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Girls of Summer #4
The Road to Canada
The first three books of the Girls of Summer series introduced Emma Blakeley and Jamie Maxwell, two young athletes with bright soccer futures. Now, in The Road to Canada, a staffing change on the US Women’s National Team (USWNT) shortly before the 2015 World Cup has altered the playing field for both women.
For Jamie, a new coach means a renewed shot at making the World Cup roster for the top-ranked squad in the world. For Emma, the shift in priorities means that for the first time in her adult life, she isn’t sure she’ll be on the field—or even on the team—for a major championship.
Who will make the final cut for a chance to stand on top of the winner’s podium in Vancouver? To find out, join Jamie and Emma for the latest installment in the ongoing story of their lives, loves, and would-be world championships in The Road to Canada, book four of the bestselling series.
For Jamie, a new coach means a renewed shot at making the World Cup roster for the top-ranked squad in the world. For Emma, the shift in priorities means that for the first time in her adult life, she isn’t sure she’ll be on the field—or even on the team—for a major championship.
Who will make the final cut for a chance to stand on top of the winner’s podium in Vancouver? To find out, join Jamie and Emma for the latest installment in the ongoing story of their lives, loves, and would-be world championships in The Road to Canada, book four of the bestselling series.
174 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 21, 2019
36 people are currently reading
132 people want to read
About the author
Kate Christie
37 books250 followersKate Christie, author of In the Company of Women, Gay Pride & Prejudice, and the Girls of Summer series, was born and raised in Kalamazoo, MI. A graduate of Smith College, she lives near Seattle with her wife, their three daughters, and the family dogs.
To join her mailing list and receive email notifications of new releases, giveaways, and other news, visit https://katejchristie.com/mailing-list/.
To join her mailing list and receive email notifications of new releases, giveaways, and other news, visit https://katejchristie.com/mailing-list/.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
June 2, 2025
Entertaining read!
October 6, 2019
I love this series. I’m not so much a soccer fan as a fan of how Kate Christie writes about soccer (we call it football here). Reading about Jamie Maxwell, Emma Blakeley and the others, I find myself rooting for an imaginary team and it’s kinda exciting and wonderful.
This is book 4 of the Girls of Summer series and it is definitely not a standalone. If you haven’t read them yet, I’d recommend starting at the beginning, with Training Ground then Game Time and Outside the Lines.
When we first met Jamie and Emma, they were teenagers and already crazy talented soccer players. They went on to have very different careers, Emma’s dreams coming true quite quickly whereas Jamie had a much more troubled path to navigate.
One of the things I like best about GoS is how Jamie was stopped in her tracks by injury and her struggles to make it back to the top. In this book, she’s a temporary part of the national team, not sure from one game to the other that she’ll get to stay on. She needs to prove herself again and again and she never lets go of that goal (no pun intended). At the same time she tries to hold on to her relationship with Emma, who is clearly the love of her life despite everything that’s happened between them in the twelve years they’ve known each other. And at this time in her life, she also has to deal once again with the memory of the assault she had to live through as a teenager (a few months before she met Emma in book 1), as her club (Arsenal) is playing in Lyon, where the assault took place. As a French reader, I at times felt like I should apologize to Jamie about what happened to her in France. I love how the author dealt with that trip and Jamie’s memories. I also liked that Emma’s success wasn’t as much a given as she’d gotten used to. Not that I want her to have to go through tough times too, but that’s how life works.
Kate Christie wrote about how she had to decide whether to allow Jamie and Emma’s story to expand or limit it. She chose the former, so book 4 became books 4 and 5. As much as I understand her decision to do so, this book feels more like a transition than a novel in its own right. I’m going to have to get to book 5 (which got to use the series title Girls of Summer as its own) ASAP, because while getting to Canada was an interesting journey, it’s high time we made it there.
I’ve written before about how Kate Christie’s books tend to trigger my anxiety. I think I finally understand why, more or less. I’m Jamie Maxwell. Not literally of course. From an external point of view, we couldn’t be more different. I’m way older, I’m definitely not a soccer player or any kind of athlete (#dyspraxia), I’ll never play in a World Cup, I’m French and I’ve never been assaulted the way she was. But I get her. I get her anxiety, I get her sometimes awkwardness. She feels like me on the inside. I know, it’s weird. It doesn’t happen usually with characters. Maybe with Holden Caulfield when I was a teenager, but even then I think I could relate to him but he wasn’t me as much as Jamie is, or other characters Christie has written about. I guess what it means is either Kate Christie and I deal with the same kind of anxiety or she’s really good at writing about it. Maybe both. Anyhow, it’s one more reason her books resonate with me.
The Road to Canada is Kate Christie’s first audiobook, so I had read the first three books and listened to this one. It makes for a different experience, and it was interesting. The narration is pretty good, Britney Gil managed to convey the excitement of the games (it could have been boring if done wrong), and I rather liked her voice for Emma, though I wish the other voices had been more distinctive. But it was good, all in all.
This is book 4 of the Girls of Summer series and it is definitely not a standalone. If you haven’t read them yet, I’d recommend starting at the beginning, with Training Ground then Game Time and Outside the Lines.
When we first met Jamie and Emma, they were teenagers and already crazy talented soccer players. They went on to have very different careers, Emma’s dreams coming true quite quickly whereas Jamie had a much more troubled path to navigate.
One of the things I like best about GoS is how Jamie was stopped in her tracks by injury and her struggles to make it back to the top. In this book, she’s a temporary part of the national team, not sure from one game to the other that she’ll get to stay on. She needs to prove herself again and again and she never lets go of that goal (no pun intended). At the same time she tries to hold on to her relationship with Emma, who is clearly the love of her life despite everything that’s happened between them in the twelve years they’ve known each other. And at this time in her life, she also has to deal once again with the memory of the assault she had to live through as a teenager (a few months before she met Emma in book 1), as her club (Arsenal) is playing in Lyon, where the assault took place. As a French reader, I at times felt like I should apologize to Jamie about what happened to her in France. I love how the author dealt with that trip and Jamie’s memories. I also liked that Emma’s success wasn’t as much a given as she’d gotten used to. Not that I want her to have to go through tough times too, but that’s how life works.
Kate Christie wrote about how she had to decide whether to allow Jamie and Emma’s story to expand or limit it. She chose the former, so book 4 became books 4 and 5. As much as I understand her decision to do so, this book feels more like a transition than a novel in its own right. I’m going to have to get to book 5 (which got to use the series title Girls of Summer as its own) ASAP, because while getting to Canada was an interesting journey, it’s high time we made it there.
I’ve written before about how Kate Christie’s books tend to trigger my anxiety. I think I finally understand why, more or less. I’m Jamie Maxwell. Not literally of course. From an external point of view, we couldn’t be more different. I’m way older, I’m definitely not a soccer player or any kind of athlete (#dyspraxia), I’ll never play in a World Cup, I’m French and I’ve never been assaulted the way she was. But I get her. I get her anxiety, I get her sometimes awkwardness. She feels like me on the inside. I know, it’s weird. It doesn’t happen usually with characters. Maybe with Holden Caulfield when I was a teenager, but even then I think I could relate to him but he wasn’t me as much as Jamie is, or other characters Christie has written about. I guess what it means is either Kate Christie and I deal with the same kind of anxiety or she’s really good at writing about it. Maybe both. Anyhow, it’s one more reason her books resonate with me.
The Road to Canada is Kate Christie’s first audiobook, so I had read the first three books and listened to this one. It makes for a different experience, and it was interesting. The narration is pretty good, Britney Gil managed to convey the excitement of the games (it could have been boring if done wrong), and I rather liked her voice for Emma, though I wish the other voices had been more distinctive. But it was good, all in all.
July 23, 2019
I consciously waited with #4 and #5 in this series till after the World Cup in France. This way the women's soccer withdrawal wasn’t that blatant ⚽. 😁
I really love the story of Emma and Jamie. The journey of both of them with all the ups and downs of a sports career, the different views and feelings about being out and proud or stay in the closet, playing professional soccer in different teams and all the challenges of a long-distant relationship.
But after all these training camps I really hope, and I mean REALLY HOPE the World Cup will be played in the next book.
Still highly recommended to all sport and romance fans.
My rating 4.5 stars
I really love the story of Emma and Jamie. The journey of both of them with all the ups and downs of a sports career, the different views and feelings about being out and proud or stay in the closet, playing professional soccer in different teams and all the challenges of a long-distant relationship.
But after all these training camps I really hope, and I mean REALLY HOPE the World Cup will be played in the next book.
Still highly recommended to all sport and romance fans.
My rating 4.5 stars
March 10, 2019
When I saw that the book was titled ‘Road to Canada’ I didn’t think much of it. I should have. As the book is that – the road to Canada but not including the World Cup in Canada. So, since I didn’t think hard enough about things, the book kind of ended abruptly for me since I expected we’d finally get to a world cup this time (or, both characters would, I mean). But enough about that.
Let’s see, hmms, looking at the series page, apparently I’ve rated all previous books in this series 5 stars, and yet only rated this one 4 stars (or, more accurately, 3.75). To a certain extent that’s because of the repetitive nature of the events in this book that has already been seen in previous books (more training camps! More ‘on the bubble angst!’ More ‘must not be seen touching or coach (or more accurately, the federation) will be pissed!’ angst). Repetitive. But that’s life.
I suppose the added part is where the two lead women are in their careers; and some revelations. Like how Emma is doing some really stupid shit.
Not communicating and allowing . . well -
Oh, and all the lying. Again.
So – sports related angst (‘will I make the team/stay on the team?’), relationship angst, and stalker angst (mostly lying about it . . . angst).
I’m not really sure how much of the book I got – the book was originally set up to be about 318 pages in length, which is comparable to other books in the series (and the current page count on Goodreads), but Amazon says the Kindle is only 175 pages in length, while the paperback is 224. Did we only get half the book this time, or is Amazon wrong about the page count?
Rating: 3.75
March 10 2019
Let’s see, hmms, looking at the series page, apparently I’ve rated all previous books in this series 5 stars, and yet only rated this one 4 stars (or, more accurately, 3.75). To a certain extent that’s because of the repetitive nature of the events in this book that has already been seen in previous books (more training camps! More ‘on the bubble angst!’ More ‘must not be seen touching or coach (or more accurately, the federation) will be pissed!’ angst). Repetitive. But that’s life.
I suppose the added part is where the two lead women are in their careers; and some revelations. Like how Emma is doing some really stupid shit.
Emma had been doing that lately—making unilateral decisions about their public presentation and then getting irritated with Jamie when she dared disagree.
Not communicating and allowing . . well -
“You were supposed to freaking communicate with me, Emma, not let me get blindsided by someone else.”
Oh, and all the lying. Again.
So – sports related angst (‘will I make the team/stay on the team?’), relationship angst, and stalker angst (mostly lying about it . . . angst).
I’m not really sure how much of the book I got – the book was originally set up to be about 318 pages in length, which is comparable to other books in the series (and the current page count on Goodreads), but Amazon says the Kindle is only 175 pages in length, while the paperback is 224. Did we only get half the book this time, or is Amazon wrong about the page count?
Rating: 3.75
March 10 2019
February 24, 2019
Really looking forward to this - won as a prize (Thanks Kate! :)) Found it hard to reintegrate with characters as said goodbye over a year ago in Book 3 - my problem - but "enjoyed" it. I like my eggs sunny side up, this felt over medium.
February 24, 2019
After the 3rd book in the series, Emma's and Jamie's story wouldn't leave me. I couldn't get myself to start reading another book. My mind kept coming back to them and wanted to know what would happen next and when will Emma finally tell the entire truth?
So I ended up waiting for the release of this book for weeks. Checking if there was any news about when it was going to come out. Luckily for me the wait only lasted 3 weeks so the characters were still fresh in my mind. So it wasn't too hard to reconnect with them.
To me this book was worth the wait.
I enjoyed the story and how things progressed. Especially the way Emma and Jamie deal with challenging situations. As individuals but also as a couple.
I would recommend, anyone who is interested, to read the previous books in the series before reading this one because otherwise a lot gets lost in terms of the character development.
The book goes into my reread pile and I am already looking forward to the next book in the series.
So I ended up waiting for the release of this book for weeks. Checking if there was any news about when it was going to come out. Luckily for me the wait only lasted 3 weeks so the characters were still fresh in my mind. So it wasn't too hard to reconnect with them.
To me this book was worth the wait.
I enjoyed the story and how things progressed. Especially the way Emma and Jamie deal with challenging situations. As individuals but also as a couple.
I would recommend, anyone who is interested, to read the previous books in the series before reading this one because otherwise a lot gets lost in terms of the character development.
The book goes into my reread pile and I am already looking forward to the next book in the series.
May 3, 2019
Ok...so maybe by book 5 the World Cup will actually happen. Here's to hoping. I enjoyed this installment but I will not lie and say this year and a half is dragging on FOREVER!!! As much as I love the characters there is a bit of a drag in the reading as things progress but they progress slowly and things you think dont need to really be addressed are done with more detail than needed. HOWEVER, I am enjoying the series and will not wait with everyone else for the next installment. USA USA USA...I got my chant down and everything
July 24, 2019
Emma and jamie are relationship goals
March 5, 2025
Kate Christie slows the pace down even more in Book 4. I feel like I’ve been waiting forever to get to the World Cup.
Book 4 is very soccer heavy, so if sports are not your jam, there’s a lot of soccer to have to wade through. And while some of Christie’s dialogue has always been a little bit cringy, I had some secondhand embarrassment about it much more here. It’s written like an older person trying to write the way a young person speaks and it doesn’t work. {Insert Steve Buscemi skateboard meme here}
As expected, the series is less strong as it continues, but I’m mostly okay with it still. But unlike every other book in this series so far, I wasn’t in a huge hurry to get to the next book. I’m okay to take a break.
Book 4 is very soccer heavy, so if sports are not your jam, there’s a lot of soccer to have to wade through. And while some of Christie’s dialogue has always been a little bit cringy, I had some secondhand embarrassment about it much more here. It’s written like an older person trying to write the way a young person speaks and it doesn’t work. {Insert Steve Buscemi skateboard meme here}
As expected, the series is less strong as it continues, but I’m mostly okay with it still. But unlike every other book in this series so far, I wasn’t in a huge hurry to get to the next book. I’m okay to take a break.
December 24, 2025
4⭐️ I love this series. I love the football (I’m basically an expert now, so it feels only right to call it that). I love Jamie and Emma (and their team mates of course). I love their relationship, and how it is complicated and big and not always easy. I love how Christie lets their relationship stumble and grow realistically. And I love that there are more books in this series to escape to.
Bring on The World Cup - go USWNT! (Sorry Matilda’s, but for this World Cup I have to root for Jamie and Emma!)
Bring on The World Cup - go USWNT! (Sorry Matilda’s, but for this World Cup I have to root for Jamie and Emma!)
July 8, 2019
Another great episode in the series
This is another great episode in the girls of summer series. More ups and downs are in store for Jamie & Emma.
This is another great episode in the girls of summer series. More ups and downs are in store for Jamie & Emma.
February 24, 2019
Great Story
I love Jaime and Emma’s story. Each book gets better and better. I hope they win the World Cup and it shows them getting married in the next book. The other characters are awesome also in the book. I wish the author gave Maddie and Angie their own book I would like to know more about them also. I also would like to know more about Britt and her partner also. I wonder will the author do any spinoffs from the story.
I love Jaime and Emma’s story. Each book gets better and better. I hope they win the World Cup and it shows them getting married in the next book. The other characters are awesome also in the book. I wish the author gave Maddie and Angie their own book I would like to know more about them also. I also would like to know more about Britt and her partner also. I wonder will the author do any spinoffs from the story.
February 27, 2019
Great Story
I really enjoyed this addition to the series. I love reading about Jamie and Emma and their challenges. Loved the soccer world as well. I definitely like the new head coach for the National team. I would definitely recommend this book.
I really enjoyed this addition to the series. I love reading about Jamie and Emma and their challenges. Loved the soccer world as well. I definitely like the new head coach for the National team. I would definitely recommend this book.
July 7, 2021
Kate Christie's writing is always good, without fail. It's one thing you can count on when you crack open one of her books. In this particular series, I sometimes wish things moved a little faster, but for the majority of the read it is still entertaining to follow along with Emma and Jamie's journey together. I look forward to finishing book five in the near future.
March 27, 2019
The way too each other hearts.
Because they went though alot just too be together and trying they best too be professional soccer player for an all female league and because Jamie went though alot when she was young.
Because they went though alot just too be together and trying they best too be professional soccer player for an all female league and because Jamie went though alot when she was young.
January 8, 2022
While I liked this book a bit less than the others in this series, it was still an enjoyable read with amazing characters and a sweet and lovely romance. In the next book we'll finally get to see if Emma and Jaime manage to achieve their dreams and I'm looking forward to that.
February 17, 2022
Entertaining
Loved the character development of the lead characters. Story provides believable interpersonal dynamics of people coping with life challenges while pursuing the life goals as soccer players.
Loved the character development of the lead characters. Story provides believable interpersonal dynamics of people coping with life challenges while pursuing the life goals as soccer players.
August 25, 2023
Book 4 down Book 5 next
Jamie and Emma are the best. They have great teammates and friends. They need to work on open communication, but other than that, they are amazing. I cannot wait to read what happens next.
Jamie and Emma are the best. They have great teammates and friends. They need to work on open communication, but other than that, they are amazing. I cannot wait to read what happens next.
February 2, 2024
Very good
This was another good addition to this series. It wrapped up some of the things from the previous book but left others still open, which is good as there's still more books. Wonderful job once again.
This was another good addition to this series. It wrapped up some of the things from the previous book but left others still open, which is good as there's still more books. Wonderful job once again.
October 1, 2019
Lots more soccer-ing happening in this one, interesting bits about how people make it onto the national team (or don't), with more of Emma and Jamie's romance holding it all together.
July 12, 2023
3.5 stars
December 3, 2023
Not a lot happened here and I'll probably finish this series but idk when. I need more and better soccer dykes I fear.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews