Review Card & Book Review- Joyride By Ellen Meister

Joybird Martin—an Uber driver with cheerfulness to spare—desperately wants to be a life coach.

She’s so sunny about her chances that even her snarky father—a has-been TV writer with a failed third marriage—can’t dim her light. So when he shows up broke on her doorstep, Joybird takes him in with no questions asked, trying to find a balance between her bright optimism and his sarcastic pessimism.

It works, and she continues sharing her earnest wisdom with her Uber riders. After she helps handsome Wall Street exec Devon Cato, he convinces her to become a life coach from the front seat of her Honda.

As Joybird’s dreams take the wheel, she finds direction for her clients…and herself. She’s not sure what to do about her attraction to Devon, but she soon learns exactly what she can do for her father. And a journey into his past might just pave the way for her own bright future.

About The Author

My Review

This is a warm, funny, and heartfelt novel about Joybird, a 31-year-old former Uber driver turned life coach. With her sunny outlook and genuine compassion, Joybird helps others while navigating her own complicated relationships, particularly with her manipulative, narcissistic father, Sid. Though deeply flawed, Sid is written with nuance, making him both frustrating and oddly compelling.

Joybird’s friends are another highlight—Betty is fiercely loyal and protective, while Devon brings quiet warmth and depth. Their support contrasts the dysfunction in Joybird’s family and adds richness to the story.

Though the big reveal at the end is somewhat predictable, the emotional payoff is still satisfying. The novel encourages optimism and self-reflection without being preachy. With its relatable characters and uplifting tone, Joyride is a feel-good story that lingers, and Joybird is the kind of character readers will truly miss. A sequel would be more than welcome.

My Rating

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