Winter Stroll by Elin Hilderbrand

December 9th, 2015 Kimberly Review 54 Comments

9th Dec
Winter Stroll by Elin Hilderbrand
Winter Stroll
by Elin Hilderbrand
Series: Winter #2
Narrator: Erin Bennett
Length: 6 hours and 58 minutes
Genres: Women's Fiction
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible *affiliate
Goodreads
Rating: One StarOne StarOne StarOne Star
Narration: 4

Another Christmas on Nantucket finds Winter Street Inn owner Kelley Quinn reflecting on the past year as he writes a holiday letter to friends and family. Though the year has had its share of misfortune and worry, the Quinns have much to celebrate. Kelley, now single, at least is on better terms with his first wife Margaret, who is using her celebrity to lure customers to the inn in record numbers. Their son Kevin has a beautiful new baby, Genevieve, with the Inn's French housekeeper, Isabelle; and their daughter, Ava, is finally dating a nice guy--her devoted colleague, Scott. Now the Quinns are looking forward to celebrating Genevieve's baptism, welcoming Isabelle to the family, and enjoying the cheer of Nantucket's traditional Christmas Stroll. But just when a peaceful family gathering seems within reach, Kelley's estranged second wife, Mitzi, shows up on the island after souring on her relationship with the inn's former Santa Claus. Soon Kelley isn't the only Quinn entertaining a surprise guest from Christmases past as lovers old and new gather beneath the mistletoe. With jealousy, passion, and eggnog consumption at an all-time high, it's going to take a whole lot more than a Christmas miracle to get the Quinns--and the inn--through the holidays intact.

Truffles Audiobook BOOKLOVE UNIQUE

Last year I listened to Winter Street by Elin Hilderbrand and loved meeting the Quinns and spending the holidays in Nantucket. What I did not like were the major cliffhanger and abrupt ending. You can just imagine how excited I was to begin Winter Stroll. While the ending was not quite as abrupt, there are still many unresolved issues and once again, I will be counting the days until I am back in Nantucket with this slightly dysfunctional, sweet and chaotic family.

Kelley Quinn owns the Winter Street Inn on Nantucket and the family is gathering to celebrate not only the holidays but also the baptism of the newest Quinn. Hilderbrand quickly catches us up on what has happened since Christmas. It has been a hard year and a joyous one. I slipped right back into the story and loved the familiar surroundings and inn.

Kevin and Isabelle have a beautiful new baby. Ava is dating Scott. Kelley is now single and getting along with both of his ex-wives. Mitzi shows up unexpectedly. The past year has been hard on her. Her relationship is on the fritz and thoughts of her son are foremost in her mind.

Things get complicated when the past interferes with the present and unexpected guests arrive. Hilderbrand deliciously weaves jealousy, love, personal growth, passion and the joy and pitfalls of the family into her tale. She allows us into each of the characters’ lives as we experience their joy, sorrow, fears, and love for each other. Life can be complicated and we might not always get along but family and hope bind us.

Hilderbrand made me giggle; yell at characters, cry and most of all care for this crazy, chaotic, beautifully complicated family. Winter Stroll left us with unanswered questions and one in particular haunts me. However, I am more than willing to wait another year and look forward to my return trip to Nantucket and the Winter Street Inn.

Erin Bennett narrators Winter Stroll and I was delighted to see her return. It is my hope she continues to narrate the series.

Elin Hilderbrand had a trying year personally both with her own health issues and the loss of a loved one. Her powerful, heartfelt message at the end of this novel about broke my heart and at the same time filled me with the holiday spirit. As she reminding readers what truly matters. Have truffles on hand.

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About Kimberly
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. BlueSky | Facebook | Instagram

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54 Responses to “Winter Stroll by Elin Hilderbrand”

  1. Teddyree

    Now this sounds like my type of read, love dysfunctional family stories, And the benefit of coming across this one late … no waiting out an evil cliffhanger. Great review!

  3. Ramona

    Sounds beautifully complex, yet cute, if I may say so 🙂 Large, chaotic families do exude a particular type of appeal, quite hard to resist… I’m officially curious now! Outstanding review, Kimba.

  4. Tracy Terry

    Loving the cover as it reminds me of the snowy Christmas we used to have but no longer seem to get.

    A perfect novel for reading by a blazing fire, this is yet another to keep a look out for any festive reading challenges.

  5. Jenna

    I haven’t heard of this author or these books but it sounds like the perfect read around this time of the year! I love reading about these kinds of chaotic but heartwarming families so I’ll definitely have to check this one out!

  9. Kathy

    I love this author but haven’t read her holiday books. This actually sounds like I would really enjoy it. I’ve been looking for a holiday book to take me into the holiday spirit (I’m limiting myself to just one because of time) and I am still undecided because the list is so long of good holiday books. What’s one more to the list, right? 😉

  10. Katherine

    I really want to try her books but I don’t love the idea of a cliffhanger. I think that’s why I waited to read Winter Street. Glad to hear that this isn’t quite as cliff hangery even if it is a bit unresolved. Great review! I’m glad to hear that the narration is good. I have an easier time getting to audio books sometimes.

  11. Laurel-Rain Snow

    I enjoyed Winter Street last year…until the ending. I felt betrayed. How could a comfort read like this one end like that? So I’m happy to hear that Winter Stroll brings the characters alive again. Thanks for sharing.

    • kimbacaffeinate

      LOL..last year I was so upset I tweeted the author who assured me there would be a second book. This years was nothing like that, and felt realistic.

  13. Heidi

    It just seems wrong that a nice holiday reads ends with a a cliffhanger even if it isn’t as abrupt as last year’s, it is still frustrating. Still it sounds like it has a nice setting a wonderful message.

    • kimbacaffeinate

      I know, but I also have to remember that life is a cliffhanger. The questions left are big ones, but very realistic. I don’t think the book would have touched me as much if she made it all neat and tidy.

  14. Candace

    I don’t like the sound of the cliffhangers but the rest sounds really good! I may have to squeeze in the first on audio if I find time before Christmas.

  15. Kristin

    This sounds like such a great Christmas time read! You wonder where all these ideas for crazy family drama come from and I thank God for my wonderfully quiet, relatively drama free family 🙂 I’m sorry to hear Elin had a tough year but it reminds us to count our blessings!!! Fantastic review for the season!!! Truffles!!!

  17. Lekeisha

    Looks like a great holiday read. I’m hoping to read another one this weekend. I have a full list, just not sure where to start. Great review!

    • kimbacaffeinate

      LOL, I have so many on my kindle it is ridiculous. I may read holiday novellas closer to Christmas. Listening is great because you can do mundane chores and listen.

  18. Nick

    This one sounds like a different kind of holiday read. I like that it’s emotional and also has an important message. That’s a winner for sure!

  19. Ksenia

    Hi Kim! Sorry for my absence, I was very busy in real life. No time for reading, blogging or visiting my blogger-friends. I see your blog in Christmas mood, I love this snow. Great review! I haven’t heard about this series before. I love audiobooks, so I’ll probably check out the audio version.

  21. Aila

    Nice review Kimberly! Although this sounds like a sweet holiday read, it also seems like wayyy too much drama for me haha. Sometimes I just can’t keep up with everything going on! I really hope there’s another book in the series so you can answer the many questions you were left with.

  22. Bookworm Brandee

    I can tell how much emotion Hilderbrand evoked in you, Kimberly. I love it when I can become so absorbed in characters’ lives that I experience their feelings as well as want to cheer them on and yell at them. I’m glad you enjoyed your return to Nantucket. I may have to make a visit. 😉