Winter Garden: A Moving and Absorbing Historical Fiction from the Bestselling Author of The Four Winds

I had previously read and enjoyed The Nightingale by this same author. So, I was looking forward to getting lost in another novel by Kristin Hannah, and chose Winter Garden after a friend recommended it to me. Despite initially being put off by the rather cheesy front cover, I though this was a fabulous read. It's also a rather emotional page-turner, with an interesting mystery at its heart.Kristin Hannah certainly knows how to weave a story, and people it with characters that do feel 'real' - characters who I quickly came to know and to care about. The tale begins with two sisters, Meredith and Nina, who are like chalk and cheese. Meredith is a 40 year old married lady, who has two grown up daughters, and runs the family business - a large apple orchard and fresh fruit storage facility. In contrast, Nina is a carefree, successful 37 year old photo journalist, who travels the world - often visiting war-torn countries seeking out those dramatic photographs, whilst facing danger. For reasons that soon become apparent, the sisters are temporarily reunited at the family home. Whilst there, they try to find out more about their rather cold, elusive mother who originally came from Russia. Their mum has never spoken about her life before she came to finally settle in America, her only previous tentative references to Russia was via the Russian fairytales she told to them when they were children. However, in later years, Meredith and Nina begin to suspect that one of those fairytales is based on their mother's real-life experiences......

I was bowled over by the beautiful writing and plot of The Nightingale and the setting in World War Two and was looking forward to this book. I almost gave up but persevered although it was slow to get going. I was almost 50% of the book in before the story hooked me in. Again, two sisters of contrasting personalities and a distant cold parent not quite as they appeared to their offspring as in The Nightingale but the setting and the lives too middle class American somehow to be of interest somehow to me. I didnt initially care for them too much. It is when the story finally gets to the siege of Leningrad finally it takes wings and soars towards its bittersweet ending. It is quite sentimental and gloomy but asks interesting questions about family relationships. Undoubtedly the prose is beautifully written. I think it is well researched but ultimately I feel its a superior chuck kit novel. Nothing wrong in that but something about the structure for me makes it not the wonderful book it so almost could have been. The lead up to what I felt was the real story just took a but too long. A good book nevertheless and I will try a third book by this talented writer at some time. By the last few pages I found it poignant and moving if a tad unlikely an ending.

Fabulous story telling. Felt i was there in every moment. Wonderfully descriptive. Well researched and well written Kristin Hannah. Thank you.

A truly amazing story. A bit of a slow burner and I nearly gave up but I'm so glad I didn't. The way the two stories are woven together and slowly bring you in is so clever. I don't want to spoil it for others but you really do need to stick with both story lines. The characters are really well written and the different character traits of the sisters is really well done. The scenes set in Russia are unbelievably clever. You can feel the cold and the hunger of the people.This is every bit as good as Kristin Hannah's other books.

I am a huge fan of these books and really all the books I have read by Kristin Hannah so far.This has all the hallmarks of a satisfying Kristin Hannah novel with strong female characters and some brilliant plot twists that kept me guessing throughout. The story is written so beautifully and it was so engaging- I think I read cover to cover in about two days!Aside from the story it’s an absolutely beautiful book, the cover art is gorgeous and the quality is top notch. A must have for any bookshelf!Overall, it’s a brilliant book for any type of reader - engaging, easy to read, surprising and completely brilliant as usual.

A slow build but you get drawn in by the characters and it becomes a beautiful story. Definitely recommend a read, even if The Nightingale is hard to beat!

This is the second book from this author that I have read. It would be fair to say I found the first half slow going and repetitive, improved in the second half and I am glad I persevered

Really enjoyed this bookHaving read Nightingale I am now a new fan of Kristin Hannah booksLove her descriptive style of writing, and looking forward to reading more.

Lectura obligada, excelente descripción del invierno ruso durante la Segunda Guerra Mundial. La autora sabe llevar la historia de la mujer rusa del presente al pasado

Loved the twist and turns in this book… such a good read that keeps you guessing.Kristin Hannah’s books are always intriguing and this one does not disappoint as the main character sets out to know her mother better.

Winter Garden was an emotional story of the relationships between daughters and their mother. It is told in two timelines, one from the present and the other from the mother's past life. It is a heartbreaking read as the story unfolds with the mother's recall of her life explaining the reason for her coldness and lack of love for her daughters.The author created an extraordinary read that expands across time and place as she takes the reader on a journey they will never forget. The story told by the mother is related to a fairy tale which she has been sharing with her daughters at bedtime since they were young. She never tells the whole story until she is forced to after her husband's sudden death leaving her to live with her daughters.It is heartbreaking to see how the two sisters struggle with life and decision making after they lose their father who has been their support. He never explains why their mother is so distant and strange toward them. He keeps telling them that it is their mother's story to tell.I thoroughly enjoyed this story that swept me away to the past life of their mother, Vera. Like all books created by Kristin Hannah, this is an exceptional story that is full of interesting characters, fascinating storylines, and expertly written prose.I highly recommend it!

This was a page turner with everything, historical content on the vietnam war, love, deception, friendship & Women’s role in society.

Amazing