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3.25 AVERAGE
3.25 AVERAGE
sometimes when reading a book and you find out your assumptions were wrong, it's a nice surprise and sometimes it's annoying and disappointing
author has a beautiful way with words but the story line was unbelievable and annoying
author has a beautiful way with words but the story line was unbelievable and annoying
Joy’s life has turned upside down. She found her husband and sister in bed together, and now they’re getting married and having a baby. Since her life is in upheaval, she decides to step away from it all, at least for the holidays. She boards a plane for Hope, which inexplicably crashes and blows up, right after she walks away from it. Finding herself in an unknown town, she stumbles across an old fishing lodge where she meets Bobby, a young boy who believes in magic, and his father Daniel, a recently widowed man. While her and Bobby instantly connect, Daniel seems aloof and disinterested at best. Soon, Joy realizes things aren’t what they seem, and that maybe she should believe in magic too.
Though this was categorized as a Christmas book, I think it could really be enjoyed any time of the year. I sort of guessed the “surprise” midway through the book, as less than subtle hints were often dropped, but I still found myself racing through to the end to discover how it would all turn out. I enjoyed this story tremendously, and especially liked that Joy was a librarian! Woohoo! I was so frustrated at times with her sister and ex-husband, and Joy’s eventual attempt at forgiveness. I understand it was Christmas and all, but it was such a nasty betrayal! Ah, well. I really liked her connection with Bobby, who struggled a great deal during his first Christmas without his mother, and a father with whom he’d lost his connection. He latched onto Joy, and their relationship was really sweet. They found each other during a time when they each needed someone the most. I also really enjoyed the fantastical elements of this story. I went into it expecting a realistic read, but was pleasantly surprised by the magic of the story. All in all, this was a really nice story about love, hope, and forgiveness. It’s also about believing in the power of magic.
Though this was categorized as a Christmas book, I think it could really be enjoyed any time of the year. I sort of guessed the “surprise” midway through the book, as less than subtle hints were often dropped, but I still found myself racing through to the end to discover how it would all turn out. I enjoyed this story tremendously, and especially liked that Joy was a librarian! Woohoo! I was so frustrated at times with her sister and ex-husband, and Joy’s eventual attempt at forgiveness. I understand it was Christmas and all, but it was such a nasty betrayal! Ah, well. I really liked her connection with Bobby, who struggled a great deal during his first Christmas without his mother, and a father with whom he’d lost his connection. He latched onto Joy, and their relationship was really sweet. They found each other during a time when they each needed someone the most. I also really enjoyed the fantastical elements of this story. I went into it expecting a realistic read, but was pleasantly surprised by the magic of the story. All in all, this was a really nice story about love, hope, and forgiveness. It’s also about believing in the power of magic.
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
I hated the narrator but I liked the premise of the story but I was totally confused at the ending. Was this made up or real?
Joy Candallaro used to love Christmas, but this year, finding herself alone, she decides to escape on an adventure that she always wishes had the courage to take. She finds herself deep in the Pacific Northwest Rain Forest where she meets Bobby and his Dad, Daniel. But all is not as it seems and comes crashing down on Christmas Eve.
This reflective holiday novel brings the spirit and magic of Christmas to life is a heartfelt story or hope, love and forgiveness. Kristin Hannah’s character development shines in this somewhat shortened format than her typical books. Overall a great read to start the holiday season.
This reflective holiday novel brings the spirit and magic of Christmas to life is a heartfelt story or hope, love and forgiveness. Kristin Hannah’s character development shines in this somewhat shortened format than her typical books. Overall a great read to start the holiday season.
This fable/novella was on the simpler side to read but…it definitely had a twist that was unexpected. Like life, it is 10% what happens and 90% how you react to the 10%…never be afraid to start over and seek what makes you happy.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: None
I didn’t know Kristin Hannah wrote a Christmas book, but I am glad I picked it up! This story had me hooked from the beginning! I finished it in one sitting and I was shocked! The plot twist was amazing and it is crazy how a little Christmas magic can change your whole life! This book highlights real life struggles, and how sometimes we just need to get away for a while. I was laughing, smiling and crying throughout this whole book! Definitely recommend this book to any reader! I can’t wait to read more of her books!
Spice: None
I didn’t know Kristin Hannah wrote a Christmas book, but I am glad I picked it up! This story had me hooked from the beginning! I finished it in one sitting and I was shocked! The plot twist was amazing and it is crazy how a little Christmas magic can change your whole life! This book highlights real life struggles, and how sometimes we just need to get away for a while. I was laughing, smiling and crying throughout this whole book! Definitely recommend this book to any reader! I can’t wait to read more of her books!
I haven’t been so surprised by a book in a long time! Not at all what I expected & throughly confusing in places. I felt as mystified by the end as I did half way through but it definitely kept me turning those pages! 3.5
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
sad
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I try to always read a holiday story every Christmas.... this one was fine. Short enough that I knew I didn't have to put it down. A little too many mentions of religion for my liking but Hannah does write a good story.