| Title | : | The Snow Globe |
| Author | : | |
| Rating | : | |
| ISBN | : | 1429941669 |
| ISBN-10 | : | 9781429941662 |
| Language | : | English |
| Format Type | : | ebook |
| Number of Pages | : | 176 |
| Publication | : | First published January 1, 2010 |
On a blustery afternoon, Kylie Gray wanders into an antique shop and buys an enchanting snow globe. "There's a story behind that snow globe," the antique dealer tells her. The original owner, he explains, was a German toymaker who lost his wife and son right before Christmas. When the grieving widower received the handcrafted snow globe as a Christmas gift, he saw the image of a beautiful woman beneath the glass—a woman who would come into his life, mend his broken heart and bring him back to the world of the living. For years, the snow globe has passed from generation to generation, somehow always landing in the hands of a person in special need of a Christmas miracle.
Kiley could use a miracle herself. This year, all she wants for Christmas is someone to love. A hopeful shake leads her on an adventure that makes a believer out of her. When Kylie shares the story of the snow globe with her best friends—two women with problems of their own—they don't believe it. But they're about to discover that at Christmastime, sometimes the impossible becomes possible and miracles really do come true.
The Snow Globe Reviews
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Kiley Gray discovers a snow globe with a fantastic backstory in an antique shop. The snow globe has passed from generation to generation always fallen in the hands of a person that needs a Christmas miracle. Will this snow globe fulfill Kiley’s deepest desires and also help her friends who are also in need of a Christmas miracle.
I haven't had the best track record when it comes to romance novels these last couple of months. So I was a bit weary when it was time to reading this book. But I was in for a surprise! This book was sweet and cozy and had a wonderful Christmas feeling all over it. Sure it was romance in it, but it was much more than that. It was about family, happiness, and miracles. And the romantic part of it…it was perfectly ok. Not a single graphic sex scene. I'm happy!
The best part of the book was that it wasn't just a girl that needs to find a guy, sure Kiley wanted to find someone to love, but her friends didn’t need a man to love, Suzanne was married with a child and was about to lose her family because she was blind to anything else than making money and Allison grieved her grandmother who died the year before.
Thank you Piatkus for providing me with a free copy for an honest review! -
What? Only two stars for a book with Christmas, a magical snow globe and romance? How can that be? Well, my friends, it be because the characters are cardboard, one-dimentsional stereotypes and some of the dialogue between them sounds more like middle schoolers than adults? One of the first questions asked by one leading man is do you have a boyfriend. I don't think a grown man would say this. Something more like are you single or seeing someone sounds more like a grown-up. And they are just immediately together. Yes, she has to wait a few days for him to call. I guess that was supposed to add tension, but failed for me. The constant comparing to her ex was grating. Seriously, if everyting new guy does just makes you think of old guy, then maybe you haven't really moved on at all. This plot wasn't deep enough to be engaging.
The second plot about the workaholic wife and mother was just very typical. She must learn her lesson before it is too late. Shallow characters and shallow plot.
And the third magical plot is so short and abrupt with an almost maniacally ridiculous familyReally. Well, that is kind of a rip considering what her friends got, I think.
This doesn't sparkle and shine as you'd expect a holiday story to do. It is just very blah. -
A very cute winter/Christmas time read.... 2 stars for cuteness, 1 star for the snow globe and 1 star cause it the Christmas time season.....
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Ugh, utter schmaltz. Riley’s love story wasn’t believable, poor Suzanne was brainwashed into thinking giving up her life for her loved ones was better than a compromise and poor Allison got a “new” Grandmom, which is cool, but also going to be a new heartbreak for her in the future. And WOW her family was made out to be incredibly trashy. And her story was the shortest of them all. I think she needed more. Riley too, as her love story just wasn’t believable. Too much time spent on Suzanne and her life being flipped. This book is not one of the better Christmas cheer genre. Avoid. It’s just weird and depressing.
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First book I have read by this author. Won’t be the last. Great characterisation, warm feel to it and oodles of magic
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This novel is a wonderful way to spend a winter afternoon, especially when you need a positive pick-me-up!
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The Snow Globe is a short novel filled with Christmas spirit. An antique snow globe is being passed from person to person, working in a miraculous way to change their lives for the better. In the book, the snow globe makes its way to our three female main characters, and plays a pivotal role in changing their lives.
Fans of holiday movies will gobble this up. Filled with every-day problems, The Snow Globe solves them all with a neat little bow. Written in a forward manner, Ms Roberts goes straight to the point - the problems of the three friends, Kiley, Suzanne and Allison, are immediately and concisely laid before us. Kiley is dealing with a crappy break-up and the lack of a boyfriend, Suzanne tries to juggle her career and her family with the family drawing the short end, and Allison misses her grandmother who passed away a year ago. These issues are dealt with in a predictable, though satisfying way.
The Snow Globe does exactly what it promises: leave you with a good mood and the belief that all is right with the world. It left a slightly bitter taste for me, because I had some fundamental issues with the way some subjects were handled. But don't mind this Grinch if you're looking for something light and fluffy for the holidays - The Snow Globe will probably do perfectly.
Grinchness and huge spoilers beyond this point. -
The German snow globe had a history. In December 1880, Otto Schwartz, a German toymaker, was still grieving for his wife. He’d lost both his wife and child during childbirth the year before. His sister sent him the snow globe with an angel inside to comfort him. As he shook it and saw the snow fluttering over the little scene; the image began to change. The angel’s hair was turning darker. She began to bear a similarity to his beloved wife.
At the Christmas season in present day, Kiley Gray feels herself compelled to enter the antique shop. Her boyfriend, Jeremy, had dumped her during her Halloween party. As if that is not already bad enough, he dumped her for her younger sister. In a few days, she’d be forced to face her family for Thanksgiving who would include her sister, Gwinnie, and Jeremy. She couldn’t understand exactly what attracted her to the snow globe, but she bought it. Her friends thought it was beautiful. Within a few days’ time, Kiley was calling her friends explaining the changes she was seeing in the snow globe. Those changes seemed to correspond, even foretell, her first few days after she met Craig Peters, a toy shop owner. Everything was going so well, her friends began to call him Mr. Wonderful. But the magic of this enchanted snow globe doesn’t stop there.
This is pure fantasy, but a nice fantasy to have. It is a delightful, feel-good type of story. I loved that Kiley had good friends to help her through a bad spot and supported her when she found happiness again. If only we all had a snow globe that could help to lead our paths when we’re completely lost, but that would be too easy. If you love Christmas; love Romance; and love happy endings, this would be a nice book to spend a bit of time with. Rating: 3.5 out of 5. -
Overall, this book was a big letdown. Big time meh. It was full of cliches (writing and story telling) and for the most part, it held no identity. Around the 1/3rd mark it started to feel like the story was being rushed and then this happened. The plot was completely taken over by this secondary characters' story, who is an exceedingly negative, ungrateful, hyper privileged white woman, who just exudes shitty character throughout the story. Now I'm well aware the point of the story is that this magical snow globe helps to reverse its owners poor fortune, but as a reader, why should I give a shit about this woman's "outlook" on her privileged-ass life. For me there was nothing redeeming about her character. I'll refrain from getting into the part where an angel in a dream tries to talk her out of being a shitty person. There was some sloppy, lazy writing. Example: two people will be having a conversation, four sentences are exchanged then magically a half hour has passed, all within the same paragraph. Or the opposite of that, an event happens, paragraph ends, a new paragraph starts and the event is simply continued. I find that sloppy and ugly to read. Maybe I'm being picky but I don't see the point of it.
To sum up, first half was fine, very bland but fine (Kiley). First quarter of the second half (Suzanne) was absolute garbage, and the final quarter (Allison) was somewhat redeeming and really well done! It was sweet and charming and had a super believable chaotic family dynamic in it. I wish the rest of the book was like the Allison part. -
I wish this whole book had been expanded and just been about Kylie. Either that or the book should have been much longer to fully develop the stories of her friends.
Even though this book left me wanting more it was still an enjoyable holiday read.
Rest of my review:
http://iamareadernotawriter.blogspot.... -
Very cute for the holidays. It was nothing exceptional, but I enjoyed it for what it was. It was pretty much exactly what I was expecting. It's the first book I've finished in a while, considering I've been in a huge slump for about 5 months. If it had been any longer, I probably would have never finished this one either. Thankfully, thought, it was quick, light, and easy to read.
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This is a definite 5 out of 5. Magical, delightful Christmas novella with a trio of girlfriends and a mysterious snow globe.
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I was wanting a new Christmas novel in my life to read, and this was my first of the year to finish, even if it is a bit early. I picked this book up in a charity shop for 50p. After looking up the book on Goodreads it’s actually part of the Life in Icicle Falls Series, which I didn’t realise, but felt the book can be read as a standalone. I enjoyed how the book switched to different characters stories, but they were all connected together. The story was everything I expected it to be, gentle, romantic with themes of Christmas throughout. I flew through it, as the writing style was easy to absorb. I was looking for a very light read, so it worked out perfectly. I would recommend it to all.
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A cute read with a touch of magic for those who need it.
Kylie is fascinated by the story of the snow globe she sees in an antique shop while on a getaway with her closest friends. She buys it because she wants to believe that it will show her how to get past the bitterness in her life. When the swirling snow inside the globe reveals more to her than others can see, she decides to reach out for the new possibility.
It's about hope and second chances and the power of believing in something. -
This is a sweet Christmas book about love, friendships, family and miracles. Kylie is feeling alone right before Christmas. She's lost her job, her boyfriend has left her, and her friends are too busy to really include her in their activities.
She decides to treat herself to an antiques store trip, where she finds a snow globe that she fancies, but should she spend some of her dwindling money to buy it. The store owner convinces her with a story of it's history, that it is special for people who need it. When she takes it home, she realizes that it has special powers. She eventually shares it with her doubting friends, and they too find it does great things for them too.
I found this book to be an uplifting read. Very creative thinking and just a perfect read for the miracles of the season. Though it is a small book, the simplicity makes it a fun read. We love snow globes in our house, which might have added to enjoyment to this fantasy read!! -
This is a very cute book for the Christmas season. This young woman Kiley, buys a snow globe. The image she sees in the snow globe leads her to a new romance. She gives it to her friend and she sees something different in the snow globe and that image comes true. It gets passed to another friend and the image she sees in the snow globe comes true. I thought it was a nice book for the Christmas season. It is a short quick read that puts you in the Christmas spirit. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. I thought it had a nice story and a feel good sense when you finished reading it. I would recommend it to anyone looking for a holiday read.
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Great short read when you want a light happy mood! :)
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Super cute book! Had a little bit of everything in it. From romance to friendship to a little bit of Christmas magic it was packed. Loved it
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This is my first book of Sheila Roberts and I loved it. Kept me very encaged in wanting know what happened next.
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Such A Cute Story. I’m A Sucker For Anything Festive & Magical So The Snowglobe Was A Fab Touch.
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Since ‘The Snow Globe’ was my first Christmas read ever, I didn’t really know if this would be something for me. But I must say that I really enjoyed reading ‘The Snow Globe’. This book is really easy to read and I loved the overall Christmas spirit and the magic of the globe. It’s a very short book and the story goes in a very fast pace, but it still kept me interested. I really wanted to keep reading. Some parts in this book made me feel like it was a little rushed by the author but it didn’t bother me too much.
The character I loved the most was definitely Alison, Kiley’s friend. I loved how loyal she was to her friend, and even how naïve she was. And I also felt like Alison was the only person who really deserved a Christmas miracle. Her family was just too terrible and I felt sad for her because she had to spend Christmas with an arguing family.
I can definitely conclude that this was a nice Christmas story. Nothing complicated and heart stopping, and it’s not a very strong story but I liked it as a little pre- Christmas read. It definitely made me look forward to Christmas a little more. I think this is a perfect book to read for a nice warm fireplace with Christmas carols in the background. But if you want to read a good and mindblowing story this book is not for you. -
If you're looking for an easy holiday read with a little bit of Christmas magic and just enough romance to make you smile, this is a great option.
Roberts has a wonderfully warm and cozy voice that pulls you in from the very first page. The characters feel real; I can see a piece of myself in each of the three main female characters. And while I recognize that the book is a bit silly, it's not as shallow as you might think. There is self-realization, familial love and loyalty (and also a bit of betrayal and anger, so...it's realistic!), friendship, a change of heart, marital struggles and reconciliation, coping with grief, and so much more. But above all, there's love. Love between friends, spouses, siblings, parents and children, new flames, and even a dog.
This book is cute, fun, and well-written enough that you won't even care that its plot is a cheesy Hallmark movie style holiday read. I'd actually love to read a sequel. -
Kiley pops into a shop and finds a beautiful and very old snow globe. There even is a story that goes along with it. When Kiley shakes the globe the settling snow reveals a different scene than when she saw it in the store. It reveals a toy store in a out of the way shopping area. Kiley and Allison go on the hunt for the store and when they find it Kiley goes off with the owner for a cup of coffee. Next time Kiley shakes the globe the scene has changed again. Kiley passes the globe on to Suzanne who isn't so thrilled with what the globe reveals. When Allison receives it she sees someone she misses very much, someone who made her growing up years more bearable.
Good Christmas story. I love the way the story flowed and the secrets the globe revealed. I think most of us wish we could peak into the future once in awhile. -
I read a bunch of favorable reviews of this one, so when given the opportunity to review this I jumped at the chance. I'm glad that I took the time to read this holiday story as I really enjoyed Kylie's story and the back story about the Snow Globe. What I didn't care for was including two underdeveloped stories in addition to Kylie's. They both felt rushed with lackluster conclusions. I feel that Sheila would've have been better off to just expand on Kylie's story while including her friends in her journey with the Snow Globe. Overall, I laughed and my heartstrings were tugged with Kylie's story which helped even out my disappointment with the other two.
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This really is not a novel it is very short stories, to short for me to really get into any of them a lot. The story left a lot of parts out, skipping over them or just never talking about them at all. I was disappointed in this book and I felt like it was the same story I have read in other much better written Christmas story's that I love!
It was a quick read and was not horrible but I really wanted more and would not have paid the $10 if I knew they were just short stories.
I gave this one more star on Amazon only because they rate there stars different the book was ok, but not something I would ever recommend to anyone. -
Kiley finds a snow globe at an antiques shop during a girls getaway. The problem is, she's unemployed and can't justify the high price. But...the owner's been on the lookout for the person who needs it and marks it way down. Hr sister and finance are now together and it's hard, but what does she see in the globe? The scene has changed and her future is changing too.
I thought the story had a lot of promise, but kind of left me hanging with Kiley's story and then jumped to two of her friends. I thought the story should have been longer so that all the stories could have been better and more fully developed. -
I thought this book was going to be much different than it was. I liked the whole idea of a Christmas snow globe that helped women in need of a miracle, but it left me feeling slightly disappointed. The whole story felt really rushed and I actually didn't care for the characters all that much. I wanted an uplifting holiday read, and I feel like I got a sappy, overly-sugary sweet one instead. This had great potential, I just wish the characters and storyline weren't so flat and rushed.
