Maudie Todhunter is the elderly protagonist and her story of life newly-widowed is told while two subplots of young love interweave with her story. The novel focuses on a wonderful English farmhouse called Moorgate which stands at the entrance to the English moors. What transpires in that house during one very special week sends ripples through the lives of a host of richly textured characters. From Maudie's granddaughter Posy, the house renovator Rob Abbott, the desperately ill Melissa and her brother Mike, to the estranged Selina and Patrick, everyone is touched forever by the event that occurs at Moorgate. A long-held secret of deceit and betrayal comes to light in a surprise ending that leaves the reader satisfied yet longing to stay just a bit longer with these wonderful characters and the enchanting Moorgate.
A WEEK IN WINTER is truly a book to curl up with in your favorite deeply-cushioned chair while keeping your tea and chocolate close at hand.
A WEEK IN WINTER is truly a book to curl up with in your favorite deeply-cushioned chair while keeping your tea and chocolate close at hand.
Helpful Score: 2
If you enjoy reading Maeve Binchy, this author is for you. Marcia Willett tells a great story about families and their relationships. The setting for this book appears to be southern UK, Cornwall and the Moors. Loved the story enough to acquire more of Ms. Willett's books.
Helpful Score: 1
Over the objections of her spiteful daughter-in-law and despite her own sentimental misgivings, the sharp-witted, tweed-wearing widow Maudie Todhunter is selling the remote Cornish farmhouse left to her by her husband, Patrick. In A Week in Winter, her first book to be published in the U.S., British author Marcia Willett explores the competing claims of love, memory, and duty. Maudie knows that her beloved granddaughter Posy would have liked to inherit Moorgate. But she is surprised to learn who else wants the old house and what secrets unfold as she puts Moorgate on the market. What makes A Week in Winter a "women's" novel (and may narrow its appeal) is its slow development--nothing is rushed here--and a tendency to linger in the moment, savoring emotional nuances and fine points of plot and character. At best, this makes the novel a smooth and leisurely read, but it can also bring the action to a crawl. To compensate, Willett provides some mysterious clues that lend a Gothic aura to an otherwise straightforward tale of giving up a much-prized object in the hope that something better will arrive. (Amazon)
Helpful Score: 1
A lovely British novel with wonderful characterizations, evocative scenery, and intriguingly intertwined storylines.
Helpful Score: 1
I thought this book was pretty good, but nothing special. It's written in "English" with British settings and terminology. There seemed to be a few too many characters, none of whom were very well developed. But it had a few surprises towards the end and was pleasant story overall.
Helpful Score: 1
Extremely enjoyable story set in Cornwall.
Helpful Score: 1
A wonderful story about family relationships, love and forgiveness. Really enjoyable.
Helpful Score: 1
beautiful writing stle and a lovely storyline too.
I had this book in my TBR pile for something like nine years! So I was so happy to be reading it for a potluck in my book club, The Reading Cove!
It started off with the promise of being a cozy, comparable to the style of Rosamunde Pilcher or Maeve Binchy, but I didn't like the use of flashbacks for telling most of the story. I find it too distracting when the narrative halts to recall the past.
Selina's hatred of Maudie felt too contrived under the circumstances; ditto for Melissa and Rob's relationship. Other revelations were revealed so late in the story, it didn't really matter much, and the neat bow-tie wrap up of everything didn't work for me.
I did enjoy the author's insight into pride and insecurity, and how they can rule (and ruin) relationships. That was shown very well. But by the end, there was too much sap for plausibility. Overall, I'm just glad to have finally read it after all the time it's been waiting!
It started off with the promise of being a cozy, comparable to the style of Rosamunde Pilcher or Maeve Binchy, but I didn't like the use of flashbacks for telling most of the story. I find it too distracting when the narrative halts to recall the past.
Selina's hatred of Maudie felt too contrived under the circumstances; ditto for Melissa and Rob's relationship. Other revelations were revealed so late in the story, it didn't really matter much, and the neat bow-tie wrap up of everything didn't work for me.
I did enjoy the author's insight into pride and insecurity, and how they can rule (and ruin) relationships. That was shown very well. But by the end, there was too much sap for plausibility. Overall, I'm just glad to have finally read it after all the time it's been waiting!
I have discovered what a wonderful writer she is!
I was very sad when I learned that Maeve Binchy had passed away. I loved her books. Now I've found Marcia Willett and I have a new favorite with several books to read. Ms. Willett's characters have substance, are struggling with issues that many of us face, and show us that love is truly what makes life meaningful.
If you like a great story with lots of interactive characters try this author I don't think you will be disappointed.
If you like a great story with lots of interactive characters try this author I don't think you will be disappointed.
I really enjoyed this books, it showed how through circumstances people can be connect.
Very interesting and not your typical story line or ending. I highly recommend this book
Very interesting and not your typical story line or ending. I highly recommend this book
I was looking for Maeve Binchy's last book, "A Week in Winter" when I came across this authors' book by the same name. I loved it! I even ordered a second copy sent to my sister who is miles away. A wonderful story of day to day living and a special house that seems to bring loving & longing to all who enter.
This book kept me reading.
Fans of Rosamunde Pilcher and Maeve Binchy will truly enjoy this read. Maudie and POsy are wonderful characters. Very romantic and full of suprises. Hardcover book in mint condition.
It has been awhile since I read this book but this book "achieves a combined richness of character and circumstances that raises it above most fiction authors".
I thought this would be a super boring lame book (got it for free), but it was actually pretty good.
This was a quick read. But it could have been developed better so that I liked the characters more. They seemed to fall in love WAY too easily, somewhat unbelievable. But it was a nice story overall.
