Comfort and Joy

Author: Kristin Hannah

One-sentence summary: A woman dealing with tragic life events finds herself at a remote lodge after a plane wreck where she both gives help and healing to a little boy and receives some in return.

B.A.D. Girls Book Rating: 7

Our favorite thing about it: We loved that this was a fun, fast, easy and light read that was perfectly set at Christmas time.

Our least favorite thing about it: We thought it was a little predictable and that the tough situations were wrapped up too fast.

Main Topics of Discussion: Forgiveness, Hallmark Movies, Setting, Supernatural

Our favorite quote: “It is amazing how quickly a bone can heal. If only the heart were as durable.”

Notes: Overall, we liked this book and we thought it was well-suited for a light, fun winter read. We enjoyed that the setting was during winter and at Christmas time. The story was mostly enjoyable – if we totally put away our criticisms and just enjoyed it! Here are our other thoughts:

1. One of the first things we discussed was how the forgiveness of Joy’s sister and ex-husband felt so immediate. We saw her struggle with it, but ultimately, it was tied up in a neat bow by the end of 270 pages and it just didn’t ring true to us. However, we can mostly dismiss this because eventually getting around to that forgiveness is plausible – it just seemed rushed to us.

2. Some of us could see the big plot twist coming from a mile away and others were absorbed in it and didn’t see it coming. We mostly felt that it was better to read it the latter way, if possible. But it just seemed so obvious to some of us and that may have spoiled a little bit of the story.

3. We remarked that this whole book was a bit like the Twilight Zone and a Hallmark Movie wrapped into one. These are mostly good things – especially if that’s what you’re expecting from the book. The plot moves quickly, love develops really fast (without explanation, really), and the ending is neatly packaged and positive.

4. We did talk about how this seemed like a departure for Kristin Hannah – at least from the other one or two novels we’ve read. We’ve all read The Nightingale, and at least two of us have read The Great Alone. Both of those novels feel MUCH more lengthy and weighty than this one, so it came as a bit of a surprise from this author. Not necessarily a negative, but just not what we expected.

Memorable Meeting Moments: We spent the second half of our meeting in Lindsay’s living room, giving gifts and discussing the book. Dara told us she likes little things (which is why Lindsay suspects she likes her!). We played our yearly Jeopardy game and enjoyed a lovely fire. We also sent Amberly a Marco Polo from all of us since we were not able to FaceTime her during our meeting this time.

What We Ate: Stephanie took us to Bankhead Brewery in Rowlett. It was a new place to all of us but her and we loved it all. We had BLTA Dip and Brisket fries for appetizers, and Pizzas, Fish Tacos, and Meatballs for entrees. The cocktails and beer were great too! Stephanie made us some delicious caramel chocolate fudge for dessert.