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deborah_ann's review against another edition
4.0
Christmas short stories. My favorite in this collection of Christmas themed short stories was the title story, ‘This Year It Will Be Different’ in which the matriarch of the family is just worn out from the effort of many too Christmases past. She does the majority of the work getting ready for Christmas. This year she lets her family take over planning Christmas with interesting results. I also liked ‘Season of Fuss’, where sometimes the joy of the season is in all the fuss.
kevinmccarrick's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
bookhussy's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
shannanhicks's review against another edition
5.0
Maeve Binchy is a genius. Her presence on the writing scene is sorely missed.
jenniferlwatson's review against another edition
emotional
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.0
shoesmcdaid's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
chronicreader96's review against another edition
3.0
Rounded up from about 2.5 ⭐️
This year it will be different is comprised of 22 short Christmas stories. Focusing on various people, relationships and difficulties.
I often find short-story collections difficult to get stuck into, and unfortunately I had the same issue with this book. It was enjoyable enough but none of the stories stood at to me. I didn’t particularly like or dislike any of the characters or plots. It just felt rather average, and isn’t memorable for me.
However, It was nice to be able to quickly pick up and put down during the busy Christmas period. I will definitely try more by this author as I liked the writing. I just don’t think this book was really for me.
This year it will be different is comprised of 22 short Christmas stories. Focusing on various people, relationships and difficulties.
I often find short-story collections difficult to get stuck into, and unfortunately I had the same issue with this book. It was enjoyable enough but none of the stories stood at to me. I didn’t particularly like or dislike any of the characters or plots. It just felt rather average, and isn’t memorable for me.
However, It was nice to be able to quickly pick up and put down during the busy Christmas period. I will definitely try more by this author as I liked the writing. I just don’t think this book was really for me.
kaz_309's review against another edition
3.0
I remember loving this collection as a young teen, but I struggled a bit on a reread. There are some really beautiful, moving stories that are just perfect. But there's also so many about divorce, affairs and the trials of second marriages that it became a bit repetitive and depressing. I listened on audiobook and they are read beautifully by Kate Binchy.
A minor gripe (no starts deducted) is that the tracks on the audiobook are not with every story but every few stories, meaning it will be harder to go back and listen to the ones I really enjoyed.
A minor gripe (no starts deducted) is that the tracks on the audiobook are not with every story but every few stories, meaning it will be harder to go back and listen to the ones I really enjoyed.