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43rd out of 391 books
—
556 voters
The Legend of Holly Claus
by
Brittney Ryan (Goodreads Author),
Laurel Long
Santa Claus is the King of Forever, Land of the Immortals. When one special boy writes to Santa asking what no other child has ever asked, a miracle occurs: Santa and Mrs. Claus are blessed with a daughter. But the birth of Holly Claus also brings about a terrible curse--from an evil soul named Herrikhan. Holly's heart is frozen, and the gates to Forever are locked, barrin...more
Paperback, 544 pages
Published
September 26th 2006
by HarperTrophy
(first published September 21st 2004)
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A delightful story with a real Victorian feel, this is the tale of Santa Claus' daughter, Holly. Gifted, kind, intelligent and spunky, Holly has never been able to leave her home before, because she must be cold all the time or her heart will break (literally). But one December she sets out, and finds work in a toyshop with the help of a wolf, some street urchins, and a cloud of magical snow to keep her nicely chilled. A wondrous tale!
I’m a crier. I cry most easily when I’m angry, but I also cry when I’m sad, and when I’m happy, and when my kids are being cute, and when there are freshly baked cookies to be had. I’m the person Brian Andreas had it mind when he wrote, “She said she usually cried at least once each day not because she was sad, but because the world was so beautiful & life was so short.”
The Legend of Holly Claus is a cry book. It made be cry because of its wonder and beauty. Publishers Weekly said it was a “...more
The Legend of Holly Claus is a cry book. It made be cry because of its wonder and beauty. Publishers Weekly said it was a “...more
I'm "stalling" on this, probably until next holiday season. While the focus isn't entirely on Christmas, it just seems really passe to keep reading it now especially after my trip to Florida--no continuity with the holidays at all anymore. Also, it seemed to be a bit over-long as is, so hopefully a return to it later will bring renewed enthusiasm. It's such a sweet idea and so nicely written!
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I absolutely couldn't resist thi...more
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I absolutely couldn't resist thi...more
With Christmas coming closer and closer, I figured I would do a few holiday book reviews to get people into the season. I love reading holiday books doing the month of December and one of my favs to read with my kids is the Legend of Holly Claus. It is a very cute story from the heart of a little boy who asks Santa what he wants for Christmas.
Born to the Clauses is their little girl, Holly, who becomes cursed with a heart surrounded by ice and forced to live her life very alone. With her friend...more
Born to the Clauses is their little girl, Holly, who becomes cursed with a heart surrounded by ice and forced to live her life very alone. With her friend...more
Spectacular holiday read!
I found this book in a used bookstore and was enchanted by the cover. The illustrations throughout the book are equally mesmerizing, the detailed sketches of Holly and the Land of Immortals really fuel the reader's imagination.
The story is quite long but can definitely hold the reader's attention throughout. Many plot twists and side stories to engage young minds. It has 2 excellent messages about giving love selflessly and inspiring others to dream big and go for it...more
I found this book in a used bookstore and was enchanted by the cover. The illustrations throughout the book are equally mesmerizing, the detailed sketches of Holly and the Land of Immortals really fuel the reader's imagination.
The story is quite long but can definitely hold the reader's attention throughout. Many plot twists and side stories to engage young minds. It has 2 excellent messages about giving love selflessly and inspiring others to dream big and go for it...more
Read the full review on Pica Reads.
The Legend of Holly Claus was so sweet and so lovely that I couldn't help but enjoy every minute of it. The illustrations by Laurel Long are are incredibly beautiful and they perfectly complement the story.
I wish the romance could have been fleshed out a little bit more. I didn't really understand why Holly fell in love when she did (trying to stay spoiler-free as much as possible). It seemed like there needed to be one more chapter in the workshop (view spoile...more
The Legend of Holly Claus was so sweet and so lovely that I couldn't help but enjoy every minute of it. The illustrations by Laurel Long are are incredibly beautiful and they perfectly complement the story.
I wish the romance could have been fleshed out a little bit more. I didn't really understand why Holly fell in love when she did (trying to stay spoiler-free as much as possible). It seemed like there needed to be one more chapter in the workshop (view spoile...more
It's so lovely to read; so enchanting and romantic. :)
Well, eversince I was a kid I've always love to watch stories about Christmas, just seeing that festive colors and the brilliant lights, the cheery atmosphere and all the presents under that Christmas tree, it fills my heart soo much wish that every year, I would like to have such merry Christmas. :)
I was sorting through books, one day, at this booksale; I was looking for a mystery book and something new to me to read, and then I suddenly got...more
Well, eversince I was a kid I've always love to watch stories about Christmas, just seeing that festive colors and the brilliant lights, the cheery atmosphere and all the presents under that Christmas tree, it fills my heart soo much wish that every year, I would like to have such merry Christmas. :)
I was sorting through books, one day, at this booksale; I was looking for a mystery book and something new to me to read, and then I suddenly got...more
I utterly adored this book. The style and the story gave me the strongest sense of deja vu. It reminded me so much of the old stop animation holiday movies that I used to watch as a kid. I loved every single word and was sad when it was over. Highly recommended for kids and adults alike. It would be a crime if this book doesn't become a holiday classic considering what passes for "holiday classic" now.
I admit I was very intrigued by the plot line but, unfortunately, I was disappointed by the execution.
The book is written as if it was cut and pasted too much. Most of it felt disjointed and did not flow, while at other times it flowed quite smoothly. I believe there were so many back stories within the larger story that it became challenging knowing when to insert them. The result was often discontinuous and I had a hard time staying focused on the larger plot of the story. It was kind of like...more
The book is written as if it was cut and pasted too much. Most of it felt disjointed and did not flow, while at other times it flowed quite smoothly. I believe there were so many back stories within the larger story that it became challenging knowing when to insert them. The result was often discontinuous and I had a hard time staying focused on the larger plot of the story. It was kind of like...more
The Legend of Holly Claus is a true Christmas classic.
I recommend it to anyone, of all ages. It is not only a wonderful and inspiring story, but also a beautiful book, with incredible artwork, and very well-written. The Legend of Holly Claus starts with little Christopher's letter to Santa Claus, asking what he wishes for. An act of pure kindness, that changes the world forever. Nicholas Claus becomes the father of the delicate, kind and selfless Holly, who, along with her love and generosity,...more
I recommend it to anyone, of all ages. It is not only a wonderful and inspiring story, but also a beautiful book, with incredible artwork, and very well-written. The Legend of Holly Claus starts with little Christopher's letter to Santa Claus, asking what he wishes for. An act of pure kindness, that changes the world forever. Nicholas Claus becomes the father of the delicate, kind and selfless Holly, who, along with her love and generosity,...more
I don't like to write about the book - I think you should discover it for yourself. What I would say is that it is uplifting, entertaining, and completely clean (no foul language, no offensive violence or behavior). An enlightened and cultured fiction book in an age of depraved and immoral literature. Really enjoyable and refreshing.
Long, Ryan. The Legend of Holly Claus. New York: HarperTrophy, 2004. Print. I read this Christmasy novel from the 12th of December to the 30th. You might know a lot about Santa Claus, but have you ever heard of his daughter? One day while reading Christmas letters Santa, the king of Forever (Land of the Immortals), got a letter from a young a boy asking him what he wanted for Christmas. That was how the first unmoral was born in the immortal world, but when she was born an evil greedy wizard tha...more
I never though I'd find a book that would keep me saying 'Wow' every minute that I'm reading it. This is one of those books that I just can't put down, that amazed me not only the way it was written but also the way someone had actually imagined such a story.
It's impossible for me to find a signle flaw in this book - this should just be a new classic, because nothing can compare to this book. It has everything - characetrs that are so easily loveable, a plot most people can find familiar and eas...more
It's impossible for me to find a signle flaw in this book - this should just be a new classic, because nothing can compare to this book. It has everything - characetrs that are so easily loveable, a plot most people can find familiar and eas...more
I really liked this book. I didn't expect to at first (because of the size) but in the end, when I finally sat down and really read it, I found that I cherish it! The language is beautiful and it gives a great visual to the reader. It is a tad lengthy but finds a place in your heart - I know it found a large one in mine!! I love the descriptions in the beginning of the book about Holly and her ice palace room. I think its sad that she has a heart of ice (its really a wicked curse from birth) whe...more
Good book. Lots of good quotes and definite parallels between light and dark, good vs. evil, and the devil vs. God. Interesting. Be aware it was somewhat slow moving in parts. As an entire book the writing style fits pretty well with the Victorian Era it takes place in - the slow parts just tend to fit with other books written around the Victorian Era. It does tend to be more modern in language style and speech patterns and I feel that this makes it more easily understandable for late elementary...more
Constructive Imagining
The story's felicity of language adds to the pleasure of reading.
Each character provides incentive for family discussion,
encouraging further exploration of history and mythology.
Vivid characterization supports remembrance of classical names
and natures for minds that appreciate education.
(Suggestion: Peruse the character list or glossary first.)
While framed in fantasy, the story depicts practical scenarios
that illustrate such constructive values as mutual helpfulness
and the...more
The story's felicity of language adds to the pleasure of reading.
Each character provides incentive for family discussion,
encouraging further exploration of history and mythology.
Vivid characterization supports remembrance of classical names
and natures for minds that appreciate education.
(Suggestion: Peruse the character list or glossary first.)
While framed in fantasy, the story depicts practical scenarios
that illustrate such constructive values as mutual helpfulness
and the...more
Ten year old Christopher writes a letter to Santa Claus and asks what his wish would be. This was a selfless request - he didn't want to know what Santa would bring him. This selfless act allowed Mr and Mrs Claus to finally have a child - named Holly Claus. From here the story gets really interesting. There are good guys, bad guys and of course Santa and Christmas. My kids loved every single character. Before we read to much about them I would ask them what they thought the characteristics would...more
My dad brought this home for me one day and I absolutely adored this book. If you're a sucker for princesses, fairy tales and magic, please read this book or get it for your daughter (I feel like I would have loved this book around ages 10-12). All of the little details are absolutely enchanting- the love story and how it connects to Holly's existence and the antagonist adds the right amount of creep factor to the story, which adds to the fairy tale aspect in a really good way. The one thing to...more
When I first saw this book in the store I was drawn to the beautiful artwork on the cover. Then, upon flipping the book over to look at the back, just under another gorgeous picture, in gold letters, were the words "A Julie Andrews collection." With just enough in my bank account to cover the book I headed to the checkout and have not regretted for a moment the raman I ate that week while poring over this book multiple times. This is an instant Christmas classic and every Christmas it's my #1 re...more
The Legend Of Holly Claus is a book based on joy, the holly day spirit, and taking loyal to your family. Holly Claus is the daughter of old Saint Nick who is the King of Forever, Land of the Immortals which makes her a princess. But this story is about how the princess came into the picture because in the land they weren't able to have kids. In 1872 one special boy writes to Santa asking what no other child has ever asked, what he wants for Christmas if for Santa and his wife to be able to have...more
Original review - 12/20/10
In the land of Forever, Nicholas Claus is king and rules with a kind, lovable, and steady hand. When a little boy in New York City sends Nicholas a letter, asking Santa what he wants for Christmas, Nicholas is shocked. However, he snatches the opportunity with both hands and wishes for a daughter. Holly Claus is born to him and his wife, Viviana, soon after. She is a darling child, perfect in every way. Her beauty, even as a baby, cannot be compared to. Her kindness, as...more
In the land of Forever, Nicholas Claus is king and rules with a kind, lovable, and steady hand. When a little boy in New York City sends Nicholas a letter, asking Santa what he wants for Christmas, Nicholas is shocked. However, he snatches the opportunity with both hands and wishes for a daughter. Holly Claus is born to him and his wife, Viviana, soon after. She is a darling child, perfect in every way. Her beauty, even as a baby, cannot be compared to. Her kindness, as...more
The plot was well developed, the unique characters fit into Holly’s story perfectly. Though most of the characters seemed perfect (except the bad guy of course), the problems over simplified, and the solutions too easy, I could forgive it some because it is a kid’s book and it would make sense that it would be that way. Plus, it’s supposed to be for the Christmas season and who wants to read a book during the holidays to their kids with a theme of horrible complicated problems that can’t get fix...more
Dec 23, 2008
Tracy
rated it
5 of 5 stars
Recommends it for:
age 9 and up who love Christmas fairy tales
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it,
click here.
When I saw this book in the YA section back in 2010, the cover intrigued me, so I decided to pick it up and see what it was all about!!! What a lovely read! If you love the Christmas season, and you're drawn to fairy-tale/myths surrounding Santa Claus, this is a joyous book to read.
Every bit of it is fantastic and absorbing. You can see the Land of Forever in your mind's eye, and you can't help but cheer for Holly and all of her little friends. I think the greatest message of the book though, i...more
Every bit of it is fantastic and absorbing. You can see the Land of Forever in your mind's eye, and you can't help but cheer for Holly and all of her little friends. I think the greatest message of the book though, i...more
Beautiful fairy story about the traditional fight between good and evil. I thought there were strong Christian undertones. I also saw a few similarities to traditional Grimm tales, especially Sleeping Beauty. Regardless, this is novel completely deserving of the honor of belonging to the Julie Andrews Collection. Girls of all ages will love this magical story. The pictures are wonderful but not nearly as lovely as the companion picture book, which is a must have.
Although it may be labeled as a children's book, don't let The Legend of Holly Claus fool you. I've been reading it every year around Christmas for five years and I enjoy it thoroughly each time. By the end, I'm smiling, happy, and excited for Christmas. (It also leaves me wanting to be Holly so that I play with her animal friends and wear her clothes.) If you are looking for a magical holiday story, you should definitely give this book a try.
Overall: an enchanting and feel-good winter book
Overall: an enchanting and feel-good winter book
What a joyful holiday book. Certain to become a classic. I loved this book. I think everyone should have a copy to read to their children at Christmas. Holly will warm your heart. I read this on my tablet, you should have either the book or a tablet to fully appreciate the illustrations. I heartily recommend this book. You will laugh, you will cry, and you will love Holly and her friends.
It was inside my elementary school library that I first discovered Holly Claus. I have been an avid reader practically since birth, and at age ten, it was no wonder I was often found peeking through the library shelves. Ah, enough with the reverie, hehe.
Anyways, I found The Legend of Holly Claus near Christmastime, and began to read it. It was a lovely story, touching on many important topics- especially love. I fell in love with the sweet, simple, yet elegant way that Brittney Ryan could spin a...more
Anyways, I found The Legend of Holly Claus near Christmastime, and began to read it. It was a lovely story, touching on many important topics- especially love. I fell in love with the sweet, simple, yet elegant way that Brittney Ryan could spin a...more
I confess I bought this for the illustrations, but I worried it would be a cheezy Chrismtas sory. Written in a style somewhere between a fairy tale and a Victorian novel, this book really surprised me. Despite the addition of animal companions and obvious morals, it is a well thought out story of innocence, caring, and learning to pick your battles. I'm happy to say, it lacking in cheese
this is my favorite book of all time, i have read it an upwards of ten times, this is a really sweet fluffy story about the daughter of santa clause, brittney ryan has such a great imagination about the north pole, i would recomend this book to all romance readers who love a quick clean romance and a little magic sprinkled in, get ready for the journey of a lifetime.
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Brittney Ryan is an American author who was born in Portland, Oregon. She attended the University of Portland’s School of Dramatic Arts and Music. Since then, she has performed in musicals and has worked as a composer, producer, and television commentator. However, Ryan is best known as a storyteller and the New York Times bestselling author of The Legend of Holly Claus, a magical Christmas fantas...more
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Dec 30, 2012 01:40pm