Customer Reviews

Comfort and Joy

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I haven't read a Kristin Hannah book yet that I didn't love... and I place this one at the top. I sailed through this unabridged audio, read so fabulously by Sandra Burke. This is not the usual kind of story I expected. If you've read other books by this author, you pretty much know how things will go..... but I was pleasantly surprised by the twist in this story.... actually, I loved the way the story ended. I am a true fan of this author and can't wait for her next book. I immediately fell in love with Joy, Bobby, and even the gruf Daniel, with his wonderful Irish accent. This is the kind of book you just can't wait to finish, but never want to end. I highly recommend it. I'd love to see Kristen revisit these people one day in a future story....
JMHO //(*_*)\\

Christmas isn't a time for cynicism or skepticism. It's a time when miracles can happen, which is almost what occurs in the life of Joy Candellaro.

As our story opens it seems that Joy isn't aptly named because there's not much in her life but betrayal and misery. Her divorce from Thom is still new enough to pain and her sister is the one who caused it. Not a time for family happiness!

In spite of all this, Joy determines to celebrate her first Christmas on her own with a tree, the trimmings, and an eye-popping gift that she certainly feels she deserves. However, the holly and tinsel go by the board when her sister, Stacey, drops by to announce that she's going to have Thom's baby. Joy sees red, and buys an airline ticket for Canada. Does she know anyone there? No. Does she know what she'll do when she gets there? Has no idea. She simply wants to escape from a life that has become untenable.

Kristin Hannah fans know that there's good news in the offing, and they'll not be disappointed or surprised when Joy meets a father and son who are enduring more than their share of sorrow. You know what they say about comfort and joy.

Sandra Burr gives a splendid reading of this story of second chances - if you have the courage to accept them.

- Gail Cooke

I picked up this audio book at a travel stop while on a 6-hour road trip. Not usually one to read fiction (and certainly not romance novels), I am so glad I was enticed to select this one. Although the events of the story are somewhat far-fetched (an extra-marital affair between the main character's sister and husband, and a plane crash in the rainforest), the authentic expression of emotion through the main character Joy grabbed both my psyche and my heart. I was also fascinated by and empathized with the characters' personal struggles, and was touched by their complex, fragile relationships. If your heart is open - or possibly even longing - to experience a renewed sense of faith, hope and true love, this story will refresh your spirit.