Winter Street Week Day 5: Winter Solstice

I have really enjoyed writing these reviews and holding these discussions this week! It’s been a treat and a great way to kick off this series on the blog. I know when I’m reading blogs, I look for consistency since it’s something to look forward to. Maybe as we enter the new year I’ll update the schedule, but for now I’m really enjoying what I’m producing! 

Winter Solstice is, in my opinion, a perfect ending to a series. I don’t say that often. In fact, I’m generally disappointed with how series ends (looking at you Divergent). I always love reading the acknowledgements at the back of this book because Elin Hilderbrand writes how the Winter Street series came to be, how it was supposed to only be a trilogy, until her publishers asked her for one more. 

I love how she wrote this. It’s a dual sequel, technically. If you haven’t read The Rumor, you might be confused by some of the characters but I also think it’s possible to read without it. But if you haven’t read The Rumor, I highly recommend it! I think it’s definitely one of her best! 

Winter Solstice begins by introducing us to Bart’s voice. Bart is home, after two years as a Prisoner of War in Afghanistan. We haven’t gotten to live in Bart’s perspective yet and I think that’s the most special part of this book. 

I can’t get through this book without tearing up. There is so much happiness and joy told in beautiful prose, but it is also an ending; a very definitive ending. 

I love the Jennifer story line, as usual. Jen’s design business is booming and Patrick’s firm is almost off the ground, but an inappropriate client puts their lifestyle in danger. A new opportunity to host a design show presents itself, but it comes with some series strings attached. Kevin’s ex-wife and Jen’s former drug dealer, Norah Vale, is the one to suggest Jennifer for the show. 

I always wish we had some resolution to Isabelle’s reaction to this plot point. We never spend any time with her and never learn if she and Jennifer resolve this dispute between sisters-in-law.

But that’s my only issue. I love Ava’s storyline, her recognition of Mitzi as she finds herself in the position of potential stepmother to Potter’s difficult son, PJ. I love her life in New York! Obviously it’s always so fun to read about where you live. I love her interactions with Margaret, who is retiring from CBS News. Margaret is my favorite character, as well as my own mother’s. I can’t get enough of her perspective. 

I also love how she wove in the characters from The Rumor and we get to see what happened after the exposed affair and jail time. It’s nice to see character’s redeem themselves and it’s also so great to get to see them rebuild after total devastation. Allegra and Bart’s relationship is fun to read about. I am hopeless romantic and yes, it may seem to move fast, but I applaud their bravery after so much pain. Love is love.

It’s also a wonderful message to see Grace and Eddie reconcile. They both had a hand in destroying their marriage and lifestyle, so it’s humbling to see them rebuild.

It has a finite, beautiful ending. A little too finite, as I would really love more of this family. I would love Elin to write about the early days of the Quinn family, their Christmases on the Upper East Side and the first Christmas Eve party at the Winter Street Inn. 

Until then, or probably forever, I will have to imagine these moments. I hope these reviews have inspired you to give them a read. They are the perfect book to cuddle up with by the light of the Christmas tree.