In Winter Solstice Rosamunde Pilcher brings her readers into the lives of five very different people….Elfrida Phipps, once of London’s stage, moved to the English village of Dibton in hopes of making a new life for herself. Gradually she settled into the comfortable familiarity of village life — shopkeepers knowing her tastes, neighbors calling her by name — still she finds herself lonely. … herself lonely.
Oscar Blundell gave up his life as a musician in order to marry Gloria. They have a beautiful daughter, Francesca, and it is only because of their little girl that Oscar views his sacrificed career as worthwhile.
Carrie returns from Australia at the end of an ill-fated affair with a married man to find her mother and aunt sharing a home and squabbling endlessly. With Christmas approaching, Carrie agrees to look after her aunt’s awkward and quiet teenage daughter, Lucy, so that her mother might enjoy a romantic fling in America.
Sam Howard is trying to pull his life back together after his wife has left him for another. He is without home and without roots, all he has is his job. Business takes him to northern Scotland, where he falls in love with the lush, craggy landscape and set his sights on a house.
It is the strange rippling effects of a tragedy that will bring these five characters together in a large, neglected estate house near the Scottish fishing town of Creagan.
It is in this house, on the shortest day of the year, that the lives of five people will come together and be forever changed. Rosamunde Pilcher’s long-awaited return to the page will warm the hearts of readers both old and new. Winter Solstice is a novel of love, loyalty and rebirth.
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Full disclosure: This is the third time I’ve read this wonderful book. Rosamunde Pilcher is my favorite author, and reading her work always reminds me of why that is. She’s got a gift for painting vivid scenes for the reader, so that we’re placed there, inside the book with her, in our minds. She also crafts realistic characters with flaws and insecurities, along with positive traits that we grow to love.
Winter Solstice is the perfect holiday book for a pandemic year. It’s rather melancholy in tone and plot, but in the end, it’s incredibly satisfying. There’s a quiet joy to this book that represents a somber season. I also love how these quirky characters come together, how their paths eventually intertwine.
The mark of a great read is that it stays with me long after I read the final chapter. I hate to see our journey together end. After closing a great book, I’m left wondering what happens next, wishing I could join the characters for their next life “chapter.” This is one of those books.
Another good snowed in book would be Winter Solstice by Rosamunde Pilcher. I read this just after Christmas years ago and loved it. It is a rare book that I did not pass on or resell. Lots of interesting characters who come together in Scotland and are snowed in together. In fact, I may just reread it this year!
This is a wonderful example of how small acts of kindness can change someone’s whole world. Like the solstice, a small change gradually brings new light.
Rosamunde Pilcher’s WINTER SOLSTICE is the perfect novel in which to lose yourself during the holiday season! Richly drawn characters, story that deepens with each chapter, a wonderful setting in wintertime Scotland, lovely dialogue that quietly reveals vulnerability and strength, plenty of humor and good will, a quiet reflection on life and the gathering of those who become our family – all this, plus faithful dogs, good meals, countryside rambles, village life, and the magic of Christmas! Treat yourself – start WINTER SOLTICE tonight!
Nice to read a book where 2 of the main characters are older and fall in love. Just a lovely book …..that I have read 3 times now.
Reading a Pilcher novel is a commitment. This is one of my favorites for the unusual set of characters and their unlikely interactions. Such an original premise and a tale that unfolds with unique twists and turns, you will want to brave a cold Scottish winter to share the experiences. Truly a lovely read.
I love this book. It is so atmospheric. The characters are great. The story is fabulous. I like to curl up and reread this book periodically.
A warm cozy read that left me wanting more of these characters and a continuation of their stories.
Pilcher’s books never fail to entertain me and leave me with a smile.
As with all of Rosamunde Pilcher’s books, this one is filled with interesting characters and a unique plot.
This is a perfect escape book for a cold rainy day.
I found it hard to put this book down, but then that’s the way I am with a Rosamunde Pilcher book. She tells such good stories. Thoroughly enjoyed it.
Rosamund Pilcher tells a beautiful story in each of her books, this one was no exception. I felt as if I were there enjoying the various adventures.
Pilcher writes sweet books about interesting characters. I thoroughly enjoy reading about her world, no matter (or perhaps because) it is so different from mine.
I fell in love this everything about this book..the characters, story, pace and conclusion. This author is flawless with her substantial character-building, the Scottish locale and how Scotland actually feels like another character in the story with the vivid descriptions of the weather, scenery, people and the ocean. The main characters are believable, the story; heartwarming, and it left me wanting to move to Scotland and settle into a community just like the one in the story. I LOVED everything about this book!
Great characters and description of place.
Predictable, but always interesting and endearing characters in Pilcher’s books.
She is able to create an authentic setting and believable characters, as well as an entertaining story. Great books to read when you need a break from the heavy stuff.
Rosamunde Pilcher writes wonderful stories. Her characters are interesting and the plot keeps you wondering. The setting is always in parts of England or Scotland. They occur in the past so you get to understand the ores of that day.
Love rosamonde pitcher.
Although not her best- it is still a charming read. As usual her writing style seems effortless. Heartwarming. Addresses serious themes with warmth and understanding. My only negative is that all loose ends are tied up a little too neatly and unbelievably at the end.