Rating: 
Summary: Don't hurry...this story should be savored!
Review: I don't understand the criticism of this book. No, it's not quickie fiction. Pilcher takes her own sweet time to develop all the story lines and characters but, for me, the wait is worth it. By the time the book was over, I felt as if I knew the soul of each holiday visitor at Estate House. Pilcher's true gift is in the details and in her ability to draw readers into each story and to make us comfortable enough to linger. I'll be reading WINTER SOLSTICE again...and again....and again... What about a sequel? Oscar and Elfrida as they re-do their cottage....Lucy and Rory as they explore young love...Carrie and Sam as they build a life together??? Endless possibilities. Enjoy!
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: Perfect Read During Winter Solstice
Review: It is no secret that I consider Rosamunde Pilcher one of my favorite authors as so many other readers do too. From the first book I read by her, The Shell Seekers, to Winter Solstice the last book I still had to read, this author never fails to entrance me. While I lover her tales set in England and Scotland and her descriptions of places I feel I know so well, it is her characters who reach out to me and set her books apart from others. Strong and wise women like Penelope from The Shell Seekers, Violet from September, Judith from Coming Home and now Elfrida from Winter Solstice are among my very favorite characters from Ms, Pilcher's books and ones I wish I had as friends. And not only does she write about women characters one can't forget but especially in Winter Solstice, she introduces her readers to Oscar and Sam who are taken under Elfrida's very capable wings.
The time is right before Christmas when Elfrida and Oscar, two friends travel to Scotland. Oscar has suffered a tragedy and in addition must now find some other place to live. The house which he inherited with a cousin long ago will serve as a temporary refuge for Oscar since he knows few people in the area and hasn't been back in almost 50 years. Neither he nor Elfrida plan on celebrating the holidays but then again they didn't expect Elfrida's cousin to join them with her teenage niece or Sam, an Englishman assigned to a new job in the area. There are coincidences in this book, other endearing characters like the local minister, his wife and son and finally there is another inheritance from a relatively unknown person which will not only alter Oscar and Elfrida's lives but all of the main characters from this book. Unfortunately this book went by way too quickly and as it ended I not only shed tears of happiness for the good fortunes of these characters but also because this was the last book I had left to read by Pilcher for the first time.
I found it rather interesting that while I read all of Ms. Pilcher's older books after The Shell Seekers, the books she wrote after her large bestseller that eluded me for sometime. Although I bought each one as soon as it was published, I couldn't seem to get into them. I'm not sure I worried that no other large book by Ms. Pilcher could entrance me as much as The Shell Seekers or if I was simply saving these books so that I would always have something to read by Pilcher for the first time. But this was the year that must have felt Pilcher deprived because not only did I read Winter Solstice but September
and Coming Home as well. Looking back on this, one Pilcher book just seemed to lead to another and who could fail to be captivated by Pilcher's world when they are in the mood to be swept away by this wonderful author. And while I still think it will always be the first book I read by her which will be my favorite I have never read a book by Ms. Pilcher that I didn't enjoy. Some I just enjoyed more than others. And certainly Winter Solstice is among this group.
If you have never read anything by this author run and either buy or borrow one of her books. And if like me you've now read everything she's written place those books carefully upon your shelves and wait for the day when you feel a reread is a must. I know that whether it is the winter solstice like now or a hot day in the summer, the season is always right to spend time with Rosamunde Pilcher and one of her books.
Rating:
Summary: My favorite Pilcher book so far
Review: This book was so pleasant and a lovely opportunity to be in Scotland at Christmas. Nothing too terrible happens; the characters are good people. There are afew twists but everything falls together in the end. Pilcher, a wonderful story teller, winds you through the towns and backgrounds of her characters as if it were a movie. I'd like to go and visit them.
Rating:
Summary: Satisfying
Review: Not being a genre that I normally read, I was pleasantly surprised. Pilcher was able to paint a picture of the lives of a handful of people without any wasted words or descriptions. She made you a deal that you were there. Two worlds that is just as real as the one that you wake up to. Yet even though the people are familiar the environment is unique. It is what you that he'll as you read this book that makes it worth of re-reading. My only wish is that there would be a sequel.
I'm now reading the book after first listening to the tape-recording, Read by Lynn Redgrave. Lynn has a pleasant reading voice and can distinguish between the characters well enough that you don't have to guess who is talking. The abridged version allows you to follow the story without taking too many sidetracks. Rosamunde Pilcher, Is one of the few writers that can make the sidetrack is interesting is the main story. She has made the reconsider this genre
I would describe the story itself, but it is better to have it unfold before your eyes. You will not be disappointed.
Rating: 
Summary: Pilcher fabulous yet again
Review: I could go on and on about this book, but to review the plot again is not necessary. Let it be said that Pilcher has done it again - a fabulous read for sure. I'm sure I am not alone in saying that I hope and pray this is not her last book, as others have said in this forum, "this book demands a sequel!"
Rating:
Summary: Curl up with Winter Solstice
Review: Winter Solstice has all the marks of a classic Pilcher novel. But as I read I felt a twinge of guilt. Guilt at reading what was obviously not great literature, guilt that I enjoyed it so. Having visited Pilcher's world before, I saw the clean and convenient storyline unfold before me. I even began to predict the next solution to the next storm in a teacup. We know these situations, and yet...they're just so darn nice to curl up with. I yearn to get back to the book on my bus commute home, and to again curl up with the book as the wind howls outside in the hours before sleep. It's THAT kind of book, no more, no less. A world where everyone eventually finds love, finds meaning, finds comfort in life, and even sometimes finds a fortune to live out the last season of ones life comfortably, by the fire, with a crystal glass of sherry or scotch, perhaps wrapped in the warmth of an old house, curled up with a good book.
Rating:
Summary: My first Rosamunde Pilcher
Review: I was at loose ends for something to read, and I saw this book. It seemed interesting, so I bought it and took it home. As a writer myself, I tend to be very picky about plot lines and characterization, but I must say that this book validated all that I had heard of Rosamunde Pilcher - and it was not even considered her best. It was wonderful, full of understanding of people's trials and foibles, with an underlying hope and strength. The ending was just magnificent! I went from this to read two more of her novels, and plan to continue reading Pilcher. You'll love this book!
Rating:
Summary: A fine book, a marvelous performance
Review: It has been years since tears came to my eyes at the end of a book but come they did when I finished listening to Lynn Redgrave read Winter Solstice. They were not tears of sadness but tears of joy. I've listened to 6 of Ms. Pilcher's books so far as I drive my long commute each day but this is the best so far. Few can tell a wonderful story about ordinary people as well as can Ms. Pilcher and I'm both an avid reader and an avid listener to books on tape (or CD). Her characters live and become well developed friends; her scenes enter the 'mind's eye' with clarity. One gets a hint of the way things are going but, until the end arrives, one is never completely sure. Lynn Redgrave's abilities as a reader are marvelous and she has a unique talent for taking a wonderful story and enhancing it beautifully. I know at least 10 people to whom I will give a 'copy' of Winter Solstice as a holiday gift. Give yourself a fine gift also and I'm sure you will be richly rewarded!
Rating:
Summary: Praise for Rosamunde Pilcher
Review: Of all of the Rosamunde Pilcher books that I own, and I own all of them, Winter Solstice is my favorite. It was the first of her books that I read and I've not been able to read any other author since. Ms. Pilcher's ability to bring out the feeling of being in the story is so strong and comforting. I find her lack of sex, violence, and vulgar langauge very uplifting and hopeful. In a world where each of us hears about such things every day, it is nice to end my day with the peace that she brings to me. I will not depart with any of my Pilcher books. I highly recommend them to friends, but prefer to purchase new copies for them to read. Ms. Pilcher has strengthened my desire to visit the countryside of Scotland and her people.
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