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Winter's Child
All Nichole ever wanted was a family of her own. A husband. Children to love.
After losing their baby at birth, and nearly dying herself, Nichole struggles to face the truth - she is not able to have children of her own.
And when little Elizabeth enters their lives, her red curls and freckled skin identical to Nichole's husband, Jhon - it feels as if fate has suddenly ruled in their favor. But Elizabeth is not what she seems. The perfect child has a darkness that cannot be underestimated. And Nichole's past troubles are rising up as well.
When it is all said and done, who can be believed? A troubled mother with a traumatic past? An angelic child with the potential for evil?
Spring, summer, fall and winter. When winter comes, lock your doors, and hide your knives.
After losing their baby at birth, and nearly dying herself, Nichole struggles to face the truth - she is not able to have children of her own.
And when little Elizabeth enters their lives, her red curls and freckled skin identical to Nichole's husband, Jhon - it feels as if fate has suddenly ruled in their favor. But Elizabeth is not what she seems. The perfect child has a darkness that cannot be underestimated. And Nichole's past troubles are rising up as well.
When it is all said and done, who can be believed? A troubled mother with a traumatic past? An angelic child with the potential for evil?
Spring, summer, fall and winter. When winter comes, lock your doors, and hide your knives.
303 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 1, 2022
41 people are currently reading
132 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
May 7, 2022
Such a good book. It totally had me guessing the whole way. I hope someday there will be a sequel.
May 28, 2022
I had things to do this week. Time sensitive things that needed my attention. People in my life that needed caring for. Instead, I holed up and speed read this compulsively tantalizing little horror thriller novel. Highly recommend. It's fun, it's creepy, it's unexpected.
I'm going to be very put out if there isn't a sequel. I need more!
I'm going to be very put out if there isn't a sequel. I need more!
April 27, 2022
I was sent this as an ARC free book and am voluntarily leaving this honest review. I have always loved films and novels about creepy evil kids. Movies like The Omen and Orphan or novels like The Godsend or last years The Push, just really send chills down my spine. Adding to the evil kid genre, comes Winter’s Child…and it's a doozy. When Nichole has a tragic miscarriage, her and her husband Jhon believe they will never have a chance to build the happy family they have always dreamed of. That is, until a friend convinces them to try fostering a child. It is after another tragic event, that 3 year old Elizabeth comes into their lives. Abandoned by her birth mother on the steps of a church (never a good sign), Elizabeth is an absolute angel. But as Nichole gets to know her foster daughter more, strange questions come up….Why does Elizabeth insist on being called by different names every 3 months? Why do the other parents in the neighborhood refuse to let their children around her? Why does she seem to become more and more depressed and irritable as the cold winter approaches? The secret, once revealed is wild, but what makes the novel works is how Nichole and her husband do all they can to keep their daughter safe and also try to stay alive. This is a horror thriller that kept me on the edge of my seat…Although there were a few unbelievable coincidences, I really enjoyed this chiller and can highly recommend it if, like me, little kids sometimes give you the creeps.
May 2, 2022
Right from the get-go, you know that there is something off about Elizabeth. Her personality changes with the seasons, and although she appears pleasant to Nichole and Jhon when they meet her at her adoptive parents, other parents and kids start shying away from her.
Nichole is a victim of “be sorry what you wish for” because through a set of circumstances (not revealed here for spoiler reasons), Nichole and Jhon have the opportunity to adopt Elizabeth. Or Lizzie. Or Elsa. Or Isabel. Who are all the same little girl.
Shuck does an incredible job of keeping all the personalities separate, and showing us a mother’s dilemma – how do you reconcile your love for a child when you know that child can be dangerous, but at the same time, sweet and caring?
While I knew there would be no logical explanation, I was intrigued by the premise of 4 personalities without a medical diagnosis in a child so young, and the book held my attention through to the end. The author’s note on how the story came about and her plans for future books is well worth reading.
I am grateful to Hidden Gems Books for introducing me to this new-to-me author.
Nichole is a victim of “be sorry what you wish for” because through a set of circumstances (not revealed here for spoiler reasons), Nichole and Jhon have the opportunity to adopt Elizabeth. Or Lizzie. Or Elsa. Or Isabel. Who are all the same little girl.
Shuck does an incredible job of keeping all the personalities separate, and showing us a mother’s dilemma – how do you reconcile your love for a child when you know that child can be dangerous, but at the same time, sweet and caring?
While I knew there would be no logical explanation, I was intrigued by the premise of 4 personalities without a medical diagnosis in a child so young, and the book held my attention through to the end. The author’s note on how the story came about and her plans for future books is well worth reading.
I am grateful to Hidden Gems Books for introducing me to this new-to-me author.
February 27, 2023
This was a really good book. I did not think that I would like the plot in the beginning, but as I read the book pulled me in. Truly hope there is or will be a sequel to this story.
May 26, 2023
Wow! What a unique storyline! It's definitely a must-read if you want your jaw to drop.
November 16, 2024
Was different and I enjoyed that difference.. unexpected ending too.. 👏
May 1, 2022
I enjoyed this suspenseful story. This is a new author for me which I enjoyed how I was pulled into the story from the beginning. This is a well written story about a family who was not able to have children until one came into their lives. Things are not what they seem and a darkness that cannot be underestimated. I enjoyed the characters in this story. They are connectable and brought the twists and turns to a new level. This is a fast paced story that is engaging and had me coming back for more. I really enjoyed this story and how the characters made the story easy to read and entertaining. I highly recommend this book.
May 9, 2022
This was an amazing story! I’m still reeling! Some aspects were way out there; so, what. The plot was intriguing. I was hooked from the very beginning. This author is an amazing storyteller. I loved the characters. It was amazing being able to tell the difference between each child. Twist and turns I didn’t see coming. The ending was a masterpiece! I’d love a sequel!!!!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book.
March 14, 2023
This book was amazing! It was initially a little difficult to follow because it does get confusing(but that’s all part of the suspense and fun) but it was great and it really just kept giving you reasons to keep reading. I had a hard time putting this book down! I love a good suspense/thriller/mystery book!
June 15, 2022
Excellent book! Such an original story line! I'm struggling to write this review because I do not want to give anything away. You just have to read it for yourself. BUT, the way it ends leads me to believe this story is not over year. I definitely need more!!
May 29, 2023
What to expect: psychological thriller, mystery, murder, family dynamics, mental health, mental illness, miscarriage, fostering and adoption
Nichole and Jhon are a married couple who have recently experienced the loss of a child. Nichole was 8 months pregnant when she miscarried. She fell into depression and it was many months later when Jhon finally convinced her to go to therapy. As Nichole slowly heals, the couple starts to explore the world of fostering with their friends Kate (therapist turned best friend) and Kate’s husband Rob. Eventually, six-year-old Elizabeth enters their lives. But the innocent-looking young girl brings her own secrets and the couple start to wonder who it is exactly that they brought into their home.
The premise of this novel was very intriguing. I liked reading about Nichole’s backstory and how the pain she went through developed her current mindset. As a child and teenager, she had been through so much and just when you thought she could finally be happy, she loses her baby. It’s a sad, traumatic life that Nichole has led. The reader gets to explore her thoughts, how she talks to herself, how she perceives the actions of those around her, and how she reacts to those actions. Sometimes it’s difficult to understand some of the choices she makes, but then you remember her past and you just get it. It was bittersweet and insightful to read how Nichole and John helped each other heal and took small steps toward fostering and adoption. I also enjoyed figuring out what was happening with Elizabeth. I couldn’t decide if it was a mental problem, supernatural, or if she was (maybe) an alien experiment. It turns out she has some sort of dissociative identity disorder triggered by the change of seasons.
On the other hand, the book did seem long-winded at times. I feel like it could have done without the constant repetition of certain aspects of Nichole’s past or her current situation. It just felt like you were being hammered with facts and events when one mention would have been enough. I also found the constant repetition of “Winter’s child” kind of cheesy.
It was a fun read though and I recommend it to readers who enjoy psychological thrillers that revolve around family dynamics and weird kids.
Nichole and Jhon are a married couple who have recently experienced the loss of a child. Nichole was 8 months pregnant when she miscarried. She fell into depression and it was many months later when Jhon finally convinced her to go to therapy. As Nichole slowly heals, the couple starts to explore the world of fostering with their friends Kate (therapist turned best friend) and Kate’s husband Rob. Eventually, six-year-old Elizabeth enters their lives. But the innocent-looking young girl brings her own secrets and the couple start to wonder who it is exactly that they brought into their home.
The premise of this novel was very intriguing. I liked reading about Nichole’s backstory and how the pain she went through developed her current mindset. As a child and teenager, she had been through so much and just when you thought she could finally be happy, she loses her baby. It’s a sad, traumatic life that Nichole has led. The reader gets to explore her thoughts, how she talks to herself, how she perceives the actions of those around her, and how she reacts to those actions. Sometimes it’s difficult to understand some of the choices she makes, but then you remember her past and you just get it. It was bittersweet and insightful to read how Nichole and John helped each other heal and took small steps toward fostering and adoption. I also enjoyed figuring out what was happening with Elizabeth. I couldn’t decide if it was a mental problem, supernatural, or if she was (maybe) an alien experiment. It turns out she has some sort of dissociative identity disorder triggered by the change of seasons.
On the other hand, the book did seem long-winded at times. I feel like it could have done without the constant repetition of certain aspects of Nichole’s past or her current situation. It just felt like you were being hammered with facts and events when one mention would have been enough. I also found the constant repetition of “Winter’s child” kind of cheesy.
It was a fun read though and I recommend it to readers who enjoy psychological thrillers that revolve around family dynamics and weird kids.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Read
July 20, 2025Dear Reader,
What would you do to protect the ones you love—especially when the greatest threat might already be inside your home?
In Winter’s Child, you’ll step into the life of Nichole Staunton, a woman who has endured profound loss, clawed her way back toward healing, and now finds herself once again on the edge of tragedy. When her husband is rushed to the hospital and her adopted daughter is found unconscious, Nichole is arrested—and suddenly thrust into a fight not just for her freedom, but for the truth.
This story is about survival, sacrifice, and maternal love pushed to its most harrowing limits.
If you love stories that pull you into the deep end and make you question what’s real—narratives where truth is elusive and danger wears a child's face—you’ll be captivated by Winter’s Child.
Readers who enjoy psychological suspense with complex characters and layered storytelling will find echoes of We Need to Talk About Kevin by Lionel Shriver, The Undoing by Jean Hanff Korelitz, or The Perfect Nanny by Leïla Slimani. This is a domestic thriller that simmers until it boils over—and once it does, it doesn’t let go.
Winter’s Child is a haunting journey through grief, resilience, and the chilling possibility that sometimes love alone isn’t enough.
I hope you’ll take the journey with Nichole—and discover the truth for yourself.
With gratitude,
Christine D. Shuck
Author of Winter’s Child
What would you do to protect the ones you love—especially when the greatest threat might already be inside your home?
In Winter’s Child, you’ll step into the life of Nichole Staunton, a woman who has endured profound loss, clawed her way back toward healing, and now finds herself once again on the edge of tragedy. When her husband is rushed to the hospital and her adopted daughter is found unconscious, Nichole is arrested—and suddenly thrust into a fight not just for her freedom, but for the truth.
This story is about survival, sacrifice, and maternal love pushed to its most harrowing limits.
If you love stories that pull you into the deep end and make you question what’s real—narratives where truth is elusive and danger wears a child's face—you’ll be captivated by Winter’s Child.
Readers who enjoy psychological suspense with complex characters and layered storytelling will find echoes of We Need to Talk About Kevin by Lionel Shriver, The Undoing by Jean Hanff Korelitz, or The Perfect Nanny by Leïla Slimani. This is a domestic thriller that simmers until it boils over—and once it does, it doesn’t let go.
Winter’s Child is a haunting journey through grief, resilience, and the chilling possibility that sometimes love alone isn’t enough.
I hope you’ll take the journey with Nichole—and discover the truth for yourself.
With gratitude,
Christine D. Shuck
Author of Winter’s Child
April 19, 2023
Wow… just wow. This book had my attention on the first page. That feeling where your heart beats a little faster, your eyes get wider and your mouth goes dry. I’ve never read anything so terrifying and yet so relatable that I couldn’t turn away or put it down.
I HAD to find out what happened. Was Nicole the one behind it all or was the winter child? As I progressed through the book I started to feel an understanding as I could relate and feeling of the the underlying whispers of mental health. I usually feel like most books I read it’s easy to recognize the plot early on and it gets a bit boring being so predictable all the time. This book was not boring.
While I understand the ending, I wasn’t particularly happy with it because I read to escape the real world, and who doesn’t love a happy ending? Regardless the authors note page had me in tears and I felt so reassured that I wasn’t alone.
I HAD to find out what happened. Was Nicole the one behind it all or was the winter child? As I progressed through the book I started to feel an understanding as I could relate and feeling of the the underlying whispers of mental health. I usually feel like most books I read it’s easy to recognize the plot early on and it gets a bit boring being so predictable all the time. This book was not boring.
While I understand the ending, I wasn’t particularly happy with it because I read to escape the real world, and who doesn’t love a happy ending? Regardless the authors note page had me in tears and I felt so reassured that I wasn’t alone.
May 27, 2023
I received this book as an arc in order to provide an honest review.
This book was a chore to read. I like paranormal horror fiction, but this was off the deep end unbelievable. Words and phrases and themes were repeated so many times, it was jarring. "Granola crunchers," "won the baby jackpot," "won the baby lottery," "Winter's Child," among other phrases were repeated sooooo mind-numbingly often it was painful. The writing was dramatic AND boring...how is that even a thing. I wanted to like this book and give it a great review, but I cannot.
This book was a chore to read. I like paranormal horror fiction, but this was off the deep end unbelievable. Words and phrases and themes were repeated so many times, it was jarring. "Granola crunchers," "won the baby jackpot," "won the baby lottery," "Winter's Child," among other phrases were repeated sooooo mind-numbingly often it was painful. The writing was dramatic AND boring...how is that even a thing. I wanted to like this book and give it a great review, but I cannot.
March 27, 2024
wow excellent
I didn’t know what to expect when I read the info on this book , but something urge me to buy it and I’m so glad I did.
It’s an intense thriller that is full of twist and turns. No spoilers but the ending was a definite surprise.
Highly recommended book and I wonder if Elizabeth will get their book.
I didn’t know what to expect when I read the info on this book , but something urge me to buy it and I’m so glad I did.
It’s an intense thriller that is full of twist and turns. No spoilers but the ending was a definite surprise.
Highly recommended book and I wonder if Elizabeth will get their book.
January 1, 2025
Bumped up my review from 4 1/2 to 5 stars! What an interesting read! Intriguing the whole way through the book; at first I wasn't sure of the meaning of the title but it was very fitting once half way through the novel. The whole concept of the book was totally different than anything I have ever read. I was unsure of how she planned to wrap it up but it was a good ending.
February 5, 2025
This is one of the most creative plots I've ever come across, and I read constantly, mostly thrillers and horror. It's completely off the hook, but the writing and plotting are done so incredibly well that it all works beautifully. Intricate plotting, believable characters, and a story you've got to read to believe. I can't wait to read a sequel!
August 10, 2024
Amazing
I was captured by this book from the first page. I wanted to know what was occurring with Elizabeth as 'something' strange was going on. Albeit fictional it was a brilliant exploration into the realms of possibility with multiple personalities.
I was captured by this book from the first page. I wanted to know what was occurring with Elizabeth as 'something' strange was going on. Albeit fictional it was a brilliant exploration into the realms of possibility with multiple personalities.
August 15, 2024
While I don’t believe there is any scientific basis behind what happens in this book, I still enjoyed the journey and hit a point when I couldn’t put the book down. If you can put aside the implausibility of this book and just enjoy the ride, it’s worth it.
December 24, 2024
Woah. 5 stars for the 5 house fires in the book, which seems like too many house fires for one book. But seriously, although not the most realistic, it kept me guessing throughout and I was very intrigued. Would love a sequel and hope there will be one soon!
November 26, 2024
loved it
Excellent book…kept me at the edge of my seat! Interesting and thought provoking. Definitely would recommend. Very much looking forward to Part 2!
Excellent book…kept me at the edge of my seat! Interesting and thought provoking. Definitely would recommend. Very much looking forward to Part 2!
December 6, 2024
chilling
Really enjoyed this book with it’s twist and turns can’t wait to read this author’s other novels I would recommend this author
Really enjoyed this book with it’s twist and turns can’t wait to read this author’s other novels I would recommend this author
June 10, 2025
Had a great time with the book. Was absolutely absorbed in the book all the way through. Not the kind of book I usually read but it was a amazing experience overall. Can't wait for the next one!
December 2, 2023
This story sucked me in from the very beginning and kept me intrigued the whole way through!
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews