Winter Solstice by Rosamunde Pilcher

My friend Jann reads this book every winter...(kind of like my ritual reading of Prodigal Summer!) so I was anxious to see what she enjoys. She warned me that it was a restful place she likes to go...and indeed it was. I thoroughly enjoyed this book over the holiday break. It was the perfect "cruise read" around the pool and in the sunshine. It's light yet full of interesting characters who are unpredictable and very likeable. The setting is Scotland, and I know that's part of the attraction for Jann. This sweet story of love gave me a lot of insights into Scottish landscape and personalities and values. I enjoyed that, because the people are an unknown quantity to me. Coincidentally while on the cruise, I met a Scottish woman, and I told her what I was reading. Her face relaxed into a big smile when I mentioned the author; apparently she is revered in Scotland. It's basically a story about family and love and loss, and how people who are positive and loving can create joy no matter what the circumstances. Very enjoyable...very restful...