A review by cat_book_lady
Winter Solstice by Rosamunde Pilcher

3.0

(Audiobook) - This will by no means go down as a classic, but this was a wholly sentimental Hallmark-movie-in-a-book with all the warm fuzzy feels, the cozy cottage in a small town, fun-loving characters, all set in the Scotland backdrop during the Winter Solstice (because Christmas was apparently too cliche). But why did I enjoy this book? Well, there is a part in each one of us where life has gotten hard, and we just want to escape to a faraway place that is comfortable, lovely, and new friends are made without the horrible weight of past trouble and tragedy. That cathartic escapism makes this novel so magical, but it was also just clean with no bad language - ok, the word "bugger" was thrown in a couple of times - no graphic scenes of sex or violence, and people are sugary sweet with manners, respect, and generosity towards everyone. The town itself is a healing balm due to the warmth of its idyllic townspeople and breathtaking scenery. It was thoroughly predictable which adds to the ambiance of the relaxing, hopeful mood, and (nearly) everyone lives happily ever after. Sometimes you just need a book like this, so let yourself indulge in this quiet, restorative salve for your soul.