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Until One Day
Until One Day is a poignant, affectionate account of one Christmas Eve day in the lives of four strangers. Each lives in Manhattan and hides their despondent lives behind masquerades. Follow each through a day in their lives where choices are presented and upon which decisions made not only alter the course of their lives but impact others as well. Sydney, a successful attractive female corporate lawyer, Patrick a veteran of WW II and retired plumbing engineer, Sister Georgiana a teacher at an all-girls parochial high school and Christa who recently relocated from upstate New York, are all strangers to each other. Each have their own grave quandary, each trying to conceal it, and each searching for a solution. Yet all share one commonality, a seemingly hopeless conclusion to their unique situations. Hearts can be broken for many reasons but can each heart be repaired? Be enthralled while each story unfolds revealing its inimitable predicament and the journey's end for each character's destiny.
195 pages, ebook
First published March 29, 2013
4 people are currently reading
896 people want to read
About the author
Charlotte Symonds
5 books50 followersA Tree Grows In Brooklyn and so did I. Proudly, I admit from the Park Slope area. It is there where my roots began and where my personality and values developed. It’s there were I learned the true meaning of friendship and of love. It is also where I learned the importance of laughter and where I formulated my sense of humor. I was fortunate to have been raised by parents so deeply in love that I became a hopeful romantic.
Brooklyn is a cauldron of diversity, but when introduced to the Italian culture at a young age by my friend Marie, I was fascinated with it. I was drawn into it with its deep family loyalties, the tightness of the extended family ties, the acceptance of true friends as family, and of course the food. In my twenties was the first time I had met anyone who was Deaf. We became friends and she introduced me to the culture of the Deaf world. Intriguingly, it is with this culture where I have focused most of my career. I have worked with the Deaf community in a variety of capacities, two of my favorites being, the teaching of American Sign Language and Interpreting.
I currently live in New York. My true passion is writing. I’ve seen bumper stickers that say “I’d rather be sailing, fishing, skiing” or some other activity. If I could find one, I’d put on my bumper, “I’d rather be writing”.
My novels are available in ebooks and paperbacks at Amazon, Barnes and Noble,smashwords.com and on Apple ibooks. I hope that you enjoy the journeys where the characters lead you as I enjoyed the journeys where each brought me.
Brooklyn is a cauldron of diversity, but when introduced to the Italian culture at a young age by my friend Marie, I was fascinated with it. I was drawn into it with its deep family loyalties, the tightness of the extended family ties, the acceptance of true friends as family, and of course the food. In my twenties was the first time I had met anyone who was Deaf. We became friends and she introduced me to the culture of the Deaf world. Intriguingly, it is with this culture where I have focused most of my career. I have worked with the Deaf community in a variety of capacities, two of my favorites being, the teaching of American Sign Language and Interpreting.
I currently live in New York. My true passion is writing. I’ve seen bumper stickers that say “I’d rather be sailing, fishing, skiing” or some other activity. If I could find one, I’d put on my bumper, “I’d rather be writing”.
My novels are available in ebooks and paperbacks at Amazon, Barnes and Noble,smashwords.com and on Apple ibooks. I hope that you enjoy the journeys where the characters lead you as I enjoyed the journeys where each brought me.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
February 20, 2016
How much difference can a single day make in a life? Charlotte Symond's novel Until One Day illustrates the possibilities. Four lonely people, each hurting deeply, make choices that unknowingly and inexplicably impact the lives of strangers. Told in four voices, this delightful novel brings hope in the face of despair on a single, unforgettable Christmas Eve.
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January 4, 2021A beautiful Christmas story about four strangers going through lifelong changes on Christmas Eve.
Their lives impact each other’s at the miraculous ending.
I really enjoyed this book which I received from Goodreads in exchange for an honest review.
Highly recommended.
Their lives impact each other’s at the miraculous ending.
I really enjoyed this book which I received from Goodreads in exchange for an honest review.
Highly recommended.
April 6, 2014
From the very first sentence I was hooked on this book. A wonderful read, a very heart warming story!!! It is a story that is told through the eyes of four very different characters. They all face some of life's most daunting challenges and deal these challenges in ways that will take the reader on an intriguing journey. I laughed and cried as I read this book and you will too. It is just what the doctor ordered to give you hope in todays troubled world.
May 8, 2014
When I saw that it was a story that blended the lives of 4 different people I couldn't wait to see how this played out. I never thought that somehow they would touch eachother lives, in ways they never thought possible. I loved the way it all came together in the end. It was sad, touching, happy,and wanting to read more... It really made me (once again) want to know what true love feels like. I would definetly recommend this book to anyone.
March 29, 2014
OMG! What a book. Loved each character. It is truly an awesome book.
May 26, 2014
More than a romance! This is a powerful story of love in all of its forms. A must-read.
March 29, 2014
One of the top 10 books I ever read!
October 11, 2021
Each of four chapters follows a person with problems on Christmas Eve in NYC. Each chapter ends with the person going to St. Patrick's Cathedral for midnight mass. A lady lawyer, an elderly retired plumber, a teaching Sister at a parochial, an a young homeless girl each tell their story. They all find a form of resolution at the church. This would make a perfect Hallmark Channel Christmas movie. Very touching.
December 15, 2020
Thanks to Charlotte Symonds and Goodreads.com I won this book in a Giveaway.
I barely got through this book, there were so many spelling errors on her characters names that it really took away from the book. Instead of enjoying it, I went into proof mode and it felt like work. Her writing style, I felt like was rambling with random thoughts written down.
I barely got through this book, there were so many spelling errors on her characters names that it really took away from the book. Instead of enjoying it, I went into proof mode and it felt like work. Her writing style, I felt like was rambling with random thoughts written down.
September 13, 2017
This was a nice, enjoyable read and a heart warming Christmas story. Sadly, it was very predictable and very poorly edited. The numerous spelling and grammar mistakes were distracting as were the many run on sentences. I know that could be overlooked by many but it served as a detractor to me.
October 20, 2018
Excellent book!!!
December 15, 2020
A story about keeping your faith during hard times. The ending was a bit shocking for me
December 17, 2020
A novel about hope and keeping the faith in spite of obstacles. Thank you to Goodreads First Reads.
January 17, 2021
There were a few spelling and grammar errors, and it was also pretty predictable. But overall, it was an ok read.
June 22, 2022
Loved how this was woven together at the end! Such an emotional rollercoaster with a warmhearted ending.
May 27, 2016
The "author's importance information-please read", found in the front of this book made the hair on my arms stand up and shivers go down my spine. Do not skip this section, as Ms. Symonds wrote, sometimes the truth is stranger than fiction.
STORY LINE:
Author Charlotte Symonds has created a novel which grabs you immediately and does not let go. In this emotionally charged story, you will find 4 strangers who end up at the same place on Christmas Day 2011 and whose lives have intersected during the days prior. Each has an emotional tale told as they search for answers and resolutions; get out the box of Kleenex you will need them.
You will find Sydney newly dumped wife deep into depression and despair, Patrick newly widowed and grieving in every fiber of his being, Sister Georgiana who never forgave herself for past sins and secrets, and Christa a young child running to the house of God in search of answered prayers.
CHARACTERS, PLOTTING AND DEVELOPMENT:
I didn't start crying until I got to chapter 2 as I found Sydney a strong independent woman who lost her way for a season, but you know she will come out the other side whole and fighting. But in chapter two when we meet Patrick, the grieving widower, the tears started and didn't stop when after I finished the book. Author Symonds has created a book filled to the brim with emotion; injustice, sadness, depression, joy, friendship, family of blood and non-blood, love, miracles, and faith in God.
Ms. Symonds' characters are masterfully developed and believable. Ms. Symonds created 4 people with varying stories and created a complete and cohesive story-line. She skillfully wove the many threads together as we find each in some way has impacted the other.
The plot never lagged or slowed and it will keep your interest and emotions at high peak. The ending is one in which you say: "ah, that was so good and what an ending". As the author wrote:
"It was impossible for them to be aware that they were witness to a miracle; and that miracles do happen, and especially on Christmas."
This is an outstanding tale of love and miracles which you will not want to miss.
RECOMMENDATION: 5 STARS
I highly recommend this book. Author Charlotte Symonds' talent is evident; her writing style is refreshing and clear. This is a solid skillfully crafted book suitable for anyone that likes a clean, well-written story-line. Well done, Ms. Symonds, well done. I loved this book and will re-read it again and again.
I received this book from the author in return for an honest book review. All book reviews of any novel are dependent on the book review author’s opinion; all book reviews on line and on my blog under my name are my opinion.
STORY LINE:
Author Charlotte Symonds has created a novel which grabs you immediately and does not let go. In this emotionally charged story, you will find 4 strangers who end up at the same place on Christmas Day 2011 and whose lives have intersected during the days prior. Each has an emotional tale told as they search for answers and resolutions; get out the box of Kleenex you will need them.
You will find Sydney newly dumped wife deep into depression and despair, Patrick newly widowed and grieving in every fiber of his being, Sister Georgiana who never forgave herself for past sins and secrets, and Christa a young child running to the house of God in search of answered prayers.
CHARACTERS, PLOTTING AND DEVELOPMENT:
I didn't start crying until I got to chapter 2 as I found Sydney a strong independent woman who lost her way for a season, but you know she will come out the other side whole and fighting. But in chapter two when we meet Patrick, the grieving widower, the tears started and didn't stop when after I finished the book. Author Symonds has created a book filled to the brim with emotion; injustice, sadness, depression, joy, friendship, family of blood and non-blood, love, miracles, and faith in God.
Ms. Symonds' characters are masterfully developed and believable. Ms. Symonds created 4 people with varying stories and created a complete and cohesive story-line. She skillfully wove the many threads together as we find each in some way has impacted the other.
The plot never lagged or slowed and it will keep your interest and emotions at high peak. The ending is one in which you say: "ah, that was so good and what an ending". As the author wrote:
"It was impossible for them to be aware that they were witness to a miracle; and that miracles do happen, and especially on Christmas."
This is an outstanding tale of love and miracles which you will not want to miss.
RECOMMENDATION: 5 STARS
I highly recommend this book. Author Charlotte Symonds' talent is evident; her writing style is refreshing and clear. This is a solid skillfully crafted book suitable for anyone that likes a clean, well-written story-line. Well done, Ms. Symonds, well done. I loved this book and will re-read it again and again.
I received this book from the author in return for an honest book review. All book reviews of any novel are dependent on the book review author’s opinion; all book reviews on line and on my blog under my name are my opinion.
January 16, 2016
I loved Charlotte's first book and was THRILLED to see this second book!! This novel pulled me into the story instantly and I quickly found myself attached to each of the 4 main characters as their lives developed. I truly enjoyed the writing style as well. It is amazing how in just one day you travel through the four lives of strangers and watch how they come together in the last few pages.
January 16, 2016
I loved Charlotte's first book and was THRILLED to see this second book!! This novel pulled me into the story instantly and I quickly found myself attached to each of the 4 main characters as their lives developed. I truly enjoyed the writing style as well. It is amazing how in just one day you travel through the four lives of strangers and watch how they come together in the last few pages.
April 20, 2017
This was a surprisingly good book ... It grabbed me from the beginning. It was interesting to see how the lives of four different people, great story lines each ... ended up. Actually, I could probably give this book a 4.5.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews