WINTER STREET by Elin Hilderbrand
I wanted to finish the year with a non-thriller, non-historical fiction, Christmassy book; a story of a loving family gathering by the fire on a snow covered Christmas Eve. I looked to Elin Hilderbrand’s “Winter Street,” because Nantucket seemed the ideal setting for this cozy novel I had in my mind.
Well, there is snow, and these family members do love each other, but there is a twisted turning path before we figure out the latter!
First we must share the main character, Kelly Quinn’s shock at discovering his wife’s infidelity. Then we read of his sweet daughter Ava’s disappointment with her aloof suiter, the deep concern for Kelly’s youngest son Bart marching off to war in Afghanistan, and the unexpected shame of his the oldest son’s involvement with illegal insider trading. Did I mention an unplanned pregnancy? I didn’t think so. Did I also mention that both Kelly’s unfaithful wife and his first wife end up coming for Christmas? Trying not to give too much away.
It is a bit of a mess, but a humorous one at that. How can this sad conglomeration of scenarios possibility provide entertainment, you wonder? Oh, it does! Elin Hilderbrand’s Norman Rockwell-esq Nantucket in winter warms the heart and somehow puts all trials into perspective. The love between family members will override all embarrassment, shame, regret, and fear. Quinns will have a happy Christmas, despite what the news may be the day after.
And the best news for me is that there are two other books in this winter series!
Merry Christmas!
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