Winter Solstice

''This book is the literary equivalent of a warm, soft blanket, a log fire and a cup of strong, sweet tea on a snowy winter night. With the Scotland setting, it is utterly irresistible'' Reader review â­â­â­â­â­

An endearing and poignant novel about loss and the healing power of love by the beloved Rosamunde Pilcher

Elfrida Phipps loves her new life in her pretty Hampshire village. She has a tiny cottage, her faithful dog Horace and the friendship of the neighbouring Blundells - particularly Oscar - to ensure that her days are filled with companionship as well as independence. But an unforeseen tragedy upsets Elfrida''s tranquillity: Oscar''s wife and daughter are killed in a terrible car crash, and he finds himself homeless when his stepchildren claim their dead mother''s inheritance.

Oscar and Elfrida take refuge in a rambling house in Scotland, which becomes a magnet for various waifs and strays who converge upon it, including an unhappy teenage girl. It could be a recipe for disaster. But somehow the Christmas season weaves its magic and the winter solstice brings love and solace.

READERS ADORE WINTER SOLSTICE:

''The author''s finely drawn characters are charming and her settings beguiling'' Reader review â­â­â­â­â­

''A sweet love story in a gorgeous and evocative winter setting'' Reader review â­â­â­â­â­

''I love her books because the characters jump off the page and straight into my heart. I love her books because she creates such a vivid sense of place that I can close my eyes and see it'' Reader review â­â­â­â­â­

''A truly beautifully heart-warming story of love and loss . . .'' Reader review â­â­â­â­â­

PRAISE FOR ROSAMUNDE PILCHER:

''Enchanting . . . bound to delight her many thousands of fans'' Daily Express

''Rosamunde Pilcher''s warm spell is charming and utterly convincing'' Daily Mail

''A beautiful, haunting story . . . that will tug at your heartstrings'' Prima