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books_with_tutusandsons's Reviews (438)
With Karen Swan you never really know what will you get. Those picture perfect covers make her books seem like a sweet and perfect holiday reads. But, that is not always the case. ⠀
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Together by Christmas is set in Amsterdam, Netherlands, and tells us a story about a ptsd troubled ex war corespondent Lee, now a successful photographer. With a lot of Dutch holiday traditions and a Syrian war story in the background, this book really is different than most of the Christmas books I have read. I loved learning about different culture and I found the story about frozen canals and ice skating through the canals so charming that it made me think of visiting Amsterdam one day (not to mention the fact they drive everywhere with their bikes - I used to to that too till recently). At moments I didn't really like the main protagonist but as the story evolved, I could see where does that weird behavior came from. It's a complex book, with a lot of stuff happening at once (they could have easily left one story-line out), but in general I think it is a bit tougher but a good holiday read with all the elements one of those has to have. ⠀
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Together by Christmas is set in Amsterdam, Netherlands, and tells us a story about a ptsd troubled ex war corespondent Lee, now a successful photographer. With a lot of Dutch holiday traditions and a Syrian war story in the background, this book really is different than most of the Christmas books I have read. I loved learning about different culture and I found the story about frozen canals and ice skating through the canals so charming that it made me think of visiting Amsterdam one day (not to mention the fact they drive everywhere with their bikes - I used to to that too till recently). At moments I didn't really like the main protagonist but as the story evolved, I could see where does that weird behavior came from. It's a complex book, with a lot of stuff happening at once (they could have easily left one story-line out), but in general I think it is a bit tougher but a good holiday read with all the elements one of those has to have. ⠀
One of the first books I have read in January 2020 was The Simple Wild by K.A.Tucker. I was stunned by her descriptions of Alaska and fell in love not only with the story, but with all of its characters. It was the book that just had it all. And even though I was left a bit dissapointed with the 2nd part of the series, Wild at heart - it just seemed appropriate that I finish the year with its last sequel, Forever wild. ⠀
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And it was the perfect choice. Not only that it's set on Christmas, it is really one of the best ending of the series I have read in a while. Its masterfully written, there is just the right balance of everything and not only you will get the chance to say goodbye to all of the characters, you will even get to love them even more. I mean, can something like a holiday meet up at Calla and Jonah's house be a better scenery for their wedding? I don't think so! Though Jonah is now legally bound to his girl, I believe this sexy Yeti will still have a special place in a lot of hearts. I mean, in mine for sure. And if they ever decide to make a movie out of it, I do hope they won't ruin it with bad lead actor choices. ⠀
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All in all, if you still didn't read any of this series, you don't know what you're missing. Pick it up asap, and you will love it forever.⠀
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And it was the perfect choice. Not only that it's set on Christmas, it is really one of the best ending of the series I have read in a while. Its masterfully written, there is just the right balance of everything and not only you will get the chance to say goodbye to all of the characters, you will even get to love them even more. I mean, can something like a holiday meet up at Calla and Jonah's house be a better scenery for their wedding? I don't think so! Though Jonah is now legally bound to his girl, I believe this sexy Yeti will still have a special place in a lot of hearts. I mean, in mine for sure. And if they ever decide to make a movie out of it, I do hope they won't ruin it with bad lead actor choices. ⠀
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All in all, if you still didn't read any of this series, you don't know what you're missing. Pick it up asap, and you will love it forever.⠀
Never have I less felt the Christmas vibes than this year. Never have I read more Christmas themed books than this year. I have to say that they do help a bit, being all festive and wintery.
The Christmas sisters is a wonderful read for this time of the year. It ticks all the boxes: it has a beautiful scenery (Scottish mountains), snow, some family drama and great characters. It even has a dog and a pony, and the pony is adorable! There were some beautiful quotes, some lol moments, and some cheesy scenes (yes, I do agree about the one on the airport being one) and I can totally see it turning into a holiday movie one day! I did enjoy the family setting and the family bond between the characters, especially cause I have always fantasized about having a sister or a daughter. But I'm blessed with all the boys in my life, so I do get a bit biased on this kind of reads.⠀
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All in all, its a warm family story about the matters of a family, the expectations we have in life and the fact that being honest to yourself and the people around you is the best policy in finding happiness. ⠀
The Christmas sisters is a wonderful read for this time of the year. It ticks all the boxes: it has a beautiful scenery (Scottish mountains), snow, some family drama and great characters. It even has a dog and a pony, and the pony is adorable! There were some beautiful quotes, some lol moments, and some cheesy scenes (yes, I do agree about the one on the airport being one) and I can totally see it turning into a holiday movie one day! I did enjoy the family setting and the family bond between the characters, especially cause I have always fantasized about having a sister or a daughter. But I'm blessed with all the boys in my life, so I do get a bit biased on this kind of reads.⠀
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All in all, its a warm family story about the matters of a family, the expectations we have in life and the fact that being honest to yourself and the people around you is the best policy in finding happiness. ⠀
As much as I have thoroughly enjoyed Kay's first book - This is going to hurt, I have to say that this one wasn't as near as good. The writing style is the same, in a form of diary entries, but it lacks the humor and the emotions of the first one. There are some funny and emotional stories here as well, but in general it just feels like something they quickly made while the first book is still hot.
I think there is no better thing than finishing 2020. with this book. I am not a fan of celebrity memoires, but damn, this one was something special. I listened to audio version read by Matthew himself, and enjoyed every second of it. It was funny, it was interesting, it was insightful. ⠀
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Reading (or listening) this one you will get to know Matthew for what he really is, not what his life as an actor. You will learn about the way he grew up, the choices he made and fears he confronted. You will discover his thoughts, his values and his approach to life. He is a smart man that thinks a lot about the best way of using his life and shares his wisdom with us. ⠀
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What I loved the most was the way he talks about his wife and his family. Emotional, honest and respectful, just how I think any man should be. I wasn't a huge fan before, but hands down Mr. McConaughey, you've gotten way up high on my list on a person I'd like to spend a day with. ⠀
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I am definitely treating myself with a physical copy of this one and I think you should too. It's a book worth owning. ⠀
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And with this quote I am finishing the 2020. See you in 2021! ⠀
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Reading (or listening) this one you will get to know Matthew for what he really is, not what his life as an actor. You will learn about the way he grew up, the choices he made and fears he confronted. You will discover his thoughts, his values and his approach to life. He is a smart man that thinks a lot about the best way of using his life and shares his wisdom with us. ⠀
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What I loved the most was the way he talks about his wife and his family. Emotional, honest and respectful, just how I think any man should be. I wasn't a huge fan before, but hands down Mr. McConaughey, you've gotten way up high on my list on a person I'd like to spend a day with. ⠀
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I am definitely treating myself with a physical copy of this one and I think you should too. It's a book worth owning. ⠀
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And with this quote I am finishing the 2020. See you in 2021! ⠀
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3.5 stars rounded to 4.
I LOVE dance movies. Always have, always will. Even with the bad acting and lame storyline, the dance part always gets to me. The best one ever - The Center Stage without a doubt....cant even count the numbers I have watched it. ⠀
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But this was the first time I have read a book about dance, more correctly, ballet. It was an interesting experience, I have to say. The book was solid, even though I did wanted more of...something. More action, more drama, more plot. But what surprised me is how this book felt like home. It spoke the language I understand. You can see the author was a dancer herself because she knows all the facts. And I was immediately transferred to my early 20's when theatre halls were my second home, where dancing was a life I chose to educate myself for, and where being on stage gave all the feelings of excitement, thrill and magic. I was there. I know all the dancers dramas, I've been through them all. Starting fresh, proving yourself, coping with jealousy, dealing with management, killing yourself on rehearsals, glowing on performance nights and hanging out with your theatre friends.⠀
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Love. Passion. Pain. Disappointment. Ecstasy. Betrayal. Sacrifice. Addiction. That is what being a ballet dancer means. It is the worst life and it is the best life. And the author manages to present it amazingly well. ⠀
Big thanks to NetGalley and Classical Girl Press for an arc of this book.
I LOVE dance movies. Always have, always will. Even with the bad acting and lame storyline, the dance part always gets to me. The best one ever - The Center Stage without a doubt....cant even count the numbers I have watched it. ⠀
⠀
But this was the first time I have read a book about dance, more correctly, ballet. It was an interesting experience, I have to say. The book was solid, even though I did wanted more of...something. More action, more drama, more plot. But what surprised me is how this book felt like home. It spoke the language I understand. You can see the author was a dancer herself because she knows all the facts. And I was immediately transferred to my early 20's when theatre halls were my second home, where dancing was a life I chose to educate myself for, and where being on stage gave all the feelings of excitement, thrill and magic. I was there. I know all the dancers dramas, I've been through them all. Starting fresh, proving yourself, coping with jealousy, dealing with management, killing yourself on rehearsals, glowing on performance nights and hanging out with your theatre friends.⠀
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Love. Passion. Pain. Disappointment. Ecstasy. Betrayal. Sacrifice. Addiction. That is what being a ballet dancer means. It is the worst life and it is the best life. And the author manages to present it amazingly well. ⠀
Big thanks to NetGalley and Classical Girl Press for an arc of this book.
adventurous
emotional
funny
inspiring
medium-paced
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
4.5/5
At first, I was a bit puzzled. This story is being told from a point of view of Elsa, a strange 7 yrs old. She is extremely smart and sharp, with huge knowledge database and vivid imagination. But she also has difficulties in adapting to the real life with her beloved grandmother being sick, her parents divorced and mom expecting a child with another man. The world is changing in front of her eyes and it is definitely a lot to handle. ⠀
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Starting with all the fairy tale parts, it was almost too much. But the more I got into the story, the more deep I got to know the characters, the more I understood. Backman is an exceptional author. There is just no words for his brilliance. The way he evolves the story within the story, the way he paints the characters - its just special. He talks about faulted people, hurt people, people that are not really likable...and then he shows us their humanity. Their fears and insecurities, their doubts and the way they cope with life. And then you get the glimpse of the good in them and the love they hide. And it makes you smile, it makes your heart melt. ⠀
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This novel is like a fairy tale for adults, full of smart and funny dialogues, incredible characters and beautiful life messages. We all need someone like Granny in our lives. And I think I want to be like her - she is definitely one of the most memorable and unique characters I've met in my books. ⠀
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At first, I was a bit puzzled. This story is being told from a point of view of Elsa, a strange 7 yrs old. She is extremely smart and sharp, with huge knowledge database and vivid imagination. But she also has difficulties in adapting to the real life with her beloved grandmother being sick, her parents divorced and mom expecting a child with another man. The world is changing in front of her eyes and it is definitely a lot to handle. ⠀
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Starting with all the fairy tale parts, it was almost too much. But the more I got into the story, the more deep I got to know the characters, the more I understood. Backman is an exceptional author. There is just no words for his brilliance. The way he evolves the story within the story, the way he paints the characters - its just special. He talks about faulted people, hurt people, people that are not really likable...and then he shows us their humanity. Their fears and insecurities, their doubts and the way they cope with life. And then you get the glimpse of the good in them and the love they hide. And it makes you smile, it makes your heart melt. ⠀
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This novel is like a fairy tale for adults, full of smart and funny dialogues, incredible characters and beautiful life messages. We all need someone like Granny in our lives. And I think I want to be like her - she is definitely one of the most memorable and unique characters I've met in my books. ⠀
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This is a hard book to talk about..and a sad one, too. Imagine the world left scarce of most animal kinds. Scientists are fighting for the preservation of species and one woman goes on an unusual quest following a group of Arctic terns through their migration. But not only we learn a lot about extinction of animals, we learn a lot about Franny's life too. With chapters jumping through time we learn about her life and her losses, her motives and her passions. ⠀
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There is a lot to go through and I see why many people didnt like her character. But I did, I found a piece of me in her wandering spirit, and I had compassion for the things she went through. Because, in the end, this is a story about how much pain a person can endure before giving it all up. And how good things can often be found in unexpected places. ⠀
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There is a lot to go through and I see why many people didnt like her character. But I did, I found a piece of me in her wandering spirit, and I had compassion for the things she went through. Because, in the end, this is a story about how much pain a person can endure before giving it all up. And how good things can often be found in unexpected places. ⠀
Overall, it is a good book. The only thing I minded is that the first half is so slow that I almost gave up. The characters seemed unlikable and boring and there was a lot of property talk. But then it picked up and got really good. All the drama came busting out and all of a sudden you have all the people cheating each other and fighting over a house....I could already see a Netflix movie happening in front of my eyes. I don't know why, but all that drama made me very happy. I've heard lock downs can do that to people :). Anyways, I found it quite delightful. ⠀
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So, if you're looking for a book settled in English countryside talking about people fighting over an old mansion, you can give this one a shot.
Big thnx to NetGalley and the publisher for a free copy of e-ARC in exchange of my honest review.
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So, if you're looking for a book settled in English countryside talking about people fighting over an old mansion, you can give this one a shot.
Big thnx to NetGalley and the publisher for a free copy of e-ARC in exchange of my honest review.