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Samen met kerst
Kerstmis in de Schotse Hooglanden… Dat kan toch niet misgaan?
Voor de zussen Samantha en Ella Mitchell zijn de kerstdagen de mooiste tijd van het jaar. Het is een tijd om samen te zijn, maar vooral om in te halen wat ze in hun jeugd hebben gemist. En dit jaar vieren ze het nog wel in een lodge in de Schotse Hooglanden! Ze krijgen echter een onverwachte gast: hun moeder, die ze al vijf jaar niet meer hebben gezien of gesproken. Wanneer ze belooft dat kerst dit keer anders zal zijn, stemmen de zusjes er schoorvoetend mee in het samen te vieren...
In haar werk staat Gayle Mitchell aan de top, maar dat heeft haar wel haar relatie met haar dochters gekost. Met haar strenge opvoeding wilde ze haar meiden sterk maken, maar tegelijkertijd duwde ze hen steeds verder van haar weg - tot ze door een ongeluk wordt gedwongen alles waar ze altijd in geloofde met andere ogen te bekijken.
Terwijl de sneeuw neerdwarrelt op het pittoreske Schotse landschap, beginnen de drie vrouwen voorzichtig te geloven dat dit nog weleens de mooiste Kerstmis ooit kan worden…
Voor de zussen Samantha en Ella Mitchell zijn de kerstdagen de mooiste tijd van het jaar. Het is een tijd om samen te zijn, maar vooral om in te halen wat ze in hun jeugd hebben gemist. En dit jaar vieren ze het nog wel in een lodge in de Schotse Hooglanden! Ze krijgen echter een onverwachte gast: hun moeder, die ze al vijf jaar niet meer hebben gezien of gesproken. Wanneer ze belooft dat kerst dit keer anders zal zijn, stemmen de zusjes er schoorvoetend mee in het samen te vieren...
In haar werk staat Gayle Mitchell aan de top, maar dat heeft haar wel haar relatie met haar dochters gekost. Met haar strenge opvoeding wilde ze haar meiden sterk maken, maar tegelijkertijd duwde ze hen steeds verder van haar weg - tot ze door een ongeluk wordt gedwongen alles waar ze altijd in geloofde met andere ogen te bekijken.
Terwijl de sneeuw neerdwarrelt op het pittoreske Schotse landschap, beginnen de drie vrouwen voorzichtig te geloven dat dit nog weleens de mooiste Kerstmis ooit kan worden…
318 pages, Paperback
First published October 6, 2020
1046 people are currently reading
7624 people want to read
About the author
Sarah Morgan
697 books7,276 followersAbout Sarah
USA Today and #1 Sunday Times bestselling author Sarah Morgan writes romance and contemporary women's fiction and her trademark humour and warmth have gained her fans across the globe. Sarah lives near London, England, and when she isn't reading or writing she loves being outdoors.
Look out for Sarah's latest novel - All Together for Christmas (UK title)/ A Merry Little Lie (US/Canadian title)
Join Sarah on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorSarahM...
Follow Sarah on Twitter: https://twitter.com/SarahMorgan_
Follow Sarah on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahmorgan...
Website: www.sarahmorgan.com
Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See this thread for more information.
USA Today and #1 Sunday Times bestselling author Sarah Morgan writes romance and contemporary women's fiction and her trademark humour and warmth have gained her fans across the globe. Sarah lives near London, England, and when she isn't reading or writing she loves being outdoors.
Look out for Sarah's latest novel - All Together for Christmas (UK title)/ A Merry Little Lie (US/Canadian title)
Join Sarah on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorSarahM...
Follow Sarah on Twitter: https://twitter.com/SarahMorgan_
Follow Sarah on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahmorgan...
Website: www.sarahmorgan.com
Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See this thread for more information.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,186 reviews
September 23, 2020
Gayle Mitchell is a hugely successful, inspirational CEO of a consultancy firm and an author. Following a television interview her life literally falls apart - or does it? An accident gives her pause for reflection especially in the fractured relationship with daughter Samantha who runs a successful bespoke holiday company and Ella, married to Michael and a stay at him mum to Tabitha. Much against the sisters will they all decide to spend Christmas in the Scottish Highlands to see if Brodie McIntyre’s estate would be a good fit for Samantha’s holiday company. The story is principally told by Gayle, Samantha and Ella.
I don’t often delve into this genre but when I read Sarah Morgan’s books I ask myself why I don’t read more. She has a way of captivating you with her storytelling and leaving you with a heartfelt lovely glow! Although these are in the romance genre there is always plenty in her stories to give you pause to reflect. This is a story of second chances, of healing, renewing and moving forwards fully embracing life and seizing its opportunities and what better place to set it than the magical Highlands!!! The descriptions of the landscape actually brought a lump to my throat! The characters are excellent- I love the warmth and wisdom of Mary, Brodie’s mother, and her growing bond with Gayle. Tabitha just makes you smile she’s so adorable and what can I say about Brodie? Hmmm, I might have fallen in love!!!!!! There’s a bit of everything in this book, it has a good message, there’s humour, there’s reflection, there’s Christmas, there’s the warmth of friendship and it’s a little bit steamy on occasion!! My only reservation is to question whether the short sections of Brodie’s sister Kirstie were actually needed?
Overall, another really good Christmas book offering from the author. It’s lovely, charming, heartwarming and exactly what we need in these times of uncertainty. I just hope this isn’t the closest we get to an actual Christmas this year 🤞.
4+
With thanks to NetGalley, HQ and Sarah Morgan for the much appreciated ARC for an honest review.
I don’t often delve into this genre but when I read Sarah Morgan’s books I ask myself why I don’t read more. She has a way of captivating you with her storytelling and leaving you with a heartfelt lovely glow! Although these are in the romance genre there is always plenty in her stories to give you pause to reflect. This is a story of second chances, of healing, renewing and moving forwards fully embracing life and seizing its opportunities and what better place to set it than the magical Highlands!!! The descriptions of the landscape actually brought a lump to my throat! The characters are excellent- I love the warmth and wisdom of Mary, Brodie’s mother, and her growing bond with Gayle. Tabitha just makes you smile she’s so adorable and what can I say about Brodie? Hmmm, I might have fallen in love!!!!!! There’s a bit of everything in this book, it has a good message, there’s humour, there’s reflection, there’s Christmas, there’s the warmth of friendship and it’s a little bit steamy on occasion!! My only reservation is to question whether the short sections of Brodie’s sister Kirstie were actually needed?
Overall, another really good Christmas book offering from the author. It’s lovely, charming, heartwarming and exactly what we need in these times of uncertainty. I just hope this isn’t the closest we get to an actual Christmas this year 🤞.
4+
With thanks to NetGalley, HQ and Sarah Morgan for the much appreciated ARC for an honest review.
June 19, 2023
Sarah Morgan always writes interesting Christmas stories about family and relationship issues with heart. In “One More for Christmas” we have highly successful businesswoman Gail who has allowed an estrangement with her daughters to go on for years. Her daughters, Samantha and Ella, are warm and have a close bond with each other. They just want nothing to do with their mother. When an accident forces them all to reconnect and Gail convinces Sam and Ella to take her on their planned scouting trip to a house up in the Scottish Highlands, they’re less than pleased. So are the owners of the property, who are up against financial pressures and at risk of losing their livelihoods if they don’t start taking on paying guests. Lots of tension! And of course there’s more going on behind the scenes that eventually comes out, lots of surprises and secrets. And once things moved over to the snowy Scottish Highland setting and there was a bit of romance in the air for Samantha and Brody, this felt even more magical.
November 3, 2021
Gayle Mitchell is the head of Mitchell Associates and is the leading expert on organizational change as well as a fierce advocate for women in business. She appears to have it all but when a freak accident happens and her oldest daughter is contacted, what’s missing in her life comes to light. She hasn’t seen or spoken to her daughters, Samantha and Ella, in five years following a major blowup. It’s Christmas season, one her daughters love and embrace but a time in the year Gayle most dislikes. Samantha and Ella are very close and always celebrated Christmas together. Samantha owns a specialized vacation planning service and had planned to visit an estate in the Scottish Highlands to evaluate the property. Circumstances evolve that have all three women, including Ella’s husband and 5-year old daughter, making the trip together.
These were three very interesting women and I was intrigued to learn what fractured the daughters from their mother. We learn a lot about Gayle from the outset so I had a clue but her behavior was so outrageously callous I knew there had to have been some big event that shaped her thinking. What made her a successful businesswoman shattered her relationships with Samantha and Ella. The estate in Scotland was a lovely and charming setting to fuse the warmth of the holiday setting and a second chance for Gayle to connect with her daughters. And, Brodie McIntyre, the handsome estate owner provides an element of romance to the story.
I was looking for a heartwarming story with a little weight to it and this delivered everything I was hoping to find to begin my seasonal reading. Each of the women brought their own issues to the mix and finding their way back to each other wasn’t easy. The setting was a perfect backdrop and Gayle’s revelations about her past were surprising. I listened to the story and while I liked the narrator, she never made a distinction between the three women’s voices, often making it difficult to know which was whom. Her Scottish lilt for those characters was wonderful though and she’s a good storyteller. I enjoyed this story and particularly liked the humorous elements. It was the perfect holiday reading choice.
Posted on Blue Mood Café
(Thanks to Harlequin Audio for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.)
These were three very interesting women and I was intrigued to learn what fractured the daughters from their mother. We learn a lot about Gayle from the outset so I had a clue but her behavior was so outrageously callous I knew there had to have been some big event that shaped her thinking. What made her a successful businesswoman shattered her relationships with Samantha and Ella. The estate in Scotland was a lovely and charming setting to fuse the warmth of the holiday setting and a second chance for Gayle to connect with her daughters. And, Brodie McIntyre, the handsome estate owner provides an element of romance to the story.
I was looking for a heartwarming story with a little weight to it and this delivered everything I was hoping to find to begin my seasonal reading. Each of the women brought their own issues to the mix and finding their way back to each other wasn’t easy. The setting was a perfect backdrop and Gayle’s revelations about her past were surprising. I listened to the story and while I liked the narrator, she never made a distinction between the three women’s voices, often making it difficult to know which was whom. Her Scottish lilt for those characters was wonderful though and she’s a good storyteller. I enjoyed this story and particularly liked the humorous elements. It was the perfect holiday reading choice.
Posted on Blue Mood Café
(Thanks to Harlequin Audio for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.)
December 23, 2020
One More For Christmas by Sarah Morgan
Contemporary women’s fiction / romance. Told mostly from three points of view: Samantha, Elle, and their mother Gayle. As adults, they are rekindling their connections after Gayle has an accident and realizes work isn’t enough for her anymore.
Lots of emotional healing in the book plus a wonderful hero who is a self proclaimed clumsy nerd. He will do what’s needed to save his family home.
Consenting and differing opinions from my book group on the ease of the reconciliation and forgiveness. I found it touching and it made my heart happy.
Plenty of emotional tears for me.
Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas.
Contemporary women’s fiction / romance. Told mostly from three points of view: Samantha, Elle, and their mother Gayle. As adults, they are rekindling their connections after Gayle has an accident and realizes work isn’t enough for her anymore.
Lots of emotional healing in the book plus a wonderful hero who is a self proclaimed clumsy nerd. He will do what’s needed to save his family home.
Consenting and differing opinions from my book group on the ease of the reconciliation and forgiveness. I found it touching and it made my heart happy.
Plenty of emotional tears for me.
Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas.
October 31, 2020
I really enjoyed reading this Christmas story from Sarah Morgan. I have read other books by her in the past and was expecting something equally sweet. However, this book was far more poignant as Morgan explores a divide that has torn a mother and her two daughters apart.
Morgan quickly establishes the circumstances surrounding Gayle and her two daughters, Samantha and Ella. When it is revealed that they haven’t spoken for five years, and that last time was an exchange of hurtful, angry words, you do wonder how the women will survive to spend Christmas together? However, as Morgan gradually reveals more about these women and their backgrounds, it soon becomes evident that a Christmas together is actually what they all need; to realise that mother and daughters are not so different and they all need a bit more love.
What surprised me the most was how emotional and poignant Gayle and Samantha’s story really was. Although Ella has had troubles with being honest to her mother, I thought that Gayle’s loneliness and Samantha’s reluctance to share feelings created a rather sad narrative. Indeed, when the truth about Gayle’s marriage is revealed, I could not help but feel really sorry for the woman who was initially portrayed as cold and unforgiving.
As the narrative progresses, readers are given indications that this family are going to turn “that corner” and be closer by the end of the novel. Gayle’s cold-heartedness naturally dominates the narrative and, when it came to Samantha getting a chance at happiness, I found myself really excited! It is like this episode breaks the tension and I was really rooting for Samantha being able to open up to her a new relationship.
I found the chapter lengths surprisingly long. This is not what I expect from books of this genre. I would have preferred some breaks within the chapters because of my personal commitments! However, I did end up zipping through this book because I am one of those people who hate pausing mid-chapter… before I knew it, the book had concluded! On the topic of the ending, I would have also liked Morgan to have included an Epilogue. Having seen Gayle and her daughters grow closer, I was desperate to know what happens to them next and whether there is a happy-ever-after for them all. After reading about them and sharing the lead-up to Christmas, I felt a part of their family circle and was keen to see a final conclusion. Instead, it is left to reader’s imaginations which, in my case, will always try to give a happy ending.
This was a great Christmas offering from Morgan and another favourite festive read of mine. You have the symbols of snow and all the Christmas traditions but, what makes this different, is the sadness radiating from Gayle’s story. Consequently, I felt far more involved in the narrative; protective towards each character and wanting them to reunite as a family once more.
With thanks to HQ Digital and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Morgan quickly establishes the circumstances surrounding Gayle and her two daughters, Samantha and Ella. When it is revealed that they haven’t spoken for five years, and that last time was an exchange of hurtful, angry words, you do wonder how the women will survive to spend Christmas together? However, as Morgan gradually reveals more about these women and their backgrounds, it soon becomes evident that a Christmas together is actually what they all need; to realise that mother and daughters are not so different and they all need a bit more love.
What surprised me the most was how emotional and poignant Gayle and Samantha’s story really was. Although Ella has had troubles with being honest to her mother, I thought that Gayle’s loneliness and Samantha’s reluctance to share feelings created a rather sad narrative. Indeed, when the truth about Gayle’s marriage is revealed, I could not help but feel really sorry for the woman who was initially portrayed as cold and unforgiving.
As the narrative progresses, readers are given indications that this family are going to turn “that corner” and be closer by the end of the novel. Gayle’s cold-heartedness naturally dominates the narrative and, when it came to Samantha getting a chance at happiness, I found myself really excited! It is like this episode breaks the tension and I was really rooting for Samantha being able to open up to her a new relationship.
I found the chapter lengths surprisingly long. This is not what I expect from books of this genre. I would have preferred some breaks within the chapters because of my personal commitments! However, I did end up zipping through this book because I am one of those people who hate pausing mid-chapter… before I knew it, the book had concluded! On the topic of the ending, I would have also liked Morgan to have included an Epilogue. Having seen Gayle and her daughters grow closer, I was desperate to know what happens to them next and whether there is a happy-ever-after for them all. After reading about them and sharing the lead-up to Christmas, I felt a part of their family circle and was keen to see a final conclusion. Instead, it is left to reader’s imaginations which, in my case, will always try to give a happy ending.
This was a great Christmas offering from Morgan and another favourite festive read of mine. You have the symbols of snow and all the Christmas traditions but, what makes this different, is the sadness radiating from Gayle’s story. Consequently, I felt far more involved in the narrative; protective towards each character and wanting them to reunite as a family once more.
With thanks to HQ Digital and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
December 29, 2020
Charming, festive, and emotional. Sarah Morgan always hits me right in the feels with her evocative storytelling. A gorgeous setting, a family in need of healing, and a sprinkling of romance. Gayle appears to have it all, but that is far from the truth. She does not have a relationship with her grown daughters Ella and Samantha. The sisters finally severed ties with their mother after years of being criticized, judged, and belittled. but after Gayle has an accident the Sisters visit her in the hospital some secrets are revealed and Gayle is determined to heal her relationship with her girls. This leads to a family trip at Christmas time to a gorgeous Scottish manner.
The story bounces between now and then and the perspectives of Gayle, Samantha, and Ella. there is also a fourth perspective peppered in periodically and I am not certain that it needed to be included? To be clear didn’t take anything away from the book, just didn’t add anything either. I was instantly drawn to both Samantha and Ella‘s stories. Samantha had the coolest job of creating perfect Christmas getaways. Ella had a quiet strength, the cutest daughter and a pretty good guy for a husband. I loved how supportive and close the sisters were, made me want a sister. Took me quite a while to warm up to Gayle, but as I got to know her better and learned her pass I could understand more where she was coming from. Brody the love interest in the story was quite delicious. another sparkling Christmas tale from Miss Morgan.
*** Big thank you to HQN for my gifted copy of this book. All opinions are my own. ***
The story bounces between now and then and the perspectives of Gayle, Samantha, and Ella. there is also a fourth perspective peppered in periodically and I am not certain that it needed to be included? To be clear didn’t take anything away from the book, just didn’t add anything either. I was instantly drawn to both Samantha and Ella‘s stories. Samantha had the coolest job of creating perfect Christmas getaways. Ella had a quiet strength, the cutest daughter and a pretty good guy for a husband. I loved how supportive and close the sisters were, made me want a sister. Took me quite a while to warm up to Gayle, but as I got to know her better and learned her pass I could understand more where she was coming from. Brody the love interest in the story was quite delicious. another sparkling Christmas tale from Miss Morgan.
*** Big thank you to HQN for my gifted copy of this book. All opinions are my own. ***
December 11, 2022
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I know we’re way past Christmas now, but there’s never a bad time to read a Christmas book. And One More for Christmas is the perfect book to bring the Christmas magic any time of the year. Huge thanks to the author, Sarah Morgan, for sending me a signed copy of this book to read and review! I will forever treasure it!
Synopsis:
Gayle is a highly successful and motivated business woman, but her success has come at a price – she hasn’t spoken to her daughters, Ella and Samantha, for years. But when Gayle has an accident at work, she realises she needs to make amends with her family.
And so she invites herself to join Ella and Samantha for their Christmas in the beautiful Scottish Highlands. The sisters are none too pleased that their mother has inserted herself into their Christmas plans. They have each other – and don’t need their mother back in their lives. Or so they think…
As they embark on their first family Christmas together in years, will the three women learn that sometimes facing up to a few home truths is all you need to heal your heart?
My Thoughts:
I actually read One More For Christmas during the Christmas holidays, but as you can see, I am still trying to keep up to date with my backlist. This is not your typical Christmas book. It’s a modern story, about complicated relationships and pursuing careers. It’s also about how sometimes changing your perspective in life can bring you true happiness.
Gayle has not been the best mother to her daughters, and that’s why Ella and Samantha have learned to stick together. When they end up having to spend Christmas with their mum, many emotions start to come back. Sarah Morgan has succeeded in portraying their relationship and their point of view, and we can grasp their complexity thanks to her.
“A relationship is like a jigsaw, isn’t it? Whether it’s with a partner, with friends or with your children – it’s made up of hundreds of tiny pieces, some imperfect. Those characteristics unique to each one of us, the genes we inherit, our life experiences, the way we behave. Tony, misshapen little pieces that make us who we are. And when you make a life with someone, you have to somehow find a way to make all those pieces fit. If you’re lucky, they come together into something that makes sense as a whole.”
Even though the relationship between the mother and her daughters seems to drive the story, this book is so much more than that. Modern romance, beautiful Christmassy moments set on a mountain in Scotland and powerful feminist voice!
The perfect modern Christmas book!
I especially loved the scenes that brought the Christmas spirits, especially through the eyes of a little girl. The reindeers, the snow, the food and the family atmosphere, it was all so warm and loving. It was quite unique to also read about how Ella and Samantha feel about Christmas as well, having grown up without celebrating it. And the same goes for Gayle as well – her reasons for not celebrating Christmas with her daughters, and her personal development throughout the book.
Emotional, modern and amazingly written Christmas book that will transport you to the magical Scottish mountains. I love Sarah Morgan’s writing and can’t wait to read her next book. I hope her books become movie adaptations one day as well!
I know we’re way past Christmas now, but there’s never a bad time to read a Christmas book. And One More for Christmas is the perfect book to bring the Christmas magic any time of the year. Huge thanks to the author, Sarah Morgan, for sending me a signed copy of this book to read and review! I will forever treasure it!
Synopsis:
Gayle is a highly successful and motivated business woman, but her success has come at a price – she hasn’t spoken to her daughters, Ella and Samantha, for years. But when Gayle has an accident at work, she realises she needs to make amends with her family.
And so she invites herself to join Ella and Samantha for their Christmas in the beautiful Scottish Highlands. The sisters are none too pleased that their mother has inserted herself into their Christmas plans. They have each other – and don’t need their mother back in their lives. Or so they think…
As they embark on their first family Christmas together in years, will the three women learn that sometimes facing up to a few home truths is all you need to heal your heart?
My Thoughts:
I actually read One More For Christmas during the Christmas holidays, but as you can see, I am still trying to keep up to date with my backlist. This is not your typical Christmas book. It’s a modern story, about complicated relationships and pursuing careers. It’s also about how sometimes changing your perspective in life can bring you true happiness.
Gayle has not been the best mother to her daughters, and that’s why Ella and Samantha have learned to stick together. When they end up having to spend Christmas with their mum, many emotions start to come back. Sarah Morgan has succeeded in portraying their relationship and their point of view, and we can grasp their complexity thanks to her.
“A relationship is like a jigsaw, isn’t it? Whether it’s with a partner, with friends or with your children – it’s made up of hundreds of tiny pieces, some imperfect. Those characteristics unique to each one of us, the genes we inherit, our life experiences, the way we behave. Tony, misshapen little pieces that make us who we are. And when you make a life with someone, you have to somehow find a way to make all those pieces fit. If you’re lucky, they come together into something that makes sense as a whole.”
Even though the relationship between the mother and her daughters seems to drive the story, this book is so much more than that. Modern romance, beautiful Christmassy moments set on a mountain in Scotland and powerful feminist voice!
The perfect modern Christmas book!
I especially loved the scenes that brought the Christmas spirits, especially through the eyes of a little girl. The reindeers, the snow, the food and the family atmosphere, it was all so warm and loving. It was quite unique to also read about how Ella and Samantha feel about Christmas as well, having grown up without celebrating it. And the same goes for Gayle as well – her reasons for not celebrating Christmas with her daughters, and her personal development throughout the book.
Emotional, modern and amazingly written Christmas book that will transport you to the magical Scottish mountains. I love Sarah Morgan’s writing and can’t wait to read her next book. I hope her books become movie adaptations one day as well!
October 13, 2020
Sarah Morgan's books are always so beautifully written, with wonderful characters I would like to know in real life. This book is guaranteed to make you smile, cry and cheer along with Samantha, Ella and Gayle.
December 26, 2022
This is the story of two families. There is sisters Samantha and Ella who love Christmas time, despite the fact that their single mother Gayle never allowed any Christmas celebrations. They have been out of contact with their mother for five years after a huge argument. But then an accident lands Gayle in hospital and suddenly she reaches out to her two daughters. Gayle wants them to spend Christmas together. She promises this Christmas will be different. Can they trust her?
Gayle Mitchell is a celebrated business woman and author of books purporting to change people’s lives. But her career came at the cost of the relationship with her daughters.
The other family consists of Mary, mourning the death of her husband of forty years, her son Brodie and daughter Kirstie. As well as dealing with grief they are trying to find a way to maintain the large property of Kinleven so Mary does not have to move. But trying to make the home pay its way, means drastic changes to their lives.
That’s where Samantha and her successful business of providing elite holidays for the rich comes in. But can they make it work? Will people be interested in holidaying in this remote place in the Scottish Highland, even if it does come complete with reindeer?
Now maybe I am extra soppy at this time of year but I adored this book. It involved me emotionally and it was easy to relate to these three women as they try to build a relationship from the ashes of the past. Equally easy to fall in love with Mary, Brodie and Kirstie. This is a story of family relationships. Plus a romance as well.
The characters are complex, the setting gorgeous and the exploration of relationships is beautifully portrayed. Yes, there were tears at times and smiles at other times. A lovely book. My second by this author.I will be looking for more by her. Highly recommended for readers of women's fiction who love an involving story. And if it is a tad predictable who cares? For me, it all worked beautifully. A treat to read.
Gayle Mitchell is a celebrated business woman and author of books purporting to change people’s lives. But her career came at the cost of the relationship with her daughters.
The other family consists of Mary, mourning the death of her husband of forty years, her son Brodie and daughter Kirstie. As well as dealing with grief they are trying to find a way to maintain the large property of Kinleven so Mary does not have to move. But trying to make the home pay its way, means drastic changes to their lives.
That’s where Samantha and her successful business of providing elite holidays for the rich comes in. But can they make it work? Will people be interested in holidaying in this remote place in the Scottish Highland, even if it does come complete with reindeer?
Now maybe I am extra soppy at this time of year but I adored this book. It involved me emotionally and it was easy to relate to these three women as they try to build a relationship from the ashes of the past. Equally easy to fall in love with Mary, Brodie and Kirstie. This is a story of family relationships. Plus a romance as well.
The characters are complex, the setting gorgeous and the exploration of relationships is beautifully portrayed. Yes, there were tears at times and smiles at other times. A lovely book. My second by this author.I will be looking for more by her. Highly recommended for readers of women's fiction who love an involving story. And if it is a tad predictable who cares? For me, it all worked beautifully. A treat to read.
December 23, 2020
4.5/5
Song/s the book brought to mind: Winter Wonderland by Michael Bublé because this book is SET in a winter wonderland!
One More for Christmas is my first book by Sarah Morgan and it definitely won't be my last, I LOVED this book!! It was funny, heartfelt, and set in a stunning location. I loved the look at the sister relationship between Samantha and Ella, and their relationships (or lack thereof) with their mom Gayle. Forgiveness was one of the big themes in the book, and what a better time for forgiveness than around Christmastime? I also loved that the book included viewpoints of the owners of the estate in the Scottish Highlands that the family goes to for Christmas. This isn't explicitly mentioned in the synopsis, but I don't consider it a spoiler.
I thought Morgan created the best characters and this would make an amazing movie. The cover is notable to mention because it's gorgeous, and it is perfect to convey the feel of the book. One More for Christmas has Hallmark qualities but it was also very emotional and complex and went above and beyond what I was expecting from a holiday read. Lucy Tregear narrates the audio which is how I did this one, and I loved her narration for the book. One More for Christmas was so much fun and had so much heart, and I highly recommend it if you are in the mood for a sweet Christmas read!
Song/s the book brought to mind: Winter Wonderland by Michael Bublé because this book is SET in a winter wonderland!
One More for Christmas is my first book by Sarah Morgan and it definitely won't be my last, I LOVED this book!! It was funny, heartfelt, and set in a stunning location. I loved the look at the sister relationship between Samantha and Ella, and their relationships (or lack thereof) with their mom Gayle. Forgiveness was one of the big themes in the book, and what a better time for forgiveness than around Christmastime? I also loved that the book included viewpoints of the owners of the estate in the Scottish Highlands that the family goes to for Christmas. This isn't explicitly mentioned in the synopsis, but I don't consider it a spoiler.
I thought Morgan created the best characters and this would make an amazing movie. The cover is notable to mention because it's gorgeous, and it is perfect to convey the feel of the book. One More for Christmas has Hallmark qualities but it was also very emotional and complex and went above and beyond what I was expecting from a holiday read. Lucy Tregear narrates the audio which is how I did this one, and I loved her narration for the book. One More for Christmas was so much fun and had so much heart, and I highly recommend it if you are in the mood for a sweet Christmas read!
January 20, 2021
Well this book was a pleasant surprise for me. I don’t normally like romantic or Christmas stories yet I devoured this up!!
Gayle is a accomplished business woman but her success has come at a price, as she is estranged from her two daughters Samantha and Ella.
When Gayle has an accident she reaches out to her daughters who she hasn’t seen in five years. Samantha and Ella are both excitedly making plans for Christmas that do not include their mother!! Gayle convinces her reluctant family to spend Christmas together
The story is told from their individual points of view as they all head off to Scotland, where Sam will be viewing a castle as a possible holiday destination for her travel company.
This is such a beautifully written book. I found it to be heartwarming and exactly what I needed to read during these stressful times!! I have never read a Sarah Morgan book before but I will definitely look out for her other stories ASAP!!
Thank you to Netgalley for my copy in exchange for a review.
December 27, 2021
4.5 stelline
Un bellissimo libro di Natale e non solo ❤❤
Un bellissimo libro di Natale e non solo ❤❤
October 20, 2020
3,5 stars rounded up to 4
For sisters, Samantha and Ella Mitchell, Christmas is their most precious time of the year. It's about making up for everything their childhood Christmases lacked. But this year, they'll be buying presents for the most unexpected guest, their estranged mother. Its been five years since they last seen each other.
Gayle Mitchell is at the top of her career, but success has come at a price, her relationship with her daughters. She never seems to say or do the right thing. But when Gayle has a brush with her own mortality forces Gayle to make amends.
Gayle had had a terrible accident and thwr made her want to reconnect with her daughters. They had not spoken for five years. This is a story of reconciliation and forgiveness. The story is told from multiple points of view. They all agree to travel from New York to Scotland so that Sam can look at a castle as a possible holiday destination for the travel company she works for. The characters are likeable and well rounded. The descriptions of Scotland were accurate. This is a feel good Christmas read.
I would like to thank #NetGalley, #HQ and the author #SarahMorgan for my ARC in exchange for an honest review
For sisters, Samantha and Ella Mitchell, Christmas is their most precious time of the year. It's about making up for everything their childhood Christmases lacked. But this year, they'll be buying presents for the most unexpected guest, their estranged mother. Its been five years since they last seen each other.
Gayle Mitchell is at the top of her career, but success has come at a price, her relationship with her daughters. She never seems to say or do the right thing. But when Gayle has a brush with her own mortality forces Gayle to make amends.
Gayle had had a terrible accident and thwr made her want to reconnect with her daughters. They had not spoken for five years. This is a story of reconciliation and forgiveness. The story is told from multiple points of view. They all agree to travel from New York to Scotland so that Sam can look at a castle as a possible holiday destination for the travel company she works for. The characters are likeable and well rounded. The descriptions of Scotland were accurate. This is a feel good Christmas read.
I would like to thank #NetGalley, #HQ and the author #SarahMorgan for my ARC in exchange for an honest review
November 16, 2020
Gayle hasn't talked to her daughters for years. A workplace didn't even know she had a daughter never mind two. Ella hasn't told her mum about three big things in her life and Samantha is starting to get some of her traits. Gayle has an accident for them to all meet again and they end up spending Christmas in the Scottish Highlands. Two excellent choices of setting.
At first I didn't think I would warm to Gayle at all. However her story and the reason for how she acts makes you see her in a completely different light.
Ella, firstly I would like to say how much I loved her daughter Tab. She does not miss and trick and I love the things she comes out with. She sure knows how to help in mending the mess that is her family. Ella should be more proud of herself and her own achievements. I like her husband Michael too.
Samantha her business sounds much more appealing to me than her mum's. The mention of holidays at European Christmas markets just draws me to this woman. I love her conversation on the phone too with a guy she later discovers to be Brodie. It was a case of spark's flying from the first meeting.
The characters blend well together and that makes the story. It was a fast read and I highly recommend this one. I couldn't fault it.
At first I didn't think I would warm to Gayle at all. However her story and the reason for how she acts makes you see her in a completely different light.
Ella, firstly I would like to say how much I loved her daughter Tab. She does not miss and trick and I love the things she comes out with. She sure knows how to help in mending the mess that is her family. Ella should be more proud of herself and her own achievements. I like her husband Michael too.
Samantha her business sounds much more appealing to me than her mum's. The mention of holidays at European Christmas markets just draws me to this woman. I love her conversation on the phone too with a guy she later discovers to be Brodie. It was a case of spark's flying from the first meeting.
The characters blend well together and that makes the story. It was a fast read and I highly recommend this one. I couldn't fault it.
November 11, 2020
What a feel good book that turns out so well. I will be reading this each year now. I love the turmoil in the family and how the forgiveness plays out. Read this one this year you will be happy to forget about the world around you for a little while.
October 9, 2020
Time for another holiday reading recommendation from me! I’m a huge Sarah Morgan fan and always seem to enjoy her books, but when it’s time to read a Christmas book from her, I get a little giddy. The Christmas Sisters is one of my absolute favorite holiday books so I had high expectations for this one. I’m so pleased to say that I can, once again recommend this one wholeheartedly.
This follows the three women in the Mitchell family, mom Gayle and her daughters Samantha and Ella. The daughters are estranged from their mother but are very close to each other so the dynamics in this small family are very interesting and are the crux of what the story is about. Christmas is the perfect time for a reconciliation, right? That’s what Gayle is hoping for though her girls are hesitant. The bulk of the story is told as they spend the holidays together in Scotland and wow does SM know how to bring a place to life. This one was so magical and I was really swept away by the storyline as well as the setting. There’s romance, an adorable kiddo, a gorgeous Scottish estate, a heartfelt plot and plenty of Christmas joy. I adored it and kind of wish I would’ve waited to read it in December because I think it would’ve been even more magical so add this to your December TBR!
This follows the three women in the Mitchell family, mom Gayle and her daughters Samantha and Ella. The daughters are estranged from their mother but are very close to each other so the dynamics in this small family are very interesting and are the crux of what the story is about. Christmas is the perfect time for a reconciliation, right? That’s what Gayle is hoping for though her girls are hesitant. The bulk of the story is told as they spend the holidays together in Scotland and wow does SM know how to bring a place to life. This one was so magical and I was really swept away by the storyline as well as the setting. There’s romance, an adorable kiddo, a gorgeous Scottish estate, a heartfelt plot and plenty of Christmas joy. I adored it and kind of wish I would’ve waited to read it in December because I think it would’ve been even more magical so add this to your December TBR!
December 30, 2021
Non è Natale senza un libro di Sarah Morgan, è tra le poche autrici che ti fa entrare pienamente nella magica atmosfera natalizia, sia per quanto riguarda i paesaggi che i sentimenti 😍...
Questa volta ci ha portato in Scozia tra renne e paesaggi innevati, dove una madre e due figlie che non si parlano da 5 anni, potranno chiarire le loro divergenze e ritornare a essere una famiglia, non mancherà una bellissima e romantica storia d'amore... W il Natale e la sua magica atmosfera ❤️...
Questa volta ci ha portato in Scozia tra renne e paesaggi innevati, dove una madre e due figlie che non si parlano da 5 anni, potranno chiarire le loro divergenze e ritornare a essere una famiglia, non mancherà una bellissima e romantica storia d'amore... W il Natale e la sua magica atmosfera ❤️...
December 28, 2021
4,5 ⭐️
Si parla di famiglia, emozioni e sentimenti come solo Sarah Morgan è capace di fare ❤️
Si parla di famiglia, emozioni e sentimenti come solo Sarah Morgan è capace di fare ❤️
December 13, 2020
Sisters Samantha and Ella are close, bonding over their shared childhood and their love of Christmas. Samantha runs a successful travel agency specializing in dream Christmas vacations. Ella is happily married with a sweet four year old. Samantha is looking forward to spending time with her sister and her precious niece this Christmas.
They haven't spoken to their mother, Gayle, for five years after some harsh words caused a rift between them. Gayle runs a boutique consulting firm and has written a couple of best selling books. She is viewed as a mentor by many, but in a multitude of ways has failed her daughters. Her parenting approach was to make her girls ready for the tough real world offering little coddling or affection. When she suffers from a fall and ends up in the hospital, she begins to rethink her relationship with her daughters. Gayle asks for her daughters to include her in their Christmas celebration, something they are hesitant about. But the decision is made and off they go to the Scottish Highlands with hopes of a magical Christmas. Snowflakes, reindeer, a handsome Laird, and time together bring an opportunity for new beginnings and second chances.
A wonderful Christmas message about love, family, and finding forgiveness.
They haven't spoken to their mother, Gayle, for five years after some harsh words caused a rift between them. Gayle runs a boutique consulting firm and has written a couple of best selling books. She is viewed as a mentor by many, but in a multitude of ways has failed her daughters. Her parenting approach was to make her girls ready for the tough real world offering little coddling or affection. When she suffers from a fall and ends up in the hospital, she begins to rethink her relationship with her daughters. Gayle asks for her daughters to include her in their Christmas celebration, something they are hesitant about. But the decision is made and off they go to the Scottish Highlands with hopes of a magical Christmas. Snowflakes, reindeer, a handsome Laird, and time together bring an opportunity for new beginnings and second chances.
A wonderful Christmas message about love, family, and finding forgiveness.
October 6, 2020
I was swept away by this poignant story of reconciliation, forgiveness, and family—and Christmas was the perfect time to set this story. One More For Christmas is a bit deeper and emotional than many Christmas novels. Although there is a wonderful romance, and a beautiful setting in Scotland, there are many other layers to this story as well. The characters are complex and transitional, and all of them must open up their hearts and allow themselves to be vulnerable, taking a chance on love and willing to let go of the past.
December 9, 2020
The queen of the Christmas romance has done it again, with another truly wonderful book.
This is a story with laugh out loud moments, aww moments, open mouthed in understanding when various secrets are revealed moments, and moments of self discovery.
It features three generations of the Mitchell family, although Tab at only 4 is the star of the show, utterly adorable and Sarah Morgan has perfected the way young children question literally everything, which Tab does to the extent that you almost feel sorry for Ella, her mum!
Tab though isn't one of the view points of the story but she is a star of any scene she's in. This is predominately the story of Gayle and Samantha, although Ella definitely get a fair few chapters, but due to her rather easy going nature, she doesn't feel as key as the other two.
Gayle has never been one for Christmas, and until she had an accident at work, hadn't seen her daughters in five years. So no one is more surprised that she would like to spend Christmas in Ella and Sam.
Sam has a delightful job and a way of describing various festive and winter holiday scenarios that you could picture yourself there instantly. And its due to Sam's job that they are spending Christmas in the Scottish Highlands, in a wonderfully picturesque setting.
The question though is just what caused the family rift and can it be fixed. Can Gayle really turn over a new leaft, and will Sam and Ella ever understand their mother.
And in Brodie's family who own the lodge in Scotland who are able to help the Mitchells in ways you may not expect from strangers, and Sam's first hilarious phone call with Brodie at the back of her mind the entire time, and you have all the elements of a brilliant story to discover.
Oh and if that isn't enough for you, there is a dog called bear, and various reindeer named after birds, in the hope they can fly! And how can you not love a book featuring reindeer, snow and a really heart-warming story.
I could easily see it as a Hallmark Christmas movie and it's yet another fabulous book by one of my favourite romance authors.
Thank you to HQ and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
This is a story with laugh out loud moments, aww moments, open mouthed in understanding when various secrets are revealed moments, and moments of self discovery.
It features three generations of the Mitchell family, although Tab at only 4 is the star of the show, utterly adorable and Sarah Morgan has perfected the way young children question literally everything, which Tab does to the extent that you almost feel sorry for Ella, her mum!
Tab though isn't one of the view points of the story but she is a star of any scene she's in. This is predominately the story of Gayle and Samantha, although Ella definitely get a fair few chapters, but due to her rather easy going nature, she doesn't feel as key as the other two.
Gayle has never been one for Christmas, and until she had an accident at work, hadn't seen her daughters in five years. So no one is more surprised that she would like to spend Christmas in Ella and Sam.
Sam has a delightful job and a way of describing various festive and winter holiday scenarios that you could picture yourself there instantly. And its due to Sam's job that they are spending Christmas in the Scottish Highlands, in a wonderfully picturesque setting.
The question though is just what caused the family rift and can it be fixed. Can Gayle really turn over a new leaft, and will Sam and Ella ever understand their mother.
And in Brodie's family who own the lodge in Scotland who are able to help the Mitchells in ways you may not expect from strangers, and Sam's first hilarious phone call with Brodie at the back of her mind the entire time, and you have all the elements of a brilliant story to discover.
Oh and if that isn't enough for you, there is a dog called bear, and various reindeer named after birds, in the hope they can fly! And how can you not love a book featuring reindeer, snow and a really heart-warming story.
I could easily see it as a Hallmark Christmas movie and it's yet another fabulous book by one of my favourite romance authors.
Thank you to HQ and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
April 20, 2021
sadly, this was very boring!!
also, the entire premise of Gayle being a shitty parent because of her toxic and abusive relationship with the father of her daughters isn't getting any sympathy from me... zero!!
so she gets hit in the head and suddenly is " hey you have these two daughters and you haven't talked to them in five years"..one is even married and had a kid at that time..
I really disliked her and her pov..but then again other two pov's didn't intrigue me enough..my fav part was the married daughter storyline..
The Christmas Sisters is a book I loved by this author Go read that instead!!
also, the entire premise of Gayle being a shitty parent because of her toxic and abusive relationship with the father of her daughters isn't getting any sympathy from me... zero!!
so she gets hit in the head and suddenly is " hey you have these two daughters and you haven't talked to them in five years"..one is even married and had a kid at that time..
I really disliked her and her pov..but then again other two pov's didn't intrigue me enough..my fav part was the married daughter storyline..
The Christmas Sisters is a book I loved by this author Go read that instead!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 26, 2020
One More for Christmas is the perfect blend of angst, heart, and Christmas spirit: with family secrets, broken relationships, complex characters, and the chance for healing (and romance?) one Christmas in the Scottish highlands. Sarah Morgan always blows me away with her top notch character work and this is a quintessential example: characters who jump off the page and feel like real people, with all of their nuance, messiness, and capacity for hope.
This story follows a woman who is estranged from her adult daughters because she was always so hard on them and focused on building a successful career to the apparent exclusion of all else. But a serious accident makes her realize there is something missing and she reaches out to reconnect.
What's beautiful about this story is that it could have been a stereotype. It could have been this cold woman who was a Scrooge-like mother getting bashed for seeking career success. It could have been daughters who have done the exact opposite. But it's not. It's more complicated, messy, and nuanced- the way real life is. The mom has secrets and reasons for the choices she has made, one daughter has indeed decided to have a marriage and child and focus on that rather than work, but the other is the CEO of a company who treats employees with care and takes time for people she loves. It's balanced, and the cracks in the relationships aren't simple to fix, but it's a beautiful, festive story about love, family, and hope. A home run in my opinion.
Content/Trigger Warnings include talk of domestic violence (not on page)
This story follows a woman who is estranged from her adult daughters because she was always so hard on them and focused on building a successful career to the apparent exclusion of all else. But a serious accident makes her realize there is something missing and she reaches out to reconnect.
What's beautiful about this story is that it could have been a stereotype. It could have been this cold woman who was a Scrooge-like mother getting bashed for seeking career success. It could have been daughters who have done the exact opposite. But it's not. It's more complicated, messy, and nuanced- the way real life is. The mom has secrets and reasons for the choices she has made, one daughter has indeed decided to have a marriage and child and focus on that rather than work, but the other is the CEO of a company who treats employees with care and takes time for people she loves. It's balanced, and the cracks in the relationships aren't simple to fix, but it's a beautiful, festive story about love, family, and hope. A home run in my opinion.
Content/Trigger Warnings include talk of domestic violence (not on page)
November 21, 2020
https://www.jerasjamboree.co.uk/revie...
I’m not sure I have the words for how MAGNIFICENT this story is.
Sarah Morgan is the absolute best at writing about the nuances in relationships, whether that’s familial, friendships or romantic. Her settings are amazing too. And One More For Christmas is her best yet (I say that every time don’t I … but it’s true!).
I always feel emotionally connected to her characters and find it easy to relate to them, no matter age or male/female.
Although Gayle comes across as obnoxious and uncaring, that’s the mask she wears to protect herself. Toppling off the chair is her epiphany. My heart ached for her. I loved watching her transformation! Ella is the giving sister – I couldn’t wait for her to find her voice. Husband Michael and daughter Tab arriving at the hospital was a corker of a scene. Samantha is practical and taken on the mothering role, always quick to criticise and accuse. Afraid to get close, she holds everyone at arm’s length. The phone call mix up had me laughing so much. Soooo funny. I loved her travel company. Brodie and Kristie (brother and sister) are close, one pessimistic and the other optimistic, they balanced each other beautifully. Just as Ellen and Michael do.
Kinleven Lodge is the most perfect setting for Christmas. Sarah Morgan’s writing draws you in so you experience the sights, sounds and smells. I enjoyed being in the kitchen and LOVED the scenes at Brodie’s office.
I finished reading at the end of October and I’m still living off the buzz of feeling good. I’m still melting inside.
This is a story of a mother’s love for her children and the decisions made to protect them. And how that continues with their own relationships. It’s a time of healing and realisations. A time of three steps forward and two steps back. A time of hope. A time of love.
Highly recommended.
I’m not sure I have the words for how MAGNIFICENT this story is.
Sarah Morgan is the absolute best at writing about the nuances in relationships, whether that’s familial, friendships or romantic. Her settings are amazing too. And One More For Christmas is her best yet (I say that every time don’t I … but it’s true!).
I always feel emotionally connected to her characters and find it easy to relate to them, no matter age or male/female.
Although Gayle comes across as obnoxious and uncaring, that’s the mask she wears to protect herself. Toppling off the chair is her epiphany. My heart ached for her. I loved watching her transformation! Ella is the giving sister – I couldn’t wait for her to find her voice. Husband Michael and daughter Tab arriving at the hospital was a corker of a scene. Samantha is practical and taken on the mothering role, always quick to criticise and accuse. Afraid to get close, she holds everyone at arm’s length. The phone call mix up had me laughing so much. Soooo funny. I loved her travel company. Brodie and Kristie (brother and sister) are close, one pessimistic and the other optimistic, they balanced each other beautifully. Just as Ellen and Michael do.
Kinleven Lodge is the most perfect setting for Christmas. Sarah Morgan’s writing draws you in so you experience the sights, sounds and smells. I enjoyed being in the kitchen and LOVED the scenes at Brodie’s office.
I finished reading at the end of October and I’m still living off the buzz of feeling good. I’m still melting inside.
This is a story of a mother’s love for her children and the decisions made to protect them. And how that continues with their own relationships. It’s a time of healing and realisations. A time of three steps forward and two steps back. A time of hope. A time of love.
Highly recommended.
December 13, 2024
Я выбрала эту книгу для уютного новогоднего чтения в книжный клуб, так что простите меня, девочки, все, кому пришлось или приходится это читать. Потому что меня в очередной раз обманула обложка российского издания и вообще название.
С чем у вас ассоциируется название «Зимняя гость» и обложка в миленьком стиле детско-подростковых книг? Вместе с аннотацией про мать и двух сестер. Я думала, что это будет добрая история о том, как семья проводит вместе Рождество в сказочной Шотландии, но как бы не так.
Все главные героини, кроме девочки Таб, — взрослые женщины. В их отношениях нет места доброте и любви, потому что с самого детства мать растила их сильными и стойкими, не уделяя внимания эмоциям и желаниям. Они никогда не лепили вместе снеговика. Никогда не праздновали Рождество, потому что это пустая трата времени и денег. Никогда не были близки друг к другу. Но вот, один не самый счастливый случай сводит их втроем, чтобы наконец разобраться в своих отношениях.
Идея супер, но реализация просто ужасна. Вообще создается ощущение, что мировоззрение авторки — это что-то на грани pro-life и trad wives, ведь в книге так часто противопоставляется успешная карьера и любящая семья, что аж тошно.
Гейл — мать сестер. Болезненное прошлое сломало ее веру в счастье и удовольствия, она стала черствой и бескомпромиссной, поэтому и растила дочерей в тех же ценностях. О прошлом она не говорит, потому что для нее это слишком тяжело. Оставшись одной с двумя почти что младенцами, она не только смогла выбраться из плохого положения, но и сделать отличную карьеру.
Саманта — старшая сестра. Она переняла характер матери, а еще у нее — загибайте пальцы! — не было нормальных отношений с мужчинами, нет детей, нет ничего, кроме работы и семьи сестры, с которой она близко общается. Она трудоголичка, ведь именно так ведут себя женщины, у которых есть работа.
Элла — младшая сестра. Полная противоположность Саманте, мягкая, чуткая, любящая детей и в прошлом учительница начальных классов. У нее благополучная семья, маленькая дочь и любимый муж.
Угадайте, на кого постоянно хотят быть похожими Гейл и Саманта? Правильно, на Эллу. Ведь ее жизнь — просто мечта, в то время как они осознали свою никчемность.
У меня один довольно занимательный вопрос для авторки — а женщины в наше время что, поголовно не работают и только хозяйничают по дому, если они замужем? Едва ли. В нынешних условиях только состоятельные люди могут позволить себе такой образ жизни, в основном матери все так же проводят время на работе. И не потому что выбрали ее, а не семью, просто замечательная геополитика привела нас к тому, что по-другому не выжить.
Почему нельзя быть успешной в офисе и дома? Очевидно, ответ мы никогда не узнаем. Гейл и Саманта любят свою работу, но это рисуется так, словно они бы все отдали, лишь бы жизнь повернулась к ним другой стороной и преподнесла им счастье материнства и замужества.
Вообще вся эта история о том, что взрослые — это просто большие дети. Ведь целью книги было построение гармоничных отношений на их руинах, и с этим героини никак не могу справиться. Все потому что не умеют в коммуникацию и не могут найти времени просто поговорить.
Да, в каждой главе мы будем сталкиваться с размышлениями одной из трех героинь о том, как у них все плохо с матерью или дочерьми. Как бы они хотели все изменить. Нет, говорить по душам они не будут вплоть до предпоследних глав. Вместо этого — куча самообвинений, злости, обиды, любой энергии, направленной не туда.
Книга плоха еще и повествованием. Почти везде на страницах очень длинные диалоги или внутренние монологи, как будто скрипт в видеоигре, который нужно пережить. Если героини беседуют, то это какие-то часовые размышления в виде слов робота. О живой эмоциональной речи тут не слышали.
А еще авторка ну очень любит взять за основу одну шутку или характеристику человека и обсасывать ее каждую главу. Почти всю книгу сестры удивляются, как только видят, что их мать пытается быть не засохшим куском булки без чувств.
И так каждую главу, я не преувеличиваю.
Еще в начале книги Саманта позвонила не на тот номер и в сердцах стала откровенно говорить о своих интимных фантазиях. Как оказалось, трубку взял ее будущий деловой партнер — и больше не забывал об этом разговоре. Серьезно, весь их флирт строится вокруг него, ничего больше.
Я не знаю, как я это дочитала.
Сторителлинг тут отстойный, любовная линия могла бы быть неплохой, но ее впихнули в три главы, и даже там случилось недопонимание. Оно в этой книге везде. Ну а в конце, конечно же, у всех все хорошо, все счастливы и рады.
Давайте так — я за то, чтобы рождественские книги и фильмы были безумными, милыми и атмосферными. Они должны быть на одну и ту же тему, мы их за это любим. Эта книга же только притворяется таковой. Без сомнения, шотландские просторы, северные олени, снеговики, теплый чай с печеньем, свитера, прогулки под звездами — это вайбово. Но персонажи, стоящие за этими сценами, не представляют собой ничего.
Они не живые люди, а нарезка картона, которая научилась говорить длинными предложениями. В своей нелепости они просто смешны — женщина, вырастившая двоих детей, боится кричащую внучку, младшая сестра говорит, что у старшей проблемы в сексуальной жизни, и это почему-то расценивается как забота. И так далее.
Книга читается быстро и легко, ведь событий тут толком нет. Сказочная атмосфера сдувается еще до того, как наступит Рождество. Это худшее пособие по тому, как наладить общение с родственниками. Главный любовный интерес — классный, умный и смешной, но даже про него авторка умудряется написать кучу говна о том, как Саманта рассуждает, насколько тот мужественный или обычный ботаник. Я рада, что закончила эту книгу, с авторкой больше встречаться не планирую.
С чем у вас ассоциируется название «Зимняя гость» и обложка в миленьком стиле детско-подростковых книг? Вместе с аннотацией про мать и двух сестер. Я думала, что это будет добрая история о том, как семья проводит вместе Рождество в сказочной Шотландии, но как бы не так.
Все главные героини, кроме девочки Таб, — взрослые женщины. В их отношениях нет места доброте и любви, потому что с самого детства мать растила их сильными и стойкими, не уделяя внимания эмоциям и желаниям. Они никогда не лепили вместе снеговика. Никогда не праздновали Рождество, потому что это пустая трата времени и денег. Никогда не были близки друг к другу. Но вот, один не самый счастливый случай сводит их втроем, чтобы наконец разобраться в своих отношениях.
Идея супер, но реализация просто ужасна. Вообще создается ощущение, что мировоззрение авторки — это что-то на грани pro-life и trad wives, ведь в книге так часто противопоставляется успешная карьера и любящая семья, что аж тошно.
Гейл — мать сестер. Болезненное прошлое сломало ее веру в счастье и удовольствия, она стала черствой и бескомпромиссной, поэтому и растила дочерей в тех же ценностях. О прошлом она не говорит, потому что для нее это слишком тяжело. Оставшись одной с двумя почти что младенцами, она не только смогла выбраться из плохого положения, но и сделать отличную карьеру.
Саманта — старшая сестра. Она переняла характер матери, а еще у нее — загибайте пальцы! — не было нормальных отношений с мужчинами, нет детей, нет ничего, кроме работы и семьи сестры, с которой она близко общается. Она трудоголичка, ведь именно так ведут себя женщины, у которых есть работа.
Элла — младшая сестра. Полная противоположность Саманте, мягкая, чуткая, любящая детей и в прошлом учительница начальных классов. У нее благополучная семья, маленькая дочь и любимый муж.
Угадайте, на кого постоянно хотят быть похожими Гейл и Саманта? Правильно, на Эллу. Ведь ее жизнь — просто мечта, в то время как они осознали свою никчемность.
У меня один довольно занимательный вопрос для авторки — а женщины в наше время что, поголовно не работают и только хозяйничают по дому, если они замужем? Едва ли. В нынешних условиях только состоятельные люди могут позволить себе такой образ жизни, в основном матери все так же проводят время на работе. И не потому что выбрали ее, а не семью, просто замечательная геополитика привела нас к тому, что по-другому не выжить.
Почему нельзя быть успешной в офисе и дома? Очевидно, ответ мы никогда не узнаем. Гейл и Саманта любят свою работу, но это рисуется так, словно они бы все отдали, лишь бы жизнь повернулась к ним другой стороной и преподнесла им счастье материнства и замужества.
Вообще вся эта история о том, что взрослые — это просто большие дети. Ведь целью книги было построение гармоничных отношений на их руинах, и с этим героини никак не могу справиться. Все потому что не умеют в коммуникацию и не могут найти времени просто поговорить.
Да, в каждой главе мы будем сталкиваться с размышлениями одной из трех героинь о том, как у них все плохо с матерью или дочерьми. Как бы они хотели все изменить. Нет, говорить по душам они не будут вплоть до предпоследних глав. Вместо этого — куча самообвинений, злости, обиды, любой энергии, направленной не туда.
Книга плоха еще и повествованием. Почти везде на страницах очень длинные диалоги или внутренние монологи, как будто скрипт в видеоигре, который нужно пережить. Если героини беседуют, то это какие-то часовые размышления в виде слов робота. О живой эмоциональной речи тут не слышали.
А еще авторка ну очень любит взять за основу одну шутку или характеристику человека и обсасывать ее каждую главу. Почти всю книгу сестры удивляются, как только видят, что их мать пытается быть не засохшим куском булки без чувств.
Гейл, которую дочери никогда в жизни не видели веселой в Рождество, захлопала в ладоши и с восторгом воскликнула:
– Как здорово!
Элле стало не по себе. Она даже не предполагала, что мама знает, что в жизни есть место веселью, не говоря уже о том, чтобы веселиться самой.
И так каждую главу, я не преувеличиваю.
Еще в начале книги Саманта позвонила не на тот номер и в сердцах стала откровенно говорить о своих интимных фантазиях. Как оказалось, трубку взял ее будущий деловой партнер — и больше не забывал об этом разговоре. Серьезно, весь их флирт строится вокруг него, ничего больше.
Вы ведь занимаетесь чем-то еще, помимо работы? – Броди улыбнулся уголками губ. – Мне известно, что вы любите оперу и шампанское.
Саманта едва не застонала.
– Мистер Макинтайр…
– Броди. Кстати, я тоже люблю оперу и шампанское.
– Броди… Мы можем навсегда забыть о том разговоре? Представим, что его никогда не было, ладно?
– Почему? Он стал одной из причин вашего приезда к нам.
Я не знаю, как я это дочитала.
Сторителлинг тут отстойный, любовная линия могла бы быть неплохой, но ее впихнули в три главы, и даже там случилось недопонимание. Оно в этой книге везде. Ну а в конце, конечно же, у всех все хорошо, все счастливы и рады.
Давайте так — я за то, чтобы рождественские книги и фильмы были безумными, милыми и атмосферными. Они должны быть на одну и ту же тему, мы их за это любим. Эта книга же только притворяется таковой. Без сомнения, шотландские просторы, северные олени, снеговики, теплый чай с печеньем, свитера, прогулки под звездами — это вайбово. Но персонажи, стоящие за этими сценами, не представляют собой ничего.
Они не живые люди, а нарезка картона, которая научилась говорить длинными предложениями. В своей нелепости они просто смешны — женщина, вырастившая двоих детей, боится кричащую внучку, младшая сестра говорит, что у старшей проблемы в сексуальной жизни, и это почему-то расценивается как забота. И так далее.
Книга читается быстро и легко, ведь событий тут толком нет. Сказочная атмосфера сдувается еще до того, как наступит Рождество. Это худшее пособие по тому, как наладить общение с родственниками. Главный любовный интерес — классный, умный и смешной, но даже про него авторка умудряется написать кучу говна о том, как Саманта рассуждает, насколько тот мужественный или обычный ботаник. Я рада, что закончила эту книгу, с авторкой больше встречаться не планирую.
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February 15, 2023Holiday Romance & Family Drama & Contemporary
Publication date : October 6, 2020
I was in the mood for a good and entertaining Christmas story...sadly this one was dull and too wordy. Nothing interesting seemed to happen and the story moved in a predictible direction.
The characters were one-dimensional, flat and boring. I hated constantly changing perspectives of mother, Gayle and her daughters, Samantha and Ella - just when you get into one storyline, author decide to switch to someone else and the storyline gets interrupted. It made story fragmented. Sometimes I lost track who's perspective I was currently reading. With so many characters there's not much character development and as the timeline is very short, then even more so.
And finally: Show, don't tell!
Sometimes I felt that my brain cells may go to sleep if I continue to read too long. So I had to skim boring pages, take long breaks and discover real winter wonderland outdoors! At least I got some excercise and fun this story lacked!
Publication date : October 6, 2020
I was in the mood for a good and entertaining Christmas story...sadly this one was dull and too wordy. Nothing interesting seemed to happen and the story moved in a predictible direction.
The characters were one-dimensional, flat and boring. I hated constantly changing perspectives of mother, Gayle and her daughters, Samantha and Ella - just when you get into one storyline, author decide to switch to someone else and the storyline gets interrupted. It made story fragmented. Sometimes I lost track who's perspective I was currently reading. With so many characters there's not much character development and as the timeline is very short, then even more so.
And finally: Show, don't tell!
Sometimes I felt that my brain cells may go to sleep if I continue to read too long. So I had to skim boring pages, take long breaks and discover real winter wonderland outdoors! At least I got some excercise and fun this story lacked!
December 24, 2020
Perfectly delightful and just what I have come to expect from this author ❤️
January 7, 2022
Detta är en charmig julroman om familjerelationer, systerskap, julmys, mörker och romantik. Omringat av en idyllisk miljö med snö, renar och julförberedelser tvingas två familjer ta itu med gömda hemligheter och såriga erfarenheter.
Det är en perfekt julroman och ett fantastiskt mirakel att de tre kvinnorna efter fem år utan kontakt lyckas åka iväg till ett främmande land och skavas mot varandra. Kanske förutsägbart, men vägen dit är det intressanta.
Det är en perfekt julroman och ett fantastiskt mirakel att de tre kvinnorna efter fem år utan kontakt lyckas åka iväg till ett främmande land och skavas mot varandra. Kanske förutsägbart, men vägen dit är det intressanta.
December 10, 2024
This was a nice story about second chances in broken family relationships. It had a little sprinkle of spice too which I enjoyed.
December 19, 2021
A wonderful Christmas read filled with family and second chances.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,186 reviews