hannahrose_99's review against another edition
4.0
not as crazy about this one as the others, but still so good and holds up!!
madz94's review against another edition
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
5.0
This was a great little Christmas story. I love seeing how holidays like Christmas were celebrated in the past. They are so grateful for even the smallest of gifts in a way I don’t think we are anymore. I love the fashion too.
gillianalice's review against another edition
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.25
always13lwwy's review against another edition
5.0
Awww much too adorable!! I love Samantha so much! Lol
thewordwitch's review against another edition
4.0
This is the book that I recall the most in Samatha's series. I used to re-read it every year around the holidays, and it defined the ideal Christmas for me. The hand-made decorations, sledding, holiday shopping in cozy little stores, a sleigh ride to get the tree. I wanted that to be my Christmas so badly. Even now it reminds me of all the holiday traditions I used to do with my mom. Christmas cookies, decorating our tree, watching movies and TV shows. It's sweet.
(Side note from an adult reader: Does Samantha never think about her parents in these? Like, how she misses them around the holidays? Also, it would be nice of her to wonder how Nellie is doing, since I am sure that Nellie's Christmas looks far different. I suppose the publishing company didn't want to bring the readers down with reality. As a little girl reading this, I may not have been as into reality when I wanted a Christmas fantasy.)
(Side note from an adult reader: Does Samantha never think about her parents in these? Like, how she misses them around the holidays? Also, it would be nice of her to wonder how Nellie is doing, since I am sure that Nellie's Christmas looks far different. I suppose the publishing company didn't want to bring the readers down with reality. As a little girl reading this, I may not have been as into reality when I wanted a Christmas fantasy.)
panda_incognito's review against another edition
4.0
I remembered absolutely nothing about this book, except that Samantha wore a red dress and got a doll. I enjoyed rediscovering the book as an adult, and appreciated Samantha's realistic emotions about how the visit from her uncle's girlfriend's would change her Christmas traditions. Although her attitude gets a bit tiresome, it is completely true to life, and I enjoyed seeing how she processed this and warmed up to Cornelia over time.
Also, Cornelia is a delightful person, and I enjoyed viewing her from the perspective of being her peer, rather than viewing her as an Very Grown Adult. She's so nice to Samantha, remembers what it was like to be a kid, is playful and fun, and strikes the right balance between being respectful and forward-thinking. Although the second book in this series made historical missteps in understanding the world of ideas, this book is near-perfect in its evocation of a Christmas in that era and of a young, modern 1900s woman.
This book is by a different author than the previous two, and the writing and plot structure are much improved. My only complaint is that the "peek into the past" section gives an unrealistic view of Christmases in that era by only focusing on how the wealthy celebrated. I didn't notice this much as a child, but I wish that the historical note had contrasted Christmas traditions across classes instead of making it look like everyone lived in luxury, with lots of toys and lavish meals.
Also, Cornelia is a delightful person, and I enjoyed viewing her from the perspective of being her peer, rather than viewing her as an Very Grown Adult. She's so nice to Samantha, remembers what it was like to be a kid, is playful and fun, and strikes the right balance between being respectful and forward-thinking. Although the second book in this series made historical missteps in understanding the world of ideas, this book is near-perfect in its evocation of a Christmas in that era and of a young, modern 1900s woman.
This book is by a different author than the previous two, and the writing and plot structure are much improved. My only complaint is that the "peek into the past" section gives an unrealistic view of Christmases in that era by only focusing on how the wealthy celebrated. I didn't notice this much as a child, but I wish that the historical note had contrasted Christmas traditions across classes instead of making it look like everyone lived in luxury, with lots of toys and lavish meals.
anikajewel's review against another edition
5.0
Amazing book one of my favorite I would reccomend it to anyone!!!