In 1890, seventeen-year-old Justice Kilkoyne and her mother, Ninny, are one bad decision away from living on the streets of Azrael, Pennsylvania. Ninny's propensity for the bottle has left Justice to play the adult, her androgynous good looks helping her pass as a young man to gain employment and keep them—if just barely—above water. Determined to find a better life for them, Justice saves every penny to get them on a train headed west to the sunshine of California. Before they can leave, the bigotry of one shopkeeper sends Justice on the run, chased by the police for a crime she didn't commit and straight into the unwitting arms of a stunning young prostitute, who, after an unexpected connection, becomes Justice's Angel. The day arrives to leave Pennsylvania for good. As Justice and Ninny get settled, they're surprised by the appearance of Angel, also wanting to start anew. When the trip is violently interrupted in Colorado, Angel just may be lost to Justice forever. Can Justice find a new life when she makes her way to the fledgling mining town of Wynter, Colorado? Can her heart ever be whole again?
Kim Pritekel is a published author living in Denver, Colorado. She is also a very popular online author of many novels, novellas and short stories. She is the Royal Academy of Bards 2005 Hall of Fame Author. Her love of writing began at age 9, and she wrote her first novel at age 12, wishing to follow in the footsteps of childhood idol, S.E. Hinton. She was published for the first time at age 24 with her novel, First. Kim has followed her dreams right into the film industry, writing screenplays for production companies in Los Angeles, as well as for her own production company, Asp Films with business partner, Kelly Neal. Their first feature film, Self Portrait – written, directed and co-produced by Kim – premiered in Denver in June of 2013. She enjoys spending time with her family, friends and her beloved cats. She is always adding to her ever-growing collection of swords and historic memorabilia. She is a huge fan of music, including musical theater. The "musical" love of her life is Sarah Brightman, who she tosses a mention of in every book she can. Kim is a writing machine, so come back often to see what she's working on next!
4.5 star rating A full circle I must say. This is the third book in the series but also the genesis of the wynter WLW tale. I love historical fiction so was really into these characters and the imaginations that came with being a woman in those times. In all, it been an enjoyable read throughout the series!
Very good read. A very enjoyable journey with Justice, Angel,Ninny and Nate. The characters are very interesting and likable. Justice journey to adulthood and learning to do whatever it takes to help her and her mother survive. The love story between Angel and Justice is very sweet with a lot of bumps along the way. Thanks for another winner.
Amazing portrayal of the olden days, and great references to the tiny town we got to know and love throughout the previous books. Very good story and writing as always, cheers! 5 stars
Other books have taken me to Oregon and California in wagon trains, this one is by a train and a train bridge failure in Colorado. A harrowing life for Justice and Angel that they did not choose. Women did what they had to do to survive in that time. We all have to give so much respect those who came before.
What a wonderful series of a small town being brought back to life along with its long time residents and newcomers including one story taking you back to Wynter's beginnings. The challenges are realistic causing you to shed tears while holding your breath, at times, wondering how things will turn out. And there are twists that will surprise you keeping you turning pages.
Kim Pritekel is a good storyteller who crafts captivating and compelling stories that will hold your interest until the very end. Still there are minor issues where somethings were glossed over and you're left to wonder about how things played out or how something came about but don't distract from the overall story and a few cheap political shots that have nothing to do with the story and are distracting momentarily.
Yet within, the pages are filled with complex well drawn characters overcoming overwhelming odds where the love interests are not certain they'll make it. However they're surrounded by supportive friends, on occasion family, and often newly acquired chosen family who help them.
Now that I've finished the first four books of this series, I miss the growing mountain town of Wynter, Colorado and its colorful cast of interesting, enterprising, and caring people and sure hope there will be more stories coming.
I am a fan of this historical series and the Colorado town of Wynter. This read introduces Justice Kilkoyne and her mother Ninny. After a bumpy start between mother and daughter, decisions are made to change and hopefully improve life for both of them. They head off to California but due to a very unfortunate event, plans are changed and sadness enters their lives. Justice and Ninny adapt and begin to make a life for themselves. Angel is a wonderful character as she interacts with Justice. I also liked Nate and Miles. There are numerous twists, turns and bumps along the way but it was all worth it.
I throughly enjoyed this story of the beginning. We meet Justice and Thea and see how the connect from the very first meet. Tragedy rips them apart before they ever really get to begin. I was devastated, but it was also wonderful to see Justice grow and gain acceptance and encouragement from the friends she makes. I truly loved the acceptance Ninny always shows and the encouragement see gives for Justice to continue to be their true self and not change after the attack. When Justice finds Angel again I had tears. I was so happy she was their but also sad to learn of her marriage. Both thinking they lost the other they’ve had to change and adapted. It was wonderful to watch they reconnect and see their friendship grow again. They truly are the founding mothers of Wynter and I loved learning their story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I loved this book.Having read the first two books in the series this one more than lived up to the very high standard set by them. They are two of my favourite books 're read many times. Highly recommend.
A pretty fun LGBTQ read from a Colorado local author. I enjoyed thinking the founding of mining boom towns, and about gender identity and social gender expression in a historic context. It was a little odd that her mom just stopped being an alcoholic and it never came up again, and a little I comfortable reading sex scenes where Justice was 17. I also kind of felt like the author doesn’t completely know what trauma is like or how it impacts people after the event.
The Wynter series by Kim Pritekel holds such a special place in my heart. I’ve reread it multiple times, and every time, it feels like coming home. It's a beautiful, slow-burn romance set in the fictional Colorado town of Wynter — a place so vivid and comforting that I honestly wish it existed in real life. (If it did, I would move there in a heartbeat!)
Kim Pritekel has created a world that's cozy, full of heart, and incredibly real. The characters are what truly make this series shine: layered, genuine, and impossible not to love. Watching the relationships unfold slowly and naturally made the emotional payoff even more satisfying. It’s the kind of story that lingers with you, long after you close the book.
If you’re someone who loves small-town settings, characters that feel like family, and a romance that takes its time (in the best way), this is great series!