I ended up really liking the story but it took me several chapters to get into it. I felt a little like some of the early chapters weren’t really necessary to the story. I understand that the author was trying to give a back story to the main characters but I think that may have been better done throughout the book. ( )

I ended up really liking the story but it took me several chapters to get into it. I felt a little like some of the early chapters weren’t really necessary to the story. I understand that the author was trying to give a back story to the main characters but I think that may have been better done throughout the book. ( )

Nancy Naigle is not an author I read on a regular basis. So when I get the chance to do so, I consider it a treat. With lives moving at a fast pace, it's always nice to find that moment to unwind. For me reading is my relaxation. Reminiscent of a simpler time, the citizens of Crystal Falls welcomed me with open arms and shared abundantly the fruits of their knowledge. Small town stories are a weakness for me because I feel like a part of the family. Love is the driving force behind every smile and outsiders may be wary at first but tend to stay a while. Christmas Joy is about appreciating the people you love and experiencing the surprises life throws your way. Ms. Naigle proves that less is more. A novel can still enrich the mind and stir the senses with less sex and more TLC. ( )

This is a sweet, holiday read. It does provide a nice morsel of the holiday spirit. The location and the people made me want to hang out with them. Joy and Ben were good but not great. Yes, I enjoyed their company. Joy lives up to her name and is a "joy" to be around. Ben is the type of guy that you can bring home to your mom. So whether separately or together, these two were enjoyable company. There just was a barrier that I personally experienced where the characters were concerned. I felt like I never could connection 100% of the way. Therefore, in turn I struggled some with the story as a whole as well. Yet, as I stated previously, this is a sweet, holiday read. ( )

Joy Holbrook has fled the small town where her mother died, staying in contact with her Aunt Ruby but living a life totally divorced from Crystal Falls. She's a market researcher with a growing career in Washington, D.C. The promotion of her dreams seems to be within reach--and she gets a phone call telling her Ruby has fallen and broken her ankle. On a Friday afternoon not long before Christmas, she's on her way to Crystal Falls with the hope and expectation that Ruby will be set back in her own home by Monday.

It's not going to happen.

The break is serious, and it quickly becomes clear that Joy will be taking leave until the end of the year.

And taking care of Ruby's home and animals during her recuperation is no simple matter. Two goats, a donkey, chickens, a rabbit whose mate has died, and a 4H cow that a 4H member named Tommy feeds and cares for.

Oh, and there's Molly, the little girl who stops by every morning for Ruby to make her lunch and get her to the bus on time. Joy doesn't get an explanation of why Molly's mother needs the help, but it's very important to Ruby.

Then there's the surprise about decorating for the Crystal Christmas Cookie Crawl. Ruby's house is a major stop on the Crawl, and the decorating and making up the dough to bake the cookies fresh for the event has to be done starting right now. Buts Ruby's friend Shirley assures her it will all be fine; Shirley's grandson Ben will help. Joy is sure she can do it alone. Ruby insists she needs Ben's help.

Joy's been burned a few times in her life, and she doesn't want to rely on anyone. It's just too danged frustrating when she realizes the job really is too big for one, especially when she's never even attended the Cookie Crawl.

The sparks of course fly between Joy and Ben, who has his own bad experiences to make him as wary of this polished city girl as she is of him. The friction, the attraction, and the hints of possible compatibility make their time together challenging and exciting in ways neither expected or was prepared for. Having said that, this is a very "clean" romance; nothing to concern a reader who doesn't want sexy elements in their romance fiction. The characters are likable, even some who may not seem so at first.

It's a very nice, enjoyable read for anyone looking for a Christmas romance.

Recommended. ( )