Rating: 
Summary: Not as good as Pilcher's earlier books
Review: I thoroughly enjoyed Ms. Pilcher's earlier books, with September being my favorite; however, this book was a disappointment. I felt very uncomfortable with the short grieving time span for Oscar. Elfrida and Oscar began their relationship a week or two after the funeral! And, I find it highly doubtful that they would have been accepted so quickly into the society of the little village. Also, does anyone else get a little annoyed that the frumpily dressed are always wonderful, while the stylishly dressed are calculating, snobby villains? (Lucy's mother has the audacity to match her purse and shoes!) And what about 3 separate extramarital affairs in the book that are depicted as noble and worthwhile? I finished the book, but it was a struggle. P. S. Do people in Scotland really drink that much?
Rating: 
Summary: Fantastic Read - glad I gave Pilcher another chance!
Review: I discovered Rosamunde Pilcher reading "Shell Seekers" and it impressed me so much I sought out a couple of other Pilcher novels. I was so disappointed when most of them turned out to be romances (not my favorite genre at all), so I moved on to other authors.I picked up "Winter Solstice" in the grocery store on a whim and I am *so happy* that I gave the book a chance. The story focuses on five unlikely characters who come together under unusual circumstances during a cold, snowy Christmas in a small Scottish village. All five of the characters have experienced some amount of heartbreak, and each are seeking to rebuild their lives. During the two weeks they spend together, each finds comfort and hope in their surroundings and the people around them. I love the fact that this book took place over 14 days, as opposed to spanning years. It allowed more time for details and conversations. My only wish is that I knew what happened to the characters after the New Year. I read very fast, so I am constantly searching for books that take me more than a few hours to complete. I was able to escape into Pilcher's story for several days, and enjoyed my stay within the pages thoroughly. I often found myself waking up in the middle of the night because I wanted to read more. That rarely happens! I hesitate to compare it some of Maeve Binchy's best books, but I couldn't help but notice the similarities as I read- the small, old-fashioned town, the interesting characters on the periphery. This book was really nicely written. I wish there were more like it.
Rating:
Summary: Winter Solstice
Review: This book drew me in. Each character was unique and equally interesting. By the time I finished it I was drinking hot tea on a sweltering summer's day, thinking I was in Scotland in December. I highly recommend this book. Don't start it in the evening or you will be up all night finishing it.
Rating:
Summary: HATE WINTER, BUT LOVED WINTER SOLSTICE
Review: I WAS DELIGHTED TO FIND WINTER SOLSTICE SITTING ON A SHELF IN A DISCOUNT STORE LAST WEEK AND JUST FINISHED READING THE BOOK THIS MORNING...I DIDN'T WANT THE BOOK TO END. NOTHING TRULY EXCITING HAPPENS, BUT YOU KEEP TURNING PAGE AFTER PAGE TO SEE WHAT WILL HAPPEN NEXT TO THE QUIRKY CHARACTERS. LIVING IN FLORIDA AND MISSING SNOW JUST VERY BRIEFLY ON CHRISTMAS EVE, I ENJOYED THE DESCRIPTIONS OF COLD AND SNOW...I COULD PICTURE MYSELF IN SCOTLAND, AND SITTING DOWN FOR A CUP OF TEA WITH ELFRIDA AND OSCAR. I IDENTIFIED WITH ELFRIDA, BEING VERY CLOSE TO THE SAME AGE AND LIKE ELFRIDA, HAVE ALWAYS MARCHED TO THE BEAT OF A DIFFERENT DRUMMER....WAITING FOR A SEQUEL TO THIS WONDERFUL BOOK.
Rating:
Summary: A Masterpiece
Review: For those who were extremely dissapointed with "Coming Home" and it's jumpy plot, this is a must read. Pilcher at her finest. Actually, the beginning is a little slow but after the first chapter or so the pages flew by and I finished in no time. This novel is basically about character development and how people's lives affect one another. Each character, and the supporting characters, are so vividly detailed that the reader feels like he or she is the reader's close friend. I think this is a must have for those who are authors or English students. This is what character development really is. Two thumbs up!!
Rating: 
Summary: Great book to curl up and get comfy with!
Review: I've read a few of Rosamunde Pilcher's books and loved them all. I am from Liverpool, England but, I'm currently living in Chicago with my husband, so I love to read great descriptive books, as I miss home. This book was great at creating a mental picture of my home country and my favourite place in the world - Scotland! She is amazing at puting you in the picture, her characters in this novel are all very strong and equally interesting. Infact, I found myself wishing for a sequel to find out what happens in everyones lives - she could definately turn this novel into a series. Anyway read, enjoy and get absorbed.
Rating: 
Summary: Predictable, simple but so charming
Review: Oscar and Elfrida, through devastating circumstances, escaped the placed which had shattered Oscar¡¦s life and traveled to Scotland. Oscar and Elfrida, who both despaired over whether Oscar would ever recover from the tragedy, unexpectedly found the path to recovery, though tough, was easier than expected. All it took were friendly neighbours, a troubled young woman and an equally troubled teenager, and an attractive stranger who was offered shelter from the storm. There are no surprises, no extremes n the book which will arouse intensive emotions in the reader. The storyline is predictable, and the characters, ordinary. However, the charm of the book is strong. Reading the book is as soothing as curling up on a comfortable couch, drinking a cup of tea. It serves as a reminder that life does not have to be extraordinary to be pleasing. Simple pleasures can bring extreme joy and contentment. Yes, we all know these old teachings, they are not new, but it is something different to have these brought across through such a simple and charming story.
Rating:
Summary: Terrific, but not quite up to standard set by Coming Home
Review: This was a very, very good read, but not quite up to the level of her previous three novels: Shell Seekers, September and Coming Home, all of which were excellent reads which I could not put down. In contrast I was able to put down Winter Solstice, though, I enjoyed coming back to it.
Rating:
Summary: An Amazingly Touching Book
Review: Don't read this book if you don't want to be touched in a very unique way. I defy anyone to read it and keep a dry eye throughout. Rosamunde Pilcher's stories are so wonderful. They're like a nice warm quilt and a hot cup of tea. Her characters are warm and wonderful, and she talks about real people like no other author. The characters in this book are no exception. They are wonderful! You will love to be a part of their lives in this beautiful, but chilly setting. Scotland seems really beautiful when you read about it like this. This is an enjoyable, happy book and we all need more of that these days.
Rating:
Summary: When One Door Closes Another One Opens
Review: Rosamunde Pilcher's book, Winter Solstice, is a wonderful book full of hope and solace for anyone who has lived a full life. It took me only a few chapters to be totally immersed in the wonderful soothing world of England and Scotland. Five disparate characters find their lives interwoven in the beautiful scenic Scotland countryside. Each one is recovering from a sad and/or tragic situation. Fate steps in to allow these characters to find each other and happiness and a new family structure is discovered. Philosophically this novel is an excellent representation of the belief that out of every sad situation something good will be the result. Pilcher's novel is a must for those readers who are reaching the time in their lives when they question what events could possibly be next in their lives. Just when life seems to be nearing the end - careers are set, children are grown,etc. can any more wonderful things occur? Pilcher answers this question with a resounding YES!!!! Like the soothing cup of tea offered endlessly in this novel, Pilcher offers her own brand of soft and silent hope to all. Thank you for allowing me to meet all of your wonderful characters.
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