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If Winter Comes

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New York Times bestselling author Diana Palmer brings readers four of her classic, earlier works that readers have been seeking for years... The Diana Palmer Collection. Famous for creating charming, irresistibly romantic love stories that live on in readers' hearts, Diana Palmer is considered one of America's top 10 romance writers. These four wonderful novels have been out of print for many years and are Diana Palmer at her best--passionate, provocative stories that will captivate and charm everyone.READERS' CHOICE-- Available as single titles. Your Harlequin Sales Group representative can review this unique program with you.

256 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published January 1, 1979

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About the author

Diana Palmer

1,047 books3,097 followers
Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name.

Diana Palmer is a pseudonym for author Susan Kyle.

(1)romance author
Susan Eloise Spaeth was born on 11 December 1946 in Cuthbert, Georgia, USA. She was the eldest daughter of Maggie Eloise Cliatt, a nurse and also journalist, and William Olin Spaeth, a college professor. Her mother was part of the women's liberation movement many years before it became fashionable. Her best friends are her mother and her sister, Dannis Spaeth (Cole), who now has two daughters, Amanda Belle Hofstetter and Maggie and lives in Utah. Susan grew up reading Zane Grey and fell in love with cowboys. Susan is a former newspaper reporter, with sixteen years experience on both daily and weekly newspapers. Since 1972, she has been married to James Kyle and have since settled down in Cornelia, Georgia, where she started to write romance novels. Susan and her husband have one son, Blayne Edward, born in 1980.

She began selling romances in 1979 as Diana Palmer. She also used the pseudonyms Diana Blayne and Katy Currie, and her married name: Susan Kyle. Now, she has over 40 million copies of her books in print, which have been translated and published around the world. She is listed in numerous publications, including Contemporary Authors by Gale Research, Inc., Twentieth Century Romance and Historical Writers by St. James Press, The Writers Directory by St. James Press, the International Who's Who of Authors and Writers by Meirose Press, Ltd., and Love's Leading Ladies by Kathryn Falk. Her awards include seven Waldenbooks national sales awards, four B. Dalton national sales awards, two Bookrak national sales awards, a Lifetime Achievement Award for series storytelling from Romantic Times, several Affaire de Coeur awards, and two regional RWA awards.

Inspired by her husband, who quit a blue-collar manufacturing job to return to school and get his diploma in computer programming, Susan herself went back to college as a day student at the age of 45. In 1995, she graduated summa cum laude from Piedmont College, Demorest, GA, with a major in history and a double minor in archaeology and Spanish. She was named to two honor societies (the Torch Club and Alpha Chi), and was named to the National Dean's List. In addition to her writing projects, she is currently working on her master's degree in history at California State University. She hopes to specialize in Native American studies. She is a member of the Native American Rights Fund, the American Museum of Natural History, the National Cattlemen's Association, the Archaeological Institute of Amenca, the Planetary Society, The Georgia Conservancy, the Georgia Sheriff's Association, and numerous conservation and charitable organizations. Her hobbies include gardening, archaeology, anthropology, iguanas, astronomy and music.

In 1998, her husband retired from his own computer business and now pursues skeet shooting medals in local, state, national and international competition. They love riding around and looking at the countryside, watching sci-fi on TV and at the movies, just talking and eating out.

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5 stars
159 (35%)
4 stars
131 (29%)
3 stars
112 (25%)
2 stars
32 (7%)
1 star
9 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
Profile Image for  Danielle The Book Huntress .
2,756 reviews6,635 followers
January 5, 2011
I'm smiling as I write this review, because this book was a Blast from the Past. I recently watched the American version of "Life on Mars," and I have started to feel more fondly about the 70s. After all, I was born in this decade, even though I still resent being teased about committing the fashion error of wearing bell-bottoms after they went out of style (I couldn't help it! My grandmother made them). I envisioned this book as a movie from the 70s, complete with the requisite 70s score playing in the background, lines delivered in the typical cadence that actors used in this period. It wasn't an unpleasant thing, since I was in the mood for something old school. Yup, this book definitely has that scent of the seventies. The hero wears velour shirts, brown slacks, and ruffled dress shirts. He smokes in public, and people say things like 'heel'. There's even a photostat of incriminating evidence mentioned. For the youngings, that was a way to make copies way before laser copy machines were around. Yes, it's dated, but I don't mind. I like to reach for the vintage romances like nobody's business. After all, just because something's old doesn't mean it's no good anymore. That's why we call them classics.

There are elements of this story that I'm glad that Diana Palmer doesn't rely on as heavily nowadays. The numerous old 'little girl' and 'child' comments are a bit grating. I really don't like the patronizing attitude that men can have towards women, especially when they are considered 'pretty young things.' I think that Carla deserves the respect due her, even if she's twenty-three. She's a very good reporter, and she is definitely a professional. Her father owns a paper back in her small town, and she knows journalism from the inside out, even if she's a newbie at her paper in the 'big city'. I liked her spunk, although I think she was a bit too vulnerable to Bryan. I admit, it's nice to read a contemporary where the heroine doesn't 'sleep around', which are not as common nowadays. At times, Bryan was hard to like, saying some pretty mean things to Carla. I realize he was guarding his heart, so I'll give him a little leeway, especially when he makes up for it. I liked that he was sensitive about being 'middle-aged,' pushing forty.

The news and city politics elements show Ms. Palmer's background in journalism. They flavor this book, perhaps a little too heavily initially, as they made it hard to get into the story initially. Politics and journalism are two things I don't have that much interest in, personally. However, it gave Carla and Bryan some depth, as professionals in this arena, who find themself completely in love with each other. With the sixteen-year age difference, the fact that Bryan is the mayor who's been implicated in a land scandal, and Carla being the reporter on the story, and the fact that Bryan's first wife made him very leery of marriage, there are plenty of obstacles in their relationship. In her usual fashion, Ms. Palmer brings Bryan very close to losing the woman he loves to get over his stubborn insistence not to show his love back to Carla. Although I think Carla was more vulnerable than he, Bryan does show enough chinks in his armor for me to be satisfied with the conclusion of this story.

This one gets four stars because it was charming, and I like love Diana Palmer's style. She delivers a very good, intense, but sweet romance when I need to read one.

Don't read this book if:
*You hate the 70s
*You hate the older man/younger woman theme
*You dislike inequalities in power between the hero and heroine
*Don't like an innocent heroine
*Don't read books that don't have a steam rating above 'warm'
*Hate politics and reporters


Read this book if:
*You like all the things I mentioned above
*Nostalgic for the 70s (boom-chicka-wa-wa)
*You are a Diana Palmer fan
*Would like a book that is sweeter or are looking for a palate cleanser from all the sexually over-descriptive and permissive storylines
Profile Image for *CJ*.
5,118 reviews632 followers
July 27, 2019
"If Winter Comes" is the story of Carla and Bryan.

Aww. This book is exactly the reason why I adore Ms Palmer.

Angry, brooding, traumatized hero- ✓
Sweet, innocent, naive heroine- ✓
Instant attraction- ✓
Heavy, lustful kisses- ✓
Dreams of a HEA with a large brood- ✓
Small misunderstanding which causes the hero to be a mean ahole- ✓
An almost tragic accident- ✓
Confessions and HEA- ✓

Enjoyed it!

Safe
4/5
Profile Image for Simona.
180 reviews70 followers
December 4, 2017
Another one of Ms. Palmer's early novels. One thing I fault about her books is most of them don't have an epilogue with pregnancy or babies, considering how much emphasis heroines place on having children during the book.
Profile Image for Jenny.
3,162 reviews560 followers
March 11, 2014
Cute story. Heroine is a reporter, hero is a politician, they meet, sparks fly but when she betrays him to get a story angst ensues. I enjoyed it but not enough depth in this story.
Profile Image for amanda s..
3,119 reviews95 followers
January 25, 2014
3,5 stars. Good and just this close to be my favorite.

Bryan is kind of a jerk. Why, not only he jumped to the conclusion, he didn't even want to believe that the heroine (I forgot her name) is innocent. All he want to believe is that she's wrong and I don't like it.

But overall I enjoyed it because the ansgty is very angsty. Ah!
Profile Image for Charlotte Bishop.
301 reviews1 follower
December 10, 2021
Typical DP fare, which means I loved the push and pull of the protagonists. The h’s eyes changed color from dark green on page 6 to pale green on page 17. And there was a lack of originality in naming her secondary characters. I read about Mr. Green and Mr. White and Mr. Brown, and was waiting to hear from Mr. Purple. I have been reading DP for over 40 years and her books take me back to a simpler, less politically correct time. A relaxing 2 hours well spent.
Profile Image for Hanna Benedict.
23 reviews2 followers
February 12, 2019
There are some moments that date the book; if you go in knowing this, you'll enjoy the book more. I liked this one more than some of her others. The emotions are real and you can feel it. I enjoyed it.
Profile Image for Dawn.
120 reviews1 follower
July 14, 2023
Girl in early 20s is a virgin...falls for much older man...and of course no sex until love/marriage is discussed. No wonder younger women had warped ideas of romance back in the 70s and 80s
Profile Image for CANDEN333.
415 reviews1 follower
September 2, 2024
Not a bad book. Interesting plot. Kept my interest! Originally written in 1981 so it reads dated in parts.
Profile Image for Sheila Melo.
1,873 reviews52 followers
December 29, 2014
Old Fashioned Series Romance

THE STORY: Carla Maxwell is a young reporter. Bryan Moreland is the mayor. His wife and daughter died in a car accident and he doesn't plan on marrying again. Carla and he are attracted to one another and yet the inherent conflict between politician and reporter presents some problems. When Carla's investigation into potential graft at city hall points at Bryan, it looks like they have no future together.

OPINION: This is a classic old-fashioned romance. A young virgin heroine who wants the hero. A middle aged hero who has a tragic past. A conflict that ends up being a misunderstanding where the heroine is too foolish to actually check her sources until after she makes a horrendous mistake. The hero and heroine only come together after a life and death accident. This story is nice enough, but it is definitely a product of its era. I liked the story but it is one of those quick and easy romances that I probably won't remember in a week.

WORTH MENTIONING: This book was originally published in 1979 as a series romance.

FINAL DECISION: I liked the story as a one time read but it is easy to see that it was written in 1979 because of its outdated characters and themes.

CONNECTED BOOKS: This is a standalone.

STAR RATING: I give this book 3 stars.
Profile Image for Adriana Fogaça.
560 reviews6 followers
July 3, 2013
Quando o Inverno chegar
Diana Palmer

Bom, o romance é simples, a mocinha é uma jovem jornalista e o mocinho é um prefeito muito rico. Eles se envolvem e se apaixonam. Mas, ela tem que investigar uma denuncia de suborno envolvendo, diretamente o prefeito.

Pra mim é fácil entender, todo o desenrolar da investigação e a publicação da matéria, e depois, a segunda matéria de retratação. Sei como é a pressão para se publicar um furo de reportagem. Mesmo quando se tem todas as provas, de um fato ou de uma acusação, o ético e procurar investigar os dois lados de uma noticia.

Mas, infelizmente, a pressão e a falta de tempo leva muitos editores a publicar matérias que no dia seguinte serão desmentidas. E mesmo que o jornal se retrate no dia seguinte, nunca se consegue apagar por completo o que foi dito no dia anterior.

Por isso, entendo tanto a mocinha e o mocinho. Talvez, até melhor a mocinha, porque também sou jornalista e sei como são as mazelas da profissão.

Muito bom!!!!!

Recomendo!!!!!!!

ADORO!!!!!
Profile Image for Anya.
68 reviews
February 24, 2014
A generational age gap, a spineless ingenue, a middle aged man of power and wealth who is as undecided as the ingenue, the only formula element this one doesn't have is the devoted best friend. Even the cold, catty, gold digging ex is there in a peripheral way. The whole story could be depicted on the front cover by a moderately talented artist.

The main characters are cardboard cutouts on swivel bases, the ancillary characters are mere shadows and the setting has less scope than an amateur theatre backdrop. The "intrigue" is practically transparent and serves only as the "crisis".

As a whole I was mostly annoyed with this book and the main characters, there is nothing to invest in, no sense of character growth or redemption. The female lead quite happily lets things happen to her and the male lead never seems to work at anything. It's the novel equivalent of a single episode of a sitcom, not a bad way to spend the time if you've got nothing better to do.
Profile Image for Missy.
922 reviews20 followers
November 21, 2019
A sweet read.

An innocent reporter Carla believes in telling the truth and intergity but when a new story heads her way about corruption in the mayor's office it will test her on all fronts.

The handsome widowed mayor Bryan can't help but be attracted to pretty Carla but he plans never to marry again. When things start to heat up he can't help but wonder if she is worth the trouble.

They butt heads over the corruption issue as Carla tries to find the truth even when it leads right to the mayor.

Standing on opposite sides will they make it through to find happiness?

Another well written sweet romantic read done only the way Diana Palmer can tell them.
Profile Image for Alexis-Morgan Roark.
Author 3 books454 followers
October 2, 2011
A bit of fluff that has some heavy emotions running within its pages specifically the death of the hero's child. There is your usual wanton, confused virgin; your obligatory traumatic accident that brings our couple together; and there's even the absent father/deceased mother thrown in for good measure.

What this story has that some others don't, however, is a declaration of love by the hero way before the very last few pages of the story. He professes his love THEN she messes up THEN some other stuff happens, etc.
December 6, 2011
Looking for a quick pass-time? This is definitely it.

It's such a quick enjoyable story. Something you'd finish in two hours. Though I can't help but feel how weak the heroine is, which was the only thing I have against this book. I mean the only reaction she has to Bryan's temper is a "sorry" and some tears, which in this generation, a trait I don't appreciate in fiction woman.
Profile Image for Season.
1,210 reviews2 followers
May 3, 2011
It was a very cute story. I think Ms. Palmer hasn't gotten better with age.
673 reviews9 followers
Read
July 27, 2011
I read this paired with another book and I have to say I liked the other better. They were both good reads but Woman Hater is just much more the traditional Diana style
48 reviews8 followers
Read
April 2, 2012
Felt like i had read it before. I wonder why DP's heroines are so annoying and the guys are just disturbed.
112 reviews
August 14, 2016
the story is just about bryan and carla and what happens in there relationship the good and the bad and is there enough forgiveness to move on in there relationship.
349 reviews2 followers
April 8, 2017
Sweet heaven above this has aged poorly and I'm not talking about the quantity of velour or smoking. Or disco dancing. Bryan asks Carla to go disco dancing. And they go to the disco restaurant. He admits to having had disco lessons. There're also some Star Wars references. As in the original, Episode 4.

As with all the DPs I've read to date, you've got the older man-younger virginal woman thing going on. This young virgin is a journalist from the countryside who's come to the big city to make her mark.

The plot is so full of holes and cringe-worthy dialogue. Cleaning up the "slums" is a big deal for Mayor Moreland and he tells Carla he's giving another mayor a tour because, "she wants to see my ghetto." Carla replies, "I'd like to see your ghetto too." Gives a whole new meaning to going downtown.

One of my biggest problems was that after the taxi incident, Bryan takes Carla back to the farm to recuperate. Fine. But why is he there? The housekeeper's there and seems to live in. He's got his crash pad in the city. Yes, yes, he needs to be there to rekindle the romance and kiss her violently again but there's no reason given why he sticks around.

DP tries to write snappy banter for Carla but it comes out less The Front Page and more like the comics.

Why must Carla always be kissed violently? And at one point he demands she open her mouth "wider". Wider?!?!?! Is she at the dentist? It's a DP so it's not like anything "exotic" is going in her mouth.

Anyway. This is an early one, original publication date is 1979 I think, and it shows.





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