Sharon ∞❥ is an emotional book junkie ❥∞ 's Reviews > The Summer Garden
The Summer Garden (The Bronze Horseman, #3)
by
by
Sharon ∞❥ is an emotional book junkie ❥∞ 's review
bookshelves: emotional-angsty-books, favorites, read-in-2013, c
Sep 07, 2013
bookshelves: emotional-angsty-books, favorites, read-in-2013, c
4.5 ★'s
So if you've read the blurb, you know that now Alexander and Tatiana are finally reunited and in America. Unfortunately, not all their problems are solved. They both have changed so much in their time apart and they are parents now...trying to find a way to make their family and their lives work.
I was sooo happy when I started reading this book and finally got to the parts I've been waiting for..Shura and Tania back together! I have to admit that I'm a little upset that we didn't get the big reunion with Anthony...WTH? And I would've liked to have some story about how Alexander felt about New York especially because as you read further in the story, it's very obvious he has some issues with it.
They've decided to buy a camper and move from place to place staying a month at each location and getting to see and know America. Usually they ended up staying way longer than a month and for the most part that was a good thing. Of course, there were some problems though.
Alexander is pretty messed up and luckily Tania doesn't let up working her "magic" to get him back to his old self. Alexander also has to insert himself into Anthony's life and become his Dad which is a little hard because he's been so used to Tania. Tania also ends up keeping a huge secret from Alexander and that causes a lot of unnecessary drama.
Finally, they end up at the property that Tania bought with Alexander's mother's money in Arizona. I was really surprised that they ended up living here because Alexander seemed so against it. But things started coming together for them. Alexander finding something that he enjoyed doing and Tania nursing. Unfortunately, still more red flags!
And then...well, you knew it was coming but it's just sooo heart breaking! And to be honest, I felt it was very out of character for Shura. I get his reasons but they were flimsy at best and heck, I can even understand the first part but the car and especially then the Wednesday and his best suit!!...horrible, just horrible.
And then....it's the big blow up! I had a hard time with how women were treated during that time period and while certainly Tania doesn't hold her punches, I was totally shocked at what Shura did. I think I might be more upset with him about this....naw, they're both really, really bad.
But I do love all that drama...it literally made the book and in a weird way, it cemented their relationship even more. Sadly, after this, it became a big snoozefest for me. I just don't like all that military stuff and I could care less about all the names of the different weapons. *BIG YAWN* The actually mission was good and the twist regarding Anthony was a big surprise for me.
The book ends with a sort of very long epilogue. The time has fast forwarded very quickly and we get caught up on what everyone is doing. It was a bit hard to keep track of who was who but I liked how things seem to come full circle especially the part where Shura and Tania were in town. (But what the heck was up with the mobile home?)
Overall, I enjoyed the series very much....definitely an epic love story. However, there are things that are too realistic and not realistic enough. There are things left unsaid and unanswered and then there are things that we find out too much about. We get Shura's POV when I want Tania's POV and vice versa. It's hard not to be picky when something affects you as much as this series does. I wish I could say more and talk about all the things I want to but those are spoilers! One way or another, this series will affect you...it's hard to quit thinking about it and even dreaming about it. Definitely a series that will be one of my favorites for a long, long time.
Favorite quotes:
♥ "Shh…Tatiasha…shh…I’m looking at you…and what do you know, it turns out that blonde…is my favorite color.”
♦ “Dad, why are they showing us their boobies?”
“I’m not sure, son. It’s a strange ritualistic custom common to these parts of the world.”
♥ “Are You a Match Made in Heaven, Crabby Cancer Girl and Chatty Gemini Guy?” (“They got us all wrong, Shura, didn’t they? It’s so the other way around.”)
♥ “And what kind does my own wife like?”
“I like,” she said, grinning back through the mirror, “the baddest boy of all.”
♥ Shura & Tania's song ♥
So if you've read the blurb, you know that now Alexander and Tatiana are finally reunited and in America. Unfortunately, not all their problems are solved. They both have changed so much in their time apart and they are parents now...trying to find a way to make their family and their lives work.
I was sooo happy when I started reading this book and finally got to the parts I've been waiting for..Shura and Tania back together! I have to admit that I'm a little upset that we didn't get the big reunion with Anthony...WTH? And I would've liked to have some story about how Alexander felt about New York especially because as you read further in the story, it's very obvious he has some issues with it.
They've decided to buy a camper and move from place to place staying a month at each location and getting to see and know America. Usually they ended up staying way longer than a month and for the most part that was a good thing. Of course, there were some problems though.
Alexander is pretty messed up and luckily Tania doesn't let up working her "magic" to get him back to his old self. Alexander also has to insert himself into Anthony's life and become his Dad which is a little hard because he's been so used to Tania. Tania also ends up keeping a huge secret from Alexander and that causes a lot of unnecessary drama.
Finally, they end up at the property that Tania bought with Alexander's mother's money in Arizona. I was really surprised that they ended up living here because Alexander seemed so against it. But things started coming together for them. Alexander finding something that he enjoyed doing and Tania nursing. Unfortunately, still more red flags!
And then...well, you knew it was coming but it's just sooo heart breaking! And to be honest, I felt it was very out of character for Shura. I get his reasons but they were flimsy at best and heck, I can even understand the first part but the car and especially then the Wednesday and his best suit!!...horrible, just horrible.
And then....it's the big blow up! I had a hard time with how women were treated during that time period and while certainly Tania doesn't hold her punches, I was totally shocked at what Shura did. I think I might be more upset with him about this....naw, they're both really, really bad.
But I do love all that drama...it literally made the book and in a weird way, it cemented their relationship even more. Sadly, after this, it became a big snoozefest for me. I just don't like all that military stuff and I could care less about all the names of the different weapons. *BIG YAWN* The actually mission was good and the twist regarding Anthony was a big surprise for me.
The book ends with a sort of very long epilogue. The time has fast forwarded very quickly and we get caught up on what everyone is doing. It was a bit hard to keep track of who was who but I liked how things seem to come full circle especially the part where Shura and Tania were in town. (But what the heck was up with the mobile home?)
Overall, I enjoyed the series very much....definitely an epic love story. However, there are things that are too realistic and not realistic enough. There are things left unsaid and unanswered and then there are things that we find out too much about. We get Shura's POV when I want Tania's POV and vice versa. It's hard not to be picky when something affects you as much as this series does. I wish I could say more and talk about all the things I want to but those are spoilers! One way or another, this series will affect you...it's hard to quit thinking about it and even dreaming about it. Definitely a series that will be one of my favorites for a long, long time.
Favorite quotes:
♥ "Shh…Tatiasha…shh…I’m looking at you…and what do you know, it turns out that blonde…is my favorite color.”
♦ “Dad, why are they showing us their boobies?”
“I’m not sure, son. It’s a strange ritualistic custom common to these parts of the world.”
♥ “Are You a Match Made in Heaven, Crabby Cancer Girl and Chatty Gemini Guy?” (“They got us all wrong, Shura, didn’t they? It’s so the other way around.”)
♥ “And what kind does my own wife like?”
“I like,” she said, grinning back through the mirror, “the baddest boy of all.”
♥ Shura & Tania's song ♥
Sign into Goodreads to see if any of your friends have read
The Summer Garden.
Sign In »
Quotes Sharon ∞❥ is an emotional book junkie ❥∞ Liked
“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...”
― The Summer Garden
― The Summer Garden
“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. ”
― The Summer Garden
― The Summer Garden
“....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.”
― The Summer Garden
― The Summer Garden
“I was blinded by stupidity for a brief moment in our life, for a flicker in the eternity in which you and I live, and I stumbled.”
― The Summer Garden
― The Summer Garden
“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.”
― The Summer Garden
― The Summer Garden
“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.”
― The Summer Garden
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.”
― The Summer Garden
“Have a joke for me Tania," he says, "I could use a joke."
"Hmm." She thinks, looks at him, looks to see where Anthony is. He's far in the back. "Okay, what about this." With a short cough she leans into Alexander and lowers her voice.
"A man and his young girlfriend are driving in a car. The man has never seen his girlfriend naked. She thinks he is driving too slow, so they decide to play a game. For every five miles he goes above 50, she will take off a piece of her clothing. In no time at all, he is flying and she is naked. The man gets so excited that he loses control of the car. It veers off the road and hits a tree. She is unharmed but he is stuck in the car and can’t get out. “Go back on the road and get help,” he tells her. “But I’m naked,” she says. He rummages around and pulls off his shoe. “Here, just put this between your legs to cover yourself.” She does as she is told and runs out to the road. A truck driver, seeing a naked crying woman, stops. “Help me, Help me,” she sobs, “My boyfriend is stuck and I can’t get him out.”
The Truck driver says, “Miss, if he’s that far in, I’m afraid he’s a goner.”
― The Summer Garden
"Hmm." She thinks, looks at him, looks to see where Anthony is. He's far in the back. "Okay, what about this." With a short cough she leans into Alexander and lowers her voice.
"A man and his young girlfriend are driving in a car. The man has never seen his girlfriend naked. She thinks he is driving too slow, so they decide to play a game. For every five miles he goes above 50, she will take off a piece of her clothing. In no time at all, he is flying and she is naked. The man gets so excited that he loses control of the car. It veers off the road and hits a tree. She is unharmed but he is stuck in the car and can’t get out. “Go back on the road and get help,” he tells her. “But I’m naked,” she says. He rummages around and pulls off his shoe. “Here, just put this between your legs to cover yourself.” She does as she is told and runs out to the road. A truck driver, seeing a naked crying woman, stops. “Help me, Help me,” she sobs, “My boyfriend is stuck and I can’t get him out.”
The Truck driver says, “Miss, if he’s that far in, I’m afraid he’s a goner.”
― The Summer Garden
“Here I am, your one man circus freak show, having bled out for mother Russia, having desperately tried to get to you, now on top of you with this scourge marks, and you, who used to love me, who was sympathized, internalized, normalized everything, you are not allowed to turn away from me....this is what I am going to look like until the day I die. I can't get any peace from you ever unless you find away to make peace with this. Make peace with me. Or let me go for good.”
― The Summer Garden
― The Summer Garden
Reading Progress
September 7, 2013
– Shelved as:
to-read
September 7, 2013
– Shelved
September 12, 2013
–
Started Reading
September 16, 2013
– Shelved as:
emotional-angsty-books
September 16, 2013
– Shelved as:
favorites
September 16, 2013
– Shelved as:
read-in-2013
September 16, 2013
–
Finished Reading
July 23, 2019
– Shelved as:
c
Comments Showing 1-50 of 50 (50 new)
date
newest »
message 1:
by
Ctanner
(new)
-
rated it 5 stars
Sep 16, 2013 05:14AM
reply
|
flag
it was! but i kinda like all that drama...twisted i know!
it was! but i kinda like all that drama...twisted i know!"
Oh yeah there needed to be a big shake-up with them
me too!
me too!"
I love how Tatiana fights back though. Previously she has been taking is crap (in this book) and she snaps and she makes him crazy for doing it, and I LOVED her feisty "screw you" attitude!
oh i know...i went back and read it when i was done and it was still heart breaking!
I would love to see it from her POV as well!
I have read the series several times and each time my stomach drops at this point..
oh i know...i went back and read it when i was done and it w..."
Very true but like it was said here, this was a much needed wake up call! Loved how he was still going strong at 70 though lol.
I would love to see it from her POV as well!
I have read the series se..."
well u just knew something was gonna happen!
oh i know....."
me too!
Thanks Kristen! :D
Thanks Wendy...its a great love story!
well i gobbled up the first 2/3's....then it got into some military stuff and blah!
(view spoiler)
Thanks Samantha! hope ur enjoying it!
Thanks SueBee! yes u do...LOL!
thanks so much Lisa Jayne! xoxox
Thanks Debra! i cant wait for u to read it either...ur in for a great journey!
Thank u Meli! ♥
Thanks Jill! :D
Thanks Karla! i cant wait to see what u think!
thank u Emma! ♥
Quick question (view spoiler)
the books is sooo good though...loved up to the 2/3's point and then the ending!
the books is sooo good though...loved up to the 2/3's point and then the ending!"
I CANNOT wait to read it!!!:D
(view spoiler)
Thanks Nicole. LOL...yea she looks pretty crazy!
ps...u need to read this one!
I don't know how to hide spoilers, but I think we could have skipped a certain scene or two and still had that drama.
and for spoilers....
<*spoiler>whatever u want to say<*/spoiler>
just take out the *'s
and for spoilers....
whatever u want to say
just take out the *'s"
Ohhhhhh Nice!! Thanks :)
thank u Christy! :)
thank u Blacky!
thank u Georgia! :D