My True Love Gave to Me edited by Stephanie Perkins
Genre: Holidays | Young Adult
Length: 355 pages
Published on 9th October by Pan MacMillan
Purchase: Amazon | B&N | TBD | Waterstones | WHSmith
Stephanie Perkins: Website | Twitter | Goodreads
Copy won from a Twitter giveaway
If you love holiday stories, holiday movies, made-for-TV-holiday specials, holiday episodes of your favorite sitcoms and, especially, if you love holiday anthologies, you’re going to fall in love with My True Love Gave To Me: Twelve Holiday Stories by twelve bestselling young adult writers, edited by international bestselling author Stephanie Perkins. Whether you enjoy celebrating Christmas or Hanukkah, Winter Solstice or New Year’s there’s something here for everyone. So curl up by the fireplace and get cozy. You have twelve reasons this season to stay indoors and fall in love.
I liked it but I wouldn’t exactly recommend it.
So here is a break down of the stories.
Midnights by Rainbow Rowell
This was the one that left me ugly crying at 1am and wanting my boyfriend. Its a romance between two best friends who keep missing their midnight kiss. It was really bittersweet seeing the characters changes
The Lady and the Fox by Kelly Link
I liked this story as its a bit more mystical and has fantasy elements whilst exploring death. However, it wasn’t an easy read and until the final few scenes I didn’t really care for it at all.
Angels in the Snow by Matt de la Pena
My least favourite. 100%. I am so fed up of negative portrayals of long distance relationships.
Polaris is Where You’ll Find Me by Jenny Han
I did not sign up for sad Christmas stories. No thank you.
It’s a Yuletide Miracle, Charlie Brown by Stephanie Perkins
I did really like this one as it was pretty cute and felt very real. But when she kissed him all I could think of was that time John Green made a bit of a fool of himself with his comment on the TFIOS movie kiss scene.
Your Temporary Santa by David Levithan
Oh man I wish I could be seeing my boyf all snuggled up and asleep right now ;; were my comments on this short story but I don’t recall it at all. So take that as you will.
Krampuslauf by Holly Black
Oh Holly Black you do not let me down c:
Are we even remotely surprised this was my second favourite in the book? No. Good.
Krampuslauf was the perfect story of teenage rebellion and magical nights that will leaving you believing. I highly recommend this story.
What the Hell Have You Done, Sophie Roth? by Gayle Foreman
This was pretty cute and I enjoyed how the characters slowly got to find out about each other. Also, great feature of food and ugly Christmas sweaters.
Beer Buckets and Baby Jesus by Myra McEntire
I took zero notes about this short story, however I believe it was possibly the one about a school production of the Nativity and there being a snow in and the place was double booked? It was ok.
Welcome to Christmas, CA by Kiersten White
From what I recall this was more family orientated. The MC was ready to leave her town, Christmas, until somebody comes along and gives her a reason to stay. Another okay read.
Star of Bethlehem by Ally Carter
This was cute but a little odd. Also it used the whole “lack of communication as a plot point” which bugs me… I did like it though and the focus on yummy foods.
The Girl Who Woke the Dreamer by Laini Taylor
Of course I loved this one. Of course it was my favourite of the collection.
Laini’s writing style really sticks out here and I think if you’re not familiar with her work you may not have given it a chance. However, it was a beautiful story that featured escaping, winning, falling in love, and all things magical.
Lets grow wings together.
Have you read this collection? If so which were your favourites?
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Northern Plunder 
I don’t think Rainbow Rowell ever fails to get those tear glands functioning. I’m lagging behind in reading any of Holly Black or Laini Taylor; both are definitely on my list to read in 2018. Loved the review, especially the ones where you don’t remember what a few were evn about because you had read this a little time ago–totally relatable :D
i was so sure my notes would be fine and then i looked back and i’d just ignored some of the stories? thanks past me haha.
Black and Taylor are my go to authors for sure! I highly recommend them.
i’ve not read anything else by Rowell though
I’ve read Eleanor & Park and she did touch my heart through that so I guess, it’s kinda in her writing that she can make readers emotional :)
I really like this anthology (this is like my absolute fave Christmassy YA book!! but they are a rare species) and that Laini Taylor story is lovely. I’m sad Christmas is over :(
I know, i miss the holidays myself too!
I need to get around to reading this some Christmas tbh because ROMANCE and the cover is pink 😂
Ill still send u my copy once rachel is done with it
Looks like a cute collection. Sorry it didn’t live up to your expectations :(
its probably more for a different reader
I’ve noticed that the best story is often left for the last one. Too bad you didn’t enjoy the rest of it. Who wants to read sad Christmas stories anyway xD
Yes true, or half way through to keep you interested
I am not a huge fan of anthologies myself, Lauren. Either, the stories are so short there is no actual story, nor character development. Or the stories are really good – which makes them feel too short as I want more :D
Does this make me difficult to please?
There are some great authors who participated in this one, though, and 3 stars is pretty good for an overall rating, so… maybe? One day?
i have to say im probably in the same boat as you
I’ve thought about picking this up a few times but never actually got around to it. Some of the stories sound pretty good so maybe I’ll give it a go!
I think youll enjoy it a lot more than me :)
I really want to read this, there are some amazing authors that have wrote in it! :)
i hope you get to pick it up soon then
I may have to pick this up at some point, I’m not huge on Anthologies really because it can be such a hit and miss with the different stories. But this selection does look interesting.
Also I hope you don’t mind but I tagged you in this https://bookdragons247.wordpress.com/2018/01/22/the-mystery-blogger-award/ :)
aww thank you my love!
I am not a huge fan of anthologies, in fact I can’t remember the last time I wanted to read one, because I am always frustrated by how short the stories are, especially when I grow attached to the characters. I have to say, though, you have me intrigued by that Rainbow Rowell story hahaha, I so want to read that one :)
Lovely review! x
i dont think i wouldve read this if i hadnt won the copy…
I have heard a lot about this collection of short stories and I have to admit that short stories are not really my kind of thing. But I am glad you could find some of these stories so sweet and fun! It seems like a mixed bag but that happens often when it comes to collections. Great review x
My recent post: http://oliviascatastrophe.com/2018/01/lets-talk-about-love-book-review-giveaway/
definitely agree its usually a mixed bag~
perhaps a buncha short stories from 1 author u love works ok?
Yeah that would probably work better for me!