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Clara's Soldier: A Retelling of the Nutcracker
A bride-to-be without answers.
A soldier who never came home.
A nutcracker that might hold one last Christmas wish...
World War II has been over for three months, but Clara can't join in the Christmas festivities with her friends and family. The fiance she sent off to Europe three years ago never returned. But just as she's about to give up hope, her godfather might just have one last miracle up his sleeve.
And it all begins with a nutcracker.
Read this historical fantasy retelling of The Nutcracker set in post-World War II North Carolina to experience the magical Christmas adventure you've been looking for. Written by a military spouse, this Christmas novella brings to life the true struggles, joys, and unique happily ever after military life brings.
A soldier who never came home.
A nutcracker that might hold one last Christmas wish...
World War II has been over for three months, but Clara can't join in the Christmas festivities with her friends and family. The fiance she sent off to Europe three years ago never returned. But just as she's about to give up hope, her godfather might just have one last miracle up his sleeve.
And it all begins with a nutcracker.
Read this historical fantasy retelling of The Nutcracker set in post-World War II North Carolina to experience the magical Christmas adventure you've been looking for. Written by a military spouse, this Christmas novella brings to life the true struggles, joys, and unique happily ever after military life brings.
147 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 25, 2018
338 people are currently reading
1117 people want to read
About the author
Brittany Fichter
72 books602 followersBrittany lives with her Prince Charming, their little fairy, and their tiny prince in a decently clean castle in whatever kingdom the Air Force has most recently placed them. When she's not writing, Brittany can be found chasing her kids around with a DSLR or belting it in the church choir. You can find more of her work at her website BrittanyFichterFiction.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 154 reviews
December 12, 2018
My Nutcracker retelling for 2018.
Those last couple pages were kinda hard to read, though. Oddly blurry for some reason. *coughcoughcouldn'tbetearsnowcoulditcoughcough*
Those last couple pages were kinda hard to read, though. Oddly blurry for some reason. *coughcoughcouldn'tbetearsnowcoulditcoughcough*
March 24, 2019
Raw and Beautiful ww2 nutcracker retelling ❤ I wasn't expecting the story to be so good .
The first bit was kind of slow as we got to know clara her sorrow , but it was important , and it led me to feel her pain as deeply as is if it was my own .
The action and heart through the rest of the story completely made up for that inconvenience .
*I already wrote a review but my phone deleted it ,so I had to rewrite it ...and I lost all of that 'genius ' and inspiration XD*
This story honestly had a LOT more depth than I expected we really get to see a lot into the terror of "Shell Shock" aka PTSD and the horrors it inflicts .
There was one point in the story where the description of the rats gave me Five Nights At Freddies flashbacks . I would've worked on the horror aspect of the rats a little more , but that's just me , and I'm a weirdo xD
The first bit was kind of slow as we got to know clara her sorrow , but it was important , and it led me to feel her pain as deeply as is if it was my own .
The action and heart through the rest of the story completely made up for that inconvenience .
*I already wrote a review but my phone deleted it ,so I had to rewrite it ...and I lost all of that 'genius ' and inspiration XD*
This story honestly had a LOT more depth than I expected we really get to see a lot into the terror of "Shell Shock" aka PTSD and the horrors it inflicts .
There was one point in the story where the description of the rats gave me Five Nights At Freddies flashbacks . I would've worked on the horror aspect of the rats a little more , but that's just me , and I'm a weirdo xD
December 22, 2024
This was an interesting spin on the Nutcracker story!
I really enjoyed the WW2 storyline, and the focus on PTSD. (before we really knew what it was)
How every day is a choice to walk with the people struggling with the darkness. To remind them they are not alone, and to keep pressing on.
I enjoyed how the whole story came to its conclusion!
4/5 stars
I really enjoyed the WW2 storyline, and the focus on PTSD. (before we really knew what it was)
How every day is a choice to walk with the people struggling with the darkness. To remind them they are not alone, and to keep pressing on.
I enjoyed how the whole story came to its conclusion!
4/5 stars
December 24, 2022
This cover is so beautiful and sweet and mirrors the story so, so well. It’s just so PRETTYYY. 😍😍
Oh man, this story really hit me in SO many ways. As someone who has lost someone close to them and was told to move on before I was ready, I REALLY resonated with Clara’s pain and frustration at those around her who were just SO RUDE (like seriously leave the girl alone!) and wouldn’t understand her forever love she had for James. And the way she kept waiting…yeah, that would be so me in her place. ☺️😭
Clara is amazing, and I felt for James on a deep level with struggling with mental darkness and powerlessness and change that comes over a person as a result. Drosselmeyer is great too—I really loved him. The weaving of the fairytale and WWII worked SO WELL along with the bit of Christmas magic sprinkled throughout.
I really enjoyed this book more then I thought I would and would recommend anyone give this one a try, especially if you love The Nutcracker or WWII books. ☺️
Note: This story does deal with major PTSD and could be triggering for some as it is written very realistically but not without hope.
Content: some violence; kissing (not detailed); a brief battle scene (not detailed, just enough to have the idea and horror of war); a character has major trauma and PTSD
Oh man, this story really hit me in SO many ways. As someone who has lost someone close to them and was told to move on before I was ready, I REALLY resonated with Clara’s pain and frustration at those around her who were just SO RUDE (like seriously leave the girl alone!) and wouldn’t understand her forever love she had for James. And the way she kept waiting…yeah, that would be so me in her place. ☺️😭
Clara is amazing, and I felt for James on a deep level with struggling with mental darkness and powerlessness and change that comes over a person as a result. Drosselmeyer is great too—I really loved him. The weaving of the fairytale and WWII worked SO WELL along with the bit of Christmas magic sprinkled throughout.
I really enjoyed this book more then I thought I would and would recommend anyone give this one a try, especially if you love The Nutcracker or WWII books. ☺️
Note: This story does deal with major PTSD and could be triggering for some as it is written very realistically but not without hope.
Content: some violence; kissing (not detailed); a brief battle scene (not detailed, just enough to have the idea and horror of war); a character has major trauma and PTSD
December 6, 2022
Really sweet Nutcracker retelling.♡ I love the imagery the author used to describe PTSD. I come from a military family so I really appreciate how she used this story to talk about something that affects so many of our veterans.
November 1, 2019
Oh my word, I loved this book so much! 😍 I love the nutcracker and Mrs. Fichter's retelling was beautiful. I honestly want more. Mrs. Fichter combined two things I love; World War 2 and a fairytale telling.
The characters were amazing and I loved that I was able to go on this journey with them. I loved the characters. Clara was a doll and I just connected with her really well. I totally would have done some similar things if I was in her shoes with a but more crying.
James was also amazing and his poor soul. I wanted to hug him so badly. What he went through and then continued to go through was awful and it broke my heart.
As I mentioned above, this fairytale retelling was set during World War 2. If you know me at all, you know that I love anything centered around the time. So naturally that increased my love by a lot. The general overall plot was amazing too. I have always loved the nutcracker and I probably will forever love it. I honestly want more short, clean nutcracker retellings. These are the best!
I highly enjoyed this book and I will definitely be reading more of Mrs. Fichter's books in the future!
The characters were amazing and I loved that I was able to go on this journey with them. I loved the characters. Clara was a doll and I just connected with her really well. I totally would have done some similar things if I was in her shoes with a but more crying.
James was also amazing and his poor soul. I wanted to hug him so badly. What he went through and then continued to go through was awful and it broke my heart.
As I mentioned above, this fairytale retelling was set during World War 2. If you know me at all, you know that I love anything centered around the time. So naturally that increased my love by a lot. The general overall plot was amazing too. I have always loved the nutcracker and I probably will forever love it. I honestly want more short, clean nutcracker retellings. These are the best!
I highly enjoyed this book and I will definitely be reading more of Mrs. Fichter's books in the future!
December 19, 2022
A sweet Christmas-themed story with some great depth to it. I quite enjoyed this one. I wish it was longer though...
Fichter artfully entwines the Nutcracker story with a WWII setting, with a focus on mental health.
It took a little bit to pick up from the beginning, but once it did, it was fantastic. Didn't want to put it down. I was rooting for Clara from the beginning, and I think she was an admirable heroine.
A good one to read in December! I'll most likely pick it up again next year.
4.5 stars
*edit, 2022
So I picked it up again this year...Still love it. :)
Fichter artfully entwines the Nutcracker story with a WWII setting, with a focus on mental health.
It took a little bit to pick up from the beginning, but once it did, it was fantastic. Didn't want to put it down. I was rooting for Clara from the beginning, and I think she was an admirable heroine.
A good one to read in December! I'll most likely pick it up again next year.
4.5 stars
*edit, 2022
So I picked it up again this year...Still love it. :)
October 22, 2018
Oh. My. Heart.
Okay, y'all. I have a soft spot for the Nutcracker as it is, but that also means I have kind of high expectations for anything claiming association with it. Let me tell you, this was far from disappointing. Clara's Solider is absolutely precious, a stunning rendition of the classic tale. A heart-wrenching tale full of bravery and hope. Simply enchanting. Heart-warming, through and through.
The book was well-written, as is usual for Mrs. Fichter's works. I only found two boo-boos that I can recall and two paragraphs with minor issues (both dialogue formatting issues), but I did have an unedited copy of the story, so that was to be expected, and I'm sure they've each been addressed. The story is beautifully written and so well-thought out. The story was very well-balanced, well-paced, and just over all well-done. The mixture of reality and fantasy, of traditional Nutcracker and Brittany Fichter flare was like a deliciously baked good. Soft, moist, subtle, and it leaves a good taste in your mouth. It smelled amazing when I picked it up and was warm on the way down! The whole thing felt truly seamless. There was just the right balance of that Christmas magic we all love and the bittersweet touch of reality that gives Fichter's works the meat and weight I've come to appreciate so much from her.
The setting was phenomenal! There were so many little touches here and there that brought the setting to life. And, again, the balance between reality (historical fiction) and fantasy was just so very well-done. I loved the historical subtleties. The town itself felt like a place I could open my door and walk into. I'm partly from NC, so it was like I could see the town itself in my memory. Then the fantastical happens and we're whisked away to a few different settings, each equally realistic and tangible. I felt firmly established in the time and place, despite the transportation to and from.
The characters were persistent and they never gave up, even when everyone around them pressured them to. They came close a few times; they even entertained the idea more than once, but those doubts and fears only made them more human. Clara was a total doll. She chose to fight through her storm instead of running from it. She was a hero in her own right. And James. Oh, James. My heart...it hurts for him. The reality that is threaded into this beautiful story (I won't spoil) is something I care very deeply about, personally. I am a patriot through and through and there have been amazing men and women who have sacrificed everything for us to live the lives we do. I have the utmost respect for the people James stands for. The side characters made the story what it is and I very much enjoyed getting to glimpse into their lives too. Course, I loved Fitz too, little of him though we saw. Oh! And Drosslmeyer!! I could read a whole book on him alone! Fichter completely brought him to life and I was purely enchanted by him!
The plot alluded to the Nutcracker in so many beautiful ways that make the true nerds like me smile. But it still maintained its own integrity and originality too. I can't say enough about how seamlessly this story blended everything together. We follow Clara, whose heart yearns for her love, a MIA soldier from the recently ended WWII. She deals with the pressure of her town, her family, her friends. She deals with the choice to move on or hold out hope, even though everyone says she's ridiculous for it. The story was shorter than Fichter's works normally are, but that didn't detract from the plot. I felt like all elements were still there and rightly addressed. Not a single thread hung loose. It felt complete and I loved every minute of it!
There is no foul language, no even true violence. Although it's a WWII story, there are only allusions to the war. There was a scene with a fight, but the reader was only exposed to the aftermath of the fight. One very brief battle scene held less violence than the street fight. There is no explicit romance, though there is some kissing and holding and even a minor appreciation of physical fitness at a point or two. Very clean, appropriate. There are, however, some minor thematic elements that are subtly woven in and may lead to an opportunity for additional discussion, should you choose. They deal with the affects of war, but the story is written so that mostly, it's all a giant metaphor, and could pretty easily be missed by younger readers for the most part.
Whew, prepare for an emotional ride, y'all. But it's a good one. Totally worth it! Ahhh, I could just read this one again and again. It will sit, prized, on my self. Fichter truly captured that spirit of Christmas. I cannot recommend this more highly (and right in time for Christmas, too!).
Note: Although I did receive an advanced copy from the very generous author, the above review is completely voluntary and in no way affected by her generosity.
Okay, y'all. I have a soft spot for the Nutcracker as it is, but that also means I have kind of high expectations for anything claiming association with it. Let me tell you, this was far from disappointing. Clara's Solider is absolutely precious, a stunning rendition of the classic tale. A heart-wrenching tale full of bravery and hope. Simply enchanting. Heart-warming, through and through.
The book was well-written, as is usual for Mrs. Fichter's works. I only found two boo-boos that I can recall and two paragraphs with minor issues (both dialogue formatting issues), but I did have an unedited copy of the story, so that was to be expected, and I'm sure they've each been addressed. The story is beautifully written and so well-thought out. The story was very well-balanced, well-paced, and just over all well-done. The mixture of reality and fantasy, of traditional Nutcracker and Brittany Fichter flare was like a deliciously baked good. Soft, moist, subtle, and it leaves a good taste in your mouth. It smelled amazing when I picked it up and was warm on the way down! The whole thing felt truly seamless. There was just the right balance of that Christmas magic we all love and the bittersweet touch of reality that gives Fichter's works the meat and weight I've come to appreciate so much from her.
The setting was phenomenal! There were so many little touches here and there that brought the setting to life. And, again, the balance between reality (historical fiction) and fantasy was just so very well-done. I loved the historical subtleties. The town itself felt like a place I could open my door and walk into. I'm partly from NC, so it was like I could see the town itself in my memory. Then the fantastical happens and we're whisked away to a few different settings, each equally realistic and tangible. I felt firmly established in the time and place, despite the transportation to and from.
The characters were persistent and they never gave up, even when everyone around them pressured them to. They came close a few times; they even entertained the idea more than once, but those doubts and fears only made them more human. Clara was a total doll. She chose to fight through her storm instead of running from it. She was a hero in her own right. And James. Oh, James. My heart...it hurts for him. The reality that is threaded into this beautiful story (I won't spoil) is something I care very deeply about, personally. I am a patriot through and through and there have been amazing men and women who have sacrificed everything for us to live the lives we do. I have the utmost respect for the people James stands for. The side characters made the story what it is and I very much enjoyed getting to glimpse into their lives too. Course, I loved Fitz too, little of him though we saw. Oh! And Drosslmeyer!! I could read a whole book on him alone! Fichter completely brought him to life and I was purely enchanted by him!
The plot alluded to the Nutcracker in so many beautiful ways that make the true nerds like me smile. But it still maintained its own integrity and originality too. I can't say enough about how seamlessly this story blended everything together. We follow Clara, whose heart yearns for her love, a MIA soldier from the recently ended WWII. She deals with the pressure of her town, her family, her friends. She deals with the choice to move on or hold out hope, even though everyone says she's ridiculous for it. The story was shorter than Fichter's works normally are, but that didn't detract from the plot. I felt like all elements were still there and rightly addressed. Not a single thread hung loose. It felt complete and I loved every minute of it!
There is no foul language, no even true violence. Although it's a WWII story, there are only allusions to the war. There was a scene with a fight, but the reader was only exposed to the aftermath of the fight. One very brief battle scene held less violence than the street fight. There is no explicit romance, though there is some kissing and holding and even a minor appreciation of physical fitness at a point or two. Very clean, appropriate. There are, however, some minor thematic elements that are subtly woven in and may lead to an opportunity for additional discussion, should you choose. They deal with the affects of war, but the story is written so that mostly, it's all a giant metaphor, and could pretty easily be missed by younger readers for the most part.
Whew, prepare for an emotional ride, y'all. But it's a good one. Totally worth it! Ahhh, I could just read this one again and again. It will sit, prized, on my self. Fichter truly captured that spirit of Christmas. I cannot recommend this more highly (and right in time for Christmas, too!).
Note: Although I did receive an advanced copy from the very generous author, the above review is completely voluntary and in no way affected by her generosity.
November 25, 2025
I didn’t realize how much I loved Nutcracker retellings until I read Clara’s Soldier. It was so good, and I was squealing at all the Nutcracker similarities!! But what I especially loved about this version was the World War II backdrop. I thought it was cool and worked well for a Nutcracker retelling. Clara and James were so cute, and I loved that since James was a soldier in the war, he was the one who represented the “nutcracker soldier.”
Other small details I loved were the small town setting, the inclusion of baseball, and that it was set in North Carolina! I’ve been wanting to read something by Brittany Fichter for a year or more, and I’m so happy I finally got the chance!! Clara’s Soldier was so enjoyable, and I look forward to reading more books by Brittany Fichter!
Magic:
Christmas magic. Mention of a “spell.” Mention of a rumor about someone getting involved in witchcraft.
Language:
Clean. Uses of “crap” and “idiotic.”
Romance:
Clean. Some kissing and holding each other.
Violence:
Fighting. A scene with a grenade being used.
Other:
Mention of tobacco, cigars, beer, and a character drinking.
Other small details I loved were the small town setting, the inclusion of baseball, and that it was set in North Carolina! I’ve been wanting to read something by Brittany Fichter for a year or more, and I’m so happy I finally got the chance!! Clara’s Soldier was so enjoyable, and I look forward to reading more books by Brittany Fichter!
Magic:
Christmas magic. Mention of a “spell.” Mention of a rumor about someone getting involved in witchcraft.
Language:
Clean. Uses of “crap” and “idiotic.”
Romance:
Clean. Some kissing and holding each other.
Violence:
Fighting. A scene with a grenade being used.
Other:
Mention of tobacco, cigars, beer, and a character drinking.
December 26, 2020
Very sweet romance.
January 21, 2021
Right in the feels
Well, rip my heart out why don't you.. I was not prepared for these kind of feels when I decided to read this retelling.
Clean Rating 5/5
Trigger Warning - PTSD
Well, rip my heart out why don't you.. I was not prepared for these kind of feels when I decided to read this retelling.
Clean Rating 5/5
Trigger Warning - PTSD
April 30, 2021
I think this is seriously Brittany's best book. It just caught you up, swirled you around, and carried you to the end. The plot was amazing, the twist on the fairy tale was unexpected and even more amazing, and the characters were awesome.
The way it portrayed PTSD was so different from what I expected and will probably influence how I think of PTSD forever.
I 100% recommend this book.
The way it portrayed PTSD was so different from what I expected and will probably influence how I think of PTSD forever.
I 100% recommend this book.
December 6, 2018
This was beautiful and sad and sweet. Also, this makes the second story by this author that I've really loved, which makes me think I should go try again on the story by her that I thought I didn't like and gave up on.
This story has a fair amount of hugging, face touching, and such, but nothing beyond that, and without any excessive amounts of description. There are quite a few creepy, sad and stressful elements, but as long as a younger child was ready to handle those emotionally there's nothing concerning about the content here.
Edited to add: I shelved this as 'infertility' even though that's not strictly accurate, because there is a situation that brings up a lot of the same emotions.
This story has a fair amount of hugging, face touching, and such, but nothing beyond that, and without any excessive amounts of description. There are quite a few creepy, sad and stressful elements, but as long as a younger child was ready to handle those emotionally there's nothing concerning about the content here.
Edited to add: I shelved this as 'infertility' even though that's not strictly accurate, because there is a situation that brings up a lot of the same emotions.
January 9, 2025
-- READ 25%THROUGH THE BOOK.
TOO BORING
DNF
TOO BORING
DNF
November 18, 2018
CLARA'S SOLDIER is a fascinating blend of history and fantasy set in NC at the end of WWII.
Clara's childhood sweetheart and fiance, James, has been MIA for many months, and her family urges her to leave her memories and loss behind and move on with life--as in, marry another eager suitor.
How does this story connect with The Nutcracker? Clara's next-door-neighbor, Mr. Drosselmeier, has magic . . . and Clara's dreams connect her with James, her soldier, who is lost inside his own head, tormented by "rats," or Nazi soldiers--he is a victim of PTSD or shell shock. Clara's desire yet inability to help, the deep love between her and James, their mutual confusion and fear, and the urgency of his condition all blend to make this a powerful, poignant, and beautiful tale. There are no easy answers, yet love and courage are key.
Seriously, you don't want to miss this beautiful Christmas story!
Clara's childhood sweetheart and fiance, James, has been MIA for many months, and her family urges her to leave her memories and loss behind and move on with life--as in, marry another eager suitor.
How does this story connect with The Nutcracker? Clara's next-door-neighbor, Mr. Drosselmeier, has magic . . . and Clara's dreams connect her with James, her soldier, who is lost inside his own head, tormented by "rats," or Nazi soldiers--he is a victim of PTSD or shell shock. Clara's desire yet inability to help, the deep love between her and James, their mutual confusion and fear, and the urgency of his condition all blend to make this a powerful, poignant, and beautiful tale. There are no easy answers, yet love and courage are key.
Seriously, you don't want to miss this beautiful Christmas story!
September 27, 2018
I loved this retelling! Admittedly I haven’t read too many Nutcracker retellings but I thought this one was just charming!
Set a few years after the end of WWII, Clara’s waiting still for her soldier James to come home. Enter sweet godfather Drosselmeyer and a little Christmas magic and you’ve got a story you’ll want to curl up and read by the fire!
I loved Clara and James’ journey, her character growth, and especially the ending. This book wasn’t anything like I guessed it would be and I was so happy and pleased with the result! Brittany hit another book out of the park! I can’t wait for her next one!
I received an ARC for my honest review.
Set a few years after the end of WWII, Clara’s waiting still for her soldier James to come home. Enter sweet godfather Drosselmeyer and a little Christmas magic and you’ve got a story you’ll want to curl up and read by the fire!
I loved Clara and James’ journey, her character growth, and especially the ending. This book wasn’t anything like I guessed it would be and I was so happy and pleased with the result! Brittany hit another book out of the park! I can’t wait for her next one!
I received an ARC for my honest review.
November 3, 2020
This book wasn't as good as I thought it would be. It was pretty slow and I really didn't like Drosselmeyer.
Sadly, I'm not a fan of Clara or James (I feel he doesn't have much personality), either.
However, I do love the World War 2 era, and I feel it was portrayed well in this book.
Overall, not the best book I've read, but others may enjoy it. :)
Not much need for a content warning; there is quite a bit of kissing and some fighting but nothing bad.
Sadly, I'm not a fan of Clara or James (I feel he doesn't have much personality), either.
However, I do love the World War 2 era, and I feel it was portrayed well in this book.
Overall, not the best book I've read, but others may enjoy it. :)
Not much need for a content warning; there is quite a bit of kissing and some fighting but nothing bad.
December 12, 2022
2.5 estrellas
No es malo solo que no me gustó.
Portada preciosa, historia con buenos elementos pero una mezcla que no me gustó.
Ambientada a finales de la segunda guerra mundial, con una especie de magia relacionada con el recuento del cascanueces sin embargo no tiene mucha lógica o fundamento la parte mágica entrelazada con las partes de la guerra. Además la protagonista no termina de agradarme. La parte mágica en lugar de darle calidez y toque navideño más bien deja sinsabor.
No es malo solo que no me gustó.
Portada preciosa, historia con buenos elementos pero una mezcla que no me gustó.
Ambientada a finales de la segunda guerra mundial, con una especie de magia relacionada con el recuento del cascanueces sin embargo no tiene mucha lógica o fundamento la parte mágica entrelazada con las partes de la guerra. Además la protagonista no termina de agradarme. La parte mágica en lugar de darle calidez y toque navideño más bien deja sinsabor.
December 25, 2021
I liked this WAY more than I expected to!!! the romance was adorable and I thought how the author handled PTSD and put a fantasy twist on it was so well done.
December 27, 2024
This was a really sweet and simple book that had the entire feeling of The Nutcracker to it, retold in a WWII setting. It brings awareness to the fact that to choose to love is to choose that person, even if they will always struggle with a hardship. Definitely recommend as a cute, clean, short romance for Christmastime!
Want to read
November 23, 2019Freebie on amazon 23rd Nov 2019
December 20, 2023
2.5 stars, rounded up
This was an interesting take on the Nutcracker story, but it was also surprisingly heavy and a little depressing in spots. While I don’t mind heavier books, they’re not necessarily what I’m looking for in a Christmas read.
This was an interesting take on the Nutcracker story, but it was also surprisingly heavy and a little depressing in spots. While I don’t mind heavier books, they’re not necessarily what I’m looking for in a Christmas read.
November 19, 2025
Review is coming.
July 25, 2019
I have to admit, I skimmed a huge portion of this book. Second admission: I didn't miss a thing, doing it. That's a *BAD* thing, by the way.
This book is very 'Alice in Wonderland'-y, in that most of it is a dream. (Well, that is the story of the Nutcracker). But the people in the dream are either mad, not what they seem, or twisted. It's not a pleasant experience to spend your time trapped in a psychotic episode, but that's most of this book.
Clara's fiance went off to war. In a very unbelievable pitch, the minister was ill the day of their wedding and her love shipped out conveniently the next morning, unexpectedly. This was the start of the downhill, for me.
Then we find ourselves at a Christmas party a-la-the-ballet, complete with Drosselmeir, Fritz, and the carved Nutcracker that gets 'broken'. Clara goes to sleep, and wakes up in Nightmare-land... which apparently she shares via magic with her 'broken' soldier, who's been MIA for a year and a half, and has a psychic connection to her while in a coma as a John Doe patient in a hospital. If you've ever seen 'Somewhere Tomorrow' (Sarah Jessica Parker movie)... that's pretty much this story.
The problem for me was that I wanted some viable basis for the relationship, and I just didn't see that James was worth it. He was a troublemaker, a hot-head, mouthy and obnoxious... and yet she's madly in love with him, and not the steady, gentle Edward (who is somehow inexplicably cast as the interloper, when he is SO clearly not). To be truthful, I wanted James to be dead and Edward to be the true love, in the end.
Instead, I got a book full of weirdness and disjointed scenes of war, horror, and 'demon rat' Nazis with the reward of a belligerent, at the end. Didn't really make me happy.
The WWII premise bought it one star, but... I'm glad this was offered free as a deal on Amazon. I would've been unhappy, paying money for this book, after the fact.
This book is very 'Alice in Wonderland'-y, in that most of it is a dream. (Well, that is the story of the Nutcracker). But the people in the dream are either mad, not what they seem, or twisted. It's not a pleasant experience to spend your time trapped in a psychotic episode, but that's most of this book.
Clara's fiance went off to war. In a very unbelievable pitch, the minister was ill the day of their wedding and her love shipped out conveniently the next morning, unexpectedly. This was the start of the downhill, for me.
Then we find ourselves at a Christmas party a-la-the-ballet, complete with Drosselmeir, Fritz, and the carved Nutcracker that gets 'broken'. Clara goes to sleep, and wakes up in Nightmare-land... which apparently she shares via magic with her 'broken' soldier, who's been MIA for a year and a half, and has a psychic connection to her while in a coma as a John Doe patient in a hospital. If you've ever seen 'Somewhere Tomorrow' (Sarah Jessica Parker movie)... that's pretty much this story.
The problem for me was that I wanted some viable basis for the relationship, and I just didn't see that James was worth it. He was a troublemaker, a hot-head, mouthy and obnoxious... and yet she's madly in love with him, and not the steady, gentle Edward (who is somehow inexplicably cast as the interloper, when he is SO clearly not). To be truthful, I wanted James to be dead and Edward to be the true love, in the end.
Instead, I got a book full of weirdness and disjointed scenes of war, horror, and 'demon rat' Nazis with the reward of a belligerent, at the end. Didn't really make me happy.
The WWII premise bought it one star, but... I'm glad this was offered free as a deal on Amazon. I would've been unhappy, paying money for this book, after the fact.
December 29, 2022
Retelling of The Nutcracker, historical fiction, and taking place in North Carolina? Sign me up!
I highlighted so many quotes and phrases in this book. Many reviews mention, that the metaphor for PTSD is down exceptionally well and I'd agree.
I can also really appreciate the tough soul searching and learning that Clara had to do to be able to decide if she could live with her Nutcracker and his "rats" knowing that it won't ever go away. I think this could be related to many other situations like depression or addiction.
I finished this sweet love story with tears flowing down my face from the loss, the character growth, and the frustrating and bittersweet realization that you can stay by your person but you can never fix them.
I highlighted so many quotes and phrases in this book. Many reviews mention, that the metaphor for PTSD is down exceptionally well and I'd agree.
I can also really appreciate the tough soul searching and learning that Clara had to do to be able to decide if she could live with her Nutcracker and his "rats" knowing that it won't ever go away. I think this could be related to many other situations like depression or addiction.
I finished this sweet love story with tears flowing down my face from the loss, the character growth, and the frustrating and bittersweet realization that you can stay by your person but you can never fix them.
December 16, 2020
WW2 has just ended and Clara is still struggling with her fiancée having been MIA for the last year and a half. Christmas comes, and her godfather has one last magical surprise for her: a nutcracker that looks just like her beloved James.
I really loved the take on the story! The first chapters were great, hitting the beats but not married to them, and then she came home to her brother Fritz and godfather Drosselmeyer. There’s no way an American child would still be called Fritz in 1945 and Herr D would have some issues too. But then it got very creative again, with some excellent stories about PTSD and the effects of war on mental health. Very enjoyable.
I really loved the take on the story! The first chapters were great, hitting the beats but not married to them, and then she came home to her brother Fritz and godfather Drosselmeyer. There’s no way an American child would still be called Fritz in 1945 and Herr D would have some issues too. But then it got very creative again, with some excellent stories about PTSD and the effects of war on mental health. Very enjoyable.
November 30, 2022
Wow, this was quite different than I was expecting from Brittany Fitcher but it was good. Kinda heavy with the topic of PTSD and trauma but interesting to look at it through a fairytale lense.
December 31, 2023
I really liked how the Nutcracker story was interwoven into this military WWII story of a missing soldier.
I thought the author did really well in bringing to light the effects of war on these soldiers when they returned home, now finally diagnosed as PTSD and incorporating the fantasy elements of the Nutcracker story. I also felt for Clara and all the real-life women during any wars that patiently waited to hear about their missing men when everyone else just wrote them off as dead. That can't be easy, and no one can tell you to move on when you're not ready.
I recommend this to all who enjoy Nutcracker retellings and military stories.
I thought the author did really well in bringing to light the effects of war on these soldiers when they returned home, now finally diagnosed as PTSD and incorporating the fantasy elements of the Nutcracker story. I also felt for Clara and all the real-life women during any wars that patiently waited to hear about their missing men when everyone else just wrote them off as dead. That can't be easy, and no one can tell you to move on when you're not ready.
I recommend this to all who enjoy Nutcracker retellings and military stories.
February 18, 2019
Notable Content: C**p once. Kissing, and a comment along the lines of "the groom spent too much time admiring the bride's figure."
This tale intrigued me at the first page and led me into a world of love, war, and magic. The romance was sweet, the characters lovable. The plot was well-woven and led a tale that was beautiful and charming, with themes important and wonderfully done. The writing was excellent.
This tale intrigued me at the first page and led me into a world of love, war, and magic. The romance was sweet, the characters lovable. The plot was well-woven and led a tale that was beautiful and charming, with themes important and wonderfully done. The writing was excellent.
July 29, 2024
I did not expect to finish this in one sitting, but wow this was a beautiful story. The nutcracker will always hold a special place in my heart, so I rather enjoy retellings. This was fast paced, but beautifully told. I truly am at a loss of words. Please tread carefully if you’ve lost a loved one to war, have battle PTSD/experienced a loved one struggle with ptsd. It does end on a lighter note, and is followed by an epilogue. Please finish the epilogue. Brb crying 😭❤️
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