January 12, 2022

Winter Solstice




Fiction
2000 Thomas Dunne Books
Finished on January 4, 2022
Rating: 5/5 (Excellent)

Publisher's Blurb:

For millions of readers around the world, a new Rosamunde Pilcher novel is a cause for celebration. Her clear-eyed and sharply observed stories have captivated readers for a generation, and with Winter Solstice she proves herself to be at the height of her powers by creating people and places so real, we feel we have known them for years.

The December solstice is a turning point. For some it represents a time of darkness, the shortest day of the year. But for others this events--just a few days before Christmas--is about hope, renewal, and rebirth. In a story both deceptively simple and effortlessly complex, Rosamunde Pilcher brings together five very different people, ranging in age from the teens to the mid-sixties, each of whom must confront very different challenges or losses. 

When Elfrida Phipps abandons London for a quaint country village, she settles in quickly. She has a tiny cottage, her faithful dog, Horace, and the friendship of good neighbors, Oscar, Gloria, and their little girl. Perhaps, at last, she can exorcise the pain of the past and find peace.

But it is not to be.

Tragedy upsets Elfrida's newfound tranquility, and she takes refuge in a rambling house in the north of Scotland called Corrydale. Almost like a magnet, Corrydale attracts various waifs and strays, each of them escaping difficult personal pasts. As the holidays approach and the weather turns foul, the scene seems set as a perfect recipe for disaster.

But somehow the group proves to be greater than the sum of its ill-suited parts, and as the solstice passes and Christmas approaches, the healing power of love, even on the most troubled human spirit, begins to work its magic.

Once again, Rosamunde Pilcher reminds us all that friendship, compassion, loyalty, and love can come together and renew us all--even when the days seem darkest.

Oh, what a wonderful book. When Diane (Bibliophile By the Sea) first mentioned that she was going to listen to the audiobook in December, I considered reading it as well, but I was in the middle of another novel and didn't give Winter Solstice another thought, especially since it's one I'd already read. Well, I finished the aforementioned book on December 21st and took that as a sign to begin Pilcher's novel on the winter solstice. I was a little distracted with our holiday preparations, so it took me a few chapters to finally get interested in the story. However, once I acquainted myself with the cast of characters, I couldn't stop reading. As I mentioned, this is one that I've previously read, but I don't know when that was and I've yet to locate that journal entry. When I do, I will be sure to link back to this review for comparison.

I have read several books by Rosamunde Pilcher, the first of which was The Shell Seekers, which I absolutely adored. I have always intended to read it again, but worried that it might not be as enjoyable as the first time I read it. Having now reread Winter Solstice, I should not let that concern me. I believe Pilcher's novels are marvelous comfort reads, which stand the test of time. I loved this book!

26 comments:

  1. Second blog carrying this review. Sounds a wonderful read. Thanks for the post

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Mystica, it such a great novel. Perfect for this time of year.

      Delete
  2. I'm so glad to see how much you enjoyed this book. It sounds perfect for this cold time of the year.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Deb, I'm so glad that Diane gave me the nudge to read it again and that it was just as good as the first time I read it.

      Delete
  3. I love reviews that show how much the readier loved the book. I'm adding this to my list.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Vicki, it's a gem, as is The Shell Seekers.

      Delete
  4. So happy this turned out just as good as a reread - just loved the characters and how it never felt contrived. Maybe we can shoot for June and read Shell Seekers together? I just got a copy of the print edition and this will be a first time for me.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Diane, that sounds like a great idea. We might be in Canada/Alaska at the time, though, but I'll still be reading. A little bit. :)

      Delete
  5. Oh my gosh, you and Diane both give this 5/5 stars! It really does sound good.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Helen, if you haven't read anything by Rosamunde Pilcher I strongly recommend The Shell Seekers and Winter Solstice. They are great comfort reads with memorable characters and settings.

      Delete
  6. So glad you loved this one! I'd hoped to read it in December and just never got there... this year for sure! The Shell Seekers, reread in 2020, was a favorite!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I can't wait to reread The Shell Seekers and September. I also need to read Coming Home, which is still in my TBR stacks.

      Delete
  7. I went through a huge Rosamunde Pilcher phase in my late teens, I think around the time Shell Seekers came out. It was the time when all the women in my family discovered it anyway. I don't think I've read any of her books in maybe 20 years? I should seek her out again. I'm glad this stood up to a re-read for you!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Jen, I've read most of Pilcher's books, including her novellas (which I didn't care for). I still have Coming Home on my TBR shelf and hope to read it later this year. I'm also going to reread The Shell Seekers this summer.

      Delete
  8. I loved this one, too, although The Shell Seekers is my very favorite of hers. I need to reread this one!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Robin, The Shell Seekers is my favorite, as well, but it's been over 30 (maybe 34?) years since I read it. Time for a reread!

      Delete
  9. i have this book and I think I read it years ago but I plan to tackle it this year. Trying to handle the stacks of books here - they get read and leave unless there is s sentimental reason to keep or just one of my all time favorites.

    I reread Shell Seekers recently and loved it al over again. It's dated but I love it. I don't usually reread books but this year I do plan to read a bit of Pilcher - September (which followed Shell Seekers) and Coming Home.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Tina, it's such a comfort read and one that I will probably read again. I'm eager to reread The Shell Seekers and September, but I'll try to read Coming Home (for the first time) before those others.

      Delete
  10. I've never read a book by her! I don't know how that's possible. Well, now you've got my attention and I think this would be a great read. Especially, as I can use all the comfort books I can get.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Iliana, you are in for a treat! All of her novels are great comfort reads. She has also written numerous novellas, but I don't care for those as much as the longer reads.

      Delete
  11. We need our comfort reads every now and then and the new Pilcher books seems to fit the bill!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Harvee, it's not actually a new book (published in 2000), but it is a great comfort read, even the second time around. Thanks for stopping by with your comment!

      Delete
  12. Wow since both you & Diane loved it -- I definitely want to get to it too. Sounds like a great comfort read & fast too. You know I might read The Shell Seekers first since for whatever reason I didn't pick it up long ago.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Susan, this is such a great comfort read, as is The Shell Seekers. I definitely planning to reread that one later this summer. It won't be long before I start wishing for rainy days so I can stay inside and curl up with a book. Yardwork is a never-ending chore around here and once the weather gets nice, I spend a lot of time outside. At least there are audiobooks for that activity.

      Delete
  13. I've had this book on my list for ages! Next December - I am reading it for sure!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Erin, it's such a great novel! Hope you get to it next winter.

      Delete

I may not answer your comments in a timely fashion, but I always answer. Check back soon!