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vincent_vincent79's review against another edition
4.0
I've read a few retellings of the Nutcracker. This was one of my favorite. I liked that it had a historical aspect to it. Easy read. Very clean. I'm glad I can share it with my granddaughter.
karolinebaldwin's review against another edition
5.0
I loved this retelling! Admittedly I haven’t read too many Nutcracker retellings but I thought this one was just charming!
Set a few years after the end of WWII, Clara’s waiting still for her soldier James to come home. Enter sweet godfather Drosselmeyer and a little Christmas magic and you’ve got a story you’ll want to curl up and read by the fire!
I loved Clara and James’ journey, her character growth, and especially the ending. This book wasn’t anything like I guessed it would be and I was so happy and pleased with the result! Brittany hit another book out of the park! I can’t wait for her next one!
I received an ARC for my honest review.
Set a few years after the end of WWII, Clara’s waiting still for her soldier James to come home. Enter sweet godfather Drosselmeyer and a little Christmas magic and you’ve got a story you’ll want to curl up and read by the fire!
I loved Clara and James’ journey, her character growth, and especially the ending. This book wasn’t anything like I guessed it would be and I was so happy and pleased with the result! Brittany hit another book out of the park! I can’t wait for her next one!
I received an ARC for my honest review.
autumn_sunfire's review against another edition
3.0
Things I really liked about this book:
That epilogue packed some EMOTIONS *sniffle*
Clara's devotion to James. The support she got from family.
The aura of tension, **after** I figured out what was going on.
Things I liked less:
I guess I might not be the right person to read a Nutcracker retelling because I don't love the Nutcracker. In fact, let me rephrase: I SHOULDN'T read Nutcracker retellings. Anyway, it took me until 1/3 through the book to figure out that the whole thing was an extended metaphor for soldiers coming back with PTSD and until then it was way too randomly surreal for my taste.
That epilogue packed some EMOTIONS *sniffle*
Clara's devotion to James. The support she got from family.
The aura of tension, **after** I figured out what was going on.
Things I liked less:
I guess I might not be the right person to read a Nutcracker retelling because I don't love the Nutcracker. In fact, let me rephrase: I SHOULDN'T read Nutcracker retellings. Anyway, it took me until 1/3 through the book to figure out that the whole thing was an extended metaphor for soldiers coming back with PTSD and until then it was way too randomly surreal for my taste.
fairytalearista's review against another edition
5.0
My Nutcracker retelling for 2018.
Those last couple pages were kinda hard to read, though. Oddly blurry for some reason. *coughcoughcouldn'tbetearsnowcoulditcoughcough*
Those last couple pages were kinda hard to read, though. Oddly blurry for some reason. *coughcoughcouldn'tbetearsnowcoulditcoughcough*
flowerwineandbooks's review against another edition
4.0
Retelling of The Nutcracker, historical fiction, and taking place in North Carolina? Sign me up!
I highlighted so many quotes and phrases in this book. Many reviews mention, that the metaphor for PTSD is down exceptionally well and I'd agree.
I can also really appreciate the tough soul searching and learning that Clara had to do to be able to decide if she could live with her Nutcracker and his "rats" knowing that it won't ever go away. I think this could be related to many other situations like depression or addiction.
I finished this sweet love story with tears flowing down my face from the loss, the character growth, and the frustrating and bittersweet realization that you can stay by your person but you can never fix them.
I highlighted so many quotes and phrases in this book. Many reviews mention, that the metaphor for PTSD is down exceptionally well and I'd agree.
I can also really appreciate the tough soul searching and learning that Clara had to do to be able to decide if she could live with her Nutcracker and his "rats" knowing that it won't ever go away. I think this could be related to many other situations like depression or addiction.
I finished this sweet love story with tears flowing down my face from the loss, the character growth, and the frustrating and bittersweet realization that you can stay by your person but you can never fix them.
ashleyraye's review
adventurous
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
shelvedthoughts's review against another edition
5.0
Clara + James
Reader Notes:
There is mention of war and results of war, such as physical injury, PTSD, and death. This book is set just as World War II is ending and we see how the war affected both those at home and those who endured the front lines. How people came back different and those who weren’t there didn’t always understand the toll it took on those who had been. It is a story that makes you pause a moment and think. Don’t let the moment pass you by, take the time to think of those before and now who choose to sacrifice themselves for others. And pray for them, whether you truly understand what they are going through or only have glimpses through books, movies, and other forms of entertainment.
Review:
This is a looser nutcracker story retold. It has the elements of the nutcracker, the godfather Drosselmeyer, a dream like world, rats, and the return of the love interest come morning. And though it is looser, it is still interesting and tugs on heartstrings of a love thought to be imagined only to be found true.
Our Clara has seen the soldiers returning from war the past year and a half, hoping to hear word of her own soldier: James. But as the time has gone by, everyone around her hast lost hope and just wants to see her move on and be happy again. Clara stubbornly refuses to act until she knows what has happened to her intended.
Sometimes too much pushing causes someone to break down. Which Clara discovers at her family’s Christmas Eve party, when an aunt pushes her, her nutcracker gift breaks, and someone else tries to throw their hat into the ring for her heart. Exhausted, she goes to her room and falls asleep. Come midnight, the clock chimes and wakes Clara. She realizes she left her nutcracker downstairs and goes to search for it.
This night excursion turns out to be more than she bargained for when she not only sees her love in front of her, but also is somehow transported with him to Britain. It must all be a dream. Yet some things make Clara wonder what is truly going on and why James hasn’t returned to her. Is it really a dream…or is there some truth to the madness that seems to surround them so far from home?
Reader Notes:
There is mention of war and results of war, such as physical injury, PTSD, and death. This book is set just as World War II is ending and we see how the war affected both those at home and those who endured the front lines. How people came back different and those who weren’t there didn’t always understand the toll it took on those who had been. It is a story that makes you pause a moment and think. Don’t let the moment pass you by, take the time to think of those before and now who choose to sacrifice themselves for others. And pray for them, whether you truly understand what they are going through or only have glimpses through books, movies, and other forms of entertainment.
Review:
This is a looser nutcracker story retold. It has the elements of the nutcracker, the godfather Drosselmeyer, a dream like world, rats, and the return of the love interest come morning. And though it is looser, it is still interesting and tugs on heartstrings of a love thought to be imagined only to be found true.
Our Clara has seen the soldiers returning from war the past year and a half, hoping to hear word of her own soldier: James. But as the time has gone by, everyone around her hast lost hope and just wants to see her move on and be happy again. Clara stubbornly refuses to act until she knows what has happened to her intended.
Sometimes too much pushing causes someone to break down. Which Clara discovers at her family’s Christmas Eve party, when an aunt pushes her, her nutcracker gift breaks, and someone else tries to throw their hat into the ring for her heart. Exhausted, she goes to her room and falls asleep. Come midnight, the clock chimes and wakes Clara. She realizes she left her nutcracker downstairs and goes to search for it.
This night excursion turns out to be more than she bargained for when she not only sees her love in front of her, but also is somehow transported with him to Britain. It must all be a dream. Yet some things make Clara wonder what is truly going on and why James hasn’t returned to her. Is it really a dream…or is there some truth to the madness that seems to surround them so far from home?
toriedawn1's review against another edition
4.0
Not what I expected
This book was unexpected. I know the story of the nutcracker ofcourse but this book shines a whole new light on the ideas behind it. I can't say much without giving the story away but this is a quick read and thiugh its confusing (there is a time when you arent supposed to know whats going on) it kept me reading, needing to know how the story would end.
This book was unexpected. I know the story of the nutcracker ofcourse but this book shines a whole new light on the ideas behind it. I can't say much without giving the story away but this is a quick read and thiugh its confusing (there is a time when you arent supposed to know whats going on) it kept me reading, needing to know how the story would end.
miquemarie83's review against another edition
5.0
I received an ARC of this book, and I am voluntarily posting my review.
Brittany Fichter seamlessly weaves fantasy and history together in this romatic retelling of "The Nutcracker" set during the aftermath of WWII. I loved it! This would make a great Christmas gift for the readers in your life.
Brittany Fichter seamlessly weaves fantasy and history together in this romatic retelling of "The Nutcracker" set during the aftermath of WWII. I loved it! This would make a great Christmas gift for the readers in your life.
megma1717's review against another edition
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
4.0
When my book buddy suggested this book, being a lover of The Nutcracker, I had to get it! I loved the similarities and overall concept of the retelling and the focus on such a difficult issue like PTSD. I loved the representation of this mental health issue so many deal with and Fitcher wrote it really well. She did a wonderful job making this relatable and conveyed so well how both sides of a relationship can feel while one person is experiencing the trauma. It was a quick read and definitely enjoyable. Different from most books I’ve read before but I liked the fantasy vibes.