The Christmas Joy Ride by Melody Carlson {Christmas Novella Review}

The Christmas Joy Ride

Melody Carlson

Contemporary Fiction / Christmas

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. Unemployed and facing foreclosure, Miranda feels she has nothing to lose by packing a bag and heading off with Joy toward Route 66. But Joy has a hidden agenda for their Christmas joyride--one that could derail the whole venture.

No one captures the heartwarming fun of the Christmas season quite like Melody Carlson. Fasten your seat belt, because it's going to be an exciting ride!

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My Thoughts

Reading a Christmas novella by Melody Carlson has become a tradition in recent years. A tradition that I have come to eagerly anticipate I might add. When the book arrives in my home I begin plotting my evening of hot tea, comfy clothes and chair, soft blanket, and uninterrupted time to devour the book.

This year's story is entitled The Christmas Joy Ride. When the story begins we meet Miranda and Joy who are neighbors and friends. Joy is an eighty-five-year-old woman that loves to spread cheer through her Christmas blog. Miranda is a young recently divorced woman that is about to lose her home.

Joy's two sons have decided that it would be best for her to sell her home and move closer to them. She has conceded to their request but she plans on taking one last trip to spread some Christmas Joy along the way. In a fun twist Joy talks Miranda into coming with her. They plan to head out on Route 66 in Joy's motor home and make their way from Chicago to Phoenix with a few stops along the way.

I happen to live along Route 66 so it was fun to imagine these two traveling through my territory. As with all of Melody Carlson's stories the important part isn't the actual trip but the people they meet along the way. Melody has once again brought to life quirky characters that reach out of the page and touch your heart. When I turned the final page I was wishing that there were more Joys in the world. The book is a good reminder that we should all strive to reach out to those in need and spread a little cheer when we have the opportunity.

Other Reviews For This Author

Once Upon a Summertime

The Christmas Cat

My Amish Boyfriend

A Simple Christmas Wish

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