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404th out of 578 books
—
807 voters
The Summer Garden (The Bronze Horseman #3)
The Magnificent Conclusion to the Timeless Epic Saga
Through years of war and devastation, Tatiana and Alexander suffered the worst the twentieth century had to offer. Miraculously reunited in America, they now have a beautiful son, Anthony, the gift of a love strong enough to survive the most terrible upheavals. Though they are still young, the ordeals they endured have ch...more
Through years of war and devastation, Tatiana and Alexander suffered the worst the twentieth century had to offer. Miraculously reunited in America, they now have a beautiful son, Anthony, the gift of a love strong enough to survive the most terrible upheavals. Though they are still young, the ordeals they endured have ch...more
Paperback, 752 pages
Published
June 2011
by William Morrow
(first published January 2006)
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While this book is my favorite from the series it is also the most difficult emotionally to read. Tatiana and Alexander embark on a journey that is life.. Trying to put themselves back together as individuals as well as lovers.
So many twists and turns in this one. I can only say if you haven't read it run out and buy it! (if you can find it in the U.S.) Perfect closure to a wonderful series.
Alexander will break your heart but I found that I would allow it to break 100x just to find the love th...more
So many twists and turns in this one. I can only say if you haven't read it run out and buy it! (if you can find it in the U.S.) Perfect closure to a wonderful series.
Alexander will break your heart but I found that I would allow it to break 100x just to find the love th...more
May 18, 2012
Aestas Book Blog
rated it
5 of 5 stars
Recommends it for:
anyone who has read books 1&2 and wants to continue this EPIC LOVE STORY
Shelves:
6-star-books,
favorites
10++ stars
WOW!! Once again, I am writing this review through my tears (happy tears). What a beautiful book and wonderful conclusion to one of the greatest love stories ever told!!!!
The first part of this book is about healing. Healing from all the traumas WW2 has left on their bodies and souls. About finding a way to emotionally find their way back to the peace of Lazarevo. Their memories haunt them like scars - unforgettable souvenirs of a war neither of them wanted to fight as t...more
WOW!! Once again, I am writing this review through my tears (happy tears). What a beautiful book and wonderful conclusion to one of the greatest love stories ever told!!!!
The first part of this book is about healing. Healing from all the traumas WW2 has left on their bodies and souls. About finding a way to emotionally find their way back to the peace of Lazarevo. Their memories haunt them like scars - unforgettable souvenirs of a war neither of them wanted to fight as t...more
42 likes · like · see review
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it,
click here.
16 likes · like · see review
There were things I loved about this book and there were things I hated about this book, but in can all be wrapped up in one word that never fails to describe Tatiana & Alexander - Orbeli. They are each others most loved and treasured possession. Each other's purpose for living.
I loved seeing them trying to figure out the relationship & marriage they thought they would never have. I hated seeing them trying to figure it out as well. I hated that they were so insecure in each other yet so...more
I loved seeing them trying to figure out the relationship & marriage they thought they would never have. I hated seeing them trying to figure it out as well. I hated that they were so insecure in each other yet so...more
7 likes · like · see review
Best love story ever, best characters ever and Paullina Simons's magical writing is as good as ever! Here she delivers another masterpiece in The Summer Garden. The final and long awaited installment in The Bronze Horseman triology. Prepere for joy, sadness, heart breaking devistation and nerve wracking excitement from one of the best story tellers of our time!
I love you. I'm blind for you, wild for you. Sick with you. I told you that our first night together when I asked you to marry me, I am...more
5 likes · like · see review
Jul 29, 2012
Kris (KC)
rated it
5 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
historical-romance,
epic-reads
My Tatiana and Alexander whirlwind has officially (and reluctantly), come to an end. I must admit to feeling slightly lost right now, and confess my emotional fatigue brought on by the tremendous heartache of this beautifully touching trilogy.
The final installation to The Bronze Horseman was all that I had hoped it would be and more. At first- I was unsure where this book was headed; Alexander's character had changed dramatically due to the trials of war, and I was afraid the old "Shura" would n...more
The final installation to The Bronze Horseman was all that I had hoped it would be and more. At first- I was unsure where this book was headed; Alexander's character had changed dramatically due to the trials of war, and I was afraid the old "Shura" would n...more
20 likes · like · see review
I can't tell you how much I adore Simons for this book!
In the first two novels in the Bronze Horseman trilogy by Paullina Simons, she throws our two protags, Alexander and Tatiana, into peril from the outset- starting with the siege of Leningrad during WWII on through their eventual escape to America in the late 1940's.
When the second book ended, I couldn't see how Simon's could squeeze any more gripping material out of Tatiana and Alexander's lives. But she wonderfully surprised me.
As the blurb...more
In the first two novels in the Bronze Horseman trilogy by Paullina Simons, she throws our two protags, Alexander and Tatiana, into peril from the outset- starting with the siege of Leningrad during WWII on through their eventual escape to America in the late 1940's.
When the second book ended, I couldn't see how Simon's could squeeze any more gripping material out of Tatiana and Alexander's lives. But she wonderfully surprised me.
As the blurb...more
24 likes · like · see review
Jan 24, 2013
Alyssa
rated it
1 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
characters-fight-too-damn-much
How can I explain my feelings for this book?
Do you know how every television show in the history of television has that one will they/won't they couple? At some point, they eventually come together... and it is totally underwhelming for viewers. The relationship just seems weird.
That is what happened here.
When Tatiana and Alexander first marry in The Bronze Horseman, it is damn near perfect. The second half of that novel focuses on their relationship and it is so well done. Perfect measures of p...more
Do you know how every television show in the history of television has that one will they/won't they couple? At some point, they eventually come together... and it is totally underwhelming for viewers. The relationship just seems weird.
That is what happened here.
When Tatiana and Alexander first marry in The Bronze Horseman, it is damn near perfect. The second half of that novel focuses on their relationship and it is so well done. Perfect measures of p...more
12 likes · like · see review
I will never find the words to adequately describe my love of this series. IT'S EPIC!!!!!!!! 5, 10, 20 Stars. It brought me to knees!!! I almost had a mental breakdown. Never has a book affected me as this one. I needed to call in my book buddies for mental support. It gutted me to the core. However, it was worth EVERY page, paragraph, detail, description and word. I can not recommend this series enough. Please do not be afraid of the length I promise you it's soo worth it.
This was truly the pe...more
This was truly the pe...more
Nov 04, 2012
Lady Valee
rated it
5 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
historical-romance,
favorites
WHAT A RIDE ...
This book is nothing like the first in the series. While we read about a young heroine and an idealistic hero in the first book, this one presents us a more mature main couple, one that has gone through SO MUCH and now has finally a chance to be happy and secure together. War might be behind them, but now they face a path not any easier: LIFE.
How to live a normal life after all they went through? How to leave everything behind? Is it even possible?
In this read we see how everyth...more
This book is nothing like the first in the series. While we read about a young heroine and an idealistic hero in the first book, this one presents us a more mature main couple, one that has gone through SO MUCH and now has finally a chance to be happy and secure together. War might be behind them, but now they face a path not any easier: LIFE.
How to live a normal life after all they went through? How to leave everything behind? Is it even possible?
In this read we see how everyth...more
I found the third book in the Bronze Horseman Trilogy,'The Summer Garden' disappointing. I really really really really LOVED the other two novels a lot, but this one departed too much from the characters that I had grown to love. I have to admit that most of the story was a collective extension of vague plotless prose, which didn't reflect the true essence of the characters Tatiana and Alexander. I also felt it lacked a climax and strongly disliked Alexander's indescretion and when he hit Tatian...more
8 likes · like · see review
Oct 20, 2008
Annie
rated it
5 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Recommends it for:
Historical Fiction Readers, Love Story Fans
Recommended to Annie by:
Belinda Sheehan
Shelves:
read-in-2008,
favourites
Don't let the size of this tome put you off - you should find yourself flying through the pages. If you've gotten this far and read The Bronze Horseman and The Bridge to Holy Cross then you'll be dying to finish the series and reach a resolution for Tatiana and Alexander. You won't be disappointed.
I don't want to give anything away but this was definitely written at the same calibre as the first novel. It was just as gut-wrenching and just as powerful. Finishing these three books, gave me such a...more
I don't want to give anything away but this was definitely written at the same calibre as the first novel. It was just as gut-wrenching and just as powerful. Finishing these three books, gave me such a...more
It is difficult for me to convey my feelings towards this trilogy. I am currently on page 102 of The Summer Garden, as I just began it this morning. I first read The Bronze Horseman last June, and through and through, it changed my life. The novel truly changed my entire perception of being alive. It took about a month to recover, and I began reading Tatiana & Alexander. I did not have it in me to continue on towards the last novel. You know as well as I that these books take a lot out of yo...more
3 likes · like · see review
I don't even know how I am going to ever find a book that is comparable to this series of books. Honestly I am so happy I stumbled upon this book series (thank you Stacia - Mistress of mediocrity, it is all because of you I read these books. After I saw your review of The Bronze Horseman I just couldn't resist.) I have ultimately been so turned around to a new genre of books that I am in complete shock.
Ok. Now on to the review... :)
I have never in my life been so moved. What a heartbreaking no...more
Ok. Now on to the review... :)
I have never in my life been so moved. What a heartbreaking no...more
This book was very different from the first two books. Tatiana and Alexander have come a long way since The Bronze Horseman. After surviving WWII and escaping the Soviet Union to the U.S., it's only fitting to find out what happens to these two in America. I won't go into the details but I enjoyed this book very much. There were times when I was mad at Alexander and wanted to shake him but there were times I felt the same about Tatiana. In the end, their love for each other is undying regardless...more
3 likes · like · see review
Phew... Well I'm EXHAUSTED!!!
Seriously! Never in my life have I read a novel, that forcefully strips you of all strength with its sheer emotional instability.
Many times, while turning the pages I was sorely tempted to put it down. To find contentment in the ending of it's previous installment 'Tatiana and Alexander'... But I'm a trooper, and I'm not a fan of not seeing things through.. So I persevered.
Thank God for small favours!
Eventhough, there were times I could literally hear my heart bre...more
Seriously! Never in my life have I read a novel, that forcefully strips you of all strength with its sheer emotional instability.
Many times, while turning the pages I was sorely tempted to put it down. To find contentment in the ending of it's previous installment 'Tatiana and Alexander'... But I'm a trooper, and I'm not a fan of not seeing things through.. So I persevered.
Thank God for small favours!
Eventhough, there were times I could literally hear my heart bre...more
25 likes · like · see review
Apr 26, 2009
Misfit
rated it
3 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Recommends it for:
die hard fans of the series
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it,
click here.
3 likes · like · see review
Feb 06, 2011
Katie Beth
rated it
4 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
historical-fiction
i felt kind of exhausted by the conclusion of this book. this 800+ page book takes you through 50+ years of alexander and tatiana's lives, through all its ups and downs, through all its triumphs and failures. by the end, i kind of felt like i was the third wheel in their relationship. i personally felt every heartbreak and every success. literature & movies don't bring me to tears that often, but this one did. i feel that in order to create a love story like this paullina simons must know wh...more
Oct 02, 2010
Nikki
rated it
5 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Recommends it for:
The Bronze Horseman readers
Gosh this book is an emotional rollercoaster. But, I do believe that Simons wrote authentically the trials and tribulations that come from trying to adjust to so-called normal life after war. The bond between Tatiana and Alexander is still there, it is just in need of repair.
The book spans from the time they return to the United States to this century. Simons did also have some flashbacks to Tatiana's childhood, which I did not feel fit into the story very well. They ended up being about 100 pa...more
The book spans from the time they return to the United States to this century. Simons did also have some flashbacks to Tatiana's childhood, which I did not feel fit into the story very well. They ended up being about 100 pa...more
1 like · like · see review
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it,
click here.
1 like · like · see review
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it,
click here.
4 likes · like · see review
OMFG.....I don't even know what to say right now, I just wannna go cry in the corner for the rest of the night. I'm just gonna say for me this epic series could not have ended any better!! I adored the whole series but I really think book 3 was my Fave, loved every minute of it the Good the Bad and the Ugly, but True Love Preveiled for Tatiana and Alexander and I couldn't be Happier!!
5 Huge Stars:)
5 Huge Stars:)
6 likes · like · see review
A -M -A -Z -I -N -G series.
I loved loved loved this entire series. From start to finish. These books literally took you through Tatiana and Alexanders entire lives. I believed their story and completely fell in love with it.
I'm sad its over...
Favorite love story of mine EVER. By far.
I loved loved loved this entire series. From start to finish. These books literally took you through Tatiana and Alexanders entire lives. I believed their story and completely fell in love with it.
I'm sad its over...
Favorite love story of mine EVER. By far.
I really do love The Summer Garden though it's very different from The Bronze Horseman and Tatiana and Alexander. More specifically, I love the first part to pieces and am OK with the rest (5 stars anyway because the first part is so so very good). I think the first part (set in the post-war 1940s) is the strongest - after that it gets a bit dispersed and much less tight (as opposed to a few years in the previous two books, this one covers over 50). Plus some plot developments are a bit...out th...more
4.5 stars
The Summer Garden by Paullina Simons is the last in the epic love story between Tatiana and Alexander. This is an adult historical fiction trilogy.
Tatiana and Alexander have finally found their way back to each other and America with their son, Anthony. As new American citizens, they live a nomadic life while trying to escape the scars of Russia that they have carried on their backs to America. Tatiana and Alexander struggle to acquaint themselves with an American lifestyle and adopt an...more
The Summer Garden by Paullina Simons is the last in the epic love story between Tatiana and Alexander. This is an adult historical fiction trilogy.
Tatiana and Alexander have finally found their way back to each other and America with their son, Anthony. As new American citizens, they live a nomadic life while trying to escape the scars of Russia that they have carried on their backs to America. Tatiana and Alexander struggle to acquaint themselves with an American lifestyle and adopt an...more
Again 5* The ever after story...exhausting at times but that's why it's so effective! These two have been through so much and the reader with them. Book 2 left u wondering how anyone could possibly move forward after the jubilation of reuniting, the settling of dust and the facing of a future you never thought you'd have. At times you get frustrated, you get angry and you get lonely reading this book! The author has managed to bring the reader along so effectively you can almost comprehend Tatia...more
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it,
click here.
2 likes · like · see review
Jesus! This woman is unbelievably ignorant, now we have Vietnam War? Really? The face of Democracy???
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3C_EOI... Where are your Heroes now???!!!!
I have respect for ANY military personnel who goes to war when their country calls upon them to do so. I have little respect for the governments of the world, the U.S. included, that puts colonial self-interests above the lives of their people. Forget the billions of wasted $'s what about the 58K American dead? What about t...more
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3C_EOI... Where are your Heroes now???!!!!
I have respect for ANY military personnel who goes to war when their country calls upon them to do so. I have little respect for the governments of the world, the U.S. included, that puts colonial self-interests above the lives of their people. Forget the billions of wasted $'s what about the 58K American dead? What about t...more
Nov 23, 2012
Annie
rated it
5 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
fall-winter-2012,
favorites
My Rating: +5 stars!
My Thoughts:
I’ve finally finished The Bronze Horseman trilogy and I must say that it is a story I truly will NEVER forget! This book, The Summer Garden, was the third installment and in my opinion the most heartbreaking and, at the same time, heartwarming!
The first two books of the series focus of Tatiana and Alexander’s intense love for each other and the struggles they endure to be together. In contrast, this final book is a bout their life. Yes, they’re still insanely in...more
My Thoughts:
I’ve finally finished The Bronze Horseman trilogy and I must say that it is a story I truly will NEVER forget! This book, The Summer Garden, was the third installment and in my opinion the most heartbreaking and, at the same time, heartwarming!
The first two books of the series focus of Tatiana and Alexander’s intense love for each other and the struggles they endure to be together. In contrast, this final book is a bout their life. Yes, they’re still insanely in...more
so...how do I feel about the third book about Tatiana and Alexander?
Honestly...I can´t really describe it...it is so extremly emotional, so sad and real, and soooo beautiful...I mean...how STRONG, DEEP and ENDURING can LOVE be? After reading the first two books i already had
the feeling that I know Alexander and Tatiana...at the end of the second
book I was happy that they were back together...but I wasnt´t fully satisfied...and now...in the third book we have a new Alexander and a desperated Tati...more
Honestly...I can´t really describe it...it is so extremly emotional, so sad and real, and soooo beautiful...I mean...how STRONG, DEEP and ENDURING can LOVE be? After reading the first two books i already had
the feeling that I know Alexander and Tatiana...at the end of the second
book I was happy that they were back together...but I wasnt´t fully satisfied...and now...in the third book we have a new Alexander and a desperated Tati...more
| topics | posts | views | last activity | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Buddy Read Zone: Summer Garden | 612 | 59 | 22. April, 17:01 Uhr | |
| Some questions I have? | 6 | 127 | 10. Februar, 17:21 Uhr | |
| ? | 1 | 34 | 09. Oktober, 20:04 Uhr |
Paullina Simons was born in Leningrad, USSR, in 1963. At the age of ten her family immigrated to the United States. Growing up in Russia Paullina dreamt of someday becoming a writer. Her dream was put on hold as she learned English and overcame the shock of a new culture.
After graduating from university and after various jobs including working as a financial journalist and as a translator Paullin...more
More about Paullina Simons...
After graduating from university and after various jobs including working as a financial journalist and as a translator Paullin...more
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“I love you. I'm blind for you, wild for you. Sick with you. I told you that our first night together when I asked you to marry me, I am telling you now. Everything that's happened to us, everything, is because I crossed the street for you. I worship you. You know that through and through...”
—
135 people liked it
“Alexander, you broke my heart. But for carrying me on your back, for pulling my dying sled, for giving me your last bread, for the body you destroyed for me, for the son you have given me, for the twenty-nine days we lived like Red Birds of Paradise, for all our Naples sands and Napa wines, for all the days you have been my first and last breath, for Orbeli- I will forgive you. ”
—
106 people liked it
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