'This book is the literary equivalent of a warm, soft blanket, a log fire and a cup of strong, sweet tea on a snowy winter night.With the Scotland setting, it is utterly irresistible' Reader review ?????An endearing and poignant novel about loss and the healing power of love by the beloved Rosamunde PilcherElfrida Phipps loves her new life in her pretty Hampshire village.She has a tiny cottage, her faithful dog Horace and the friendship of the neighbouring Blundells - particularly Oscar - to ensure that her days are filled with companionship as well as independence.But an unforeseen tragedy upsets Elfrida's tranquillity: Oscar's wife and daughter are killed in a terrible car crash, and he finds himself homeless when his stepchildren claim their dead mother's inheritance. Oscar and Elfrida take refuge in a rambling house in Scotland, which becomes a magnet for various waifs and strays who converge upon it, including an unhappy teenage girl.It could be a recipe for disaster. But somehow the Christmas season weaves its magic and the winter solstice brings love and solace. READERS ADORE WINTER SOLSTICE:'The author's finely drawn characters are charming and her settings beguiling' Reader review ?????'A sweet love story in a gorgeous and evocative winter setting' Reader review ?????'I love her books because the characters jump off the page and straight into my heart.I love her books because she creates such a vivid sense of place that I can close my eyes and see it' Reader review ?????'A truly beautifully heart-warming story of love and loss . . .' Reader review ?????PRAISE FOR ROSAMUNDE PILCHER:'Enchanting . . . bound to delight her many thousands of fans' Daily Express'Rosamunde Pilcher's warm spell is charming and utterly convincing' Daily Mail'A beautiful, haunting story . . . that will tug at your heartstrings' Prima