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Christmas Bells
Alternate cover edition can be found here
New York Times bestselling author Jennifer Chiaverini celebrates Christmas, past and present, with a wondrous novel inspired by the classic poem “Christmas Bells,” by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow.
I heard the bells on Christmas Day/ Their old familiar carols play/ And wild and sweet/ The words repeat/Of peace on earth, good-will to men!
In 1860, the Henry Wadsworth Longfellow family celebrated Christmas at Craigie House, their home in Cambridge, Massachusetts. The publication of Longfellow’s classic Revolutionary War poem, “Paul Revere’s Ride,” was less than a month hence, and the country’s grave political unrest weighed heavily on his mind. Yet with his beloved wife, Fanny, and their five adored children at his side, the delights of the season prevailed.
In present-day Boston, a dedicated teacher in the Watertown public school system is stunned by somber holiday tidings. Sophia’s music program has been sacrificed to budget cuts, and she worries not only about her impending unemployment but also about the consequences to her underprivileged students. At the church where she volunteers as music director, Sophia tries to forget her cares as she leads the children’s choir in rehearsal for a Christmas Eve concert. Inspired to honor a local artist, Sophia has chosen a carol set to a poem by Longfellow, moved by the glorious words he penned one Christmas Day long ago, even as he suffered great loss.
Christmas Bells chronicles the events of 1863, when the peace and contentment of Longfellow’s family circle was suddenly, tragically broken, cutting even deeper than the privations of wartime. Through the pain of profound loss and hardship, Longfellow’s patriotism never failed, nor did the power of his language. “Christmas Bells,” the poem he wrote that holiday, lives on, spoken as verse and sung as a hymn.
Jennifer Chiaverini’s resonant and heartfelt novel for the season reminds us why we must continue to hear glad tidings, even as we are tested by strife. Reading Christmas Bells evokes the resplendent joy of a chorus of voices raised in reverent song.
New York Times bestselling author Jennifer Chiaverini celebrates Christmas, past and present, with a wondrous novel inspired by the classic poem “Christmas Bells,” by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow.
I heard the bells on Christmas Day/ Their old familiar carols play/ And wild and sweet/ The words repeat/Of peace on earth, good-will to men!
In 1860, the Henry Wadsworth Longfellow family celebrated Christmas at Craigie House, their home in Cambridge, Massachusetts. The publication of Longfellow’s classic Revolutionary War poem, “Paul Revere’s Ride,” was less than a month hence, and the country’s grave political unrest weighed heavily on his mind. Yet with his beloved wife, Fanny, and their five adored children at his side, the delights of the season prevailed.
In present-day Boston, a dedicated teacher in the Watertown public school system is stunned by somber holiday tidings. Sophia’s music program has been sacrificed to budget cuts, and she worries not only about her impending unemployment but also about the consequences to her underprivileged students. At the church where she volunteers as music director, Sophia tries to forget her cares as she leads the children’s choir in rehearsal for a Christmas Eve concert. Inspired to honor a local artist, Sophia has chosen a carol set to a poem by Longfellow, moved by the glorious words he penned one Christmas Day long ago, even as he suffered great loss.
Christmas Bells chronicles the events of 1863, when the peace and contentment of Longfellow’s family circle was suddenly, tragically broken, cutting even deeper than the privations of wartime. Through the pain of profound loss and hardship, Longfellow’s patriotism never failed, nor did the power of his language. “Christmas Bells,” the poem he wrote that holiday, lives on, spoken as verse and sung as a hymn.
Jennifer Chiaverini’s resonant and heartfelt novel for the season reminds us why we must continue to hear glad tidings, even as we are tested by strife. Reading Christmas Bells evokes the resplendent joy of a chorus of voices raised in reverent song.
320 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 27, 2015
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About the author
Jennifer Chiaverini
78 books5,221 followersJennifer Chiaverini is the New York Times bestselling author of thirty-three novels, including acclaimed historical fiction and the beloved Elm Creek Quilts series. She has also written seven quilt pattern books inspired by her novels. A graduate of the University of Notre Dame and the University of Chicago, she lives with her husband and two sons in Madison, Wisconsin. About her historical fiction, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel writes, "In addition to simply being fascinating stories, these novels go a long way in capturing the texture of life for women, rich and poor, black and white, in those perilous years."
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,126 reviews
December 28, 2015
"Christmas Bells" is my first "date", so to speak, with author Jennifer Chiaverini. I was familiar with her name as the author of Mrs. Lincoln's Dressmaker, and had heard good things about her reputation as a historical novelist with that book, so I was looking forward to this one.
This book intertwines the historical tale of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow's family, and the story behind his poem titled "Christmas Bells", with several current-day story lines which take place in the Boston area. I found myself intrigued by the Longfellow storline, while the plot of the current day stories seemed predictable and treacly. As I thought about about it, I think it's due to a difference in genre. The Longfellow story is historical fiction, and by its nature, that genre is more authentic (at least to me) -- encompassing aspects of real life. The current day story would be considered "women's fiction" (I guess) and I find that unless it's well done, that genre is less appealing to me (unless the author is good the book just goes into "Lifetime" or "Hallmark Channel" territory).
Above all, I couldn't help but be struck at how Longfellow's "Christmas Bells" poem still resonates today. He wrote the poem at a time of personal and national sorrow (during the Civil War). One only has to read a newspaper to long for "Peace on earth; goodwill toward men."
3 stars
Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Group Dutton for a galley of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This book intertwines the historical tale of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow's family, and the story behind his poem titled "Christmas Bells", with several current-day story lines which take place in the Boston area. I found myself intrigued by the Longfellow storline, while the plot of the current day stories seemed predictable and treacly. As I thought about about it, I think it's due to a difference in genre. The Longfellow story is historical fiction, and by its nature, that genre is more authentic (at least to me) -- encompassing aspects of real life. The current day story would be considered "women's fiction" (I guess) and I find that unless it's well done, that genre is less appealing to me (unless the author is good the book just goes into "Lifetime" or "Hallmark Channel" territory).
Above all, I couldn't help but be struck at how Longfellow's "Christmas Bells" poem still resonates today. He wrote the poem at a time of personal and national sorrow (during the Civil War). One only has to read a newspaper to long for "Peace on earth; goodwill toward men."
3 stars
Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Group Dutton for a galley of this book in exchange for an honest review.
November 18, 2019
“I heard the bells on Christmas Day
Their old familiar carols play
And wild and sweet
The words repeat
Of peace on earth, goodwill to men”
In 1865, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow wrote a beautiful poem called Christmas Bells. Later on, it formed the basis of the Christmas song entitled I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day. A nice rendition by the Craving Crowns can be found on You Tube.
My grasp of the details of the Civil War is woeful. My familiarity of the works and life of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow is just as bad. After spending the better part of the year building up my knowledge of WWII through my historical fiction reads, I am eager to move on to other learning opportunities. This book provides a great start towards that goal. It is written in dual timelines: a story set in 1861-1865 centered around the Civil War and its effects on Longfellow and his family. I thought this was beautifully done. The other timeline takes place in current times, but in the same setting of Cambridge, MA, with the story loosely centered around St. Margaret’s cathedral. It is close to Christmas. There are eight or nine cast members who lives converge and whose points of view are alternately featured in the chapters. This part of the book is more towards women’s fiction, but that was fine with me. The connection between the two timeline stories is spiritual.
I felt I got a two-in-one with this read. New knowledge about two relatively new subjects for me and a nice easy Christmasy read. Yay! I came out with warm and fuzzy feelings with goosies at the end, a great newfound respect for Mr. Longfellow, and a thirst to read more about the Civil War. What more could I ask for?
I did dock a star as there is a slow section in the current-time story and though I dug every bit of the Civil War part, it’s probably written more for semi-beginners like me. The Longfellow part could not be more perfect.
High praise for this one from me. I recommend it for all looking for something a bit different in terms of the timeline technique and a chance to learn and to be moved at the same time.
My thanks go to Hennepin County Library and the Libby App for loaning me a copy of this novel.
Their old familiar carols play
And wild and sweet
The words repeat
Of peace on earth, goodwill to men”
In 1865, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow wrote a beautiful poem called Christmas Bells. Later on, it formed the basis of the Christmas song entitled I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day. A nice rendition by the Craving Crowns can be found on You Tube.
My grasp of the details of the Civil War is woeful. My familiarity of the works and life of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow is just as bad. After spending the better part of the year building up my knowledge of WWII through my historical fiction reads, I am eager to move on to other learning opportunities. This book provides a great start towards that goal. It is written in dual timelines: a story set in 1861-1865 centered around the Civil War and its effects on Longfellow and his family. I thought this was beautifully done. The other timeline takes place in current times, but in the same setting of Cambridge, MA, with the story loosely centered around St. Margaret’s cathedral. It is close to Christmas. There are eight or nine cast members who lives converge and whose points of view are alternately featured in the chapters. This part of the book is more towards women’s fiction, but that was fine with me. The connection between the two timeline stories is spiritual.
I felt I got a two-in-one with this read. New knowledge about two relatively new subjects for me and a nice easy Christmasy read. Yay! I came out with warm and fuzzy feelings with goosies at the end, a great newfound respect for Mr. Longfellow, and a thirst to read more about the Civil War. What more could I ask for?
I did dock a star as there is a slow section in the current-time story and though I dug every bit of the Civil War part, it’s probably written more for semi-beginners like me. The Longfellow part could not be more perfect.
High praise for this one from me. I recommend it for all looking for something a bit different in terms of the timeline technique and a chance to learn and to be moved at the same time.
My thanks go to Hennepin County Library and the Libby App for loaning me a copy of this novel.
November 21, 2015
2.5★
I was in the mood for a warm romantic Christmas story but one hundred pages into this one I had to stop, sort of.
When I was a maniacal quilter I read all of the author’s Elm Creek series and they were perfect patchwork buddies to my charity quilts, guild meetings, and general quilt-maker obsessions. I was hoping this book would settle like a warm comforter on my lap. I don’t think it’s a lousy book, more that my reading desires have changed, so I feel a little Scrooge-like panning it. Since I did not finish I am not in a position to judge the overall content but I can say this. There are two completely different story lines from different time periods that really don’t have much to do with each other. Each chapter switches back and forth between the two and this definitely was not working for me. The sort of mentioned above comes into play at the 100 pages mark when I attempted to read just one of the story lines about Henry Wadsworth Longfellow and how he came to write Christmas Bells. Another 100 pages and I was done. I've been singing the carol that resulted from HWL's poem since putting it down rather than proclaiming bah humbug so perhaps I’m not a total lost cause for fuzzy, feel-good, topped with extra cheese reads.
I heard the bells on Christmas Day
Their old familiar carols play
And wild and sweet the words repeat
Of peace on earth goodwill to men.
I was in the mood for a warm romantic Christmas story but one hundred pages into this one I had to stop, sort of.
When I was a maniacal quilter I read all of the author’s Elm Creek series and they were perfect patchwork buddies to my charity quilts, guild meetings, and general quilt-maker obsessions. I was hoping this book would settle like a warm comforter on my lap. I don’t think it’s a lousy book, more that my reading desires have changed, so I feel a little Scrooge-like panning it. Since I did not finish I am not in a position to judge the overall content but I can say this. There are two completely different story lines from different time periods that really don’t have much to do with each other. Each chapter switches back and forth between the two and this definitely was not working for me. The sort of mentioned above comes into play at the 100 pages mark when I attempted to read just one of the story lines about Henry Wadsworth Longfellow and how he came to write Christmas Bells. Another 100 pages and I was done. I've been singing the carol that resulted from HWL's poem since putting it down rather than proclaiming bah humbug so perhaps I’m not a total lost cause for fuzzy, feel-good, topped with extra cheese reads.
I heard the bells on Christmas Day
Their old familiar carols play
And wild and sweet the words repeat
Of peace on earth goodwill to men.
December 6, 2015
Past and present are melded with Henry Wadsworth Longfellow and his poem-turned Christmas hymn, Christmas Bells.As the story proceeds,I could hear the carol playing softly in the background of my mind.
Longfellow's story is alternated with those of eight characters set in the present.The present-day characters are all related in that each is involved in the activities of a historic church in Boston. As each individual drama plays out one is able to start filling in a complete picture.
As always, this was a learning experience for me. I knew of the poem and it's use as a beloved old Christmas carol. But it's genesis was unknown to me, as was the life of Mr. Longfellow.I was fascinated with his life and times as told in this story. And as a military mom I could well understand and sympathize with his efforts to keep his son out of the bloody mess that was the Civil War.
The only problem I had with the present day story line was that as each character's story played out, there was a repetition that was rather like a scene from Groundhog Day. A little irritation relived by some judicious skimming.
Overall, this was a lovely Christmas tale that was for me a great start to this holiday season.
Longfellow's story is alternated with those of eight characters set in the present.The present-day characters are all related in that each is involved in the activities of a historic church in Boston. As each individual drama plays out one is able to start filling in a complete picture.
As always, this was a learning experience for me. I knew of the poem and it's use as a beloved old Christmas carol. But it's genesis was unknown to me, as was the life of Mr. Longfellow.I was fascinated with his life and times as told in this story. And as a military mom I could well understand and sympathize with his efforts to keep his son out of the bloody mess that was the Civil War.
The only problem I had with the present day story line was that as each character's story played out, there was a repetition that was rather like a scene from Groundhog Day. A little irritation relived by some judicious skimming.
Overall, this was a lovely Christmas tale that was for me a great start to this holiday season.
December 11, 2015
This was my first holiday title of 2015 and perhaps the only fiction title I will read this year. That makes me happy to say that I’m extremely pleased with Chiaverini’s execution of this work. Christmas Bells was a beautiful split-timeline historical fiction which bounced among a host of characters from the modern day and a period of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow’s life (1860-1864). As you may have gathered, the story was inspired by and bears the name of Longefellow’s poem “Christmas Bells.” As a veteran Chiaverini reader, I have come to expect her deft handling of Civil War events and people. This skill transferred seamlessly to modern characters, as I took new delight in the cleverly interwoven story lines of this novel. The military family whose father is deployed for the holidays touched remarkably close to home (I’ll admit brought tears to my eyes on a few occasions). Moving, reverent, and hope-filled, let Christmas Bells grace your holiday reading pile this year.
December 14, 2021
Did not enjoy. 3rd in a row. It is probably just me 🤷🏼♀️
December 12, 2020
Chiaverini uses a dual timeline in this novel, one historical, one modern. A literary device that can be quite compelling when done well, but which is used too frequently in current books and is a serious detriment to the flow of a novel when not handled deftly. In Christmas Bells the historical story is based on Henry Wadsworth Longfellow and how he came to write this poem during the upheaval of the American Civil War. The modern story deals with the various lives of a group of people who are in some way connected to a children's choir practicing the song "I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day" based on Longfellow's poem. I enjoyed both storylines, unfortunately they lacked cohesiveness and would have been much better tackled in separate books. Additionally, the modern portion employed a very strange tactic of repeating numerous paragraphs, almost verbatim, as a way of trying to write the same scene through a different character's point of view. Extremely odd and off-putting for this reader.
Overall this proved to be a disappointing execution of a great concept.
2.5 stars
Overall this proved to be a disappointing execution of a great concept.
2.5 stars
December 4, 2024
I'm upping my rating because the book has stayed with me in my mind ever since reading it. The video links provided by the author are no longer available but look for a youth choir rendition of "I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day." It's really beautiful!
In 1860, Henry Wordsworth Longfellow is more successful than ever. His poem about Paul Revere is about to be published and he delights in the comfort of his lovely home and family. His wife Fanny is the love of his life and his children, especially the little girls, are a delight. However, with the growing tensions over slavery and President Buchanan's inaction, the country may soon be headed to war. Henry fervently prays and hopes it will never come to that. Though he is an abolitionist, he is also a dedicated pacifist. As the world heads towards war, Henry's life will be shattered in more ways than one. As he plunges into depression, it seems nothing can bring him out-that is-until he hears the bells ringing on Christmas Day.
In present day Massachusetts, Sophia is a public school music teacher in an underprivileged school. She is passionate about music and about helping children discover their own passion. Unfortunately budget cuts are looming and Sophia is about to be out of a job. She still has a position as choir director for St. Margaret's Catholic Church, which she loves. Lucas, the accompanist, is passionate about urban renewal and architectural design. His love brought him to St. Margaret's. He loves working with the kids, but mostly he loves being with Sophia. His love for her has endured years of friendship and relationship drama on both ends. His timing is always bad. He's worried she can never feel for him what he feels for her. Should he declare his feelings at last? Choirboy Alex Moran is thrilled to have a solo in the upcoming Christmas concert. If only his dad could see him sing. Mr. Moran is in Afghanistan and Alex misses his dad like crazy. The internet has been broken for a month and Alex hasn't spoken with his dad since before Thanksgiving. Alex's sister Charlotte, a brilliant straight-A student has her own worries. She worries about school and worries her mom is keeping secrets from her. Is the Army's internet really broken or did something happen to her dad? Laurie, Mrs. Moran, doesn't know what has happened to her husband. She fears the worst and can't bring herself to ruin the holiday season for the kids.
Camille Barrett, wife of the late senator Paul Barrett knows how it feels to grieve a lost loved one. She was as devoted to her husband as her and they shared a passion for helping the people of Boston. Their shared passion for philanthropy and music led them to donate Paul's piano to the church. She loves to hear the children's choir singing and the piano playing. If only Paul were beside her still. Father Ryan is praying for his parishioners having a tough time this holiday season, especially Jason Moran. Jason is not just a parishioner, but Ryan's best friend from college. Will this holiday season be a happy one? Only Sister Winifred, who hears directly from God, believes it will be.
I have mixed feelings for this novel. The multiple points of view is a unique style that I haven't seen before, however, it bogs down the story and prevents the central plot from really shining. I didn't need to read backstories for the modern characters or know too many details about their problems. I wanted the story to focus on Sophia and Lucas and parallel Henry and Fanny's love story. I get that the story of the Morans loosely parallels the Longfellows as does the Barretts (more closely) and that's nice but unnecessary. There's just too much going on. The multiple points-of-view also make the story repetitive. We already know what happened so why repeat it? Why not pick up where the story left off? I expected the story to alternate between what drove Henry to write Christmas Bells and the modern love story. The conclusion to Sophia and Lucas' story and to Henry Wadsworth Longfellow's story were both unsatisfactory because it took so long to get there.
This author also has a problem with "telling". She starts off great in 1860, sharing lovely details about the Longfellow home in Cambridge and their lives there. There are moments of greatness in the beginning and middle but I skimmed a lot of the war news because that was too much telling. I did want to know what happened to the soldiers in the story and stayed up too late reading to find out. I ended up skipping to the end to try to find out.
I really like Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. I loved his poetry when I was growing up-(what New England kid doesn't know "The Midnight Ride of Paul Revere"?) -but didn't know a lot about him until I read Forever and Forever: The Courtship of Henry Longfellow and Fanny Appleton. Authors can draw on his journals and letters to make Henry come alive. He seemed to have been a kind and sensitive man who loved deeply and felt sorrow keenly. His love story is a true romance and a true tragedy. However, I felt Henry was a little overly sensitive and overprotective of his son. Having been a wannabe rebellious teen, I know how Charley felt and what he was going to do, even without consulting the historical record. Charley made some very valid points. I'm sure I would feel the same way as Henry though if I were a parent during the Civil War. The war was so horrendous I can't even imagine living through it.
The Longfellow family seemed like a charming, lively bunch. Fanny is portrayed as sensible but sweet and loving. I wonder how much time she actually spent with the children? Henry seems to have spent a lot of time with them but the story mentions the girls' governess frequently. My heart broke for Alice but I enjoyed learning more about what happened to her as an adult and I need to look her up. Annie's confession broke my heart and who knows what actually happened? I wonder if she had PTSD for the rest of her life? I did look up Alice! She had a pretty interesting life. I haven't read as much about Annie but she sounds interesting.
The modern characters are hit or miss. There's only one chapter from Sophia's POV in the beginning. She seems like a modern day Fanny Longfellow-intelligent, kind and caring. Her feelings for Lucas seemed fairly obvious and since it's the 21st century, I don't know why she didn't talk to him about his feelings! He is a modern day Henry-sensitive, deeply caring and unsure of himself. I liked him a lot but again, I felt like he was ignoring the obvious and wringing his hands too much.
The story spends more time with the Morans. Alex is such a typical 10 year old boy. He has to be modeled after someone because he reminded me so much of my downstairs neighbor-also 10 with ADHD! See also nephew #2. The novelist never says Alex has ADHD but I'm betting he would be diagnosed with it in real life. Charlotte reminded me a lot of myself. I liked the siblings rivalry. It felt real to me. The lengthy backstory of Laurie and Jason is sweet but not at all necessary. He's a lot of fun and she's down-to-earth. I liked them but I didn't need to spend so much time with them to be eager to find out what happens to Jason!
I love Father Ryan! I never thought I'd say that about a priest, being a historian and feeling the same way as Liam. He's fun and lively and I get the sense he was a ladies' man in college. He is devoted to the community and helping the people. I did not need to read the theological debate about sports-boring and unnecessary to the overall plot! Who cares if God wants the Bruins or Penguins to win? (Go Bruins, obviously!) Also not necessary was his family drama.
Camille and Paul's story is all telling and no showing aside from the scenes where she is going through his office. Stop right there! Call an archivist! Those papers belong in the state archive! The details were wonderful and I felt Camille's grief. She serves as a catalyst for the final action but is otherwise not important to the plot. Paul, while a wonderful man and a uniquely caring politician, was also not needed. The piano was donated by a local son made good is enough.
I don't regret reading this novel but it was long and rambling. Tightened up and without the obvious deus ex machina, it would be a better story.
I wish I had an audio of this story. The Madison Children's Choir that inspired the novel doesn't have a video of them singing this song online. I found some but they weren't quite as described in the novel.
In 1860, Henry Wordsworth Longfellow is more successful than ever. His poem about Paul Revere is about to be published and he delights in the comfort of his lovely home and family. His wife Fanny is the love of his life and his children, especially the little girls, are a delight. However, with the growing tensions over slavery and President Buchanan's inaction, the country may soon be headed to war. Henry fervently prays and hopes it will never come to that. Though he is an abolitionist, he is also a dedicated pacifist. As the world heads towards war, Henry's life will be shattered in more ways than one. As he plunges into depression, it seems nothing can bring him out-that is-until he hears the bells ringing on Christmas Day.
In present day Massachusetts, Sophia is a public school music teacher in an underprivileged school. She is passionate about music and about helping children discover their own passion. Unfortunately budget cuts are looming and Sophia is about to be out of a job. She still has a position as choir director for St. Margaret's Catholic Church, which she loves. Lucas, the accompanist, is passionate about urban renewal and architectural design. His love brought him to St. Margaret's. He loves working with the kids, but mostly he loves being with Sophia. His love for her has endured years of friendship and relationship drama on both ends. His timing is always bad. He's worried she can never feel for him what he feels for her. Should he declare his feelings at last? Choirboy Alex Moran is thrilled to have a solo in the upcoming Christmas concert. If only his dad could see him sing. Mr. Moran is in Afghanistan and Alex misses his dad like crazy. The internet has been broken for a month and Alex hasn't spoken with his dad since before Thanksgiving. Alex's sister Charlotte, a brilliant straight-A student has her own worries. She worries about school and worries her mom is keeping secrets from her. Is the Army's internet really broken or did something happen to her dad? Laurie, Mrs. Moran, doesn't know what has happened to her husband. She fears the worst and can't bring herself to ruin the holiday season for the kids.
Camille Barrett, wife of the late senator Paul Barrett knows how it feels to grieve a lost loved one. She was as devoted to her husband as her and they shared a passion for helping the people of Boston. Their shared passion for philanthropy and music led them to donate Paul's piano to the church. She loves to hear the children's choir singing and the piano playing. If only Paul were beside her still. Father Ryan is praying for his parishioners having a tough time this holiday season, especially Jason Moran. Jason is not just a parishioner, but Ryan's best friend from college. Will this holiday season be a happy one? Only Sister Winifred, who hears directly from God, believes it will be.
I have mixed feelings for this novel. The multiple points of view is a unique style that I haven't seen before, however, it bogs down the story and prevents the central plot from really shining. I didn't need to read backstories for the modern characters or know too many details about their problems. I wanted the story to focus on Sophia and Lucas and parallel Henry and Fanny's love story. I get that the story of the Morans loosely parallels the Longfellows as does the Barretts (more closely) and that's nice but unnecessary. There's just too much going on. The multiple points-of-view also make the story repetitive. We already know what happened so why repeat it? Why not pick up where the story left off? I expected the story to alternate between what drove Henry to write Christmas Bells and the modern love story. The conclusion to Sophia and Lucas' story and to Henry Wadsworth Longfellow's story were both unsatisfactory because it took so long to get there.
This author also has a problem with "telling". She starts off great in 1860, sharing lovely details about the Longfellow home in Cambridge and their lives there. There are moments of greatness in the beginning and middle but I skimmed a lot of the war news because that was too much telling. I did want to know what happened to the soldiers in the story and stayed up too late reading to find out. I ended up skipping to the end to try to find out.
I really like Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. I loved his poetry when I was growing up-(what New England kid doesn't know "The Midnight Ride of Paul Revere"?) -but didn't know a lot about him until I read Forever and Forever: The Courtship of Henry Longfellow and Fanny Appleton. Authors can draw on his journals and letters to make Henry come alive. He seemed to have been a kind and sensitive man who loved deeply and felt sorrow keenly. His love story is a true romance and a true tragedy. However, I felt Henry was a little overly sensitive and overprotective of his son. Having been a wannabe rebellious teen, I know how Charley felt and what he was going to do, even without consulting the historical record. Charley made some very valid points. I'm sure I would feel the same way as Henry though if I were a parent during the Civil War. The war was so horrendous I can't even imagine living through it.
The Longfellow family seemed like a charming, lively bunch. Fanny is portrayed as sensible but sweet and loving. I wonder how much time she actually spent with the children? Henry seems to have spent a lot of time with them but the story mentions the girls' governess frequently. My heart broke for Alice but I enjoyed learning more about what happened to her as an adult and I need to look her up. Annie's confession broke my heart and who knows what actually happened? I wonder if she had PTSD for the rest of her life? I did look up Alice! She had a pretty interesting life. I haven't read as much about Annie but she sounds interesting.
The modern characters are hit or miss. There's only one chapter from Sophia's POV in the beginning. She seems like a modern day Fanny Longfellow-intelligent, kind and caring. Her feelings for Lucas seemed fairly obvious and since it's the 21st century, I don't know why she didn't talk to him about his feelings! He is a modern day Henry-sensitive, deeply caring and unsure of himself. I liked him a lot but again, I felt like he was ignoring the obvious and wringing his hands too much.
The story spends more time with the Morans. Alex is such a typical 10 year old boy. He has to be modeled after someone because he reminded me so much of my downstairs neighbor-also 10 with ADHD! See also nephew #2. The novelist never says Alex has ADHD but I'm betting he would be diagnosed with it in real life. Charlotte reminded me a lot of myself. I liked the siblings rivalry. It felt real to me. The lengthy backstory of Laurie and Jason is sweet but not at all necessary. He's a lot of fun and she's down-to-earth. I liked them but I didn't need to spend so much time with them to be eager to find out what happens to Jason!
I love Father Ryan! I never thought I'd say that about a priest, being a historian and feeling the same way as Liam. He's fun and lively and I get the sense he was a ladies' man in college. He is devoted to the community and helping the people. I did not need to read the theological debate about sports-boring and unnecessary to the overall plot! Who cares if God wants the Bruins or Penguins to win? (Go Bruins, obviously!) Also not necessary was his family drama.
Camille and Paul's story is all telling and no showing aside from the scenes where she is going through his office. Stop right there! Call an archivist! Those papers belong in the state archive! The details were wonderful and I felt Camille's grief. She serves as a catalyst for the final action but is otherwise not important to the plot. Paul, while a wonderful man and a uniquely caring politician, was also not needed. The piano was donated by a local son made good is enough.
I don't regret reading this novel but it was long and rambling. Tightened up and without the obvious deus ex machina, it would be a better story.
I wish I had an audio of this story. The Madison Children's Choir that inspired the novel doesn't have a video of them singing this song online. I found some but they weren't quite as described in the novel.
February 2, 2016
I like to read a Christmas themed book this time of year so this was my selection for this year. This book had a past/present dual story line that alternates back and forth with each chapter. Both story lines were a little different than what I've previously encountered with this concept. The past story line centers on poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow's life during the years of the Civil War, leading up to his writing his famous poem "I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day". The first few chapters of the past story felt much like reading a textbook, however this dissipated as the story progressed. I did find the historical detail interesting, but enjoyed it better when it was presented in less of a textbook fashion. The present story involves a handful of characters with intertwining lives- you get the perspective of each character with each chapter change. This was a little different, as you got a little bit of the character's backstory with the chapter. There was only one chapter where I was questioning which character I was reading about as she had only been mentioned in passing previously. Their stories are all tied up in the last chapter. Overall, a decent holiday read.
September 1, 2015
I could see how the author wanted to link the past and present story lines, but it didn't work for me. I really enjoyed the Longfellow parts of the story, and kept reading to find out what happened to the family. The contemporary story line was dull and repetitive. Only Sister Winifred's section was interesting.
November 30, 2015
The past and the present are tied together by the beautiful poem/Christmas carol, "Christmas Bells, written by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. We are introduced to the Longfellow family in December of 1860. The family is well off and happy. Henry is deeply in love with his wife Frannie, and cherishes their children. But tragedy strikes, taking the life of Franni, leaving Henry despondent and depressed. Soon to follow is the start of the Civil War. Henry's oldest son, too young yet, is itching to enlist. Henry can't imagine suffering another loss. It's in the midst of the Civil War, inspired by hope, that he wrote the words of " Christmas Bells".
In the present day Boston, the story focusses on Sophia, the children's choir director at St. Margaret's Catholic Church. She has just been informed her job as a music teacher will be eliminated at the end of the year due to budget cuts. Through Sophia, we are also introduced to the beloved parish priest and nun. We learn of the hardship of a couple of the children in the choir and the struggles of their Dad serving in the Middle East. A couple of long time parishioners have their own tragedies and triumphs. And for a touch of romance is Lucas, the pianist for the choir, in love with Sophia but too timid to act upon his feelings. I enjoyed each of the auxiliary characters and felt they added to the storyline.
While this is not your typical light breezy Christmas novel, it is certainly worth spending some time this Christmas reading this book.
In the present day Boston, the story focusses on Sophia, the children's choir director at St. Margaret's Catholic Church. She has just been informed her job as a music teacher will be eliminated at the end of the year due to budget cuts. Through Sophia, we are also introduced to the beloved parish priest and nun. We learn of the hardship of a couple of the children in the choir and the struggles of their Dad serving in the Middle East. A couple of long time parishioners have their own tragedies and triumphs. And for a touch of romance is Lucas, the pianist for the choir, in love with Sophia but too timid to act upon his feelings. I enjoyed each of the auxiliary characters and felt they added to the storyline.
While this is not your typical light breezy Christmas novel, it is certainly worth spending some time this Christmas reading this book.
December 14, 2021
What an incredibly inane book!
Two barely interconnected stories. The historical story is well-researched - and it shows. It’s like reading an actual history book, complete with dates, geographic details, and lengthy quotes. Which would be fine if it was an actual history book, but this is fiction and so it is impossible to tell where history leaves off and fiction begins.
The modern story is actually yet another set of disconnected narratives that all magically tie together at the end in the most saccharine way possible. And, again, the connection between the two story lines is tenuous at best.
I almost stopped reading this 1/3 of the way through, and I honestly wish I had.
Two barely interconnected stories. The historical story is well-researched - and it shows. It’s like reading an actual history book, complete with dates, geographic details, and lengthy quotes. Which would be fine if it was an actual history book, but this is fiction and so it is impossible to tell where history leaves off and fiction begins.
The modern story is actually yet another set of disconnected narratives that all magically tie together at the end in the most saccharine way possible. And, again, the connection between the two story lines is tenuous at best.
I almost stopped reading this 1/3 of the way through, and I honestly wish I had.
December 14, 2018
Probably more like 4 1/2! Really loved this book. I do wish there was more closure at the end but the stage was set for the happy endings. I just thought I hanged in here so long with these people, can I get an epilogue? Lol
January 1, 2025
Really enjoyed this and how the different stories wove together and all had satisfying conclusions. Only beef is it’s classified as a historical fiction and I tried to read for a contest but half or even more than half is set in contemporary times. Just write in past people, you don’t have to have a modern tie in.
December 15, 2016
For as long as I can remember, I have loved the carol "Christmas Bells" with lyrics by American poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. It wasn’t until my high school days that I read the entire poem and learned that the story is even more powerful than the lyrics excerpted from it.
The lead character in this book, Sophia, obviously agrees with me. She is a dedicated music teacher who has just learned that her Boston based music program will soon be the victim of budget cuts. She is, of course, worried about how she will earn a living and even more worried about the impact these cuts will have on her students. Sophia has volunteered to produce a Christmas concert at her local church and chooses to honor Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, a local hero, by having the chorus render his poem.
The chapters in this novel alternate between the story of Sophia and her students and that of the remarkable events which inspired the Longfellow poem. Surprisingly, this strategy proves extremely effective. While I will admit that I preferred the historically based chapters, Sophia's modern day tale added a great deal to my reading pleasure. I kept thinking about how many lives will be touched by Longfellow's poem over the centuries. In its own small and simple way, Chiaverini's novel stands as a tribute to the transformative power of literature. Reading it as we celebrate our own traditions seems wise indeed.
The lead character in this book, Sophia, obviously agrees with me. She is a dedicated music teacher who has just learned that her Boston based music program will soon be the victim of budget cuts. She is, of course, worried about how she will earn a living and even more worried about the impact these cuts will have on her students. Sophia has volunteered to produce a Christmas concert at her local church and chooses to honor Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, a local hero, by having the chorus render his poem.
The chapters in this novel alternate between the story of Sophia and her students and that of the remarkable events which inspired the Longfellow poem. Surprisingly, this strategy proves extremely effective. While I will admit that I preferred the historically based chapters, Sophia's modern day tale added a great deal to my reading pleasure. I kept thinking about how many lives will be touched by Longfellow's poem over the centuries. In its own small and simple way, Chiaverini's novel stands as a tribute to the transformative power of literature. Reading it as we celebrate our own traditions seems wise indeed.
December 24, 2015
Christmas Bells by Jennifer Chiaverini is a moving story that alternates between today's Boston and the Boston of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, during the Civil War. Both periods of time are cleverly intertwined by Longfellow's poem, Christmas Bells. Both stories are engaging but I truly enjoyed the historical fiction story best. Christmas Bells is a lovely Christmas read. I look forward to reading more from this author. 4 stars
November 26, 2018
One of the best holiday books I've read!
December 15, 2022
Christmas Bells by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
I heard the bells on Christmas Day
Their old, familiar carols play,
And wild and sweet
The words repeat
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!
And thought how, as the day had come,
The belfries of all Christendom
Had rolled along
The unbroken song
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!
Till ringing, singing on its way,
The world revolved from night to day,
A voice, a chime,
A chant sublime
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!
Then from each black, accursed mouth
The cannon thundered in the South,
And with the sound
The carols drowned
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!
It was as if an earthquake rent
The hearth-stones of a continent,
And made forlorn
The households born
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!
And in despair I bowed my head;
“There is no peace on earth,” I said;
“For hate is strong,
And mocks the song
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!”
Then pealed the bells more loud and deep:
“God is not dead, nor doth He sleep;
The Wrong shall fail,
The Right prevail,
With peace on earth, good-will to men.”
I heard the bells on Christmas Day
Their old, familiar carols play,
And wild and sweet
The words repeat
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!
And thought how, as the day had come,
The belfries of all Christendom
Had rolled along
The unbroken song
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!
Till ringing, singing on its way,
The world revolved from night to day,
A voice, a chime,
A chant sublime
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!
Then from each black, accursed mouth
The cannon thundered in the South,
And with the sound
The carols drowned
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!
It was as if an earthquake rent
The hearth-stones of a continent,
And made forlorn
The households born
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!
And in despair I bowed my head;
“There is no peace on earth,” I said;
“For hate is strong,
And mocks the song
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!”
Then pealed the bells more loud and deep:
“God is not dead, nor doth He sleep;
The Wrong shall fail,
The Right prevail,
With peace on earth, good-will to men.”
November 23, 2015
Perhaps 4.5 stars.
Well written, with informative historical sections that look at Longfellow's family and life in 1860s Boston, as backdrop and the climate when his poem, "Christmas Bells," was written. This is often sung as an anthem or hymn in churches at Christmas time. The entire poem is reproduced at the beginning of the book, and I had not realized (or remembered) its connection to the American Civil war in verses that are largely forgotten today.
The alternate contemporary chapters of this book are told from the perspectives of a music teacher & children's church choir director, the accompanist, a mother of two children in the choir (whose military husband is missing in Afghanistan), the two children, the priest, an elderly nun, an older couple who are church benefactors. This device works fairly well, as all perspectives merge at the penultimate choir practice before the Christmas Eve children's choir concert.
There is no bad language or inappropriate behavior in this book, and it mostly manages to stay away from saccharine sweetness (or melancholy). I really enjoyed reading this book, the first of this author's works I've read.
Well written, with informative historical sections that look at Longfellow's family and life in 1860s Boston, as backdrop and the climate when his poem, "Christmas Bells," was written. This is often sung as an anthem or hymn in churches at Christmas time. The entire poem is reproduced at the beginning of the book, and I had not realized (or remembered) its connection to the American Civil war in verses that are largely forgotten today.
The alternate contemporary chapters of this book are told from the perspectives of a music teacher & children's church choir director, the accompanist, a mother of two children in the choir (whose military husband is missing in Afghanistan), the two children, the priest, an elderly nun, an older couple who are church benefactors. This device works fairly well, as all perspectives merge at the penultimate choir practice before the Christmas Eve children's choir concert.
There is no bad language or inappropriate behavior in this book, and it mostly manages to stay away from saccharine sweetness (or melancholy). I really enjoyed reading this book, the first of this author's works I've read.
October 30, 2017
2.5 stars, this was ok.
December 26, 2022
Henry Wadsworth Longfellow penned the Christmas hymn in December 1864, during the Civil War. In the midst of his own grief over the passing of his beloved wife and worry over his son, Charlie, who had recently been wounded in battle, he wrote of his despair -- and his ultimate hope that "God is not dead, nor doth he sleep."
In this book, Longfellow's story is interspersed with fictional stories during the present day. Centered around a choir rehearsal at a cathedral during the Christmas season, we see the hardships of choir members, the accompanist, the director, the priest. And then, because this is a Christmas book, each story is resolved sweetly and beautifully.
I loved this hopeful little book. It's well-written and had me weeping at the end. Definitely the best Christmas book I've read this season!
In this book, Longfellow's story is interspersed with fictional stories during the present day. Centered around a choir rehearsal at a cathedral during the Christmas season, we see the hardships of choir members, the accompanist, the director, the priest. And then, because this is a Christmas book, each story is resolved sweetly and beautifully.
I loved this hopeful little book. It's well-written and had me weeping at the end. Definitely the best Christmas book I've read this season!
December 6, 2020
This was a nice Christmas themed book that flipped back and forth between a current day music teacher and Henry Wadsworth Longfellow’s years during the Civil War.
December 30, 2022
I enjoyed this more than I expected to. The main story is about Henry Wadsworth Longfellow writing “I Heard the Bells” during the Civil War. Interspersed with that is a storyline about a children’s choir, told from the perspective of various character connected to it (the choir director, the accompanist, children in the choir, a priest, a military wife, a nun, and a senator’s widow). I appreciated how these stories would tell how one character interpreted another character’s actions, then switch to that character’s point of view and show the motivation behind it.
All in all a light but not silly read.
All in all a light but not silly read.
December 29, 2018
I’ve read several of Jennifer Chiaverini’s books, so when I wanted a Christmas novel to read at Christmas, choosing this book seemed a no-brainer. Unfortunately, I struggled to keep reading this. The modern story felt like I was reading the book version of a Hallmark Christmas movie: full of lovable, but predictable characters and a plot where you knew everything would turn out the way you wanted to (but that would probably never happen in the real world). That said, I teared up at the appropriate moments and loved the modern characters, but kept wishing that she had just picked a character’s story and stuck with it. I initially enjoyed the Longfellow portion, but kept wanting to slap some sense into Longfellow. Perhaps that’s the way he was, but he was just not very interesting despite all the name-dropping of very interesting people around him. That said, the story of his wife’s death was horrific and terribly sad, but it was like he lived in a world where everyone existed to help him and make him feel better. No one challenged him or his views in any significant way and his character does not truly grow despite what he is going through. He just adjusts to the situation. I found myself wishing I’d picked one of the cozy Christmas mysteries on the shelf or a book about Charley Longfellow. This book was a cozy romance tenuously connected to historical fiction, neither of which was well-executed. I love this author, but this is not one of her better books.
December 29, 2015
In alternating chapters, the reader is treated to a highly fictionalized account of Longfellow’s penning of ’”Christmas Bells”, and sentimental character sketches of individuals present at a children’s choir rehearsal. Reading this was like eating unsweetened cotton candy: flavorless, unsubstantial, but something to do if extremely bored.
January 6, 2020
3.5 rounded up. A dual time-frame story, alternating between present day Boston where the children's choir at St. Margaret's Church is preparing for their Christmas Eve concert, and the 1860s telling the story of how how Henry Wadsworth Longfellow came to write his famous poem "Christmas Bells." The children's choir will be singing an arrangement of this poem. The contemporary story was told through multiple voices centering around the evening of the choir's last rehearsal, the choir director who has just been told she'll be losing her teaching job due to budget cuts, the accompanist who is silently in love with her, the priest of St. Margaret's who has fallen out with his brother, an elderly nun, two of the children in the choir, their mother whose husband is missing in Afghanistan and doesn't know how to tell the children, and the widow of a Senator listening to their rehearsal, whose husband grew up at St. Margaret's and whose piano is now donated to the church. It's rather charming, but also a bit tedious at times to revisit the same scene and dialog over and over from each point of view. Longfellow's story was a little darker and a little more straight-forward, if a little too heavy on the info dumps about the Civil War. We get it. The author did her research. Still, I rounded up for the heartwarming, happy-ever-after-if a little too neatly resolved ending. But miracles do happen, especially at Christmas-time. And I learned something about Longfellow.
Book description: In present-day Boston, a dedicated teacher is stunned by somber holiday tidings. Sophia’s music program has been sacrificed to budget cuts, and she worries not only about her impending unemployment but also about the consequences to her underprivileged students. At the church where she volunteers as music director, Sophia tries to forget her cares as she leads the children’s choir in rehearsal for a Christmas Eve concert. Inspired to honor a local artist, Sophia has chosen a carol set to a poem by Longfellow, moved by the glorious words he penned one Christmas Day long ago, even as he suffered great loss. Christmas Bells also chronicles the events of 1863, when the peace and contentment of Longfellow’s family circle was suddenly, tragically broken, cutting even deeper than the privations of wartime. Through the pain of profound loss and hardship, Longfellow’s patriotism never failed, nor did the power of his language. “Christmas Bells,” the poem he wrote that holiday, lives on, spoken as verse and sung as a hymn.
Book description: In present-day Boston, a dedicated teacher is stunned by somber holiday tidings. Sophia’s music program has been sacrificed to budget cuts, and she worries not only about her impending unemployment but also about the consequences to her underprivileged students. At the church where she volunteers as music director, Sophia tries to forget her cares as she leads the children’s choir in rehearsal for a Christmas Eve concert. Inspired to honor a local artist, Sophia has chosen a carol set to a poem by Longfellow, moved by the glorious words he penned one Christmas Day long ago, even as he suffered great loss. Christmas Bells also chronicles the events of 1863, when the peace and contentment of Longfellow’s family circle was suddenly, tragically broken, cutting even deeper than the privations of wartime. Through the pain of profound loss and hardship, Longfellow’s patriotism never failed, nor did the power of his language. “Christmas Bells,” the poem he wrote that holiday, lives on, spoken as verse and sung as a hymn.
dnf
November 8, 2022DNF. So bummed about this one! I was really enjoying the historical timeline but the modern day... nope.
MINOR spoiler
MINOR spoiler
December 6, 2015
Wow. I think having this book be published at this point in history is serendipitous, if not Providential. Focusing on the words of Longfellow's poem, especially the line: "God is not dead, nor doth He sleep' while the world is in so much turmoil brings a lot of peace.
I really liked how Chiaverini combined the story of Longfellow's family situations between 1860-1864 and a modern day tale of 8 different characters, all influenced by the Christmas carol "I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day". It was cool to have each modern character's point of view about the same basic scene (with some backstory) interspersed with what was going on with the Longfellows. Sometimes it can be confusing if you're switching between viewpoints and timeframes, but I definitely didn't feel confused with this one.
Once again, Jennifer Chiaverini knocks it out of the park with a story about real people living at a fascinating time in history, and modern day characters, all of whom I really came to love.
4.5 stars
I really liked how Chiaverini combined the story of Longfellow's family situations between 1860-1864 and a modern day tale of 8 different characters, all influenced by the Christmas carol "I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day". It was cool to have each modern character's point of view about the same basic scene (with some backstory) interspersed with what was going on with the Longfellows. Sometimes it can be confusing if you're switching between viewpoints and timeframes, but I definitely didn't feel confused with this one.
Once again, Jennifer Chiaverini knocks it out of the park with a story about real people living at a fascinating time in history, and modern day characters, all of whom I really came to love.
4.5 stars
December 11, 2023
Twelve Books of Christmas 2023 1/12
Centered around the Longfellow poem we now sing as a Christmas carol, Christmas Bells alternates between the historical record of the Longfellow family and a modern-day church children’s choir rehearsing the song for a Christmas Eve performance.
The historical storyline filled in details to what I’d previously known about the background of “I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day.” The modern storyline was told from the viewpoint of several different characters, and I thoroughly enjoyed seeing their interactions from different angles.
I was brought to tears a number of times, and I thought about both of the stories even when I wasn’t reading. I was particularly taken by Sister Winifred, who was a delight!
Now I’m going to go listen to the song!
Centered around the Longfellow poem we now sing as a Christmas carol, Christmas Bells alternates between the historical record of the Longfellow family and a modern-day church children’s choir rehearsing the song for a Christmas Eve performance.
The historical storyline filled in details to what I’d previously known about the background of “I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day.” The modern storyline was told from the viewpoint of several different characters, and I thoroughly enjoyed seeing their interactions from different angles.
I was brought to tears a number of times, and I thought about both of the stories even when I wasn’t reading. I was particularly taken by Sister Winifred, who was a delight!
Now I’m going to go listen to the song!
December 21, 2015
I enjoyed the premise of this book as it was based on the poem written by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow during the Civil War and inspired by his son who was serving as a Union Calvary officer. The parts from the 19th century were at least all based in truth and the modern day parts were inspired by the poem, "I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day", a song and a poem that I already loved!
It was many things - historical, political, musical, religious, military, familial, collegiate and romantic - mostly set in and around Boston in the 1860s and modern day. It appealed to me on many levels and turned out to be a really sweet Christmas story.
It was many things - historical, political, musical, religious, military, familial, collegiate and romantic - mostly set in and around Boston in the 1860s and modern day. It appealed to me on many levels and turned out to be a really sweet Christmas story.
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