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3.25 AVERAGE
3.25 AVERAGE
A simple and a bit sappy story that’s just delightful for a corny Christmas read but shouldn’t be taken much more seriously. I’ve read some other emotionally wrenching Kristin Hannah books that are far more relationally and emotionally involved so this was a bit of a disappointment as a well- developed novel but was still a light fun Christmas read.
After getting the recommendation, I had put off reading Comfort and Joy because I expected it to be corny, Lifetime-movie material. As I only had access to the book for another week, I decided to give it a try. While it does have that sappy feel, I was pleasantly surprised by how much the writing pulled me in. It’s a quick, engaging read that I finished in just a few early mornings.
Let me start by stating that I love Kristen Hannah's historical fiction books. They are some of my favorites. I know Comfort and Joy is one of her earlier books, but I found it difficult to believe that the same author wrote this and The Women. It didn't help that I found the audiobook version to be irritating.
So, this book was not what I expected -- but in a good way. Until I got to the middle of the story, I couldn't understand why this book was described as a fairy tale -- but then the magic happened and I got it. Such a wonderful surprise! Because it is a Christmas story, there are the requisite themes of loss and family and forgiveness but they are not in-your-face or corny in the extreme. The main character's journey, (Joy), is real and honest. I was continuously questioning whether I could be as a big a person as Joy. I very much enjoyed spending time in Kristin Hannah's Rain Valley and gladly would have spent even more time getting to know these characters.
hopeful
mysterious
medium-paced
challenging
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
emotional
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes