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margaretmechinus's review against another edition
4.0
The audio book is 17 hrs. That’s a long time to spend with someone, but I liked them all. How delightful.
abeckett's review against another edition
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
amberlinn's review against another edition
3.5
A lovely slice of life that you somehow get drawn into. Time warps, as it often does around this time of year, and you don’t know how to feel about some of the people sometimes, but you always feel cozy there.
I went into this blind and the whole first section of the novel made me uneasy, as if waiting with breath held despite not knowing what was coming.
There was a reason for that feeling of foreboding.
It was hard to shake that unease the rest of the novel, but easy to get swept in the current of the hustle and bustle.
It was tender, but not particularly exciting. And if that’s what you’re looking for in a novel, you will love it.
For me, it feels a bit dull in hindsight.
I went into this blind and the whole first section of the novel made me uneasy, as if waiting with breath held despite not knowing what was coming.
There was a reason for that feeling of foreboding.
It was hard to shake that unease the rest of the novel, but easy to get swept in the current of the hustle and bustle.
It was tender, but not particularly exciting. And if that’s what you’re looking for in a novel, you will love it.
For me, it feels a bit dull in hindsight.
staciek3's review against another edition
5.0
What a lovely story. Rosamunde reminds me a bit of Kate Morton, who I also adore, especially the first book I read of hers, The Forgotten Garden. The characters are just so warm and interesting, so full of life. You cannot help but be sucked into their world and in the process realize it's way past your bedtime. I do need to visit Scotland. I knew this before reading the book, but I loved the scenery depicted there. Oh Oscar and Elfrida, how I will miss you!
read_write_ramble's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
jenontheshelf's review against another edition
4.0
This was a comfortable, cozy read. While not devoid of conflict and sadness, it was a lovely uplifting story about grief and belonging. Plus it is set in Scotland, so how could I not love it? I can testify to the healing power of the Scottish highlands and the warmth and kindness of the Scottish people.
The only downside is that I didn’t really connect deeply with any of the characters. They were all well developed and there was no dearth of ones to choose from! But none of them really resonated with me or my own experience. They were all wonderful characters, though. Like the home that is the central fixture of the story, this book was inviting and has room for all sorts.
The only downside is that I didn’t really connect deeply with any of the characters. They were all well developed and there was no dearth of ones to choose from! But none of them really resonated with me or my own experience. They were all wonderful characters, though. Like the home that is the central fixture of the story, this book was inviting and has room for all sorts.
punnygirl789's review against another edition
5.0
A heart warming story filled with light, love and redemption. The perfect winter comfort read.
schlady's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
slow-paced
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
Takes a long time to get everyone's character and story established, but admittedly worth it; a light cozy winter listen for sure. A slow-paced but cute story, generally cheerful and friendly, learning about each character from their perspective and how they all come together in both expected and unexpected ways.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Child death, Grief, and Car accident
Minor: Infidelity
knitter22's review
4.0
Winter Solstice didn't inspire quite the same feelings in me as my favorite Rosamunde Pilcher novel, The Shell Seekers, but it still made for a very nice pandemic listen. There was plenty of loss, tragedy, and pain in this story, but also an abundance of warmth and love. I hope I can remember the lessons written so well here as Christmas during the pandemic approaches.
12/18/22: I enjoyed this quietly satisfying book even though I read it just two years ago. Rereading a book with a strong sense of hope is always a good thing for me.
12/20/23: Winter Solstice was the perfect seasonal reread for me. I remembered Elfrida and Oscar, but with this rereading, I had a better appreciation for the other characters and their situations. The heartbreak that Carrie and Sam felt, and how teenage Lucy must have felt being ignored by her own mother were more prominent this time. I especially enjoyed Sam's soliloquy on British wool tweed. Pilcher's characters are warm and friendly but I also find them to be believable. Nobody is perfect in her books, and while the characters suffer grief and dire circumstances, Rosamunde Pilcher always wrote with hope and optimism. Maybe that's why I enjoy her novels so much.
12/18/22: I enjoyed this quietly satisfying book even though I read it just two years ago. Rereading a book with a strong sense of hope is always a good thing for me.
12/20/23: Winter Solstice was the perfect seasonal reread for me. I remembered Elfrida and Oscar, but with this rereading, I had a better appreciation for the other characters and their situations. The heartbreak that Carrie and Sam felt, and how teenage Lucy must have felt being ignored by her own mother were more prominent this time. I especially enjoyed Sam's soliloquy on British wool tweed. Pilcher's characters are warm and friendly but I also find them to be believable. Nobody is perfect in her books, and while the characters suffer grief and dire circumstances, Rosamunde Pilcher always wrote with hope and optimism. Maybe that's why I enjoy her novels so much.