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The Christmas Joy Ride
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.
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!
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!
Audible Audio
First published August 25, 2015
611 people are currently reading
3341 people want to read
About the author
Melody Carlson
418 books3,241 followersMelody Carlson is the award-winning author of over two hundred books, several of them Christmas novellas from Revell, including her much-loved and bestselling book, The Christmas Bus.
She also writes many teen books, including the Diary of a Teenage Girl series, the TrueColors series, and the Carter House Girls series.
Melody was nominated for a Romantic Times Career Achievement Award in the inspirational market for her books, including the Notes from a Spinning Planet series and Finding Alice, which is in production as a Lifetime Television movie. She and her husband serve on the Young Life adult committee in central Oregon.
She also writes many teen books, including the Diary of a Teenage Girl series, the TrueColors series, and the Carter House Girls series.
Melody was nominated for a Romantic Times Career Achievement Award in the inspirational market for her books, including the Notes from a Spinning Planet series and Finding Alice, which is in production as a Lifetime Television movie. She and her husband serve on the Young Life adult committee in central Oregon.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 807 reviews
December 2, 2024
THE CHRISTMAS JOY RIDE was a super cute Christmas novella. Joy and Miranda take a road trip from Chicago to Arizona along Route 66 in an old RV covered in Christmas decorations. These two had a fun adventure and Joy was determined to spread Christmas cheer. 4/5 stars.
December 3, 2021
4 stars
This was such a great Christmas story! Miranda doesn’t expect to spend the week before Christmas in an RV with her neighbor in her eighties, but here she is. Joy, also known as Christmas Joy, had a contest on her blog to make people’s Christmas brighter and she’s headed down route 66 to spread her joy.
Miranda is recently divorced, unemployed, and has no reason to say no when Joy asks her to tag along so she does. She gets so much out of this trip and meets so many wonderful people. I adored Joy. She was the best. Miranda was great too. And of course, I loved the last stop they made best!
“The spirit of Santa is real. It’s the spirit of love and giving, and I like to think that it’s symbolic of God’s love and generosity. Sort of like a metaphor for children.”
This was such a great Christmas story! Miranda doesn’t expect to spend the week before Christmas in an RV with her neighbor in her eighties, but here she is. Joy, also known as Christmas Joy, had a contest on her blog to make people’s Christmas brighter and she’s headed down route 66 to spread her joy.
Miranda is recently divorced, unemployed, and has no reason to say no when Joy asks her to tag along so she does. She gets so much out of this trip and meets so many wonderful people. I adored Joy. She was the best. Miranda was great too. And of course, I loved the last stop they made best!
Audio book source: Hoopla
Story Rating: 4 stars
Narrators: Cecily White
Narration Rating: 4 stars
Genre: Contemporary Fiction
Length: 5h 4m
September 2, 2015
www.melissa413readsalot.blogspot.com
I fell in love with this book, it was such a feel good book and exactly what I needed. I love Christmas time and the thought of traveling around in an RV handing out good will to those in need sounds wonderful to me. Of course my RV would be filled with dogs and books, but I digress :)
Joy Jorgenson is this sweet 85 year-old woman that sold her house and is going to move from Chicago to Phoenix to live closer to her two sons, Rob and Rick. Her husband George passed away a bit ago. Joy also runs a blog called Christmas Joy and people write in and tell her about things they wish upon.
So Joy takes it upon herself to take her RV down route 66 driving to Phoenix instead of flying like her sons thinks she's doing. She's taking her neighbor Miranda with her because she has lost her home due to her jerk of a husband. That's all I'm going to say about that and him!
Joy has all of these tubs labeled for different places they are going to stop along the way and spread some Christmas cheer. She has it all mapped out, written out and going to take pictures for the blog. She picked a few place to go and she is using her stuff to make their Christmas a better time and she also buys some gifts and gives money in certain situations.
I greatly enjoyed going on these travels with Joy and Miranda. There are a lot of tear jerking moments in the book and I was afraid a death at one point.
I think anyone that loves Christmas and doing good things for others would really like this book. I know I'm going to buy it, it's definitely a keeper for me!
*I would like to thank NETGALLLEY and REVELL for giving me the opportunity to read this book in exchange for my honest review.*
I fell in love with this book, it was such a feel good book and exactly what I needed. I love Christmas time and the thought of traveling around in an RV handing out good will to those in need sounds wonderful to me. Of course my RV would be filled with dogs and books, but I digress :)
Joy Jorgenson is this sweet 85 year-old woman that sold her house and is going to move from Chicago to Phoenix to live closer to her two sons, Rob and Rick. Her husband George passed away a bit ago. Joy also runs a blog called Christmas Joy and people write in and tell her about things they wish upon.
So Joy takes it upon herself to take her RV down route 66 driving to Phoenix instead of flying like her sons thinks she's doing. She's taking her neighbor Miranda with her because she has lost her home due to her jerk of a husband. That's all I'm going to say about that and him!
Joy has all of these tubs labeled for different places they are going to stop along the way and spread some Christmas cheer. She has it all mapped out, written out and going to take pictures for the blog. She picked a few place to go and she is using her stuff to make their Christmas a better time and she also buys some gifts and gives money in certain situations.
I greatly enjoyed going on these travels with Joy and Miranda. There are a lot of tear jerking moments in the book and I was afraid a death at one point.
I think anyone that loves Christmas and doing good things for others would really like this book. I know I'm going to buy it, it's definitely a keeper for me!
*I would like to thank NETGALLLEY and REVELL for giving me the opportunity to read this book in exchange for my honest review.*
December 21, 2015
3.5 Stars!
When 85 year old Joy tells her young neighbor Miranda that she plans to drive an old RV decked out in Christmas decorations from their neighborhood in Chicago to her new retirement place in Phoenix - in the dead of winter - Miranda insists that Joy can't make the trip by herself. Miranda is divorced, unemployed and facing foreclosure and 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.
This is definitely different from what I normally read. But I needed a nice Christmas themed book besides The Grinch :) There were some aspects I wasn't too fond of ( mainly how it ended...a bit too insta-lovey for my taste ) but overall it was an enjoyable and quick read.
When 85 year old Joy tells her young neighbor Miranda that she plans to drive an old RV decked out in Christmas decorations from their neighborhood in Chicago to her new retirement place in Phoenix - in the dead of winter - Miranda insists that Joy can't make the trip by herself. Miranda is divorced, unemployed and facing foreclosure and 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.
This is definitely different from what I normally read. But I needed a nice Christmas themed book besides The Grinch :) There were some aspects I wasn't too fond of ( mainly how it ended...a bit too insta-lovey for my taste ) but overall it was an enjoyable and quick read.
November 26, 2023
4 Stars
The Christmas Joy Ride by Melody Carlson
Super cute Christmas read ya'll! I love a good story with a grandmother figure and Joy, one of main characters who is 85 years old, does NOT disappoint with her humor and spunk! She tells her neighbor Miranda that she plans to drive an old RV decked out in christmas decorations from Chicago to her new retirement home in Phoenix. Miranda goes with Joy in fear of what she might find out on the road in the dead of winter by herself and the trip becomes a very interesting one as they help others during Christmastime along the way!
The romance at the end, I could have done without, a little bit instalove but not too bad. I did like the guys little girl as I always love a good single Dad finding love again trope so it wasn't too bad :)
My favorite part of this was the friendship that Joy and Miranda form together. It really goes to show you can find true friendship, no matter your ages. Joy will filled with wisdom and this was a delight to read during the Christmas season!
The Christmas Joy Ride by Melody Carlson
Super cute Christmas read ya'll! I love a good story with a grandmother figure and Joy, one of main characters who is 85 years old, does NOT disappoint with her humor and spunk! She tells her neighbor Miranda that she plans to drive an old RV decked out in christmas decorations from Chicago to her new retirement home in Phoenix. Miranda goes with Joy in fear of what she might find out on the road in the dead of winter by herself and the trip becomes a very interesting one as they help others during Christmastime along the way!
The romance at the end, I could have done without, a little bit instalove but not too bad. I did like the guys little girl as I always love a good single Dad finding love again trope so it wasn't too bad :)
My favorite part of this was the friendship that Joy and Miranda form together. It really goes to show you can find true friendship, no matter your ages. Joy will filled with wisdom and this was a delight to read during the Christmas season!
December 25, 2023
Дуже мила різдвяна новела, символічно прослухала її в Святвечір. Для мене вона занадто солодка, хоча ідея дуже крута: дві жінки відправляються в домі на колесах з Чикаго до Фініксу по всьому маршруту 66 і вітають людей з Різдвом та розповсюджують радість та дарують незабутні емоції.
December 11, 2023
About this book:
“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.
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!”
Series: As of now, no.
Spiritual Content- Prayers (& many mentions of prayers); The Bible & Scriptures are mentioned; Talks about God & having faith; ‘H’s when referring to God are not capital; Mentions of nativity sets, baby Jesus & the true meaning of Christmas; All about Christmas!;
*Note: A mention of a lady who is anit-religion.
Negative Content- Minor cussing including: a ‘dumb’, a ‘oh my word’, a ‘what the heck’ and two ‘stupid’s; Mentions of curses (not written); A mention of a car crash (barely-above-not-detailed); A mention of an alcoholic; A couple mentions of drug addicts & prions; A couple mentions of rehab centers & addictions; A few mentions of divorce; Mentions of sewers, hookups & black water (barely-above-not-detailed).
Sexual Content- a forehead kiss & a not-detailed kiss; Miranda’s husband cheated & left her for another woman; A mention of another husband who left for a younger woman; Noticing & Attraction that could lead to love.
-Miranda Fortner, age 36
-Joy Jorgenson, age 85-86
P.O.V. switches between them
168 pages
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Pre Teens- One Star (and a half)
New Teens- Two Stars (and a half)
Early High School Teens- Three Stars
Older High School Teens- Four Stars
My personal Rating- Four Stars
My goodness, this was a cute book! I don’t know what my favorite part was! I loved Joy, her giving heart and her desire to bless others for Christmas. The beginning to middle was so sweet and I had a feeling that the last half would have a bit of romance in it. “The Christmas Joy Ride” was such a fun plot and almost like a Hallmark Christmas movie—only better!
Link to review:
http://booksforchristiangirls.blogspo...
*BFCG may (Read the review to see) recommend this book by this author. It does not mean I recommend all the books by this author.
*I received this book for free from the Publisher (Revell) for this review.
“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.
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!”
Series: As of now, no.
Spiritual Content- Prayers (& many mentions of prayers); The Bible & Scriptures are mentioned; Talks about God & having faith; ‘H’s when referring to God are not capital; Mentions of nativity sets, baby Jesus & the true meaning of Christmas; All about Christmas!;
*Note: A mention of a lady who is anit-religion.
Negative Content- Minor cussing including: a ‘dumb’, a ‘oh my word’, a ‘what the heck’ and two ‘stupid’s; Mentions of curses (not written); A mention of a car crash (barely-above-not-detailed); A mention of an alcoholic; A couple mentions of drug addicts & prions; A couple mentions of rehab centers & addictions; A few mentions of divorce; Mentions of sewers, hookups & black water (barely-above-not-detailed).
Sexual Content- a forehead kiss & a not-detailed kiss; Miranda’s husband cheated & left her for another woman; A mention of another husband who left for a younger woman; Noticing & Attraction that could lead to love.
-Miranda Fortner, age 36
-Joy Jorgenson, age 85-86
P.O.V. switches between them
168 pages
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Pre Teens- One Star (and a half)
New Teens- Two Stars (and a half)
Early High School Teens- Three Stars
Older High School Teens- Four Stars
My personal Rating- Four Stars
My goodness, this was a cute book! I don’t know what my favorite part was! I loved Joy, her giving heart and her desire to bless others for Christmas. The beginning to middle was so sweet and I had a feeling that the last half would have a bit of romance in it. “The Christmas Joy Ride” was such a fun plot and almost like a Hallmark Christmas movie—only better!
Link to review:
http://booksforchristiangirls.blogspo...
*BFCG may (Read the review to see) recommend this book by this author. It does not mean I recommend all the books by this author.
*I received this book for free from the Publisher (Revell) for this review.
January 1, 2023
The cover on this Melody Carlson Christmas title is simply irresistible. My husband and I have plans to begin RVing around the country this coming year. I simply had to read Joy and Miranda's Joy Ride story. There were so many heartwarming moments and a HEA for Miranda. Highly recommended!
December 9, 2021
The Christmas Joy Ride is an enjoyable Christmas story. The cover is what drew my attention to this book. I thought an RV decked out for Christmas looked like a festive book.
The story revolves around Joy, who happens to be 85 years old, and her much younger neighbor Miranda. Joy has a blog that she held a contest on for the participants to receive some Christmas joy. This will be Joy's last trip before she moves closer to be by her 2 sons. She'll be living in a retirement home once she gets to her final destination. To help her with all the driving she convinces her out-of-work neighbor, Miranda, to join her.
Along the way, the women stop and spread Christmas joy to the winners of the contest.
It's a fun, heartfelt story to put you in the mood for Christmas.
The story revolves around Joy, who happens to be 85 years old, and her much younger neighbor Miranda. Joy has a blog that she held a contest on for the participants to receive some Christmas joy. This will be Joy's last trip before she moves closer to be by her 2 sons. She'll be living in a retirement home once she gets to her final destination. To help her with all the driving she convinces her out-of-work neighbor, Miranda, to join her.
Along the way, the women stop and spread Christmas joy to the winners of the contest.
It's a fun, heartfelt story to put you in the mood for Christmas.
Audiobook source: Hoopla
Narrator: Cecily White
Length: 5H 04M
November 14, 2021
"The Christmas Joy Ride" was such a fun read! Joy was like an angel because she not only knew the pain that people felt and the struggles that they were facing, but also knew exactly what they needed. Joy handled every situation with a warm heart. She always had something positive and uplifting to say. Her selfless nature and kindness melted my heart. Joy and Miranda made the perfect team. They transformed the lives of many, mended broken hearts, and brought Christmas cheer to those in need. The way Joy meticulously preplanned all of the details for their visits, made me smile. I felt like I was in the RV with Joy and Miranda the whole time. It was a cool ride indeed. I also enjoyed reading about the true meaning of Christmas. I enjoyed every moment reading this book. The dialogue was great. Everything came to life while reading Melody Carlson's writing. The humor added in, made me chuckle as well. "The Christmas Joy Ride" is definitely a fun book that will get you in the Christmas spirit!
December 2, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I absolutely loved this wonderful Christmas story. The story line and the characters has made this Christmas story one of my very favourites.
I absolutely loved this wonderful Christmas story. The story line and the characters has made this Christmas story one of my very favourites.
December 30, 2020
Cute short read. The only “annoying” part was just the constant “Joy seems really tired” like OOOOOOOK we get it, she’s 86. Other than that it was a great heart warming journey with a really feel good ending.
Christmas Joy hosted a contest on her website and there was six winners. Joy was planning on going solo with her RV down Route 66 to make a stop at each of the winners places and spread some Christmas Joy with decorations and presents. A little mishap happens and Miranda (the neighbor who’s life is in shambles) needs to make a decision. It’s a great read, my last Christmas one of the season!
Christmas Joy hosted a contest on her website and there was six winners. Joy was planning on going solo with her RV down Route 66 to make a stop at each of the winners places and spread some Christmas Joy with decorations and presents. A little mishap happens and Miranda (the neighbor who’s life is in shambles) needs to make a decision. It’s a great read, my last Christmas one of the season!
December 4, 2017
A wonderful heart warming Christmas story. Everyone who knows me or follows my reviews know how much I love camping - so how could I not fall in love with this beautiful tale combining both - Christmas and camping.
Joy and Miranda are making for some great travel companions spreading the joy of Christmas to those who are in need of some Christmas spirit.
The romance in the end feels a little rushed but oh so sweet!
I may make this a yearly Christmas read that's how much I enjoyed it.
Joy and Miranda are making for some great travel companions spreading the joy of Christmas to those who are in need of some Christmas spirit.
The romance in the end feels a little rushed but oh so sweet!
I may make this a yearly Christmas read that's how much I enjoyed it.
November 25, 2025
5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This is a quick Christmas read, very fun and captivating . Although this is my first book by Melody Carlson I’m sure I’ll be reading more of her work.
The first thing I liked about the Christmas Joy Ride was the cover. It is cute and drew me to read this happy holiday story straight away…The old RV with Christmas lights and garland decorated to the hilt!
The second thing I liked was the main character Joy who was 87 years old and feisty. She was known as Christmas Joy on her website which delivered Christmas recipes, ideas and stories to those who followed her. She claims constantly that age 87 is just a number and she works at putting her good deeds in action to those in need. The third thing I liked was the plot. The story was obviously drafted well and unique in delivering a cute inspirational story which I loved. The fourth thing was it had a spiritual touch to it, recognizing God in their life. Finally, the last thing I loved was the RV and what it brought to the story. Having owned an RV in the past I could really relate to the saga it brought.
Joy has set out in her old motor home to spread Christmas spirit, hope, and gifts to those in need, all the way from Chicago to Arizona, driving Route 66…in the middle of winter I might add. It doesn’t get more crazier than this, but Joy won’t be deterred from making the drive in the RV. She has convinced her young friend and neighbor Miranda, to go along as a co-pilot and Miranda reluctantly gets guilted into traipsing along.
The people they meet and help make a great story. Their adventure tops it off to be a favorite read for me. I recommend this short read.
This is a quick Christmas read, very fun and captivating . Although this is my first book by Melody Carlson I’m sure I’ll be reading more of her work.
The first thing I liked about the Christmas Joy Ride was the cover. It is cute and drew me to read this happy holiday story straight away…The old RV with Christmas lights and garland decorated to the hilt!
The second thing I liked was the main character Joy who was 87 years old and feisty. She was known as Christmas Joy on her website which delivered Christmas recipes, ideas and stories to those who followed her. She claims constantly that age 87 is just a number and she works at putting her good deeds in action to those in need. The third thing I liked was the plot. The story was obviously drafted well and unique in delivering a cute inspirational story which I loved. The fourth thing was it had a spiritual touch to it, recognizing God in their life. Finally, the last thing I loved was the RV and what it brought to the story. Having owned an RV in the past I could really relate to the saga it brought.
Joy has set out in her old motor home to spread Christmas spirit, hope, and gifts to those in need, all the way from Chicago to Arizona, driving Route 66…in the middle of winter I might add. It doesn’t get more crazier than this, but Joy won’t be deterred from making the drive in the RV. She has convinced her young friend and neighbor Miranda, to go along as a co-pilot and Miranda reluctantly gets guilted into traipsing along.
The people they meet and help make a great story. Their adventure tops it off to be a favorite read for me. I recommend this short read.
September 22, 2015
Miranda has been down on her luck, without a job, gone through a divorce and looking at possible foreclosure. When her 85 year old neighbor Joy tells Miranda of her plans to drive herself from Chicago to Phoenix right before Christmas in her old RV along Route 66, Miranda reluctantly agrees to accompany her on the journey.
Joy has a website up to give helpful hints/tips all about Christmas and refers to herself as Christmas Joy. She has run a contest on the site to help spread Christmas cheer to a few deserving winners. Miranda and Joy decorate the RV and head out on the road to visit with the winners and try to make it to Phoenix where Joy will be moving with her sons.
A lovely story of the two ladies bonding and spreading Christmas cheer across the nation. The winners they visited did all seem to need the stop from the ladies to brighten their holidays. Enjoyed the interaction between the two and the way Miranda truly cared about Joy. Joy certainly had a mind of her own and a whole lot of determination to make the journey to see a little brightness given to the families that needed it for the holiday season.
If it weren't for a bit of predictability with the story and the ending seeming a bit rushed with it being short this would have been easily a 5 star book. Still very enjoyable, quick read overall and would recommend it.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.wordpress....
Joy has a website up to give helpful hints/tips all about Christmas and refers to herself as Christmas Joy. She has run a contest on the site to help spread Christmas cheer to a few deserving winners. Miranda and Joy decorate the RV and head out on the road to visit with the winners and try to make it to Phoenix where Joy will be moving with her sons.
A lovely story of the two ladies bonding and spreading Christmas cheer across the nation. The winners they visited did all seem to need the stop from the ladies to brighten their holidays. Enjoyed the interaction between the two and the way Miranda truly cared about Joy. Joy certainly had a mind of her own and a whole lot of determination to make the journey to see a little brightness given to the families that needed it for the holiday season.
If it weren't for a bit of predictability with the story and the ending seeming a bit rushed with it being short this would have been easily a 5 star book. Still very enjoyable, quick read overall and would recommend it.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.wordpress....
December 2, 2022
Audiobook (narrated by Cecily White)
This is a charming little Christmas story about an elderly woman, Joy (aka Christmas Joy), who wants to bless others on her way from the midwest to her new home in the southwest. This is a buddy road trip novel, and it charmed me. Note: I wasn’t a fan of the narrator. She made the female characters sound "squeaky," like they were the mice in the old Cinderella movie.
Robin’s Ratings
5🌟 = Out of this world. Amazing. Unforgettable. A personal favorite.
4🌟 = Excellent read. Couldn’t put it down. Will recommend to others.
3🌟 = Liked it. Glad I read it. Engaging/entertaining/interesting.
2🌟 = The book was okay, but I’ve enjoyed other books so much more.
1🌟 = For whatever reason, I didn’t like it and can’t recommend it.
This is a charming little Christmas story about an elderly woman, Joy (aka Christmas Joy), who wants to bless others on her way from the midwest to her new home in the southwest. This is a buddy road trip novel, and it charmed me. Note: I wasn’t a fan of the narrator. She made the female characters sound "squeaky," like they were the mice in the old Cinderella movie.
Robin’s Ratings
5🌟 = Out of this world. Amazing. Unforgettable. A personal favorite.
4🌟 = Excellent read. Couldn’t put it down. Will recommend to others.
3🌟 = Liked it. Glad I read it. Engaging/entertaining/interesting.
2🌟 = The book was okay, but I’ve enjoyed other books so much more.
1🌟 = For whatever reason, I didn’t like it and can’t recommend it.
December 2, 2015
See my complete review here: http://smilingbookreviews.blogspot.co...
MY REVIEW
I love Melody Carlson's Christmas books and this one was no exception! I love the cover of this book and thought it gave the story an extra flair. :)
This book featured what should be the focus of Christmas - GIVING! I loved the interaction between Miranda and Joy and the sweet friendship between this elderly lady and a much younger Miranda. In this world there is not a lot of respect for the elderly. So it was refreshing to read a book where two different generations got along so well.
You'll have no problem diving into this heartwarming short story with a touch of romance and a predictable but romantic ending.
*Thanks to Revell Reads for the complimentary copy of this book for review purposes. All opinions stated are my own.*
MY REVIEW
I love Melody Carlson's Christmas books and this one was no exception! I love the cover of this book and thought it gave the story an extra flair. :)
This book featured what should be the focus of Christmas - GIVING! I loved the interaction between Miranda and Joy and the sweet friendship between this elderly lady and a much younger Miranda. In this world there is not a lot of respect for the elderly. So it was refreshing to read a book where two different generations got along so well.
You'll have no problem diving into this heartwarming short story with a touch of romance and a predictable but romantic ending.
*Thanks to Revell Reads for the complimentary copy of this book for review purposes. All opinions stated are my own.*
March 22, 2020
A really quick and sweet Christmas story. Joy was a delight and Miranda was the perfect "helper". It was almost like Joy KNEW what was going to happen at the end and planned accordingly.
It was easy to get lost in the setting of the story to the point that I had to remind myself it's the end of March. I love the idea of traveling across the country in an RV. It's on my Bucket List!
Rating: G
Language: a very clean read!
Recommend: yes!
It was easy to get lost in the setting of the story to the point that I had to remind myself it's the end of March. I love the idea of traveling across the country in an RV. It's on my Bucket List!
Rating: G
Language: a very clean read!
Recommend: yes!
January 1, 2022
I read this to my wife this Christmas Season as she was recovering from surgery. I had the idea last month to read a Christmas story this December. I started looking over occasional updates from Goodreads friends who posted recent reviews of Christmas books, and this one looked fun.
If you enlarge the cover, you'll see a couple of the things that attracted me to the book. Earlier this year I enjoyed Nomadland, by Jessica Bruder - the account of a section of our population that grew after the 2008 housing crisis, people who live in RV's and travel from one temporary job to another. The descriptions of The Christmas Joy Ride involve a woman who uproots her "normal" life to hit the road in her RV on a mission to bring Christmas joy to down-on-their-luck people she learned about through her website, on a cross country drive from Chicago to Phoenix. Secondly, I was excited to see what appears to be one of the "mitten" formations of Monument Valley in the background, one of my favorite places.
As you can imagine, The Christmas Joy Ride is a sappy, sentimental and fun story that has most of the trappings of a typical Hallmark Christmas movie. I enjoyed reading aloud for a change (I'm jealous of my brother who gets to read to his grandson!), and many times when I glanced over at Holly she had her eyes closed with a smile on her face, imagining the warm holiday scenes that Carlson described.
If you enlarge the cover, you'll see a couple of the things that attracted me to the book. Earlier this year I enjoyed Nomadland, by Jessica Bruder - the account of a section of our population that grew after the 2008 housing crisis, people who live in RV's and travel from one temporary job to another. The descriptions of The Christmas Joy Ride involve a woman who uproots her "normal" life to hit the road in her RV on a mission to bring Christmas joy to down-on-their-luck people she learned about through her website, on a cross country drive from Chicago to Phoenix. Secondly, I was excited to see what appears to be one of the "mitten" formations of Monument Valley in the background, one of my favorite places.
As you can imagine, The Christmas Joy Ride is a sappy, sentimental and fun story that has most of the trappings of a typical Hallmark Christmas movie. I enjoyed reading aloud for a change (I'm jealous of my brother who gets to read to his grandson!), and many times when I glanced over at Holly she had her eyes closed with a smile on her face, imagining the warm holiday scenes that Carlson described.
December 26, 2021
Christmas 2021 - Nice
I loved the first part of this book where 85-year-old Joy and her young friend Miranda embark on a road-trip, in Joy’s fully-loaded RV, from Chicago to Phoenix to spread Christmas cheer. Once there, Joy will move into a retirement community to be near her sons. Miranda, whose husband recently left her and her home is about to be foreclosed, will have to figure out what to do with the rest of her life.
I spent most of this book feeling like it had such potential but never lived up to it. The RV trip and the dynamic between Joy and Miranda could’ve been really funny. The Christmas Joy episodes could’ve been more heartwarming. And the romance at the end should have been omitted altogether, it was just silly.
Also, this is one of those books where listening to the audiobook didn’t enhance the experience. The actor had a nice voice, but she chose to narrate the book as if her audience was a group of kindergartners, and she gave the two main characters Smurfette voices. It was very irritating.
I loved the first part of this book where 85-year-old Joy and her young friend Miranda embark on a road-trip, in Joy’s fully-loaded RV, from Chicago to Phoenix to spread Christmas cheer. Once there, Joy will move into a retirement community to be near her sons. Miranda, whose husband recently left her and her home is about to be foreclosed, will have to figure out what to do with the rest of her life.
I spent most of this book feeling like it had such potential but never lived up to it. The RV trip and the dynamic between Joy and Miranda could’ve been really funny. The Christmas Joy episodes could’ve been more heartwarming. And the romance at the end should have been omitted altogether, it was just silly.
Also, this is one of those books where listening to the audiobook didn’t enhance the experience. The actor had a nice voice, but she chose to narrate the book as if her audience was a group of kindergartners, and she gave the two main characters Smurfette voices. It was very irritating.
December 30, 2021
The Christmas Joy Ride by Melody Carlson is a heartwarming story about a cross-country road trip with a plan to spread some Christmas cheer along the way. 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.
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!
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!
December 2, 2017
I wasn't sure if I'd like this story or not seeing as it was the first I'd ever read by this author, but right from the beginning I was pulled in and so enjoyed it! An older woman (86) convincing her younger neighbor to go on an RV trip along Route 66 at Christmas time. That just sounded fun. And to top it off, they deliver Christmas cheer along the way. The ending bit of possible romance was sweet. I really didn't want this story to end. It's something I'll probably want to read again next year.
January 8, 2022
This was a nice feel-good book. An octogenarian offers Christmas gifts through a website. She enlists her down-on luck younger neighbor to accompany her on route 66 from Chicago to Flagstaff to deliver the presents. It is a nice story but rushed at the end for the final delivery when love is at first sight. It should be a Hallmark movie. It is a quick read!
December 12, 2023
3.75⭐️
A pretty cute road trip story where an elderly woman and a younger woman who’s recently had her life fall apart, take a motor home out along Route 66 over christmas time.
I really liked Joy but found her more idyllic than realistic.
There’s a definite promotion of believing that Santa Claus is real as well…🤷🏼♀️
The romance element went 0-60 in no time flat also
A pretty cute road trip story where an elderly woman and a younger woman who’s recently had her life fall apart, take a motor home out along Route 66 over christmas time.
I really liked Joy but found her more idyllic than realistic.
There’s a definite promotion of believing that Santa Claus is real as well…🤷🏼♀️
The romance element went 0-60 in no time flat also
November 28, 2017
This book will get you in the holiday spirit! Both the characters and story made this a great read. This is a great book about the spirit of giving. This book provided by NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
January 1, 2016
SUMMARY: 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.
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!
REVIEW: One of the best authors at capturing the true spirit of Christmas, Melody Carlson hit another home run in the Christmas book market with her latest release. I just finished Christine Lynxwiler's My True Love Gave to Me which also involves RV travel and reaching out in the true Christmas spirit, and this book was just a great followup to it. Joy is a loveable, squeezable, grandmotherly type who understands that Miranda has lost her Christmas spirit in the midst of all her life's problems. An RV trip with surprise stops for the winners of Joy's Christmas Joy blog helps Miranda learn that she has much to give to others even when she feels she has nothing. Full of humorous adventures, wonderful characters, and a touch of romance this RV trip will take the reader right in to the heart of the Christmas message of hope, love, and giving. Definitely a book that many will reread again each Christmas.
FAVORITE QUOTES: "But the spirit of Santa is real. It's the spirit of love and giving, and I like to think that it's symbolic of God's love and generosity. Sort of like a metaphor for children."
"Although I wish your circumstances were different, I do believe that the good Lord knows just what we need. And I don't believe he wants anyone to have it too easy."
"When the fellow is right, you just know it immediately. It just goes click in your heart."
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!
REVIEW: One of the best authors at capturing the true spirit of Christmas, Melody Carlson hit another home run in the Christmas book market with her latest release. I just finished Christine Lynxwiler's My True Love Gave to Me which also involves RV travel and reaching out in the true Christmas spirit, and this book was just a great followup to it. Joy is a loveable, squeezable, grandmotherly type who understands that Miranda has lost her Christmas spirit in the midst of all her life's problems. An RV trip with surprise stops for the winners of Joy's Christmas Joy blog helps Miranda learn that she has much to give to others even when she feels she has nothing. Full of humorous adventures, wonderful characters, and a touch of romance this RV trip will take the reader right in to the heart of the Christmas message of hope, love, and giving. Definitely a book that many will reread again each Christmas.
FAVORITE QUOTES: "But the spirit of Santa is real. It's the spirit of love and giving, and I like to think that it's symbolic of God's love and generosity. Sort of like a metaphor for children."
"Although I wish your circumstances were different, I do believe that the good Lord knows just what we need. And I don't believe he wants anyone to have it too easy."
"When the fellow is right, you just know it immediately. It just goes click in your heart."
October 28, 2015
Joy, and her neighbor Miranda, set out from Chicago in Joy's old RV to spread the Christmas spirit to those in need. At 85, Joy is moving to Phoenix to be close to her sons. Miranda is divorced, unemployed and facing foreclosure, and is desperate need of some Christmas magic. So, off they head down route 66 to bring Christmas to the winners of a contest, sponsored by Joy's Christmas blog. Ride along with Miranda and Joy, rejoicing in the old adage, "it is better to give than to receive".
A sweet Christmas read.
A sweet Christmas read.
December 23, 2015
Great heartwarming holiday story. Truly enjoyed it.
December 23, 2021
If you like Christmas Hallmark movies this is the book for you but unfortunately I am not that kind of person. The cheese factor was off the charts and the plot was far fetched.
October 9, 2023
What a sweet lighthearted Christmas story. I enjoy this author and her Christmas spirit she writes with. It’s a shorter story but just so sweet.
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