THE CHRISTMAS EXPRESS

Regret, resentment, and hope are on the menu during a holiday train ride across Canada featuring multiple narrators. Lauren Irwin portrays Cali, who strives to reconcile with five estranged friends while heading to a Vancouver wedding. Ember, the bride's ex-girlfriend, portrayed by Nicola Barber, makes a thoughtful journey to exorcise regret. Siblings Joe and Joss (James Meunier, Grace Gray) exude resentment over a failed business venture, and Sarah (Gray) keeps quiet, feeling marginalized. While lovely, Will Watt isn't an obvious choice for Cali's ex, Luke, as his elegant voice doesn't match the stalwart warmth Cali fondly remembers. Pacing is consistent, and the travelogue of Canada's interior provinces is wonderful. Skilled narration can't entirely overcome a slowly unrolling story that's more about the past than the present. C.A. © AudioFile 2025, Portland, Maine [Published: NOVEMBER 2025]