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The Christmas Bus
The people of Christmas Valley always celebrate Christmas to the fullest extent. The mayor plays Santa, every business is holiday themed, and there's a nativity for the kids each Christmas Eve. This town knows Christmas. But this year nothing goes according to plan.
176 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2006
298 people are currently reading
2423 people want to read
About the author
Melody Carlson
418 books3,237 followersMelody Carlson is the award-winning author of over two hundred books, several of them Christmas novellas from Revell, including her much-loved and bestselling book, The Christmas Bus.
She also writes many teen books, including the Diary of a Teenage Girl series, the TrueColors series, and the Carter House Girls series.
Melody was nominated for a Romantic Times Career Achievement Award in the inspirational market for her books, including the Notes from a Spinning Planet series and Finding Alice, which is in production as a Lifetime Television movie. She and her husband serve on the Young Life adult committee in central Oregon.
She also writes many teen books, including the Diary of a Teenage Girl series, the TrueColors series, and the Carter House Girls series.
Melody was nominated for a Romantic Times Career Achievement Award in the inspirational market for her books, including the Notes from a Spinning Planet series and Finding Alice, which is in production as a Lifetime Television movie. She and her husband serve on the Young Life adult committee in central Oregon.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 574 reviews
December 26, 2023
Loved this angels unaware tale. Edith Ryan is a delightful pastor's wife who finds herself convicted by one of her husband Charles' sermons. She may not have her kids and grandkids coming home to Christmas Valley, but she can open up her B&B with discounts to fill up every room. When a brightly painted bus arrives with a young couple expecting a baby inside, the town has some mixed opinions on how to handle the situation. Such a blessing to reflect on the very first Christmas while reading his inspiring tale.
December 30, 2023
This is one of my favorite Christmas books. I have read this book once every Christmas for about seven years now. I would love to spend a Christmas in Christmas Valley, Oregon! It seems so magical,and I would love to stay at the Shepherd’s Inn. It is really such a darling town. Edith and Charles are the sweetest couple ever. I love Edith. She’s so calm,kind,caring,and always turns to the Lord. Charles is the best husband. He’s also kind and caring. Myrtle is too much! She cracked me up. Leslie,Peter,and Megan were the sweetest. Olive and Helen were funny. Colin and Amy reminded me of Mary and Joseph,but Edith thought so as well. I just love their little community and church. It’s such a fun read, and it will be a favorite of mine for years to come. I love the Inn and its guests. I thought it was cool how all of the rooms,in the Inn, were named from the twenty-third Psalm. I even got my Bible out to find all of the room names/what they were based on. What a lovely,little Christmas novella! I highly recommend,and I couldn’t sing its praises more.
November 12, 2021
Melody Carlson did it again, I absolutely adore Melody's Christmas stories, The Christmas Bus was a feel good Christmas novel. The Christmas Bus was a light, sweet, fast read. Melody Carlson has a way of engaging her readers and will NOT disappoint you!!! I hope you enjoy this story as much as I did!
Charles is the pastor of the local church in Christmas Valley, Edith is his wife, and together they own the Shepard's Inn. Charles and Edith's children won't be returning home for Christmas. One night Charles was giving a sermon which made Edith want to open her Bed and Breakfast to strangers who don't have family and want to spend Christmas some place else. They mayor of Christmas Valley plays Santa Claus. The town of Christmas Valley loves Christmas and looks forward to it each year, with going all out in decorations. The church has a nativity for the children each Christmas Eve.
Amy and Collin are a young couple who are trying to get to California but have to make a pit stop because their Christmas Bus is having mechanical issues, and are nearly broke. Amy is pregnant and wants to have her child in California. When everyone in town sees The Christmas Bus parked in the Shepard's Inn they nearly throw a fit and think Edith has lost her mind completely. Charles and Edith are such a sweet couple, I often found myself wanting to be in Christmas Valley during this time. Amy and Collin don't have the money to pay for brand new tires and whatever else needs to be done to fix the Christmas Bus, so Charles steps in and offers to help out this young couple. My heart nearly broke for Amy, but then Edith stepped in and it made me happy to know that this world is still full of amazing and kind hearted people.
Charles is the pastor of the local church in Christmas Valley, Edith is his wife, and together they own the Shepard's Inn. Charles and Edith's children won't be returning home for Christmas. One night Charles was giving a sermon which made Edith want to open her Bed and Breakfast to strangers who don't have family and want to spend Christmas some place else. They mayor of Christmas Valley plays Santa Claus. The town of Christmas Valley loves Christmas and looks forward to it each year, with going all out in decorations. The church has a nativity for the children each Christmas Eve.
Amy and Collin are a young couple who are trying to get to California but have to make a pit stop because their Christmas Bus is having mechanical issues, and are nearly broke. Amy is pregnant and wants to have her child in California. When everyone in town sees The Christmas Bus parked in the Shepard's Inn they nearly throw a fit and think Edith has lost her mind completely. Charles and Edith are such a sweet couple, I often found myself wanting to be in Christmas Valley during this time. Amy and Collin don't have the money to pay for brand new tires and whatever else needs to be done to fix the Christmas Bus, so Charles steps in and offers to help out this young couple. My heart nearly broke for Amy, but then Edith stepped in and it made me happy to know that this world is still full of amazing and kind hearted people.
November 9, 2018
This year's Halloween is over and done with, so, it's time for Christmas stories...such as this one!
While a bit predictable, it was still rather cute and fun. It was sort of like Touched by an Angel meets Hallmark Channel telefilm.
While a bit predictable, it was still rather cute and fun. It was sort of like Touched by an Angel meets Hallmark Channel telefilm.
December 28, 2009
I understand that Melody Carlson, author of The Christmas Bus, has actually written many Christmas themed novels. This was my first, however, and it was cute. While this second novel played a bit more obviously on Christmas story themes, such as the Mary & Joseph story with a young expecting couple that have rolled into town in an old rickety bus, it was still a fun read. In Christmas Valley, the little town there plays on every bit of Christmas that they can to draw tourism. For the owners of The Shepherd's Inn, this would be an interesting holiday, as their own children would be unable to come for Christmas. In exchange, they have opened up their inn for any wayward travelers who needed a place to stay for the holidays.
In a faintly obvious mixing of tales, The Christmas Bus is a story about sharing Christmas with everyone, including those who might not be quite so lovable or even likable! There are the lonely, the homeless, the expecting, and the scrooges in this story, all interacting with one another to make one memorable Christmas. I did enjoy this short little novel, even with its faint predictability. As a quick Christmas read, it was fun to revel in the spirit a little longer.
In a faintly obvious mixing of tales, The Christmas Bus is a story about sharing Christmas with everyone, including those who might not be quite so lovable or even likable! There are the lonely, the homeless, the expecting, and the scrooges in this story, all interacting with one another to make one memorable Christmas. I did enjoy this short little novel, even with its faint predictability. As a quick Christmas read, it was fun to revel in the spirit a little longer.
August 19, 2019
I was really enjoying this book until it because obvious that the character Myrtle was supposed to be a porcelain angel come to life. The message of the story, being kind to all and welcoming everyone, was great for everyone.
However, I had major theological issues with the implications of the annoying and mean woman being an angel. You don’t teach forbearance and love by being rude, headstrong, and abrasive. Moreover, the town of over 2000 is down to just one church which is harbor for a few discontent and rude souls. The aging pastor has attempted to become trendy and “relevant” by beginning to preach out of The Message version....that’s honestly what he thought was going to make him relevant? Anyway, I really liked Edith but I couldn’t stand the Myrtle parts. And the Bible is misquoted as saying “God watches out for children and fools” whereas in truth God warns fools to turn from their foolishness. So overall I don’t understand why the pastor’s wife would need to learn a lesson that she already knew when there were literal thousands of people in town who needed salvation, but the “angel” wants to force the church to have a live nativity? Really.
Anyway, good angels shouldn’t be acting like short-sighted, nasty humans. I don’t think such a thing is Biblically mandated at all, especially when it didn’t make a lasting impression in a lasting spiritual way for the characters. Angels are heralds for God and the bearers of good news, not the bringers of contention and worldly considerations.
However, I had major theological issues with the implications of the annoying and mean woman being an angel. You don’t teach forbearance and love by being rude, headstrong, and abrasive. Moreover, the town of over 2000 is down to just one church which is harbor for a few discontent and rude souls. The aging pastor has attempted to become trendy and “relevant” by beginning to preach out of The Message version....that’s honestly what he thought was going to make him relevant? Anyway, I really liked Edith but I couldn’t stand the Myrtle parts. And the Bible is misquoted as saying “God watches out for children and fools” whereas in truth God warns fools to turn from their foolishness. So overall I don’t understand why the pastor’s wife would need to learn a lesson that she already knew when there were literal thousands of people in town who needed salvation, but the “angel” wants to force the church to have a live nativity? Really.
Anyway, good angels shouldn’t be acting like short-sighted, nasty humans. I don’t think such a thing is Biblically mandated at all, especially when it didn’t make a lasting impression in a lasting spiritual way for the characters. Angels are heralds for God and the bearers of good news, not the bringers of contention and worldly considerations.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 21, 2021
4.5 stars
January 24, 2019
Opening up The Christmas Bus by Melody Carlson, I expected a quick, fluffy holiday read—instead, I found myself face to face with a book that challenged my very heart and way of celebrating Christmas with questions such as the following—Am I really listening and ready to follow God’s promptings? In what ways am I timid about my faith and worry about offending others when I should be shouting, sharing my faith from the proverbial megaphone and rooftops? And in what ways do I only help others when it’s convenient for me?
In a small town church where everyone seems fixed in their ways, what could happen when one faithful person opens her heart to listen to God and apply the truth she’s heard?
When Edith follows her prompting from God and opens up her inn on discount through the holidays—she’s at first dismayed by who comes, her Christmas guests—a “cantankerous old woman,” a fighting couple, a moody old man, and others. Her response to being overwhelmed is beyond humbling for me to see. “She sat down at her little desk, bowed her head and prayed. She asked God to help her and Charles to help each one of the guests, specifically laying their problems out in the same way that she might arrange bath linens, and finally she imagined herself putting this all into God’s capable hands as she said ‘amen.’”
It’s through one of her guests, Myrtle, the cantankerous old woman, that I was both challenged and convicted again. Despite all her quirkiness and meddling, I loved her character for her boldness to share the truth, proclaiming the real message of Christmas. Showing up out of the blue, she shocks the Christmas Valley congregation with her assessment of their town. “What bothers me is that you people are going to forget what Christmas is really about. It’s not about ‘Jingle Bells’ and candy canes and Santa head toilet-seat covers. It’s not about making a few extra bucks or impressing your friends with the way your places is all lit up. And if this is all that Christmas Valley has to offer, I’d just as soon spend my Christmas someplace else!”
What is Christmas without Christ she asks in essence? She’s not afraid to risk offending anyone if doing so means having a soul go another day without hearing the truth.
Things get more exciting when an old hippie van breaks down in front of the inn with a young couple, Colin and Amy who are expecting their first child and are on their way to California, job hunting. The eyesore is a cause of division in the town, which so prides itself for its holiday decorations and cheer, but maybe its arrival is the reminder the town needs about the true spirit of Christmas and hospitality.
Since when does our helping others revolve so much around what’s convenient for us? Where is our sense of putting others first? This novel reminded me of the self-centered mindset it’s so easy to slip into even as a Christian, and bolstered me with a new joy and appreciation for God’s gift of, yes, Christ but also countless other ways He moves and works in our lives.
I’m so glad to have found this new-to-me author to keep my eyes out for. I 100% recommend this book if you’re looking for a book to challenge you personally in the way you approach your faith and celebrate the Christmas season.
In a small town church where everyone seems fixed in their ways, what could happen when one faithful person opens her heart to listen to God and apply the truth she’s heard?
When Edith follows her prompting from God and opens up her inn on discount through the holidays—she’s at first dismayed by who comes, her Christmas guests—a “cantankerous old woman,” a fighting couple, a moody old man, and others. Her response to being overwhelmed is beyond humbling for me to see. “She sat down at her little desk, bowed her head and prayed. She asked God to help her and Charles to help each one of the guests, specifically laying their problems out in the same way that she might arrange bath linens, and finally she imagined herself putting this all into God’s capable hands as she said ‘amen.’”
It’s through one of her guests, Myrtle, the cantankerous old woman, that I was both challenged and convicted again. Despite all her quirkiness and meddling, I loved her character for her boldness to share the truth, proclaiming the real message of Christmas. Showing up out of the blue, she shocks the Christmas Valley congregation with her assessment of their town. “What bothers me is that you people are going to forget what Christmas is really about. It’s not about ‘Jingle Bells’ and candy canes and Santa head toilet-seat covers. It’s not about making a few extra bucks or impressing your friends with the way your places is all lit up. And if this is all that Christmas Valley has to offer, I’d just as soon spend my Christmas someplace else!”
What is Christmas without Christ she asks in essence? She’s not afraid to risk offending anyone if doing so means having a soul go another day without hearing the truth.
Things get more exciting when an old hippie van breaks down in front of the inn with a young couple, Colin and Amy who are expecting their first child and are on their way to California, job hunting. The eyesore is a cause of division in the town, which so prides itself for its holiday decorations and cheer, but maybe its arrival is the reminder the town needs about the true spirit of Christmas and hospitality.
Since when does our helping others revolve so much around what’s convenient for us? Where is our sense of putting others first? This novel reminded me of the self-centered mindset it’s so easy to slip into even as a Christian, and bolstered me with a new joy and appreciation for God’s gift of, yes, Christ but also countless other ways He moves and works in our lives.
I’m so glad to have found this new-to-me author to keep my eyes out for. I 100% recommend this book if you’re looking for a book to challenge you personally in the way you approach your faith and celebrate the Christmas season.
May 22, 2019
The small town of Christmas Valley in the mountains of Oregon has always considered Christmas to be “their” holiday. The businesses focus on the holiday, but the townspeople are just a little tired of all of the fuss. A short time before Christmas, pregnant Amy and her husband, Collin, a young couple traveling to California in a wildly painted bus, rumble in to Christmas Valley. They are just looking for a place to stop for a bit before continuing on, but the bus is not running well.
Edith Ryan, who runs the local bed-and-breakfast called The Shepherd’s Inn, and her husband Charles, the pastor of the local church, are planning to be alone this Christmas. None of their children can make the trip home this year, so they are planning on a quiet holiday. Edith gets the idea to open up the inn to those looking for a place to go for the holiday. After advertising on her website, she soon has a full house.
Each of the people who have come to the inn have unique personalities and issues they are dealing with. Soon Collin and Amy are parked outside the inn, and the townspeople don’t know what to think about the crazy bus in their sleepy town. As Christmas draws nearer, the people of Christmas Valley must learn to cooperate with their visitors, and the two groups just might have something to teach each other.
The Christmas Bus is a sweet, heartwarming Christmas tale. It has the overall themes of the true meaning of Christmas and helps us to see that as we help others, we are reflecting God’s love to them, and it definitely isn’t one-sided because we get something in return. Throughout The Christmas Bus, Edith ponders the verse from Hebrews about entertaining strangers since we might be entertaining angels unaware. She takes this verse to heart, and by the end of the story readers will be encouraged to do the same.
If you are looking for an uplifting holiday read, The Christmas Bus will fit your needs. The unique characters and quirky storyline will entertain and give an extra spark of joy during the Christmas season.
Edith Ryan, who runs the local bed-and-breakfast called The Shepherd’s Inn, and her husband Charles, the pastor of the local church, are planning to be alone this Christmas. None of their children can make the trip home this year, so they are planning on a quiet holiday. Edith gets the idea to open up the inn to those looking for a place to go for the holiday. After advertising on her website, she soon has a full house.
Each of the people who have come to the inn have unique personalities and issues they are dealing with. Soon Collin and Amy are parked outside the inn, and the townspeople don’t know what to think about the crazy bus in their sleepy town. As Christmas draws nearer, the people of Christmas Valley must learn to cooperate with their visitors, and the two groups just might have something to teach each other.
The Christmas Bus is a sweet, heartwarming Christmas tale. It has the overall themes of the true meaning of Christmas and helps us to see that as we help others, we are reflecting God’s love to them, and it definitely isn’t one-sided because we get something in return. Throughout The Christmas Bus, Edith ponders the verse from Hebrews about entertaining strangers since we might be entertaining angels unaware. She takes this verse to heart, and by the end of the story readers will be encouraged to do the same.
If you are looking for an uplifting holiday read, The Christmas Bus will fit your needs. The unique characters and quirky storyline will entertain and give an extra spark of joy during the Christmas season.
December 12, 2011
Melody Carlson has a knack for writing fun, lovable characters and she's done just that in The Christmas Bus.
This tale is a Christian, traditional Christmas story with clear parallels to the birth of Jesus. The story is somewhat predictable, but is mixed with just enough surprise that readers won't be bored.
Charles is the pastor of the local church in Christmas Valley, an endearing town readers will want to visit. Edith is his wife and they are a faithful, loving couple who love their church and their little town. Met with unexpected changes to their normal Christmas plans, Edith and Charles embark on one of their most interesting holidays to date. Along the way readers will meet a varied and eccentric cast of characters - parishioners, townspeople, visitors, etc who will make you smile.
The Christmas Bus is a sweet, endearing, warm tale that will provide a few funky twists on a traditional Christmas theme!
This tale is a Christian, traditional Christmas story with clear parallels to the birth of Jesus. The story is somewhat predictable, but is mixed with just enough surprise that readers won't be bored.
Charles is the pastor of the local church in Christmas Valley, an endearing town readers will want to visit. Edith is his wife and they are a faithful, loving couple who love their church and their little town. Met with unexpected changes to their normal Christmas plans, Edith and Charles embark on one of their most interesting holidays to date. Along the way readers will meet a varied and eccentric cast of characters - parishioners, townspeople, visitors, etc who will make you smile.
The Christmas Bus is a sweet, endearing, warm tale that will provide a few funky twists on a traditional Christmas theme!
December 12, 2021
I adored this- another perfect Christmas novella from this author!
Charles, the pastor of Christmas Valley, and his wife Edith run abed and breakfast called Shepherd's Inn. When they learn their children and grandchildren won't be visiting for Christmas, they decide to open the inn for the holiday, feeling lead by a sermon Charles preached about hospitality (See Hebrews 13:2- Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some have unwittingly entertained angels.)
The prologue introduces Colin and Amy, who are making a cross country road trip in a renovated school bus. She's pregnant and they are hoping to make it to San Diego before the baby comes, allowing Colin to find a job that allows them to move out of the bus. They break down in Christmas Valley, and are just some of the people led to the Shepherd's Inn for the holiday.
This was the most Christian foreword of the Christmas novellas from Melody Carlson that I've read so far and I loved every second of it!
Charles, the pastor of Christmas Valley, and his wife Edith run abed and breakfast called Shepherd's Inn. When they learn their children and grandchildren won't be visiting for Christmas, they decide to open the inn for the holiday, feeling lead by a sermon Charles preached about hospitality (See Hebrews 13:2- Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some have unwittingly entertained angels.)
The prologue introduces Colin and Amy, who are making a cross country road trip in a renovated school bus. She's pregnant and they are hoping to make it to San Diego before the baby comes, allowing Colin to find a job that allows them to move out of the bus. They break down in Christmas Valley, and are just some of the people led to the Shepherd's Inn for the holiday.
This was the most Christian foreword of the Christmas novellas from Melody Carlson that I've read so far and I loved every second of it!
November 21, 2012
I am starting to get into the swing of my annual orgy of Christmas themed reading. THE CHRISTMAS BUS is sweet, sappy and totally fluffy read which grabbed me from the first page and kept me engrossed until the ‘Happily ever after’ at the end. I knew how the story was going to go – a few days before Christmas, no room at the Inn and a young couple with a baby due any tick of the clock – but you know what? It didn’t matter – it was still a lovely read with enough conflict to be resolved to keep the story from sinking into a pink fur lined hole. The book is Christian fiction so there is a biblical message as well – but Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas if Christ wasn’t there. A quick Christmas read, it was fun and inspiring.
December 28, 2011
This was an inexpensive Kindle download to added to my inventory of Christmas "feel good" books. The story was folksy, small town, and engaging. I enjoyed it as light Christmas holiday reading.
December 20, 2020
Sometimes you just want a good story at any time of the year, more so at Christmas, and desperately need one this year. Melody Carlson has a wonderful talent for telling a story that pulls you in quickly and makes you feel at home. Her charactes are often quirky and fun. Pure escapism with a little bit of a parable thrown in. I love it. I loved it so much that I dove into another of her stories that was equally charming (which will get this same review shortly, and the I may go looking for another story from her.)
November 11, 2023
A darling Christmas read, that tells of what the real meaning of Christmas should be. My daughter gave this book to me to read, and seeing we both share a ‘love of everything Christmas’ it is extra special to me. 💕🎄💕
December 16, 2020
Unlike any other book I've read.Sure,it doesn't have a groundbreaking plot,but it's a perfect holiday read.Loved the setting.Puts you in the festive mood.Looking forward to read more from this author.
December 5, 2017
A charming Christmas-themed story. It's a delightful holiday read, with a cozy small-town feel. There's barely any romance. It stays right on track with a lot of festiveness, faith, and fun.
I really connected well with the main plot of how this December is so different for Edith and Charles, not being with family like usual. Instead they're booking up their inn, entertaining strangers for Christmas -- in a way, giving up something of themselves -- and they may just receive back some gifts they didn't expect. They just have to put up with a wildly-colored bus stranded in front of their inn, a cantankerous old lady for a guest, and all the thrills and surprises of the Christmas season.
I loved everything about how the Shepherd's Inn is described... I'd just love to visit it myself. Christmas Valley seems like a lovely town to drive through and visit all the special stores and holiday-themed places.
Looking for some Christmas cheer and warm hospitality? Take a stop at the Shepherd's Inn, and read "The Christmas Bus".
I really connected well with the main plot of how this December is so different for Edith and Charles, not being with family like usual. Instead they're booking up their inn, entertaining strangers for Christmas -- in a way, giving up something of themselves -- and they may just receive back some gifts they didn't expect. They just have to put up with a wildly-colored bus stranded in front of their inn, a cantankerous old lady for a guest, and all the thrills and surprises of the Christmas season.
I loved everything about how the Shepherd's Inn is described... I'd just love to visit it myself. Christmas Valley seems like a lovely town to drive through and visit all the special stores and holiday-themed places.
Looking for some Christmas cheer and warm hospitality? Take a stop at the Shepherd's Inn, and read "The Christmas Bus".
December 12, 2020
“Stay on good terms with each other, held together by love. Be ready with a meal or a bed when it’s needed. Why, some have extended hospitality to angels without ever knowing it! Hebrews 13:1–2”
“And so it was that a rather large and brightly painted bus rolled into the quiet little hamlet of Christmas Valley.”
“What bothers me is that you people are going to forget what Christmas is really about.”
I’ve read several Melody Carlson Christmas books but this one was not my favorite. In fact, it was just okay. Kept my attention but there was nothing that made me want to keep reading into the night. I enjoyed the setting and sure, there’s a good message. But the characters weren’t my favorite and the storyline was a little predictable with really not much happening. Hopefully my next Melody Carlson book will be better.
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“And so it was that a rather large and brightly painted bus rolled into the quiet little hamlet of Christmas Valley.”
“What bothers me is that you people are going to forget what Christmas is really about.”
I’ve read several Melody Carlson Christmas books but this one was not my favorite. In fact, it was just okay. Kept my attention but there was nothing that made me want to keep reading into the night. I enjoyed the setting and sure, there’s a good message. But the characters weren’t my favorite and the storyline was a little predictable with really not much happening. Hopefully my next Melody Carlson book will be better.
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June 7, 2011
Edith Ryan is the owner of The Shepard's Inn, a bed and breakfast located in the town of Christmas Valley - a town that celebrates Christmas all year long. When Edith finds out that her children will not be spending Christmas with her and her husband, she decides to open her business up for those that have no plans or no place to go for the holidays. The townspeople and local busy-bodies are instantly intrigued by Edith's guest, especially with the colorful bus that is parked in front of the Inn which occupy a young couple expecting a child.
The Christmas Bus is a book that I have read every Christmas since 2006. It always gives me a heartwarming feeling inside and it puts me in the mood for the holidays (which is my favorite time of year). It shows a selflessness that captures the true meaning of Christmas and makes you believe that angels and miracles really exist.
The Christmas Bus is a book that I have read every Christmas since 2006. It always gives me a heartwarming feeling inside and it puts me in the mood for the holidays (which is my favorite time of year). It shows a selflessness that captures the true meaning of Christmas and makes you believe that angels and miracles really exist.
December 12, 2015
A sweet book, somewhat predictable but had some very loveable characters.
December 2, 2020
Fun holiday themed novella, set in a little town with a Christmas obsession...and then things go slightly off-kilter one year. I really enjoyed this, starting with the quirky community and the collection of guests at the local B&B operated by the pastor's wife. Her disappointment when the kids can't come home for Christmas turns into an opportunity to extend hospitality to strangers...with mixed and occasionally amusing results. Skews a little "older" in characters than a Hallmark movie, and maybe a touch more substantial but a good light read for the holidays!
November 14, 2017
This was a heartwarming and cute little Christmas story. It was short, less than 200 pages long, so much of it was kind of simple and the characters were pretty one-dimensional, but it got me into the Christmas spirit and gave me a warm feeling inside. Since that was just what I was looking for, I really enjoyed it. I'm getting ready to start another Christmas story by Carlson. Hopefully it will be just as sweet a story as this one was!
December 14, 2017
Very fun Christmas story
This was a very fun and entertaining Christmas story! Loved the different characters and their unique personality. Put your focus back on the true meaning of Christmas.
This was a very fun and entertaining Christmas story! Loved the different characters and their unique personality. Put your focus back on the true meaning of Christmas.
December 24, 2022
3.5 stars
A cute Christmas story about helping others, and what it means to not just help your family and friends but also helping those around us that we don't know and to share our love of the Lord with others.
A cute Christmas story about helping others, and what it means to not just help your family and friends but also helping those around us that we don't know and to share our love of the Lord with others.
December 28, 2022
Melody Carlson has done it again! A wonderful Christmas story!
December 4, 2024
This was a sweet, simple, solid message of how Christmas is about hospitality and acceptance. You never know who may be an angel 😇 in disguise! Merry Christmas
January 27, 2025
Lovely, cheesy, cute Christmas story
December 1, 2025
moved slow but nice story about a inn that filled up for christmas with a cranky old man, arguing couple, single mom and daughter, couple that had health issues, an odd old woman, and of course a couple expecting their first child. are ther angels among us?
December 16, 2021
Such a sweet and uplifting Christmas story
February 3, 2024
Lovely twist on the Christmas story. Remember angels unaware.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 574 reviews