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Christmas at Claridge's
Christmas at Claridge's [Paperback] Karen Swan
528 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2013
103 people are currently reading
2100 people want to read
About the author
Karen Swan
61 books2,378 followersKaren Swan began her career in fashion journalism before giving it all up to raise her three children and a puppy, and to pursue her ambition of becoming a writer. She lives in the forest in Sussex, writing her books in a treehouse overlooking the Downs. Her books include Christmas at Tiffany's, Summer at Tiffany's, The Perfect Present, Christmas in the Snow, The Summer Without You, The Paris Secret, and Christmas Under the Stars.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 246 reviews
November 24, 2013
I must start by saying how much I loved this book – you’ll see how much I loved it when you read my review. But I have to be honest and say that it wasn’t what I expected at all. Maybe it’s my fault for having expectations based solely on the title and the cover – but I had rather expected Christmas, Claridge’s and bit of snowy romance (with maybe a little tinsel...). Actually, it probably is my fault – the blurb is quite clear, and both Christmas at Tiffany’s and The Perfect Present had Christmassy covers that didn’t quite represent the contents either. Anyway... on to what it was, rather than what it wasn’t!
I’ve rarely encountered such a thoroughly unlikeable heroine as the Clem Alderton we encounter at the start. She’s a party girl with a lifestyle I find really difficult to identify with – never staying with a man for more than twelve weeks, no respect for anyone’s possessions or feelings, perfect looks, no regrets about anything she does or whoever she hurts. But she must have some redeeming features somewhere – her long-suffering brother Tom plainly loves her, and she has a real and enduring friendship with designer Stella who doesn’t seem to be anybody’s fool. It’s clear she has a big secret that has made her the way she is. When she almost destroys her brother’s business through a wholly selfish act, and her attempt to make amends doesn’t quite work out the way she expected, she agrees to travel to Portofino – a place that plainly has history for her – to remodel a villa and try to save the business.
I was really struggling with the book up to that point – I honestly didn’t care about Clem or what happened to her, I just felt sorry for her poor brother. But the book turned around really dramatically – by the halfway mark, Clem was my new best friend, and the story became totally unputdownable with all its twists and turns, secrets and revelations, and I never saw any of it coming. The Portofino setting was really vividly drawn, and all the supporting characters were strong, believable and engaging. There’s passion here, but also real heartbreak and sadness, and by the time I got to the end I felt like I’d been through a wringer. The writing is really excellent – I was lulled into thinking this was a book about brand names and fashion and the lifestyles of the rich, and was totally won over when it turned out instead to be something tender and emotional and heartbreaking. Not the conventional Christmas read I was expecting, but I absolutely loved it.
I’ve rarely encountered such a thoroughly unlikeable heroine as the Clem Alderton we encounter at the start. She’s a party girl with a lifestyle I find really difficult to identify with – never staying with a man for more than twelve weeks, no respect for anyone’s possessions or feelings, perfect looks, no regrets about anything she does or whoever she hurts. But she must have some redeeming features somewhere – her long-suffering brother Tom plainly loves her, and she has a real and enduring friendship with designer Stella who doesn’t seem to be anybody’s fool. It’s clear she has a big secret that has made her the way she is. When she almost destroys her brother’s business through a wholly selfish act, and her attempt to make amends doesn’t quite work out the way she expected, she agrees to travel to Portofino – a place that plainly has history for her – to remodel a villa and try to save the business.
I was really struggling with the book up to that point – I honestly didn’t care about Clem or what happened to her, I just felt sorry for her poor brother. But the book turned around really dramatically – by the halfway mark, Clem was my new best friend, and the story became totally unputdownable with all its twists and turns, secrets and revelations, and I never saw any of it coming. The Portofino setting was really vividly drawn, and all the supporting characters were strong, believable and engaging. There’s passion here, but also real heartbreak and sadness, and by the time I got to the end I felt like I’d been through a wringer. The writing is really excellent – I was lulled into thinking this was a book about brand names and fashion and the lifestyles of the rich, and was totally won over when it turned out instead to be something tender and emotional and heartbreaking. Not the conventional Christmas read I was expecting, but I absolutely loved it.
December 27, 2016
This book was just meh for me and it was only towards the end that I started to enjoy it. That was mainly due to the fact that the main character was a total brat and it wasn't until the ending that we found out why she was that way and that she finally started to grow and change. Something about the story just lacked magic for me and I was left quite disappointed by this book!
January 19, 2014
Total trash and sadly not even good trash. I have say I was disappointed, completely unlikable characters, completely ridiculous plot, I could go on but can't be bothered... Let's just say it's not worth the effort. I like a good chick lit for a few hours of easy reading and I'd enjoyed the previous novel by Swan Christmas at Tiffany's ( total trash but readable and "good trash" - perfect beach reading) and this just wasn't anywhere the mark. Don't waste your time or money on this one
February 5, 2014
I couldn't be bothered to finish this book, I just hated it, but I want to know what this secret twist ending is, so if anyone wants to message me privately and just spoil the ending, that would be great. I never thought I'd ask for that...
Update: I have since found out the spoiler and I would hardly call it a twist ending. Still angry that I wasted my time on this
Update: I have since found out the spoiler and I would hardly call it a twist ending. Still angry that I wasted my time on this
March 12, 2023
Christmas at Claridge's is a very well-crafted novel with a panoply of characters who are at turns endearing and maddeningly complex. The locales vary between London and Portofino in Italy. Anyone in search of a colorful novel need look no further. Christmas at Claridge's is a winner!
December 12, 2013
Firstly, it might be worth mentioning that the title of this book is somewhat misleading. Very little of Christmas at Claridge's is festive (although the book does open on the New Year and end on Christmas), this is not your usual light hearted, fluffy, seasonal romance and the blurb on the back belies a more serious content.
Clem is a part of London's 'It' scene and is seemingly what most people would expect from a girl of this ilk; shallow and selfish, Clem spends her days shopping and her nights partying her worries away. However, like most characters, she has much more depth than people give her credit for. Clem's past, like Swan's book, has a dark undercurrent that Swan handles masterfully. With an intriguing and evasive introduction, Swan sets her mystery in motion.
I can see how some people might find Clem an annoying and spoiled heroine but I cut my romance teeth, as it were, on the early novels of Fiona Walker and have always enjoyed delving into the scene to be seen world of London's fashionable twenty-somethings. Clem's relationship with her family is explored and developed throughout the book and the highs and lows of familial life that Swan covers really add an extra dimension to her novel that highlights the strengths of her writing and character development. Clem's relationship with the handsome stranger that lures her reluctantly back to the village of Portofino adds some passion to the novel but it is the twists and turns of Clem's growth and experience at the villa (not to mention the build up to the final reveal) that makes Swan's book so engaging.
My only little niggles would be the title and the last section of the novel. As I said at the beginning, very little of the book is festive, although that does mean that it makes the perfect Christmas gift as it doesn't have to be read exclusively at Christmas time. The ending was perhaps a bit too neat and overdone, but as you'll have gathered, that's nearly always the way for me - but hey! you don't want anything else in the perfect Christmas book, do you?
Full review at Rosie Reads Romance
Clem is a part of London's 'It' scene and is seemingly what most people would expect from a girl of this ilk; shallow and selfish, Clem spends her days shopping and her nights partying her worries away. However, like most characters, she has much more depth than people give her credit for. Clem's past, like Swan's book, has a dark undercurrent that Swan handles masterfully. With an intriguing and evasive introduction, Swan sets her mystery in motion.
I can see how some people might find Clem an annoying and spoiled heroine but I cut my romance teeth, as it were, on the early novels of Fiona Walker and have always enjoyed delving into the scene to be seen world of London's fashionable twenty-somethings. Clem's relationship with her family is explored and developed throughout the book and the highs and lows of familial life that Swan covers really add an extra dimension to her novel that highlights the strengths of her writing and character development. Clem's relationship with the handsome stranger that lures her reluctantly back to the village of Portofino adds some passion to the novel but it is the twists and turns of Clem's growth and experience at the villa (not to mention the build up to the final reveal) that makes Swan's book so engaging.
My only little niggles would be the title and the last section of the novel. As I said at the beginning, very little of the book is festive, although that does mean that it makes the perfect Christmas gift as it doesn't have to be read exclusively at Christmas time. The ending was perhaps a bit too neat and overdone, but as you'll have gathered, that's nearly always the way for me - but hey! you don't want anything else in the perfect Christmas book, do you?
Full review at Rosie Reads Romance
December 15, 2018
I'm kinda glad this is over. I had a copy for about 3 years now, not having started it yet, because a) other books grabbed my attention, b) I thought it was a Christmas related book. WRONG! This title does not cover the book, only the last ten pages. 🙄
At this time of the year, I'm not in the mood for reading about sunny Italy. I might've enjoyed it more while reading on a beach somewhere, soaking in the sun, but then again, I would be bothered about the cover being in the snow. ❄️🌨The only snow that appears in this book is in the epilogue...
That issue aside, this could have been told way faster. I don't need lengthy descriptions of the scenery, and the way he looked at her, and the materials they use for their project. We get a super materialistic girl which irritated me as f*. I know she has been through a lot, bla bla bla, but you only get a first glimpse of that in the last 100 pages. This is probably done to string readers along. I mean, when you're 100 pages left from the end, you'll finish the book, just to know the exact deal and be done with this.
I would've liked some more insight into the mind of Clem. Maybe some flashbacks?
Plus, the way she shifted from guy to guy. Gabriel is this amazing guy from the beginning, and all of the sudden, he's the bad guy because he's too clingy and possessive? 🤔 No clue whatsoever leading up to it, but hey, it had to be done for the story. 😏
Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed some parts of the story. The part with her mom got me goosebumps. But I also drifted away in space in some passages... 😒
Guess I expected more 😐
At this time of the year, I'm not in the mood for reading about sunny Italy. I might've enjoyed it more while reading on a beach somewhere, soaking in the sun, but then again, I would be bothered about the cover being in the snow. ❄️🌨The only snow that appears in this book is in the epilogue...
That issue aside, this could have been told way faster. I don't need lengthy descriptions of the scenery, and the way he looked at her, and the materials they use for their project. We get a super materialistic girl which irritated me as f*. I know she has been through a lot, bla bla bla, but you only get a first glimpse of that in the last 100 pages. This is probably done to string readers along. I mean, when you're 100 pages left from the end, you'll finish the book, just to know the exact deal and be done with this.
I would've liked some more insight into the mind of Clem. Maybe some flashbacks?
Plus, the way she shifted from guy to guy. Gabriel is this amazing guy from the beginning, and all of the sudden, he's the bad guy because he's too clingy and possessive? 🤔 No clue whatsoever leading up to it, but hey, it had to be done for the story. 😏
Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed some parts of the story. The part with her mom got me goosebumps. But I also drifted away in space in some passages... 😒
Guess I expected more 😐
August 3, 2016
I read first 2 pages then threw it away. Very disappointed! The plot is quite dull, and the main character is boring.
December 13, 2021
A great story by Karen Swan - beautiful story about one true loves, family, friendships and hard work. However - not really a Christmas book. Starts at the holidays and ends at the holidays but still an awesome read.
For the first 40% I wasn’t hooked as Clem was annoying and floating through life, being selfish, ruining deals for her brother and more. She was spiraling and helpless and spoiled.
When she goes to Portfino I instantly liked her better. She’s hard working, focused, let’s people know her life , helps other people and more.
This one had layers of secrets, hidden families, hidden love, fake love, hidden sicknesses and more. The last 60% I couldn’t put it down! A great romance read with underlying mystery.
Clover was the worst!! I hate Catty female characters and made me not like Tom that he was with her.
Gabrielle started off exciting but turned arrogant and possessive quick. Byeeee
For the first 40% I wasn’t hooked as Clem was annoying and floating through life, being selfish, ruining deals for her brother and more. She was spiraling and helpless and spoiled.
When she goes to Portfino I instantly liked her better. She’s hard working, focused, let’s people know her life , helps other people and more.
This one had layers of secrets, hidden families, hidden love, fake love, hidden sicknesses and more. The last 60% I couldn’t put it down! A great romance read with underlying mystery.
Clover was the worst!! I hate Catty female characters and made me not like Tom that he was with her.
Gabrielle started off exciting but turned arrogant and possessive quick. Byeeee
November 9, 2014
Vor zwei Jahren las ich “Ein Geschenk von Tiffany”, letztes Jahr “Ein Geschenk zum Verlieben” – beide Bücher in der (Vor-) Weihnachtszeit und beide Geschichten habe ich geliebt. So ist es mittlerweile fast Tradition, diese Jahreszeit mit einem Roman von Karen Swan zu beginnen – dieses Jahr also “Ein Weihnachtskuss für Clementine”.
Clementine, die von allen nur Clem genannt wird, ist 29 Jahre alt, lebt in einer tollen Wohnung in Notting Hill und ist ein richtiges Portobello-Girl: die Männer liegen ihr zu Füßen, die Frauen beneiden sie um ihr Aussehen und sie führt ein lockeres und buntes Leben. Doch eines Tages baut sie richtig Mist, wodurch sie nicht nur ihren Bruder Tom enttäuscht, sondern damit auch seinem Unternehmen – in dem sie auch arbeitet – schadet. So sehr, dass Tom seine mühevoll aufgebaute Firma wohl nicht mehr lange halten kann. Ein Auftrag jedoch scheint sie alle retten zu können – allerdings muss Clem dafür nach Italien reisen, nach Portofino.
Sowohl der Buchtitel (auch der Originaltitel) als auch das Cover versprechen dem Leser einen Weihnachtsroman – aber tatsächlich hat Clementines Geschichte recht wenig von einer vorweihnachtlichen Geschichte, da die Handlung zum größten Teil im warmen Italien spielt und sich auf ein gesamtes Jahr erstreckt. So gesehen finde ich diesen Umstand aber eigentlich ganz gut, denn so kann ich guten Gewissens sagen: dieses Buch kann zu jeder beliebigen Jahreszeit gelesen werden, also kann ich es jederzeit empfehlen.
Denn empfehlenswert ist dieses Buch allemal: wieder einmal hat mich Karen Swan mit einer nicht nur berührenden und unterhaltsamen Geschichte begeistern können. Durch den recht langen Handlungsverlauf (12 Monate) ist die Geschichte um die Protagonistin Clementine abwechslungsreich gestaltet, birgt eine jede Menge an Wendungen und Überraschungen, sowie eine vielschichtige Handlung, die zu keinem Zeitpunkt langweilig erscheint. Tatsächlich war ich genauso wie in den beiden anderen Romanen der Autorin wieder einmal vollkommen gefesselt von den Ereignissen im Buch. Clementine als Protagonistin fand ich zudem absolut sympathisch, genauso wie ihre beste Freundin Stella. Erscheint Clem dem Leser anfangs noch als sorgloses und gar egoistisches Partygirl, zeigt sich im Laufe der Handlung, was tatsächlich hinter diesem Verhalten steckt. Und dabei ist die gut 600 Seiten lange Geschichte keinesfalls zu melodramatisch, zu kitschig oder romantisch, sondern enthält schlichtweg eine wunderbare Mischung an allerlei Gefühlen.
Was ich mittlerweile aber so sehr an den Büchern der Autorin zu schätzen weiß, ist, dass sie es nun drei Mal geschafft hat, mich mit ihrem Schreibstil sowie ihren immer sympathischen und authentischen Protagonistinnen vollkommen zu begeistern. Das Besondere daran ist aber vor allem, dass sich die nun drei Geschichten absolut nicht ähnlich sind – tatsächlich finde ich alle recht unterschiedlich. So könnte man die drei Romane getrost direkt hintereinander lesen, ohne die eine Handlung auf die andere übertragen zu können oder dass jegliche Überraschungen verdorben wären. Selbst die Protagonistinnen weisen nur geringe Ähnlichkeiten auf, da sie bisher ganz verschiedene Hintergründe und Lebensumstände aufweisen.
Mit “Ein Weihnachtskuss für Clementine” konnte mich Karen Swan bereits zum dritten Mal mit einer wunderbaren Geschichte über Familie, Liebe und Freundschaft vollkommen begeistern. Von dem Titel oder Cover sollte man sich aber nicht irritieren lassen – dahinter steckt keine explizite Weihnachtsgeschichte. Diesen bezaubernden Roman kann ich jedem nur empfehlen und das zu jeder Jahreszeit.
Clementine, die von allen nur Clem genannt wird, ist 29 Jahre alt, lebt in einer tollen Wohnung in Notting Hill und ist ein richtiges Portobello-Girl: die Männer liegen ihr zu Füßen, die Frauen beneiden sie um ihr Aussehen und sie führt ein lockeres und buntes Leben. Doch eines Tages baut sie richtig Mist, wodurch sie nicht nur ihren Bruder Tom enttäuscht, sondern damit auch seinem Unternehmen – in dem sie auch arbeitet – schadet. So sehr, dass Tom seine mühevoll aufgebaute Firma wohl nicht mehr lange halten kann. Ein Auftrag jedoch scheint sie alle retten zu können – allerdings muss Clem dafür nach Italien reisen, nach Portofino.
Sowohl der Buchtitel (auch der Originaltitel) als auch das Cover versprechen dem Leser einen Weihnachtsroman – aber tatsächlich hat Clementines Geschichte recht wenig von einer vorweihnachtlichen Geschichte, da die Handlung zum größten Teil im warmen Italien spielt und sich auf ein gesamtes Jahr erstreckt. So gesehen finde ich diesen Umstand aber eigentlich ganz gut, denn so kann ich guten Gewissens sagen: dieses Buch kann zu jeder beliebigen Jahreszeit gelesen werden, also kann ich es jederzeit empfehlen.
Denn empfehlenswert ist dieses Buch allemal: wieder einmal hat mich Karen Swan mit einer nicht nur berührenden und unterhaltsamen Geschichte begeistern können. Durch den recht langen Handlungsverlauf (12 Monate) ist die Geschichte um die Protagonistin Clementine abwechslungsreich gestaltet, birgt eine jede Menge an Wendungen und Überraschungen, sowie eine vielschichtige Handlung, die zu keinem Zeitpunkt langweilig erscheint. Tatsächlich war ich genauso wie in den beiden anderen Romanen der Autorin wieder einmal vollkommen gefesselt von den Ereignissen im Buch. Clementine als Protagonistin fand ich zudem absolut sympathisch, genauso wie ihre beste Freundin Stella. Erscheint Clem dem Leser anfangs noch als sorgloses und gar egoistisches Partygirl, zeigt sich im Laufe der Handlung, was tatsächlich hinter diesem Verhalten steckt. Und dabei ist die gut 600 Seiten lange Geschichte keinesfalls zu melodramatisch, zu kitschig oder romantisch, sondern enthält schlichtweg eine wunderbare Mischung an allerlei Gefühlen.
Was ich mittlerweile aber so sehr an den Büchern der Autorin zu schätzen weiß, ist, dass sie es nun drei Mal geschafft hat, mich mit ihrem Schreibstil sowie ihren immer sympathischen und authentischen Protagonistinnen vollkommen zu begeistern. Das Besondere daran ist aber vor allem, dass sich die nun drei Geschichten absolut nicht ähnlich sind – tatsächlich finde ich alle recht unterschiedlich. So könnte man die drei Romane getrost direkt hintereinander lesen, ohne die eine Handlung auf die andere übertragen zu können oder dass jegliche Überraschungen verdorben wären. Selbst die Protagonistinnen weisen nur geringe Ähnlichkeiten auf, da sie bisher ganz verschiedene Hintergründe und Lebensumstände aufweisen.
Mit “Ein Weihnachtskuss für Clementine” konnte mich Karen Swan bereits zum dritten Mal mit einer wunderbaren Geschichte über Familie, Liebe und Freundschaft vollkommen begeistern. Von dem Titel oder Cover sollte man sich aber nicht irritieren lassen – dahinter steckt keine explizite Weihnachtsgeschichte. Diesen bezaubernden Roman kann ich jedem nur empfehlen und das zu jeder Jahreszeit.
December 24, 2013
I really don't feel like writing this review, but I should justify my rating. Days before Christmas, during one of the worst winter storms to ever hit my city, I attempted to read this novel by candle light, to keep my mind off how freezing cold I was after not having heat or power for days.
This book did not do the trick. It was not about or related to Christmas. Apparently, the Christmas aspect of the novel isn't until the very end. Being a few days before Christmas, I wanted something Christmas-y and uplifting. I felt that the main character (who is 29-years-old) acted like a spoiled 13-year-old child. She partied too much, spent too much money, couldn't take care of herself (cook, drive or clean up after herself) and had to be employed by her brother so she could afford to pay a minimal rent to him. She squeals with her best friend over her crushes and then tries to show off to them. She knows she needs to grow up, but still does not display enough self awareness for a 29-year-old woman!!
As an animal lover, who believes that animals should be used out of necessity, not for fashion, I was sickened by the casual mention of fur coats, the leather industry (which the main character and her brother are employed in) and a purse made from whale.
This obnoxious, self absorbed behaviour is acceptable in some YA novels, but even then, should be done in a tasteful, relateable way. Swan's protagonist was not relateable or sympathetic.
Apparently, she has some deep, dark secret that 'made' her this way but I didn't care to read on and find out what it was. I really didn't want to continue reading to experience this annoying character falling in love and being swept off her feet *eye roll*.
This book did not do the trick. It was not about or related to Christmas. Apparently, the Christmas aspect of the novel isn't until the very end. Being a few days before Christmas, I wanted something Christmas-y and uplifting. I felt that the main character (who is 29-years-old) acted like a spoiled 13-year-old child. She partied too much, spent too much money, couldn't take care of herself (cook, drive or clean up after herself) and had to be employed by her brother so she could afford to pay a minimal rent to him. She squeals with her best friend over her crushes and then tries to show off to them. She knows she needs to grow up, but still does not display enough self awareness for a 29-year-old woman!!
As an animal lover, who believes that animals should be used out of necessity, not for fashion, I was sickened by the casual mention of fur coats, the leather industry (which the main character and her brother are employed in) and a purse made from whale.
This obnoxious, self absorbed behaviour is acceptable in some YA novels, but even then, should be done in a tasteful, relateable way. Swan's protagonist was not relateable or sympathetic.
Apparently, she has some deep, dark secret that 'made' her this way but I didn't care to read on and find out what it was. I really didn't want to continue reading to experience this annoying character falling in love and being swept off her feet *eye roll*.
January 3, 2014
As soon as you open up Christmas at Claridges you are straight away gripped by a heart fastening prologue that makes you want to rip the book apart quickly to find out what the hells happened.
Oh how I did love this book. I actually didn't really know what to expect from it, I thought it would be a sort of Christmassy, fun, chick lit read, but it's not it's so much more. It's dark, dangerous, dramatic, unbelievably tragic, romantic, family oriented and basically fabulous. I was so impressed that only three quarters of the way through I was that blown away and excited by it I e-mailed author Karen Swan to tell her so. I also told her that since becoming a book reviewer I read books differently than I did. I can't fall into a book as deep as I'd like half of the time because you're always aware of the review building up in your head or you're over reading things. (Book reviewers/bloggers you so know what I mean) Saying that though doesn't mean I don't love reading as much as I did, I do, I just sometimes miss being submerged into something without having to think. Christmas at Claridges had me submerged so deep that half of the time I couldn't breathe. I deliberately took my time reading it as I knew once it finished I would have one hell of a book hangover. When I finally did finishing I was well and truly blown away, I honestly couldn't believe how much could be in one book, the thought into that plot was beyond impressive and Karen Swan has shown herself to be one serious writer with one phenomenal imagination.
I urge you all if you haven't already got a copy of download or order one. I assure you, you won't be disappointed. Don't think because it's a Christmas read that you can't read it, you can! Heart warming, inspiring, breathtaking book.
Oh how I did love this book. I actually didn't really know what to expect from it, I thought it would be a sort of Christmassy, fun, chick lit read, but it's not it's so much more. It's dark, dangerous, dramatic, unbelievably tragic, romantic, family oriented and basically fabulous. I was so impressed that only three quarters of the way through I was that blown away and excited by it I e-mailed author Karen Swan to tell her so. I also told her that since becoming a book reviewer I read books differently than I did. I can't fall into a book as deep as I'd like half of the time because you're always aware of the review building up in your head or you're over reading things. (Book reviewers/bloggers you so know what I mean) Saying that though doesn't mean I don't love reading as much as I did, I do, I just sometimes miss being submerged into something without having to think. Christmas at Claridges had me submerged so deep that half of the time I couldn't breathe. I deliberately took my time reading it as I knew once it finished I would have one hell of a book hangover. When I finally did finishing I was well and truly blown away, I honestly couldn't believe how much could be in one book, the thought into that plot was beyond impressive and Karen Swan has shown herself to be one serious writer with one phenomenal imagination.
I urge you all if you haven't already got a copy of download or order one. I assure you, you won't be disappointed. Don't think because it's a Christmas read that you can't read it, you can! Heart warming, inspiring, breathtaking book.
November 26, 2015
Nothing to do with Christmas which only puts in an appearance in the final few pages. Shame the author chose the backdrop of the cruel leather (and rabbit fur even gets a mention!) industry for the story. A tale set in Portobello Road and Portofino could have been so much more authentic! A good book spoilt by advocating a cruel industry.
December 21, 2020
Though I absolutely loved the book, don't let the title fool you...there is nothing festive about this book. Now that we cleared that off, I would totally recommend to read it anyhow. The plot twists are so intense that I couldn't put the book down as I was so excited to find out what happened next. This slot is also too small to write the whole plot summary, as there is simply SO much going on. Clem is living her life recklessly between too much partying and drinking, and the whole story unfolds one night when late for a party, she decides to take his brother beloved prototype bike to reach there faster and ruins it. Because of that, his brother looses his contracts and almost his company. Determined to do something about it, with the help of her friend and designer Stella, Clem starts designing clothes and bags using the scrap leather of his brother's factory. It is an instant success but not enough to make the cut. Clem decides to auction her mother's Christmas gift: a vey rare Birkin. But the whole family is there to witness it and stop talking to her all together. Unexpectedly, a new business lead comes up, but Clem is requested to attend the meeting. The person standing in front of her is a guy that she met at that first party and left a mark on her. It is clear that the meeting was set up only for him to see Clem again. Her brother lands the contract but there is a catch: Clem would need to be in charge and travel to Portofino to handle the project on site. Her stay unfolds million ghosts from the past, revealing secrets so deep that she tried to hide for more than ten years and compromised her life and her relationship with her mother until than.
December 9, 2020
Well, that was really disappointing. This is a book that is about neither Christmas or Claridge's. What an unfestive read it turned out to be.
Not only is this book nothing to do with it's title or front cover, but it also contains a protagonist who is so detestably unlikable that I almost put the book down on multiple occasions. She is selfish, self-obsessed, big-headed and ignorant and as for her behaviour at the ending - it just seems unrealistic and it seemed like Karen Swan was sat delicately tying up every loose end that there could ever have been in her plot to ensure a 'happy' ending.
The other characters are often lacking in description (especially the 'handsome' Frenchman who seemed little more than Christian Grey without the bondage) and only a select few got developed backstories of their own.
The writing is often unnecessarily blousy with extended metaphors and a real excess of adjectives and this meant that the book could have probably been half the length on a good day. Many scenes could have been cut and many issues get glossed over like they don't matter (a truck crashing down a hill for instance).
The storyline was laborious and dragged and almost all of the drama/interest happened in the last 10/15% of the book and by then I was almost at the end of my tether. The only reason I persevered with this book is because it was a gift from my Mum - had it not been I would have binned it.
I shall not be reading any more Karen Swan books.
Not only is this book nothing to do with it's title or front cover, but it also contains a protagonist who is so detestably unlikable that I almost put the book down on multiple occasions. She is selfish, self-obsessed, big-headed and ignorant and as for her behaviour at the ending - it just seems unrealistic and it seemed like Karen Swan was sat delicately tying up every loose end that there could ever have been in her plot to ensure a 'happy' ending.
The other characters are often lacking in description (especially the 'handsome' Frenchman who seemed little more than Christian Grey without the bondage) and only a select few got developed backstories of their own.
The writing is often unnecessarily blousy with extended metaphors and a real excess of adjectives and this meant that the book could have probably been half the length on a good day. Many scenes could have been cut and many issues get glossed over like they don't matter (a truck crashing down a hill for instance).
The storyline was laborious and dragged and almost all of the drama/interest happened in the last 10/15% of the book and by then I was almost at the end of my tether. The only reason I persevered with this book is because it was a gift from my Mum - had it not been I would have binned it.
I shall not be reading any more Karen Swan books.
April 14, 2017
Inhalt:
Clementine Alderton ist einer der beiden Sprösslinge der gute betuchten Familie Alderton, die sich einen Namen mit wundervollen Lederstoffen gemacht haben. Während Clem jedoch ihr Leben meistens nur berauscht von Alkohol an sich vorbeiziehen lässt, ist Tom Alderton in die ehrgeizigen Fußstapfen ihres Vaters getreten und schmeißt das Familienunternehmen. Ziemlich gut, wie man sagen muss. Die Alderton Hide steht kurz davor den Deal des Jahrhunderts zu ergattern als es kommt wie es kommen musste.
Clem ist es gewohnt, dass sie im Mittelpunkt des Geschehens steht und so kann es gar nicht sein, dass auf der Silvesterparty ihrer Freundin Stella ihr Flirt Josh mit einer anderen Tussi anbändelt. Um möglichst schnell vor Ort zu sein, schnappt sie sich das Fahrrad, das sie bei ihrem Bruder im Zimmer findet und macht sich auf den nassen Weg.
In ihrer Eile hätte sie beinahe einen Mann über den Haufen gefahren, aber was macht der schon an Silvester alleine auf der Straße?
Sie merkt schnell, dass Josh doch nicht der Mann ihrer Träume ist und wirft sich ins Partyleben. Bis sie auf ihren Bruder trifft und der ihre gute Laune im Keim erstickt.
Er hat das Fahrrad entdeckt mit dem Clem zur Party geradelt ist. Sie hatte nicht die leiseste Ahnung was für ein Fahrrad sie sich da geschnappt hatte. Tom hingegen wusste es. Es ist das Herzstück ihrer Produktion und ein Vermögen wert. Durch die Fahrt durch den Regen und diverse Beschädigungen von Partygästen, die es für hilfreiche Dekoration als Flaschenöffner und Aschenbecher hielten, ist es ruiniert und unwiederbringlich zerstört. Wie hätte Clem auch wissen können, dass der Rahmen mit Gold belegt ist, das Leder der allerhöchsten Qualität entspricht und die Steine keine einfachen Strasssteinchen sind. Clem sitzt tief in der Tinte und durch ihre wiederholt unbedachte Tat steht die Firma, für die Tom sein Leben geben würde, vor dem Konkurs.
Clem würde so gern alles wieder gut machen, aber dieses Mal ist sie zu weit gegangen. Tom meidet sie wie der Teufel das Weihwasser und auch die anderen Kollegen zeigen ihr, dass es dafür keine Wiedergutmachung gibt. Clem hat es vermasselt.
Nach und nach springen alle Investoren ab, die Firma steht kurz davor dicht zu machen. Nur wegen ihr. Da hat sie eine Idee, von der sie weiß, dass ihr Bruder sie nicht gut findet, aber es könnte die Firma retten. Mit Lederresten will sie eine Kollektion entwerfen, zusammen mit ihrer Freundin Stella, die auf dem Markt in Notthing Hill Selbstgestricktes verkauft. Simon, der schon lange in Clem verschossen ist wird zum einzigen Mitwisser, allerdings eher unfreiwillig.
Um das benötigte Geld für die Firma zusammen zu kriegen, organisieren Stella und Clem eine einmalige Show in der die Einzelstücke ersteigert werden können. Der Höhepunkt ist die sauteure Birkin, die ihre Mutter ihr vor kurzem geschenkt hat. Clem würde sie niemals tragen, was nicht daran liegt, dass sie ihr heilig wäre - eher gegenteilig. Clem und ihre Mutter vertragen sich überhaupt nicht, sehr zum Bedauern ihres Vaters, den sie abgöttisch liebt. Früher war das Verhältnis noch harmonisch, bis ... ja bis vor einigen Jahren.
Die Modenschau wird ein Erfolg, die Tasche geht für viel Geld weg und obwohl Clem sich bemüht hat, alles geheim zu halten, stehen am Ende Tom, seine ätzende Freundin Clover und Clems Eltern im Raum. Ihr Anblick ist beinahe mehr als sie ertragen kann.
Jetzt kann Clem wirklich nur noch einer helfen - sie selbst. Seit einiger Zeit liegt ein Vertrag bei ihr zur Unterschrift, in dem ein reicher Mann sein Anwesen in Portofino von der Firma verschönern lassen möchte. Das Gespräch mit diesem Auftraggeber war jedoch alles andere als normal, denn der Mann ist kein anderer als der Fremde, den sie in der Silvesternacht fast über den Haufen gefahren hat. Und auch später waren sie sich noch 2 Mal begegnet. Jedes Mal brannte die Luft. Und ausgerechnet er will sie als Projektleiterin haben. Tom ist sauer, berechtigt.
Natürlich will sie nicht nach Italien, aber hat sie eine andere Wahl? Es soll nur ein halbes Jahr dauern, das wird sie wohl überstehen, oder?
Was jedoch keiner weiß, in Portofino liegt Clems dunkle Vergangenheit und damit ein Abschnitt ihres Lebens, den sie so gut es geht in ihrem Herzen verschlossen hält. Was wird passieren, wenn sie wieder dorthin zurück geht?
Meinung:
Mit 'Christmas at Claridge's / Ein Weihnachtskuss für Clementine' habe ich mich am Anfang sehr schwer getan. Es hat beinahe die Hälfte des Buches gebraucht, bis ich die Geschichte wirklich weiterlesen wollte. Bis dahin ging mir die eingebildete Protagonistin mit ihrem 'mir doch egal'-Getue tierisch auf die Nerven. Auch die Namen sind mehr schlecht als Recht gewählt. Wer bitte kürzt 'Clementine' mit 'Clem' ab? Genauso wird 'Clover' immer mit 'Clo' abgekürzt. Da hätte das Lektorat dringend mal den Finger drauf halten müssen. Mich hat es beim Lesen jedes Mal wieder rausgerissen.
Mit ihrem Egoismus rannte Clementine bei mir auch keine offenen Türen ein. Ihren Bruder Tom konnte ich jedoch in jeder Lebenslage verstehen. Mit solch einer Schwester hat man es sicherlich nicht leicht.
Während der erste Teil des Buches in London spielt, wechselt es danach ins sonnige Italien. Schon allein deswegen ist es überhaupt kein Weihnachtsbuch. Sowohl das Cover, als auch der Titel sind hier sehr irreführend. Wer also einen Winterroman vermutet, wird enttäuscht.
Nachdem Clementine dann in Italien angekommen ist, bekommt sie doch noch eine menschliche Seite. Sie achtet tatsächlich auch mal auf Andere und wird endlich erwachsen. Auch wird nun mehr darauf eingegangen, warum sie eigentlich nie wieder an diesen Ort zurückkehren würde und wie es zu dem Bruch mit ihrer Mutter kam.
Ab da hat mir das Buch tatsächlich auch richtig Spaß gemacht. Gut, den Namen finde ich nach wie vor bescheuert, aber naja. Viele der Figuren tauchen das ganze Bücher über auf und eigentlich habe ich besonders an Stella einen Narren gefressen.
Das war jetzt mein erstes Buch von Karen Swan, ich habe fast ein wenig Angst ein weiteres zu lesen. Da sich in meinem Bücherregal aber noch zwei weitere Werke der Autorin tummeln, werde ich sie wohl lesen und hoffen, dass die Spitznamen der Protagonisten in diesem Buch nur ein Ausrutscher waren.
Clementine Alderton ist einer der beiden Sprösslinge der gute betuchten Familie Alderton, die sich einen Namen mit wundervollen Lederstoffen gemacht haben. Während Clem jedoch ihr Leben meistens nur berauscht von Alkohol an sich vorbeiziehen lässt, ist Tom Alderton in die ehrgeizigen Fußstapfen ihres Vaters getreten und schmeißt das Familienunternehmen. Ziemlich gut, wie man sagen muss. Die Alderton Hide steht kurz davor den Deal des Jahrhunderts zu ergattern als es kommt wie es kommen musste.
Clem ist es gewohnt, dass sie im Mittelpunkt des Geschehens steht und so kann es gar nicht sein, dass auf der Silvesterparty ihrer Freundin Stella ihr Flirt Josh mit einer anderen Tussi anbändelt. Um möglichst schnell vor Ort zu sein, schnappt sie sich das Fahrrad, das sie bei ihrem Bruder im Zimmer findet und macht sich auf den nassen Weg.
In ihrer Eile hätte sie beinahe einen Mann über den Haufen gefahren, aber was macht der schon an Silvester alleine auf der Straße?
Sie merkt schnell, dass Josh doch nicht der Mann ihrer Träume ist und wirft sich ins Partyleben. Bis sie auf ihren Bruder trifft und der ihre gute Laune im Keim erstickt.
Er hat das Fahrrad entdeckt mit dem Clem zur Party geradelt ist. Sie hatte nicht die leiseste Ahnung was für ein Fahrrad sie sich da geschnappt hatte. Tom hingegen wusste es. Es ist das Herzstück ihrer Produktion und ein Vermögen wert. Durch die Fahrt durch den Regen und diverse Beschädigungen von Partygästen, die es für hilfreiche Dekoration als Flaschenöffner und Aschenbecher hielten, ist es ruiniert und unwiederbringlich zerstört. Wie hätte Clem auch wissen können, dass der Rahmen mit Gold belegt ist, das Leder der allerhöchsten Qualität entspricht und die Steine keine einfachen Strasssteinchen sind. Clem sitzt tief in der Tinte und durch ihre wiederholt unbedachte Tat steht die Firma, für die Tom sein Leben geben würde, vor dem Konkurs.
Clem würde so gern alles wieder gut machen, aber dieses Mal ist sie zu weit gegangen. Tom meidet sie wie der Teufel das Weihwasser und auch die anderen Kollegen zeigen ihr, dass es dafür keine Wiedergutmachung gibt. Clem hat es vermasselt.
Nach und nach springen alle Investoren ab, die Firma steht kurz davor dicht zu machen. Nur wegen ihr. Da hat sie eine Idee, von der sie weiß, dass ihr Bruder sie nicht gut findet, aber es könnte die Firma retten. Mit Lederresten will sie eine Kollektion entwerfen, zusammen mit ihrer Freundin Stella, die auf dem Markt in Notthing Hill Selbstgestricktes verkauft. Simon, der schon lange in Clem verschossen ist wird zum einzigen Mitwisser, allerdings eher unfreiwillig.
Um das benötigte Geld für die Firma zusammen zu kriegen, organisieren Stella und Clem eine einmalige Show in der die Einzelstücke ersteigert werden können. Der Höhepunkt ist die sauteure Birkin, die ihre Mutter ihr vor kurzem geschenkt hat. Clem würde sie niemals tragen, was nicht daran liegt, dass sie ihr heilig wäre - eher gegenteilig. Clem und ihre Mutter vertragen sich überhaupt nicht, sehr zum Bedauern ihres Vaters, den sie abgöttisch liebt. Früher war das Verhältnis noch harmonisch, bis ... ja bis vor einigen Jahren.
Die Modenschau wird ein Erfolg, die Tasche geht für viel Geld weg und obwohl Clem sich bemüht hat, alles geheim zu halten, stehen am Ende Tom, seine ätzende Freundin Clover und Clems Eltern im Raum. Ihr Anblick ist beinahe mehr als sie ertragen kann.
Jetzt kann Clem wirklich nur noch einer helfen - sie selbst. Seit einiger Zeit liegt ein Vertrag bei ihr zur Unterschrift, in dem ein reicher Mann sein Anwesen in Portofino von der Firma verschönern lassen möchte. Das Gespräch mit diesem Auftraggeber war jedoch alles andere als normal, denn der Mann ist kein anderer als der Fremde, den sie in der Silvesternacht fast über den Haufen gefahren hat. Und auch später waren sie sich noch 2 Mal begegnet. Jedes Mal brannte die Luft. Und ausgerechnet er will sie als Projektleiterin haben. Tom ist sauer, berechtigt.
Natürlich will sie nicht nach Italien, aber hat sie eine andere Wahl? Es soll nur ein halbes Jahr dauern, das wird sie wohl überstehen, oder?
Was jedoch keiner weiß, in Portofino liegt Clems dunkle Vergangenheit und damit ein Abschnitt ihres Lebens, den sie so gut es geht in ihrem Herzen verschlossen hält. Was wird passieren, wenn sie wieder dorthin zurück geht?
Meinung:
Mit 'Christmas at Claridge's / Ein Weihnachtskuss für Clementine' habe ich mich am Anfang sehr schwer getan. Es hat beinahe die Hälfte des Buches gebraucht, bis ich die Geschichte wirklich weiterlesen wollte. Bis dahin ging mir die eingebildete Protagonistin mit ihrem 'mir doch egal'-Getue tierisch auf die Nerven. Auch die Namen sind mehr schlecht als Recht gewählt. Wer bitte kürzt 'Clementine' mit 'Clem' ab? Genauso wird 'Clover' immer mit 'Clo' abgekürzt. Da hätte das Lektorat dringend mal den Finger drauf halten müssen. Mich hat es beim Lesen jedes Mal wieder rausgerissen.
Mit ihrem Egoismus rannte Clementine bei mir auch keine offenen Türen ein. Ihren Bruder Tom konnte ich jedoch in jeder Lebenslage verstehen. Mit solch einer Schwester hat man es sicherlich nicht leicht.
Während der erste Teil des Buches in London spielt, wechselt es danach ins sonnige Italien. Schon allein deswegen ist es überhaupt kein Weihnachtsbuch. Sowohl das Cover, als auch der Titel sind hier sehr irreführend. Wer also einen Winterroman vermutet, wird enttäuscht.
Nachdem Clementine dann in Italien angekommen ist, bekommt sie doch noch eine menschliche Seite. Sie achtet tatsächlich auch mal auf Andere und wird endlich erwachsen. Auch wird nun mehr darauf eingegangen, warum sie eigentlich nie wieder an diesen Ort zurückkehren würde und wie es zu dem Bruch mit ihrer Mutter kam.
Ab da hat mir das Buch tatsächlich auch richtig Spaß gemacht. Gut, den Namen finde ich nach wie vor bescheuert, aber naja. Viele der Figuren tauchen das ganze Bücher über auf und eigentlich habe ich besonders an Stella einen Narren gefressen.
Das war jetzt mein erstes Buch von Karen Swan, ich habe fast ein wenig Angst ein weiteres zu lesen. Da sich in meinem Bücherregal aber noch zwei weitere Werke der Autorin tummeln, werde ich sie wohl lesen und hoffen, dass die Spitznamen der Protagonisten in diesem Buch nur ein Ausrutscher waren.
April 20, 2017
Christmas at Claridge's is a story about how young girl Clementine Alderton who everyone thought was selfish and reckless. One night Clementine went too far and endangered her brother, home and job. Clementine decided to leave England to make a new life for herself. However, this evolved Clementine moving to Portobello to oversee the interior design of a boat, villa and small hotel a place she thought she would never see again.
Readers of Christmas at Claridge will learn why Clementine behaves the way she does and sees her blossoming into a beautiful young woman. Christmas Claridge will make the readers sad and happy at the same time with the conclusion of this book. I did enjoy Karen Swan portrayal of her characters, however, at times I could not believe that something did not realise what was happening.
Also, that discuss the issues of how parents tread their children when they fall pregnant at a young age. The readers of Christmas at Claridge will learn that nothing is as it seems, so you need to overlook the person's bad behaviour to see the real person.
I recommend this book.
Readers of Christmas at Claridge will learn why Clementine behaves the way she does and sees her blossoming into a beautiful young woman. Christmas Claridge will make the readers sad and happy at the same time with the conclusion of this book. I did enjoy Karen Swan portrayal of her characters, however, at times I could not believe that something did not realise what was happening.
Also, that discuss the issues of how parents tread their children when they fall pregnant at a young age. The readers of Christmas at Claridge will learn that nothing is as it seems, so you need to overlook the person's bad behaviour to see the real person.
I recommend this book.
December 6, 2017
Leider konnte mich die Geschichte nicht so richtig überzeugen. Das liegt daran, dass es keine richtige Erzählperspektive gibt, am ehesten wird noch aus Clems Sicht erzählt - aber gerade dann finde ich es sehr "künstlich" dass man bis gefühlt 50 Seiten vor Schluss nicht erfährt, was denn nun ihr großes Geheimnis ist. Ich kann mir nicht vorstellen, dass tatsächlich jemand so lange sich jeden Gedanken dazu verkneifen kann, vor allem Anbetracht dessen, was dann alles passiert. Auch die Charaktere sind rein prinzipiell nicht besonders überzeugend und ich finde, das Geheimnis ist nur teilweise ausreichend, um Clems egozentrisches Verhalten zu erklären - genau so wenig begründet es meines Erachtens das Verhalten der Mutter. Schade, der Schreibstil war nämlich nett und die Dialoge eigentlich ganz gut gemacht.
October 25, 2020
Okay I’ve been working my way steadily through Karen Swan’s backlist this year and I’ve mostly been really enjoying them. There’s been 1-2 that I’ve felt were just okay but this one? This is the first one I’ve quite disliked and it was really a very disappointing read. I’ve read a few reviews of other Christmas books (Swan puts out 2 books a year, a “summer” themed one and then a winter Christmas one) where they state how misleading the titles and covers are. This is one of those books for sure. Claridges is the scene of one meeting and then like, the last few pages of the book. Most of the book takes place over other seasons. It’s a thin stretch of any imagination to call this a Christmas book or even to link it to Claridges.
Clem is almost thirty, living in a trendy suburb of London with her brother Tom. Clem is a quintessential ‘It’ girl – partying, drinking, relationships that don’t last more than 12 weeks. She has little in the way of responsibility – her brother employs her at his company and rents her a room in his flat. Always he’s had her back until a moment of selfishness wrecks something he’s worked so hard on, that his company was relying on. Clem has disappointed the people around her over and over but it isn’t until Tom expresses his contempt for her that she truly feels sorry. Banished to Portofino Italy in order to comply with some stipulation on a big contract for her brother’s company, which she feels as her one chance to make amends, Clem comes face to face with the decisions she made in her past.
This was a hot mess of a story. Clem is really unlikeable – shallow and silly and selfish and just an all round smug pain. She’s been spoiled and cosseted her whole life and her brother is a huge enabler. Not sure why he’s so surprised when she does what she does, to be honest. At least she does feel some remorse but it didn’t seem enough. A mysterious man she keeps crossing paths with offers Tom’s business a huge contact that just might save it after Clem almost blew it up but the clincher has to be that Clem must oversee all aspects of the project personally. When Clem hears where, she doesn’t want to go but for reasons she cannot explain and so Tom won’t hear of it.
Karen Swan books often have a bit of an unusual romance, where sometimes the characters are involved with other people and you don’t get the true end game until well, the end. Quite often this has worked for me, because there’s been some complicated situations which give some real tension and chemistry. Unfortunately, this was not one of these books. I don’t think there was anywhere near enough groundwork done for the end game. There are some twists in the story and while some of these are explained relatively adequately, Clem’s feelings for a certain person are not and it just felt so underdeveloped to me. Especially as her involvement with another character takes up a rather large portion of the latter part of the book and the way it fizzled out was weird and unsatisfactory as well.
This is one of her older books and unfortunately there wasn’t really much about it that worked for me at all, other than, despite its size, it didn’t take me long to read it. I think that towards the end, you start to understand Clem’s truly reckless lifestyle and why she’s lived that zero responsibility, hardcore partying and drinking life but at the same time it’s like, well how long was she going to go on like this? If she hadn’t of been sent back to Portofino and had to face the decisions of her past, would she still have been exactly the same another 10, 20, 30 years down the track? She never confided in anyone, never explained anything, even to her beloved brother or best friend. Maybe a little of that earlier on, might’ve really helped. A lot of what happens is not really tackled in depth, despite the pretty high page count. Especially what happened over a decade ago, before the book begins, the reasoning behind such thing and the fallout of everything being revealed in the current day. And the ending was so lacklustre.
Clem is almost thirty, living in a trendy suburb of London with her brother Tom. Clem is a quintessential ‘It’ girl – partying, drinking, relationships that don’t last more than 12 weeks. She has little in the way of responsibility – her brother employs her at his company and rents her a room in his flat. Always he’s had her back until a moment of selfishness wrecks something he’s worked so hard on, that his company was relying on. Clem has disappointed the people around her over and over but it isn’t until Tom expresses his contempt for her that she truly feels sorry. Banished to Portofino Italy in order to comply with some stipulation on a big contract for her brother’s company, which she feels as her one chance to make amends, Clem comes face to face with the decisions she made in her past.
This was a hot mess of a story. Clem is really unlikeable – shallow and silly and selfish and just an all round smug pain. She’s been spoiled and cosseted her whole life and her brother is a huge enabler. Not sure why he’s so surprised when she does what she does, to be honest. At least she does feel some remorse but it didn’t seem enough. A mysterious man she keeps crossing paths with offers Tom’s business a huge contact that just might save it after Clem almost blew it up but the clincher has to be that Clem must oversee all aspects of the project personally. When Clem hears where, she doesn’t want to go but for reasons she cannot explain and so Tom won’t hear of it.
Karen Swan books often have a bit of an unusual romance, where sometimes the characters are involved with other people and you don’t get the true end game until well, the end. Quite often this has worked for me, because there’s been some complicated situations which give some real tension and chemistry. Unfortunately, this was not one of these books. I don’t think there was anywhere near enough groundwork done for the end game. There are some twists in the story and while some of these are explained relatively adequately, Clem’s feelings for a certain person are not and it just felt so underdeveloped to me. Especially as her involvement with another character takes up a rather large portion of the latter part of the book and the way it fizzled out was weird and unsatisfactory as well.
This is one of her older books and unfortunately there wasn’t really much about it that worked for me at all, other than, despite its size, it didn’t take me long to read it. I think that towards the end, you start to understand Clem’s truly reckless lifestyle and why she’s lived that zero responsibility, hardcore partying and drinking life but at the same time it’s like, well how long was she going to go on like this? If she hadn’t of been sent back to Portofino and had to face the decisions of her past, would she still have been exactly the same another 10, 20, 30 years down the track? She never confided in anyone, never explained anything, even to her beloved brother or best friend. Maybe a little of that earlier on, might’ve really helped. A lot of what happens is not really tackled in depth, despite the pretty high page count. Especially what happened over a decade ago, before the book begins, the reasoning behind such thing and the fallout of everything being revealed in the current day. And the ending was so lacklustre.
January 1, 2021
I have had this book for quite some time and thought seeing as it was Christmas and it was a bit Christmassy I would read it now. And I really did enjoy it even though I am not much of a romance reader.
The story was set up well and the characters were all individual and brought something different to the story. It really was a story of people and how life both past and present collide bringing heartache, upsets and even joy.
It was a long read and I think it could have been made shorter without loosing the plot and at times I just got a little bored but kept reading as I wanted to know what was going to happen. But all in all it was an easy read and did keep me turning the pages.
Christmas at Claridge's
Karen Swan
The story was set up well and the characters were all individual and brought something different to the story. It really was a story of people and how life both past and present collide bringing heartache, upsets and even joy.
It was a long read and I think it could have been made shorter without loosing the plot and at times I just got a little bored but kept reading as I wanted to know what was going to happen. But all in all it was an easy read and did keep me turning the pages.
Christmas at Claridge's
Karen Swan
January 8, 2024
Easy ok read....felt story could have finished in a few pages less.
January 30, 2025
I found this novel to be lacking. I kept waiting for the Christmas part, but it doesn't happen until the end, and it's over rather quickly. Too much extraneous stuff as well. Characters aren't all that likable either.
November 8, 2013
Review originally posted to my blog on:
http://www.pagetostagereviews.com/201...
Clem Alderton grew up in Portobello in London and feels right at home wandering the famous street market or having a cupcake for lunch at Hummingbird Bakery. She now shares an expensive flat with her brother just streets away from her brother's company, Alderton Hide, where she too works, though her job comprises of little more than being the face of the company to clients who are unable to resist the charms of the gorgeous young woman.
Seemingly without a care in the world, and unattached thanks to her 12-week-rule when it comes to dating the hot men that fall at her feet, Clem is enjoying her life to the fullest. She spends her days going from one party to the next only stopping occasionally to show her face at work or her parents' house when summoned.
Just as people around her start to wonder when Clem will finally grow up and be responsible, she is in her late Twenties after all and hasn't held down a proper job yet, she once again shows them that she's an egoistical party girl as she ruins Alderton Hide's prized show model (worth several hundred thousand pounds) and with it the contracts the company needed to stay in business.
I admit that for the longest of time I was struggling to get into this novel. I was completely deceived by the book's cute cover and title and foolishly failed to properly read the blurb before diving in. Because of that I was expecting a sugar-sweet and predictable chick-lit story, with a nice and funny main protagonist and possibly a plethora of eligible bachelors, which this is anything but.
Instead main character Clementine, or Clem as she's known to friends and family, is a spoiled rich girl that at first I found incredibly unlikeable. In fact I would go as far as to say that her selfish and foolish antics really annoyed me and I was surprised that her family, and her brother in particular, let her get away with it for so long.
But of course there is much more to it than Clem just being spoiled and immature for her age and when the story shifts from Portobello in London to Portofino in Italy the reader gets to see a really different side to the character's personality and she instantly becomes a much more interesting and intriguing individual.
I don't want to say more about that part of the novel as I don't want to spoil it for prospective readers but let's just say that the heart-wrenching revelations will have you on the edge of your seat until the final page. Clem might not be the easiest person to care for in the beginning, but stick with her and this book and you'll be rewarded with a gripping and thought-provoking story.
3.5 stars
http://www.pagetostagereviews.com/201...
Clem Alderton grew up in Portobello in London and feels right at home wandering the famous street market or having a cupcake for lunch at Hummingbird Bakery. She now shares an expensive flat with her brother just streets away from her brother's company, Alderton Hide, where she too works, though her job comprises of little more than being the face of the company to clients who are unable to resist the charms of the gorgeous young woman.
Seemingly without a care in the world, and unattached thanks to her 12-week-rule when it comes to dating the hot men that fall at her feet, Clem is enjoying her life to the fullest. She spends her days going from one party to the next only stopping occasionally to show her face at work or her parents' house when summoned.
Just as people around her start to wonder when Clem will finally grow up and be responsible, she is in her late Twenties after all and hasn't held down a proper job yet, she once again shows them that she's an egoistical party girl as she ruins Alderton Hide's prized show model (worth several hundred thousand pounds) and with it the contracts the company needed to stay in business.
I admit that for the longest of time I was struggling to get into this novel. I was completely deceived by the book's cute cover and title and foolishly failed to properly read the blurb before diving in. Because of that I was expecting a sugar-sweet and predictable chick-lit story, with a nice and funny main protagonist and possibly a plethora of eligible bachelors, which this is anything but.
Instead main character Clementine, or Clem as she's known to friends and family, is a spoiled rich girl that at first I found incredibly unlikeable. In fact I would go as far as to say that her selfish and foolish antics really annoyed me and I was surprised that her family, and her brother in particular, let her get away with it for so long.
But of course there is much more to it than Clem just being spoiled and immature for her age and when the story shifts from Portobello in London to Portofino in Italy the reader gets to see a really different side to the character's personality and she instantly becomes a much more interesting and intriguing individual.
I don't want to say more about that part of the novel as I don't want to spoil it for prospective readers but let's just say that the heart-wrenching revelations will have you on the edge of your seat until the final page. Clem might not be the easiest person to care for in the beginning, but stick with her and this book and you'll be rewarded with a gripping and thought-provoking story.
3.5 stars
December 17, 2019
Another easy read for the festive period with a good story to it.
December 11, 2013
So it is coming on Christmas now and it's time to indulge in some of the amazing books releases for the festive season. Karen Swan is an author I read last year at this time and fell in love with her lovely, emotional and romantic novels centred around the Xmas season.
This years Xmas releases was therefore an essential and the first indulgent read of the Xmas season. It is the story of party girl Clem who lives life to the full, never tying herself down and never committing to anyone or anything. When a drunken mistake puts her brothers exclusive business in jeopardy she finds herself trying to make a change and make amends.
Much of this book is not actually based around the festive season, we begin and end there much in the way we did with Swan's earlier novel Christmas at Tiffany's. Instead we are transported to rural Italy where Clem is forced to relive the most painful summer of her life. The book clearly indicates something very painful happened to her here but it leaves us guessing for much of the book.
The characters are all wonderfully written and lend depth and emotion to the book. The scenic descriptions of Portofino are lovely and pull you into the atmosphere you can imagine Clem gets from being there. It is a beautiful story and one that whilst not hitting my Xmas buttons did leave me overwhelmingly emotional and shedding a tear or two.
Perhaps a shame it will be categorised as a Xmas read when it's so much more than that and if you bought it hoping for tales of kisses under the mistletoe you might be left wanting but I don't think it should spoil the story that lies at it's heart
This years Xmas releases was therefore an essential and the first indulgent read of the Xmas season. It is the story of party girl Clem who lives life to the full, never tying herself down and never committing to anyone or anything. When a drunken mistake puts her brothers exclusive business in jeopardy she finds herself trying to make a change and make amends.
Much of this book is not actually based around the festive season, we begin and end there much in the way we did with Swan's earlier novel Christmas at Tiffany's. Instead we are transported to rural Italy where Clem is forced to relive the most painful summer of her life. The book clearly indicates something very painful happened to her here but it leaves us guessing for much of the book.
The characters are all wonderfully written and lend depth and emotion to the book. The scenic descriptions of Portofino are lovely and pull you into the atmosphere you can imagine Clem gets from being there. It is a beautiful story and one that whilst not hitting my Xmas buttons did leave me overwhelmingly emotional and shedding a tear or two.
Perhaps a shame it will be categorised as a Xmas read when it's so much more than that and if you bought it hoping for tales of kisses under the mistletoe you might be left wanting but I don't think it should spoil the story that lies at it's heart
January 25, 2014
This being my first Karen Swan novel, I did not know what to expect. Also, I read mostly historical fiction. Thus, entering contemporary fiction for a change, I truly did not know what to expect. I was pleasantly surprised that I truly enjoyed this book, the characters, the settings, the plot, everything ! I definitely did not mind that the title which indicates a holiday book when it really is not. In this case, the title and the book did not go together.. Instead of a holiday book, this book provides the reader with a plot that reveals a year from a New Year's party to the next Christmas in the main character's life, but I always had the feeling that there was more going on in Clem's life. Somehow I knew her character went much deeper than what appeared at the beginning of the book. I refused to believe she was such a shallow person.
The two settings,Portobello and Portofino, attracted my attention immediately. Those names held the reason the reader sees Clem, at the beginning, the way she is. But what was it? Of course, I had to delve into the book to discover what was really 'going on'. I was hooked. I read the book straight through to the end as I had to uncover the reason for Clem's feelings and behavior. I am glad that I did and I was not disappointed at all. This will not be the only Karen Swan book I will read. I truly enjoyed 'the trip'.
The two settings,Portobello and Portofino, attracted my attention immediately. Those names held the reason the reader sees Clem, at the beginning, the way she is. But what was it? Of course, I had to delve into the book to discover what was really 'going on'. I was hooked. I read the book straight through to the end as I had to uncover the reason for Clem's feelings and behavior. I am glad that I did and I was not disappointed at all. This will not be the only Karen Swan book I will read. I truly enjoyed 'the trip'.
December 4, 2020
This review was originally posted on Star Crossed Reviews This is an absolutely amazing story but like Christmas at Tiffany's don't be fooled by the name and cover. Only a tiny bit of this book is actually at Christmas.
I found Clem to be a was a bit too irresponsible to begin with. She had floated through life messing up and always being bailed out by her family. After her latest mess her brother Tom finally looses it. This time she knows she had to fix this one her self.
When Clem eventually goes to Portofino you see a totally different side to her. She learns how to cook, drive and be generally responsible.
I thought Stella was an awesome best friend and I really loved Mercy too. Chira was amazing.
I don't want to say too much about Clem's time in Portofino because I don't want to ruin it but, the scene on the rocks by the wishing tree was gut wrenching.
I had guessed Clem's secret a little while before but I had a couple of other theories in my head throughout.
I thought the scene at Claridges was extremely sweet and the epilogue was the perfect ending.
I found Clem to be a was a bit too irresponsible to begin with. She had floated through life messing up and always being bailed out by her family. After her latest mess her brother Tom finally looses it. This time she knows she had to fix this one her self.
When Clem eventually goes to Portofino you see a totally different side to her. She learns how to cook, drive and be generally responsible.
I thought Stella was an awesome best friend and I really loved Mercy too. Chira was amazing.
I don't want to say too much about Clem's time in Portofino because I don't want to ruin it but, the scene on the rocks by the wishing tree was gut wrenching.
I had guessed Clem's secret a little while before but I had a couple of other theories in my head throughout.
I thought the scene at Claridges was extremely sweet and the epilogue was the perfect ending.
January 14, 2016
I love Karen's books, however I think the description on the back of her tomes do not do the actual story justice. The books are always so much more intricate and broadly drawn than the back would suggest. Not just another love story, not just chick-lit, but an in-depth view of the journey of the main character. I found that a few of her other books had the same issue, the description can pull you in but you may think the book is lighter-chick-lit than it really is. I always try to read as fast as I can, while enjoying the story, to find out the mystery at the end. With this one, it was a journey to find out what Clem was hiding for all these years from her family and friends. And I love all the beautiful locations and descriptions of places in each book too. I've loved all her books so far....
December 14, 2014
This book was a nice surprise really. It was a gift, and i just picked it from my shelf because of Christmas timing:) although it has hardly anything to do with Christmas, it's a fun book that I couldn't put down. I loved the rich plot with different types of characters, relationships, and especially the suspense element that starts right from the beginning. It continues on the side till the end, and keeps you on your toes together with the joy of the rest of the story. It's the first book I'm reading from Karen Swan, but won't be the last. Would advise if you're looking for fun read with a nice, rich story.
February 12, 2014
The main character is selfish and self-absorbed and I found her hard to like. The story was long and repetitive and just dragged on the "mystery" without giving you any clues as to the direction it was going to progress. Then at the end the whole thing got hastily unraveled and you were supposed to buy that characters ended up together, when they had spent no time building up their relationship. I mostly kept reading to finish the book and see how the "mystery" was going to resolve.
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