Status
Available
Call number
Genres
Collection
Publication
Macmillan Audio (2018)
Description
Fiction. Literature. HTML: From #1 New York Times bestselling author Rosamunde Pilcher, Winter Solstice (the basis for the TV movie) is the story of five unforgettable characters, lonely and haunted strangers who find love and loyalty as a reborn family of friends during the Christmas holidays. 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. 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 Austria at the end of an ill-fated affair with a married man to find her mother and sister sharing a home and squabbling endlessly. With Christmas approaching, Carrie agrees to look after her sister'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… (more)
User reviews
LibraryThing member Meredy
Six-word review: As the season turns, lives turn.
Extended review:
Within the scope of my reading experience, Winter Solstice is a rarity: a feelgood book that is not sentimental or saccharine. It is neither cute nor cloying, does not insult the reader's intelligence, and strains credulity only as
I loved it, and it did make me feel good.
Perhaps this is characteristic of the novels of Rosamunde Pilcher, but I wouldn't know, never having read any before. Nor would I have been inclined to believe someone who tried to tell me that I wouldn't hate it just because they didn't. That's as sure a way as any to guarantee that I'll never pick it up.
I'll thank my fellow Green Dragoneer @SylviaC for the right push at the right moment, but I think it was also a happy stroke of timing that the suggestion touched me in a weakened state and found me susceptible.
And, of course, it was seasonally appropriate.
At the halfway point, I described the book as Jefferson Farjeon's Mystery in White meets D.E. Stevenson's Miss Buncle's Book, only much deeper, warmer, and without the diversion of a murder. By the end I wouldn't change that description very much, except to say that the character of Elfrida Phipps is as charming as any I've met this side of Dorothy Gale. She's what Amelia Peabody should have been and what the likes of Scarlett O'Hara, just to name one, never could be. It would be rudely condescending to tag her with such epithets as "spunky" and "quirky," although she is certainly a distinct individual. She's not so much impulsive as guided by a confident inner light, which shines out through a very open heart. And yet she is no saint and nobody's fool. Like everyone in the book, I find her irresistible.
The setup is conventional: a group of people in a country house, this one in northern Scotland, snowed in together and making the best of it. The characters themselves are warmly likeable even as they struggle to overcome difficult and painful life situations. Passing the winter solstice together and then Christmas, they achieve with one another what none could manage alone: the lightening of burdens by love and simple affection.
How this comes about held my delighted attention for 504 pages. And the ending is just right. I'm not taking off any points for contrivance and lucky coincidence, nor am I going to list the few small defects I noted (or one character's incredible faux pas that the author let pass). What, after all, matters most about escapist reading? Right. The escapism.
And so, reluctantly, I leave Elfrida and Oscar and their impromptu family in their snowy Scottish village and head back to my version of the real world. But I do, honestly and not sappily, feel as though I'd made a friend.
Extended review:
Within the scope of my reading experience, Winter Solstice is a rarity: a feelgood book that is not sentimental or saccharine. It is neither cute nor cloying, does not insult the reader's intelligence, and strains credulity only as
Show More
much as absolutely necessary without doing it gratuitous violence.I loved it, and it did make me feel good.
Perhaps this is characteristic of the novels of Rosamunde Pilcher, but I wouldn't know, never having read any before. Nor would I have been inclined to believe someone who tried to tell me that I wouldn't hate it just because they didn't. That's as sure a way as any to guarantee that I'll never pick it up.
I'll thank my fellow Green Dragoneer @SylviaC for the right push at the right moment, but I think it was also a happy stroke of timing that the suggestion touched me in a weakened state and found me susceptible.
And, of course, it was seasonally appropriate.
At the halfway point, I described the book as Jefferson Farjeon's Mystery in White meets D.E. Stevenson's Miss Buncle's Book, only much deeper, warmer, and without the diversion of a murder. By the end I wouldn't change that description very much, except to say that the character of Elfrida Phipps is as charming as any I've met this side of Dorothy Gale. She's what Amelia Peabody should have been and what the likes of Scarlett O'Hara, just to name one, never could be. It would be rudely condescending to tag her with such epithets as "spunky" and "quirky," although she is certainly a distinct individual. She's not so much impulsive as guided by a confident inner light, which shines out through a very open heart. And yet she is no saint and nobody's fool. Like everyone in the book, I find her irresistible.
The setup is conventional: a group of people in a country house, this one in northern Scotland, snowed in together and making the best of it. The characters themselves are warmly likeable even as they struggle to overcome difficult and painful life situations. Passing the winter solstice together and then Christmas, they achieve with one another what none could manage alone: the lightening of burdens by love and simple affection.
How this comes about held my delighted attention for 504 pages. And the ending is just right. I'm not taking off any points for contrivance and lucky coincidence, nor am I going to list the few small defects I noted (or one character's incredible faux pas that the author let pass). What, after all, matters most about escapist reading? Right. The escapism.
And so, reluctantly, I leave Elfrida and Oscar and their impromptu family in their snowy Scottish village and head back to my version of the real world. But I do, honestly and not sappily, feel as though I'd made a friend.
Show Less
LibraryThing member moonshineandrosefire
Elfrida Phipps, once a famous actress on the London stage, retires at age 62 and moves to the sleepy Hampshire village of Dibton. She never anticipates going off with a man. But after a devastating tragedy, her first friend from when she arrived in Dibton, Oscar Blundell - the church organist -
What she doesn't realize is that also joining her and Oscar in the rundown Victorian mansion in Scotland, will be Carrie, a young woman with a broken heart recently returned from Australia after ending her affair with a married man. Joining her will be her young teenage cousin Lucy, who Carrie has agreed to look after, when she discovers that her mother and aunt are constantly squabbling. Sam Howard is an American whose wife leaves him for another man. He is a man without a home and without roots, so when his job sends him to Scotland, he jumps at the chance to go.
He falls in love with the lush, craggy landscape and sets his sights on a house. These five very different people - Sam, Carrie, Lucy, Elfrida and Oscar - will form firm friendships that will change all their lives forever. I really enjoyed this book. It was a first time read for me - the writing was beautiful and it flowed along nicely for me. I give it an A+!
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asks her for companionship. So, with her brown-and-white dog in tow, Elfrida begins her journey.What she doesn't realize is that also joining her and Oscar in the rundown Victorian mansion in Scotland, will be Carrie, a young woman with a broken heart recently returned from Australia after ending her affair with a married man. Joining her will be her young teenage cousin Lucy, who Carrie has agreed to look after, when she discovers that her mother and aunt are constantly squabbling. Sam Howard is an American whose wife leaves him for another man. He is a man without a home and without roots, so when his job sends him to Scotland, he jumps at the chance to go.
He falls in love with the lush, craggy landscape and sets his sights on a house. These five very different people - Sam, Carrie, Lucy, Elfrida and Oscar - will form firm friendships that will change all their lives forever. I really enjoyed this book. It was a first time read for me - the writing was beautiful and it flowed along nicely for me. I give it an A+!
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LibraryThing member Marliesd
Not as good as her others, but still fine.
LibraryThing member skylersage
Once again this English author delights and inspires us to enjoy each moment of life and cherish those around us. Her characters are so captivating, I often find myself wanting to rush home to see what they are doing next in the book - only to have the book be finished. The setting this time is
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Scotland in the winter months with an unusual group of loosely related characters. A young girl, a career woman, a spunky and loveable senior and some distinctive small-town people round out the cast. This is her last book and even though I keep hoping she writes a sequel, so far, nothing. I read it every year in time to finish it at the solstice. These characters are so real to me I have half a notion to write the rest of their story for her! Show Less
LibraryThing member salmonchick
A nice story, easy read. The characters are likeable and the story is enjoyable.
LibraryThing member lucymaesmom
Absolutely loved it. I fell in love with each character so quickly that as Pilcher introduced another one I didn't want to let the first one go - until they all came together. I always hate to see one of her books end.
LibraryThing member BlackDoll
Ok...Ok. This is my favorite SECRET book. Shhh...
LibraryThing member readingrat
Not a bad book but I found myself skipping over big chunks of repetitive information. The author introduces us to a character and we get all the background info, then that character meets another character and we get all the same background info from the same point of view, then the same character
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meets yet another character and we get all the background info YET AGAIN with very little variation between all the tellings - and this is done similarly for multiple characters. Show Less
LibraryThing member bearette24
This was my first Rosamund Pilcher novel, and I really enjoyed it. It's the story of a group of lost souls who come together in the "Estate House," a big, cozy, rambling residence in Scotland. My favorite character was the 62-year-old former actress, Elfrida Phipps.
LibraryThing member MrsLee
"Inexplicably engrossing" is a PERFECT description for this book. I can hardly put it down, and I can't explain why. A story of the intertwining of the lives of five people, it is comfortable and cozy and simply delightful. I didn't feel that the author was manipulating the characters or making
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them behave badly to further her story, she simply told of events as they played out. The characters were people you knew, people you cared about. I don't know if I would read more books by this author, because I'm very leery of this sort of story, but I didn't regret a moment of the time I spent reading this. It was like sitting down for a little chat and reminiscence with an old friend. Show Less
LibraryThing member BONS
This novel was a wonderful recommendation made by someone knowing how I love stories based in Scotland, Ireland and England. Each character you draw closer to for different reasons...almost like real life, right?
LibraryThing member SylviaC
Winter Solstice is the first novel that I've read by Rosamunde Pilcher, and I enjoyed it very much. It was nice and quiet and pleasant. Elfrida was a wonderful character—the sort of person I would like to know in real life. She is optimistic and caring, and just the slightest bit disreputable.
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She embraces life, and makes the most of whatever comes her way. Throughout the book I was always eager to find out what would happen to Elfrida and Oscar. I enjoyed Lucy's storyline, too, but was less interested in Sam and Carrie, except in their interactions with the others. I will definitely be reading more books by this author. Show Less
LibraryThing member ethel55
It took me 116 pages to really get into this novel, but I'm glad I stuck with it. Once all roads lead to Scotland, the Estate House and a town named Creagan, all was well. The assortment of characters drawn together by coincidence were wonderful and I only wish I'd had the sense to read this closer
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to the holidays. It makes a wonderful story for that time of year. Show Less
LibraryThing member Ocean_Mist
My words are inadequate in describing what a beautiful story this book represents! This book is just perfect for the Christmas season and it is set in Scotland. And even if you don't agree with all of the characters' actions, the story, as a whole, is about grieving and healing, hope, forgiveness,
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faith, beauty, and the power of love and friendship. The characters are represented very realistically and it is almost as if you were part of the story itself, and in some ways, I wish I was. I highly, highly recommend it. Show Less
LibraryThing member ABShepherd
This is a charming, albeit long at nearly 600 pages, novel full of lovable odd characters, a freezing Scottish winter, and lots of friendship and love. There is tragedy and loss, but there is also rebirth and recovery. Life goes on. Circumstances change and much like in real life these characters
Others have criticized Pilcher's moral code with the drunk-driving and infidelity threads in this novel, but I think Pilcher probably feels much like I do - kind of a live and let live attitude. If you love people you don't dwell on their flaws. If I had one criticism of this novel it would be that there are far too many polo-necked sweaters in this book. But that is really neither here nor there and plays no significant part in the storyline.
This is a warm, gentle novel that you will enjoy spending time with. Kind of like a favorite relative.
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keep going and try to find their place in things. Others have criticized Pilcher's moral code with the drunk-driving and infidelity threads in this novel, but I think Pilcher probably feels much like I do - kind of a live and let live attitude. If you love people you don't dwell on their flaws. If I had one criticism of this novel it would be that there are far too many polo-necked sweaters in this book. But that is really neither here nor there and plays no significant part in the storyline.
This is a warm, gentle novel that you will enjoy spending time with. Kind of like a favorite relative.
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LibraryThing member FerneMysteryReader
There is something so magical about reading a novel by Rosamunde Pilcher that I can hardly find the right words to express how enchanting the reading experience. Her writing has a lyrical style that is so beautiful and helps to capture each nuance of the story from settings to the events of the
This is the story of five (5) individuals that have come together in the most unexpected ways before celebration of Winter Solstice. It is a story that celebrates the beauty of ordinary days that become extraordinary. It celebrates the gifts of being considerate to others with courtesy, grace, kindness, and thoughtfulness. It celebrates the joys of strangers becoming acquaintances becoming friends and so much more. It celebrates the blessings of preparations for the holidays with goodwill and open hearts - thinking of others, planning for others, giving to others -even when one’s own heart is breaking- and how one receives so much more than ever anticipated in return. It is a story that brings to life daily living and that encompasses facing the unexpected twists and turns too. In the unexpected, there may be grief but there may also be new choices to consider, new plans to make, and introductions that are more meaningful than could possibly be imagined within the first hello or handshake. It is a story that conveys encouragement, hope, and especially loving hearts.
Characters introduced by the author are difficult to leave as the sharing of their story ends but that you will remember long after the book is closed. It is a book one wants to keep in their own library but it is a book that should be passed forward to other readers as the satisfaction of all that is held most dear to a reader is tucked between the covers.
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storyline to the character descriptions to the character dialogue and expressions to the characters’ writing of letters or diary entries.This is the story of five (5) individuals that have come together in the most unexpected ways before celebration of Winter Solstice. It is a story that celebrates the beauty of ordinary days that become extraordinary. It celebrates the gifts of being considerate to others with courtesy, grace, kindness, and thoughtfulness. It celebrates the joys of strangers becoming acquaintances becoming friends and so much more. It celebrates the blessings of preparations for the holidays with goodwill and open hearts - thinking of others, planning for others, giving to others -even when one’s own heart is breaking- and how one receives so much more than ever anticipated in return. It is a story that brings to life daily living and that encompasses facing the unexpected twists and turns too. In the unexpected, there may be grief but there may also be new choices to consider, new plans to make, and introductions that are more meaningful than could possibly be imagined within the first hello or handshake. It is a story that conveys encouragement, hope, and especially loving hearts.
Characters introduced by the author are difficult to leave as the sharing of their story ends but that you will remember long after the book is closed. It is a book one wants to keep in their own library but it is a book that should be passed forward to other readers as the satisfaction of all that is held most dear to a reader is tucked between the covers.
Show Less
LibraryThing member ScribblingSprite
I got to about 70 pages. It wasn't bad, just not really my style.
LibraryThing member cindyloumn
Best book I have read in a long time!! It had it ALL. A bit predictable at times, but you WANTED it to be. I cried at the end. I DONT cry over books let me tell you! She writes SOO smooth and so easily. It just flows.
LibraryThing member MerrittGibsonLibrary
A story of love, loyalty and rebirth.
LibraryThing member JaneAustenNut
A great Rosamunde Pilcher novel! I have just finished reading her last work, Winter Solstice, for the second time. She makes all the characters seem real and understandable. Additionally, I loved all of the location descriptions; I would love to travel to these locations in England and Scotland. A
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definite recommendation from a great British Writer! Show Less
LibraryThing member 2wonderY
Essentially a romance. But it's got lots of substance and a good mix of characters. Three generations of romance and some awfully nice neighbors as well. Enjoyed the time in this northern Scot small town. Especially liked the parson's wife, Tabitha.
LibraryThing member Moebeck
Much to my surprise (as I initially thought this would be rather sentimental and predictable), I loved the sense of place and the characters limned by Pilcher. Oh, to be in this little Scottish village for Christmas!
LibraryThing member Carol420
[Winter Solstice] by Rosamunde Pilcher
4.5★'s
From The Book:
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
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.
My Thoughts:
It's a magical tale of ordinary folks. The Estate House in a small village in Scotland at the holiday season and filled with characters that exhibit both richness and depth. Through the author's descriptions, the reader feels as if they are sitting in the house with them planning the Christmas holiday and having a cuppa tea.
If it had not been my Blind Date With A Book, I don't know if I would have ever picked the book up but I have to say that I'm glad I did and I thank the person that recommended it for a delightful, heartwarming experience.
4.5★'s
From The Book:
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
Show More
calling her by name -- still she finds 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.
My Thoughts:
It's a magical tale of ordinary folks. The Estate House in a small village in Scotland at the holiday season and filled with characters that exhibit both richness and depth. Through the author's descriptions, the reader feels as if they are sitting in the house with them planning the Christmas holiday and having a cuppa tea.
If it had not been my Blind Date With A Book, I don't know if I would have ever picked the book up but I have to say that I'm glad I did and I thank the person that recommended it for a delightful, heartwarming experience.
Show Less
LibraryThing member FerneMysteryReader
There is something so magical about reading a novel by Rosamunde Pilcher that I can hardly find the right words to express how enchanting the reading experience. Her writing has a lyrical style that is so beautiful and helps to capture each nuance of the story from settings to the events of the
This is the story of five (5) individuals that have come together in the most unexpected ways before celebration of Winter Solstice. It is a story that celebrates the beauty of ordinary days that become extraordinary. It celebrates the gifts of being considerate to others with courtesy, grace, kindness, and thoughtfulness. It celebrates the joys of strangers becoming acquaintances becoming friends and so much more. It celebrates the blessings of preparations for the holidays with goodwill and open hearts - thinking of others, planning for others, giving to others -even when one’s own heart is breaking- and how one receives so much more than ever anticipated in return. It is a story that brings to life daily living and that encompasses facing the unexpected twists and turns too. In the unexpected, there may be grief but there may also be new choices to consider, new plans to make, and introductions that are more meaningful than could possibly be imagined within the first hello or handshake. It is a story that conveys encouragement, hope, and especially loving hearts.
Characters introduced by the author are difficult to leave as the sharing of their story ends but that you will remember long after the book is closed. It is a book one wants to keep in their own library but it is a book that should be passed forward to other readers as the satisfaction of all that is held most dear to a reader is tucked between the covers.
Show More
storyline to the character descriptions to the character dialogue and expressions to the characters’ writing of letters or diary entries.This is the story of five (5) individuals that have come together in the most unexpected ways before celebration of Winter Solstice. It is a story that celebrates the beauty of ordinary days that become extraordinary. It celebrates the gifts of being considerate to others with courtesy, grace, kindness, and thoughtfulness. It celebrates the joys of strangers becoming acquaintances becoming friends and so much more. It celebrates the blessings of preparations for the holidays with goodwill and open hearts - thinking of others, planning for others, giving to others -even when one’s own heart is breaking- and how one receives so much more than ever anticipated in return. It is a story that brings to life daily living and that encompasses facing the unexpected twists and turns too. In the unexpected, there may be grief but there may also be new choices to consider, new plans to make, and introductions that are more meaningful than could possibly be imagined within the first hello or handshake. It is a story that conveys encouragement, hope, and especially loving hearts.
Characters introduced by the author are difficult to leave as the sharing of their story ends but that you will remember long after the book is closed. It is a book one wants to keep in their own library but it is a book that should be passed forward to other readers as the satisfaction of all that is held most dear to a reader is tucked between the covers.
Show Less
LibraryThing member BookConcierge
Digital audiobook narrated by Carole Shelley
Five very different people, ranging in age from teen-aged to mid-sixties, converge on a Scottish cottage just before Christmas. Each is facing some difficult changes in his or her life, and together they find a way to navigate the turbulence in their
What a charmingly told story. I grew to love these characters. Elfrida is practical, giving, generous and compassionate. Oscar is reeling from loss, struggling to come to grips with his guilt and grief, and hesitant to take a chance. Sam is trying to find a new path in life and return to his home from years spent abroad. Carrie is stubbornly independent, afraid to open herself to love after having been badly burned, and yet willing to sacrifice to help her young niece. Lucy is feeling lost and abandoned, unsure what she wants but knowing that it is NOT to be a third wheel in her mother’s new romance.
The novel changes perspective with each chapter so the reader gets to know the characters slowly, learning what is important to each as they go about their lives. There are a few coincidences that are just too good to be true, but they add to the joy and the promise of a happy ending.
I’d never read anything by this author previously, and her work reminds me of Maeve Binchy’s. I look forward to reading more of her books.
Carole Shelley does a fine job narrating the audiobook. She has a wide range of voices to handle in this cast of characters and she has to skill to do it well.
Five very different people, ranging in age from teen-aged to mid-sixties, converge on a Scottish cottage just before Christmas. Each is facing some difficult changes in his or her life, and together they find a way to navigate the turbulence in their
Show More
lives. What a charmingly told story. I grew to love these characters. Elfrida is practical, giving, generous and compassionate. Oscar is reeling from loss, struggling to come to grips with his guilt and grief, and hesitant to take a chance. Sam is trying to find a new path in life and return to his home from years spent abroad. Carrie is stubbornly independent, afraid to open herself to love after having been badly burned, and yet willing to sacrifice to help her young niece. Lucy is feeling lost and abandoned, unsure what she wants but knowing that it is NOT to be a third wheel in her mother’s new romance.
The novel changes perspective with each chapter so the reader gets to know the characters slowly, learning what is important to each as they go about their lives. There are a few coincidences that are just too good to be true, but they add to the joy and the promise of a happy ending.
I’d never read anything by this author previously, and her work reminds me of Maeve Binchy’s. I look forward to reading more of her books.
Carole Shelley does a fine job narrating the audiobook. She has a wide range of voices to handle in this cast of characters and she has to skill to do it well.
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Subjects
Awards
Audie Award (Finalist — 2001)
Language
Original language
English
Original publication date
2000