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Winter Passing Trilogy #1
Winter Passing
2001 Christy Award finalist!
Darby Evans stands before her grandmother's bed, wondering why the dying older woman calls the name of a stranger--Tatianna. A young woman searches for clues to her grandmother's love and legacy lost during World War II. A beautiful story of ultimate love and the passing of a sixty-year-old winter of sorrow.
Darby Evans stands before her grandmother's bed, wondering why the dying older woman calls the name of a stranger--Tatianna. A young woman searches for clues to her grandmother's love and legacy lost during World War II. A beautiful story of ultimate love and the passing of a sixty-year-old winter of sorrow.
377 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2000
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
July 19, 2011
Wonderfully written book and hard to believe this
was Cindy's 1st book. This is part of a trilogy. I love
how the characters are developed and how the
book finds us all over Austria.
Great job weaving the past w/ present. Over &
over the book's theme is to live each day like it's
your last. One day we ALL will stand before God and
give an account for how we lived. Let's hear...
'Well done good & faithful servant.
was Cindy's 1st book. This is part of a trilogy. I love
how the characters are developed and how the
book finds us all over Austria.
Great job weaving the past w/ present. Over &
over the book's theme is to live each day like it's
your last. One day we ALL will stand before God and
give an account for how we lived. Let's hear...
'Well done good & faithful servant.
March 13, 2020
wonderful story and good writing. Really enjoyed reading this amazing story.
May 11, 2008
I didn't realize until searching for this book on Goodreads that this was the first book of a Trilogy. Guess I know what I'll be looking for on my next trip to the library....
I liked this book, even if it was a bit predictable at times. It made me consider some tough questions, especially about my own motives for different actions and decisions. I would give it more like a 3.5 rating if I could.
I liked this book, even if it was a bit predictable at times. It made me consider some tough questions, especially about my own motives for different actions and decisions. I would give it more like a 3.5 rating if I could.
May 10, 2012
This book was very well written and wonderful because of the Holocaust history woven through it. The descriptions of the memorials were vivid and the book raised some great questions for the reader to ask themselves while the characters are doing the same thing. Very good book for anyone with a love of history--especially anything surrounding WW2.
September 24, 2011
Goodness I thoroughly enjoyed this book. As much as I know about WWII, especially the Jews & Christians who were killed. But I didn't remember that there was a concentration camp in Austria. This book made me want to visit Austria.
May 2, 2012
This was a great book, especially for those who love WWII historical fiction. I felt as if I was in Austria myself. And although this is fiction, it's amazing to think that stories similar to this one happened all the time during the War. Can't wait to read the next two in the trilogy.
September 19, 2011
I've read this a few times and I cry each time.
April 9, 2012
No greater love hath a man that this: that he lay down his life for his friend.
April 10, 2013
Absolutely LOVED this book!!! If you love historical fiction..especially WWII, I highly recommend!
January 28, 2025
I really enjoyed this book than I thought I would. For a debut novel, it was pretty good. It is a story of hope and love despite the devastation the Holocaust caused. It doesn’t go into the grisly details of what was lost as much as other books. It was the bare minimum.
Rather, it’s a love story. It is Darby’s grandmother’s love story of her lost husband. Darby also discovers love on an adventure to help her dying Grandmother’s favor. Along the way, Darby falls in love too.
While I loved the faith in Christ, the descriptions of Austrian culture and environment, and the love story, there were a couple of things that bothered me. Darby is a 20 or 30-something-year-old. She seems older than her 20s, but she is very naïve and gullible. She isn’t worldly at all. Sheltered. Kinda dumb when it comes to street smarts.
The other thing that bothered me was the format. I know from experience that formatting a book is tricky. However, the format was odd. The sentences end at random places within the paragraph, making them inconsistent.
Other than those two things, I enjoyed the book. It gave me warm feelings despite the plot being centered around the time of the Holocaust.
Rather, it’s a love story. It is Darby’s grandmother’s love story of her lost husband. Darby also discovers love on an adventure to help her dying Grandmother’s favor. Along the way, Darby falls in love too.
While I loved the faith in Christ, the descriptions of Austrian culture and environment, and the love story, there were a couple of things that bothered me. Darby is a 20 or 30-something-year-old. She seems older than her 20s, but she is very naïve and gullible. She isn’t worldly at all. Sheltered. Kinda dumb when it comes to street smarts.
The other thing that bothered me was the format. I know from experience that formatting a book is tricky. However, the format was odd. The sentences end at random places within the paragraph, making them inconsistent.
Other than those two things, I enjoyed the book. It gave me warm feelings despite the plot being centered around the time of the Holocaust.
March 10, 2019
Sorry to say this did not live up to my expectations although parts of this novel were interesting. I thought it would be a mystery/historical novel but was also used as a platform to preach Christianity. The characters felt quite two dimensional and shallow. It doesn't hold a candle to Gerald Green's "Holocaust" which I would recommend unreservedly to all. There is also a TV miniseries based on "Holocaust" starring Meryl Streep, James Woods and Michael Moriarty.
August 1, 2018
This WW2 mystery has a fascinating plot. I recommend reading it without reading the book flaps or back cover first, as they spoil the surprises. Follow a young woman as she tries to find out the truth about her Grandmother's past in Austria during WW2.
The writing style is not outstanding, but the plot is intriguing. I enjoyed this book.
The writing style is not outstanding, but the plot is intriguing. I enjoyed this book.
January 15, 2022
A great book from Cindy McCormick Martinusen, subject matter 5 stars, characters 5 stars, plot 5 stars. I am really loving this series (I know this is book 1 of 3 but I accidentally read book 3 first) you think you know about the Holocaust but this book brings up things you don’t really think about unless you dig under the surface of the subject. It is a really good book.
January 29, 2025
The past generatons definately influence our present lives but we cannot get so caught up in others' lives that we miss the joy and drama of our own. Love is eternal and one must take risks and search for it at all cost or spend an unfulfilled lifetime. It may be a person or it may be a career or hobby but find your passion and pursue it.
August 25, 2020
I found the beginning half of the book a bit slow. Not that it wasn't enjoyable just the pacing was a bit sluggish for me. Once I hit the second half, I started to feel invested in the characters and was more interested in the plot.
Overall, a good story.
Overall, a good story.
March 25, 2018
I was engaged from the first page and although most of the story was predictable, there was so much richness in the telling of it. The detail and research about Austria and WWII were incredible.
August 6, 2019
I enjoyed this first book in a trilogy. However, as I start the 2nd, I expected it to carry on from the first...that was disappointing.
October 28, 2019
The plot was intriguing, but rather plodding at the beginning.
January 23, 2022
Unlike anything I’ve ever read! Kept me intrigued the whole time.
May 30, 2023
Some interesting bit about an Austrian charnel house and an empress called Sissi, but the story drags.
November 29, 2024
A very good historical fiction book. Kept me very interested even when the ending was revealed.
December 22, 2015
I've set my year off on the right foot by reading Winter Passing. It's an epic tale of a woman's pursuit of her family's history.
When her grandmother passes on, Darby Evans latches onto the dying wish -- that Darby visits Austria and sets things aright, concerning her grandmother's best friend. Grandmother Celia, born in Austria, escaped during World War II after the country was overtaken by the German occupation. Upon the start of her investigation, she starts to realize that her grandmother left many things unsaid, some of it too gruesome. Celia had lived through a lot more than she had ever told her daughter or grandchildren.
Darby soon actualizes the fateful trip to Austria that will change her life. Once there, she will meet helpful villagers and also those who know the truth, but won't tell. In an incredible challenge, she scours historical documents, positions herself in dangerous situations, adjusts to life in Europe, and realizes that history doesn't give away all its secrets.
The Christian influence throughout the story is prevalent and tactful. I so enjoy reading a good book from a Christian author, who heightens the emotion of their plot with scriptures and prayers to God.
There is only one thing I didn't quite "get" with this book. That would be the romantic interest that Darby, quite quickly, falls in love with. Darby is rather surprised herself, I think. Still, it is a sweet romance.
I'm also excited because I just found out that this is only the first book in a trilogy. (Really?! There's more where this came from?!)
When her grandmother passes on, Darby Evans latches onto the dying wish -- that Darby visits Austria and sets things aright, concerning her grandmother's best friend. Grandmother Celia, born in Austria, escaped during World War II after the country was overtaken by the German occupation. Upon the start of her investigation, she starts to realize that her grandmother left many things unsaid, some of it too gruesome. Celia had lived through a lot more than she had ever told her daughter or grandchildren.
Darby soon actualizes the fateful trip to Austria that will change her life. Once there, she will meet helpful villagers and also those who know the truth, but won't tell. In an incredible challenge, she scours historical documents, positions herself in dangerous situations, adjusts to life in Europe, and realizes that history doesn't give away all its secrets.
The Christian influence throughout the story is prevalent and tactful. I so enjoy reading a good book from a Christian author, who heightens the emotion of their plot with scriptures and prayers to God.
There is only one thing I didn't quite "get" with this book. That would be the romantic interest that Darby, quite quickly, falls in love with. Darby is rather surprised herself, I think. Still, it is a sweet romance.
I'm also excited because I just found out that this is only the first book in a trilogy. (Really?! There's more where this came from?!)
May 25, 2012
The story posed some difficult questions and provided interesting historical detail. I am glad I read it.
However, there is one pet peeve I have, even more than someone "shoving religion down your throat": When they try to sneak it up on you. It is the most noticeable and annoying thing, whether the writer/speaker (supposedly) doesn't realize s/he is trying to convert you. I have nothing against any of the peaceful religions of the world, but I do have something against people who cannot understand and honor that other people may have conflicting beliefs. As if the reader is obviously Christian. As if there should not be an explanation as to how someone half Jewish became a devout Christian. This book makes it seem as if Judaism is shameful, since the author avoids mentioning it as much as possible. If Judaism makes the author so squeamish, then why even include it in the story? Grandma Celia could have had no Jewish heritage in the first place. As if Christianity is the one and only religion, that every American you meet in Austria is obviously the same religion.
I am angry because this could have been a good book. But I suppose some readers(probably if they are Christian and think that theirs is the one and only religion) will not be so negatively affected by this, as I am. I've enjoyed many books in which religion was a central theme (Islam, Judaism, Buddhism, Christianity), but only when there was a valid explanation and a respect for the reader's own beliefs.
However, there is one pet peeve I have, even more than someone "shoving religion down your throat": When they try to sneak it up on you. It is the most noticeable and annoying thing, whether the writer/speaker (supposedly) doesn't realize s/he is trying to convert you. I have nothing against any of the peaceful religions of the world, but I do have something against people who cannot understand and honor that other people may have conflicting beliefs. As if the reader is obviously Christian. As if there should not be an explanation as to how someone half Jewish became a devout Christian. This book makes it seem as if Judaism is shameful, since the author avoids mentioning it as much as possible. If Judaism makes the author so squeamish, then why even include it in the story? Grandma Celia could have had no Jewish heritage in the first place. As if Christianity is the one and only religion, that every American you meet in Austria is obviously the same religion.
I am angry because this could have been a good book. But I suppose some readers(probably if they are Christian and think that theirs is the one and only religion) will not be so negatively affected by this, as I am. I've enjoyed many books in which religion was a central theme (Islam, Judaism, Buddhism, Christianity), but only when there was a valid explanation and a respect for the reader's own beliefs.
July 17, 2015
Oh wow, I thoroughly enjoyed this story that spanned generations!!! Darby's Austrian grandmother, Celia, has so many secrets from her past that come to life after her death. Darby goes in search of answers in Austria, and finds the answers she seeks and many more. The whole story is extremely well written, and I didn't want it to end! (spoiler: I cried a few times) Martinusen brought so many characters to life in Winter Passing, and taught me much about what Austria was like during World War 2, with so much Nazi influence. She sparked in me an interest in visiting Austria someday, and going to all the places she included in the novel. I loved the friendships Martinusen created, and how real they seemed to the readers. If only we all had friends like Celia and Tatianna! Definitely recommend this read to those who enjoy WW2 stories, stories where the character "finds themselves," and stories that span generations.
July 27, 2013
A story of a women who, in keeping a deathbed promise to her grandmother, goes to Austria to "give Tatianna her name back" and to find her family inheritance. Darby's grandmother, pregnant with Darby's mother, had fled Austria in 1941. When her husband did not meet her in NYC as planned, the grandmother wrote to a friend and was told he had died, and so she began her new life as a single mother. Darby grew up knowing little about her family history and goes off to Austria with little information to keep her promises to her grandmother. A little mystery, a little history and a little romance follow as Darby tries to prove her grandmother was who she said she was and as Darby seems to find her own future in her grandmother's past.
July 26, 2015
This summer I have read several novels that were set during WWII, and I am so intrigued by that time. This is set in modern times, but the plot was begun during the Nazi takeover of Austria. Cindy Martinusen has really done her research and it shows. I would have given this book 5 stars but it was too predictable for me, even though I really enjoyed all the characters in this book. I just finished her 2nd in this trilogy and now am on to the 3rd. A very good, interesting read. It made me want to go to Austria and see these places for myself.
August 4, 2015
I have had this book sitting on my shelf for several years. One day I picked it up and started reading the first page and I was hooked! I have to admit I let a lot of things go while reading this book, I just didn't want to put it down. I have never been able to study about the Nazi occupation or the concentration camps because it has always made me so sad. After reading this book I have been starting to research that time in history. This is the authors first novel, I was amazed! She did a fantastic job! I highly recommend this book.
January 4, 2014
The mystery and historical aspect intrigued me to pick this up. Although I could figure out the ending early on, it still had many moments which moved me and surprised me.
At the end, I would have like to have slapped Brant for still being filled with doubts and Darby for being stupid a second time about a strange car, but knew a happy ending was still in the cards.
At the end, I would have like to have slapped Brant for still being filled with doubts and Darby for being stupid a second time about a strange car, but knew a happy ending was still in the cards.
January 28, 2008
really cool mystery story that talked a lot about nazi germany during the war, which i find fascinating. there was some people finding jesus toward the end, but the author didn't really force it down your throat.
quick read
quick read
May 25, 2008
I enjoyed this book. The author included beautiful details about Austria and interesting facts about the Holocaust. I wouldn't call it a mystery, as you could see what was coming a mile away, but overall it was a good read. Interesting Christian turn at the end.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews