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First Christmas in America
(Christmas Collection)
by
Klara Ivanski arrives from the Old Country with her Papa, Mama and ten brothers and sisters. “All vill be vell,” Papa assures them, but Mama and several of her brothers and sisters must remain at their aunt and uncle’s because of sickness. With barely enough money for food, Klara is quick to assure her papa that they only need Mama and the other to make Christmas special.
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A sweet story of a Polish (I think?) family's first Christmas after leaving the Old Country. I lost track of all the kids a time or two, but the family relations were so cute.
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What a sweet, little story! The ending made me tear up. 😉 I enjoyed the close-knit big family, especially how sweet Papa was portrayed. Cleaning their big, new house actually sounded like a lot of fun! I did really connect with the lonely feelings of moving into a new house, though. (And having to leave part of the family behind? That’s just terrible!) There were so many children, it got a little hard to keep track of them sometimes, but there was no forgetting sweet Klara and impatient Polina.
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After two failed books that just didn't interest me, I had to read something I KNEW I would like. Even if it was my own story. :)
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I loved this story!!! So sweet! One thing I liked was how all ten kids are different and they didn't have identical personalities. ;) Polina especially, I found funny. The ending was the best part!! :D (because of how it turned out, not because it was over.) So fun!
5 stars! I totally recommend this short story!! ...more
5 stars! I totally recommend this short story!! ...more
Rebekah A. Morris has the best Christmas short stories! “First Christmas in America” is a really lovely story of a family, only just immigrated. Klara, the main character is just the sweetest and also all her many siblings are so lovable. At first, I thought I would have difficulty telling the children apart, but surprisingly I didn’t. This story is a must read!
5 stars from 5
5 stars from 5
This was a nice little historical story. I enjoyed seeing from the perspective of a family coming to America for the first time and experiencing the love and generosity of neighbors on Christmas.
A fun, quick Christmas story. I actually listened to the audio version, and it was recorded well. I enjoyed listening to it.
Recommended for any age. Can be enjoyed by the whole family.
Recommended for any age. Can be enjoyed by the whole family.
This was a cute short story about a German family who had to separate in order to claim their new home and Papa’s job. Would they be reunited in time for Christmas?
I’d consider this a children’s book, and for that, I give it four stars. I️ personally would have appreciated a little more of the German culture coming out of the characters’ lives instead of them looking forward to an Americanized Christmas. But there was absolutely nothing in this story that would keep me from handing it to a young ...more
I’d consider this a children’s book, and for that, I give it four stars. I️ personally would have appreciated a little more of the German culture coming out of the characters’ lives instead of them looking forward to an Americanized Christmas. But there was absolutely nothing in this story that would keep me from handing it to a young ...more
Another very sweet Christmas story! (Do I expect anything less?) The family's love and desire to be together, even when they didn't have much else was lovely, and the way things worked out at the end was perfect!
4.5 stars
Content--"magic" used figuratively ...more
4.5 stars
Content--"magic" used figuratively ...more
Just finished reading this curled up by the Christmas tree (because my sister said that's how you have to read these little booklets=P) This is a sweet story about a family's first Christmas in the US. The end is the best<3
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4.5 stars & 5/10 hearts. What a sweet story! I loved the cheerfulness of the family and the simpleness of their new beginning. Short as it was, the characters and backstory was well done and I loved the ending.
A Favourite Quote: “‘God has been good to us.’
“Papa nodded. ‘Yah, Mama, God has been good to us. Ve have a house, I have a job after Christmas, and ve are all together again. Let us thank Him.’”
A Favourite Beautiful Quote: “The trees, standing dark against the white blanket of snow, waved ...more
A Favourite Quote: “‘God has been good to us.’
“Papa nodded. ‘Yah, Mama, God has been good to us. Ve have a house, I have a job after Christmas, and ve are all together again. Let us thank Him.’”
A Favourite Beautiful Quote: “The trees, standing dark against the white blanket of snow, waved ...more
Such a sweet short story! I listened to the audiobook version and really enjoyed it! The narrator did an excellent job! She even sang the Christmas carols, which was a nice touch.
I was given a free review copy of the audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
I was given a free review copy of the audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
Enjoyable short Christmas story. It's been awhile since I read it, so I don't remember if I had any complaints. Guess that means its time for a re-read. ;)
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Rebekah A. Morris has lived her entire life (as of now) in Missouri. Being home educated during her school years was great, except for writing. That was the worst subject (along with math) that she had to do. It wasn't until after she graduated that she discovered the joys and wonder of writing. Now she can't write enough. After spending six years in research and writing, she completed her first b
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