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Der Zauber eines Wintertages
Vor fünf Jahren hat die Londoner Fotografin Lee alle Brücken hinter sich abgebrochen. Inzwischen haben sie und ihr kleiner Sohn Jasper in Amsterdam ein neues Zuhause und viele gute Freunde gefunden. Kurz vor Weihnachten begegnet Lee einem Mann, der ihr Herz höherschlagen lässt: dem attraktiven Kinderbuchautor Sam, der bei einem Fotoshooting im Krankenhaus den Nikolaus spielt. Als der erste Schnee fällt und Amsterdams Grachten zufrieren, kommen Lee und Sam sich näher. Doch ein Geheimnis aus Lees Vergangenheit droht ihr Glück zu zerstören. Ob das Fest der Liebe eine zweite Chance für sie bereithält?
560 pages, Paperback
First published October 27, 2020
213 people are currently reading
2161 people want to read
About the author
Karen Swan
61 books2,372 followersKaren Swan began her career in fashion journalism before giving it all up to raise her three children and a puppy, and to pursue her ambition of becoming a writer. She lives in the forest in Sussex, writing her books in a treehouse overlooking the Downs. Her books include Christmas at Tiffany's, Summer at Tiffany's, The Perfect Present, Christmas in the Snow, The Summer Without You, The Paris Secret, and Christmas Under the Stars.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 489 reviews
December 24, 2020
Eugh.
I just loved it, okay?!
Yes. It's true. This piece of Christmas fluff has thawed my icy heart and left me a melted mess of joy and tenderness and good old Christmas Spirit.
I mean, I don't even know how to explain why I got so much enjoyment out of the emotional rollercoaster this story took me on. I felt every emotion a human can feel reading this book, I'm certain of it. I was so thoroughly hooked that I didn't even have time to feel ashamed of myself for loving a romance novel so much. I just fully embraced the love. If that isn't Christmas spirit right there, I don't know what is.
This wonderful Christmas story follows Lee, who is a single mother to 5yr old Jasper, who is the most important thing in her life. She's got no time for romance, but thankfully her job as a celebrity photographer keeps her busy and allows her to meet people to scratch the itch when she needs it. Then of course something unusual happens - a book ends up in her bike basket, and it's got a strange message scrawled inside. Lee sets about trying to solve this puzzle; meanwhile secrets from her past are drifting to the surface and her simple, controlled life begins to get a little out of hand ...
I won't lie: I was mildly concerned when it started in a war zone, since I abhor reading war stories. However, beyond the prologue I found it added such a fascinating depth to the story through Lee's character, and I just really loved her journey from a war photojournalist to this celebrity photographer still trying to make a difference in the lives of others. I loved who it made her, but also her growth throughout the story as she began to deal with these things.
There were a few different things going on but it never felt messy or out of control - rather, it added a fullness to the story that made it even more enticing to me. Like Lee, I got swept up in the lives of the people around her, and I loved all of them. I loved that Lee would help out almost incidentally - like it was just part of her DNA. But she's no martyr, either - she sticks up for herself, she doesn't hide or lie about her feelings (much) and she is determined to do things on her own terms.
The motherhood angle is another one I'm wary of because I can never relate but, again, I was completely sucked in by the relationship between Lee and her son. It's such a beautiful, meaningful part of the story, and I loved that he was always her number one concern no matter what else was happening. It struck me as much more real than some other stories I've read, where children tend to take a backseat to new love. Jasper was a huge part of this novel, and Lee's love for him is where this novel gets so much of its heart.
At the same time, it was also a lot of fun falling in love with pretty much all the men in this novel. I'm so glad that, as a reader, I don't have to choose - I can have them all! Sam is obviously the one who stole my heart the most, but I also just loved how supportive her friends were, and even the sincerity of the friendship between her and Harry (even though it's kind of messed up on the surface). They were all such real characters and even though they had their own moments of pain their places in this novel brought me so much joy.
The mystery with the book was quite curious, but was just another layer to fatten up the story, rather than the sole driving storyline. I liked that. I appreciated that it wasn't laser-focused, and that Lee still went about living her life in the meantime.
There really was a lot going on in this story but I was drawn in so thoroughly that it seemed to flow together pretty seamlessly to me. Some may find it a little long but I honestly couldn't get enough.
Honestly, I am feeling so much Christmas cheer right now, thanks to this book. It's literally Christmas Eve, I've barely thought about Christmas once this year, and now suddenly I'm just overflowing with love and gratitude and I want to go hug my neighbours. (Obviously I won't, since 2020 is the year hugs were abolished.)
I freaking loved it. It made me so happy. I think it's the first time I've rated a romance novel 5 stars. I don't even care. *happy sigh*
Thank you to the person who recommended I read one of her Christmas novels. You have given me a great joy this holiday season. :)
With thanks to Macmillan for an ARC
I just loved it, okay?!
Yes. It's true. This piece of Christmas fluff has thawed my icy heart and left me a melted mess of joy and tenderness and good old Christmas Spirit.
I mean, I don't even know how to explain why I got so much enjoyment out of the emotional rollercoaster this story took me on. I felt every emotion a human can feel reading this book, I'm certain of it. I was so thoroughly hooked that I didn't even have time to feel ashamed of myself for loving a romance novel so much. I just fully embraced the love. If that isn't Christmas spirit right there, I don't know what is.
This wonderful Christmas story follows Lee, who is a single mother to 5yr old Jasper, who is the most important thing in her life. She's got no time for romance, but thankfully her job as a celebrity photographer keeps her busy and allows her to meet people to scratch the itch when she needs it. Then of course something unusual happens - a book ends up in her bike basket, and it's got a strange message scrawled inside. Lee sets about trying to solve this puzzle; meanwhile secrets from her past are drifting to the surface and her simple, controlled life begins to get a little out of hand ...
I won't lie: I was mildly concerned when it started in a war zone, since I abhor reading war stories. However, beyond the prologue I found it added such a fascinating depth to the story through Lee's character, and I just really loved her journey from a war photojournalist to this celebrity photographer still trying to make a difference in the lives of others. I loved who it made her, but also her growth throughout the story as she began to deal with these things.
There were a few different things going on but it never felt messy or out of control - rather, it added a fullness to the story that made it even more enticing to me. Like Lee, I got swept up in the lives of the people around her, and I loved all of them. I loved that Lee would help out almost incidentally - like it was just part of her DNA. But she's no martyr, either - she sticks up for herself, she doesn't hide or lie about her feelings (much) and she is determined to do things on her own terms.
The motherhood angle is another one I'm wary of because I can never relate but, again, I was completely sucked in by the relationship between Lee and her son. It's such a beautiful, meaningful part of the story, and I loved that he was always her number one concern no matter what else was happening. It struck me as much more real than some other stories I've read, where children tend to take a backseat to new love. Jasper was a huge part of this novel, and Lee's love for him is where this novel gets so much of its heart.
At the same time, it was also a lot of fun falling in love with pretty much all the men in this novel. I'm so glad that, as a reader, I don't have to choose - I can have them all! Sam is obviously the one who stole my heart the most, but I also just loved how supportive her friends were, and even the sincerity of the friendship between her and Harry (even though it's kind of messed up on the surface). They were all such real characters and even though they had their own moments of pain their places in this novel brought me so much joy.
The mystery with the book was quite curious, but was just another layer to fatten up the story, rather than the sole driving storyline. I liked that. I appreciated that it wasn't laser-focused, and that Lee still went about living her life in the meantime.
There really was a lot going on in this story but I was drawn in so thoroughly that it seemed to flow together pretty seamlessly to me. Some may find it a little long but I honestly couldn't get enough.
Honestly, I am feeling so much Christmas cheer right now, thanks to this book. It's literally Christmas Eve, I've barely thought about Christmas once this year, and now suddenly I'm just overflowing with love and gratitude and I want to go hug my neighbours. (Obviously I won't, since 2020 is the year hugs were abolished.)
I freaking loved it. It made me so happy. I think it's the first time I've rated a romance novel 5 stars. I don't even care. *happy sigh*
Thank you to the person who recommended I read one of her Christmas novels. You have given me a great joy this holiday season. :)
With thanks to Macmillan for an ARC
December 1, 2020
I really enjoy Karen Swan’s books and I especially look forward to her Christmas offering each year. There is always a mix of romance and suspense and I can be assured of being taken away to a beautifully described location.
This year’s novel Together by Christmas was a little different to Swan’s previously Christmas themed novels. The main character is Lee, a former war photojournalist who had been working extensively in Syria and winning awards for her photos. Lee is a little hard to like at first. She now photographs celebrities for publicity shoots and it’s very clear she doesn’t like these people or their lifestyles, but still she takes their money to pay the bills.
I feel this must have been a hard book for Swan to write as it covers some heavy topics. Swan explores themes of PTSD in journalists that have seen the horrors of war, domestic abuse, the exploitation of illegal immigrants and the pressure some parents put on their children to achieve their lost dreams.
Lee’s backstory is slowly revealed through her memories and also through sessions with her psychologist. As the story progressed I could see why she was so closed off, negative and insecure.
Set in Amsterdam, I loved the atmosphere with the whole community out skating. There was a lighter side to the story with Dutch Christmas celebrations and traditions explained. These happy events blended well with the darker themes simmering below the surface.
Together by Christmas is a wonderfully immersive and important story. I just feel it may have been better not released as a Christmas read.
I’ve given this 4 rather than 5 stars only because I want more joy from my Christmas reads.
*I received a copy from the publisher
This year’s novel Together by Christmas was a little different to Swan’s previously Christmas themed novels. The main character is Lee, a former war photojournalist who had been working extensively in Syria and winning awards for her photos. Lee is a little hard to like at first. She now photographs celebrities for publicity shoots and it’s very clear she doesn’t like these people or their lifestyles, but still she takes their money to pay the bills.
I feel this must have been a hard book for Swan to write as it covers some heavy topics. Swan explores themes of PTSD in journalists that have seen the horrors of war, domestic abuse, the exploitation of illegal immigrants and the pressure some parents put on their children to achieve their lost dreams.
Lee’s backstory is slowly revealed through her memories and also through sessions with her psychologist. As the story progressed I could see why she was so closed off, negative and insecure.
Set in Amsterdam, I loved the atmosphere with the whole community out skating. There was a lighter side to the story with Dutch Christmas celebrations and traditions explained. These happy events blended well with the darker themes simmering below the surface.
Together by Christmas is a wonderfully immersive and important story. I just feel it may have been better not released as a Christmas read.
I’ve given this 4 rather than 5 stars only because I want more joy from my Christmas reads.
*I received a copy from the publisher
November 2, 2020
Atmospheric, festive, and powerful!
Together by Christmas is an absorbing, poignant, sensitive tale that takes you into the life of professional photographer Lee Fitch, a young, single mother whose main focus is on raising her son after years of shooting graphic photos in countries ravaged by atrocities and war has left her wounded by the nightmares and horrors she witnessed and endured there.
The writing is rich and emotive. The characters are troubled, scarred, supportive, endearing, and kind. And the plot is a bittersweet, at times heartwrenching tale of life, loss, love, family, friendship, perseverance, parenthood, guilt, courage, selflessness, war, new beginnings and the delightful history, culture, landscape, traditions, and unique holiday celebrations found in the Netherlands.
As most of you know I am a huge fan of Karen Swan and have read almost every novel she has ever written, and Together by Christmas is without a doubt another compelling, romantic, emotional tale by Swan but one with perhaps a little more grit, depth, layers and hard-hitting themes than we’ve possibly ever read by her before.
Thank you to Publishers Group Canada for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.
Together by Christmas is an absorbing, poignant, sensitive tale that takes you into the life of professional photographer Lee Fitch, a young, single mother whose main focus is on raising her son after years of shooting graphic photos in countries ravaged by atrocities and war has left her wounded by the nightmares and horrors she witnessed and endured there.
The writing is rich and emotive. The characters are troubled, scarred, supportive, endearing, and kind. And the plot is a bittersweet, at times heartwrenching tale of life, loss, love, family, friendship, perseverance, parenthood, guilt, courage, selflessness, war, new beginnings and the delightful history, culture, landscape, traditions, and unique holiday celebrations found in the Netherlands.
As most of you know I am a huge fan of Karen Swan and have read almost every novel she has ever written, and Together by Christmas is without a doubt another compelling, romantic, emotional tale by Swan but one with perhaps a little more grit, depth, layers and hard-hitting themes than we’ve possibly ever read by her before.
Thank you to Publishers Group Canada for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.
January 8, 2022
4.5 stelle
Questo romance non è la classica storia di Natale che ci si aspetterebbe dal titolo e dalla copertina, ma c'è molto di più!!!
Lee è una ex corrispondente di guerra, con un disturbo post traumatico, ancora sono vividi in lei tutti gli orrori vissuti, e solo grazie a suo figlio che è potuta andare avanti e rifarsi una vita ad Amsterdam, ma non riesce a buttarsi il passato alle spalle, è una donna che ha visto tutto il peggio a cui possano arrivare gli uomini, e quando incontra Sam, non si capacita che esistano uomini sensibili e gentili, che mettano la bontà e l'altruismo in primo piano...
Ho amato molto questa storia che ti cattura dall'inizio fino alla fine, senza mai annoiarti, facendoti viaggiare su due binari paralleli, da un lato abbiamo una mamma che fa di tutto per far vivere al figlio tutta la gioia delle feste, mi ha fatto tanta tenerezza il loro rapporto, ma anche una donna che scopre l'amore, dall'altro lato vediamo questa stessa donna ancora persa nel suo passato, attraverso i suoi flashback, ne conosciamo tutto l'orrore... Ho amato la forza e l'audacia di Lee, l'amore per il suo lavoro, la sua coscienza sociale, l'amore per suo figlio, ma anche la sua fragilità di scoprirsi vulnerabile all'amore, la paura di lasciarsi andare ad esso...
Sam, un uomo meraviglioso con Lee e Jasper, anche lui con le sue imperfezioni e non dico altro 🤫...
Finale molto tenero ❤️
Bellissimo scoprire le tradizioni di un altro paese come l'Olanda 😍...
Questo romance non è la classica storia di Natale che ci si aspetterebbe dal titolo e dalla copertina, ma c'è molto di più!!!
Lee è una ex corrispondente di guerra, con un disturbo post traumatico, ancora sono vividi in lei tutti gli orrori vissuti, e solo grazie a suo figlio che è potuta andare avanti e rifarsi una vita ad Amsterdam, ma non riesce a buttarsi il passato alle spalle, è una donna che ha visto tutto il peggio a cui possano arrivare gli uomini, e quando incontra Sam, non si capacita che esistano uomini sensibili e gentili, che mettano la bontà e l'altruismo in primo piano...
Ho amato molto questa storia che ti cattura dall'inizio fino alla fine, senza mai annoiarti, facendoti viaggiare su due binari paralleli, da un lato abbiamo una mamma che fa di tutto per far vivere al figlio tutta la gioia delle feste, mi ha fatto tanta tenerezza il loro rapporto, ma anche una donna che scopre l'amore, dall'altro lato vediamo questa stessa donna ancora persa nel suo passato, attraverso i suoi flashback, ne conosciamo tutto l'orrore... Ho amato la forza e l'audacia di Lee, l'amore per il suo lavoro, la sua coscienza sociale, l'amore per suo figlio, ma anche la sua fragilità di scoprirsi vulnerabile all'amore, la paura di lasciarsi andare ad esso...
Sam, un uomo meraviglioso con Lee e Jasper, anche lui con le sue imperfezioni e non dico altro 🤫...
Finale molto tenero ❤️
Bellissimo scoprire le tradizioni di un altro paese come l'Olanda 😍...
October 16, 2020
Lee who was a war photographer now lives in Amsterdam with her young son. She lives a quiet life bring up her child and photographing celebrities.
When she receives a message for help she sets out to find the person who wrote it.
A romantic story set at Christmas time with some twists and turns.
Thank you to NetGalley and Pan Macmillan for my e-copy in exchange for an honest review.
When she receives a message for help she sets out to find the person who wrote it.
A romantic story set at Christmas time with some twists and turns.
Thank you to NetGalley and Pan Macmillan for my e-copy in exchange for an honest review.
November 7, 2023
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Ever since I participated on the Tandem Collective readalong for the Hidden Beach, I knew I would be reading more books by Karen Swan. This is my third book so far, and I am still eager to read more from her. Her writing is so captivating! So when the team at Tandem Collective , together with the team at Pan Macmillan asked me to participate to the readalong for Together By Christmas, I immediately said yes!
Synopsis:
Together By Christmas is set in Amsterdam. When Lee first came here, she had a newborn baby and a secret. Five years later, Jasper is a big boy, and Lee’s photography career is a big success. They are getting ready to celebrate Christmas with their close friends, but something unexpected happens.
Lee finds a book in her bicycle basket. And inside the book – a cry for help. Who left it there for her, and why? Lee feels the need to help and tracks down the author of the book, Sam. What she doesn’t expect though, is an instant connection with him, and a possible future. Something she has actively been running away from.
And when everything appears to be going in the right direction, Lee’s old secret comes back to haunt her. And right in time for Christmas. Suddenly, her whole life she built in Amsterdam is on the verge of collapsing. Will Christmas be able to make it all better?
My Thoughts:
Together By Christmas is not your typical Christmas story. The Hidden Beach and the Greek Escape are both set in summer, so this is the first Christmas book I read by Karen Swan. And it was exactly what I hoped it would be. The writing was beautiful, and the plot twists kept coming. It kept me on the edge until the very end.
Lee is a very complicated character and it took me a while to warm up to her. I could immediately feel the consequences of her trauma, and could understand her fear of getting attached to people. Her passion for photography is explained so well, and her love towards her son is so strong and beautiful to witness.
“As a pack race, humans have to see in order to believe and that includes photographers with both a power and a responsibility to use their craft wisely. Photographs have the power to change the world – they can spark a protest, a riot, a revolution. It is the truth in photography that keeps us all connected, keeps us accountable -“
I love that the book is set in Amsterdam, during winter. I have been to Amsterdam and the Netherlands many times, but never during winter, so this was a wonderful experience for me. The descriptions are so vivid and I felt I was there. It was wonderful to find out about Sinterklaas, as well as The Elfstedentocht – the famous ice-skating race. I also enjoyed the Stroopwafels and smiled every time they were mentioned in the book.
I loved Jasper so much! He was my favourite character in the book! For his age, he behaved so maturely and was able to emotionally understand and support his mum, which really helped her during her struggles. His excitement was so contagious! Whenever he would get excited over little things, it would make me melt.
“If we’re going to make meaningful change in our society, then we can’t keep on turning the other cheek.”
Even though I have mixed opinions about certain scenes and actions, I really enjoyed this book. And considering that this is a book about second chances, I will let this slip. It’s the perfect book to set you into a Christmas mood. Perhaps because it’s moderately Christmassy, so it won’t be too much too soon. It had beautiful Christmas scenes, a wonderful mother-son relationship, trauma, mystery and a very heartwarming romance as well. I definitely recommend it.
Ever since I participated on the Tandem Collective readalong for the Hidden Beach, I knew I would be reading more books by Karen Swan. This is my third book so far, and I am still eager to read more from her. Her writing is so captivating! So when the team at Tandem Collective , together with the team at Pan Macmillan asked me to participate to the readalong for Together By Christmas, I immediately said yes!
Synopsis:
Together By Christmas is set in Amsterdam. When Lee first came here, she had a newborn baby and a secret. Five years later, Jasper is a big boy, and Lee’s photography career is a big success. They are getting ready to celebrate Christmas with their close friends, but something unexpected happens.
Lee finds a book in her bicycle basket. And inside the book – a cry for help. Who left it there for her, and why? Lee feels the need to help and tracks down the author of the book, Sam. What she doesn’t expect though, is an instant connection with him, and a possible future. Something she has actively been running away from.
And when everything appears to be going in the right direction, Lee’s old secret comes back to haunt her. And right in time for Christmas. Suddenly, her whole life she built in Amsterdam is on the verge of collapsing. Will Christmas be able to make it all better?
My Thoughts:
Together By Christmas is not your typical Christmas story. The Hidden Beach and the Greek Escape are both set in summer, so this is the first Christmas book I read by Karen Swan. And it was exactly what I hoped it would be. The writing was beautiful, and the plot twists kept coming. It kept me on the edge until the very end.
Lee is a very complicated character and it took me a while to warm up to her. I could immediately feel the consequences of her trauma, and could understand her fear of getting attached to people. Her passion for photography is explained so well, and her love towards her son is so strong and beautiful to witness.
“As a pack race, humans have to see in order to believe and that includes photographers with both a power and a responsibility to use their craft wisely. Photographs have the power to change the world – they can spark a protest, a riot, a revolution. It is the truth in photography that keeps us all connected, keeps us accountable -“
I love that the book is set in Amsterdam, during winter. I have been to Amsterdam and the Netherlands many times, but never during winter, so this was a wonderful experience for me. The descriptions are so vivid and I felt I was there. It was wonderful to find out about Sinterklaas, as well as The Elfstedentocht – the famous ice-skating race. I also enjoyed the Stroopwafels and smiled every time they were mentioned in the book.
I loved Jasper so much! He was my favourite character in the book! For his age, he behaved so maturely and was able to emotionally understand and support his mum, which really helped her during her struggles. His excitement was so contagious! Whenever he would get excited over little things, it would make me melt.
“If we’re going to make meaningful change in our society, then we can’t keep on turning the other cheek.”
Even though I have mixed opinions about certain scenes and actions, I really enjoyed this book. And considering that this is a book about second chances, I will let this slip. It’s the perfect book to set you into a Christmas mood. Perhaps because it’s moderately Christmassy, so it won’t be too much too soon. It had beautiful Christmas scenes, a wonderful mother-son relationship, trauma, mystery and a very heartwarming romance as well. I definitely recommend it.
November 25, 2020
I like the fact that it's more than an average Christmas story. The lead character Lee takes me a while to warm to but once the story gets going with her back story she is interesting to read about. It's a quick read that is more than a pretty cover but for some reason I just enjoyed other Karen Swan books more. 3.5 stars
October 22, 2020
It is not often when I pause for a lunch break, with a book, decide that I'll read just one more chapter, and then just one more chapter and eventually I conceded that I was clearly not being budged from the pages of this book, and 3 hours later, I'm sitting here in wonder at just how amazing Karen Swan is.
I mean she's always been a must read author for me, and I love her books, but this has to be her best yet without a doubt. And definitely my new favourite amongst her Christmas books, with the possibly exception of Christmas Under the Stars which was also totally amazing.
There is just so much to this book, and I'm not even sure the blurb does it complete justice to the amount of threads, and tricky subjects that are covered. There is just such a depth to this book that I wouldn't be able to explain even if I tried.
The prologue was completely unexpected, in that it transports us to a situation I have never really seen before in the books I read, and for that alone it made me sit up and realise that this was no ordinary book.
The amount of research Karen Swan must have done is astounding, and everything came across as what I believe must be realistic, if not believable at least. Everything to do with Lee's past and her connection to Harry Cunningham intrigued me beyond belief, and some of the key info is drip fed to us, keeping me needing to turn to the pages to see what would happen next.
And this book is set in Amsterdam over Christmas, so we get to learn about Dutch Christmas traditions too, which was really interesting, and I always love seeing who Christmas is celebrated in other countries.
I'm reluctant to say much more, I went into this blind, just really having noticed a location on the blurb, and knowing it was by Karen Swan, and absolutely loved and it worked so well, I was continually intrigued and needing to find out what would happen next. There are moments of real adrenaline and I was very much invested in all the characters lives.
This was just the book I needed to read when I did, to remind me that when a story is written so well, it can completely grip me, even when my concentration levels have been iffy recently. Just wow, this is not just a book for the Christmas reading season, but could easily be read year round, and is just amazing.
Thank you to Pan and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.,
I mean she's always been a must read author for me, and I love her books, but this has to be her best yet without a doubt. And definitely my new favourite amongst her Christmas books, with the possibly exception of Christmas Under the Stars which was also totally amazing.
There is just so much to this book, and I'm not even sure the blurb does it complete justice to the amount of threads, and tricky subjects that are covered. There is just such a depth to this book that I wouldn't be able to explain even if I tried.
The prologue was completely unexpected, in that it transports us to a situation I have never really seen before in the books I read, and for that alone it made me sit up and realise that this was no ordinary book.
The amount of research Karen Swan must have done is astounding, and everything came across as what I believe must be realistic, if not believable at least. Everything to do with Lee's past and her connection to Harry Cunningham intrigued me beyond belief, and some of the key info is drip fed to us, keeping me needing to turn to the pages to see what would happen next.
And this book is set in Amsterdam over Christmas, so we get to learn about Dutch Christmas traditions too, which was really interesting, and I always love seeing who Christmas is celebrated in other countries.
I'm reluctant to say much more, I went into this blind, just really having noticed a location on the blurb, and knowing it was by Karen Swan, and absolutely loved and it worked so well, I was continually intrigued and needing to find out what would happen next. There are moments of real adrenaline and I was very much invested in all the characters lives.
This was just the book I needed to read when I did, to remind me that when a story is written so well, it can completely grip me, even when my concentration levels have been iffy recently. Just wow, this is not just a book for the Christmas reading season, but could easily be read year round, and is just amazing.
Thank you to Pan and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.,
December 11, 2021
Non vi fate ingannare dalla copertina, se volete la classica novella natalizia tutta amore e dolcezza questo libro non fa per voi. Questa è una storia bellissima e unica: è un libro profondo, duro, avvincente e allo stesso tempo romantico che tratta temi importanti e delicati. I personaggi sono fantastici e mi hanno subito conquistato.
Lee è una mamma single e fotografa di successo che vive ad Amsterdam con suo figlio di 5 anni. È una donna dura e determinata, ma è anche disponibile e premurosa per chiunque abbia bisogno di aiuto.
Dopo esser stata per molti anni una fotografa di guerra insieme al suo collega e amico Harry Cunningham, Lee sta affrontando adesso i traumi che i ricordi della guerra, della morte e della sofferenza hanno portato.
Mentre il passato minaccia di tornare e inghiottirla, Lee trova nel cestino della sua bicicletta uno strano libro con un messaggio all’interno; la ragazza cerca di capire chi sia stato a scrivere il messaggio e incontra Sam, un’affascinante artista nonché autore del libro. Sam cerca in tutti i modi di far colpo sulla ragazza provando ad abbattere il muro che Lee si è creata intorno a sé e a convincerla che c’è spazio nella sua vita per avere un uomo oltre suo figlio.
Non posso raccontarvi niente sulla storia perché vi rovinerei la sorpresa: accadono tantissime cose intrecciate tra loro che vi terranno incollate fino alla fine del libro.
La scrittura è sicuramente il punto di forza della storia ed ho amato tantissimo come l’autrice riesce ad intrecciare il presente e le vicende passate di Lee. Ed è proprio grazie a questo alternarsi tra presente e passato che l’autrice racconta il trauma di Lee, le sue lotte interiori, le sue paure e la sua sofferenza. I flashback mi lasciavano con una sensazione costante di ansia e apprensione, ma allo stesso tempo riuscivano a farmi capire meglio le sue scelte e ad entrare in empatia con la protagonista, amandola profondamente sempre di più.
Sono rimasta stupita come l’autrice sia riuscita a descrivere in maniera perfetta e coinvolgente tutto ciò che accade nelle zone segnate dalla guerra e dalla morte.
Non ho mai letto un libro di Karen Swan, ma questo mi è piaciuto tantissimo e mi ha catturato fin dalla prima pagina, l’ho letto tutto in pochissime ore e mi è dispiaciuto tantissimo finirlo. Avrei sicuramente preferito soffermarmi di più sulle scene finali del libro; non fraintendetemi il finale è veramente stupendo, ma arrivata alla fine volevo assolutamente sapere tantissime altre cose sui protagonisti e le loro vicende.
Tutti i personaggi sia principali che secondari sono stati perfettamente caratterizzati e ognuno con la propria storia, ha un ruolo importante nel racconto.
È stato anche interessante leggere e conoscere le tradizioni natalizie olandesi ed è sempre affascinante vedere come viene celebrato il Natale in altri paesi.
L’autrice ci ha regalato un romanzo intenso, pieno di colpi di scena, di sofferenza, ma anche di seconde possibilità, di amore e di romanticismo che lo rendono perfetto!
5 coccole
Ila
Lee è una mamma single e fotografa di successo che vive ad Amsterdam con suo figlio di 5 anni. È una donna dura e determinata, ma è anche disponibile e premurosa per chiunque abbia bisogno di aiuto.
Dopo esser stata per molti anni una fotografa di guerra insieme al suo collega e amico Harry Cunningham, Lee sta affrontando adesso i traumi che i ricordi della guerra, della morte e della sofferenza hanno portato.
Mentre il passato minaccia di tornare e inghiottirla, Lee trova nel cestino della sua bicicletta uno strano libro con un messaggio all’interno; la ragazza cerca di capire chi sia stato a scrivere il messaggio e incontra Sam, un’affascinante artista nonché autore del libro. Sam cerca in tutti i modi di far colpo sulla ragazza provando ad abbattere il muro che Lee si è creata intorno a sé e a convincerla che c’è spazio nella sua vita per avere un uomo oltre suo figlio.
Non posso raccontarvi niente sulla storia perché vi rovinerei la sorpresa: accadono tantissime cose intrecciate tra loro che vi terranno incollate fino alla fine del libro.
La scrittura è sicuramente il punto di forza della storia ed ho amato tantissimo come l’autrice riesce ad intrecciare il presente e le vicende passate di Lee. Ed è proprio grazie a questo alternarsi tra presente e passato che l’autrice racconta il trauma di Lee, le sue lotte interiori, le sue paure e la sua sofferenza. I flashback mi lasciavano con una sensazione costante di ansia e apprensione, ma allo stesso tempo riuscivano a farmi capire meglio le sue scelte e ad entrare in empatia con la protagonista, amandola profondamente sempre di più.
Sono rimasta stupita come l’autrice sia riuscita a descrivere in maniera perfetta e coinvolgente tutto ciò che accade nelle zone segnate dalla guerra e dalla morte.
Non ho mai letto un libro di Karen Swan, ma questo mi è piaciuto tantissimo e mi ha catturato fin dalla prima pagina, l’ho letto tutto in pochissime ore e mi è dispiaciuto tantissimo finirlo. Avrei sicuramente preferito soffermarmi di più sulle scene finali del libro; non fraintendetemi il finale è veramente stupendo, ma arrivata alla fine volevo assolutamente sapere tantissime altre cose sui protagonisti e le loro vicende.
Tutti i personaggi sia principali che secondari sono stati perfettamente caratterizzati e ognuno con la propria storia, ha un ruolo importante nel racconto.
È stato anche interessante leggere e conoscere le tradizioni natalizie olandesi ed è sempre affascinante vedere come viene celebrato il Natale in altri paesi.
L’autrice ci ha regalato un romanzo intenso, pieno di colpi di scena, di sofferenza, ma anche di seconde possibilità, di amore e di romanticismo che lo rendono perfetto!
5 coccole
Ila
November 30, 2022
Поредната прекрасна книга на Карън Суон. Започнах с нейна книга още от август да се вълнувам за Коледа и вече не мога да си представя очакването на празника без нейните прекрасни истории. Колкото и други коледни книги да чета, нейните ми остават най-смислени, най-топли и безспорно любими!
December 26, 2023
Deze shrijfster zet altijd erg originele verhaallijnen neer en dit was in dit boek niet anders.
Een mooi verhaal dat vlot leest en ook spannend blijft.
Met plezier gelezen.
Een mooi verhaal dat vlot leest en ook spannend blijft.
Met plezier gelezen.
November 28, 2020
What was I thinking? I don’t read Christmas romantic novels on purpose. They are as tricky as normal rom coms plus they are often tacky and over the top when it comes to the “oh-so-Christmassy-atmosphere”.
Karen Swan seems to be a traditional Christmas author. I didn’t know that. This was the first book about Christmas that my library recommended to me and… well, I wasn’t thinking at all. That’s why I was so surprised to find out that this book is about a war photographer who used to work in Syria. That doesn’t sound like a typical romantic/wintery story, does it? What´s more, this book is set up in Amsterdam which is one of my favorite cities. Unfortunately, those were all of the positive surprises. Together by Christmas is one of those books that could be shortened about 100 pages and it would not matter. As a matter of fact, I stopped reading at 30% and then I skipped to the last two chapters. And guess what? I didn’t miss a thing.
Things I liked: setting, secondary characters
Things I didn’t like: main female character, excessive contrasts between Christmas in Amsterdam and war atmosphere in Syria, plot in general
Karen Swan seems to be a traditional Christmas author. I didn’t know that. This was the first book about Christmas that my library recommended to me and… well, I wasn’t thinking at all. That’s why I was so surprised to find out that this book is about a war photographer who used to work in Syria. That doesn’t sound like a typical romantic/wintery story, does it? What´s more, this book is set up in Amsterdam which is one of my favorite cities. Unfortunately, those were all of the positive surprises. Together by Christmas is one of those books that could be shortened about 100 pages and it would not matter. As a matter of fact, I stopped reading at 30% and then I skipped to the last two chapters. And guess what? I didn’t miss a thing.
Things I liked: setting, secondary characters
Things I didn’t like: main female character, excessive contrasts between Christmas in Amsterdam and war atmosphere in Syria, plot in general
January 3, 2023
Leuk , vlot geschreven boek
Fotografe , alleenstaande moeder , oorlogsverleden IS , spanning , elf- steden tocht , Amsterdam …
Aanrader
Fotografe , alleenstaande moeder , oorlogsverleden IS , spanning , elf- steden tocht , Amsterdam …
Aanrader
December 1, 2021
4+ Bello, mi è piaciuto parecchio. Certo non è la lettura natalizia spensierata che mi aspettavo, qui di drammi ce n'è più di uno, e se devo trovare un difetto penso sia proprio la troppa carne al fuoco, anche perché poi, così facendo, tematiche importanti hanno rivestito soltanto un ruolo marginale risolvendosi in poche righe. Cmq il giudizio è positivo, mi ha emozionata e fatto riflettere. Consigliato👍
October 29, 2020
This was such a captivating read! The characters were amazing and will stay in my memory for some time. Lee, is the main character, a talented photographer. She is a determined woman but has a caring side, not only for family and friends, but anyone who needs help. The descriptions of her family life were so apt and her friends were always there to support one another. Jasper was a delight! I loved the descriptions of the customs of a different country around Christmas, I found it so interesting. There are flashbacks to Lee’s life before she settled in Amsterdam. There was so much to this story, it had layers that were slowly revealed. I just can’t stop thinking about it. Marvellous! I received a copy and have voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
October 28, 2020
This book has a very festive cover, however the main protagonist, Lee was a war correspondent and as a result suffers with PTSD. There are some harsh and gritty events in this book. It is definitely not your average sweet and romantic novel.
Despite all of this, the book is festive, and it is romantic. Karen Swan cleverly joins all of the different threads together to make a fantastic book that is an emotional and compelling read.
Lee lives in Holland with her 5 year old Son, and there are descriptions of the Dutch festivities which are interesting to learn about. I liked reading about them.
I really enjoyed reading this book and highly recommend it.
Thank you to Netgalley and the Publisher for my ARC.
Despite all of this, the book is festive, and it is romantic. Karen Swan cleverly joins all of the different threads together to make a fantastic book that is an emotional and compelling read.
Lee lives in Holland with her 5 year old Son, and there are descriptions of the Dutch festivities which are interesting to learn about. I liked reading about them.
I really enjoyed reading this book and highly recommend it.
Thank you to Netgalley and the Publisher for my ARC.
October 17, 2020
I wish I could give this book more than five stars!!! I’ve never read a Karen Swan book before but, I throughly enjoyed this one. Although it had Christmas in the title it wasn’t all about that time of year. It was thrilling and had me hooked from the first page. I loved all the characters and was sorry when I finished it.
My thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.
My thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.
December 28, 2020
📚 Hello Book Friends! Ok! This is going to be a hard review. I just finished TOGETHER BY CHRISTMAS by Karen Swan, and I am divided. I love the book all the way to page 352 of 439. Something drastic happens on that page that threw me off and the rest of the book was not able to make up for it. I got stuck at that moment and kept thinking “How in the world will the author fix this?”. She put a Band-Aid ending but it was too little to fix my disappointment in this book. ☹ The writing is good and the ❤️s are for the good parts in the story. Don’t be deceived by the cover… this is not a light Christmas love romance book.
🙋🏼♀️ Thank you, PAN MACMILLAN for sending me a copy for review. TOGETHER BY CHRISTMAS by Karen Swan is available at your favourite bookstore.
#bookstadog #poodles #poodlestagram #poodlesofinstagram #furbabies #dogsofinstagram #bookstagram #dogsandbooks #bookishlife #bookishlove #bookstagrammer #books #booklover #bookish #bookaholic #reading #readersofinstagram #instaread #ilovebooks #bookishcanadians #canadianbookstagram #bookreviewer #bookcommunity #bibliophile #bookphotography #togetherbychristmas #karenswan #bookreview
December 20, 2020
OK this one is going to be hard for me to review.
Karin Swan is definitely a good author, that's clear but I found this book read like 2 or 3 mashed together. So much happens and yet NOTHING happens. That's how it felt for so much of it. I don't know how to describe it. Because clearly stuff is happening! It just genuinely didn't land for me.
Lee's story is powerful but all the secondary stories got in the way for me. I wanted at least one fewer side character story with more focus on what Lee was dealing with. Maybe then I wouldn't have been thinking "Why am I supposed to care about this?"
I switched to the audio about halfway through and I'm not sure if it was the timing or the narration that saved this for me. It's not exactly a heartwarming Christmas read, it's heavy and real, granted all the stuff that happens to one person would usually be spread out a bit!
TW - rape, war, PTSD, kidnapping, human trafficking
Karin Swan is definitely a good author, that's clear but I found this book read like 2 or 3 mashed together. So much happens and yet NOTHING happens. That's how it felt for so much of it. I don't know how to describe it. Because clearly stuff is happening! It just genuinely didn't land for me.
Lee's story is powerful but all the secondary stories got in the way for me. I wanted at least one fewer side character story with more focus on what Lee was dealing with. Maybe then I wouldn't have been thinking "Why am I supposed to care about this?"
I switched to the audio about halfway through and I'm not sure if it was the timing or the narration that saved this for me. It's not exactly a heartwarming Christmas read, it's heavy and real, granted all the stuff that happens to one person would usually be spread out a bit!
TW - rape, war, PTSD, kidnapping, human trafficking
Read
October 15, 2020
Is it too early to travel to Amsterdam for christmas?
Visit the locations in the novel - BOOKTRAIL THE SETTINGS HERE
December 31, 2020
I received this book from the publishers via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Lee is a single mom, navigating life with a 5-year-old boy in Amsterdam while also succeeding as a sought-after photographer. But Lee is also dealing with trauma following years of a career as a war photographer that won her awards but also left her with memories of the worst tragedies in recent human history and a broken friendship that has never recovered. As Lee's past threatens to come back and engulf her, she also meets Sam - a handsome artist who may be the one person to get past her guard and convince her she can have someone else in her and her son's life.
This was just such an excellent read that when I say I couldn't put it down, I really mean it! I read this in 24 hours and every time I was doing something else, I found myself wandering back over to my Kindle to pick up where I left off as I was absolutely hooked. The writing in this and the strength of the story - Lee's past and present, her trauma, her struggles and the lovely life she has made for herself and for her son, are just addictive to read about, and I honestly think this is Karen Swan's best work to date! All her books are good but this one definitely has topped the others for me.
While this book is set in November and December, and contains festive, winter scenes, it's not a book dominated by Christmas other than some mentions and Jasper's excitement for Zwarte Piet and Sinterklaas. I really liked reading about the Dutch traditions in this book, such as Pakjesavond, as well as learning about the famous ice-skating race Elfstedentocht.
As someone with a background in journalism, and who has often wondered what life would have been like if I had gone in a different direction, Lee's background as a war photographer was hugely interesting for me - and how the story highlighted the true danger of a war zone for both photographer and journalist (press passes do not mean automatic safety) as well as the heightened danger if you happen to be a woman. The flash backs left me with a feeling of trepidation but I also loved learning about the past that built Lee's character into who she was and all the little things she had shaped in her life due to this past.
While I truly loved Sam as a love interest (very swoony), there were times where Lee's intensity about him overtook her other story lines which I found a bit more interesting. I did like how it all concluded.
A side note as well that Lee's present job as a photographer who shoots in studio was also super interesting to read about - how she tackled her subjects, the way Karen Swan described the shoots and the resulting pictures was amazing, and I really could see what she was aiming for. I could totally see someone like Paul Mescal doing the Matteo photoshoot - shaved, naked, dirty - yes, please.
This was honestly just a brilliant read, I was totally hooked. The story delivered a lovely romantic relationship with all the ups and downs and drama you want but it also gave a story of war, and trauma, of trust lost and gained - a character finding herself in the darkest of situations but managed to pull herself up and making a beautiful life with a beautiful boy - friendship and forgiveness, and the true gift of appreciating every moment you have.
Cannot recommend this book enough!
Lee is a single mom, navigating life with a 5-year-old boy in Amsterdam while also succeeding as a sought-after photographer. But Lee is also dealing with trauma following years of a career as a war photographer that won her awards but also left her with memories of the worst tragedies in recent human history and a broken friendship that has never recovered. As Lee's past threatens to come back and engulf her, she also meets Sam - a handsome artist who may be the one person to get past her guard and convince her she can have someone else in her and her son's life.
This was just such an excellent read that when I say I couldn't put it down, I really mean it! I read this in 24 hours and every time I was doing something else, I found myself wandering back over to my Kindle to pick up where I left off as I was absolutely hooked. The writing in this and the strength of the story - Lee's past and present, her trauma, her struggles and the lovely life she has made for herself and for her son, are just addictive to read about, and I honestly think this is Karen Swan's best work to date! All her books are good but this one definitely has topped the others for me.
While this book is set in November and December, and contains festive, winter scenes, it's not a book dominated by Christmas other than some mentions and Jasper's excitement for Zwarte Piet and Sinterklaas. I really liked reading about the Dutch traditions in this book, such as Pakjesavond, as well as learning about the famous ice-skating race Elfstedentocht.
As someone with a background in journalism, and who has often wondered what life would have been like if I had gone in a different direction, Lee's background as a war photographer was hugely interesting for me - and how the story highlighted the true danger of a war zone for both photographer and journalist (press passes do not mean automatic safety) as well as the heightened danger if you happen to be a woman. The flash backs left me with a feeling of trepidation but I also loved learning about the past that built Lee's character into who she was and all the little things she had shaped in her life due to this past.
While I truly loved Sam as a love interest (very swoony), there were times where Lee's intensity about him overtook her other story lines which I found a bit more interesting. I did like how it all concluded.
A side note as well that Lee's present job as a photographer who shoots in studio was also super interesting to read about - how she tackled her subjects, the way Karen Swan described the shoots and the resulting pictures was amazing, and I really could see what she was aiming for. I could totally see someone like Paul Mescal doing the Matteo photoshoot - shaved, naked, dirty - yes, please.
This was honestly just a brilliant read, I was totally hooked. The story delivered a lovely romantic relationship with all the ups and downs and drama you want but it also gave a story of war, and trauma, of trust lost and gained - a character finding herself in the darkest of situations but managed to pull herself up and making a beautiful life with a beautiful boy - friendship and forgiveness, and the true gift of appreciating every moment you have.
Cannot recommend this book enough!
December 8, 2020
I am a huge fan of Karen Swan’s books. Sometimes I just want a fun romance/light drama with a happy ending. There is some angst and conflict of course but in the end everything is resolved in a positive way. This is exactly what happens in this book. I picked it up hoping for a cute/sexy romance. I was shocked to find that the main character in this story was a former war photographer who survived some incredibly horrific things in war zones. This made her a character that was not immediately likable but as her story unfolded and I learned what she had endured she became much more sympathetic.
The terrifying event that precipitated her retirement takes place in war torn Syria. I was completely blindsided by descriptions of the people and landscape of Syria and the horror of the war. This was particularly awful for me since I once worked in this area before the war. I am familiar with most of the towns and cities mentioned, although they are unrecognizably changed. I am heartbroken by what has happened to this land and its people and for my own mental health I have tried to avoid watching news or reading anything about what has happened there. To be honest if I had known this story involved war torn Syria, I would never have picked it up. This is likely not to be such a big issue for most readers but for me it was excruciatingly difficult. To be clear the sections of this book about the war zones will be uncomfortable for anyone to read. The atrocities are unfathomable and horrific.
My personal connection to this area made this especially difficult for me. I did continue and managed to finish the book and in the end I am glad that I did. I did get the happy ending I was expecting and hoping for, even if the journey was rockier than I was expecting. My personal experience strongly coloured my perceptions of this book, but I do want to warn readers that there is fairly graphic violence including sexual violence. Anyone with sensitivities might want to prepare themselves or avoid this one altogether. The characters and the story are really good, and the conclusion was satisfying and happy, but it was not the easy light read I was expecting. Your experience with this story will likely be completely different than mine and I do believe that most of Swan’s fans will enjoy it but be aware that there is a darker taint to this one and it may not be the fluffy read you are looking for.
Thank you Pan Macmillan for providing an Electronic Advance Reader Copy via NetGalley for review.
The terrifying event that precipitated her retirement takes place in war torn Syria. I was completely blindsided by descriptions of the people and landscape of Syria and the horror of the war. This was particularly awful for me since I once worked in this area before the war. I am familiar with most of the towns and cities mentioned, although they are unrecognizably changed. I am heartbroken by what has happened to this land and its people and for my own mental health I have tried to avoid watching news or reading anything about what has happened there. To be honest if I had known this story involved war torn Syria, I would never have picked it up. This is likely not to be such a big issue for most readers but for me it was excruciatingly difficult. To be clear the sections of this book about the war zones will be uncomfortable for anyone to read. The atrocities are unfathomable and horrific.
My personal connection to this area made this especially difficult for me. I did continue and managed to finish the book and in the end I am glad that I did. I did get the happy ending I was expecting and hoping for, even if the journey was rockier than I was expecting. My personal experience strongly coloured my perceptions of this book, but I do want to warn readers that there is fairly graphic violence including sexual violence. Anyone with sensitivities might want to prepare themselves or avoid this one altogether. The characters and the story are really good, and the conclusion was satisfying and happy, but it was not the easy light read I was expecting. Your experience with this story will likely be completely different than mine and I do believe that most of Swan’s fans will enjoy it but be aware that there is a darker taint to this one and it may not be the fluffy read you are looking for.
Thank you Pan Macmillan for providing an Electronic Advance Reader Copy via NetGalley for review.
November 25, 2020
If you are only going to read one Christmas novel this year then choose this one by Karen Swan. I really suffered from 'just-one-more-chapter' syndrome whilst reading it. I really enjoy her books, but this has to be her best I've read so far. There is just so much to this modern romance, and IMHO, the blurb doesn't do it complete justice, with its many threads, and dark themes running below the surface. There is such depth to this amazing book.
The research Karen Swan must have undertaken was impressive, and events and occurrences came across as believable and realistic. Lee's past and her connection to Harry Cunningham massively intrigued me and the manner in which key information was drip-fed to the reader had me rapidly turning the pages to see what would happen next. Together by Christmas is set in Amsterdam, which was really special to me on a personal level. With wonderful, complex characters, I was soon very much invested in all of their lives. The main character, Lee is a photojournalist, based in Amsterdam with her five-year-old son. She was a war photographer and her experiences there have marked her. I loved her spirit, and her determination to make a normal life for her and Jasper. I also liked her friends and the others who were part of this fabulous tale and everyone was exceptionally well drawn. The reader got to learn all about Dutch Christmas traditions and it's always good to see how Christmas is celebrated in other countries.
Overall, Together by Christmas is utterly riveting and gripping and I'm sure it will remain in my mind for a long while.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel from Pan Macmillan via NetGalley at my request and this review is my own unbiased opinion.
The research Karen Swan must have undertaken was impressive, and events and occurrences came across as believable and realistic. Lee's past and her connection to Harry Cunningham massively intrigued me and the manner in which key information was drip-fed to the reader had me rapidly turning the pages to see what would happen next. Together by Christmas is set in Amsterdam, which was really special to me on a personal level. With wonderful, complex characters, I was soon very much invested in all of their lives. The main character, Lee is a photojournalist, based in Amsterdam with her five-year-old son. She was a war photographer and her experiences there have marked her. I loved her spirit, and her determination to make a normal life for her and Jasper. I also liked her friends and the others who were part of this fabulous tale and everyone was exceptionally well drawn. The reader got to learn all about Dutch Christmas traditions and it's always good to see how Christmas is celebrated in other countries.
Overall, Together by Christmas is utterly riveting and gripping and I'm sure it will remain in my mind for a long while.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel from Pan Macmillan via NetGalley at my request and this review is my own unbiased opinion.
January 12, 2021
Absolutely heartwarming Christmas read, full of wonderful and interesting characters, great community and full of family and love. This is a lovely seasonal read
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for a free copy for an honest opinion
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for a free copy for an honest opinion
July 30, 2023
Prachtig verhaal
December 26, 2020
Another great book by Karen Swan with an interesting setting.
October 16, 2021
Lee ist eine erstklassige Fotografin, die mit ihrem Sohn in Amsterdam lebt. Sie hat nach ihrem letzten Job beschlossen, dass sie keine Beziehung braucht und will. Doch als sie eines Tages im Krankenhaus dem gutaussehenden Nikolaus Sam über den Weg läuft, scheint ihr Vorsatz mit einem Schlag zu Nichte zu sein. Jedoch lässt ihre Vergangenheit sie nicht in Ruhe und missgönnt ihr einen Neustart. Daneben gibt es auch einen mysteriösen Hilferuf, bei dem ausgerechnet Sam ihr helfen kann.
Das Cover gefällt mir richtig gut. Es zeigt zwei Menschen, die sich scheinbar zufällig über den Weg laufen. Das spiegelt sehr gut das zufällige Kennenlernen von Lee und Sam wieder. Die Atmosphäre des Covers ist ein Traum. Ich bin sofort weihnachtlich gestimmt und kann den ersten Schnee kaum erwarten. Der Schreibstil ist sehr einfühlsam und detailliert. Karen Swan kommt aber auch in den Szenen aus der Vergangenheit direkt auf den Punkt und beschönigt die Situation nicht, sodass man teilweise den Atem anhält. Karen hat zudem ein klasse Gespür für Charaktere. Sie weiß genau, welche Charaktere wie miteinander harmonisieren. Vor allem schafft sie es mich an das Buch zu fesseln und mich von der Geschichte vereinnahmen zu lassen.
Lee ist eine selbständige und unabhängige Frau, die nach außen hin eine harte Schale hat und auch keine Schwächen zeigt. Jedoch ist sie tief im Inneren schwer durch ihren alten Job als Kriegsfotografin traumatisiert. Ihr Sohn Jasper hilft ihr die Lichtblicke im Leben zu sehen. Er ist ein sehr einfühlsamer Sohn, der stets für seine Mutter da ist und für sie ein Verständnis aufbringt, welches nicht selbstverständlich ist – schon gar nicht in seinem Alter. Sam ist ein charismatischer Mann, der ebenfalls ein Päckchen mit sich zu schleppen scheint. Jedoch versucht er es zu ignorieren und lebt sein Leben wie es ihm passt. Sein Job als Kinderbuchautor lässt ihn dabei als einfühlsamen Mann erscheinen.
Amsterdam hat mir als Setting sehr gut gefallen. Ich konnte es mir mit den Grachten richtig gut vorstellen. Und vor allem die bunten weihnachtlich geschmückten Lichter hatte ich stets vor Augen. Karen Swan hat eine tolle weihnachtliche und besinnliche Atmosphäre geschaffen, die einem ein wohliges Gefühl gegeben hat.
Die Geschichte selbst ist sehr bewegend, packend und vor allem wirkt sie sehr authentisch. Lees Gefühlswelt wirkt teilweise hart, teilweise zerbrechlich. Sie trägt einen inneren Kampf mit sich selbst aus. Erst im Laufe der Geschichte versteht man ihre Beweggründe und warum sie so ist.
Die Rückblenden sind für mich eine Geschichte, die ich sehr fesselnd und bewegend wahrgenommen habe. Vor allem finde ich sie unfassbar authentisch. Jeder von uns hat sicherlich schon einmal in den Nachrichten Bilder aus Kriegsgebieten gesehen, doch man kann es sich einfach nicht vorstellen. Allein die Situation Krieg ist unvorstellbar und will man sich auch gar nicht vorstellen. Karen Swan nimmt einen genau an einen solchen Ort mit und lässt uns an Lees Geschichte teilhaben. Diese Szenen sind für mich Momente gewesen, an denen ich teilweise echt den Atem angehalten habe. Ich wusste im Laufe der Zeit welches Schicksal wohl Lee ereilt hat, umso mehr wollte ich die Szene dann nicht lesen. Es hat mich einfach zu sehr berührt und mitgenommen. Denn es gibt genug Menschen, die dieses Schicksal teilen – wenn auch nicht in einem Kriegskontext.
Einen starken und vor allem friedlichen Kontrast dazu bildet die Geschichte aus dem hier und jetzt, die diese Geschichte auch aufatmen lässt. In dem heutigen Strang kann man viel Liebe, Zuversicht und vor allem Hoffnung erleben. Zudem lässt der weihnachtliche Zauber die Geschichte in einem weißen Kleid erstrahlen.
Für mich ist dieses Buch eine tolle zeitgenössische Liebesgeschichte, die ganz ohne irgendwelchen Liebeskitsch auskommt. Sie ist sehr rein und pur. Insgesamt hat die Geschichte mich sehr vereinnahmt.
Das Cover gefällt mir richtig gut. Es zeigt zwei Menschen, die sich scheinbar zufällig über den Weg laufen. Das spiegelt sehr gut das zufällige Kennenlernen von Lee und Sam wieder. Die Atmosphäre des Covers ist ein Traum. Ich bin sofort weihnachtlich gestimmt und kann den ersten Schnee kaum erwarten. Der Schreibstil ist sehr einfühlsam und detailliert. Karen Swan kommt aber auch in den Szenen aus der Vergangenheit direkt auf den Punkt und beschönigt die Situation nicht, sodass man teilweise den Atem anhält. Karen hat zudem ein klasse Gespür für Charaktere. Sie weiß genau, welche Charaktere wie miteinander harmonisieren. Vor allem schafft sie es mich an das Buch zu fesseln und mich von der Geschichte vereinnahmen zu lassen.
Lee ist eine selbständige und unabhängige Frau, die nach außen hin eine harte Schale hat und auch keine Schwächen zeigt. Jedoch ist sie tief im Inneren schwer durch ihren alten Job als Kriegsfotografin traumatisiert. Ihr Sohn Jasper hilft ihr die Lichtblicke im Leben zu sehen. Er ist ein sehr einfühlsamer Sohn, der stets für seine Mutter da ist und für sie ein Verständnis aufbringt, welches nicht selbstverständlich ist – schon gar nicht in seinem Alter. Sam ist ein charismatischer Mann, der ebenfalls ein Päckchen mit sich zu schleppen scheint. Jedoch versucht er es zu ignorieren und lebt sein Leben wie es ihm passt. Sein Job als Kinderbuchautor lässt ihn dabei als einfühlsamen Mann erscheinen.
Amsterdam hat mir als Setting sehr gut gefallen. Ich konnte es mir mit den Grachten richtig gut vorstellen. Und vor allem die bunten weihnachtlich geschmückten Lichter hatte ich stets vor Augen. Karen Swan hat eine tolle weihnachtliche und besinnliche Atmosphäre geschaffen, die einem ein wohliges Gefühl gegeben hat.
Die Geschichte selbst ist sehr bewegend, packend und vor allem wirkt sie sehr authentisch. Lees Gefühlswelt wirkt teilweise hart, teilweise zerbrechlich. Sie trägt einen inneren Kampf mit sich selbst aus. Erst im Laufe der Geschichte versteht man ihre Beweggründe und warum sie so ist.
Die Rückblenden sind für mich eine Geschichte, die ich sehr fesselnd und bewegend wahrgenommen habe. Vor allem finde ich sie unfassbar authentisch. Jeder von uns hat sicherlich schon einmal in den Nachrichten Bilder aus Kriegsgebieten gesehen, doch man kann es sich einfach nicht vorstellen. Allein die Situation Krieg ist unvorstellbar und will man sich auch gar nicht vorstellen. Karen Swan nimmt einen genau an einen solchen Ort mit und lässt uns an Lees Geschichte teilhaben. Diese Szenen sind für mich Momente gewesen, an denen ich teilweise echt den Atem angehalten habe. Ich wusste im Laufe der Zeit welches Schicksal wohl Lee ereilt hat, umso mehr wollte ich die Szene dann nicht lesen. Es hat mich einfach zu sehr berührt und mitgenommen. Denn es gibt genug Menschen, die dieses Schicksal teilen – wenn auch nicht in einem Kriegskontext.
Einen starken und vor allem friedlichen Kontrast dazu bildet die Geschichte aus dem hier und jetzt, die diese Geschichte auch aufatmen lässt. In dem heutigen Strang kann man viel Liebe, Zuversicht und vor allem Hoffnung erleben. Zudem lässt der weihnachtliche Zauber die Geschichte in einem weißen Kleid erstrahlen.
Für mich ist dieses Buch eine tolle zeitgenössische Liebesgeschichte, die ganz ohne irgendwelchen Liebeskitsch auskommt. Sie ist sehr rein und pur. Insgesamt hat die Geschichte mich sehr vereinnahmt.
February 23, 2022
Deze recensie is eerder verschenen op Koukleum.nl.
Het boek begint met een proloog aan de Turks-Syrische grens in 2014. Dit zorgt ervoor dat ik nieuwsgierig word en de bladzijde snel omsla. Dan maken we een sprong naar 2020 en zijn we in Amsterdam, we zijn bij de intocht van Sinterklaas. Lee schrikt enorm van, wat achteraf tot haar doordringt, een rotje. Hierdoor merk je als lezer, dat ze toch wel iets overgehouden heeft van haar tijd als oorlogsfotograaf.
Hierna leren we de verschillende hoofdpersonages goed kennen. Karen Swan heeft een vlotte schrijfstijl en ondanks de toch wel heftige onderwerpen, de trauma’s die Lee opgelopen heeft in Syrië, leest het boek makkelijk. Ook gebeurt er genoeg in het verhaal waardoor het tempo redelijk hoog ligt.
Op de achterflap wordt er gesproken over een mysterie met een tekst in een boek. Echter, dit mysterie, vind ik persoonlijk, heeft maar een hele kleine rol in het boek. Het grotere mysterie was voor mij waarom ging Harry terug naar Syrië, terwijl hij binnen een paar weken vader zou worden? Dit blijft lange tijd onduidelijk. Wel krijg je als lezer steeds kleine brokjes informatie. Deze krijg je doordat Lee regelmatig in gesprek is met haar therapeut en deze stukjes zijn dan ook cursief gedrukt en deze stukjes gaan steeds over de periode dat Lee in Syrië was en het wordt al snel duidelijk dat hier iets heftigs gebeurd is, waardoor Lee ook moeite heeft om mensen te vertrouwen.
Door de combinatie van een roman en de verslaggeving over de strijd in Syrië, zorgt er voor dat dit voor mij een uniek boek is. Dit vind ik erg goed gekozen, want ik denk dat het belangrijk is dat meer mensen te weten komen wat er nu allemaal gebeurde in Syrië. Aan de andere kant laat Swan dit niet de hoofdrol spelen waardoor het boek niet te zwaar wordt. Maar durft ze ook andere gevoelige onderwerpen aan te stippen, zoals bijvoorbeeld de verwachtingen die ouders van je kunnen hebben.
Het is natuurlijk niet alleen maar miserie wat er zich afspeelt. Er is ook een behoorlijke portie romantiek. En dit zorgt voor een perfecte combinatie. Hierdoor vloog ik echt door het boek en was deze bijna niet aan de kant te leggen. Dit vind ik tot nog toe het beste boek wat ik van de hand van Swan gelezen heb. En het is natuurlijk extra leuk dat het verhaal zich dan ook nog in Nederland afspeelt en naast Kerstmis ook het echt Nederlandse feest Sinterklaas gevierd wordt in het boek.
Je merkt dat Swan echt goed research gedaan heeft voor haar boek en ondanks de echt Nederlandse tradities ze deze precies weet te omschrijven en ik me echt thuis voelde onder het lezen.
Het boek begint met een proloog aan de Turks-Syrische grens in 2014. Dit zorgt ervoor dat ik nieuwsgierig word en de bladzijde snel omsla. Dan maken we een sprong naar 2020 en zijn we in Amsterdam, we zijn bij de intocht van Sinterklaas. Lee schrikt enorm van, wat achteraf tot haar doordringt, een rotje. Hierdoor merk je als lezer, dat ze toch wel iets overgehouden heeft van haar tijd als oorlogsfotograaf.
Hierna leren we de verschillende hoofdpersonages goed kennen. Karen Swan heeft een vlotte schrijfstijl en ondanks de toch wel heftige onderwerpen, de trauma’s die Lee opgelopen heeft in Syrië, leest het boek makkelijk. Ook gebeurt er genoeg in het verhaal waardoor het tempo redelijk hoog ligt.
Op de achterflap wordt er gesproken over een mysterie met een tekst in een boek. Echter, dit mysterie, vind ik persoonlijk, heeft maar een hele kleine rol in het boek. Het grotere mysterie was voor mij waarom ging Harry terug naar Syrië, terwijl hij binnen een paar weken vader zou worden? Dit blijft lange tijd onduidelijk. Wel krijg je als lezer steeds kleine brokjes informatie. Deze krijg je doordat Lee regelmatig in gesprek is met haar therapeut en deze stukjes zijn dan ook cursief gedrukt en deze stukjes gaan steeds over de periode dat Lee in Syrië was en het wordt al snel duidelijk dat hier iets heftigs gebeurd is, waardoor Lee ook moeite heeft om mensen te vertrouwen.
Door de combinatie van een roman en de verslaggeving over de strijd in Syrië, zorgt er voor dat dit voor mij een uniek boek is. Dit vind ik erg goed gekozen, want ik denk dat het belangrijk is dat meer mensen te weten komen wat er nu allemaal gebeurde in Syrië. Aan de andere kant laat Swan dit niet de hoofdrol spelen waardoor het boek niet te zwaar wordt. Maar durft ze ook andere gevoelige onderwerpen aan te stippen, zoals bijvoorbeeld de verwachtingen die ouders van je kunnen hebben.
Het is natuurlijk niet alleen maar miserie wat er zich afspeelt. Er is ook een behoorlijke portie romantiek. En dit zorgt voor een perfecte combinatie. Hierdoor vloog ik echt door het boek en was deze bijna niet aan de kant te leggen. Dit vind ik tot nog toe het beste boek wat ik van de hand van Swan gelezen heb. En het is natuurlijk extra leuk dat het verhaal zich dan ook nog in Nederland afspeelt en naast Kerstmis ook het echt Nederlandse feest Sinterklaas gevierd wordt in het boek.
Je merkt dat Swan echt goed research gedaan heeft voor haar boek en ondanks de echt Nederlandse tradities ze deze precies weet te omschrijven en ik me echt thuis voelde onder het lezen.
December 24, 2020
Everyone Deserves a Second Chance
Escape to the snow-covered streets of Amsterdam in this deeply romantic read, featuring twists, turns and characters you’ll fall in love with.
Out October 2020
448 Pages
MY THOUGHTS:
I received this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
I’ve had the pleasure of reading and reviewing all of Karen Swan’s books and always look forward to reading the next. I’ve even had the pleasure of interviewing Ms. Swan and found her intelligent, worldly and an amazing woman.
This book is complex, which is standard Swan expectation, full of historical notations and intrigue. This book is full of suspense, tension and secrets. For me, this was the first Karen Swan book that I couldn’t relate to the character and feel her growth throughout the story. Nor, could I get into the setting as it switched back and forth at times. Although a Christmas story, and yes, there were many Christmas elements included making it a “holiday book,” I just didn’t feel the vibe as I should. Secrets, secrets, intrigue, complexities, sexual undercurrents… all present. This was a powerful book, insightful and well-written. Swan pulls off another great piece of writing, and the romance is hot and tense.
I loved this book and didn’t, if that makes sense. It’s wonderfully written, but not really with the same holiday zest and zeal. Many sections in the book were extreme and dark, important to the story, but sometimes hard to read. An interesting concept by Swan and I wonder if her writing is going in a more real, punch in the gut direction that will eventually lead her out of writing holiday books. Regardless of what Swan writes, I’m a fan and look forward to seeing where her incredible talent takes us next.
Escape to the snow-covered streets of Amsterdam in this deeply romantic read, featuring twists, turns and characters you’ll fall in love with.
Out October 2020
448 Pages
MY THOUGHTS:
I received this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
I’ve had the pleasure of reading and reviewing all of Karen Swan’s books and always look forward to reading the next. I’ve even had the pleasure of interviewing Ms. Swan and found her intelligent, worldly and an amazing woman.
This book is complex, which is standard Swan expectation, full of historical notations and intrigue. This book is full of suspense, tension and secrets. For me, this was the first Karen Swan book that I couldn’t relate to the character and feel her growth throughout the story. Nor, could I get into the setting as it switched back and forth at times. Although a Christmas story, and yes, there were many Christmas elements included making it a “holiday book,” I just didn’t feel the vibe as I should. Secrets, secrets, intrigue, complexities, sexual undercurrents… all present. This was a powerful book, insightful and well-written. Swan pulls off another great piece of writing, and the romance is hot and tense.
I loved this book and didn’t, if that makes sense. It’s wonderfully written, but not really with the same holiday zest and zeal. Many sections in the book were extreme and dark, important to the story, but sometimes hard to read. An interesting concept by Swan and I wonder if her writing is going in a more real, punch in the gut direction that will eventually lead her out of writing holiday books. Regardless of what Swan writes, I’m a fan and look forward to seeing where her incredible talent takes us next.
October 10, 2020
I struggled to put this book down, it just caught my attention from page on. It is a story with lots of twists and turns, and gripped me from page one. I loved it, so we'll written and totally engrossing.
Lee is the main character and she is a photojournalist, now living n Amsterdam with her young son. Previously a war photographer, her experiences marked her and now conflict with her life. These complex and well written characters who made the book come to life.
Yet another fantastic story from Karen Swan with a lovely Christmas feel. I highly recommend it.
Lee is the main character and she is a photojournalist, now living n Amsterdam with her young son. Previously a war photographer, her experiences marked her and now conflict with her life. These complex and well written characters who made the book come to life.
Yet another fantastic story from Karen Swan with a lovely Christmas feel. I highly recommend it.
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