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The Winter Folly
The Winter Folly is a gripping mystery of family secrets and past sins by Lulu Taylor, author of The Snow Angel .
In this house there are many secrets . . .
It is 1965 and young Alexandra Crewe obediently marries the man her father has selected for her. But, very soon, both she and her husband Laurence realize that their marriage is a disaster. When real love finds Alexandra, plucking her out of her unhappy existence, she is powerless to resist. Her home becomes Fort Stirling, a beautiful Dorset castle, but Alexandra fears that there will be a price to pay for this wonderful new life. When tragedy strikes, it seems that her punishment has come, and there is only one way she can atone for her sins . . .
In the present day, Delilah Young is the second wife of John Stirling and the new chatelaine of Fort Stirling. The house seems to be a sad one and Delilah hopes to fill it with life and happiness. But, when she attempts to heal the heartbreak in John's life, it seems that the forces of the past might be too strong for her. Why does John have such a hatred for the old castle on the hill, and what happened to his mother when she vanished from his life? As Delilah searches for the truth, she realizes that perhaps some secrets are better left buried . . .
In this house there are many secrets . . .
It is 1965 and young Alexandra Crewe obediently marries the man her father has selected for her. But, very soon, both she and her husband Laurence realize that their marriage is a disaster. When real love finds Alexandra, plucking her out of her unhappy existence, she is powerless to resist. Her home becomes Fort Stirling, a beautiful Dorset castle, but Alexandra fears that there will be a price to pay for this wonderful new life. When tragedy strikes, it seems that her punishment has come, and there is only one way she can atone for her sins . . .
In the present day, Delilah Young is the second wife of John Stirling and the new chatelaine of Fort Stirling. The house seems to be a sad one and Delilah hopes to fill it with life and happiness. But, when she attempts to heal the heartbreak in John's life, it seems that the forces of the past might be too strong for her. Why does John have such a hatred for the old castle on the hill, and what happened to his mother when she vanished from his life? As Delilah searches for the truth, she realizes that perhaps some secrets are better left buried . . .
529 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 5, 2013
92 people are currently reading
1288 people want to read
About the author
Lulu Taylor
28 books206 followersLulu was brought up in the Oxfordshire countryside, attended a girls’ school and then went to Oxford University, where she read English Literature. After university, she worked in publishing for several years, before becoming a novelist.
Lulu says of her books: ‘I’ve always adored stories of the rich and reckless at play, everything from The Great Gatsby to the brilliant blockbuster novels of the 80s. It’s fantastic escapism, and I’ve always loved creating my own stories of adventure, romance and luxury. My heroines are often very privileged and blessed with great looks and good health – but that doesn’t mean their lives are simple – far from it. They go through plenty of drama and suffering before everything is finally resolved.
‘Sex, love, beauty and money have always entranced us, and one way or another are the basis for just about every story ever written. There’s plenty of all of that in my novels, along with high fashion, which I love. What’s more, writing about fashion means I can go virtual shopping, dressing my heroines in all the wonderful clothes I adore – the racks of Marchesa ball gowns, the shelves of Louboutins, mountains of Chanel bags and acres of Dior dresses... it’s lots of fun. The stories can also get quite racy at times. It’s all about entertaining and amusing the reader, and enjoying being inside my characters’ glamorous, rarefied existence. ‘I’m always thrilled when someone enjoys reading my book as much I enjoyed writing it.’
Lulu now lives in West Dorset near the Somerset border, with her husband and two children.
Lulu says of her books: ‘I’ve always adored stories of the rich and reckless at play, everything from The Great Gatsby to the brilliant blockbuster novels of the 80s. It’s fantastic escapism, and I’ve always loved creating my own stories of adventure, romance and luxury. My heroines are often very privileged and blessed with great looks and good health – but that doesn’t mean their lives are simple – far from it. They go through plenty of drama and suffering before everything is finally resolved.
‘Sex, love, beauty and money have always entranced us, and one way or another are the basis for just about every story ever written. There’s plenty of all of that in my novels, along with high fashion, which I love. What’s more, writing about fashion means I can go virtual shopping, dressing my heroines in all the wonderful clothes I adore – the racks of Marchesa ball gowns, the shelves of Louboutins, mountains of Chanel bags and acres of Dior dresses... it’s lots of fun. The stories can also get quite racy at times. It’s all about entertaining and amusing the reader, and enjoying being inside my characters’ glamorous, rarefied existence. ‘I’m always thrilled when someone enjoys reading my book as much I enjoyed writing it.’
Lulu now lives in West Dorset near the Somerset border, with her husband and two children.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 125 reviews
January 17, 2019
Toppertje! Maar weer met een open einde.
June 27, 2017
There's something epic and saga-like about this book, the way it spans the generations. Something touching about the way these two women love their husbands with such an enduring, passionate, long-suffering love. The story drew me in and enfolded me with its details, settings and the marital woes of Alexandra and Delilah: both sensitive women experiencing life at Fort Stirling - the imposing Dorset manor. I was surprised and pleased at how involved and invested I became, and how much I enjoyed Ms Taylors' writing style. Definitely my cup of tea.
January 6, 2024
Очаквах нещо коледно, романтично, но се оказа нещо съвсем различно. Заглавието подвежда. Историята обаче е добра и увлича, не останах разочарована.
April 6, 2015
Γραφή που τρέχει , ένα βιβλίο γεμάτο απο έρωτα μυστήριο αγωνία μυστικά και προδοσία.Γραμμένο σε 2 εποχές κάθε κεφάλαιο και άλλη εποχή.Τα μυστικά έρχονται σιγά σιγά στο φώς όσο διαβάζεις την ιστορία του.Με κέρδισε απο την πρώτη στιγμή αλλά συγχρόνως μου άφησε μια μεγάλη πίκρα για την κατάληξη της μιας ιστορίας τόσο άδικη.Δε θα γράψω τιποτα άλλο για να μη προδώσω τα μυστικά του βιβλίου.Αν πέσει στο χέρι σας διαβάστε το.
July 8, 2017
I devoured this book from the first page and, barring having to sleep and eat, couldn't put it down.
I started it on a cold, dark, snowy and bitterly cold day and it was the perfect antidote for winter's blues.
In a nutshell, the story flips between the late 1960's (the lovely Alexandra's story) and the present day (the wonderful Delilah's story). Fort Stirling has been in the Stirling family for generations; a huge sprawling house with magnificent gardens.
Delilah is searching through the dusty attic and finds some wonderful old clothes and other items, which consequently sets her on a mission to discover a hidden family secret and which could cost her her marriage to John, the current heir. She tries to unearth the secret surrounding the tragic life of John's late mother, Alex.
I will say no more for fear of spoiling this magnificent story, except to say I simply loved Alexandra and detested her father so much I was shouting at my kindle! I was rooting for Delilah to discover the truth and just loved the whole thing.
My first Lulu Taylor book but certainly not my last.
Highly recommended ❤
I started it on a cold, dark, snowy and bitterly cold day and it was the perfect antidote for winter's blues.
In a nutshell, the story flips between the late 1960's (the lovely Alexandra's story) and the present day (the wonderful Delilah's story). Fort Stirling has been in the Stirling family for generations; a huge sprawling house with magnificent gardens.
Delilah is searching through the dusty attic and finds some wonderful old clothes and other items, which consequently sets her on a mission to discover a hidden family secret and which could cost her her marriage to John, the current heir. She tries to unearth the secret surrounding the tragic life of John's late mother, Alex.
I will say no more for fear of spoiling this magnificent story, except to say I simply loved Alexandra and detested her father so much I was shouting at my kindle! I was rooting for Delilah to discover the truth and just loved the whole thing.
My first Lulu Taylor book but certainly not my last.
Highly recommended ❤
April 7, 2014
I was utterly in love with this book, I finished it in two days. I went in search for a book about a house with a past and found this in Tesco, couldn't put it down
October 1, 2016
Ομορφη ιστορια που διαδραματιζεται στην εξοχικη Αγγλια και τοτε κ τωρα.Η ιστορια ενιδιαφερουσα καθως οι ηρωες ωστοσο καποιες λεπτομερειες κ η αργη εξελιξη στην μεση του βιβλιου με κουρασε .3,5\5
January 4, 2021
Ook dit boek was weer fantastisch goed.
February 7, 2017
The Winter Folly is a story with dark pasts, family secrets and complicated characters. There are two stories being told parallelly. One story is set in 1960s and the other story is set in the present time.
Both these stories are connected as they are about the same family but different generations.
It had a tad too much drama for my liking. At many points I found the story to be unnecessarily stretched. When I had picked this book to read, I had expected something wintry and engrossing but I was somewhat disappointed to come across many entangled threads and difficult characters. The story set in 1960s is about a timid girl named Alexandra who agrees to marry a stranger just to make her father happy but the marriage turns out to be an utter debacle and she leaves her husband for another man named Nicki Stirling who also happens to be the lord of Fort Stirling thus souring her relations with her father. Just as life starts to show a promise of happiness, a tragedy strikes. Basically the story takes a highly unexpected turn which I wasn’t able to appreciate because I found it too morbid.
The present time has the heir of the Fort Stirling and his wife Delilah trying to lead a normal life in a house full of haunting memories. Delilah is a happy woman who loves her husband John dearly even though he is too susceptible to dark moods where he completely shuts her out. Every attempt made by Delilah to make Fort Stirling a happy place is looked down upon by John. This present scenario is the one I found most unbearable to read. Firstly, I simply despised John’s character. Yes, he was an emotionally scarred man with a stormy past, but it didn’t give him the right to ill-treat Delilah the way he did by not confiding in her and always leaving her hanging. Delilah’s character is one of an inquisitive nature and she doesn’t let her doubts take a backseat and goes on to uncover every secret. At some points, even her character becomes a little annoying although hers is the one character that I found to be likeable.
This book did not exactly keep me hooked and I got bored of reading some useless descriptions. It was supposed be kind of a thriller but I didn’t find anything even remotely thrilling instead I found it tiresome to read. The only upside of reading this book was that it was different from the other books that I have read before. Otherwise, I found it to be a tedious read. I will not be picking it up to re-read unless my reading preferences undergo a huge change.
Both these stories are connected as they are about the same family but different generations.
It had a tad too much drama for my liking. At many points I found the story to be unnecessarily stretched. When I had picked this book to read, I had expected something wintry and engrossing but I was somewhat disappointed to come across many entangled threads and difficult characters. The story set in 1960s is about a timid girl named Alexandra who agrees to marry a stranger just to make her father happy but the marriage turns out to be an utter debacle and she leaves her husband for another man named Nicki Stirling who also happens to be the lord of Fort Stirling thus souring her relations with her father. Just as life starts to show a promise of happiness, a tragedy strikes. Basically the story takes a highly unexpected turn which I wasn’t able to appreciate because I found it too morbid.
The present time has the heir of the Fort Stirling and his wife Delilah trying to lead a normal life in a house full of haunting memories. Delilah is a happy woman who loves her husband John dearly even though he is too susceptible to dark moods where he completely shuts her out. Every attempt made by Delilah to make Fort Stirling a happy place is looked down upon by John. This present scenario is the one I found most unbearable to read. Firstly, I simply despised John’s character. Yes, he was an emotionally scarred man with a stormy past, but it didn’t give him the right to ill-treat Delilah the way he did by not confiding in her and always leaving her hanging. Delilah’s character is one of an inquisitive nature and she doesn’t let her doubts take a backseat and goes on to uncover every secret. At some points, even her character becomes a little annoying although hers is the one character that I found to be likeable.
This book did not exactly keep me hooked and I got bored of reading some useless descriptions. It was supposed be kind of a thriller but I didn’t find anything even remotely thrilling instead I found it tiresome to read. The only upside of reading this book was that it was different from the other books that I have read before. Otherwise, I found it to be a tedious read. I will not be picking it up to re-read unless my reading preferences undergo a huge change.
June 25, 2017
Μυστηριακό ύφος, αραδιασμένα μυστικά και ψέμματα και γρήγορη γραφή. Πυκνογραμμένοι διάλογοι και ήρωες που καταφέρνουν μέσα από τις πράξεις και τα λόγια τους να διεκδικήσουν αβίαστα την προσοχή σου.
Οι εναλλαγές ανάμεσα σε παρελθόν και παρόν έντονες μα γίνονται τόσο μεθοδικά και απλά που ο αναγνώστης να μην κουράζεται καθόλου. Απεναντίας κατανοεί καλύτερα την ιστορία και τα κίνητρα των ηρώων της.
Έρωτες, πάθη και ανομολόγητες επιθυμίες διατρέχουν το όλο κλίμα του βιβλίου, το οποίο καταφέρνει μέχρι το τέλος να σε αιχμαλωτίσει και να σε μυήσει στη μαγεία του.
http://vivliakaioneira.blogspot.gr
Οι εναλλαγές ανάμεσα σε παρελθόν και παρόν έντονες μα γίνονται τόσο μεθοδικά και απλά που ο αναγνώστης να μην κουράζεται καθόλου. Απεναντίας κατανοεί καλύτερα την ιστορία και τα κίνητρα των ηρώων της.
Έρωτες, πάθη και ανομολόγητες επιθυμίες διατρέχουν το όλο κλίμα του βιβλίου, το οποίο καταφέρνει μέχρι το τέλος να σε αιχμαλωτίσει και να σε μυήσει στη μαγεία του.
http://vivliakaioneira.blogspot.gr
February 20, 2019
Lees mijn mening op mijn blog:
https://juulsboekwinkeltje.wordpress....
https://juulsboekwinkeltje.wordpress....
April 14, 2023
wel een lekker smulboek maar niet zo spannend als de vorige die ik van haar las
February 1, 2017
Интересна идея. Но през цялото време нещо ме дразнеше. Исках да приключа с книгата по-бързо.
January 6, 2017
I really wasn't sure what to think of The Winter Folly at first. The prologue was a nice taster but it was the first chapter that really intrigued me, as to the story of Alex and John. But then the next chapter was set in the present, and the following was back in the past, but further back than the first chapter, so I realised I was going to have to learn what led to those first moments.
For the majority of the book, the chapters have alternated between two timelines where it has seemed like history is perhaps repeating itself, from the story of one generation in the 1960s, and also the present day storyline. It is the story of two generations of the Stirling family, who live in Fort Stirling, Dorset.
I am generally not a massive fan of these time slip time stories, and I often try my hardest not to read anything that I know is set in history, however I bought this book at a time where I had loved Lulu Taylor's first four books and was curious to see what her new direction would bring, and before my feelings on this sort of storytelling became as clear to me.
As a result I found the book quite slow to get into, however it soon became apparent that most of it was vital so that you knew the characters well, and the back story of them properly, so that when the book really got going in Part Two, it became better and better.
By the time I reached the last part of the story, I was utterly hooked and ended up having to finish it in that same sitting. What had started slow, was a book I was glad I persevered with, as I thoroughly enjoyed everything from around the 60% mark onwards.
It's not that I thought the first 60% was bad or anything, I could tell it was well written and that the author really can tell a tale, but it just wasn't quite to my taste or style preferences. I think it also bugged me slightly that I was enjoying the older generation story, slightly more than the younger, but I was loving how everything came together.
The Winter Folly turns into a marvellous family drama, fuelled with decades old secrets and mysteries, which Delilah in the present is determined to unravel.
Fort Stirling, was described in such a way that I had a strong feel about the place, and just how it could suck a persons energy. It is a rather large property and it was one that sort of took on a life of its own. In the early part of the book I was struck by the descriptions of Alexandra's marriage to Laurence, and just how different things must have been in the sixties especially in the bedroom department. Their wedding night really did leave an impression on me.
Despite my initial misgivings I am incredibly glad that I have finally read The Winter Folly, after its been on my kindle for a few years, and its re-awakened in me, my love of Lulu Taylor books.
For the majority of the book, the chapters have alternated between two timelines where it has seemed like history is perhaps repeating itself, from the story of one generation in the 1960s, and also the present day storyline. It is the story of two generations of the Stirling family, who live in Fort Stirling, Dorset.
I am generally not a massive fan of these time slip time stories, and I often try my hardest not to read anything that I know is set in history, however I bought this book at a time where I had loved Lulu Taylor's first four books and was curious to see what her new direction would bring, and before my feelings on this sort of storytelling became as clear to me.
As a result I found the book quite slow to get into, however it soon became apparent that most of it was vital so that you knew the characters well, and the back story of them properly, so that when the book really got going in Part Two, it became better and better.
By the time I reached the last part of the story, I was utterly hooked and ended up having to finish it in that same sitting. What had started slow, was a book I was glad I persevered with, as I thoroughly enjoyed everything from around the 60% mark onwards.
It's not that I thought the first 60% was bad or anything, I could tell it was well written and that the author really can tell a tale, but it just wasn't quite to my taste or style preferences. I think it also bugged me slightly that I was enjoying the older generation story, slightly more than the younger, but I was loving how everything came together.
The Winter Folly turns into a marvellous family drama, fuelled with decades old secrets and mysteries, which Delilah in the present is determined to unravel.
Fort Stirling, was described in such a way that I had a strong feel about the place, and just how it could suck a persons energy. It is a rather large property and it was one that sort of took on a life of its own. In the early part of the book I was struck by the descriptions of Alexandra's marriage to Laurence, and just how different things must have been in the sixties especially in the bedroom department. Their wedding night really did leave an impression on me.
Despite my initial misgivings I am incredibly glad that I have finally read The Winter Folly, after its been on my kindle for a few years, and its re-awakened in me, my love of Lulu Taylor books.
April 14, 2020
Dalla copertina mi ero immaginata tutt’altro libro, uno in stile natalizio, montagne innevate, amore sotto la neve, invece mi sono ritrovata a oltrepassare le porte di una residenza alquanto misteriosa con un passato da scoprire e vecchi sentimenti da far ritornare a galla.
Due epoche che si accavallano, due storie che si susseguono per portare alla stesso finale.
Alexandra, Delihah e John, misteri da risolvere, persone scomparse prematuramente, segreti e un baule di ricordi.
Affascinata dall’intera storia macini pagine per arrivare a quell’epilogo che non riesci proprio ad immaginare.
Devo fare i complimenti all’autrice, la storia è intrigante, come anche i personaggi, i segreti svelati magistralmente tengono alta la suspense nel lettore, personaggi secondari che arricchiscono la storia.
Ottima lettura.
Due epoche che si accavallano, due storie che si susseguono per portare alla stesso finale.
Alexandra, Delihah e John, misteri da risolvere, persone scomparse prematuramente, segreti e un baule di ricordi.
Affascinata dall’intera storia macini pagine per arrivare a quell’epilogo che non riesci proprio ad immaginare.
Devo fare i complimenti all’autrice, la storia è intrigante, come anche i personaggi, i segreti svelati magistralmente tengono alta la suspense nel lettore, personaggi secondari che arricchiscono la storia.
Ottima lettura.
March 7, 2015
4.5 stars. I can't think of anything wrong with this novel (other than extending the ending a wee bit to continue a new storyline), but I can't quite give it a 5 like Outlander or Left Neglected. Regardless, fantastic story written from alternate povs and times which I love. It is indeed a good read.
February 3, 2018
I have to be honest and say I battled with this book for weeks, and I just can't connect with the characters or get interested. I made it halfway just to be sure, but unfortunately it's just not interesting to me.
March 22, 2019
slecht verhaal, slecht geschreven. je hebt het zo uit, doordat je een kwart van de pagina's kunt overslaan
April 2, 2025
One of the first books that made me cry at the end.
I loved it. It took a little while to get into it but once I was in I couldn’t put it down.
I loved it. It took a little while to get into it but once I was in I couldn’t put it down.
January 8, 2020
This book was so addicting, I just could not put it down! This is the first book I have read written by this author and I certainly will be picking up more really soon!
This story is split between two time lines. In the past, we are following Alexandra who marries because her father tells her to not for love but that all changes when she meets the man of her dreams. In the present, we follow Delilah who has just married and moved into Fort Sterling but it seems there is more to Fort Stirling than she realised.
What I loved the most about this book was definitely the suspense. You have two story lines running alongside each other, each with its own highs and lows. What kept me reading was wanting to find out what was going to happen next and how the two story lines would somehow connect together. There is also great character development in this story which just made me route for certain characters all the more and hope that things work out ok for them.
A great mix of historical fiction and suspense. I would highly recommend!
For more reviews, please check out the link below:
Debra's Book Cafe
Debs :-)
This story is split between two time lines. In the past, we are following Alexandra who marries because her father tells her to not for love but that all changes when she meets the man of her dreams. In the present, we follow Delilah who has just married and moved into Fort Sterling but it seems there is more to Fort Stirling than she realised.
What I loved the most about this book was definitely the suspense. You have two story lines running alongside each other, each with its own highs and lows. What kept me reading was wanting to find out what was going to happen next and how the two story lines would somehow connect together. There is also great character development in this story which just made me route for certain characters all the more and hope that things work out ok for them.
A great mix of historical fiction and suspense. I would highly recommend!
For more reviews, please check out the link below:
Debra's Book Cafe
Debs :-)
June 8, 2021
Ce registre de lecture a toute ma préférence : une vieille demeure familiale, des secrets et la campagne anglaise pour parfaire le décor. Oui, c'est tout ce que j'aime !
Dans ce roman, on suit l'histoire d'Alexandra qui vient de consentir à un mariage de convenance. Mais la jeune femme n'est pas heureuse. Sa rencontre avec un aristocrate désargenté va néanmoins chambouler le cours de sa vie car elle tombe sous le charme de son existence bohème.
Cette partie se déroulant dans les années 60, on retourne dans le présent pour découvrir une jeune londonienne (Delilah) qui plaque tout par amour et qui part s'installer sur le domaine de son mari à Fort Stirling. Mais la nouvelle maîtresse de maison est refroidie par l'ambiance et par l'attitude de John devenu plus distant.
Sans surprise, les deux intrigues sont liées : les drames et les mystères du passé, les non-dits du présent et les fantômes à libérer pour un avenir radieux. C'est tout bon ! Le schéma est classique, la lecture confortable et la sensation follement romanesque.
Seule objection : la personnalité souvent antipathique des hommes du roman (ils sont trop fades ou insignifiants). Les ressorts du récit sont également excessifs et enfiévrés. Mais pourquoi pas ? La lecture est distrayante mais peut-être pas mémorable car l'histoire en rappelle d'autres.
Dans ce roman, on suit l'histoire d'Alexandra qui vient de consentir à un mariage de convenance. Mais la jeune femme n'est pas heureuse. Sa rencontre avec un aristocrate désargenté va néanmoins chambouler le cours de sa vie car elle tombe sous le charme de son existence bohème.
Cette partie se déroulant dans les années 60, on retourne dans le présent pour découvrir une jeune londonienne (Delilah) qui plaque tout par amour et qui part s'installer sur le domaine de son mari à Fort Stirling. Mais la nouvelle maîtresse de maison est refroidie par l'ambiance et par l'attitude de John devenu plus distant.
Sans surprise, les deux intrigues sont liées : les drames et les mystères du passé, les non-dits du présent et les fantômes à libérer pour un avenir radieux. C'est tout bon ! Le schéma est classique, la lecture confortable et la sensation follement romanesque.
Seule objection : la personnalité souvent antipathique des hommes du roman (ils sont trop fades ou insignifiants). Les ressorts du récit sont également excessifs et enfiévrés. Mais pourquoi pas ? La lecture est distrayante mais peut-être pas mémorable car l'histoire en rappelle d'autres.
May 10, 2018
"Torņa vilinājums"
No anotācijas "Dilaila Janga ir Džona Stērlinga otrā sieva un Stērlingfortas jaunā saimniece. Džona māja šķiet skumju un noslēpumu pārņemta, un Dilaila cer tajā iedvest dzīvību un prieku, taču pagātnes spēki izrāda lielu pretestību. Ja vien muižas parka vecais tornis spētu runāt... "
Mūsdienas un pagātne. Feins romāns, bez salkanuma, ar intrigu.
No anotācijas "Dilaila Janga ir Džona Stērlinga otrā sieva un Stērlingfortas jaunā saimniece. Džona māja šķiet skumju un noslēpumu pārņemta, un Dilaila cer tajā iedvest dzīvību un prieku, taču pagātnes spēki izrāda lielu pretestību. Ja vien muižas parka vecais tornis spētu runāt... "
Mūsdienas un pagātne. Feins romāns, bez salkanuma, ar intrigu.
February 4, 2025
Why had this book been sitting on my shelf all these years will all her others looking pretty. It has taken me longer to read than normal but I have savoured it. It was just so good. And now I am going to work my way through all her books.
January 20, 2019
I blooming loved it! Couldn’t put it down. Pulled me right in. Really cared about the people in it and was totally engrossed in their story.
November 2, 2018
A good read no too taxing
March 16, 2019
When secrets and lies threaten Delilah's marriage, she tries desperately to figure out the mystery of the hundred room estate she's become chatelaine of. But the further she digs, the more trouble she unearths. What happened to her husband's mother? Did she throw herself off of the folly (tower) on the property? Why will no one speak of her? Who is Elaine?
The Winter Folly is told from both Delilah's and Alexandra's perspectives. Separated by a generation, Delilah becomes fascinated by the memory of her glamorous, mysterious mother-in-law, Alex. Why are her clothes locked in the attic? Why are there no abandoned toys in the nursery, except for a rocking horse and a Barbie-type doll? Where is Alex's body? As Delilah tries to figure all this out in hopes of lifting the shadows from her husband John's life, readers are shown pieces of Alex's life: how she met Nicky (John's dad), her rocky relationship with her father, the birth of her only son.
Eventually the reader learns what happened to Alex, and dang, did I not see that coming. It was very emotional to discover what happened to her, and I was simply furious to see how a single lie destroyed so much.
I really liked this. Not quite a 5, but definitely a 4.5. The house is a great character in and of itself, constantly looming, oppressing its occupants, and possibly driving people insane. (I'm a huge fan of books with old, decrepit English manors.) The end really got me, both the what and the why. Clever without being contrived.
The Winter Folly is told from both Delilah's and Alexandra's perspectives. Separated by a generation, Delilah becomes fascinated by the memory of her glamorous, mysterious mother-in-law, Alex. Why are her clothes locked in the attic? Why are there no abandoned toys in the nursery, except for a rocking horse and a Barbie-type doll? Where is Alex's body? As Delilah tries to figure all this out in hopes of lifting the shadows from her husband John's life, readers are shown pieces of Alex's life: how she met Nicky (John's dad), her rocky relationship with her father, the birth of her only son.
Eventually the reader learns what happened to Alex, and dang, did I not see that coming. It was very emotional to discover what happened to her, and I was simply furious to see how a single lie destroyed so much.
I really liked this. Not quite a 5, but definitely a 4.5. The house is a great character in and of itself, constantly looming, oppressing its occupants, and possibly driving people insane. (I'm a huge fan of books with old, decrepit English manors.) The end really got me, both the what and the why. Clever without being contrived.
September 8, 2016
Με το βιβλίο της η Λούλου Τέιλορ « Και τότε και τώρα» περιγράφει δύο ιστορίες αγάπης και αφοσίωσης, δυο ιστορίες δεμένες μεταξύ τους, μια στο παρελθόν και μια στο παρόν. Σε κρατάει σε αγωνία μέχρι το τέλος, με εναλλαγές από το παρελθόν στο παρόν, με κρυμμένα μυστικά που αποκαλύπτονται σιγά σιγά.
Ένα βιβλίο με γραφή που ρέει, γεμάτο μυστήριο, ανατροπές, αγωνία, έρωτα και καλά κρυμμένα μυστικά που βγαίνουν στο φως μετά από πολλά χρόνια. Με συνεπήρε, δεν ήθελα να το αφήσω από τα χέρια μου μέχρι να ανακαλύψω το μυστήριο γύρω από την ιστορία του παρελθόντος που επηρέαζε τόσο πολύ το μέλλον και τον χαρακτήρα του Τζον του τελευταίου κληρονόμου της οικογένειας Στέρλινγκ. Η γυναίκα του η Ντιλάιλα νιώθοντας πως για να σωθεί ο γάμος της πρέπει να τον βοηθήσει να αποδεσμευτεί από το παρελθόν, ψάχνει να βρει απαντήσεις και στοιχεία για καλά κρυμμένες αλήθειες στο σεντούκι του χρόνου. Μυστικά και αλήθειες που μόλις φανερώνονται, διώχνουν τα φαντάσματα του παρελθόντος και χαρίζουν λύτρωση στον Τζον και όχι μόνο…….
Ένα βιβλίο που το λάτρεψα και διαβάζοντας το νομίζω πως θα το αγαπήσετε και εσείς!!
Ένα βιβλίο με γραφή που ρέει, γεμάτο μυστήριο, ανατροπές, αγωνία, έρωτα και καλά κρυμμένα μυστικά που βγαίνουν στο φως μετά από πολλά χρόνια. Με συνεπήρε, δεν ήθελα να το αφήσω από τα χέρια μου μέχρι να ανακαλύψω το μυστήριο γύρω από την ιστορία του παρελθόντος που επηρέαζε τόσο πολύ το μέλλον και τον χαρακτήρα του Τζον του τελευταίου κληρονόμου της οικογένειας Στέρλινγκ. Η γυναίκα του η Ντιλάιλα νιώθοντας πως για να σωθεί ο γάμος της πρέπει να τον βοηθήσει να αποδεσμευτεί από το παρελθόν, ψάχνει να βρει απαντήσεις και στοιχεία για καλά κρυμμένες αλήθειες στο σεντούκι του χρόνου. Μυστικά και αλήθειες που μόλις φανερώνονται, διώχνουν τα φαντάσματα του παρελθόντος και χαρίζουν λύτρωση στον Τζον και όχι μόνο…….
Ένα βιβλίο που το λάτρεψα και διαβάζοντας το νομίζω πως θα το αγαπήσετε και εσείς!!
January 19, 2015
Болка и страх. От предателство, от грешки, от неизживени мечти, неизживян живот.
Уязвимост. И същевременно сила.
Силата да оставиш целия си живот след себе си, с цел любимите ти хора да не страдат. А ти сам да се разкъсваш от болка, страх и неистов ужас, че си извършил непростимото. Това, което е в състояние да разруши дори истинската любов. Или поне, докато го вярваш.
А любовта е важна, само чрез нея можем да оцелеем. Навсякъде. Където и когато и да е.
Книгата ме изпълни с много противоречиви емоции. Загадката ме дърпаше към финала така завладяващо и настойчиво, че нямаше как да не се поддам и да оставя всичко, с което се бях захванала. Исках да разбера, да проумея, да навържа всичко в цялост. Обаче цялостта ме ужаси, не ми хареса, страх ме е, че може да съществува такава жестокост.
И все пак си струваше! Научих още нещо за себе си: може да отиваме на много места в живота си, но там, където е сърцето ни - се връщаме винаги!
Уязвимост. И същевременно сила.
Силата да оставиш целия си живот след себе си, с цел любимите ти хора да не страдат. А ти сам да се разкъсваш от болка, страх и неистов ужас, че си извършил непростимото. Това, което е в състояние да разруши дори истинската любов. Или поне, докато го вярваш.
А любовта е важна, само чрез нея можем да оцелеем. Навсякъде. Където и когато и да е.
Книгата ме изпълни с много противоречиви емоции. Загадката ме дърпаше към финала така завладяващо и настойчиво, че нямаше как да не се поддам и да оставя всичко, с което се бях захванала. Исках да разбера, да проумея, да навържа всичко в цялост. Обаче цялостта ме ужаси, не ми хареса, страх ме е, че може да съществува такава жестокост.
И все пак си струваше! Научих още нещо за себе си: може да отиваме на много места в живота си, но там, където е сърцето ни - се връщаме винаги!
October 2, 2015
I read this book after a long time I was avoiding it and that because of its ugly cover. In the greek edition the cover has a purple cloth flapping on a branch into a misery forest coloured in bitter-yellow shades. And that's completely irrelevant with the story. Of course they say, don't judge a book from its cover. The story? Is about a secret of a husband's mother and, well is a bit of a stretch. The characters have a cartoonish personality (too good, too bad), the chagneover from a full energetic working woman to a kind of Daphne Du Maurier's Rebecca has chasms in Delila's character. In first John Stirling becomes so unpleasant that I would like to slap him and at the end transforms into a sweet man, well, not so real. I liked a lot Alexandra's personality, she was the more real person there but she became at the end (forced with a happy end) to an impersonally good old woman. What did I expect? A more haunted story and a less real end, but at last it was a nice try.
January 21, 2020
Se amate le storie cariche di intrighi famigliari, segreti sepolti nel passato e menzogne ben celate nell'innesorabile scorrere del tempo, allora Follia d'amore fa proprio al caso vostro.
Abbiamo a che fare con un libro che si alterna tra passato e presente. Tra quello che è successo (o per meglio dire, sembrerebbe essere successo) e quello che sta succedendo ora. Tra una donna che si sacrifica per rimediare ai propri errori e non causare altro dolore e un'altra donna che, invece, caparbia più che mai cerca di riportare un po' di pace tra chi ha sofferto già fin troppo.
Follia d'amore mi ha preso sin dal prologo e, anche se verso la metà l'ho trovato un pochino più pesante e lento, devo dire che l'interesse è rimasto vivo fino alla fine. Tra l'altro gli ultimi capitoli sono qualcosa di superlativo. Consiglio assolutamente questa lettura!
Abbiamo a che fare con un libro che si alterna tra passato e presente. Tra quello che è successo (o per meglio dire, sembrerebbe essere successo) e quello che sta succedendo ora. Tra una donna che si sacrifica per rimediare ai propri errori e non causare altro dolore e un'altra donna che, invece, caparbia più che mai cerca di riportare un po' di pace tra chi ha sofferto già fin troppo.
Follia d'amore mi ha preso sin dal prologo e, anche se verso la metà l'ho trovato un pochino più pesante e lento, devo dire che l'interesse è rimasto vivo fino alla fine. Tra l'altro gli ultimi capitoli sono qualcosa di superlativo. Consiglio assolutamente questa lettura!
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