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luciearan's review against another edition
3.0
Příjemná a milá kniha, plná vánoční atmosféry a romantiky. Mě maličko nesedělo zaměření hlavních postav, na vážnou hudbu nejsem a knihy z tohoto prostředí nevyhledávám. Pokud bych chtěla být v hodnocení zcela objektivní, dávám 3⭐ jen proto, že jsem po knize sáhla v době, kdy už máme Vánoce za sebou a člověk se spíše těší na nadcházející jaro. Takže vřele doporučuji číst tento příběh s příjemnou vánoční atmosférou v době, kdy toto kouzelné období nadchází, v tom případě pak k hodnocení určitě přidejte ⭐.
meme_too2's review against another edition
4.0
I did really like this story. I like it when the child in the story plays a central role and is loved and loves so well. It did bother me that the father and his girlfriend still manage to sleep together with a child in the home.
norwayellesea's review against another edition
5.0
First off, this book made me cry...there, I've said it. Have tissues ready and you're fully prepared for when your emotions are toiled with!
Viola playing Viola Smith is commuting to her job at The London Metropolitan Opera Company when a stranger asks if she is okay, after an incident on the Tube. Coincidentally this rather good looking guy is also heading in the same direction. After going their separate ways, they meet again, triggering an attraction neither can ignore despite his complicated personal circumstances.
I liked both Viola and Nate. Viola has an abundance of enthusiasm and a general love of life. Additionally, she empathetic to those she's close to. Nate is an estranged husband trying his best to juggle a demanding career and care for his daughter. With familial pressure, he's pulled into voluntary work he has little time for. He's not perfect and he knows it, which made him more attractive and relatable. Together, they complement each other but it's arguable whether the pair should have got involved romantically. However, I believe Viola's presence in Grace's life helped Nate to face up to his marital crisis and finally put his and his daughter's well-being back on track, even though it's heartbreaking for everyone involved.
I've mentioned before about not liking children in romance novels but I admit, the little people really stole the show, not only in the nativity play they performed in but throughout the narrative. Grace is the stand-out child as Nate's daughter but some of her school friends equally tugged at my heartstrings even though their contribution is small.
This is a Christmas story which will stay long beyond the festive season. Wonderful warm fuzzy moments within the story are interlaced with difficulties many are living with daily. Such as dealing with family disputes and finding solutions as a compromise. Viola and Nate's story highlights how this time of year accentuates issues and problems in the same way kind gestures and seasonal activities are amplified. Yet the overall effect is one of hope, compassion and sacrifice.
Snuggle up with cocoa and a warm blanket and be prepared to sample a charming insight into a Notting Hill Christmas in the snow. You won't regret it.
***arc generously received courtesy of One More Chapter via NetGalley***
Viola playing Viola Smith is commuting to her job at The London Metropolitan Opera Company when a stranger asks if she is okay, after an incident on the Tube. Coincidentally this rather good looking guy is also heading in the same direction. After going their separate ways, they meet again, triggering an attraction neither can ignore despite his complicated personal circumstances.
I liked both Viola and Nate. Viola has an abundance of enthusiasm and a general love of life. Additionally, she empathetic to those she's close to. Nate is an estranged husband trying his best to juggle a demanding career and care for his daughter. With familial pressure, he's pulled into voluntary work he has little time for. He's not perfect and he knows it, which made him more attractive and relatable. Together, they complement each other but it's arguable whether the pair should have got involved romantically. However, I believe Viola's presence in Grace's life helped Nate to face up to his marital crisis and finally put his and his daughter's well-being back on track, even though it's heartbreaking for everyone involved.
I've mentioned before about not liking children in romance novels but I admit, the little people really stole the show, not only in the nativity play they performed in but throughout the narrative. Grace is the stand-out child as Nate's daughter but some of her school friends equally tugged at my heartstrings even though their contribution is small.
This is a Christmas story which will stay long beyond the festive season. Wonderful warm fuzzy moments within the story are interlaced with difficulties many are living with daily. Such as dealing with family disputes and finding solutions as a compromise. Viola and Nate's story highlights how this time of year accentuates issues and problems in the same way kind gestures and seasonal activities are amplified. Yet the overall effect is one of hope, compassion and sacrifice.
Snuggle up with cocoa and a warm blanket and be prepared to sample a charming insight into a Notting Hill Christmas in the snow. You won't regret it.
***arc generously received courtesy of One More Chapter via NetGalley***
agrandromance's review against another edition
5.0
A charming romantic heartwarming festive read to brighten your holiday season.
Jules Wake is a favourite author of mine. I had to special order this from the UK to be able to read this. I’m so glad I did.
Viola plays the viola in the an orchestra and is recruited in an outreach program to help with the nativity play in her neighbourhood school of Notting Hill. There she meets Nate and his daughter Grace. They are drawn together first by the play then by Grace and then by each other.
Viola and Nate are giving and sympathetic characters. You really root for them. Grace is a realistic and charming seven year old who you breaks your heart a bit and you just fall in love with her. The school children are lively and fun.
It’s a magical story full of snow and stolen kisses and the repair that good love can bring. And strolls in Notting Hill of course.
Jules Wake is a favourite author of mine. I had to special order this from the UK to be able to read this. I’m so glad I did.
Viola plays the viola in the an orchestra and is recruited in an outreach program to help with the nativity play in her neighbourhood school of Notting Hill. There she meets Nate and his daughter Grace. They are drawn together first by the play then by Grace and then by each other.
Viola and Nate are giving and sympathetic characters. You really root for them. Grace is a realistic and charming seven year old who you breaks your heart a bit and you just fall in love with her. The school children are lively and fun.
It’s a magical story full of snow and stolen kisses and the repair that good love can bring. And strolls in Notting Hill of course.
booklover1974's review against another edition
2.0
This is a typical Christmas read, a fluffy and light read. I enjoyed Jules Wakes last Christmas read but this one, not so much. The protagonist is like a doormat and the man she's interested in, is married and also an idiot. I'm disappointed. The author writes so well and could've done so much more with this story.
agrandromance's review against another edition
5.0
A charming romantic heartwarming festive read to brighten your holiday season.
Jules Wake is a favourite author of mine. I had to special order this from the UK to be able to read this. I’m so glad I did.
Viola plays the viola in the an orchestra and is recruited in an outreach program to help with the nativity play in her neighbourhood school of Notting Hill. There she meets Nate and his daughter Grace. They are drawn together first by the play then by Grace and then by each other.
Viola and Nate are giving and sympathetic characters. You really root for them. Grace is a realistic and charming seven year old who you breaks your heart a bit and you just fall in love with her. The school children are lively and fun.
It’s a magical story full of snow and stolen kisses and the repair that good love can bring. And strolls in Notting Hill of course.
Jules Wake is a favourite author of mine. I had to special order this from the UK to be able to read this. I’m so glad I did.
Viola plays the viola in the an orchestra and is recruited in an outreach program to help with the nativity play in her neighbourhood school of Notting Hill. There she meets Nate and his daughter Grace. They are drawn together first by the play then by Grace and then by each other.
Viola and Nate are giving and sympathetic characters. You really root for them. Grace is a realistic and charming seven year old who you breaks your heart a bit and you just fall in love with her. The school children are lively and fun.
It’s a magical story full of snow and stolen kisses and the repair that good love can bring. And strolls in Notting Hill of course.
cupantaesociety's review against another edition
4.0
Really enjoyed this book, thank you to Netgalley and Harper Impulse and Killer Reads for letting me reads this lovely story.
I read the book in two sittings (just because I had to stop at some point). I'm a sucker for lovely and romantic christmas stories.
I loved following Viola and Nate's relationship throughout the book while still focusing on little Viola.
I thought that the chapters when the wife comes where to short, and a bit too easy on Viola and Nate. Even if it was obvious to the reader from the beginning.
I also thought that the end of the story could have continued a bit, to enjoy a bit more that they finally get together, but that's just because I didn't want it to finish!
I read the book in two sittings (just because I had to stop at some point). I'm a sucker for lovely and romantic christmas stories.
I loved following Viola and Nate's relationship throughout the book while still focusing on little Viola.
I thought that the chapters when the wife comes where to short, and a bit too easy on Viola and Nate. Even if it was obvious to the reader from the beginning.
I also thought that the end of the story could have continued a bit, to enjoy a bit more that they finally get together, but that's just because I didn't want it to finish!
jeannethinks's review against another edition
4.0
A heartwarming story you'll not be able to put down.
guida315's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
cse's review against another edition
emotional
inspiring
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0