In the High Peaks
















Thursday, December 22, 2016

Hilderbrand's Winter Storms and Jane Austen

Anyone who spends the entire day reading when Christmas is coming in three days is either very tired or a lunatic. I can admit to both. I felt myself a positively wicked person staying in bed all day with Jane Austen's Persuasion and while finishing Elin Hilderbrand's Winter Storms. But nobody knew except my next-door-neighbor, who delivered a New Year's Eve invitation at around half past noon. I went to the door in my nightgown--yes, I did, and confessed to being caught up in a book. His answer was that his wife was still lounging in similar attire! Good for Dottie!

I am indeed sorry to say that I was a bit disappointed by Winter Storms, the final novel in the Quinn Family Christmas Trilogy. I felt this final volume needed many more pages to deal with the weighty, complicated issues at hand: Kelley's worsening brain cancer, his son Bart's last-minute return from Afghanistan after being held hostage for over a year, Ava's choice of a man to spend her life with. The tying-up of all the loose ends could have benefited greatly from more detail--it all felt so, so rushed. The trilogy's issues desperately needed more resolution.

I also was perplexed that unlike the two previous books, Winter Street and Winter StrollWinter Storms devoted only a quarter of the book to the holiday season, unlike the previous two books. Oh, sigh. I really have to slap myself to avoid thinking that I wish I had been the editor. Down, girl!! A nasty habit of mine. But please note: Winter Street is absolutely pitch-perfect, Winter Stroll is lots of fun, and don't omit Winter Storms because of my input.
I still very highly recommend this trilogy for Christmas reading.

And I'm zooming along reading Jane Austen's Persuasion. It's historically interesting as well as great fun. I will leave you with a link to the Jane Austen Society of North America. Lots of great links and information at this fantastic website.

4 comments:

  1. I didn't realize this was part of a trilogy. I've enjoyed this author is the past. I like the setting of most of her books.

    Wishing you a happy holiday season Judith.

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    1. Diane,
      I think you would enjoy this series. (As it turns out, indeed, a fourth book is in the works--so happy!)
      Winter Street, the first novel, is so much fun.
      I'm so sorry, Diane, that I didn't get the chance to return your good wishes during the holiday season!
      J.

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  2. Judith - I put a hold on Winter Street after reading your recent post. Haven't been able to read/concentrate on much the past couple of weeks, but the library hold became available yesterday and I've already read a third of it! Seems to be just what I need this busy time of year. Thank you... and Merry Christmas!

    PS - I am very envious of a day spent reading in bed. LOL about your neighbor's visit!

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    1. JoAnn, I have found that I've had no choice but to devour each book in the series!
      I highly recommend spending an occasional day in bed reading. When one is exhausted, or a wee bit sickly, it is just the thing.
      I still giggle when I remember that moment when Pete arrived to find me a la nightgown with a book in hand!

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