What do you think?
Rate this book
A Winter to Remember
A cosy, festive page-turner from the bestselling author of It's That Time of Year
Emily Feeney has always loved the festive season, so when she invites some of her favourite people to Christmas dinner at her restaurant, she has an afternoon of delicious fare and seasonal fun in mind. But as the big day draws near, her plans start to look a bit uncertain . . .
Her partner Bill is preoccupied by family worries, and both he and Emily have been skirting around a big unanswered question. When events finally force Emily to issue an ultimatum, Bill must choose between the two women he loves.
Tom and Lil have moved into the apartment above Emily's restaurant, hoping to put the past behind them while they plan their summer wedding. Little do they know that an unexpected arrival in town is about to make the past a lot harder to forget.
And Emily's best friend Heather has surprise visitors: the mother she left behind as a teen, who now needs Heather's help, and a man she thought she'd never see again. Maybe it's finally time to give each of them a second chance?
As Emily's prospective guests navigate their way through the holiday season, their lives become more and more complicated. Will they all find themselves around the table together on Christmas Day?
Emily Feeney has always loved the festive season, so when she invites some of her favourite people to Christmas dinner at her restaurant, she has an afternoon of delicious fare and seasonal fun in mind. But as the big day draws near, her plans start to look a bit uncertain . . .
Her partner Bill is preoccupied by family worries, and both he and Emily have been skirting around a big unanswered question. When events finally force Emily to issue an ultimatum, Bill must choose between the two women he loves.
Tom and Lil have moved into the apartment above Emily's restaurant, hoping to put the past behind them while they plan their summer wedding. Little do they know that an unexpected arrival in town is about to make the past a lot harder to forget.
And Emily's best friend Heather has surprise visitors: the mother she left behind as a teen, who now needs Heather's help, and a man she thought she'd never see again. Maybe it's finally time to give each of them a second chance?
As Emily's prospective guests navigate their way through the holiday season, their lives become more and more complicated. Will they all find themselves around the table together on Christmas Day?
319 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 12, 2023
90 people are currently reading
166 people want to read
About the author
Roisin Meaney
44 books386 followersBorn on 3rd September.
A published author of twenty books for adults and three for children, Roisin worked as an advertising copywriter for a number of years, and brings a vast amount of experience to the editing team. Her first novel, The Daisy Picker, won a Write a Bestseller competition. Her third novel, The Last Week of May reached number one on the Irish bestseller list and her fourth, The People Next Door reached number two. Her books have been translated into several languages, and two, Semi-Sweet and Life Drawing for Beginners, have been published in the US. She is currently working on her next book, which is scheduled for publication in autumn 2023. She is also plotting another children's book - shhhhh.
A published author of twenty books for adults and three for children, Roisin worked as an advertising copywriter for a number of years, and brings a vast amount of experience to the editing team. Her first novel, The Daisy Picker, won a Write a Bestseller competition. Her third novel, The Last Week of May reached number one on the Irish bestseller list and her fourth, The People Next Door reached number two. Her books have been translated into several languages, and two, Semi-Sweet and Life Drawing for Beginners, have been published in the US. She is currently working on her next book, which is scheduled for publication in autumn 2023. She is also plotting another children's book - shhhhh.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
December 27, 2023
"but the familiarity of it was as soothing as a lullaby."
Emily
As the pages flew by, a familiar feeling of peace and heartfelt cosyness had settled over me. The author always manages to make it sound as if the characters are real people. A couple of the moments just recently flashed in my head that felt like real and I remembered they were from The Street Where You Live and another one from one of Roone books by this author. So real.
It's one of my this year favoutites. It made me smile and, almost in equal measure, it made me sad and angry (more than ones, to be honest). I'm grateful Roisin Meaney could write such believable characters putting one's head from the worries and making one sympathize with those beautiful people, making you feel less selfish and being pouty, when there's really nothing serious going on. Just a sudden feeling of sadness that usually comes when the weather is gloomy and the sun seems like avoiding only just myself. I used to love listening to Pearl Jam as a teen and one particular line had stuck with me:
"I cannot smile, when the sun doesn't shine."
That's how I remember the emotion I've taken from this band's song Smile. I checked it out and its true verses did surprise me. That's funny how the memory works sometimes. Or was it my mind interpreting that song and adjusting it significantly to make me feel the way I always feel about the sun? Yep, there's no such line. Something opposite, it seems. So, back to A Winter to Remember - it was another read that came along at a right time, bringing the sun back. And oh. Did I mention, this book is a follow up to The Restaurant, one of my this author's favourites I hoped a sequel to which would be written someday. Such a wonderful early Christmas gift! Thanks a lot, Roisin Meaney! I already miss the characters, but I loved how it all was brought to a close and feel warm and contented, in no need for another story, mainly because
Emily
As the pages flew by, a familiar feeling of peace and heartfelt cosyness had settled over me. The author always manages to make it sound as if the characters are real people. A couple of the moments just recently flashed in my head that felt like real and I remembered they were from The Street Where You Live and another one from one of Roone books by this author. So real.
It's one of my this year favoutites. It made me smile and, almost in equal measure, it made me sad and angry (more than ones, to be honest). I'm grateful Roisin Meaney could write such believable characters putting one's head from the worries and making one sympathize with those beautiful people, making you feel less selfish and being pouty, when there's really nothing serious going on. Just a sudden feeling of sadness that usually comes when the weather is gloomy and the sun seems like avoiding only just myself. I used to love listening to Pearl Jam as a teen and one particular line had stuck with me:
"I cannot smile, when the sun doesn't shine."
That's how I remember the emotion I've taken from this band's song Smile. I checked it out and its true verses did surprise me. That's funny how the memory works sometimes. Or was it my mind interpreting that song and adjusting it significantly to make me feel the way I always feel about the sun? Yep, there's no such line. Something opposite, it seems. So, back to A Winter to Remember - it was another read that came along at a right time, bringing the sun back. And oh. Did I mention, this book is a follow up to The Restaurant, one of my this author's favourites I hoped a sequel to which would be written someday. Such a wonderful early Christmas gift! Thanks a lot, Roisin Meaney! I already miss the characters, but I loved how it all was brought to a close and feel warm and contented, in no need for another story, mainly because
October 14, 2023
I received a free copy of, A Winter to Remember, by Roisin Meaney, from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Emily her partner Bill, and Tom and Lil, are featured in this book. I really did not care for Christine at all, as Bill's daughter, and mother to a child she have to her dad to raise, then wanted back. This was not a feel good Christmas read, none of the characters were happy, they were pretty miserable through out the book actually.
October 8, 2023
This book is centred around the lives of four families each at a different stage in their lives and every member having their own story,
Emily runs and owns a restaurant she has a partner Bill who is older than she is and who along with Emily's help is bringing up his grandson after his daughter found it hard to cope.
Christine is Bill‘s daughter who has struggled with addiction, but is determined to get her life back on track and reclaim her son.
Heather is Emily’s lifelong friend has her own problems, she has been a single mother but has met Shane and they share a blended family
Tom and Lil are a young couple who have moved into Emily‘s apartment Trying to leave their old life behind.
I didn’t realise this books story picks up on a previous book, and I think I would’ve enjoyed it, even more if I had read it as a few times things were mentioned that I was puzzled about .
I love reading family based fiction. We all have our own struggles, and it is important to remember that, although they may feel important to us, everyone has their own struggles in their lives.The importance of open communication was beautifully portrayed and to appreciate what we have instead of hankering after something we imagine is better,
This book got me thinking , love, family , friendship and community all things we should value are explored and I loved how all the characters found their own happy ending.
Emily runs and owns a restaurant she has a partner Bill who is older than she is and who along with Emily's help is bringing up his grandson after his daughter found it hard to cope.
Christine is Bill‘s daughter who has struggled with addiction, but is determined to get her life back on track and reclaim her son.
Heather is Emily’s lifelong friend has her own problems, she has been a single mother but has met Shane and they share a blended family
Tom and Lil are a young couple who have moved into Emily‘s apartment Trying to leave their old life behind.
I didn’t realise this books story picks up on a previous book, and I think I would’ve enjoyed it, even more if I had read it as a few times things were mentioned that I was puzzled about .
I love reading family based fiction. We all have our own struggles, and it is important to remember that, although they may feel important to us, everyone has their own struggles in their lives.The importance of open communication was beautifully portrayed and to appreciate what we have instead of hankering after something we imagine is better,
This book got me thinking , love, family , friendship and community all things we should value are explored and I loved how all the characters found their own happy ending.
November 25, 2023
This book was a slow burn for me; I wasn't too sure at first but I ended up loving it 🥰 It was a cozy Christmas read, which is exactly what I wanted 💞
October 12, 2023
I fell in love with the cover and wanted to the there. I loved the plot and the characters, it's heartwarming and festive.
A cosy story to keep you smiling
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine
A cosy story to keep you smiling
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine
October 12, 2023
A Winter to Remember by Roisin Meaney publishes today, October 12th, with Hachette Ireland and is described as ‘a heart-warming festive read’.
Roisin Meaney is known and loved for writing warm and beautifully crafted novels. In A Winter to Remember, she weaves characters from her previous books into the story, all blending and crossing paths in the most delightful way. If you have read The Restaurant and The Book Club you will immediately find yourself back in The Food of Love, the charming restaurant owned by Emily Feeney.
Life has moved on for Emily and she now lives with her partner Bill and his grandson Pip. She still runs her beloved restaurant but she no longer lives upstairs. When she advertises for lodgers, couple Lil Noonan and Tom McLysaght are first to apply, and immediately move in, delighted to have found such a suitable home.
Emily has built a new life for herself after a previously bad relationship. She loves her job, she is content with her life and she loves Bill. Emily hopes that someday she will have a family with Bill, especially after falling head-over-heels in love with Pip. But Emily’s life is thrown up in a heap when Bill’s daughter, Christine, returns to the fold. Christine is a troubled individual but now wants to make a step forward and do the right thing. Bill wants her back but Emily is unsure. She has seen in the past how damaged Christine is and the pain she has caused Bill. Emily is protective of Bill and Pip, but Christine is Bill’s daughter. Decisions are made, some more painful than others, but are they the right ones?
Lil and Tom are making a fresh start together, both wanting to block out their respective pasts. But you can never run too far from your memories. Lil gets a job in the local library and tries to settle into this new life but Lil is always afraid that the bubble will burst. Lil has very little confidence in herself, questioning many aspects of her life and, of her and Tom’s future together. Can they have a happy-ever-after? Or will the pain of the past keep resurfacing, keeping its tight grip on their lives?
Heather, Emily’s best friend, is struggling. She knows she should be happy with her life and the family she has created for herself but she is now having doubts. With her mother landing in on top of her from The States, Heather is overwhelmed. When she receives a very unexpected message from an old friend, Heather’s curiosity is piqued, setting in motion a ripple effect that could potentially destroy everything she once loved. How much is Heather prepared to risk?
A Winter to Remember is set in the weeks coming up to Christmas, so you can’t help but think of sleigh bells and twinkling fairy lights when turning the pages, but this is not specifically a Christmas book. Roisin Meaney always creates gorgeous atmospheric reads and, although there are many difficult themes, all handled sensitively, the story is imbued with optimism, warmth and humour. There is a very strong message about the need for community and the importance of having someone to stand up for you and be there for you when times get tough. We all need a Heather in our lives!
A Winter to Remember is another delightful, reassuring and uplifting read from Roisin Meaney, with her unique voice filtering through the pages. Life is messy, relationships are messy and families are most definitely messy. Mixing life’s entanglements with a wonderful cast of characters, A Winter to Remember is ultimately a heartening read with hope in spades. Life can be painful, but also a joyful experience, especially if you are willing to open yourself up to new possibilities and adventures!
Roisin Meaney is known and loved for writing warm and beautifully crafted novels. In A Winter to Remember, she weaves characters from her previous books into the story, all blending and crossing paths in the most delightful way. If you have read The Restaurant and The Book Club you will immediately find yourself back in The Food of Love, the charming restaurant owned by Emily Feeney.
Life has moved on for Emily and she now lives with her partner Bill and his grandson Pip. She still runs her beloved restaurant but she no longer lives upstairs. When she advertises for lodgers, couple Lil Noonan and Tom McLysaght are first to apply, and immediately move in, delighted to have found such a suitable home.
Emily has built a new life for herself after a previously bad relationship. She loves her job, she is content with her life and she loves Bill. Emily hopes that someday she will have a family with Bill, especially after falling head-over-heels in love with Pip. But Emily’s life is thrown up in a heap when Bill’s daughter, Christine, returns to the fold. Christine is a troubled individual but now wants to make a step forward and do the right thing. Bill wants her back but Emily is unsure. She has seen in the past how damaged Christine is and the pain she has caused Bill. Emily is protective of Bill and Pip, but Christine is Bill’s daughter. Decisions are made, some more painful than others, but are they the right ones?
Lil and Tom are making a fresh start together, both wanting to block out their respective pasts. But you can never run too far from your memories. Lil gets a job in the local library and tries to settle into this new life but Lil is always afraid that the bubble will burst. Lil has very little confidence in herself, questioning many aspects of her life and, of her and Tom’s future together. Can they have a happy-ever-after? Or will the pain of the past keep resurfacing, keeping its tight grip on their lives?
Heather, Emily’s best friend, is struggling. She knows she should be happy with her life and the family she has created for herself but she is now having doubts. With her mother landing in on top of her from The States, Heather is overwhelmed. When she receives a very unexpected message from an old friend, Heather’s curiosity is piqued, setting in motion a ripple effect that could potentially destroy everything she once loved. How much is Heather prepared to risk?
A Winter to Remember is set in the weeks coming up to Christmas, so you can’t help but think of sleigh bells and twinkling fairy lights when turning the pages, but this is not specifically a Christmas book. Roisin Meaney always creates gorgeous atmospheric reads and, although there are many difficult themes, all handled sensitively, the story is imbued with optimism, warmth and humour. There is a very strong message about the need for community and the importance of having someone to stand up for you and be there for you when times get tough. We all need a Heather in our lives!
A Winter to Remember is another delightful, reassuring and uplifting read from Roisin Meaney, with her unique voice filtering through the pages. Life is messy, relationships are messy and families are most definitely messy. Mixing life’s entanglements with a wonderful cast of characters, A Winter to Remember is ultimately a heartening read with hope in spades. Life can be painful, but also a joyful experience, especially if you are willing to open yourself up to new possibilities and adventures!
October 12, 2023
Although A Winter to Remember can be read as a stand alone book it reintroduces all the characters from Roisin Meaney's last book The Restaurant. It was lovely to catch up with them and see what has been happening in their lives as time has passed. A very enjoyable and easy read. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read an advance copy. All opinions are my own.
October 18, 2023
Such a wonders story and so good to meet again, characters from The Restaurant and The Book Club, like seeing old friends again. But now I think there needs to be a follow up to this book!
December 24, 2023
The new book from Roisin Meaney, A Winter to Remember, has such a beautiful cover that just screams curl up and read me now. This is a lovely, gentle and relaxing read ideal for this time of year. Prior to reading, I discovered that some of the characters that had featured in The Restaurant and The Book Club feature again so when I began reading I was on the lookout for them. Although, if I hadn’t know this before starting I think I would have figured out fairly on who was who and details of their stories did come back to me. But don’t worry if you haven’t the previously mentioned books as this is very much a standalone story. I found this to be a gorgeous quick read and just as wonderful as Roisin’s previous books and I enjoyed every minute of the time I spent reconnecting with characters and seeing how their lives had changed and what situations they now found themselves in.
The first few pages set the scene. It’s Christmas Day and Emily is hosting dinner for her friends at her restaurant, The Food of Love. But what should be a happy time is certainly not for Emily. Her plans have changed and instantly the readers interest is piqued as to what has caused her to feel this way. To discover the answer we are taken back in time several weeks and from this point on each chapter details the run up to Christmas Day.
There are a lot of characters to become familiar with but I felt as if I knew an awful lot about them already but there is plenty of backstory woven in with Roisin’s deft touch and lovely writing style. Something seems to have happened between Emily and her best friend Heather and as the pages fly by I can’t say there was anything specific that imploded between the pair more so that a distance appears between them with a lot left unsaid. They never actually come out and say to each other what they are going through individually until perhaps it was in the territory of becoming too late to do so and you just hope that they can find a way back to the friendship and I would say sister hood that had flourished between them.
Emily is in a relationship with Bill who is several years older than her. They have been through a lot together but it’s obvious for all to see that they are a match made in heaven. They are raising Bill’s grandson Pip whose mother Christine abandoned him when he was only a raw infant. Christine has substance abuse issues and a lot of it stems from the experiences of her childhood. Emily and Bill have been managing just fine and the bond they have with Pip is evident for all to see. When their dear friend Astrid passed away she left her house in trust for Pip for when he turns older. A small inheritance has been left to Christine as well. That’s if she ever dares to show her face again. Emily is happy in her relationship with Bill but deep down she longs for a child of her own which is only natural as this is most women’s wish and desire. But Bill flat out refuses to engage in any conversation regarding this subject. You can sense Emily’s hurt surrounding this issue and this is compounded even further when Christine makes a surprise reappearance at Bill’s house. Emily soon feels like she is being pushed out into the cold and the relationship she has developed with Pip is severely under threat not to mention things with Bill become quite challenging.
I felt for Emily throughout this book. She was a good person with a heart of gold who would do anything to help anyone but Bill didn’t always consider her needs. It was as if once Christine was back on the scene that Emily was pushed into second place in his heart and his day to day life. Yes, you can see where Bill is coming from. His daughter has returned with the promise that she is clean and is now ready, willing and able to rear her son again. But can she be trusted? Of course, Bill had to support his flesh and blood but still I felt he should remember the person that had been there for him through thick and thin and would always stand by his side. Emily’s strand of the story is an emotional one and the reader is conflicted and goes back and forth as to whose side they are on or whose opinion is more valid. It’s a tough one but I thoroughly enjoyed how everything played out. As Christmas approaches and things get worse for Emily she questions will she ever find the long lasting happiness that she craves and which the reader can see that she deserves?
Heather is a busy mum and her partner Shane works all hours as a paramedic. At times they are like ships in the night just passing with a brief hello. Heather’s stress levels increase when her mother arrives to stay and it appears as if she isn’t moving on any time soon and when an unexpected letter arrives for her it certainly puts the cat amongst the pigeons and threatens everything which she has established. Will she be tempted or can she weather the storm that is approaching? To be honest, Heather wasn’t my favourite character as I found her to be a bit selfish and for some reason I just couldn’t connect with her. I found myself reading quickly through her sections in order to get back to characters that I was more engrossed in. I don’t think that’s any fault of the author more so that she was just one character that wasn’t for me and it’s not as if we can like every character in every book that we read.
Lil and Tom arrive to rent the flat above Emily’s restaurant and it was such a delight to read about them again. Lil featured in The Book Club and her story was heart breaking, memorable and inspiring in equal measure. They will return to Fairweather once the new library has been built but for now Lil has a job in the local library and things are progressing in her relationship with Tom. Tom too has a heart breaking story and you can see that he still has unresolved issues around this which threaten to continue rearing their ugly head. There is a fragility and air of vulnerability around Lil that I wonder will it ever go away or can it given all that has happened to her. Tom is her protector but still there is a niggle deep within her that things mightn’t work out long term even though there is some happy news for them. Tom and Lil were a couple I was rooting for from the beginning and given their backstory I desperately hoped that happiness and some Christmas magic would appear in their lives.
Christine is certainly the most complex character of them all. She is fighting a daily battle to stay on the straight and narrow and she was a brilliantly written character. You kind of love to hate her and my opinion of her swayed back and forth and that’s because I didn’t like how her actions affected others. Yet on the other hand you have great empathy for her because she has one goal in mind and is determined to succeed but there are plenty of temptations sent her way and lots of bridges for her to mend. We really get inside her head and become familiar with and grow to understand her mindset. She struggles and battles on a daily basis and is very much caught up in her own mind. So much so that at times she can’t see the effect of her return is having on others.There was a point that there was so much going on and everything became so tangled for the characters that I could see no route to happiness for them.There are lots of pain and anguish for all involved and several leaps of faith must be taken.
A Winter to Remember is classic Roisin Meaney and I enjoyed it from beginning to end. I hope it finds its way to many readers this Christmas as it definitely deserves a place under the Christmas tree.She has brought characters from two books and combined them seamlessly into one entertaining, satisfying and pleasant Christmas read.
The first few pages set the scene. It’s Christmas Day and Emily is hosting dinner for her friends at her restaurant, The Food of Love. But what should be a happy time is certainly not for Emily. Her plans have changed and instantly the readers interest is piqued as to what has caused her to feel this way. To discover the answer we are taken back in time several weeks and from this point on each chapter details the run up to Christmas Day.
There are a lot of characters to become familiar with but I felt as if I knew an awful lot about them already but there is plenty of backstory woven in with Roisin’s deft touch and lovely writing style. Something seems to have happened between Emily and her best friend Heather and as the pages fly by I can’t say there was anything specific that imploded between the pair more so that a distance appears between them with a lot left unsaid. They never actually come out and say to each other what they are going through individually until perhaps it was in the territory of becoming too late to do so and you just hope that they can find a way back to the friendship and I would say sister hood that had flourished between them.
Emily is in a relationship with Bill who is several years older than her. They have been through a lot together but it’s obvious for all to see that they are a match made in heaven. They are raising Bill’s grandson Pip whose mother Christine abandoned him when he was only a raw infant. Christine has substance abuse issues and a lot of it stems from the experiences of her childhood. Emily and Bill have been managing just fine and the bond they have with Pip is evident for all to see. When their dear friend Astrid passed away she left her house in trust for Pip for when he turns older. A small inheritance has been left to Christine as well. That’s if she ever dares to show her face again. Emily is happy in her relationship with Bill but deep down she longs for a child of her own which is only natural as this is most women’s wish and desire. But Bill flat out refuses to engage in any conversation regarding this subject. You can sense Emily’s hurt surrounding this issue and this is compounded even further when Christine makes a surprise reappearance at Bill’s house. Emily soon feels like she is being pushed out into the cold and the relationship she has developed with Pip is severely under threat not to mention things with Bill become quite challenging.
I felt for Emily throughout this book. She was a good person with a heart of gold who would do anything to help anyone but Bill didn’t always consider her needs. It was as if once Christine was back on the scene that Emily was pushed into second place in his heart and his day to day life. Yes, you can see where Bill is coming from. His daughter has returned with the promise that she is clean and is now ready, willing and able to rear her son again. But can she be trusted? Of course, Bill had to support his flesh and blood but still I felt he should remember the person that had been there for him through thick and thin and would always stand by his side. Emily’s strand of the story is an emotional one and the reader is conflicted and goes back and forth as to whose side they are on or whose opinion is more valid. It’s a tough one but I thoroughly enjoyed how everything played out. As Christmas approaches and things get worse for Emily she questions will she ever find the long lasting happiness that she craves and which the reader can see that she deserves?
Heather is a busy mum and her partner Shane works all hours as a paramedic. At times they are like ships in the night just passing with a brief hello. Heather’s stress levels increase when her mother arrives to stay and it appears as if she isn’t moving on any time soon and when an unexpected letter arrives for her it certainly puts the cat amongst the pigeons and threatens everything which she has established. Will she be tempted or can she weather the storm that is approaching? To be honest, Heather wasn’t my favourite character as I found her to be a bit selfish and for some reason I just couldn’t connect with her. I found myself reading quickly through her sections in order to get back to characters that I was more engrossed in. I don’t think that’s any fault of the author more so that she was just one character that wasn’t for me and it’s not as if we can like every character in every book that we read.
Lil and Tom arrive to rent the flat above Emily’s restaurant and it was such a delight to read about them again. Lil featured in The Book Club and her story was heart breaking, memorable and inspiring in equal measure. They will return to Fairweather once the new library has been built but for now Lil has a job in the local library and things are progressing in her relationship with Tom. Tom too has a heart breaking story and you can see that he still has unresolved issues around this which threaten to continue rearing their ugly head. There is a fragility and air of vulnerability around Lil that I wonder will it ever go away or can it given all that has happened to her. Tom is her protector but still there is a niggle deep within her that things mightn’t work out long term even though there is some happy news for them. Tom and Lil were a couple I was rooting for from the beginning and given their backstory I desperately hoped that happiness and some Christmas magic would appear in their lives.
Christine is certainly the most complex character of them all. She is fighting a daily battle to stay on the straight and narrow and she was a brilliantly written character. You kind of love to hate her and my opinion of her swayed back and forth and that’s because I didn’t like how her actions affected others. Yet on the other hand you have great empathy for her because she has one goal in mind and is determined to succeed but there are plenty of temptations sent her way and lots of bridges for her to mend. We really get inside her head and become familiar with and grow to understand her mindset. She struggles and battles on a daily basis and is very much caught up in her own mind. So much so that at times she can’t see the effect of her return is having on others.There was a point that there was so much going on and everything became so tangled for the characters that I could see no route to happiness for them.There are lots of pain and anguish for all involved and several leaps of faith must be taken.
A Winter to Remember is classic Roisin Meaney and I enjoyed it from beginning to end. I hope it finds its way to many readers this Christmas as it definitely deserves a place under the Christmas tree.She has brought characters from two books and combined them seamlessly into one entertaining, satisfying and pleasant Christmas read.
September 26, 2023
Emily Feeney has always loved the festive season, so when she invites some of her favourite people to Christmas dinner at her restaurant, she has an afternoon of delicious fare and seasonal fun in mind. But as the big day draws near, her plans start to look a bit uncertain . . .
Her partner Bill is preoccupied by family worries, and both he and Emily have been skirting around a big unanswered question. When events finally force Emily to issue an ultimatum, Bill must choose between the two women he loves.
Tom and Lil have moved into the apartment above Emily's restaurant, hoping to put the past behind them while they plan their summer wedding. Little do they know that an unexpected arrival in town is about to make the past a lot harder to forget.
And Emily's best friend Heather has surprise visitors the mother she left behind as a teen, who now needs Heather's help, and a man she thought she'd never see again. Maybe it's finally time to give each of them a second chance?
As Emily's prospective guests navigate their way through the holiday season, their lives become more and more complicated. Will they all find themselves around the table together on Christmas Day?
This seemed a little disjointed and at times I was at a loss regarding the back story of the characters. It seems to me that this book was written as a "wrap up" to previous novels and I'm sure if I'd read them I would have enjoyed this hugely as the characters were warm and friendly. Unfortunately I wasn't able to engage with them as too much of their stories was unknown and what was revealed was too brief to allow for a depth of emotion.
Her partner Bill is preoccupied by family worries, and both he and Emily have been skirting around a big unanswered question. When events finally force Emily to issue an ultimatum, Bill must choose between the two women he loves.
Tom and Lil have moved into the apartment above Emily's restaurant, hoping to put the past behind them while they plan their summer wedding. Little do they know that an unexpected arrival in town is about to make the past a lot harder to forget.
And Emily's best friend Heather has surprise visitors the mother she left behind as a teen, who now needs Heather's help, and a man she thought she'd never see again. Maybe it's finally time to give each of them a second chance?
As Emily's prospective guests navigate their way through the holiday season, their lives become more and more complicated. Will they all find themselves around the table together on Christmas Day?
This seemed a little disjointed and at times I was at a loss regarding the back story of the characters. It seems to me that this book was written as a "wrap up" to previous novels and I'm sure if I'd read them I would have enjoyed this hugely as the characters were warm and friendly. Unfortunately I wasn't able to engage with them as too much of their stories was unknown and what was revealed was too brief to allow for a depth of emotion.
October 4, 2023
Such a heartwarming and beautiful story. It has been a long while since I last read a book from this author but when I spotted this one, I couldn't resist.
And thankfully I managed to start reading, while I was on a tube and then in a restaurant so had time, when I wasn't distracted to really get into the story, and get to grips with the fairly large cast of main characters, in one sitting.
Which definitely helped as it then meant when I wasn't reading, I was waiting to grip the kindle again and get back to the story, as it totally enchanted me.
There are so many different characters and story threads that all interlink in a seamless way. I'd say it's Christine's story that is the most powerful, we don't see huge amounts of her, but she is present the whole time, and some of her chapters are incredibly strong, and I really felt for her, and was willing her to turn her life around.
I could comment on each of the characters, but really the blurb is doing a much better job of it than I could do, and I generally liked all of them. They all had distinctive voices and thankfully the author did label each chapter which the featured character for that chapter.
It was a gentle story, that really gets under your skin, and I am so glad I had the chance to read this. What a truly lovely story, set in the run up to Christmas, but can easily be read at any time of the year as it's not a Christmas book as such, just a gorgeous story set in the winter.
Thank you to Hachette Books Ireland and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
And thankfully I managed to start reading, while I was on a tube and then in a restaurant so had time, when I wasn't distracted to really get into the story, and get to grips with the fairly large cast of main characters, in one sitting.
Which definitely helped as it then meant when I wasn't reading, I was waiting to grip the kindle again and get back to the story, as it totally enchanted me.
There are so many different characters and story threads that all interlink in a seamless way. I'd say it's Christine's story that is the most powerful, we don't see huge amounts of her, but she is present the whole time, and some of her chapters are incredibly strong, and I really felt for her, and was willing her to turn her life around.
I could comment on each of the characters, but really the blurb is doing a much better job of it than I could do, and I generally liked all of them. They all had distinctive voices and thankfully the author did label each chapter which the featured character for that chapter.
It was a gentle story, that really gets under your skin, and I am so glad I had the chance to read this. What a truly lovely story, set in the run up to Christmas, but can easily be read at any time of the year as it's not a Christmas book as such, just a gorgeous story set in the winter.
Thank you to Hachette Books Ireland and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
December 30, 2024
Emily, a restaurant owner, is hosting Christmas dinner in her restaurant and has invited a number of family and friends. However the months leading up to the big day have been eventful for those attending: Christine, daughter of Emily’s partner Bill, arrives home, upsetting Emily and Bill’s life. Emily’s best friend Heather is dealing with her parents’ divorce, while Emily’s tenants Lil and Tom are trying to settle into their new life. How will Christmas dinner go down?
My initial thought reading this was there was too many characters. As well as those mentioned above, there’s so many others, all linked to these characters and slightly confusing. However, I discovered after reading this that there are 2 previous books with these characters, which explains why Lil and Tom’s story felt slightly shoehorned in. I think if I had read the other books and had been familiar with the characters, then I would have settled into this much easier and enjoyed it more.
While there is an element of this set at Christmas, it’s not a Christmas book and could be read at any time. It hits some hard topics, such as addiction, grief and relationship issues. Despite struggling with all the characters at times, I did like how their lives overlap, showing how families and communities are linked together. It highlights the complexities of relationships and family dramas, which is one of my favourite things in books.
My initial thought reading this was there was too many characters. As well as those mentioned above, there’s so many others, all linked to these characters and slightly confusing. However, I discovered after reading this that there are 2 previous books with these characters, which explains why Lil and Tom’s story felt slightly shoehorned in. I think if I had read the other books and had been familiar with the characters, then I would have settled into this much easier and enjoyed it more.
While there is an element of this set at Christmas, it’s not a Christmas book and could be read at any time. It hits some hard topics, such as addiction, grief and relationship issues. Despite struggling with all the characters at times, I did like how their lives overlap, showing how families and communities are linked together. It highlights the complexities of relationships and family dramas, which is one of my favourite things in books.
December 12, 2023
I didn't dislike this book but I wasn't mad about it either. Only when I finished it, did I realise this is a follow-on from previous books. Perhaps I would have felt differently about it if I had read those books first.
Emily & her partner Bill are raising Bill's grandson as their own and now Bill's daughter who has had her struggles has returned to her family.
Heather & Shane are plodding along, Heather feeling more dissatisfied as each day passes. Then her Mother visits and her past gets in touch.
Tom & Lil are Emily's lodgers with their own past, trying to establish new roots.
The characters felt quite disconnected for me, I would definitely recommend reading the previous books first.
Emily & her partner Bill are raising Bill's grandson as their own and now Bill's daughter who has had her struggles has returned to her family.
Heather & Shane are plodding along, Heather feeling more dissatisfied as each day passes. Then her Mother visits and her past gets in touch.
Tom & Lil are Emily's lodgers with their own past, trying to establish new roots.
The characters felt quite disconnected for me, I would definitely recommend reading the previous books first.
December 8, 2023
I loved how this story re introduced characters from previous novels by Roisin Meaney. All in all a good story and a bonus for this time of year, as it becomes a Christmas read as the story unfolds.
December 17, 2023
It’s like reconnecting with long lost friends!
A lovely book, such a good read. Believable characters dealing with their own worries and problems. Love the Irish humour and art of storytelling.
A lovely book, such a good read. Believable characters dealing with their own worries and problems. Love the Irish humour and art of storytelling.
January 11, 2024
A perfect winter read. I crept into a big chair and lost myself in this lovely cosy book. It was an added surprise to bump into friends from The Restaurant! What a gorgeous, uplifting story, full to the very brim of the joys of the season with Meaney's trademark warmth. Perfect.
February 24, 2024
A really good read but the part where the priest marries Lil and Tom in her house annoyed me. An Irish author should have known that priests don't marry couples in non religious settings! Other than that I really enjoyed it.
March 9, 2024
Oh so cosy it enchanted me from the start and I really wanted to get to know the characters. Imagine bringing a child up like there your own and then there mother shows up wanting parental rights. A lovely bunch of down to earth characters.
November 30, 2024
Another enjoyable read from an accomplished author. Roisin treats us to wonderfully believable characters in a small town setting. It seems simple at first but there are many layers and subjects that make one think and ponder.
January 12, 2025
This book was enjoyable with lots of interesting characters and relationships, but I found it too long. There were so many characters with so many relatives and problems that I had trouble keeping them all straight. There also seemed to be a preoccupation with May/December romances, which just seemed a little strange. I would have enjoyed this much more if it had followed just a few of the characters and fleshed out their relationships and backstories.
February 3, 2025
DNF. I made it to 28% and couldn’t go any further. There was absolutely nothing cozy or Christmas-y about this book. Stress, worry and disappointment instead. I have enough of that in my life. I don’t need to read about it
Read
December 19, 2023I just could not get into this one.
December 28, 2023
Did not like the way it jumped from one character to the next other than that it was your usual cosy easy winter read
Read
January 19, 2024A winter to remember
Loved this book a great read could not put it down when I started it .can't wait to read another book by prison Heaney .
Loved this book a great read could not put it down when I started it .can't wait to read another book by prison Heaney .
January 27, 2024
A book to warm your heart. I love these people, these villages, these stories.
January 29, 2024
This was a pleasant enough read about quite a large group of characters, only some of whom are believably drawn.
May 15, 2024
Loved this story of a small inter connected group. Every member is facing their own issues and the future depends on how they deal with them. A typically good read.
July 6, 2024
wonderful story, wonderful read, Roisin Meaney is one of my favourite authors. Loved it
September 7, 2024
Another good read, and it was nice to catch up with Lil and Tom from The Book Club. I can see I will be working through Roisin Meaney's books.
September 30, 2024
Enjoyed the characters and the overall story. They acted in ways that seemed realistic.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews