Pages: 246
Genre: Adult Fiction
Pub. Date: October 4, 2016
Publisher: Little, Brown and Company
Source: Library
Other Books By Author: Winter Street, Winter Stroll,
My Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Goodreads says, "Some of the stormy weather of the past few seasons seems to have finally lifted for the Quinns. After a year apart, and an ill-fated affair with the Winter Street Inn's old Santa Claus, Mitzi has returned to rule the roost; Patrick is about to be released from prison; Kevin has a successful new business and is finally ready to tie the knot with Isabelle; and best of all, there's hopeful news about Bart, who has been captured by enemy forces in Afghanistan. That doesn't mean there aren't a few dark clouds on the horizon. Kelley has recently survived a health scare; Jennifer can't quite shake her addiction to the drugs she used as a crutch while Patrick was in jail; and Ava still can't decide between the two lovers that she's been juggling with limited success. However, if there's one holiday that brings the Quinn family together to give thanks for the good times, it's Christmas. And this year promises to be a celebration unlike any other as the Quinns prepare to host Kevin and Isabelle's wedding at the inn. But as the special day approaches, a historic once-in-a-century blizzard bears down on Nantucket, threatening to keep the Quinns away from the place--and the people--they love most. Before the snow clears, the Quinns will have to survive enough upheavals to send anyone running for the spiked eggnog, in this touching novel that proves that when the holidays roll around, you can always go home again."
What have the beloved Quinn family of Nantucket been up to? Well, Kelley has been dealing with some health issues and Mitzi is back, which is a good thing, because Kelley needs a lot of support right now. Their hearts still ache though, because they haven't had any news about their son, Bart, who has been captured in Afghanistan. This might change though as another solider escaped and may have information! On the bright side, Kevin has opened up a new restaurant on the island and it's a hit; plus, he is finally marrying Isabelle. Her family is coming over from France and they are planning on a gorgeous wedding over the Christmas holidays. Patrick is finally out of jail and Jennifer can now breathe a sigh of relief. However, there's still some personal demons she has to face. Lastly, there's Ava, who is still tremendously confused about her love life. All of the Quinn family will be coming together for Kevin and Isabelle's wedding at the inn. What could go wrong? Elin Hilderbrand's Winter Storms is holiday perfection. I am absolutely in love with the Winter Street series.
As mentioned, there's a lot going on with the Quinns in Winter Storms. Hilderbrand masterfully weaves all the characters' stories and does it so well that I wasn't gravitating towards one character over another in Winter Storms. I genuinely cared about each Quinn family member. I was probably the most happy for Kevin as he has had a difficult road and I was glad to see him become the successful person he always hoped to be and to be in a good place with Isabelle. Ava's romance was over-the-top, but in the best way possible. Jennifer's story was heartbreaking, but very real in that many people find themselves in this trap and have to face issues of addiction. Kelley's story in particular was a tough pill to swallow, but it was worth it, because I love the Winter Street series. I am invested in the Quinn family, so I didn't want to see it end.
Winter Storms and Winter Street series is perfect for the holidays. Obviously the beautiful coastal setting of Nantucket is like a Hallmark Christmas movie and it's a feel-good read, but there's enough family drama in it to make it relatable and feel like real-life--- not just some fairy tale where all things always end well. I have to say it's my favorite holiday series, so much so that I am putting off the last book in the series, Winter Solstice, because I don't want it to end. Do yourself a favor and if you haven't read the Winter Street series yet, pick it up over the holidays.
Are you a fan of Elin Hilderbrand and/or this series? Have you read Winter Storms? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below.
It does seem like a lot is going on, so I'm glad Hilderbrand is able to balance and weave all the stories together!
ReplyDeleteShe does--it's the perfect Christmas series! Thanks for visiting, Angela!
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