A Week in Winter

by Maeve Binchy
A Week in Winter cover
Good Books rating 4.33
Contemporary Fiction
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Waterstones
Paperback • £9.99
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Technical
  • ID: 9218
  • Added: 2025-12-23
  • Updated: 2025-12-30
  • ISBN: 9781409114017
  • Publisher: Hachette UK
  • Published: 2012-11-08
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 3

Set against the dramatic backdrop of the Irish coastline, 'A Week in Winter' invites readers into the enchanting Stone House, a hotel brimming with charm and history. Guests from all walks of life converge here, each carrying their own stories and secrets, seeking solace and perhaps a new beginning. The hotel, once a crumbling relic, has been lovingly restored by a woman with a past she wishes to forget, and it now serves as a sanctuary for those in need of respite. /n/n As the guests interact, their lives become intertwined in ways they never expected. The narrative weaves together themes of love, loss, and the power of community, all set against the backdrop of the wild and beautiful Irish landscape. Maeve Binchy's signature warmth and wit shine through, making this a story that will captivate and comfort readers alike.

Reviews
Ethereal Jinxed Blog · 2019-11-06
wonderful 4.50

The novel combines the best of both worlds, a novel and a short story collection, with each guest's story feeling distinct. The setting is vivid and beautifully described, bringing Ireland to life.

This book is a delightful mix of a novel and a collection of short stories, each guest at the hotel has their own unique tale. The reviewer loved how the stories were woven together, creating a rich tapestry of characters and emotions. The setting is particularly noteworthy, with vivid descriptions that transport the reader to the beautiful Irish countryside. The reviewer also appreciated the warmth and humor that Maeve Binchy is known for, making this a truly enjoyable read. It's a book that will make you feel like you're right there in the cozy clifftop hotel, sharing in the lives of the characters.

Quick quotes

    It was like a best of both worlds – a novel + short stories collection, for the stories of the guests was exactly that.

    The setting is vivid and beautiful. Binchy always had a way of bringing Ireland to life.

    I'll miss that there won't be any more of her wonderful books.

Reading Lark Blog · 2017-04-21
cozy 4.50

The setting is vivid and beautiful, bringing Ireland to life. The reviewer loved the characters and the way they came together, making the story feel like a cozy escape.

This book is a wonderful escape to a cozy clifftop hotel in Ireland. The reviewer was particularly taken with the vivid descriptions of the setting, which brought Ireland to life in a way that felt both familiar and fresh. The characters were also a highlight, with each one bringing their own unique story to the table. The reviewer appreciated how the characters came together, creating a sense of community and connection that made the story feel like a cozy escape. It's a book that will make you want to pack your bags and head to Ireland, if only for a week.

Quick quotes

    The setting is vivid and beautiful. Binchy always had a way of bringing Ireland to life.

    I'll miss that there won't be any more of her wonderful books.

    They appreciate the well-crafted narrative with interesting characters who become friends.

Open Letters Monthly · 2013-02-11
masterful 4.00

The book weaves a dozen life stories together, each with its own payoff, while focusing on the character of Chicky. The reviewer appreciated the interconnected narratives and the special spotlight given to Chicky's story.

This book is a masterclass in weaving together multiple narratives. The reviewer was particularly impressed with how each character's story was given its own resolution, while still contributing to the overall plot. The focus on Chicky's story added a special depth to the novel, making it a standout. The reviewer also noted the warmth and humor that are hallmarks of Maeve Binchy's writing, making this a book that will stay with you long after you've finished reading. It's a testament to Binchy's skill as a storyteller, able to create a rich, interconnected world that feels both familiar and fresh.

Quick quotes

    A Week in Winter weaves a dozen life stories together, giving each one its own payoff while reserving a special spotlight for battered Chicky.

    Once again, she embraces us with her trademark warmth and humor.

    The story is beautifully woven together.

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