The Sun in Winter

by Caroline Mansour

Rachel Crane has it all: loving parents, family wealth, and a younger sister, Isabel, whom she adores—until one night in Paris changes everything.

When a nightclub shooting leaves Isabel permanently injured, Rachel is consumed by guilt over her role in the tragedy. Seeking atonement, she abandons her own ambitions to live out Isabel’s, starting over in Chicago as a therapist.

But when her fierce and complicated new client, Hailey Reynolds, begins to challenge her, Rachel is forced to confront the past she’s spent years trying to outrun. As the two women’s lives intertwine, Rachel is drawn out of isolation—only to face another loss that threatens to unravel everything she’s rebuilt.

Laced with humor, heartbreak, and the messy beauty of healing, The Sun in Winter is a story of guilt, forgiveness, and the courage it takes to begin again.

Kindle Edition

Expected publication September 22, 2026

Reviews

[Jeana · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Sun in Winter by Caroline Wolf Mansour
This book was such a beautiful surprise. From the very beginning, the story had such a natural flow that I found myself completely immersed. I finished it in less than two days, which is always a sign that a book has truly captured my attention.
One of my favorite parts of this novel was the characters. They were so different from one another—almost opposites in many ways—but somehow, those differences made them complement each other beautifully. I loved watching their relationships develop and seeing how their individual experiences shaped the way they viewed one another.
This book made me feel all the emotions. I laughed, I cried, and there were moments when I found myself nodding along with some of the revelations the characters experienced. I especially enjoyed witnessing their growth throughout the story. They didn't simply change individually; they learned how to grow together.
What really touched me was watching these characters create a family by learning to accept and embrace each other's differences. Rather than allowing those differences to divide them, they used them to support one another and, in many ways, help each other heal. I thought that was such a beautiful message about love, acceptance, and the unexpected ways people can become exactly what one another needs.
The Sun in Winter is a story about healing, growth, connection, and finding family in people who may be different from you. It reminded me that sometimes the people who challenge us the most can also help us see parts of ourselves we didn't know needed healing.
I truly enjoyed this one and am so glad I had the opportunity to read it as an ARC. ❤️📚

[Amy Ebeid · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a beautiful story of two women healing from major traumas in their lives and subsequent grief that follows. The book starts off with a terrorist attack in France and Rachel's sister is significantly impacted and suffers physical injuries. She later becomes a therapist and lives next door to Hailey, an event planner with her own history of struggles in her family, in her relationship with her mother, and in her own tendency towards substance abuse. The two develop a therapeutic relationship as Rachel begins meeting with Hailey in individual therapy.

This book demonstrates strong character development and is an excellent story of healing from loss and managing grief and gives a descriptive view of therapy sessions that help Hailey and in turn also help Rachel as the therapist. There is so much processing for both of these women.

I love this book. I will say as a psychologist myself it was difficult to not over analyze the sessions and Rachel's overall style as a therapist. I was sometimes a bit surprised by how direct and almost too intense she was digging straight into Hailey's past. I would have liked more development of these sessions versus going right to the heart of it all. That is the only reason I give this book 4.5 stars versus 5. And of course I had to worry about the ethical boundaries that impacted their therapeutic relationship/ friendship. Just the therapist in me!

Overall, this book has all the emotions and a very strong plot and is a beautiful story of two women surviving and I definitely recommend.

[Tabitha Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Immediately starting this book I’m hit with emotions. The book follows Rachel and her sister Isabel during their trip to Paris. Rachel is described as more care free while Isabel seems to be more reserved and thoughtful. They are at a club per Rachel’s request until tragedy strikes leaving the family to pick up the pieces. The story then follows Rachel’s journey of dealing with grief. The way Rachel’s thoughts and actions are given so much detail is refreshing. It’s easy to relate to her character and what she is going through. Present day also follows along with Hailey. I get the feeling that she wants to do better for herself but gets in her own way. We meet her as she’s making a string of bad decisions likely to run away from her troubled past. Rachel and Hailey have a chance encounter and the story unfolds paralleling one another’s mannerisms. To me, Hailey and Rachel are very similar in how they deal with their grief, trauma, anxiety, unhealthy coping mechanisms, and their past in general. It definitely feels like the universe needed them to meet. Unsung heroes in this novel are Rachel’s mom and Hailey’s boss who honestly provide the advice we all need but don’t want to hear. It’s written in dual POV and each chapter leaves off in a way that I HAVE to continue reading. This story of unexpected friendship, loss, and healing is truly just what I needed and an excellent reminder of how not all weight is ours to carry.

[Ashley (alist.lit.lounge) · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Sun in Winter was one of those books where the characters frustrated me SO much at times, but I was completely invested in their stories!

Rachel and Hailey are both complicated, well-developed characters with a lot of growing to do. Rachel endures a tragedy at the start of the book & was relatively unlikable for at least the first half, while Hailey was easier to root for—even when I wanted to scream at her! 😂 Her choices definitely stressed me out.

I loved watching the growth in both women throughout the story, and I also really enjoyed Charlie and wished we’d gotten a little more of him.

I also very much appreciated Rachel’s parents and Hailey’s tough-love boss.

The Chicago setting was another highlight for me! I used to live right off Michigan Ave., seemingly very close to where their apartment would have been (East Chestnut), so it was especially fun being able to picture the streets and places as I read.

Overall, a compelling, character-driven story about two very imperfect women and the growth that comes from some very messy choices.

🌶️ No spice—it’s mentioned/implied but happens off page. Some language, but it’s sparse.

This was my very first ARC read and a really great start! 🙌🏻

Thank you to Left Field Publishers & Caroline Wolf Mansour for the opportunity to read this novel in advance of publication!

[Diana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you ARC for this preview copy to read!

I really enjoyed this book; the plot was touching here dramatic and resonated a lot in terms that f family dynamics and how we cooe with them, particularly as we grow older. Plus, an array of characters we really got to know and see grow too.

Minus one star only cuz I felt like the first half of the book progressed rather slowly and I felt a lot of extra words and unnecessary “monologues” of sort that were not needed. They provided some helpful con tee t ok the characters personas but almost went on a bit too much. Rachel and Hailey are different and yet SO similar: Rachel felt a hard character to like, even towards the end I was irritated hahaha but I did enjoy this book for a read that wasn’t TOO heavy or intense. I’d actually like a follow up book for what happens with the characters next!

Thanks again to ARC, Left Field Publishers, and the incredible author Caroline Wolf Mansour!

[Sue · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Sun in Winter is an emotional, character-driven story about guilt, identity, and the ways our past can shape the lives we build for ourselves.

Rachel is living with enormous guilt after the night her sister Isabel was shot, while Hailey has worked hard to build a successful life after growing up with very little. When Hailey’s life begins to unravel, the two women are brought together in an unexpected way.

I really liked the contrast between Rachel and Hailey and the different ways they each deal with pain, shame, and the expectations placed on them. Their stories kept me interested, and I enjoyed watching their relationship develop as the book moved forward.

This is a thoughtful read with complicated characters, difficult choices, and plenty of emotion.

Thank you to the Caroline Wolf Mansour and Left Field Publishing for the opportunity to read A Sun in Winter early.

[Tara · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an absolutely beautiful book about love, loss and finding hope when all seems dark. I absolutely loved learning more about Rachel and Hailey, seeing both women grow and learn to accept the love from those around them.

The story follows two women who have traumatic pasts and they end up each helping each other to heal. One had a wonderful childhood with doting parents and a younger sister who she loved, but the sisters were in a terrible accident that changed the trajectory for both sisters. The second woman had abusive, neglectful parents who she’s tried to leave behind, but that trauma has always left her feeling like she’s not good enough.

[✨ Sherry | StoryBook Adventures ✨ · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Sun in Winter by Caroline Wolf Mansour

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ 4.5/5

My first ARC read! 🥹📖 And honestly, I couldn’t have asked for a more meaningful book to start this little milestone.

The Sun in Winter is an emotional and beautifully human story about grief, guilt, forgiveness, and healing. I loved that the characters weren’t perfect—they felt real, complicated, and vulnerable.

What stayed with me most was the reminder that healing isn’t about forgetting what happened or pretending the pain never existed. Sometimes it’s about learning to carry the past differently and finding the courage to let a little light back in.

This book made me feel, reflect, and ultimately left me with a sense of hope.

A beautiful reminder that even in winter, the sun is still there.

Thank you to Caroline Wolf Mansour for trusting me with my very first ARC. This was such a special book to begin my ARC journey with.

[Jess Laur · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks so much to the publishers for an advanced read!

The Sun in Winter was such an emotional rollercoaster, really tragically beautiful. The connections that Rachel made with the various people in her life were written so well. I do wish there was more backstory on Charlie, though. The themes of grief and loss as well as relationships and finding yourself really spoke to me & I recognized a lot of similarities in my own life that deserve attention. Loved this story!

[Jenna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was privileged to be chosen to read this as a ARC.

Two girl so different, and yet so alike. Rachel who grew up privileged, but had a devastating experience of her sister being injured in a mass shooting. Hailey who grew up poor and neglected, but worked hard to leave her past behind and make something of herself. Both in need of healing their traumas, end up finding a life changing friendship.

[Ann Adams · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Sun in Winter is a deeply moving exploration of the beauty, complexity, and heartbreak of family relationships. Mansour offers something more than a compelling story: her book is almost a “how-to” for finding our way through the inevitable tangle of love, loss, loyalty, and forgiveness that can define a family. I am changed for the better having read this one. And perhaps that is the mark of a truly exceptional book: it entertains you, moves you, and quietly alters the way you live your own life.

[Sharon Cua · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to Left Field Publishers for this amazing ARC! The Sun in Winter is a poignant and moving book that explores loss and relationships. It centers on Rachel and Hailey, 2 women of seemingly different backgrounds, but drawn together with their shared brokenness and their need to reclaim their identity. It deals with family grief and abuse, and the hard journey of dealing with the past to create a hopeful present.

This book is written in such a loving and haunting way that it had me tearing up midway through. The author Caroline Mansour draws you in to their stories that I can’t help but feel the immense pain and sadness in their tragedies and experiences.

I read this book feeling so much introspection and hope. Love this so much~ Highly recommend!

[Alexandra Bollella · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you Caroline Mansour for giving me the opportunity to read the advanced copy of your book.

Hauntingly Beautiful, poetically sound, emotionally gripping

"Wouldn't it be lovely to live without suffering or chaos? Why was that such an impossible objective? Sickness was unavoidable. And selfishness. People made choices they hurt others, decisions that changed lives irrevocably."

Rachel Crane has everything she could ever want, a loving family, a younger sister Isabel who she is very close with and an abundance of wealth. But Rachel's world is about to turn  upside down after one night in Paris that'll haunt her forever. Tragedy struck as a nightclub shooting leaves her sister Isabel permanently injured. The regret and grief continuously daunt Rachel endlessly and tiredlessly it consumes her. Rachel decided to deserts her ambitions, starting a new chapter of life as a therapist. Hailey Reynolds, her new client and neighbor is determined to unravel and piece together what Rachel is trying to escape from. Through intensive therapy sessions, Rachel dives deeper into Hailey's past and what's holding her down.
This book was truly captivating, packed with emotion of happiness, tears, sadness and laughter. The connection that blossomed for Rachel and Hailey is indescribable especially with how their polar opposites . They came from two different families, two different stories and both splintered from their past that has shattered them. Through the heaviness of grief, abuse and life obstacles, Rachel and Hailey are trying to find themselves after being lost and fearful of what their future holds. Rachel kept her walls up, as everything around her crumbled, soon facing another loss. Rachel needed the support and friend, realizing she can't do this alone. Throughout reading, I felt so immersed with the characters, their stories and the wonders of Chicago as if I was there myself. This book holds a place in my heart, deeply connecting with Rachel and Hailey and watching their growth shows how strong, incredible and resilient these woman are.

[Kristina Mitchell · Rating 5 out of 5]

☀️❄️ The Sun in Winter by Caroline Mansour ❄️☀️
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

This book pulled me in from the very beginning.

The Sun in Winter tells the story of Hailey and Rachel—two women who come from completely different worlds.

Hailey grew up in a poor, emotionally abusive home with no real support, love, or encouragement. At 19, she finally escaped the childhood that tormented her and never looked back.

Rachel, on the other hand, grew up surrounded by everything Hailey never had. She comes from an affluent, loving family, has parents who adore her, a sibling who is her best friend, and a life filled with experiences like family vacations to Paris. But when tragedy strikes, Rachel becomes a shell of the woman she once was. She isn't really living anymore—she's simply surviving, keeping everyone at a distance and refusing to let anyone in.

Then Hailey, the next door neighbor, crashes into her living room.

Rachel wants absolutely nothing to do with her, but there are forces beyond either woman's control that seem determined to keep pushing them together.

This was such a beautifully written and emotional story. I cried more than once while reading it. Watching both Hailey and Rachel grow, heal, and change throughout the book was beautiful. They each carry their own pain, just in very different ways, and I loved watching their relationship develop as their walls slowly began to come down.

This story is about so much more than where you come from. It's about grief, trauma, friendship, healing, and discovering that sometimes the person who comes into your life unexpectedly is exactly the person you need.

Caroline Mansour created two women I genuinely cared about, and their journey stayed with me after I finished the last page. I honestly wanted to read more in the last chapter...unless there is a part 2...

Thank you for the ARC. I received an advance copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving my honest review.

[Karimar V. Gonzalez · Rating 5 out of 5]

My overall review is that I really liked this book! I thought the writing was great, I genuinely enjoyed reading it, and I’d definitely recommend it.

Now, on to the characters… oh my god 🙄🙄 lol. I could NOT stand Rachel at the beginning and honestly, that lasted until about halfway through the book. 😂 I sympathized with her, but because I couldn’t really relate to her, she was A LOT for me to tolerate at times. And I don’t mean that in a bad-writing way at all—it was literally just the way she was as a character that drove me crazy. Her being a therapist it just didn’t make sense she’d be in such a rot and not seek help as she recommended her clients to.

But that’s also one of the things I ended up liking most about the book. Rachel, along with most of the other characters, had really great character development. Seeing that growth throughout the story made such a difference in how I felt about her by the end.

I also really liked that there was a sense of hope for both Rachel and Hailey—that there was room for growth and the possibility of better lives for both of them. I think that made the ending and their journeys feel much more satisfying.

Overall, I really enjoyed The Sun in Winter. Even when the characters were testing my patience 😂, I was invested enough to keep reading and see where their stories went, and I’d definitely recommend it.

[Amber (amberreadsitall) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rachel Crane is a therapist in Chicago, who is struggling to overcome a tragic past that has left her with lots of guilt.

Hailey Reynolds is an event planner and the life of the party. However, her party girl ways begin to catch up with her, and she’s close to losing her job.

Rachel and Hailey live across the hall from each other and couldn’t be more different, but when they are both forced to confront their pasts, their worlds collide.

I loved the setting of this story. It felt like a love letter to Chicago. I felt like I walking down Michigan Ave a few times, while I was reading. I also loved the themes of friendship and found family in this story.

This is a character driven story that focuses heavily on the personal healing and emotional growth of the two main characters. It explores some complex feelings and emotions, such as guilt, forgiveness, redemption, childhood trauma, and healing after trauma.

Thank you to Caroline Wolf Mansour and Left Field Publishers to the advance copy of this eARC. All opinions are my own.

[Sarah Grafstrom · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was an absolute honor to be an advanced reader for such a profound and important novel.

I was moved by the psychological lens cast upon this story, specifically, the main character’s journeys to understand themselves and work through their circumstances.

With strong themes of self-awareness, perseverance, resilience, facing trauma and overcoming your fears as well as discovering found family in unexpected people; this story deeply resonated for me and will be a new favorite.

Thank you Caroline for writing such a beautiful and captivating story. I loved it so much I want to send a copy to all the most important people in my life!

Left Field Publishers, you chose a fantastic story and Author to stand behind in publishing this novel and I look forward to reading more from Authors you choose to publish.

Thank you so much to Left Field Publishers and Caroline Wolf Mansour for the Advanced Copy of this book in exchange for a review!

[Cathy Salvato · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Sun in Winter is an emotional and inspiring novel about resilience, healing and dynamic relationships. While the characters have vastly different backgrounds and personalities, they share the burden of attempting to move on from their individual past trauma.

At first, they struggle to understand each other, as they deal with pain in very different ways creating conflict between them. Over time, as they begin to share experiences, and learn of the other’s struggles, their unexpected friendship develops naturally making their emotional journey believable.

Mansour does an excellent job stressing the importance of human connection during healing. The Sun in Winter is a great reminder to reach out to those you know who may be struggling in silence. The resounding message is one of hope and resilience. I recommend this novel to those who enjoy stories with rich characters and emotional depth.

[Nick Murphy-Nord · Rating 5 out of 5]

A story of two people who meet at the right time and begin healing from the traumas of their pasts and grow into the best versions of their future selves.

The Sun in Winter is one of the best novels I have read so far this year. The roller coaster of emotions you experience during the entire book is insane. It only took a few chapters to be completely hooked and emotionally invested into these beautifully written characters. Right from the beginning the story and a beautiful flow and the writing transported you right into the book. You feel like you’re experiencing this journey with both Rachel and Hailey the whole way through. I’ve already started recommending this read to anyone that will listen!

A huge thank you to the publishers and author for letting me be able to enjoy this novel as an ARC read. I’m incredibly honored to have been included and I can’t wait to see what other stories Caroline Mansour brings to life!

[Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so lucky receive an ARC of this book
It took me a couple weeks to start, but once I started it I didn't want to put it down. It's relationships, growth, growing up, acceptance, and healing. Once I was 10% into the book I genuinely cared about the characters, I was truly invested and knew this wasn't going to join my pile of DNF
I WOULD HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK

OK here's a little more, we all have baggage we carry, many of us stuff it down deep, some of the drudging up in this book happened much quicker than IRL, but for the sake of the story I'm good with it. It reminds me the bravery it takes to reopen old wounds, to fox what is broken, to try and change. This book will make you think, care and hope. When finished I continued to think on it.
I wish the author all the best in her next book I will read it too.

[Rebecca Scherer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Advance copy received from author


I feel like this book chose me. The story alternates between the two female leads, and I couldn't wait to see how their paths would cross. It is exceptionally detailed, capturing both the vivid scenery and the inner thoughts of both women. While the plot touches on heavy themes like trauma, emotional turmoil, and substance abuse, it balances them with enough love and heart that I never felt overwhelmed or need to step away. There were definitely a few moments where I related deeply to Hailey. I loved the focus on two strong, confident women and was thoroughly satisfied with the ending. Could there be a sequel? I need to know where life takes these characters next.

I highly recommend reading this book!

[Katharine · Rating 5 out of 5]

For me, when the writing in a book grips you to the point of re-reading certain passages or paragraphs repeatedly…I know it’s a good novel. This book did that for me - the writing was so very captivating as were the diverse characters…I loved reading this and really found myself enveloped in it.

The storyline was heartbreaking and uplifting all at once and I finished it only wanting more…wishing I could witness how these characters’ lives will continue to unfold enmeshed together going forward. If you love stories about the traumas and difficulties of life drawing an unlikely pairing of characters together in a beautiful and endearing way, this is the book for you. Hard to believe that this is a debut novel for author Caroline Mansour. 4.7 out of 5 stars. 💫

[Tegan novelteereads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hauntingly beautiful and stunningly profound, we meet two women who aspire to reinvent themselves while feeling held back by severe emotional trauma. Their unlikely friendship inspires character growth and maturity, all while grappling with the pressing chaos of their past.

Reading this story gave me the simultaneous feel of something slow and melancholic while facing the true traumatic scars of culpability. It was an experience that me look inward at myself, the poetic writing encouraging self contemplation. Although I questioned the professionalism of one of our main characters, overall it was an emotional journey.

[Annie · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 out of 5 stars

✅ Psychological realism
✅ Emotionally-packed fast read
✅ Healing from sensitive topics
✅ Imperfect characters that grew on me the more imperfect they became

✏️ At times it felt a bit predictable in the switching of roles, but then I’d remember how growth looks different for everyone… and that’s the whole point of community

📚 Will definitely read more by the author, Caroline Wolf Mansour

Thank you to the book’s Author and Left Field Publishers for the ARC digital copy. I was not compensated for this review and all opinions are my own.

[Jody · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everyone is seeking connection in what can be a lonely world. The main characters Rachel & Hailey are both recovering from family traumas. When their paths cross in their shared apartment building, they unwillingly become acquaintances. Hailey’s tragic childhood wounds soon begin to fester in immature and reckless adult behavior. When her boss orders her to do therapy, she reaches out to her neighbor (and therapist) Rachel, for help. Each one of these characters is desperate to forgive and be forgiven. Sometimes love and friendship are found in the most unlikely circumstances.

[Jenna · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a wonderful book about two women with very different issues that have them struggling in life. Next door neighbors, Rachel becomes Hailey's therapist. I really felt Hailey's struggle and felt great sympathy for her. I had a hard time not being frustrated with Rachel, who really should not have been practicing as a therapist. I did like the way they both were able to come to terms with their past and move forward.

[Jonathan M · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. Being a Chicagoan, I was drawn into the story from the beginning. The setting is rich in detail and the characters are incredibly powerful and well-developed. This is a story of hope and resilience, beautifully written through its quirky and endearing characters. 4.6 stars!

[Destiny Casanova · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ARC directly from the author. Thank you Caroline Mansour for this amazing opportunity!

I enjoyed this book! A beautiful written story of resilience and hope. The characters are well developed and I loved the story line. Felt like I couldn’t put it down! It was such a powerful and emotional read!

[Mary Mckenna · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Sun In Winter is a story of a unique friendship. Two women from different beginnings that find each other and become very important parts of one another’s lives. I enjoyed the character development and found myself thinking of them in my spare time. Kudos to the author on her first novel! I loved it and will recommend it to all my friends.

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rachel and Hailey come from vastly different upbringings but a unique set of circumstances sets in motion the trajectory towards their lives intertwining.
Rachel with the world at her fingertips, Hailey without a single family member to call or rely on. Their relationship begins out of forced proximity but evolves into so much more.
From debut author Caroline M comes the story of the power of resilience, friendships and forgiveness. The story will break your heart and give glimmers of hope all at the same time. I was especially drawn to the author’s extensive lexicon and eloquent writing style.