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Joy to the World: The BRAND NEW festive, uplifting read from Bestseller Beth Moran for 2026
This Christmas, the nation's favourite life coach is in desperate need of a little holiday magic.
Alex Nixon has built a glittering TV career teaching clients how to win at life. But when a disastrous viral awards speech reveals that she has zero friends, her family is a mess and her boyfriend has just dumped her, Alex hunkers down in her cottage to hide from the media storm. Her plan? Survive the festive season with only her rescue dog, Ernest, for company.
But she didn't count on stumbling into the eccentric and welcoming 'Friends Wanted' club. And she definitely didn't count on meeting Will - a gorgeous, warm-hearted single dad raising three chaotic but charming children.
When a devastating family crisis turns Alex's fragile new life upside down, she has a choice to make. Should she batten down the hatches or let go of her perfect facade long enough to discover that a Christmas filled with new friends and real love is the greatest gift of all?
Alex Nixon has built a glittering TV career teaching clients how to win at life. But when a disastrous viral awards speech reveals that she has zero friends, her family is a mess and her boyfriend has just dumped her, Alex hunkers down in her cottage to hide from the media storm. Her plan? Survive the festive season with only her rescue dog, Ernest, for company.
But she didn't count on stumbling into the eccentric and welcoming 'Friends Wanted' club. And she definitely didn't count on meeting Will - a gorgeous, warm-hearted single dad raising three chaotic but charming children.
When a devastating family crisis turns Alex's fragile new life upside down, she has a choice to make. Should she batten down the hatches or let go of her perfect facade long enough to discover that a Christmas filled with new friends and real love is the greatest gift of all?
- GenresChristmas
Audible Audio
Published September 15, 2026
About the author
Beth Moran
24 books1,009 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
Beth Moran initially worked as a biochemist and then taught antenatal classes before becoming an author. She loves to write contemporary women`s fiction set in and around Sherwood Forest, where she lives with her family
Beth Moran initially worked as a biochemist and then taught antenatal classes before becoming an author. She loves to write contemporary women`s fiction set in and around Sherwood Forest, where she lives with her family
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Apparently the fastest way to discover you have absolutely no friends is to announce it accidentally during an awards speech while your entire life is already actively falling down the stairs. Festive!
Alex Nixon makes a living telling other people how to get their lives together, which becomes deeply unfortunate when hers chooses national television as the venue for a full public systems failure. Her boyfriend is gone, her family relationships are held together with resentment and old wounds, and then a viral speech basically reveals that Britain’s favorite life coach has nobody she can call when everything goes to hell. She retreats to her cottage planning to spend Christmas hiding with Ernest, her rescue dog, which frankly feels like the first sensible decision anybody makes in Joy to the World. Ernest has no follow-up questions. Ernest has no agenda. Ernest understands privacy.
Except Alex then stumbles across a group literally called Friends Wanted, and I need you to understand how much I enjoyed watching a woman whose entire career is built around appearing polished and self-sufficient wander into the human equivalent of a classified ad saying "HELLO, I REQUIRE COMPANIONSHIP." These people are eccentric and lonely and wonderfully sincere about needing each other, and Alex initially has the emotional posture of someone who would rather crawl into a cupboard than admit she might need them too. Naturally, they start becoming exactly what she needs.
And then there’s Will. Will is a warm, gorgeous single dad with three children, because apparently Alex’s reward for having her life publicly implode is being dropped into the vicinity of a man who comes preloaded with an entire chaotic family. Their connection is sweet without turning Alex into somebody who suddenly forgets all her problems because a handsome man exists. Will has his own life, his kids are actual little people rather than adorable seasonal accessories, and Alex is still very much trying to figure out how to exist around people without treating every emotion like something that needs a five-step action plan.
But the family stuff is where this one quietly got me. Alex didn’t become this hyper-capable, relentlessly controlled woman because she woke up one morning and thought perfection sounded fun. Her childhood was hard. Her relationship with her parents is painful. There are things in her past that make her shiny television persona feel less like vanity and more like armor she got very, very good at wearing. And when the family crisis hits, some of what comes out is genuinely upsetting. The caravan situation in particular made me want to enter the book, confiscate several adults’ decision-making privileges, and then sit Alex down somewhere with a blanket.
That’s really where Joy to the World got under my skin. Alex has built an entire career around helping people while being almost completely incapable of letting anybody help her. That is such a specific kind of lonely. She knows how to give advice, solve problems, present the correct version of herself, keep moving. What she doesn’t know how to do is say, “I’m not fine, can you stay?” And watching her slowly realize that needing people is not evidence that she has somehow failed at being an adult hit harder than I expected from a Christmas book with a cute dog on duty.
Also, Friends Wanted? Those weird little friendship goblins can stay. There is something so painfully human about a bunch of adults essentially admitting, yes, making friends as a grown-up is terrible, shall we please just skip the pretending and hang out? The found-family part worked for me even more than the romance because nobody swoops in and magically fixes Alex. They just keep showing up. Sometimes that’s the whole damn thing.
And yes, there is Christmas everywhere, but this isn’t just two attractive people making meaningful eye contact near some strategically placed mistletoe while a small town strings lights behind them. There’s grief here. Anger. Family damage. Loneliness. Kids being kids. People making mistakes and then having to live in the same room with the people they hurt. It gets heavier than the sparkly cover might suggest, but it never loses that warm little pulse underneath everything.
By the end I was ridiculously invested in Alex letting these people love her without first requiring them to complete an application and provide three references. I wanted Will and the kids to be okay. I wanted Friends Wanted permanently funded. I wanted Ernest placed in charge of emotional wellness nationwide. And I wanted Alex to understand that building a beautiful life and actually letting yourself live inside it are two completely different things. Joy to the World gets 4 stars from me, cozy and festive and occasionally much more emotionally rude than advertised.
Merry Mayhem Prize: For Turning “Friends Wanted” Into an Actual Emergency Contact List and Giving the Rescue Dog the Most Stable Emotional Life in the Book
Huge thanks to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for the ARC. Nothing says Christmas spirit quite like handing me a festive romance and then making me unexpectedly furious about somebody’s childhood between adorable dog moments. I came for tinsel. You gave me family trauma and a friendship support group. Rude. Effective. Merry Christmas.
Alex Nixon makes a living telling other people how to get their lives together, which becomes deeply unfortunate when hers chooses national television as the venue for a full public systems failure. Her boyfriend is gone, her family relationships are held together with resentment and old wounds, and then a viral speech basically reveals that Britain’s favorite life coach has nobody she can call when everything goes to hell. She retreats to her cottage planning to spend Christmas hiding with Ernest, her rescue dog, which frankly feels like the first sensible decision anybody makes in Joy to the World. Ernest has no follow-up questions. Ernest has no agenda. Ernest understands privacy.
Except Alex then stumbles across a group literally called Friends Wanted, and I need you to understand how much I enjoyed watching a woman whose entire career is built around appearing polished and self-sufficient wander into the human equivalent of a classified ad saying "HELLO, I REQUIRE COMPANIONSHIP." These people are eccentric and lonely and wonderfully sincere about needing each other, and Alex initially has the emotional posture of someone who would rather crawl into a cupboard than admit she might need them too. Naturally, they start becoming exactly what she needs.
And then there’s Will. Will is a warm, gorgeous single dad with three children, because apparently Alex’s reward for having her life publicly implode is being dropped into the vicinity of a man who comes preloaded with an entire chaotic family. Their connection is sweet without turning Alex into somebody who suddenly forgets all her problems because a handsome man exists. Will has his own life, his kids are actual little people rather than adorable seasonal accessories, and Alex is still very much trying to figure out how to exist around people without treating every emotion like something that needs a five-step action plan.
But the family stuff is where this one quietly got me. Alex didn’t become this hyper-capable, relentlessly controlled woman because she woke up one morning and thought perfection sounded fun. Her childhood was hard. Her relationship with her parents is painful. There are things in her past that make her shiny television persona feel less like vanity and more like armor she got very, very good at wearing. And when the family crisis hits, some of what comes out is genuinely upsetting. The caravan situation in particular made me want to enter the book, confiscate several adults’ decision-making privileges, and then sit Alex down somewhere with a blanket.
That’s really where Joy to the World got under my skin. Alex has built an entire career around helping people while being almost completely incapable of letting anybody help her. That is such a specific kind of lonely. She knows how to give advice, solve problems, present the correct version of herself, keep moving. What she doesn’t know how to do is say, “I’m not fine, can you stay?” And watching her slowly realize that needing people is not evidence that she has somehow failed at being an adult hit harder than I expected from a Christmas book with a cute dog on duty.
Also, Friends Wanted? Those weird little friendship goblins can stay. There is something so painfully human about a bunch of adults essentially admitting, yes, making friends as a grown-up is terrible, shall we please just skip the pretending and hang out? The found-family part worked for me even more than the romance because nobody swoops in and magically fixes Alex. They just keep showing up. Sometimes that’s the whole damn thing.
And yes, there is Christmas everywhere, but this isn’t just two attractive people making meaningful eye contact near some strategically placed mistletoe while a small town strings lights behind them. There’s grief here. Anger. Family damage. Loneliness. Kids being kids. People making mistakes and then having to live in the same room with the people they hurt. It gets heavier than the sparkly cover might suggest, but it never loses that warm little pulse underneath everything.
By the end I was ridiculously invested in Alex letting these people love her without first requiring them to complete an application and provide three references. I wanted Will and the kids to be okay. I wanted Friends Wanted permanently funded. I wanted Ernest placed in charge of emotional wellness nationwide. And I wanted Alex to understand that building a beautiful life and actually letting yourself live inside it are two completely different things. Joy to the World gets 4 stars from me, cozy and festive and occasionally much more emotionally rude than advertised.
Merry Mayhem Prize: For Turning “Friends Wanted” Into an Actual Emergency Contact List and Giving the Rescue Dog the Most Stable Emotional Life in the Book
Huge thanks to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for the ARC. Nothing says Christmas spirit quite like handing me a festive romance and then making me unexpectedly furious about somebody’s childhood between adorable dog moments. I came for tinsel. You gave me family trauma and a friendship support group. Rude. Effective. Merry Christmas.
September 2, 2026
ARC received through NetGalley, all opinions are my own.
This book is about the reality of leaving behind a life that won’t leave you. Our FMC Alexis had a rough upbringing, beyond poor with uncaring parents unwilling to do anything to change their status so she focuses on getting out and never having to worry about relying on someone else. Never again having to worry about being homeless, going hungry or cold. She builds her own business and even becomes mildly famous helping other people ‘fix’ their lives on a TV show. On a particularly rough day, however, she realises that she’s completely alone and that her insistences on self-reliance means she’s missed out on building meaningful relationships.
As her career comes to an abrupt end she rediscovers the joy of friendship, the possibility of a love that feels like it’s been waiting for her and a wonderful sense of community. Her old life however comes crashing back and she realises that she’s never really going to be able to leave it behind unless she faces it head on and with the support of her family and newfound friends.
A lot of the books I read are very much like Hollywood movies, nothing but gorgeous, gorgeous people even in their (tiny) flaws, but Beth has a real gift when it comes to writing about real people with real problems that you could pluck right off the street. They’re imperfect and gritty, her stories anchored in reality and full to the brim with emotion and heartwarming moments.
This book is no exception. I’ve loved all the characters, cried and been outraged right alongside Alexis and swooned over the lovely MMC, Will, while kicking my feet as their relationship unfolded. A beautiful read.
This book is about the reality of leaving behind a life that won’t leave you. Our FMC Alexis had a rough upbringing, beyond poor with uncaring parents unwilling to do anything to change their status so she focuses on getting out and never having to worry about relying on someone else. Never again having to worry about being homeless, going hungry or cold. She builds her own business and even becomes mildly famous helping other people ‘fix’ their lives on a TV show. On a particularly rough day, however, she realises that she’s completely alone and that her insistences on self-reliance means she’s missed out on building meaningful relationships.
As her career comes to an abrupt end she rediscovers the joy of friendship, the possibility of a love that feels like it’s been waiting for her and a wonderful sense of community. Her old life however comes crashing back and she realises that she’s never really going to be able to leave it behind unless she faces it head on and with the support of her family and newfound friends.
A lot of the books I read are very much like Hollywood movies, nothing but gorgeous, gorgeous people even in their (tiny) flaws, but Beth has a real gift when it comes to writing about real people with real problems that you could pluck right off the street. They’re imperfect and gritty, her stories anchored in reality and full to the brim with emotion and heartwarming moments.
This book is no exception. I’ve loved all the characters, cried and been outraged right alongside Alexis and swooned over the lovely MMC, Will, while kicking my feet as their relationship unfolded. A beautiful read.
September 13, 2026
This was such a lovely Christmas read.
At its heart, it’s a story about Alex Nixon, a incredibly successful TV star who appears to have everything and is 'Winning at Life', but behind the scenes, she has a completely unreliable on-off boyfriend who is always on the lookout for the next upgrade, an incredibly dysfunctional family and to top it off, has just had a major health scare, and the only support she has received is from a handsome stranger at her doctors surgery.
Soon, Alex is an internet sensation for all the wrong reasons and we see her on a journey of self discovery; we also see her forming some lovely friendships with a colourful group of characters, all of whom are looking for friendship in their lives.
I particularly enjoyed delving more into Alex's dysfunctional childhood and how that carried into her relationships with her sister and parents, the latter, who were thoroughly dislikeable for the most part. At around 60%, this part of the story really takes a hold, and looks at a situation her sister finds herself in, and how Alex, who has always been seen as a 'fixer' is then set an almost impossible task.
I also really enjoyed the romance. The relationship with Will was sweet, but I particularly liked seeing her bond with his children. There’s also a more emotional storyline around him trying to preserve the memory of his late wife for his children's sakes and dealing with the complicated feelings surrounding their past, which added another layer to the romance.
There are definitely some heavier themes alongside the Christmas cosiness — childhood trauma, difficult family dynamics, grief, safeguarding and finding the courage to make changes — but ultimately this is a story about healing, letting go of the past and finding your people.
Thank you Netgalley, Boldwood Books and Beth Moran for this ARC.
At its heart, it’s a story about Alex Nixon, a incredibly successful TV star who appears to have everything and is 'Winning at Life', but behind the scenes, she has a completely unreliable on-off boyfriend who is always on the lookout for the next upgrade, an incredibly dysfunctional family and to top it off, has just had a major health scare, and the only support she has received is from a handsome stranger at her doctors surgery.
Soon, Alex is an internet sensation for all the wrong reasons and we see her on a journey of self discovery; we also see her forming some lovely friendships with a colourful group of characters, all of whom are looking for friendship in their lives.
I particularly enjoyed delving more into Alex's dysfunctional childhood and how that carried into her relationships with her sister and parents, the latter, who were thoroughly dislikeable for the most part. At around 60%, this part of the story really takes a hold, and looks at a situation her sister finds herself in, and how Alex, who has always been seen as a 'fixer' is then set an almost impossible task.
I also really enjoyed the romance. The relationship with Will was sweet, but I particularly liked seeing her bond with his children. There’s also a more emotional storyline around him trying to preserve the memory of his late wife for his children's sakes and dealing with the complicated feelings surrounding their past, which added another layer to the romance.
There are definitely some heavier themes alongside the Christmas cosiness — childhood trauma, difficult family dynamics, grief, safeguarding and finding the courage to make changes — but ultimately this is a story about healing, letting go of the past and finding your people.
Thank you Netgalley, Boldwood Books and Beth Moran for this ARC.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This book had me feeling all the feels!!! I was laughing, crying, getting angry, swooning, and just rooting for all the characters!
Alexis hasn't had the easiest life. Her childhood was traumatic, to say the least. Parents that were awful and more interested in taking care of themselves and their own misguided dreams, leaving Alexis and her sister and brother to fend for themselves. Through this experience, Alexis decides that life is best lived by not making connections or relying on anyone else. She keeps everyone at a very long arm length. She has found success building her business
"fixing peoples lives". Through this she becomes part of a team on a reality show, and becomes somewhat famous. On the night that she receives a prestigious award, realizing that she has no one to celebrate with and no friends, she gives a speech that blows up and ends her career. She knows that she needs to make changes, and learn to build relationships, but is unsure of the way to do this.
She accidentally joins a "Friends Wanted" club when she walks into a bar for a drink. It is here that she meets people who will teach her what relationships, friendship and connection truly mean. And along the way, she just might fall in love.
The characters felt so real to me. They all have real problems and flaws that are relatable. There are times when the characters are able to come together to "fix" something that another is experiencing. However, I felt the most honest and hopeful moments were when they were simply being there for one another, listening, encouraging, and giving strength to those around them simply by being present and letting another person be seen.
There is grit in the story, and so much hope! I wanted to be a part of this group. I love it when a book wraps me up in a cozy blanket, while also nudging me to evaluate myself in my interactions with others.
And the romance? Slow burn and just joyful when it is fully realized!
Highly recommend this one. I have only read one other by this author, but i cannot wait to rectify that!
Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the ARC> This is my honest and voluntary review!
Alexis hasn't had the easiest life. Her childhood was traumatic, to say the least. Parents that were awful and more interested in taking care of themselves and their own misguided dreams, leaving Alexis and her sister and brother to fend for themselves. Through this experience, Alexis decides that life is best lived by not making connections or relying on anyone else. She keeps everyone at a very long arm length. She has found success building her business
"fixing peoples lives". Through this she becomes part of a team on a reality show, and becomes somewhat famous. On the night that she receives a prestigious award, realizing that she has no one to celebrate with and no friends, she gives a speech that blows up and ends her career. She knows that she needs to make changes, and learn to build relationships, but is unsure of the way to do this.
She accidentally joins a "Friends Wanted" club when she walks into a bar for a drink. It is here that she meets people who will teach her what relationships, friendship and connection truly mean. And along the way, she just might fall in love.
The characters felt so real to me. They all have real problems and flaws that are relatable. There are times when the characters are able to come together to "fix" something that another is experiencing. However, I felt the most honest and hopeful moments were when they were simply being there for one another, listening, encouraging, and giving strength to those around them simply by being present and letting another person be seen.
There is grit in the story, and so much hope! I wanted to be a part of this group. I love it when a book wraps me up in a cozy blanket, while also nudging me to evaluate myself in my interactions with others.
And the romance? Slow burn and just joyful when it is fully realized!
Highly recommend this one. I have only read one other by this author, but i cannot wait to rectify that!
Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the ARC> This is my honest and voluntary review!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Alex Nixon is a well-known tv expert on the show ‘Winning At Life’. But when she has a meltdown whilst accepting a Rising Star award live on tv, confessing to having no friends and a family that don’t like her, she abruptly finds herself with no job, holed up in her house in the middle of Sherwood Forest alone with only Ernest the spaniel for company.
When she accidentally joins a Friends Wanted group meeting in a local cafe, she inadvertently starts making a group of friends. One of which she makes a special connection with. Until a crisis with her sister and her children threatens to throw everything back up into the air!
A new Beth Moran book was just what I needed to take a break from the dark thrillers! Starting one of her books always feels like coming home to a cosy blanket-filled sofa. With Joy to the World being set a Christmas, it was absolute perfection with all the cosy heart-warming feels!
What I always love about Beth’s books is that they feature real people’s real-life problems with a sprinkling of romantic (and festive!) escapist magic, and a found-family community to melt even the most Grinchy of hearts! Joy to the World was no exception.
Alex’s upbringing was so hard, and her sister Lacey continues to live in the thick of it as she house shares with her parents whilst bringing up her 4 children. Now that Alex finds herself unemployed for the first time, and not working all possible hours, she begins to reconnect with her sister and take the time to discover what actually makes her happy.
Her blossoming relationship with Will, and his children, is so beautiful. But equally, every character in the Friends Wanted group has their own challenges and journeys throughout the book. And seeing Alex’s relationship with her sister and nieces and nephews grow was as heartwarming as the romantic relationship!
I think this is one of my favourite of Beth’s so far - and I really recommend her books if you’re in need of boost of positivity and warmth!
When she accidentally joins a Friends Wanted group meeting in a local cafe, she inadvertently starts making a group of friends. One of which she makes a special connection with. Until a crisis with her sister and her children threatens to throw everything back up into the air!
A new Beth Moran book was just what I needed to take a break from the dark thrillers! Starting one of her books always feels like coming home to a cosy blanket-filled sofa. With Joy to the World being set a Christmas, it was absolute perfection with all the cosy heart-warming feels!
What I always love about Beth’s books is that they feature real people’s real-life problems with a sprinkling of romantic (and festive!) escapist magic, and a found-family community to melt even the most Grinchy of hearts! Joy to the World was no exception.
Alex’s upbringing was so hard, and her sister Lacey continues to live in the thick of it as she house shares with her parents whilst bringing up her 4 children. Now that Alex finds herself unemployed for the first time, and not working all possible hours, she begins to reconnect with her sister and take the time to discover what actually makes her happy.
Her blossoming relationship with Will, and his children, is so beautiful. But equally, every character in the Friends Wanted group has their own challenges and journeys throughout the book. And seeing Alex’s relationship with her sister and nieces and nephews grow was as heartwarming as the romantic relationship!
I think this is one of my favourite of Beth’s so far - and I really recommend her books if you’re in need of boost of positivity and warmth!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
🚨 SPOILER ALERT: READ AT YOUR OWN RISK!
I am giving Joy to the World by Beth Moran a heart-melting 4-star review! ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Get ready to wrap yourself in pure festive warmth and emotional depth, because falling in love was never part of the plan in this deeply heartwarming holiday romance right on your Kindle screen! 🎄✨🐕
ARC Disclosure: A huge thank you to NetGalley, publisher Boldwood Books, and author Beth Moran for providing an early digital review copy (eARC) of this book! All thoughts, fanatical reactions, and honest reflections shared in this review are entirely my own.
The Review
Joy to the World by Beth Moran is such a gorgeous, uplifting, and atmospheric seasonal escape! Beth Moran delivers a festive story filled with small-town warmth, winter charm, and an emotional depth that instantly draws you into the narrative. The snow-dusted woods, cozy winter moments, and realistic character dynamics make this an absolute delight to read during the holiday season.
The romantic journey is tender, captivating, and wonderfully built. Watching two people navigate unexpected feelings while dealing with personal growth and real life makes the emotional connection feel completely earned and deeply satisfying. It’s a beautifully written reminder that the best things in life—and love—often happen when you least expect them.
The Good
The enchanting winter setting, heartwarming emotional depth, and incredible green-flag hero energy! It balances cozy holiday vibes with real, relatable heart.
The Not So Good
The pacing takes a moment to build as the emotional backstories are established, but once the plot finds its groove, you'll be completely hooked
I am giving Joy to the World by Beth Moran a heart-melting 4-star review! ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Get ready to wrap yourself in pure festive warmth and emotional depth, because falling in love was never part of the plan in this deeply heartwarming holiday romance right on your Kindle screen! 🎄✨🐕
ARC Disclosure: A huge thank you to NetGalley, publisher Boldwood Books, and author Beth Moran for providing an early digital review copy (eARC) of this book! All thoughts, fanatical reactions, and honest reflections shared in this review are entirely my own.
The Review
Joy to the World by Beth Moran is such a gorgeous, uplifting, and atmospheric seasonal escape! Beth Moran delivers a festive story filled with small-town warmth, winter charm, and an emotional depth that instantly draws you into the narrative. The snow-dusted woods, cozy winter moments, and realistic character dynamics make this an absolute delight to read during the holiday season.
The romantic journey is tender, captivating, and wonderfully built. Watching two people navigate unexpected feelings while dealing with personal growth and real life makes the emotional connection feel completely earned and deeply satisfying. It’s a beautifully written reminder that the best things in life—and love—often happen when you least expect them.
The Good
The enchanting winter setting, heartwarming emotional depth, and incredible green-flag hero energy! It balances cozy holiday vibes with real, relatable heart.
The Not So Good
The pacing takes a moment to build as the emotional backstories are established, but once the plot finds its groove, you'll be completely hooked
September 19, 2026
A woman at the top of her career game is not someone who expects a steep fall any time soon. Alex is looking forward to an award ceremony when she is first cancelled on and then finds a lump which has her running to the local GP. The timing is quite bad and it propels her into having a breakdown on live TV.
Alex has had a tough life. We see her past on bits and pieces and when she walks into a ‘friends wanted’ meeting without intending to, life might be giving her more options.
The oddball group that Alex finds also includes the kind stranger she ran into in the first chapter. She is drawn to stick around and then contributes to the emotional connections that they all form. Alex does not have her future mapped out but she really wants to avoid forming bonds with people who might let her down. The fact that she can let people down as well comes as a surprise to her.
I love the author’s straight talking characters and this was no exception. There are no token deviations from the ‘normal’ everyone has an equal role to play in the narrative and I read it like I was eating a good meal, all in one sitting ( not exactly at a stretch, but I didn’t read anything else in between).
I would definitely recommend this book to fans of the genre and people who enjoy community based narratives. She is one my most read and reviewed author and I am always happy to be pleased with her work ( there have been few and far between works that didn’t work for me)
I received an ARC thanks to Netgalley and the publishers but the review is entirely based on my own reading experience of this and previous books by the author
Alex has had a tough life. We see her past on bits and pieces and when she walks into a ‘friends wanted’ meeting without intending to, life might be giving her more options.
The oddball group that Alex finds also includes the kind stranger she ran into in the first chapter. She is drawn to stick around and then contributes to the emotional connections that they all form. Alex does not have her future mapped out but she really wants to avoid forming bonds with people who might let her down. The fact that she can let people down as well comes as a surprise to her.
I love the author’s straight talking characters and this was no exception. There are no token deviations from the ‘normal’ everyone has an equal role to play in the narrative and I read it like I was eating a good meal, all in one sitting ( not exactly at a stretch, but I didn’t read anything else in between).
I would definitely recommend this book to fans of the genre and people who enjoy community based narratives. She is one my most read and reviewed author and I am always happy to be pleased with her work ( there have been few and far between works that didn’t work for me)
I received an ARC thanks to Netgalley and the publishers but the review is entirely based on my own reading experience of this and previous books by the author
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Beth Moran’s Joy to the World left me with all of the feels and warm fuzzies, as I devoured the cutest and yet Intense book that I’ve read in a long while. Moran’s Joy to the World left me with the biggest book hangover in the best way. It makes me want to simultaneously move to Bigley and start a Friend’s Wanted group right now.
Joy to the World was the story of Alex Nixon, the daughter of a unique set of parents (who rather left their kids to fend for themselves), who had to learn to fight for what she wanted at a very early age, even if that was just a roll of toilet paper or dinner.
Because of this “interesting” childhood, Alex learned early in life to work super hard to achieve her goals. Her story began as she was preparing to receive a prestigious award in her field. Unfortunately, because life decided to be super life-y, she broke down in that televised awards show, which left her blacklisted in the career that she had worked so hard to establish.
As she was licking her wounds and dusting herself off, she literally stumbled into a meeting of Friends Wanted, which she not only secretly wanted, but desperately needed.
As she was able to stop and figure out who she was, who she wanted to be, and what she wanted out of life, life kept kicking her in the shins. BUT, Cupid also got a shot in, as well.
The story was so beautifully crafted and it truly embodied the word Joy…an excellent word for the day, any day.
Thank you so much to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for this un-put-down-able digital ARC!!
Joy to the World was the story of Alex Nixon, the daughter of a unique set of parents (who rather left their kids to fend for themselves), who had to learn to fight for what she wanted at a very early age, even if that was just a roll of toilet paper or dinner.
Because of this “interesting” childhood, Alex learned early in life to work super hard to achieve her goals. Her story began as she was preparing to receive a prestigious award in her field. Unfortunately, because life decided to be super life-y, she broke down in that televised awards show, which left her blacklisted in the career that she had worked so hard to establish.
As she was licking her wounds and dusting herself off, she literally stumbled into a meeting of Friends Wanted, which she not only secretly wanted, but desperately needed.
As she was able to stop and figure out who she was, who she wanted to be, and what she wanted out of life, life kept kicking her in the shins. BUT, Cupid also got a shot in, as well.
The story was so beautifully crafted and it truly embodied the word Joy…an excellent word for the day, any day.
Thank you so much to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for this un-put-down-able digital ARC!!
September 15, 2026
Alex Nixon is a workaholic, who has an on-again off-again boyfriend, a successful TV show and no family or friends to worry about. When she has a health scare on her way to the British TV Awards and has a breakdown while receiving her "Rising Star" award, her whole world falls apart. She realizes that she has no friends or family or even a reliable co-worker to talk to about her health scare. After her breakdown goes viral, her niece Bronte comes to her rescue and brings her a dog named Ernest to make her feel less lonely. We soon learn why Alex is a workaholic and why she and her siblings and parents are distanced. Her life starts to look a bit brighter when she lands at the cafe that hosts the Friends Wanted group. This amazing group hosts small and unique events for people who need friends. Donovan, Joel, Merry, Will and Darya will bring Alex some joy and cheer to her life. And romance may still be in the air.
Alex's life has been hard and difficult. Having those parents was not ideal and she needed to look out for herself. Her story was very relatable to me and I liked how she slowly starts to find the things that make her happy. The Friends Wanted group was adorable and hilarious. Joel was my favorite, he gave me some good laughs. Will was a perfect and beautiful character. His kids were such a hoot. A perfect holiday read full of Christmas romance, festive spirit, new beginnings and finding Joy.
Thank you Netgalley and Boldwood Books for this eARC. All opinions are entirely my own.
Alex's life has been hard and difficult. Having those parents was not ideal and she needed to look out for herself. Her story was very relatable to me and I liked how she slowly starts to find the things that make her happy. The Friends Wanted group was adorable and hilarious. Joel was my favorite, he gave me some good laughs. Will was a perfect and beautiful character. His kids were such a hoot. A perfect holiday read full of Christmas romance, festive spirit, new beginnings and finding Joy.
Thank you Netgalley and Boldwood Books for this eARC. All opinions are entirely my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Quickly becoming a Beth Moran fan! This is the second book I’ve read by her, and I really enjoyed this Christmas story about Alex, who has a very public mental breakdown and then has to figure out where she goes from there.
While this is definitely a romance, I also really liked seeing Alex discover who she can be when she has a support system around her instead of trying to take on the world by herself. She’s been doing that since leaving her very toxic childhood behind, so it was nice watching her slowly let people in.
I loved the friendships she made, and especially her relationship with Will. I really liked how well they communicated with each other (well...at least until they didn’t 😂). That was probably the only thing keeping this from being a 5-star read for me because I was really enjoying how healthy their communication was, unlike most romance stories!
I also really enjoyed the café rebranding and the Advent challenge — those added a lot of fun to the story. And I liked seeing Alex trying to be there for her sister while also figuring out her own life.
Overall, a really sweet Christmas read with romance, friendship, family, and a lot of figuring out who you are and who you want to be. Definitely looking forward to reading more from Beth Moran!
Thank you to Netgalley and Boldwood Books for an advanced copy of this e-book in exchange for an honest review!
While this is definitely a romance, I also really liked seeing Alex discover who she can be when she has a support system around her instead of trying to take on the world by herself. She’s been doing that since leaving her very toxic childhood behind, so it was nice watching her slowly let people in.
I loved the friendships she made, and especially her relationship with Will. I really liked how well they communicated with each other (well...at least until they didn’t 😂). That was probably the only thing keeping this from being a 5-star read for me because I was really enjoying how healthy their communication was, unlike most romance stories!
I also really enjoyed the café rebranding and the Advent challenge — those added a lot of fun to the story. And I liked seeing Alex trying to be there for her sister while also figuring out her own life.
Overall, a really sweet Christmas read with romance, friendship, family, and a lot of figuring out who you are and who you want to be. Definitely looking forward to reading more from Beth Moran!
Thank you to Netgalley and Boldwood Books for an advanced copy of this e-book in exchange for an honest review!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Emotional and inspiring.
Wow… after reading several Beth Moran books, I should have known there would be so much more to this story than I expected. Joy to the World is about coming back from what life throws at you and being brave enough to go for it.
Alexis “Alex” has a great life—or at least she thinks she does—until one too many things pile up: her boyfriend, her family, her health, and her career. Suddenly, the carefully put-together life she has built comes crashing down, leaving her to realize that she has distanced herself from almost everyone and is essentially alone.
Then, in a completely unexpected turn of events, Alex walks out of a storm and into a “Friends Wanted” meeting. The quirky, genuine people she meets slowly become part of her life, and I loved watching Alex come out of her shell and learn to trust again.
Meeting Will first in a doctor’s office during an emotional time and then again at the Friends meeting was kismet. A widower with three children, Will is kind, understanding, and open about his feelings. I fell in love with him right along with Alex.
Alex’s family is… a lot, and watching her recognize what truly matters and make choices for her future was heartbreaking and angsty, but ultimately full of hope. I especially loved Will’s consistency and the way he communicated openly with both his children and Alex.
This was such an easy book to fall into and not want to leave. I rooted for Alex every step of the way as she learned to open her heart to Will, to friendship, and to all the possibilities life could hold. Definitely a different spin on a typical Christmas story, but one I thoroughly enjoyed.
Wow… after reading several Beth Moran books, I should have known there would be so much more to this story than I expected. Joy to the World is about coming back from what life throws at you and being brave enough to go for it.
Alexis “Alex” has a great life—or at least she thinks she does—until one too many things pile up: her boyfriend, her family, her health, and her career. Suddenly, the carefully put-together life she has built comes crashing down, leaving her to realize that she has distanced herself from almost everyone and is essentially alone.
Then, in a completely unexpected turn of events, Alex walks out of a storm and into a “Friends Wanted” meeting. The quirky, genuine people she meets slowly become part of her life, and I loved watching Alex come out of her shell and learn to trust again.
Meeting Will first in a doctor’s office during an emotional time and then again at the Friends meeting was kismet. A widower with three children, Will is kind, understanding, and open about his feelings. I fell in love with him right along with Alex.
Alex’s family is… a lot, and watching her recognize what truly matters and make choices for her future was heartbreaking and angsty, but ultimately full of hope. I especially loved Will’s consistency and the way he communicated openly with both his children and Alex.
This was such an easy book to fall into and not want to leave. I rooted for Alex every step of the way as she learned to open her heart to Will, to friendship, and to all the possibilities life could hold. Definitely a different spin on a typical Christmas story, but one I thoroughly enjoyed.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
4 stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Joy to the World by Beth Moran was a pleasantly delightful holiday read! Set in a quaint little town, this story feels like the perfect warm hug of Christmas and New Year’s, complete with snowy fun, family, friendship, and just the right amount of romance.
Beth Moran has a wonderful way of taking tragedy and pain and turning them into stories of strength, resilience, and hope. So many of the characters go through their own personal journeys of growth and healing, and I loved seeing how those experiences shaped them. There are definitely moments that will leave you reflecting on your own life and feeling inspired to embrace a little more hope and possibility.
The romance is cute, wholesome, and built on friendship and family, which made it especially enjoyable. While the story has its share of heavier moments, the overall feeling is warm, uplifting, and wonderfully festive. If you're looking for a cozy holiday romance with heart, personal growth, and plenty of Christmas spirit, Joy to the World is a lovely choice!
Thank you to Beth Moran and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Joy to the World by Beth Moran was a pleasantly delightful holiday read! Set in a quaint little town, this story feels like the perfect warm hug of Christmas and New Year’s, complete with snowy fun, family, friendship, and just the right amount of romance.
Beth Moran has a wonderful way of taking tragedy and pain and turning them into stories of strength, resilience, and hope. So many of the characters go through their own personal journeys of growth and healing, and I loved seeing how those experiences shaped them. There are definitely moments that will leave you reflecting on your own life and feeling inspired to embrace a little more hope and possibility.
The romance is cute, wholesome, and built on friendship and family, which made it especially enjoyable. While the story has its share of heavier moments, the overall feeling is warm, uplifting, and wonderfully festive. If you're looking for a cozy holiday romance with heart, personal growth, and plenty of Christmas spirit, Joy to the World is a lovely choice!
Thank you to Beth Moran and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
September 15, 2026
Beth’s books are an absolute must read for me. She just has such a way of bringing everything to life with her words.
I also love how she incorporates some very hard, serious situations into her books, but with hope, positivity and love.
And this one is no exception. As we follow Alex and watch her seemingly perfect life implode, might she discover what she actually wanted and needed all along. From a difficult childhood to a life in the limelight, maybe now is the time to slow down and appreciate life around her.
The characters are all so well developed and the scenes so well described. There are so many different characters, and what is great, is how different they all are. Their backgrounds, their present, their hopes for the future. I loved the messiness of the families involved, it really represented true life. There is an element of grief running through the book, but it is dealt with sensitively and with reality.
The children within the story really make this book too, they are all such wonderful characters.
The final chapter was a perfect way to finish the story. So all in all another must read from this author.
I also love how she incorporates some very hard, serious situations into her books, but with hope, positivity and love.
And this one is no exception. As we follow Alex and watch her seemingly perfect life implode, might she discover what she actually wanted and needed all along. From a difficult childhood to a life in the limelight, maybe now is the time to slow down and appreciate life around her.
The characters are all so well developed and the scenes so well described. There are so many different characters, and what is great, is how different they all are. Their backgrounds, their present, their hopes for the future. I loved the messiness of the families involved, it really represented true life. There is an element of grief running through the book, but it is dealt with sensitively and with reality.
The children within the story really make this book too, they are all such wonderful characters.
The final chapter was a perfect way to finish the story. So all in all another must read from this author.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Warm friends & family tale👍👍
4.5🌟 stars
Lovely story centered on Alex, whose professional and private life implodes after a hasty, heartfelt admission at an awards ceremony and a health scare on the same day. When the chips are down and depression is ready to settle in, a little boost from some new friends sets her back on a positive path where romance with a widower father of three, a closer relationship with her sister and a growing circle of joy and friendship intersect. By well before the end you get the feeling that Alex will be fine, no matter what storms she must weather, even if they include choosing between romance and family.
This author can craft a feel-good story with realistic problems to overcome that make the happy bits seem that much more special. Not the first of her novels I've enjoyed and it certainly won't be the last.
Thanks to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for sharing a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest opinion.
4.5🌟 stars
Lovely story centered on Alex, whose professional and private life implodes after a hasty, heartfelt admission at an awards ceremony and a health scare on the same day. When the chips are down and depression is ready to settle in, a little boost from some new friends sets her back on a positive path where romance with a widower father of three, a closer relationship with her sister and a growing circle of joy and friendship intersect. By well before the end you get the feeling that Alex will be fine, no matter what storms she must weather, even if they include choosing between romance and family.
This author can craft a feel-good story with realistic problems to overcome that make the happy bits seem that much more special. Not the first of her novels I've enjoyed and it certainly won't be the last.
Thanks to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for sharing a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest opinion.
September 16, 2026
As usual in my reviews, I will not rehash the plot or the publisher's blurb.
I've read several books by Beth Moran, so was delighted to be invited to read this novel.
As I expected, this was an enjoyable and heartwarming "light read with substance" - but is by no means a sugary-sweet tale. As in many of Beth's novels, the main character (Alex) has not had the easiest of lives, despite appearances. I like the way Beth's heroines manage to pick themselves up and move forward when faced with life's bad times, and Alex is no exception - starting again after a sudden, humiliating and disastrous end to her former career.
The book is set around the East Midlands (Nottinghamshire and Leicestershire), familiar areas to me, which always adds another level of interest. Christmas is coming too, and it makes you realise that not everyone views the season with joy - it can be a trigger for sad memories too.
Recommended if you enjoy cosy and uplifting tales with a large pinch of grit.
My thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for an ARC. All opinions my own.
I've read several books by Beth Moran, so was delighted to be invited to read this novel.
As I expected, this was an enjoyable and heartwarming "light read with substance" - but is by no means a sugary-sweet tale. As in many of Beth's novels, the main character (Alex) has not had the easiest of lives, despite appearances. I like the way Beth's heroines manage to pick themselves up and move forward when faced with life's bad times, and Alex is no exception - starting again after a sudden, humiliating and disastrous end to her former career.
The book is set around the East Midlands (Nottinghamshire and Leicestershire), familiar areas to me, which always adds another level of interest. Christmas is coming too, and it makes you realise that not everyone views the season with joy - it can be a trigger for sad memories too.
Recommended if you enjoy cosy and uplifting tales with a large pinch of grit.
My thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for an ARC. All opinions my own.
September 21, 2026
Another winner by Beth Moran!
Joy to the World is a wonderful story- with many of my favorite elements- found family, quirky supporting characters, low spice romance. Throw in an adorable dog and my favorite plot line of all, - redefining what success really means to them and their life. I loved this book!
Alex Nixon is a famous TV life coach who loses her job and professional reputation after a very public meltdown. Alex accidentally joins a “friends wanted” club where she meets a quirky and interesting group of supporting characters. This includes Will, a widower and single dad who is an amazing character. I found myself rooting for him and Alex all the way! Alex’s family is incredibly dysfunctional and it was truly heartbreaking to see what Alex and her sister had to survive as children. I loved how Alex remakes her life and also helps so many others along the way. Highly recommend!
Thank you to the publisher and to NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
Joy to the World is a wonderful story- with many of my favorite elements- found family, quirky supporting characters, low spice romance. Throw in an adorable dog and my favorite plot line of all, - redefining what success really means to them and their life. I loved this book!
Alex Nixon is a famous TV life coach who loses her job and professional reputation after a very public meltdown. Alex accidentally joins a “friends wanted” club where she meets a quirky and interesting group of supporting characters. This includes Will, a widower and single dad who is an amazing character. I found myself rooting for him and Alex all the way! Alex’s family is incredibly dysfunctional and it was truly heartbreaking to see what Alex and her sister had to survive as children. I loved how Alex remakes her life and also helps so many others along the way. Highly recommend!
Thank you to the publisher and to NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC!
A cozy, festive read that wraps you up like a warm blanket while tackling real emotional weight beneath the holiday charm. After a very public on air meltdown costs Alex her career and exposes a toxic family history, she retreats to Sherwood Forest with only her dog for company. Stumbling into a local Friends Wanted group becomes her lifeline, and the found family that forms around her is genuinely heartwarming. Her slow reconnection with her sister and nieces and nephews is just as touching as her blossoming romance with Will and his children, and the quirky group members each get their own small, satisfying arcs. Some of the family and childhood struggles lean into genuinely heavy territory that may catch readers off guard given the festive framing, but Moran handles both the darker and warmer moments with real skill. A heartfelt small town Christmas read full of second chances, found family, and quiet holiday magic.
A cozy, festive read that wraps you up like a warm blanket while tackling real emotional weight beneath the holiday charm. After a very public on air meltdown costs Alex her career and exposes a toxic family history, she retreats to Sherwood Forest with only her dog for company. Stumbling into a local Friends Wanted group becomes her lifeline, and the found family that forms around her is genuinely heartwarming. Her slow reconnection with her sister and nieces and nephews is just as touching as her blossoming romance with Will and his children, and the quirky group members each get their own small, satisfying arcs. Some of the family and childhood struggles lean into genuinely heavy territory that may catch readers off guard given the festive framing, but Moran handles both the darker and warmer moments with real skill. A heartfelt small town Christmas read full of second chances, found family, and quiet holiday magic.
August 31, 2026
Another amazing book by Beth Moran!
I’ve read several books by Moran and one of the things I love is how she blends sweet rom-com with real depth. Her book always leave me smiling, laughing and also cause me to pause and reflect.
If you love any of the following, you’ll love this book:
•Found Family (she is the QUEEN of this trope, friends)
•Sweet, kisses-only romance
•Relatable characters
•Single parenting
•Healthy Boundaries
•Life after loss
•Realistic happily ever after
•SO many hopeful and redeeming themes!
•Heartfelt Christmas books
Age rating: teen and adult. No explicit content or language.
Content considerations: loss of parent (in the past), cancer, abandonment, poverty, dysfunctional families, foster care, betrayal.
Huge thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to read an eARC of this book. All thoughts expressed are my own.
I’ve read several books by Moran and one of the things I love is how she blends sweet rom-com with real depth. Her book always leave me smiling, laughing and also cause me to pause and reflect.
If you love any of the following, you’ll love this book:
•Found Family (she is the QUEEN of this trope, friends)
•Sweet, kisses-only romance
•Relatable characters
•Single parenting
•Healthy Boundaries
•Life after loss
•Realistic happily ever after
•SO many hopeful and redeeming themes!
•Heartfelt Christmas books
Age rating: teen and adult. No explicit content or language.
Content considerations: loss of parent (in the past), cancer, abandonment, poverty, dysfunctional families, foster care, betrayal.
Huge thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to read an eARC of this book. All thoughts expressed are my own.
September 15, 2026
It’s well written and incredibly thought provoking but omg - it is utterly depressing. Alex’s past is so miserable, filled with awful characters that I couldn’t bear it. She loses everything she’s worked for in a disastrous award ceremony breakdown but finds a found family in a local friendship group. She also finds Will, a delightful widower.
I didn’t actually enjoy this story, but it did make me think. I found it hard to believe Alex would ever get over her deeply abusive childhood but the author did make me want to.
Things started to look better and then horrible things happened and the way Alex dealt with it was so miserable and depressing. I coul not believe how miserable and pessimistic the story was. As I said, brilliantly written - but it left me so depressed. Fabulous ending - eventually! But getting there was so painful.
I didn’t actually enjoy this story, but it did make me think. I found it hard to believe Alex would ever get over her deeply abusive childhood but the author did make me want to.
Things started to look better and then horrible things happened and the way Alex dealt with it was so miserable and depressing. I coul not believe how miserable and pessimistic the story was. As I said, brilliantly written - but it left me so depressed. Fabulous ending - eventually! But getting there was so painful.
September 7, 2026
This is a book from a single POV, the main character is a woman that had a rough upbringing between being homeless, bullies bc of her home situation, and going hungry who in her adult life is financially and outwardly successful but she has ended up putting her social life on hold in order to focus on her career. When she has a breakdown publicly because she is going through a health scare and realizes she has no one she can turn to she tries to adjust the priorities in her life. I really did enjoy this book. Written so well, loved the character and relationship development that happened throughout. If you’re looking for a good Christmas themed book to add to your list I would recommend this one. NetGalleyARC review.
September 17, 2026
Joy to the World is a wonderful Christmas story of new friendships, new love and a transparent life that is fulfilling and rewarding. Written by Beth Moran, the characters are authentic, many eccentric but lovable and honest, that grow as individuals and I their relationships as the story progress. Having we all felt rejection, thinking no one care, in Alex Nixon’s case that became a reality. Here is a enchanting story of finding others who will be there for you just as you will be for them. Then single dad Will and his three children were such a fun treat in this story. Joy to the World is the kind of Christmas delight that Beth Moran always delivers.
September 18, 2026
Joy to the World is perhaps too determined to ensure that everything comes right. Alex’s traumatic history gives the novel emotional weight, but wealth and some very convenient plotting protect her from the full consequences of its central dilemmas. Its most persuasive achievement is not the romance but Friends Wanted: a warm and surprisingly incisive recognition that capable adults can be profoundly lonely, that conventional activity groups do not necessarily produce friendship, and that belonging requires deliberately hospitable spaces in which people are allowed to admit that they need one another.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I received an advanced copy of this book.
Alex Nixon is a famous life coach with a blossoming TV career. That all comes crashing down on her at an awards ceremony when she gave an unhinged acceptance speech and admitted to the entire audience that she has no friends and her life is a mess. Utterly mortified, Alex withdraws from the outside world and weeks later stumbles upon a club called "Friends Wanted." She meets several adults from all facets of life and quickly finds herself sucked into their fold. A man named Will is one member and Alex is soon smitten by him and his three children that he is raising on his own. Alex experiences some family drama of her own but finds that this friend group comes through for her, especially as the holidays are approaching.
Alex Nixon is a famous life coach with a blossoming TV career. That all comes crashing down on her at an awards ceremony when she gave an unhinged acceptance speech and admitted to the entire audience that she has no friends and her life is a mess. Utterly mortified, Alex withdraws from the outside world and weeks later stumbles upon a club called "Friends Wanted." She meets several adults from all facets of life and quickly finds herself sucked into their fold. A man named Will is one member and Alex is soon smitten by him and his three children that he is raising on his own. Alex experiences some family drama of her own but finds that this friend group comes through for her, especially as the holidays are approaching.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
A truly wonderful novel. The characters are well defined and add so much to the story. The main character’s life blows up causing her to lose her reality show position. She finds herself at complete odds when she stumbles upon a group of people all, like her, needing friends. The traumas she continues to experience are contrasted with those of her new friends. Add in a romance to complete the wonderfulness of the book.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of the book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of the book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I love a Beth Moran book and this one is no exception. Alex Bennett has everything - the career, the partner.....(not the family but noone knows about that) Until she doesn't. A healthy worry details her on national telly and she finds herself coincidentally at a group that the old Alex thought sounds silly.. 'Friends Wanted'.
This is a charming story of a group of people that are brought together by loneliness and how they impact each others lives. It was a tough read at times, Alexa childhood and family are far from ideal and there is probably need for a trigger warning about neglect/childhood trauma and grief, but the story is ultimately about improvement and hope, and how it helps when others believe in and support you. It's quite an uplifting book, despite some of the themes, and it one I really enjoyed reading. I enjoyed how the characters stories interwove, the way they helped each other and how it developed. The story moved with good pace and although it's not the most festive of subjects, it was a nice christmassy read..
This is a charming story of a group of people that are brought together by loneliness and how they impact each others lives. It was a tough read at times, Alexa childhood and family are far from ideal and there is probably need for a trigger warning about neglect/childhood trauma and grief, but the story is ultimately about improvement and hope, and how it helps when others believe in and support you. It's quite an uplifting book, despite some of the themes, and it one I really enjoyed reading. I enjoyed how the characters stories interwove, the way they helped each other and how it developed. The story moved with good pace and although it's not the most festive of subjects, it was a nice christmassy read..
September 20, 2026
Joy to the World by Beth Moran ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Are you expecting a sweet holiday you're in for a surprise, it's a lot more than Christmas.
Alex is a successful TV star who's on a self discovery journey. Coming to terms with her childhood trauma, a high -conflict domestic environment, and grief. She learning to heal and letting it go.
Come along as Alex navigates her journey to be the woman she wants to be. I don't want to tell you anymore about what's to come. I want you to read this heart warming holiday and more story.
Are you expecting a sweet holiday you're in for a surprise, it's a lot more than Christmas.
Alex is a successful TV star who's on a self discovery journey. Coming to terms with her childhood trauma, a high -conflict domestic environment, and grief. She learning to heal and letting it go.
Come along as Alex navigates her journey to be the woman she wants to be. I don't want to tell you anymore about what's to come. I want you to read this heart warming holiday and more story.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
What an absolute delight of a book. The one sitting, read instead of actually adulting kinda book. Always love a Beth Moran book and so pleased this was as great as always.
Could really relate to the trying to navigate dating a single dad dynamics - spoiler alert - Will was much better at it then my feckless ex!
Only gripe is, as an Alexis, I don't know anyone who actually willingly shortens it to Alex!
Could really relate to the trying to navigate dating a single dad dynamics - spoiler alert - Will was much better at it then my feckless ex!
Only gripe is, as an Alexis, I don't know anyone who actually willingly shortens it to Alex!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I loved that this book pulled me out of a bit of a reading slump as it's the perfect transition into cooler weather reading without being full on festive.
The author really writes so well about poverty, child neglect, grief and caring, but these heavy themes are balanced by the feel- good factors of finding friendships, humour and breaking patterns.
I think there's always so much to learn and be immersed with in Beth Moran's stories, you are always in a safe pair of hands.
The author really writes so well about poverty, child neglect, grief and caring, but these heavy themes are balanced by the feel- good factors of finding friendships, humour and breaking patterns.
I think there's always so much to learn and be immersed with in Beth Moran's stories, you are always in a safe pair of hands.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This book is so wonderful! I simply couldn't put it down, every up and down I wanted to know more!
Alex Nixon is a fixer, as her childhood was far from perfect, with her sister and herself against the world, as a grown up they drifted apart due to their different paths of life. But when Alex won an award for her show, she had a breakdown on live tv, which turned her life upside down.
I loved the idea of a group of people needed friends as much as eachother.
Alex Nixon is a fixer, as her childhood was far from perfect, with her sister and herself against the world, as a grown up they drifted apart due to their different paths of life. But when Alex won an award for her show, she had a breakdown on live tv, which turned her life upside down.
I loved the idea of a group of people needed friends as much as eachother.
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