Revel

I realize it’s still warm outside for many parts of the country. Even here in Tennessee, we were in the 90s over Labor Day weekend. But regardless of the weather outside, I love certain things about Christmas and, if people wouldn’t throw such a big fuss, I’d listen to Christmas music all year round. And a close second to Christmas music? Christmas stories. Already this year I’ve read a book on becoming more organized and Denise Hunter’s Falling like Snowflakes, which is set around the holidays. But now, I’ve really gone and done it. This one is a straight up Christmas story, even has the word in the title.

Miranda’s life seems to be falling apart. After her husband cheated on her and then left her with a bunch of debt, she’s about to lose her house. And not only her house, but her friend. Perhaps befriending her elderly neighbor was a cry for help, but Joy is the one bright spot in Miranda’s otherwise gloomy existence. But Joy is leaving her too, moving closer to her sons in Phoenix.

When Joy suggests Miranda take a road trip with her in the older woman’s RV, the younger woman hesitantly agrees. But Joy has a plan. Her Christmas Joy blog has gained a modest following, and she ran a contest that revealed a few deserving winners. People she planned to visit and bless on her trip across the country.

This heart-warming story is one of friendship. As these two women take the time to give Christmas to the six people on Joy’s list, they learn that they are the once who are receiving the true gift. Each winner of the contest has very different circumstances which has left them unable to celebrate Christmas. Sometimes through humor, other times through pain, Melody Carlson takes readers on a joy ride of their own as her characters share themselves with each other and with the people they encounter along the way.

If you’re looking for a Christmas read, consider this one.

The Christmas Joy Ride is available now.

***Revell provided me with a complimentary copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest and fair review. All opinions expressed are my own.