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The Snow Sister: A breathtaking and gripping middle-grade historical adventure from the bestselling author of Letters from the Lighthouse
Ever since her sister, Agnes, died, Pearl has a tradition every time it snows. She makes a person out of snow. A snow sister. It makes Christmas feel a little less lonely. On Christmas Eve, her father receives a letter about a long-lost relative's will. Is their luck about to change? In anticipation of a better Christmas, Pearl goes to beg credit at Mr Noble's grocery to get ingredients for a Christmas pudding. But she is refused, and chased down the street where she is hit by a handsome cab. The snow is falling so hard that they can't take her home. She'll have to stay at Flintfield Manor overnight, in a haunted room... Will Pearl make it home for Christmas?
72 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 29, 2015
About the author
Emma Carroll
31 books613 followersAfter years of teaching English to secondary school students, Emma now writes full time. She graduated with distinction from Bath Spa University’s MA in Writing For Young People. In another life Emma wishes she’d written ‘Rebecca’ by Daphne Du Maurier. She lives in the Somerset hills with her husband and three terriers.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 86 reviews
December 7, 2015
A few years ago I was charmed by Frost Hollow Hall, Emma Carroll’s wintery novel for young readers, and when I learned that she had written a short story for Christmas I had to read it.
I met Pearl, who was growing up in a poor family in a small town in Victorian England. It was Christmas Eve and she was building a snow sister. It was something that she did every winter, every time it snowed, in the hope that it would help her to miss the sister who had died a few years earlier just a little less.
A letter arrived, summoning her father to Bath, to claim his legacy as the main beneficiary of his late brother’s will. He sets off straight away, and Pearl’s mother sends her to buy the ingredients for a Christmas pudding to celebrate the event.
Pearl runs into trouble on her outing and she tumbles into an adventure. She has a carriage ride, a visit to a grand home, and she learns an important lesson before she arrives back at home again.
And at home she finds that her father has inherited something far more valuable than the money they had hoped for.
Pearl was a wonderfully engaging heroine, her story was beautifully told in lovely descriptive prose evoked the time and the place perfectly. It was delicately done; the focus was always on Pearl and her story.
There are plenty of twists and turns to keep things interesting; and though the moral of the story is less than subtle it is unequivocally right.
The ending was bittersweet, and if it was sentimental it was sentimental is the right way.
‘The Snow Sister’ is very much a story for children, but I’d venture to suggest that it is a story that grown-ups would be very happy to share with them.
I met Pearl, who was growing up in a poor family in a small town in Victorian England. It was Christmas Eve and she was building a snow sister. It was something that she did every winter, every time it snowed, in the hope that it would help her to miss the sister who had died a few years earlier just a little less.
A letter arrived, summoning her father to Bath, to claim his legacy as the main beneficiary of his late brother’s will. He sets off straight away, and Pearl’s mother sends her to buy the ingredients for a Christmas pudding to celebrate the event.
Pearl runs into trouble on her outing and she tumbles into an adventure. She has a carriage ride, a visit to a grand home, and she learns an important lesson before she arrives back at home again.
And at home she finds that her father has inherited something far more valuable than the money they had hoped for.
Pearl was a wonderfully engaging heroine, her story was beautifully told in lovely descriptive prose evoked the time and the place perfectly. It was delicately done; the focus was always on Pearl and her story.
There are plenty of twists and turns to keep things interesting; and though the moral of the story is less than subtle it is unequivocally right.
The ending was bittersweet, and if it was sentimental it was sentimental is the right way.
‘The Snow Sister’ is very much a story for children, but I’d venture to suggest that it is a story that grown-ups would be very happy to share with them.
December 7, 2015
5 Words: Family, Christmas, wealth, poverty, love.
Aww man. That was pretty sweet. And a pretty quick read.
This has the makings of a children's Christmas classic.
I loved the message behind the story, that wealth doesn't necessarily make you happy and the love between a family is a greater wealth than gold.
I received a copy of this for free via NetGalley for review purposes.
Aww man. That was pretty sweet. And a pretty quick read.
This has the makings of a children's Christmas classic.
I loved the message behind the story, that wealth doesn't necessarily make you happy and the love between a family is a greater wealth than gold.
I received a copy of this for free via NetGalley for review purposes.
November 5, 2015
The Snow Sister is an adorable Christmas story. Set in the Victorian Age on Christmas eve, it tells the story of Pearl. Pearl's family is quite poor and Pearl's sister Agnes died a few years ago. Each winter Pearl builds a snow sister to bring Agnes back at least a little bit. This year the family receives a letter which declares Pearl's father the main beneficiary of his late brother's will. He sets off to Bath to find out more and Pearl's mother sends her to buy the ingredients for a Christmas pudding to celebrate the event. At the grocer the family has run out of credit though and Pearl soon embarks into an adventure...
I really enjoyed reading this story. It was a very quick read and the message was very beautiful, as was the writing. Pearl was a great character, who with all her small faults is still such a very nice girl. From the book's title and the first chapter I had expected a storyline a bit different but I have to say that I actually preferred the story as it is.
I'm looking forward to reading more by Emma Carroll. The story reminded me a bit of Astrid Lindgren, one of my all-time favourite authors. I wish more authors wrote like that!
(I received a free digital copy via Netgalley/ Faber & Faber. Thanks for the opportunity!)
I really enjoyed reading this story. It was a very quick read and the message was very beautiful, as was the writing. Pearl was a great character, who with all her small faults is still such a very nice girl. From the book's title and the first chapter I had expected a storyline a bit different but I have to say that I actually preferred the story as it is.
I'm looking forward to reading more by Emma Carroll. The story reminded me a bit of Astrid Lindgren, one of my all-time favourite authors. I wish more authors wrote like that!
(I received a free digital copy via Netgalley/ Faber & Faber. Thanks for the opportunity!)
January 7, 2021
Am văzut pe Goodreads că majoritatea oamenilor au fost emoționați, dar pragmatismul meu a lovit din nou. Foarte frumos mesajul pe care a intenționat să îl transmită Emma Caroll, dar nu își are locul în povestea asta. Sunt perfect de acord că lucrurile care contează cel mai mult în viață nu sunt materiale, dar să le negi orice importanță este inutil de idealist din punctul meu de vedere. Sigur că poți fi fericit și într-o casă prăpădită, dar parcă ar fi mai bine dacă ți-ai muta sufletul bun în una unde ai căldură și mâncare, în loc să trăiești în condițiile din poveste. Dezamăgirea mea este legată strict de concepția mea de viață, așa că sunt complet subiectivă când spun că eu nu aș citi Sora de zăpadă unui copil, cel puțin nu fără multe explicații ulterioare. Recenzia aici: https://bit.ly/3nhbfmo.
April 29, 2022
“Sora de zapada” este o scurta povestioara cu talc despre Craciun, familie, saracie si bogatie, o povestioara care iti atrage atentia ca familia trebuie sa fie in permanent pe primul loc si chiar si cele mai mari sume de bani sunt inutile in fata destinului.
Cu cateva zile inainte de Craciun, tatal protagonistei noastre Pearl, este solicitat pentru a beneficia de cea mai mare parte a testamentului lasat de unchiul Silas Granger. Vestea vine cu un crampei de speranta in sufletele familiei Granger, o familie extrem de saraca si care din nefericire, in urma cu trei ani au pierdut-o pe mezina familiei. Averea primita de tatal sau, ii bucura sufletul dragei noastre Peral, intr-un mod neasteptat, de neimaginat.
4🌟/5🌟
Cu cateva zile inainte de Craciun, tatal protagonistei noastre Pearl, este solicitat pentru a beneficia de cea mai mare parte a testamentului lasat de unchiul Silas Granger. Vestea vine cu un crampei de speranta in sufletele familiei Granger, o familie extrem de saraca si care din nefericire, in urma cu trei ani au pierdut-o pe mezina familiei. Averea primita de tatal sau, ii bucura sufletul dragei noastre Peral, intr-un mod neasteptat, de neimaginat.
4🌟/5🌟
January 7, 2024
O carte emoționantă despre relații de familie, sărăcie, bogăție, iubire și magia Crăciunului.
Pearl este o eroină antrenantă, povestea ei este frumos spusă într-o proză descriptivă splendidă evocând timpul și locul perfect.
Deși este o lectură rapidă nuvela având 100 de pagini, dar cuprinde o poveste întreagă de Crăciun, plină de aventură și desigur, acel mesaj de Crăciun pe care îl au toate poveștile bune.
Pearl este o eroină antrenantă, povestea ei este frumos spusă într-o proză descriptivă splendidă evocând timpul și locul perfect.
Deși este o lectură rapidă nuvela având 100 de pagini, dar cuprinde o poveste întreagă de Crăciun, plină de aventură și desigur, acel mesaj de Crăciun pe care îl au toate poveștile bune.
December 11, 2015
I love reading books by Emma Carroll, I also have such a connection to her characters and Pearl is no exception.
The Snow Sister is a novella and at 100 pages will be a quick read but it is a whole Christmas story, filled with a little adventure, heart and of course that Christmas message all good stories have. The book also contains some lovely full page illustrations.
I enjoyed The Snow Sister a lot and know I’ll be re-reading next Christmas.
The Snow Sister is a novella and at 100 pages will be a quick read but it is a whole Christmas story, filled with a little adventure, heart and of course that Christmas message all good stories have. The book also contains some lovely full page illustrations.
I enjoyed The Snow Sister a lot and know I’ll be re-reading next Christmas.
November 25, 2015
What a wonderfully and beautifully festive book for young readers. The story was sad but hopeful and reminded me a lot of my favourite classic A Little Princess. I disliked the Lockwood sisters as they were spoiled and ungrateful and their Mother was arrogant and unfeeling. I didn't think they deserved all of their good fortune and riches. I thought that the ending was so lovely and fit the hopefullness of the story perfectly. A definite Christmas read for any young child as it leaves you with such a warm feeling when you get to the last page. Really enjoyed it.
November 24, 2015
It wasn't too long ago that I was gushing all about Emma Carroll's writing and how much I, even as an adult, enjoy her middle grade books. Well, I've read her latest offerings, The Snow Sister, a novella set during the Christmas period, and the gushing is only going to continue.
The Snow Sister tells the story of Pearl Granger, a young girl from a relatively poor family who are still feeling the weight of the loss of another daughter whilst scraping by on the father's wage which is dwindling due to a decrease in demand of his expertise. When a piece of mail arrives on Christmas Eve, the Granger family think their luck is to change, with a potential windfall on the cards. This news has put a spring in their step, understandably so, but all is not what it seems. The family are soon to learn there is a lot more to life than money, and how money doesn't equate to happiness - a lesson we can all take note from really. Richness in life isn't measured in wealth, but in love and happiness.
Although short in length - 100 pages including a few illustrations - The Snow Sister is not short in substance with a depth of detail that you wouldn't necessarily expect from a book of this size. One thing I've noticed in any book by Emma Carroll is the little nods to the time period in which she is writing. You always feel enveloped in the era, from the jobs, to the style of dress and especially in the surroundings - in The Snow Sister I liked the admiration of the village's Christmas tree, which until this period in time was not a tradition in England.
I love Christmas books, they are some of my favourite to read, and whilst The Snow Sister holds elements of many traditional Christmas tales (particularly a family focus), I think the story Emma Carroll has told holds a wonderful message that can be appreciated by both young and old.
The Snow Sister would make perfect Christmas Eve reading material, or a great stocking stuffer to be devoured in a cosy corner on Christmas Day whilst waiting for the turkey to cook and consuming far too many choccies.
The Snow Sister tells the story of Pearl Granger, a young girl from a relatively poor family who are still feeling the weight of the loss of another daughter whilst scraping by on the father's wage which is dwindling due to a decrease in demand of his expertise. When a piece of mail arrives on Christmas Eve, the Granger family think their luck is to change, with a potential windfall on the cards. This news has put a spring in their step, understandably so, but all is not what it seems. The family are soon to learn there is a lot more to life than money, and how money doesn't equate to happiness - a lesson we can all take note from really. Richness in life isn't measured in wealth, but in love and happiness.
Although short in length - 100 pages including a few illustrations - The Snow Sister is not short in substance with a depth of detail that you wouldn't necessarily expect from a book of this size. One thing I've noticed in any book by Emma Carroll is the little nods to the time period in which she is writing. You always feel enveloped in the era, from the jobs, to the style of dress and especially in the surroundings - in The Snow Sister I liked the admiration of the village's Christmas tree, which until this period in time was not a tradition in England.
I love Christmas books, they are some of my favourite to read, and whilst The Snow Sister holds elements of many traditional Christmas tales (particularly a family focus), I think the story Emma Carroll has told holds a wonderful message that can be appreciated by both young and old.
The Snow Sister would make perfect Christmas Eve reading material, or a great stocking stuffer to be devoured in a cosy corner on Christmas Day whilst waiting for the turkey to cook and consuming far too many choccies.
November 5, 2019
O poveste frumoasa si emotionanta despre dorinte de Craciun si despre cum ele se pot indeplini si fara sa fie nevoie de miracole.
August 13, 2017
If you're a fan of heart-warming, evocative middle grade fiction and haven't come across Emma Carroll yet, you are in for such a treat. I first came across Emma's writing with her debut novel, the wonderful Frost Hollow Hall which holds a very dear place in my heart and after reading her follow up books - The Girl Who Walked On Air and In Darkling Wood, I knew this was an author that I would read absolutely anything she wrote. The Snow Sister is one of her shorter pieces of fiction, at a mere 112 pages but it's such a hopeful and genuinely beautiful read that what it lacks in page numbers it fully makes up for in heart.
Set in the Victorian era at Christmas time it's the story of a little girl called Pearl and her family who are not only dirt poor but have suffered a terrible loss when Pearl's sister, Agnes passed away. Each Christmas, Pearl makes a "snow sister" outside in the street to make up for the hole that her sister's death has left in her life. This year however, it looks like their fortunes may be on the turn. Pearl's father has received a summons to Bath and has been told he is a beneficiary of a rich relation's will. Pearl is sent out to buy some ingredients for a special Christmas pudding so the family can celebrate their luck finally taking a turn for the better. While carrying out her mission, Pearl becomes embroiled in an exciting adventure and learns a valuable lesson as a result. Furthermore, she is delighted to discover that some things in this world can be more precious to a family than money.
I know it might seem quite odd that I read this book in summer - it's an absolutely perfect read for Christmas and, I'm sure, even more atmospheric if you read it when it's cold outside but I couldn't wait any longer to read this little book and is definitely something I would re-read when the weather decides to turn. It's a stunning, poignant story that brought tears to my eyes and filled me with joy at the same time, leaving me completely in awe of how Emma Carroll can create characters that you instantly fall in love with and think about for weeks after you finish the story. The Snow Sister is perfect for younger readers but I think adults can also get so much out of this story, either for themselves or if reading it to little ones. There are important messages and beautiful imagery that will touch your heart and give you that lovely, cosy feeling you only get with a really satisfying novel. This is another wonderful effort from Emma Carroll and it just makes me more excited to read her next book, Strange Star so look out for my review here on bibliobeth very very soon!
For my full review and many more please visit my blog at http://www.bibliobeth.com
Set in the Victorian era at Christmas time it's the story of a little girl called Pearl and her family who are not only dirt poor but have suffered a terrible loss when Pearl's sister, Agnes passed away. Each Christmas, Pearl makes a "snow sister" outside in the street to make up for the hole that her sister's death has left in her life. This year however, it looks like their fortunes may be on the turn. Pearl's father has received a summons to Bath and has been told he is a beneficiary of a rich relation's will. Pearl is sent out to buy some ingredients for a special Christmas pudding so the family can celebrate their luck finally taking a turn for the better. While carrying out her mission, Pearl becomes embroiled in an exciting adventure and learns a valuable lesson as a result. Furthermore, she is delighted to discover that some things in this world can be more precious to a family than money.
I know it might seem quite odd that I read this book in summer - it's an absolutely perfect read for Christmas and, I'm sure, even more atmospheric if you read it when it's cold outside but I couldn't wait any longer to read this little book and is definitely something I would re-read when the weather decides to turn. It's a stunning, poignant story that brought tears to my eyes and filled me with joy at the same time, leaving me completely in awe of how Emma Carroll can create characters that you instantly fall in love with and think about for weeks after you finish the story. The Snow Sister is perfect for younger readers but I think adults can also get so much out of this story, either for themselves or if reading it to little ones. There are important messages and beautiful imagery that will touch your heart and give you that lovely, cosy feeling you only get with a really satisfying novel. This is another wonderful effort from Emma Carroll and it just makes me more excited to read her next book, Strange Star so look out for my review here on bibliobeth very very soon!
For my full review and many more please visit my blog at http://www.bibliobeth.com
December 13, 2018
A cute, heart-warming story with a lovely message. The old-fashioned setting is perfect for the story and Pearl is a great character.
December 24, 2019
O poveste de viata emotionanta. Pearl face parte dintr.o familie saraca care nu are nici ce pune pe masa, de aceea este impinsa sa fure.
Ea traieste cu dorul surorii ei in suflet,sora pe care o iubea si care a murit lasand.o singura.
Ea traieste cu dorul surorii ei in suflet,sora pe care o iubea si care a murit lasand.o singura.
December 4, 2018
Oh my gosh! Where has this author been my entire life? What a wonderfully fantastic book. It accomplishes teaching the lesson that family is the most important thing at Christmas. We all worry about purchasing that perfect present or making sure our tree has the brightest lights but truly being surrounded by friends and/or family is what truly matters. The book is not preachy in accomplishing this task. It is a simple beautiful story that I highly recommend.
September 17, 2018
A sweet historical Christmas story with a very beautiful ending.
October 6, 2015
Originally published on www.serendipityreviews.co.uk
I've been excited about reading this book, since I saw the cover reveal a few months ago. Not only is it by Emma Carroll, who is fast becoming one of my favourite UKMG authors, but it's also set during the Christmas period, one of my favorite times of the year. It's also set during the Victorian period, which always wins the best Christmas stories era with me.
It's beautifully written from start to finish and you quickly find yourself transported to Victorian times. Carroll's descriptive passages actually make you shiver as you feel the coldness of the season. Pearl is a delightful character who really only wants to see her family happy again and able to put food on the table. Her family have suffered enough since her sister's death and she feels its time for a change.
Carroll shows us that without the love of our families, we have nothing. Money won't buy you happiness, but love will.
You can't talk about this book without discussing the illustrations, which have a real Victorian feel to them. They reminded me of the tales of my childhood, like The Little Match Girl.
My only niggle with this book, it that it wasn't long enough for me. This is a novella, which is gorgeous, but perhaps because of my love of Emma's writing, I would have loved for the book to be longer. I felt it had the potential to be a full novel, rather than just a novella.
I'm not sure I can even call that a niggle as it didn't spoil my enjoyment of the book at all. I really enjoyed reading it. A beautiful tale which will make a gorgeous stocking filler for any child that loves Christmas and still believes in the magic of Christmas.
I've been excited about reading this book, since I saw the cover reveal a few months ago. Not only is it by Emma Carroll, who is fast becoming one of my favourite UKMG authors, but it's also set during the Christmas period, one of my favorite times of the year. It's also set during the Victorian period, which always wins the best Christmas stories era with me.
It's beautifully written from start to finish and you quickly find yourself transported to Victorian times. Carroll's descriptive passages actually make you shiver as you feel the coldness of the season. Pearl is a delightful character who really only wants to see her family happy again and able to put food on the table. Her family have suffered enough since her sister's death and she feels its time for a change.
Carroll shows us that without the love of our families, we have nothing. Money won't buy you happiness, but love will.
You can't talk about this book without discussing the illustrations, which have a real Victorian feel to them. They reminded me of the tales of my childhood, like The Little Match Girl.
My only niggle with this book, it that it wasn't long enough for me. This is a novella, which is gorgeous, but perhaps because of my love of Emma's writing, I would have loved for the book to be longer. I felt it had the potential to be a full novel, rather than just a novella.
I'm not sure I can even call that a niggle as it didn't spoil my enjoyment of the book at all. I really enjoyed reading it. A beautiful tale which will make a gorgeous stocking filler for any child that loves Christmas and still believes in the magic of Christmas.
September 2, 2015
The Snow Sister is the endearing story of the Granger family and it youngest, most sensitive member—Pearl. Pearl's sister Agnes has passed and a snowgirl with Agnes' shawl is made by Pearl every winter.
After being informed they are the “main beneficiaries” in the will of an estranged uncle, Pearl is sent off to fetch ingredients for a Christmas pudding (on an unpaid account) and her father goes off to Bath to sit in on the reading of his brother's will. An unfortunate (albeit minor) accident occurs and Pearl is brought to recover in the manor house of the Lockwoods, who turn out to also be named as beneficiaries to the will of Silas Granger—and what Pearl's father comes home with is nothing anyone could have expected.
Well written and sentimental, Emma Carroll's The Snow Sister is a charming story for mid-grade readers. There are enough twists to keep a tween who has moved on from traditional children's books interested, without the loss of the principled lessons parents still wish to see in an older child's reading. I think this book would make an exemplary winter read for children and recommend it to parents who are looking for something with a little more depth in the literature they place into the hands of their kids.
I would like to thank Net Galley and the publisher, Faber and Faber, for providing a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review, which this is.
After being informed they are the “main beneficiaries” in the will of an estranged uncle, Pearl is sent off to fetch ingredients for a Christmas pudding (on an unpaid account) and her father goes off to Bath to sit in on the reading of his brother's will. An unfortunate (albeit minor) accident occurs and Pearl is brought to recover in the manor house of the Lockwoods, who turn out to also be named as beneficiaries to the will of Silas Granger—and what Pearl's father comes home with is nothing anyone could have expected.
Well written and sentimental, Emma Carroll's The Snow Sister is a charming story for mid-grade readers. There are enough twists to keep a tween who has moved on from traditional children's books interested, without the loss of the principled lessons parents still wish to see in an older child's reading. I think this book would make an exemplary winter read for children and recommend it to parents who are looking for something with a little more depth in the literature they place into the hands of their kids.
I would like to thank Net Galley and the publisher, Faber and Faber, for providing a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review, which this is.
November 16, 2015
Pearl's parents don't have much money. The holidays aren't very joyous in her family ever since Agnes, Pearl's sister, died. It's nearly Christmas and Pearl has a tradition, making a snow sister. She misses her sister dearly and still thinks about her all the time. Making a snow sister is a way to feel a bit closer to Agnes again. When Pearl's father receives a letter about an inheritance Pearl's mother sends her to the shop to buy ingredients for a real Christmas dinner. Only there things don't go exactly according to plan for Pearl...
The Snow Sister is such a beautiful story about love, kindness and family. I read it with tears in my eyes. Pearl is a sweet girl who deserves a happy Christmas. The setting is perfect and there's snow, which gives the story the right atmosphere. I love that it's old fashioned, which suits the story really well. Pearl is a wonderful main character, she certainly has the right Christmas spirit.
The cover of this book is stunning. The Snow Sister is a festive fairy tale with beautiful drawings. Both children and adults will love this story. Everything's exactly right and that makes this amazing story absolutely perfect. The ending is wonderful and it contains a great message that nobody should ever forget.
The Snow Sister is such a beautiful story about love, kindness and family. I read it with tears in my eyes. Pearl is a sweet girl who deserves a happy Christmas. The setting is perfect and there's snow, which gives the story the right atmosphere. I love that it's old fashioned, which suits the story really well. Pearl is a wonderful main character, she certainly has the right Christmas spirit.
The cover of this book is stunning. The Snow Sister is a festive fairy tale with beautiful drawings. Both children and adults will love this story. Everything's exactly right and that makes this amazing story absolutely perfect. The ending is wonderful and it contains a great message that nobody should ever forget.
November 18, 2015
This is a lovely Christmas story reminiscent of The Little Match Girl. Pearl is very lonely since the death of her older sister Agnes. Every year she makes a "Snow Sister" using something of Agnes' to make her seem more real. This year she uses her shawl. Her family is not very well off. Her clothes are patched, they owe a lot of money to Mr. Noble, the owner of the store and her father does not have much work. When her father receives a letter that he is the main beneficiary of his brother's will, the family thinks their luck is finally changing. It is Christmas Eve and Pearl is sent to town to get the ingredients for a plum pudding and she runs into trouble. She ends up getting injured by Mrs. Lockwood's carriage, the richest family around. They take her to the Lockwood house until the storm subsides and she ends up staying the night. She has a very strange dream about Agnes and can not wait to get home on Christmas Morning. This is a story about family love and what is really important in life. A beautiful story with a wonderful lesson. I will definitely look for more books by Emma Carroll.
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
December 22, 2015
I read this delightful novella in one sitting, you could read it any time of the year but of course its absolutely perfect around Christmas time.
Its set in the Victorian era and that makes it feel extra special. Pearl is a young girl who misses her sister who died 3 years ago terribly and so she makes a snow sister each year which she wraps her sister's shawl around. She comes from a poor background but on Christmas Eve her father gets a telegram saying he has been left something in his brother's will. Pearl immediately starts thinking she will soon be rich and her fortune's will turn around and even though this is a very quick read there are plenty of twists and turns and Pearl gets caught up in a few scrapes.
Reading this has made me want to purchase Emma Carroll's other books as I loved her writing and the illustrations were a lovely touch. I can see myself re-reading this in the future around Christmas time.
Its set in the Victorian era and that makes it feel extra special. Pearl is a young girl who misses her sister who died 3 years ago terribly and so she makes a snow sister each year which she wraps her sister's shawl around. She comes from a poor background but on Christmas Eve her father gets a telegram saying he has been left something in his brother's will. Pearl immediately starts thinking she will soon be rich and her fortune's will turn around and even though this is a very quick read there are plenty of twists and turns and Pearl gets caught up in a few scrapes.
Reading this has made me want to purchase Emma Carroll's other books as I loved her writing and the illustrations were a lovely touch. I can see myself re-reading this in the future around Christmas time.
November 10, 2015
Originally published at http://solittletimeforbooks.blogspot....
At only 100 pages, The Snow Sister is a short and sweet Christmas novella.
Set around the mid to late-1800s, Pearl’s story begins on Christmas Eve. She comes from a poor family who is still grieving the loss of Agnes, Pearl’s sister, and Christmas hasn’t been a proper Christmas since. But with a letter arriving from Bath, it seems their luck might be changing and Pearl runs to the shop to buy the ingredients to make a celebratory cake! But Pearl’s day doesn’t go quite as planned…
The Snow Sister has a surprisingly adventure, highlights the disparity between the rich and the poor in Victorian England and, like all good Christmas stories, teaches you that it’s who you have, not what you have.
A lovely, sweet and beautifully illustrated tale that will be the perfect bedtime story for Christmas Eve.
At only 100 pages, The Snow Sister is a short and sweet Christmas novella.
Set around the mid to late-1800s, Pearl’s story begins on Christmas Eve. She comes from a poor family who is still grieving the loss of Agnes, Pearl’s sister, and Christmas hasn’t been a proper Christmas since. But with a letter arriving from Bath, it seems their luck might be changing and Pearl runs to the shop to buy the ingredients to make a celebratory cake! But Pearl’s day doesn’t go quite as planned…
The Snow Sister has a surprisingly adventure, highlights the disparity between the rich and the poor in Victorian England and, like all good Christmas stories, teaches you that it’s who you have, not what you have.
A lovely, sweet and beautifully illustrated tale that will be the perfect bedtime story for Christmas Eve.
December 10, 2015
This book is one that is best devoured at Christmas time, although it's magical enough that you can read it just about anytime. It had that magical, wintery quality I look for in my holiday reads and it's one I'm looking forward to revisit next Christmas. The book, while short, was beautifully written and conveyed the atmosphere of Christmas very well. The illustrations scattered throughout the book were very nicely done and contributed a lot to the story. While I hadn't really heard of this author before, now I'm really looking forward to discovering her other books.
Note: I received a free arc of this book via NetGalley in exchange of an honest review.
Note: I received a free arc of this book via NetGalley in exchange of an honest review.
December 12, 2015
This is a wonderful seasonal book aimed at younger readers. It is the story of the sad and lonely life of Pearl. She lost her sister and to cheer herself up builds a sister made of snow. The family are poor with barely enough food to eat and coal to keep them warm, but life goes on.
Then on the day Pearl builds her snow sister, Pa receives a letter and things begin to change, but will they be a change for the better?
Treat yourself to a copy to find out. This will make a wonderful little stocking filler for young readers.
Then on the day Pearl builds her snow sister, Pa receives a letter and things begin to change, but will they be a change for the better?
Treat yourself to a copy to find out. This will make a wonderful little stocking filler for young readers.
September 9, 2015
Copy from netgalley
Lovely book although it is quite short. A story that, whilst not directly related to Christmas, gives the message of the importance of family and being grateful for what you have. Money buys a lot of things but not necessarily happiness and this book puts that message across brilliantly.
Lovely book although it is quite short. A story that, whilst not directly related to Christmas, gives the message of the importance of family and being grateful for what you have. Money buys a lot of things but not necessarily happiness and this book puts that message across brilliantly.
December 13, 2016
A very charming and well-written Christmas story. It is accessible to (and aimed at) younger readers without talking down. Carroll's style creates a very solid setting with characters that feel human despite the time constraints. I recommend it to anyone who would like a heart-warming story for Christmas, the kind that makes you feel cozy and happy at the end. Simplicity works, sometimes.
September 16, 2017
Can Emma Carrol do no wrong? Yet another triumph! A heart-warming, festive story about loss and learning to value what is important. Perfect for LKS2 for developing inference and empathy, or just for reading for pure pleasure - preferably snuggled together with Christmas lights glowing - this story perfectly challenges the materialism surrounding Christmas and carries a beautiful message.
November 24, 2015
What an easy, yet heart-warming read. I enjoyed reading this book in one Sunday afternoon. It definitely reminded me of the true treasures of life (family, friends) and it also offered a 1h reading entertainment for rainy days. (It also had some great drawings inside)
December 3, 2015
I loved this short novel. It's one I will return to every festive season just to remind myself about the most important things to treasure during Christmas.
December 26, 2015
A lovely short Christmas tale for children about family being more important than money. Touches on poverty and grief and family relations with old fashioned illustrations.
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