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 they struggle to build a new life in the States with their son.
I really viewed books 1 & 2 as one story. The first ended on a cliffhanger and the story bled right into the second which ended in a way that wrapped up that part of the story. That first story really defines LOVE . Falling in love, being in love, the extremes to which a person will fight for their love…. In book 1, Tania is 17 years old while Alexander is 22, and by the end of book 2, Tania is 22 and Alexander is 27.
But book 3 is different. By the end of it, Alexander is about 85 and Tania is 80. This book is about LIFE . Its about the realities of married life based on true, all consuming love. Tania and Alexander make good decisions and some bad decisions as they struggle to find balance in their lives and to heal from the war… but through it all, it always comes back to their endlessly deep LOVE for each other. It feels like a very realistic and true story – no fairy tale here. Its gritty and INTENSELY, EXHAUSTINGLY, DEEPLY emotional …. and it all comes back to that one day, in Lenningrad, where a young officer in the Red Army crossed the street for a beautiful blond girl sitting on the bench at the bus stop eating her ice cream <3
Especially after having read books 1&2, I felt SO deeply emotionally connected to the characters that when ever they would have memories or would mention the names of people/places that had memories attached to them, I found myself bursting into tears even without realizing it. This series really makes you FEEL more strongly than any other I have ever read.
The ending is beautiful and perfect. I sobbed through the last 10 pages. Their story comes full circle with no questions left unanswered. I read this book SO slowly, savoring every word, never wanting the story to end. Truely the very definition of happily ever after.
Paullina Simmons is a truly gifted author. She has a way with words that I won’t even try to do justice to with my own but I really think everyone should, at least once in their lives read this trilogy. I know I will definitely be rereading for the rest of my life.
Alexander and Tatiana’s story through all 3 books is by leaps and bounds my absolute favorite story I have ever read… Nothing else even touches it. I have NO idea how to move on from these books…
I don’t know what else to say, except if you haven’t read book 1, The Bronze Horseman, you should all really bump it to the very top of your to-read pile.
Favorite quotes:
“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…”
“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. ”
“He is lying on dirty straw. He has been beaten so many times, his body is one bloodied bruise; he is filthy, he is hideous, he is a sinner and he is utterly unloved. At any moment, at any instant, he will be put on a train in his shackles and taken through Cerberus’s mouth to Hades for the rest of his wretched life. And it is at that precise moment that the light shines from the door of his dark cell #7, and in front of him Tatiana stands, tiny, determined, disbelieving, having returned for him. Having abandoned the infant boy who needs her most to go find the broken beast who needs her most. She stands mutely in front of him and doesn’t see the blood, doesn’t see the filth, sees only the man, and then he knows; he is not cast out. He is loved.”
“All grimy and sweaty, Alexander drew her to him, his palms on her back, and bending to her and tilting his head, whispered into her mouth, “Tatiasha, I know you won’t believe this, but if I’m looking at the sheets when I’m making love to you, we’ve got a bigger problem than what damn color they are.”
“Tatiana fretted over him before he left as if he were a five-year-old on his first day of school.
Shura, don’t forget to wear your helmet wherever you go, even if it’s just down the trail to the river.
Don’t forget to bring extra magazines. Look at this combat vest. You can fit more than five hundred rounds. It’s unbelievable. Load yourself up with ammo. Bring a few extra cartridges. You don’t want to run out.
Don’t forget to clean your M-16 every day. You don’t want your rifle to jam.”
Tatia, this is the third generation of the M-16. It doesn’t jam anymore. The gunpowder doesn’t burn as much. The rifle is self-cleaning.”
When you attach the rocket bandolier, don’t tighten it too close to your belt, the friction from bending will chafe you, and then irritation follows, and then infection…
…Bring at least two warning flares for the helicopters. Maybe a smoke bomb, too?”
Gee, I hadn’t thought of that.”
Bring your Colt – that’s your lucky weapon – bring it, as well as the standard -issue Ruger. Oh, and I have personally organized your medical supplies: lots of bandages, four complete emergency kits, two QuickClots – no I decided three. They’re light. I got Helena at PMH to write a prescription for morphine, for penicillin, for -“
Alexander put his hand over her mouth. “Tania,” he said, “do you want to just go yourself?”
When he took the hand away, she said, “Yes.”
He kissed her.
She said, “Spam. Three cans. And keep your canteen always filled with water, in case you can’t get to the plasma. It’ll help.”
Yes, Tania”
And this cross, right around your neck. Do you remember the prayer of the heart?”
Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner.”
Good. And the wedding band. Right around your finger. Do you remember the wedding prayer?”
Gloria in Excelsis, please just a little more.”
Very good. Never take off the steel helmet, ever. Promise?”
You said that already. But yes, Tania.”
Do you remember what the most important thing is?”
To always wear a condom.”
She smacked his chest.
To stop the bleeding,” he said, hugging her.
Yes. To stop the bleeding. Everything else they can fix.”
Yes, Tania.”“….and when Tatiana lifted her glistening eyes to him, Alexander was looking down at her with his I’ll-get-on-the-bus-for-you-anytime face.”
“Everything comes at a price. Everthing in your life. The question you have to ask yourself is, what price are you willing to pay?”
“This is days and days and months and years and all the minutes in between, just you me.”
“This Zippo read, ‘Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil.. for I’m the baddest motherfucker in the valley.”
**SERIES READING ORDER **
Book #1: THE BRONZE HORSEMAN
My Review | Buy for Kindle | Buy in Paperback
Book #2: TATIANA & ALEXANDER
My Review | Buy for Kindle | Buy in Paperback
BOOK #3: THE SUMMER GARDEN
My Review | Buy for Kindle | Buy in Paperback
♥
CASTING
These are, without a doubt, exactly the way I see Alexander and Tatiana:
Happy reading everyone ♥
Julie says
I am sooo sad to be done with this set of books, but wanted to say thanks for the recommendation to read these. I thoroughly enjoyed the series and could not rip myself away from the books. What a FANTASTIC love story, it reminds me of the husbands grandparents story, who escaped from Hungary. *sigh* How do you move on after reading these jewels?! I was thinking of reading the Outlander series of books, have you heard anything about them?
Aestas says
awww I’m so happy you loved them! I get a little thrill every time I hear of someone finding and falling in love with this story 🙂
I’ll tell you honestly, that I have SCOURED the book world and haven’t found ANYTHING that compares to these books. Thats why even though I rate all my books out of 5 stars, I gave these each 10 stars. Nothing can compare to them!!
That being said, I have read the Outlander series and they ARE really good. Especially the first 3. They aren’t as intensely focused on the love story as these books are – although Jamie and Claire make QUITE the beautiful couple. There are a lot of side stories and the first book has a slow start and only picks up at around the 1/3 mark. They are long and each book ends on a cliffhanger even though they are released years apart. But that being said, they are a wonderful series. Probably one of the best historical romances out there. You should definitely give them a shot – but just don’t try and compare them to this series cuz they just won’t hold a candle…. I’m convinced nothing will *sigh*
Carla says
Hi. So, when you say “The ending is beautiful and perfect” can I assume they have an happy ending?? it´s just that I’ve read many reviews about this trilogy but none says specifically they end together. Please help me.
Aestas says
Yes!! Absolutely. Happy ending! They are both alive and together and have grown old together and have actually spent most of their lives together 🙂
Their only actual separation is in book 2, but they don’t actually break up as a couple, they are separated by the events of their lives and book 2 is their incredible journey to find each other again. It’s soooo incredibly beautiful, I don’t even have words to say how amazing this series it. It’ll just redefine how your rate books. After these, there is just no comparison
Carla says
THANK YOU so very much!!
I was looking forward to reading it, but after your passionate words now I’m crazy for this trilogy. 😀
Hugs
Aestas says
AWESOME!!!! Its extremely intense but the most incredible series ever! If you have any questions or anything while you are reading, feel free to send me a private message on either Goodreads or Facebook and I’ll help with reassurances (lol, I needed them when I was reading) 😛
Carla says
I will put you in my favorites and won’t hesitate asking for your support. 😀
Thank you so much.
Aestas says
Anytime! Happy reading 🙂
Carla says
Hi! remember me? 😀
I started reading this trilogy!!!
I’m almost finishing the first book and everything you said about it was true. It’s marvelous, I have no words to say I much I’m loving it.
The bad thing is that I’m not sure when will I continue reading the rest because I’m portuguese and I starting reading it in portuguese. So I would like to continue in portuguese, but the 2nd and the 3rd aren’t published here yet.
You told me that in the second book they will be separated. Will they be separated through the whole book?
And that scumbag (Dimitri) has something to do with it?
Hugs&Kisses
Aestas says
Hi Carla 🙂
Unfortunately, the first book has a major cliffhanger that isn’t resolved until the end of book 2. And then book 3 has its own happy ending too.
Everything, and I mean EVERYTHING is sorted by the end, but maybe you should try reading book 2 in English because by the end of book 1, you will definitely want to keep going!
Yes, there is separation, but no cheating or anything and ,don’t worry, Dimitri doesn’t have anything to do with it, and yes, there is a big beautiful, swoony reunion. But while they are separated, you get a LOT of flashbacks to them being together so while its painful, its not unbearable. And the reunion is worth every bit of heart ache 🙂
Hope this helps!
If you need to ask something with a spoiler, just send me an email or a private message on facebook!
[email protected]
Tammy says
So I just finished all three books. All I can say is LOVE them! It took me about a week to start reading them because they just didn’t seem like the type of books I would like. Once I started I couldn’t stop. I carried them with me everywhere. I have to say that there were times throughout all 3of them that I wasn’t sure I was going to make it. The emotions I was feeling were so intense that at times I actually felt heart sick and my stomach was in knots. The most beautiful love story ever. Thank you for recommending!
Angela says
Wow! I am speechless! What an amazing story from an amazing author! I will be forever comparing every book and book series from here on out to this one. And we know none will compare. I have experienced every emotion and shared every dream with these characters. I have lived through their wars and celebrations. I will miss them!
Thank you again for recommending this series, as I mentioned before, I know I would never have read this on my own had it not been for your review and recommendation.
Kassandra says
I SOOO totally agree with you… This is the best series on the planet. I still cannot express, after 4 years of re re re reading these books, how profoundly good they are.
Paula says
Hi! You should try Florencia Bonelli’s “Obsession”. It’s the first of a trilogy. I think her style and Paullina’s are similar. 🙂
Her books in most of the cases have a lot of suspense and conspiracy (and a lot of romance and erotism too). They’re not light novels. A lot of things happen and it might seem a little bit confusing but you will find out everything is connected. The author used the israelo-palestinian conflict to give context to the story and as the story unfolds you will understand where each character fits. All I can say is that Matilde and Eliah are in the middle of everything. This first book is like an introduction. The other 2 (not yet published in english) take place in Congo and Gaza. This trilogy is very cinematographic and it would give an outstanding movie. It has lots of adventure, action, danger, passion, life-death situations, secrets… I just think that it shouldn’t be compared to 50 shades or similars (as some websites seem to be doing), because people will start reading it expecting some other thing. If I had to compare this author to someone I would compare her to Paullina Simons.
The book: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17140862-obsession
And these are the actors who inspired Bonelli to make Eliah and Matilde. The video pretends to recreate some scenes from the first two books of the trilogy.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h05qnn26nbc
Hugs
Vanessa Martins says
You convinced me. Then, I was checking at Paullina’s website and got into this:
http://paullinasimons.com/books/the-bronze-horseman/movie/
You were the first person to come to my mind. You’ll certainly be in heaven.
Also, a doubt I’m not sure if you know. The book The Bridge to Holy Cross is also about Tatiana and Alexander. Does it go anywhere inside this trilogy? I’d appreciate your answer.
Cheers!
Aestas says
Vanessa – The Bridge To Holy Cross is the same book as Alexander and Tatiana. It was just the original title. So that would be book #2 in the series to be read after the first book “The Bronze Horseman”.
I believe the content of the two books is the same. I could be wrong about this but I believe the only difference is that TBTHC has an epilogue in it that was a condensed version of book #3. I’m not sure though what is in the version in print. But basically, my advice would be two just read the 3 books in their new versions:
The Bronze Horseman
Alexander and Tatiana
The Summer Garden
🙂
Vanessa Martins says
Thank you for clarifying, Aestas.
Keighley says
Can anyone recommend anything similar? This is my first historical fiction series and I absolutely adored it.
contemporary romances all seem a little shallow without the peril of war as back drop. This series has ruined me for all other books! (well at least for a week, I’m sure I’ll get over it)
Carla says
I recommend you Florencia Bonelli.
This is the first of a trilogy (until now it’s the only one in english, the others are being translated) and the other two are even better than this one. She’s the only author who touches me as deeply as Paullina.
http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17140862-obsession
mary joy capentes says
I really love love love these series!!! Thank you for making a wonderful recommendation. I need to read another phenomenal book with same genre or any books that are exceptional. Can anyone please suggest? Thank you so much. 🙂
Shelley says
First I just want to tell you how much I love your site. I truly trust your recommendations. I don’t think I have ever read a book that I didn’t like that you recommended. That being said I really am interested in reading Fighting Redemption, but I am afraid to pull the trigger. My question to you is this is this a story that ends with the Hero’s death. I don’t need any spoilers but right now I have so many heavy issues with family members being ill I don’t know if this is a good choice right now. Any help without giving away any spoilers would be great. I really want to read it after your review, but not sure if I should. Thanks!
Aestas says
Thank you so much!! No, neither this story nor Finding Redemption ends in the hero’s death. They are both HEA endings. I promise!!
Zina says
Hi, Aestas!
Currently, I’m in the middle of the third book. While reading the second book (Tatiana&Alexander), I got to the part (Chapter 28, „New York, January 1945“) which made me VERY emotionally distressed… 😞 …I was so sad because those were the sentences about Tatiana moving on with her life and not being faithful to Alexander anymore 😞 !!!!!!!
But, in the third book, when Alexander and Tatiana talk about being faithful to each other while being apart (and while she thought he was dead), she told him that she wasn’t touched or kissed while being in New York… – was she lying to him so he wouldn’t be hurt… or did I undrestand these sentences whole wrong..?? Here:
“ Time passed with the cycles of the moon, and the music stopped, and the girl took off her dress, and the fire went out, and they stopped laughing. But eventually, as surely as the sunrise, another man stood in front of the girl in the taffeta dress and smiled, and she looked up at him, and he gazed down at her.
It wasn’t first love.
It wasn’t a first kiss.
But it was love nonetheless.
And the kiss was sweet.
And the heart still pounded.
And the girl went on. She went on because she wanted to live, and she wanted to be happy. She wanted to love again. She didn’t want to sit by the window looking out onto the sea. She didn’t want to remember. She wanted to forget the first man. All she wanted was to remember the first feeling.
She wanted to take that feeling and place it on another man, and smile again, because the heart was too full and too bright not to love again. Because the heart needed to feel and needed to soar.
And because life was long.
She went on and stopped grieving, and she smiled and put on another dress and stood close to another man. She sang again, and joked again, after all, she did not die, she was still on this earth and she was still the same person, the person who needed to laugh every once in a while, to laugh with the roses, even if she knew that she would never again in all those many days ahead love as she loved when her heart was seventeen.„