Tom Langdon, a weary and cash-strapped journalist, is banned from flying when a particularly thorough airport security search causes him to lose his cool. Now, he must take the train if he has any chance of arriving in Los Angeles in time for Christmas with his girlfriend. To finance the trip, he sells a story about a train ride taken during the Christmas season. Thereupon begins one of the most hilarious-and heartwarming-journeys ever told. Along the way, Tom encounters a ridiculous cast of characters, unexpected romance, and an avalanche that changes everyone's Christmas plans. As the mighty Southwest Chief chugs along, Tom learns what really makes the holiday special in a remarkable novel that will charm all who read it. David Baldacci's most recent novel, Last Man Standing, has more than 650,000 copies in print and hit #3 on the New York Times bestseller list. It will be published in mass market in 9/02 and will contain a teaser chapter from The Christmas Train. There are over 30 million copies of David Baldacci's novels in print worldwide. His books are published in 30 languages in more than 80 countries.