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books_with_tutusandsons's Reviews (438)
3.5 / 5 stars, rounded to 4
Sweet and short romance story, ideal for cold winter days. The most of the book is settled in Amazonian rain forest, but the ending does give the good family Christmas vibes. It is not an entirely believable story, but everybody needs a bit of hope and love these days, and that is what this book delivers.
Sweet and short romance story, ideal for cold winter days. The most of the book is settled in Amazonian rain forest, but the ending does give the good family Christmas vibes. It is not an entirely believable story, but everybody needs a bit of hope and love these days, and that is what this book delivers.
If you are looking for a perfect holiday story, look no further. This little gem (its only about 65 pages long, with illustrations), has it all - a sad story, a good deed, a grumpy character and a bit of magic. Its touching, it's sweet and its heartwarming in spite of its sadness. ⠀
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Backman is a master. And there is not enough platforms and places I can talk about it. His words are scarce and simple, but he gets the essence of everything en pointe, he shoots directly to your heart. His stories are real, his characters just as flawed as any of us, and he always manages to show that there is goodness in everyone. Even if you don't like the characters, you will understand them and feel for them. ⠀
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This book is not an exception. I enjoyed every word of it. And I will definitely reread it few more times. Find this one. Read it. It will get you thinking. It will (maybe) make you tear up a bit. Just like all of his books. ⠀
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Backman is a master. And there is not enough platforms and places I can talk about it. His words are scarce and simple, but he gets the essence of everything en pointe, he shoots directly to your heart. His stories are real, his characters just as flawed as any of us, and he always manages to show that there is goodness in everyone. Even if you don't like the characters, you will understand them and feel for them. ⠀
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This book is not an exception. I enjoyed every word of it. And I will definitely reread it few more times. Find this one. Read it. It will get you thinking. It will (maybe) make you tear up a bit. Just like all of his books. ⠀
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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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