A Week in Winter

A Week in Winter by Maeve Binchy

This is simply a lovely, well-written novel by a good story-teller for all ages.  I like to think my mother would have enjoyed reading this book, especially because she loved to travel.  No violence, sex, or mystery.  Just a warm, charming novel about people.

It is set in Stoneybridge, a small town on the rocky west coast of Ireland.  Broken-hearted from an unrequited love, Chicky Starr returns to her native Ireland from New York, determined to persevere.  She turns an old, decrepit mansion, owned by a Ms. Queenie Sheedy, into a holiday retreat.  No one knows her deepest secret, believing her story that she is a grieving widow.  The impossible task begins of converting the crumbling structure, Stone House,  into a successful bed and breakfast.  Helping her along the way, is the troubled bad boy, Rigger, and niece Orla, who soon prove to be quite an assest.  

In each subsequent chapter, you will meet a vast array of guests who choose to vacation overlooking  the craggy cliffs of the Atlantic Ocean.  It is cold, windy and not particularly inviting.  Yet there is something compelling drawing each one to Stone House.

John, the American movie star who longs to remain incognito.  Nicola and Henry, physicians who can no longer tolerate death and despair.  Nell, a bitter schoolteacher who finds no joy in life.  Freda,  a psychic, frightened by her own incredible ability to see into the future.  Anders, who longs to pursue his passion for music rather than work in his father's successful business.  Winnie and Lillian who may soon be related but intensely dislike one another.  

The book is really about relationships.  Don't look for mayhem, intrigue or drama.  My only criticism would be that each chapter is almost a story in  itself.  This is my first time reading her work.  This is also her final book; she died in July of 2012.  A cozy, comfortable read.