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The Reading Group #1
The Reading Group: December
Meet the Reading Group: six women in the seaside village of Little Sanderton come together every month to share their love of reading. No topic is off-limits: books, family, love and loss . . . and don't forget the glass of red!
Grace knows that the holiday season is going to be different this year. No turkey, no tinsel, no gorgeously wrapped gifts under the tree . . . how on earth is she going to break it to her little boys that Christmas is effectively cancelled? And can she bear to tell anyone her embarrassing secret? Enter the Reading Group: Grace's life might have turned upside down but there's no problem they can't solve.
Grace knows that the holiday season is going to be different this year. No turkey, no tinsel, no gorgeously wrapped gifts under the tree . . . how on earth is she going to break it to her little boys that Christmas is effectively cancelled? And can she bear to tell anyone her embarrassing secret? Enter the Reading Group: Grace's life might have turned upside down but there's no problem they can't solve.
17 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 1, 2016
160 people are currently reading
320 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 128 reviews
August 16, 2017
A sweet short sorry about friendship. I'll be picking up the full length book to find out what else happens with these reading club friends.
July 24, 2018
This is a 3.5 star read.
A gorgeous, heartening short story about the power of friendship, especially when times are dark. The author has done a remarkable job in producing characters with such depth and an enticing plot in such a short body of work. This would make an excellent Christmas read.
A gorgeous, heartening short story about the power of friendship, especially when times are dark. The author has done a remarkable job in producing characters with such depth and an enticing plot in such a short body of work. This would make an excellent Christmas read.
August 4, 2020
EDIT: I originally reviewed the wrong book. This is a short story. There is another book with the same name. Thanks Lisa, for picking that up otherwise this charming novella would never have ben reviewed!
My Review:
I think anyone who loves reading and short stories would like this one. It is about a group of women who are in a book club and read different books. I think there is more than one and that this maybe a series. However I just read the one and enjoyed it . They were reading "A Christmas Carol". And the book takes place right before Christmas.
It is about the power of friendship and the ability of friends to know and understand the way their friends feel when things are good..and not so good.
For such a short book it packs a strong punch and I loved it. It can be read in less then 30 minutes and will linger with you, in a very pleasant way. Highly recommended.
My Review:
I think anyone who loves reading and short stories would like this one. It is about a group of women who are in a book club and read different books. I think there is more than one and that this maybe a series. However I just read the one and enjoyed it . They were reading "A Christmas Carol". And the book takes place right before Christmas.
It is about the power of friendship and the ability of friends to know and understand the way their friends feel when things are good..and not so good.
For such a short book it packs a strong punch and I loved it. It can be read in less then 30 minutes and will linger with you, in a very pleasant way. Highly recommended.
February 6, 2017
Fantastic short story of friendship
Having previously read the January book, this one came up on Amazon for free and I couldn't resist getting it as the previous books was so fantastic.
Della has kept this book very short but has packed so much in.
This paticular book focuses on the friendship of the reading group when tough times hit Grace one of the group members.
Without giving anything away, she's a very proud lady but having her friends around her she breaks down and reluctantly tells the group what is happening.
They quickly all pull together offering help and support in every way.
There is an emotional connection to Grace as Della has chosen real life emotional issues that effect people every day.
You really could connect and feel Grace and Ben's pain and the proud feeling Ben has to protect he's family.
I would highly recommend this short story as it packs a punch and leaves you wanting to read more, which is exactly how Della left the January book.
Having previously read the January book, this one came up on Amazon for free and I couldn't resist getting it as the previous books was so fantastic.
Della has kept this book very short but has packed so much in.
This paticular book focuses on the friendship of the reading group when tough times hit Grace one of the group members.
Without giving anything away, she's a very proud lady but having her friends around her she breaks down and reluctantly tells the group what is happening.
They quickly all pull together offering help and support in every way.
There is an emotional connection to Grace as Della has chosen real life emotional issues that effect people every day.
You really could connect and feel Grace and Ben's pain and the proud feeling Ben has to protect he's family.
I would highly recommend this short story as it packs a punch and leaves you wanting to read more, which is exactly how Della left the January book.
January 4, 2019
This was a short introduction to The reading Group.
I loved the relationship and bond between the 6 friends.
I enjoyed December, and will be adding the full length book to my reading list .
I loved the relationship and bond between the 6 friends.
I enjoyed December, and will be adding the full length book to my reading list .
December 12, 2016
The Reading Group: December is a short festive story about life's struggles and the value of friendship.
This is an ideal quick read with a hot cup of tea and a mince pie.
Currently available free on Amazon Kindle at the time of posting this review.
This is an ideal quick read with a hot cup of tea and a mince pie.
Currently available free on Amazon Kindle at the time of posting this review.
December 25, 2017
Sweet reading-related story for Christmas. I couldn't resist this on Amazon- Christmas and a book club in the same book. Just my type of book to really relax to. It's a great short story.
December 6, 2017
This one came up on Amazon for free.
A short read over a cup of coffee.
A simple story about friendship and how friends are important when times are difficult.
A short read over a cup of coffee.
A simple story about friendship and how friends are important when times are difficult.
December 2, 2016
5 Words: Perfect length for mulled wine.
Super short, and quite sweet. It was OK for a freebie, but doesn't give much away about the larger arc of the story, except for the general theme of friendship.
That said, I will definitely read on as I liked the writing style and I'm addicted to serials. It'll be interesting to see which character is focused on next.
Super short, and quite sweet. It was OK for a freebie, but doesn't give much away about the larger arc of the story, except for the general theme of friendship.
That said, I will definitely read on as I liked the writing style and I'm addicted to serials. It'll be interesting to see which character is focused on next.
January 6, 2017
This was a new author for me and will be reading more was a very quick book but well worth reading all about six women who are in a reading group and how Christmas for one of them isn't going to be easy but can the friends help her out. Well worth reading.
October 22, 2021
The reading Group: December
Short story
"Ben was right. A couple of hours of gossip and laughter - ih and a bit of chat about books of course - was exactly what she needed."
Short story
"Ben was right. A couple of hours of gossip and laughter - ih and a bit of chat about books of course - was exactly what she needed."
December 3, 2016
Nice introduction to the reading Group. Though not keen on these little instalments. Why cant the writer just write a book, like normal without a small insert in december. Do we have small stories to look forward to in the future or more?
Just felt we were getting to know Grace and her group of friends when the book was over.
Just felt we were getting to know Grace and her group of friends when the book was over.
January 5, 2018
Salve lettrici.
Oggi vi parlo di "Libri, amore e segreti”, la breve novella che apre la serie di “The Reading Group” di Della Parker. Sinceramente, non avendo letto la trama,
non avevo capito che questa serie fosse composta da novelle, invece è proprio così.
Il libro è composto da una novella per ogni mese, e così da un libro per ogni novella, perché ci troviamo davanti a delle lettrici accanite.
Questa novella anticipa la serie e racconta di come, nel mese più bello e freddo dell’anno, Grace, la protagonista, invece di passare le feste in compagnia, si ritrova piena di pensieri e preoccupazioni.
Ma Grace è fortunata, ha delle anche speciali che sistemeranno ogni cosa, o quasi.
In poche pagine, l’autrice è riuscita a catturare la mia attenzione grazie al suo stile leggero e lineare. La lettura scorre veloce, ma sono poche pagine, quindi non mi sento di dare un giudizio troppo sbilanciato.
Siamo a Natale e, come ho già detto, ci troviamo davanti a una madre di famiglia con più di qualche preoccupazione. Ma Grace è fortunata perché una lettura sembra darle la spinta giusta per affrontare ogni cosa, e come noi ben sappiamo, un libro può aiutarci davvero.
E voi amiche del confine? Vi tufferete insieme a me in questa avventura che ci accompagnerà per diversi mesi?
Buona lettura!
Oggi vi parlo di "Libri, amore e segreti”, la breve novella che apre la serie di “The Reading Group” di Della Parker. Sinceramente, non avendo letto la trama,
non avevo capito che questa serie fosse composta da novelle, invece è proprio così.
Il libro è composto da una novella per ogni mese, e così da un libro per ogni novella, perché ci troviamo davanti a delle lettrici accanite.
Questa novella anticipa la serie e racconta di come, nel mese più bello e freddo dell’anno, Grace, la protagonista, invece di passare le feste in compagnia, si ritrova piena di pensieri e preoccupazioni.
Ma Grace è fortunata, ha delle anche speciali che sistemeranno ogni cosa, o quasi.
In poche pagine, l’autrice è riuscita a catturare la mia attenzione grazie al suo stile leggero e lineare. La lettura scorre veloce, ma sono poche pagine, quindi non mi sento di dare un giudizio troppo sbilanciato.
Siamo a Natale e, come ho già detto, ci troviamo davanti a una madre di famiglia con più di qualche preoccupazione. Ma Grace è fortunata perché una lettura sembra darle la spinta giusta per affrontare ogni cosa, e come noi ben sappiamo, un libro può aiutarci davvero.
E voi amiche del confine? Vi tufferete insieme a me in questa avventura che ci accompagnerà per diversi mesi?
Buona lettura!
December 3, 2016
Lovely short story with a Christmas but not overly Christmas theme. Must admit to a happy tear and look forward to reading January's Reading Group.
December 3, 2016
new author to me but liked this style of writing ..quick but very enjoyable...
November 9, 2019
Grace has triplets and she has a lot of worries. Besides trying to keep up with three young boys, one of the boys may have cancer. Her and her husband Ben are having financial difficulties as well. At first she decides not to go to her reading group but her husband talks her into it.
While she is there she accidentally lets them know that she is having problems and what they are. This is where she finds out who her true friends are. A really good book and a very quick read.
While she is there she accidentally lets them know that she is having problems and what they are. This is where she finds out who her true friends are. A really good book and a very quick read.
December 12, 2021
Sweet and short Christmas Story
An Alternative to the Christmas Carol.
A short and sweet story about 5 friends and the meaning of friendship love and life!
An Alternative to the Christmas Carol.
A short and sweet story about 5 friends and the meaning of friendship love and life!
August 18, 2017
A short read over a coffee. A story of friendships and of how they really count when times are difficult. Enjoyable, however for me not enough substance.
July 14, 2017
The Reading Group: December is the perfect introduction to the series. I loved how in just a few pages, the author had me engrossed in the story, caring for a few of the characters already and picking up on some hints of where things will go for some of them in later novellas. Though we only meet the other members of The Reading Group briefly, their friendship and solidarity is evident and although like most book clubs reading wasn’t massively on the agenda, Grace, Serena, Kate, Anne-Marie and Jojo felt like a really welcoming group of friends and this made me want to dive into the first three books straight away.
December is Grace’s story and in the lead-up to Christmas, herself, her husband Ben and their boys (triplets!) are going through a tough time. I was moved by this story. I loved the dynamics between the triplets – a realistic representation of the chaos kids can cause, the kind that is fun to hear about but not so fun to deal with yourself! I also loved how Grace’s worries led to meeting the Reading Group and how understanding and willing to help they were. This was a truly heart-warming read.
December is Grace’s story and in the lead-up to Christmas, herself, her husband Ben and their boys (triplets!) are going through a tough time. I was moved by this story. I loved the dynamics between the triplets – a realistic representation of the chaos kids can cause, the kind that is fun to hear about but not so fun to deal with yourself! I also loved how Grace’s worries led to meeting the Reading Group and how understanding and willing to help they were. This was a truly heart-warming read.
December 7, 2017
LA RECENSIONE COMPLETA QUI: https://thereadingslove.blogspot.it/2...
“Libri, amore e segreti” è una breve novella che apre la serie di “The Reading Group”. Della, in poche pagine, riesce a catturare la completa attenzione del lettore con uno stile pulito e lineare e a creare grande curiosità pagina dopo pagina. Siamo a Dicembre, a poche settimane da Natale. Grace, mamma di tre gemellini, raggiunge le amiche al loro club per l’ultimo incontro prima delle festività e con lei porta un grande peso sulle spalle che non vuole far notare alle sue amiche. Ma nel momento in cui Jojo annuncia di aver scelto come lettura “Canto di Natale” di Charles Dickens , Grace crolla e confessa alle amiche ciò che la preoccupa e che anche lei ha nella sua vita un “signor Scrooge”...
CONTINUA SUL NOSTRO BLOG. VENITE A TROVARCI
https://thereadingslove.blogspot.it/
“Libri, amore e segreti” è una breve novella che apre la serie di “The Reading Group”. Della, in poche pagine, riesce a catturare la completa attenzione del lettore con uno stile pulito e lineare e a creare grande curiosità pagina dopo pagina. Siamo a Dicembre, a poche settimane da Natale. Grace, mamma di tre gemellini, raggiunge le amiche al loro club per l’ultimo incontro prima delle festività e con lei porta un grande peso sulle spalle che non vuole far notare alle sue amiche. Ma nel momento in cui Jojo annuncia di aver scelto come lettura “Canto di Natale” di Charles Dickens , Grace crolla e confessa alle amiche ciò che la preoccupa e che anche lei ha nella sua vita un “signor Scrooge”...
CONTINUA SUL NOSTRO BLOG. VENITE A TROVARCI
https://thereadingslove.blogspot.it/
November 28, 2016
Originally posted on:> https://lauraslittlebookblog.blogspot...
The Reading Group December, is a little introductory short story into the series, where we get to briefly meet all of the main characters in the reading group. There's Grace, Anne-Marie, Kate, Jojo and Serena. They have decided that each month they are going to be reading one of the classics and December's is A Christmas Carol and what Della so cleverly does is mirror themes from the book with her characters. This month we are focusing on Grace who doesn't look like she is going to be having a very nice Christmas this year what with her horrible landlord soon to be throwing them out. But friendship from her reading group friends might just be what helps her. I really like this introductory story into the series and I was keen to read January's.
The Reading Group December, is a little introductory short story into the series, where we get to briefly meet all of the main characters in the reading group. There's Grace, Anne-Marie, Kate, Jojo and Serena. They have decided that each month they are going to be reading one of the classics and December's is A Christmas Carol and what Della so cleverly does is mirror themes from the book with her characters. This month we are focusing on Grace who doesn't look like she is going to be having a very nice Christmas this year what with her horrible landlord soon to be throwing them out. But friendship from her reading group friends might just be what helps her. I really like this introductory story into the series and I was keen to read January's.
November 28, 2016
In this first instalment we meet Grace an the reading group’s book of the month is A Christmas Carol.
Grace is married with triplet son’s and she is currently going through a difficult time financially and personally as one of her sons has cancer. Like Ebenezer Scrooge, she has no choice but to cancel Christmas this year.
This is the shortest in the series and Della has effectively, in a few pages, created the setting and introduced the characters and the dynamics between them. I couldn’t wait to get reading the next novella in the series.
A story about not keeping your problems to yourself and the power of friendship, Grace learns to open up about her problems and discovers she is not alone and Christmas may end up being magical rather like at the end of A Christmas Carol.
Grace is married with triplet son’s and she is currently going through a difficult time financially and personally as one of her sons has cancer. Like Ebenezer Scrooge, she has no choice but to cancel Christmas this year.
This is the shortest in the series and Della has effectively, in a few pages, created the setting and introduced the characters and the dynamics between them. I couldn’t wait to get reading the next novella in the series.
A story about not keeping your problems to yourself and the power of friendship, Grace learns to open up about her problems and discovers she is not alone and Christmas may end up being magical rather like at the end of A Christmas Carol.
January 9, 2017
A feel good story about a group of women who meet regularly to discuss books. Part 1 - December is a tale about Grace one of the group members who finds herself in financial difficulties and is about to be evicted from their home before Christmas. In addition one of her young triplet sons is recovering from a rare form of childhood cancer and a recent blood test indicated that there may be further problems.
During a book meeting Grace 'breaks down' and tells her friends about the situation she finds herself in.
This is a good short story about friendship.
During a book meeting Grace 'breaks down' and tells her friends about the situation she finds herself in.
This is a good short story about friendship.
October 7, 2017
Touching little short story which draws on the classic Dickens tale, A CHRISTMAS CAROL. There is a fair amount of British lingo in this story that had me making use of my integral Kindle dictionary which distracted this il-Brit-erate reader a bit, but by no means detracted from the story. This tale relays an important life lesson about ego, pride, and true friendship.
November 12, 2017
During a difficult time in life, a husband urges his wife to go to her book group. Though she plans to try to keep a stiff upper lip, their discussion soon has her breaking down and revealing their circumstances to her friends. Her friends swing into action to keep them afloat--at least through the new year.
April 11, 2018
Not for me
My own fault I had not realised that it was a short story - and part of a series
Too many characters for a short story - I was just getting to grips with them and it ended
My own fault I had not realised that it was a short story - and part of a series
Too many characters for a short story - I was just getting to grips with them and it ended
December 22, 2016
Spelling mistakes, grammar errors, awful allegory.
August 14, 2019
When friends help you, they give you HOPE! I love short and sweet, and I love it when a plan comes together with TEAMWORK!
December 19, 2017
La mia opinione
Incuriosita dalla trama di lettrici che si riuniscono una volta al mese per condividere il loro amore per la lettura, mi sono ritrovata a leggere questo breve romanzo ma pieno di significati.
Questo gruppo di donne, non sono solo appassionate di libri, sono anche amiche e si aiutano l'una con l'altra. Come ultima lettura prima dell'evento natalizio, scelgono di leggere “Il canto di Natale” di Mr Charles Dickens, la storia di Scrooge che ho avuto il piacere di leggere tempo fa con mia figlia.
Grace si rattrista leggendo questo romanzo, Scrooge le ricorda per certi versi la sua situazione a casa. Si sfoga con le sue amiche di lettura, raccontando loro lo sfratto imminente per la sua famiglia, i problemi economici e la malattia di uno dei suoi tre figli, il piccolo Harry. Ma è Natale, il periodo magico dove tutto può accadere, come Scrooge che incontra quattro fantasmi venuti perché incapace di apprezzare le piccole cose come il calore di questo periodo dell'anno.
Forse anche Grace, pensando alle sue amiche che si adoperano per aiutarla, è un po' come il protagonista del romanzo di Dickens, ma non per l'egoismo, in questa versione della storia, Grace mette da parte l'orgoglio di chiedere aiuto e come Scrooge, Gracie cambia la sua personalità ammettendo di avere un problema lasciandosi aiutare rendendola una persona umile.
Una breve storia che scalda il cuore e che sprigiona lo spirito del Natale attraverso la solidarietà di questo gruppo di lettrici e che lascia un bellissimo messaggio di solidarietà.
Questo breve romanzo delicato fa parte di una serie, a gennaio 2018 uscirà un nuovo volume dedicato al mese di gennaio.
Incuriosita dalla trama di lettrici che si riuniscono una volta al mese per condividere il loro amore per la lettura, mi sono ritrovata a leggere questo breve romanzo ma pieno di significati.
Questo gruppo di donne, non sono solo appassionate di libri, sono anche amiche e si aiutano l'una con l'altra. Come ultima lettura prima dell'evento natalizio, scelgono di leggere “Il canto di Natale” di Mr Charles Dickens, la storia di Scrooge che ho avuto il piacere di leggere tempo fa con mia figlia.
Grace si rattrista leggendo questo romanzo, Scrooge le ricorda per certi versi la sua situazione a casa. Si sfoga con le sue amiche di lettura, raccontando loro lo sfratto imminente per la sua famiglia, i problemi economici e la malattia di uno dei suoi tre figli, il piccolo Harry. Ma è Natale, il periodo magico dove tutto può accadere, come Scrooge che incontra quattro fantasmi venuti perché incapace di apprezzare le piccole cose come il calore di questo periodo dell'anno.
Forse anche Grace, pensando alle sue amiche che si adoperano per aiutarla, è un po' come il protagonista del romanzo di Dickens, ma non per l'egoismo, in questa versione della storia, Grace mette da parte l'orgoglio di chiedere aiuto e come Scrooge, Gracie cambia la sua personalità ammettendo di avere un problema lasciandosi aiutare rendendola una persona umile.
Una breve storia che scalda il cuore e che sprigiona lo spirito del Natale attraverso la solidarietà di questo gruppo di lettrici e che lascia un bellissimo messaggio di solidarietà.
Questo breve romanzo delicato fa parte di una serie, a gennaio 2018 uscirà un nuovo volume dedicato al mese di gennaio.
December 29, 2017
Recensione presente nel blog www.ragazzainrosso.wordpress.com
Nel piccolo paesino di Little Sanderton, un gruppo di amiche: Katie, Grace, Jojo, Anne Marie e Serena ha fondato un gruppo di lettura. Ogni mese scelgono il libro che dovranno leggere e commentare durante l’incontro successivo. Tra una lettura e l’altra c’è spazio anche per i problemi e per i consigli. Pur essendo dicembre, per Grace non c’è aria natalizia. Il suo è stato un anno duro e i grandi problemi economici non le consentiranno di festeggiare.
“Perché non c’è nulla di più difficile al mondo che chiedere aiuto.”
Pur essendo una lettura decisamente breve, l’autrice riesce a delineare la psicologia dei personaggi al quale il lettore inizia sin da subito ad affezionarsi.
In questo prequel si fa principalmente la conoscenza di Grace, una madre di famiglia alle prese con numerosi problemi che non le fanno vivere le imminenti festività natalizie. Il suo umore è nero e neanche il gruppo di lettura sembra darle un po’ di svago. Si sente un po’ come Scrooge, il protagonista di “Canto di Natale” di Dickens, opera che leggeranno durante il mese. Tuttavia, è proprio nei momenti di difficoltà che si scopre quanto sia grande e meravigliosa l’amicizia.
L’autrice sceglie una prosa semplice, scorrevole e fluida che rende la lettura agevole e apprezzabile.
Una breve novella natalizia sui libri e non solo. Un grande inno all’amicizia, quella vera, sempre più messa da parte nella società moderna.
Nel piccolo paesino di Little Sanderton, un gruppo di amiche: Katie, Grace, Jojo, Anne Marie e Serena ha fondato un gruppo di lettura. Ogni mese scelgono il libro che dovranno leggere e commentare durante l’incontro successivo. Tra una lettura e l’altra c’è spazio anche per i problemi e per i consigli. Pur essendo dicembre, per Grace non c’è aria natalizia. Il suo è stato un anno duro e i grandi problemi economici non le consentiranno di festeggiare.
“Perché non c’è nulla di più difficile al mondo che chiedere aiuto.”
Pur essendo una lettura decisamente breve, l’autrice riesce a delineare la psicologia dei personaggi al quale il lettore inizia sin da subito ad affezionarsi.
In questo prequel si fa principalmente la conoscenza di Grace, una madre di famiglia alle prese con numerosi problemi che non le fanno vivere le imminenti festività natalizie. Il suo umore è nero e neanche il gruppo di lettura sembra darle un po’ di svago. Si sente un po’ come Scrooge, il protagonista di “Canto di Natale” di Dickens, opera che leggeranno durante il mese. Tuttavia, è proprio nei momenti di difficoltà che si scopre quanto sia grande e meravigliosa l’amicizia.
L’autrice sceglie una prosa semplice, scorrevole e fluida che rende la lettura agevole e apprezzabile.
Una breve novella natalizia sui libri e non solo. Un grande inno all’amicizia, quella vera, sempre più messa da parte nella società moderna.
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