of knowing the truth. It was beautiful.
Recommended for anyone looking for a lighthearted faith-based story with some sweet romance, a Christmasy atmosphere, and the good old-fashioned comedy-of-errors type of humor!
I was given a complimentary copy of this book, and this is my honest opinion of it.
October 21, 2025
⭐️ 4.5 stars, rounded up to 5 ⭐️
When I saw that this was a Christian Christmas book, that just so happened to also be inspired by Shrek....I was intrigued, and also a little skeptical. But it worked so well and I ended up loving it! The romance was sweet and very clean, the characters were relatable and likeable (and had character growth for the better - my favorite!), the story was fast paced which made it a very easy binge read (I may have ended up staying up past 3 AM finishing it and writing this review 🤭), and I also loved the faith elements scattered throughout.
If you're looking for a clean, cute, and fun read that feels like a Hallmark Christmas movie (with a bunch of different song references interspersed throughout the story) then this is the book for you!
Thank you so much to the author for the ARC copy of this book. All opinions in this review are voluntary and my own. 😊
Content: sweet and clean romance, hugging, cuddling, some kisses (not detailed)
When I saw that this was a Christian Christmas book, that just so happened to also be inspired by Shrek....I was intrigued, and also a little skeptical. But it worked so well and I ended up loving it! The romance was sweet and very clean, the characters were relatable and likeable (and had character growth for the better - my favorite!), the story was fast paced which made it a very easy binge read (I may have ended up staying up past 3 AM finishing it and writing this review 🤭), and I also loved the faith elements scattered throughout.
If you're looking for a clean, cute, and fun read that feels like a Hallmark Christmas movie (with a bunch of different song references interspersed throughout the story) then this is the book for you!
Thank you so much to the author for the ARC copy of this book. All opinions in this review are voluntary and my own. 😊
Content: sweet and clean romance, hugging, cuddling, some kisses (not detailed)
December 30, 2025
Ever since I first visited Garland in Project Scrooge, I have looked forward to heading back in A.M. Heath's Christmas in Garland series. I was really intrigued when I learned that this newest story, Journey to Christmas, was loosely inspired by Shrek.
Felicity has been living in Knoxville, but has found it necessary to move back to Garland, moving in with her grandmother who isn't a huge fan of Felicity's choice of career. So, it's already not a great situation. Then, her brother, who was supposed to help her move, is unable to help, and arranges for Shane Abernathy to help, along with another friend, Drew. Problem is, Shane doesn't have the greatest reputation because of the family he was born into. Even though he is trying to make something of himself, he can't see his own worth because of his background.
Felicity also has issues to work through. Her whole life has been revolving around her social media presence, which isn't real.
I really enjoyed seeing their relationship evolve. But even more, I loved the way they see their value in Christ.
And, I have to mention that I just loved Drew, and the song references, and the humor.
And of course, I mentioned that I love being able to visit the small town of Garland, and just love the cozy feel of the town and its Christmas traditions.
I absolutely love this series, and this newest book, and was so excited when I leared that the author has more books planned for this series.
I received an e-copy of this book as a member of the launch team and was not required to write a favorable review. These are my own honest thoughts.
Felicity has been living in Knoxville, but has found it necessary to move back to Garland, moving in with her grandmother who isn't a huge fan of Felicity's choice of career. So, it's already not a great situation. Then, her brother, who was supposed to help her move, is unable to help, and arranges for Shane Abernathy to help, along with another friend, Drew. Problem is, Shane doesn't have the greatest reputation because of the family he was born into. Even though he is trying to make something of himself, he can't see his own worth because of his background.
Felicity also has issues to work through. Her whole life has been revolving around her social media presence, which isn't real.
I really enjoyed seeing their relationship evolve. But even more, I loved the way they see their value in Christ.
And, I have to mention that I just loved Drew, and the song references, and the humor.
And of course, I mentioned that I love being able to visit the small town of Garland, and just love the cozy feel of the town and its Christmas traditions.
I absolutely love this series, and this newest book, and was so excited when I leared that the author has more books planned for this series.
I received an e-copy of this book as a member of the launch team and was not required to write a favorable review. These are my own honest thoughts.
October 28, 2025
Loved Shane and Felicity's story!! Shane's been living in the shadow of his father all his life, and it's not been good. Though he's nothing like his father, and he's trying to make something of himself, Shane lives with the shame of his past. Felicity feels like no one sees her, and that she's a bother to everyone around her. She doesn't have "in-person" friends, and has a hard time separating herself from her online persona. She calls her social media followers her friends. When Felicity's brother can't keep his promise to help her move back home, he tells her he's found someone who will help. When she finds out it's Shane, Felicity isn't sure how things will work. Then, Drew offers to go along and help out. When they end up having to take longer for the move, sparks start to fly. Even then, Shane is sure it could never work out. However, the more he hears other people telling him the truth, that God loves him, that he's worthy of being loved, and that he's not his father, the more Shane starts to believe it. When Felicity finally figures out that she is seen, and not just online, she realizes that she needs to change, too. Love how these two work things out!!
I received a complimentary copy of this book, was not required to leave a review, and the opinion expressed is my own.
I received a complimentary copy of this book, was not required to leave a review, and the opinion expressed is my own.
November 7, 2025
A beautiful sweet romance! I have loved this author’s books for years now and it doesn’t matter if it is a Christmas Romance or a Historical Romance.
I loved Felicity and Shane and the other characters too. I laughed when funny things happened like when she got into Shane’s truck and basically all it would do was run. She kept asking if this worked or that worked. This was close to the start of the book or I wouldn’t have put it in my review. Lots of things happened but I’m not telling everything.
I also was rooting for Felicity to do good with her social media job even though Grandma didn’t like it.
As always this author writes a faith based story. This one just happens to be based on Shrek. I have only seen bits and pieces of Shrek but now I need to find time to watch it all the way through.
If you like a great and fun Christmas story that has romance in it I recommend this one.
I received a copy of this book from the author but I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.
I loved Felicity and Shane and the other characters too. I laughed when funny things happened like when she got into Shane’s truck and basically all it would do was run. She kept asking if this worked or that worked. This was close to the start of the book or I wouldn’t have put it in my review. Lots of things happened but I’m not telling everything.
I also was rooting for Felicity to do good with her social media job even though Grandma didn’t like it.
As always this author writes a faith based story. This one just happens to be based on Shrek. I have only seen bits and pieces of Shrek but now I need to find time to watch it all the way through.
If you like a great and fun Christmas story that has romance in it I recommend this one.
I received a copy of this book from the author but I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.
October 22, 2025
Three unlikely friends
Social influencer Felicity is dismayed to learn that mechanic Shane, a member of her hometown’s most shunned family, has been asked to help her move her belongings from Knoxville back to Garland and that his friend, Drew, will also accompany them.
Unforeseen circumstances and the details they each reveal about their difficult childhood years unite this trio into a potential friendship, which is put to the test by continued complications.
Ms Heath’s newest novella is a tender, strongly faith-based holiday story featuring loveable characters with self-esteem concerns, which result in serious life-changing discussions, and some laugh-out-loud humour, mostly provided by Drew.
This is my honest opinion of an ARC I received from the author.
Social influencer Felicity is dismayed to learn that mechanic Shane, a member of her hometown’s most shunned family, has been asked to help her move her belongings from Knoxville back to Garland and that his friend, Drew, will also accompany them.
Unforeseen circumstances and the details they each reveal about their difficult childhood years unite this trio into a potential friendship, which is put to the test by continued complications.
Ms Heath’s newest novella is a tender, strongly faith-based holiday story featuring loveable characters with self-esteem concerns, which result in serious life-changing discussions, and some laugh-out-loud humour, mostly provided by Drew.
This is my honest opinion of an ARC I received from the author.
October 22, 2025
Felicity is living her life vicariously through, through a blog post, and doesn’t even realize it until she moves back home. She thinks “well, I can do this work from anywhere”, but she loses her fake boyfriend by moving home. Can she find someone willing to play the part for her in her hometown? It’s not looking good for her, but there’s always hope! Read this delightful and entrancing book for a wonderful time of joy and peace!
October 14, 2025
Another wonderful book in the Christmas in Garland series. These can be read as stand-alones, but there are locations and characters from past books that will show up, so it's fun to read them in the order they were published. I recommend this one for anyone who enjoys Christian Christmas books. An enjoyment of Hallmark movies isn't required, but if you like them, you'll adore this series.
November 28, 2025
This is such a fun Christmas story!! I love the Christmas in Garland books and this one was no different. Shane, Felicity, and Drew were a great bunch to spend the holidays with. I loved the connections with the Shrek movies. Even if you don't know or enjoy the Shrek movies, you will enjoy this book.
November 3, 2025
This kindle book was really enjoyable and good reading really looking forward to reading a print copy of the book hated to put this page turner down and this book can be read anytime not just around Christmas time
I highly recommend this book
Will read this book again hopefully in print
I highly recommend this book
Will read this book again hopefully in print
November 26, 2025
I love these Garland Christmas stories. And this latest one is amazing! The main characters learn who they are as they fall in love. A very thought provoking plot.
October 27, 2025
This is a powerful story about overcoming family stigma and pain by clinging to our identity in Christ. I love that A.M. Heath delivers another stunning Christmas in Garland book that doesn’t shy away from tough issues, like alcoholism or seeking affirmation from the wrong places, while sharing the hope of Christmas. Felicity and Shane have past and ongoing baggage from family members, and it’s gratifying to see how they learn how to become who they’re meant to be as new creations in Jesus. Along the way, several friends like Drew and Gavin are able to impart wisdom to these two, creating a strong sense of community where Felicity and Shane don’t have to battle their challenges alone. What starts out as an unexpected road trip truly becomes transformational, with both main characters gradually applying spiritual truths to their lives.
As always, the humour is top-notch, and the music referenced in the book will have you humming along as Felicity moves to Garland, Tennessee during Christmas. If you’ve already read this series, a few cameo appearances and traditions, such as the mistletoe at The Pantry, will evoke warm memories of a small town that showers love on its residents in the most festive of ways. Readers anticipating the sixth Christmas in Garland book will experience much heart and authenticity as Felicity and Shane embrace what it means to forget what is behind and strain toward what is ahead in their lives and relationship (Philippians 3:13).
Review link: https://christianshelves.blogspot.com...
Many thanks to the author for providing me with a complimentary copy of this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.
As always, the humour is top-notch, and the music referenced in the book will have you humming along as Felicity moves to Garland, Tennessee during Christmas. If you’ve already read this series, a few cameo appearances and traditions, such as the mistletoe at The Pantry, will evoke warm memories of a small town that showers love on its residents in the most festive of ways. Readers anticipating the sixth Christmas in Garland book will experience much heart and authenticity as Felicity and Shane embrace what it means to forget what is behind and strain toward what is ahead in their lives and relationship (Philippians 3:13).
Review link: https://christianshelves.blogspot.com...
Many thanks to the author for providing me with a complimentary copy of this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews