Read July 10, 2020 – July 11, 2020
Simply… attempting… a wonderful ChristmasInJuly LOL ROUND 3, fight! Third time is quite possibly a charm with Elin Hilderbrand’s first novel in the Winter Street Series. When I asked for Christmas book recommendations in a Facebook reading group, this was, by far, the most recommended book. I’ve seen Hilderbrand’s name everywhere but hadn’t picked up one of her novels until now. She lives in Nantucket, MA and it is a popular setting for her work, including this Christmas-themed series.
What is it about?
CHRISTMAS. It’s actually about a family on Christmas! The story starts two days before, on December 23rd, and follows the members of the Quinn family. Patriarch, Kelley, owns the Winter Street Inn in Nantucket and things are different this year. Family can be complicated, especially around the holidays, but it isn’t the holiday that brings turmoil among the Quinn’s. Kelley’s ex wife is a famous news anchor and has always been absent, lacking the time to be appropriately involved in her children’s lives. Kelley has 4 grown children, 1 of which with his new wife.
There’s trouble in paradise with the current Mrs. and trouble in the relationships of his three oldest children. His youngest, Bart, is in the Marines and deployed in Afghanistan, which is stressful for all members of the family. Tension rises as Kelley decides to cancel the Inn’s annual Christmas party and list the Inn for sale to the highest bidder on Facebook. The family feels as though everything is crumbling under them during a time a year that traditionally has the most magic.
What does it have?
- Christmas, ACTUAL Christmas
- Trouble in Paradise
- Mommy Kissing Santa Clause
- Cliffhanger
This short, 246-page, novel brought the Christmas spirit to life with Hilderbrand’s writing of holiday cheer and the complications within a family. She reminds us that, “…what makes tradition special is who you share it with”(Winter Street). Whether you’re spending it at home or on vacation, what brings the holiday to life is the ones you choose to surround yourself with. She reminds us that we deserve love and if we aren’t feeling it, it might be time for something new.
Is it worth reading?
Although a little slow, I definitely enjoyed the book and am convinced I need to continue the series. This book leaves off on a bit of a cliffhanger and I want to see how it plays out. I’ll be continuing with the series. I think it may have been on the slower side because it is a series and there is so much to learn about the key members of the Quinn family. I look forward to book 2, which I’ll likely read next week!
Are you a fan of Elin Hilderbrand’s novels? If so, what’s your favorite?
Nicolena Reads 
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