December Book Club | Winter Solstice by Rosamunde Pilcher 

I am so pleased to have discovered Rosamund Pilcher, on your recommendation. I never thought of reading her books but I trusted to your good taste, Miranda and Donna! I've read The Shell Seekers and now Winter Solstice and loved them both. You don't just read her books, you inhabit them. Great that they are lengthy and allow you to linger in their worlds. Like you and other readers I really enjoy the attention to detail, particularly the domestic: the clothes, the decor, the shopping, the food. And the strong sense of location, too, is so pleasurable. And plenty more of her titles for me to read - thank you for the introduction to her work!

This is now 2023 and I just discovered your website and to me it something of a miracle. I can't believe my computer has been sittig on my bedside table with you two lovely ladies discussing my very favorite book Winter Solstice and my favorite author Rosamund Pilcher and I'm just finding it. I have read all of her books and Winter Solstice 9 times and have never been able to discuss it with anyone! What a wonderful discovery to be able to listen to you discuss whats so familiar to me in such a lovely way and to read the comments. I feel Ive found new friends. Thank you so much for your insights and recommedations. I'm from somewhere youve probably never heard of in America - Arlington, Virginia. Looking forward to more news from you. Bless you both. Janet t

(Melanie here) I love to see your mum. She adds a joyful presence and good insights :)

Winter Solstice is one of my "comfort reads", especially at Christmas time. The way Rosemund Pilcher "builds" a new family with so many different characters that have loss in common, and the way they help each other is really comforting. I love to re-discover this net of hope every time I read the book. And this year It was even more special, as a reminder that we must help each other to overcame difficult times. I’m so glad to know that you and your mum have new projects, how exciting! Looking forward to the return of the bookclub. Take care! 😘🌸

Thank you so much, you are both so nice, I don't feel so lonely when I watch your vlog, I can't visit my parents because of the pandemic... Thank you for what you do. Hi from Russia😘

Oh yes to everything you said here. I love this book so much. Rosamunde Pilcher is so fantastic at doing the cozy home and garden and village descriptions. Wonderful.

Rosamunde Pilcher is my favorite author, and Winter Solstice is definitely my favorite one to reread, especially in the winter. Thank you for your discussion of my favorite book. I think that it is even better than The Shell Seekers. Her books always make me want to visit England.

I spent the '90s reading and re-reading Rosamund Pilcher. I loved them all, but my favorite was The Empty House. Thank you for putting Rosamund Pilcher back on my radar.

I've been reading this book every December for the last twenty years. ok, maybe I missed a couple of years but you get my point. I love it, especially the last part when they all come together under the same roof. I love it that everyone feels at home... and the snow... big love! 💗

I am thrilled to find this video. Every December I re-read Winter Solstice. I can’t put my finger on any particular aspect that pulls me in; it’s all enchanting!

Thank you so much for drawing my attention to this video on Instagram! Watching this was such a treat after the absolute joy of reading Winter Solstice. I love hearing you and your mum talk about (and giggling) over books. ❤️

Thank you so much for this recommendation. I just finished reading Winter Solstice, based on your recommendation, and loved it. It was a perfect read for a quiet "in home" holiday season. I look forward to hearing your next recommendation. I hope you and your Mother had a lovely Christmas and wish you both all the best for 2021.

Hi Miranda and Donna! Thank you so much for having this book as your December 'Tea & Tattle'! I read 'Winter Solstice' for the first time last year and I loved it (my favorite characters are always Elfrida, Oscar and little Lucy, who reminds me of me when I was younger...lol)! I was really excited to re-read it again this year. I decided to do the audio book version so I could listen while I took my morning and afternoon walks and I was super pleased that I did. Jilly Bond did an amazing job narrating the story and I'm planning on listening to more Rosamund Pilcher books read by her, too. This is the first time I was able to do the book club with you, so I'm truly disappointed that you'll be taking a hiatus until the spring. I totally understand that you must be overwhelmed from all of the wonderful videos that you've been sharing with us this month. I only hope that the book club will come back again in the future :) What a fun book club video! Glad that the fire alarm wasn't serious - yikes! Have a lovely rest of the day! Many hugs :D xoxo

Thank you so much for introducing me to Rosamunde Pilcher. I am looking forward to begin to read her books. I appreciate you two so much!

Winter Solstice is my favorite book EVER. I really enjoyed your discussion, your decor, and lovely readings. I am currently reading the book (which I try to do every December) and I am at the EXACT place where you read from Lucy's diary! Thank you, and Merry Christmas!

Bonjour Miranda and Donna. Your recomendations are amazing. Years ago I read The Winter Solstice and all the Rosamunde Pilchers books, que j'adore . Mais, j' avais oublié l' argument. Maintenant, j'ai eu le plaisir de le relire. It's very cozy. Your book club is very interesting. I watch all your interesting vídeos. Merci, merci beaucoup á tous les deux for sharing your books, your home, your kindness. Happy year for you and your mum. María Rosario

This was my first time reading Rosamunde Pilcher and I thoroughly enjoyed Winter Solstice. Thank you for choosing this wintry/festive read to get me in the mood for Christmas! Loved all of the characters and how they served as a surrogate family to one other. Just my luck that you two are taking a break from the book club now that I have finally gotten my stuff together and was able to join in for the first time haha! Will be patiently waiting for you lovely ladies to start it up again sometime in 2021. Thank you so much! Warm wishes to you both - have a Merry Christmas 🎄 & Happy New Year! 🎊

What a super discussion, I agreed with everything ! I had never read any Rosamunde Pilcher before joining you to read ‘Winter Solstice’, but I am now ‘hooked’! I found the book particularly interesting as I lived in Sutherland as a child/teen. Some of the amenities described (fabulous jewellery and gift shops/ artisanal bakery and butchers etc) really made me laugh as the supply chains were very poor when I lived there and the gorgeous goodies described would have been impossible to find north of Inverness. However I am sure that has changed in the intervening 40 years or so! Thank you so much for your book group videos this year, they have been really enjoyable and I feel I have now discovered a new favourite author in Rosamunde Pilcher which is a wonderful bonus. Glad you are both ok after your hair raising fire alarm experience! X

I am re-reading and as usual am loving it. I completely agree about Rosamunde Pilcher’s description of houses. I can picture the Estate House so clearly. I also love the sound of Creagan, would love to live somewhere like that! The mention of Badedas also made me smile, I always use this in winter - the smell is winter in a bottle! Coming Home is another wonderful book which I have read many times. I’m in the middle of the audio book, which I’ve put aside for Christmas reading.

OK, I'm 2 yrs. late...I am going to read Winter Solstice either in Dec. or Jan. I'm looking forward to it. Have heard lots of good things about it. Will be my first Rosamunde Pilcher book. Also bought September. Loved listening, and am more excited to read Winter Solstice now. 😊 Thank you both!

I only discovered your wonderful channel last Christmas and was too late to read Winter Solstice. I've read it over the last week and finished it last night so it was lovely to watch this today with you. A beautiful, comforting and seasonal read, thank you and Merry Christmas! x

I read the book many years ago and loved it. I would describe it as painful but also magical. I hope the bookclub resumes soon. I loved it.

Hello both, that was a very exhilarating episode with the fire alarm drama!! Glad to hear everything was fine but it made me sit up when I heard the sound in the background. I, too, am a return reader of this uplifting Christmas story and I feel it was, especially this year, a much needed reminder of the value of celebrating under difficult circumstances. I will miss this but hope you have a much needed rest and thank you for such an enjoyable book club. Happy reading, Teresa ❤️🌲❤️🚒

It must have been over 10 years since I read a book from this author and I’ll make sure not to wait another decade before reading another one! It was such a wonderful read and I didn’t want it to end! I would have taken another 200 pages easily... So much warmth, love and good intentions in this book. Lovely! Gosh the fire alarm 😲 better be in the day than at night, right?! 😉

I absolutely loved Winter Solstice, The Shell Seekers has been one of my all time favourite books since I first read it in 1989, but I think it may now have slipped to my second favourite! I felt quite bereft when I finished it, I didn’t want to leave all those characters behind, it’s a great Christmas read, I’m already looking forward to catching up with them again next year 🙃 Glad you didn’t haven’t anything too serious to deal with, I hope you both have a quieter and calmer evening ☺️

I've got a very well worn copy on my bookshelf. I love the way she brings her character together. Such a wonderful read.

Rosamunde Pilcher is one of my favourite writers!❤ So glad, that you mentioned her! Love her novels and ,, The Shell seekers,, the most. Recently discovered your channel. It's so interesting and calming to listen to you and your lovely mother 😊.

I have been a fan of Rosamunde Pilcher ever since I read “The Shell Seekers”. I am now going to reread “Winter Solstice “. Thank you for sharing your views! 🙏

Hi Miranda and Donna. I am nearly finished with Winter Solstice. I loved rereading it. I have September on my Kindle and I am thinking about reading it next. Merry Christmas....... Crystal.

Hello, I have just found your channel and subscribed. Winter Solstice is one of my favorite books and I re read it every christmas .

Winter solstice was the first book by RP that I read and I fell in love with her. I’ve read several of her other books since and I’m definitely in need of a reread of this.

Hello Miranda and Donna, Merry Christmas to you both, I want to thank you again for introducing me to Rosemunde Pilcher earlier this year, I’ve enjoyed three of her books so far but “Winter Solstice” is my favorite it makes me think of the quote in Leo Tolstoy’s book “Anna Karenina” when he writes “Happy Families are all alike; every unhappy family is unhappy in its own way” because they were all unhappy in their own way I could empathize with them because I know what it feels like to want to disappear in your own pain and isolate your self...and when they lives melded together in such a beautiful way it was wonderful and like Donna said it gives you hope of something better to come if your going through something ...I’ve never re read a book before but I will re read this one..”Christmas with Rosamunde Pilcher” sounds like the perfect book for me I love this Author, I didn’t think I could love any Author better than Philippa Gregory but that just goes to show I needed to discover more Authors and I did this year..l had to purchase a new book shelf😂🥰..Thank you for All your Amazing book recommendations and awesome vlogs🎄🎄🥰🥰

This was such a wonderful description of Winter Solstice, Miranda and Donna. I always enjoy your book talks! This year I haven‘t read the book but I did last year and several times before. I love all Rosamunde Pilcher‘s books. I must dig out that book about Pilcher‘s Christmas. I had almost forgotten about it. Thanks for the reminder and the lovely extract, Donna. Xxx

I am reading this at the moment. You both bring so much cheer and comfort at this chaotic time. Thank you!!

What a treat to come back to this Book Club episode a year later. I had never read any of Rosamunde Pilcher’s books as I tend to avoid family sagas, but I was carried along by “Winter Solstice”, it’s such a heart-warming tale. I’d certainly like to find a small town where you can buy Mont Blanc pens. Peploe still life paintings and good quality tweed and leisure clothing, plus a wonderful traditional grocer - but if I found it I wouldn’t have the necessary cash, so it can remain a delightful fantasy. Happy Christmas to you both!

Dear Miranda and Donna, thank you very much on recommending the books of Rosamunde Pilcher. I have read Winter solstice and I loved it. I just read The Shell seekers and loved it so much too. I will definitely read her other books too. Greetings from The Netherlands

Thank you for saying there will be spoilers - I'm off to read the book and will come back!

I am catching up on your last year videos, love them so much. What perfect timing this is for me this year. I bought this book back in the summer and have been holding it for my December read. I am so excited and looking forward to it. Thank you for the recommendation of Rosamunde Pilcher earlier this year. The first book I read was the Shell Seekers, which I adored. Then it was Coming Home, Nancherrow, the Four Seasons collection and September. I loved reading September in September. I watch as many of the films in English that are available after I read the book. You and Donna do such a wonderful job and your table setting is gorgeous. Thank you again for touching all our lives and hearts. Sending blessings to you both.

This was my first read of Winter Solstice. I loved your summary of all the engaging characters. She is a master at settings and mental imagery. I feel like you two wrapped this book up with a nice little bow for me for the holiday season. I love your channel so much and look forward to all of your productions. By the way Miranda, I’m currently reading another book you recommended not long ago, “The Anglophile’s Notebook” by Sunday Taylor. Can’t wait to dive in.

Thank you so much Miranda and Donna. I’m doing a big catch up today. Loving this episode even though I haven’t read this book. Putting it on the top of my wish list. Have a lovely Sunday.

So lovely and perfect for Christmas ❤️🤍

One of my favorite books of all time♥️

The only Pilcher's book I read prior to this was The ShellSeekers. I loved this recommendation. I have been reading books set around Christmas during December. I must say so far this one is still my favorite, especially in its Christmas setting: decoration, food, shopping, and family warmth. I wanted the book to keep going to see their future. I made a Cullen Skink for dinner, and my husband said: Let me guess, are you reading a book set in Scotland?:))

This is the first time I’ve read Winter Solstice & saved for my winter season, such a fabulous book & I will reread again every Christmas, so heart warming, fabulous recommendation. Thank you Miranda💕

I really enjoyed this book which was a reread for me, but not in a number of years. I also own Coming Home, which I probably have read in the distant past. I may give that a go soon. I am disappointed to hear that the book club will be on hiatus for now, but look forward to it being resumed in the future.

Just finished Winter Solstice and absolutely loved it! Thanks for the recommendation.

Hi Miranda, I picked up this hunk of a glorious book in my local Severn Hospice - it has a wonderful cover. Although, it is not the season I am thoroughly enjoying this book & the vast array of characters so richly interwoven in each others lives. I adore Rosamunde Pilcher she is such a cosy, comforting read. X Have you read The Shell Seekers & September? They are wonderful.

Love your channel. Rosemund Pilcher is a favorite author. Is the other authors who have her similar writing style that you might recommend? It would be much appreciated.

Awe that's the only Rosamund Pilcher I've ever read. Nice one ☃️❄️

Lovely book review. Have ordered the book. Looking forward to the read.

I really enjoyed this book and it put me right into the Christmas spirit! I had only read The shell seekers and September by Pilcher, and that was over 20 years ago, so it was nice to revisit her. I agree that the plot did require quite a bit of suspension of disbelief (starting with how quickly Oscar adapted to his new life after the death of his wife and especially his young daughter) and I'm afraid I did not love Lucy. I felt sorry for her but I found her "voice" in the book rather wrong for a 14-year old (she came across as rather naive), but I certainly agree that this was a really comforting read in the lead-up to Christmas, especially this year. I will certainly be picking up more Pilcher books, which somehow feels a rather forgotten author. Sad news about the book club, but I cannot wait to hear more about your new projects. Looking forward to the last video before Christmas soon!

I’m going to read this one. It seems amazing.

I read this a couple years ago and may still have it--your copy looks so much longer than mine! Rosamund Pilcher is such a great writer of relationships, even if the class differences and current-events talk may take me out of the story at times...

Thank you so much for this bookclub episode. I know I should try this book in English, however I found on old copy in French so I couldn’t resist. Do you think it’s an easy read in English and I should try in English? Merci encore Donna et Miranda.🙏🏻✨💗