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cimorene1558's review against another edition
3.0
A nice, though hardly wildly original or memorable, Christmas story from Miss Read.
emerion's review against another edition
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-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
3.0
pina's review
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
maxandrambo's review
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
2.0
pianosharon's review
5.0
One of my favorite books to read at Christmas time. This book is set in the Fairacre area but introduces new people. This book deals a lot with loss and grief but all in the context of a loving, supportive, cozy family.
One of my favorite passages: "When Stanley died, she had found her greatest consolation in prayer and the teachings of the church. 'Thy Will Be Done,' it said on the arch above the chancel steps, and for old Mrs. Berry those words had been both succor, support and reason. But, with the death of Bertie, Mary had grown hard, and had rejected a God Who allowed such suffering to occur. Mrs. Berry could understand the change of heart, but it did not lessen her grief for this daughter who turned her face from the comfort of religious beliefs. Without submission to a divine will, who could be happy? We were too frail to stand and fight alone, but that's what Mary was doing, and why she secretly was so unhappy. ... It was Christmas Eve, the time for good will to all men, the time to rejoice in the children's pleasure, and to hope that, somehow, the warmth and love of the festival would thaw the frost in Mary's heart."
Lots of other nuggets like this to enjoy wrapped up in a Christmas story.
One of my favorite passages: "When Stanley died, she had found her greatest consolation in prayer and the teachings of the church. 'Thy Will Be Done,' it said on the arch above the chancel steps, and for old Mrs. Berry those words had been both succor, support and reason. But, with the death of Bertie, Mary had grown hard, and had rejected a God Who allowed such suffering to occur. Mrs. Berry could understand the change of heart, but it did not lessen her grief for this daughter who turned her face from the comfort of religious beliefs. Without submission to a divine will, who could be happy? We were too frail to stand and fight alone, but that's what Mary was doing, and why she secretly was so unhappy. ... It was Christmas Eve, the time for good will to all men, the time to rejoice in the children's pleasure, and to hope that, somehow, the warmth and love of the festival would thaw the frost in Mary's heart."
Lots of other nuggets like this to enjoy wrapped up in a Christmas story.
awellreadlady's review
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
satyridae's review
4.0
Mrs. Berry is my new hero. Grimly determined to do the right thing, she surprises even herself with her own bravery in the end. Another charming English village tale from the able pen of Miss Read. Going back to my normal dystopian sci fi after this series is going to be jarring.
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