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bickie's review against another edition
5.0
This is a lovely Christmas-time book based on the carol of the same name. It takes place in the course of two days - Christmas Eve and Christmas Day - in a small port-town that could be in the British Isles, Canadian Atlantic Coast or New England, depending on where your imagination takes you (though it says it's in the West Country of Britain). The (all white) characters are beautifully sketched, there's a hint of magic and possible treachery, and there's a heart-warming but not treacly ending that feels inevitable. I enjoy reading it each Christmas season.
One thing that bothers me every time is the timeline and ages of people. Polly's father is the oldest sibling, yet his brother and sisters seem fairly elderly. However, Polly is quite young.
One thing that bothers me every time is the timeline and ages of people. Polly's father is the oldest sibling, yet his brother and sisters seem fairly elderly. However, Polly is quite young.
savharris15's review against another edition
5.0
Well this gave me all the warm, fuzzy, weepy feelings. What a cozy little Christmas book!
cimorene1558's review against another edition
5.0
Charming and delightful--and made me weep with joy.
stacikristine's review against another edition
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
This was a sweet little vintage Christmas book. While the kids and I enjoyed it, there wasn't much to the story. It felt a bit underdeveloped.
magistratrium's review
4.0
A lovely Christmas story about a little girl, her elderly aunts, and the how the Christmas carol, I Saw Three Ships, comes alive for them one Christmas.
ericaceae's review
5.0
A sweet little Christmas story. We will be adding this to our stack of yearly read-alouds.
critterbee's review against another edition
4.0
Just got to this quote, which made me laugh out loud:
"Don't talk nonsense, child," said Dorcas impatiently. "And there are no wise men. I have never met a man yet who was not foolish."
Finished! What a sweet, sweet story. With a little wackiness
This is worth reading to young relatives, and then re-reading often. And beautifully illustrated.
"Don't talk nonsense, child," said Dorcas impatiently. "And there are no wise men. I have never met a man yet who was not foolish."
Finished! What a sweet, sweet story. With a little wackiness
Spoiler
Hello, men just go into the sitting room, although I know they are family/known to the family...This is worth reading to young relatives, and then re-reading often. And beautifully illustrated.
ruthsurette's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
mimima's review against another edition
3.0
I was surprised to read that this was published in 1969 as it has a very Victorian sensibility about it. It was sweet and just a good Christmas read.
(on a side note: I vaguely remember reading it as a kid. I think it must have been the only, or one of the only, Goudge books I read then.)
(on a side note: I vaguely remember reading it as a kid. I think it must have been the only, or one of the only, Goudge books I read then.)