Review: The Christmas Joy Ride by Melody Carlson

The Christmas Joy Ride

by Melody Carlson

Publisher: Revell

Pages: 176

Format: eARC

Buy the Book: Amazon

Goodreads:  Miranda did not put adventure on her Christmas list, but thanks to her eighty-five-year-old neighbor Joy, that's exactly what she's getting this year. When Joy tells Miranda that she plans to drive an old RV decked out in Christmas decorations from their Chicago neighborhood to her new retirement digs in Phoenix--in the dead of winter, no less--the much younger Miranda insists that Joy cannot make such a trip by herself. Besides, a crazy trip with Joy would be more interesting than another Christmas home alone. Unemployed and facing foreclosure, Miranda feels she has nothing to lose by packing a bag and heading off to Route 66. But Joy has a hidden agenda for their Christmas joyride--and a hidden problem that could derail the whole venture.


Kritters Thoughts:  I read this book during last year's Christmas season because I was just drawn to more and more of short and sweet Christmas stories.  Miranda is at a point in her life where she is in recovery period from a break up, a job loss and just lots of junk.  Joy is packing up her things to go on an adventure and relocate her life.  Miranda joins Joy on her adventure to spread Christmas in a few spots on her way to a retirement home.  

What a fantastically sweet book.  I loved that Miranda is finding her new space in her life and trying to decide where her life will go next.  Joy is doing the same, she is in a transition and going to have to find a new life in a new city closer to her sons.  I loved reading how Joy prepared to show Christmas at each spot, but she personalized it so it was the Christmas that each stop needed.  

I don't always love Melody Carlson books, but this one was so sweet and perfect.  I think this is the perfect one to pick up during the busy holiday season because of its length and ease of reading.  It was also easy to pick up and put down when the holidays interrupt reading time!


Rating: definitely a good read, but can't read two in a row

Disclosure of Material Connection:  I received one copy of this book free of charge from netgalley.  I was not required to write a positive review in exchange for receipt of the book; rather, the opinions expressed in this review are my own.