Winter Storms
By: Elin Hilderbrand
Published Year: 2016
Publisher: Little, Brown and Company
Pages: 256
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I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. This in no way shape or form influenced my opinion.
Summary (Provided by Goodreads): Some of the stormy weather of the past few seasons seems to have finally lifted for the Quinns. After a year apart, and an ill-fated affair with the Winter Street Inn's old Santa Claus, Mitzi has returned to rule the roost; Patrick is about to be released from prison; Kevin has a successful new business and is finally ready to tie the knot with Isabelle; and best of all, there's hopeful news about Bart, who has been captured by enemy forces in Afghanistan.
That doesn't mean there aren't a few dark clouds on the horizon. Kelley has recently survived a health scare; Jennifer can't quite shake her addiction to the drugs she used as a crutch while Patrick was in jail; and Ava still can't decide between the two lovers that she's been juggling with limited success. However, if there's one holiday that brings the Quinn family together to give thanks for the good times, it's Christmas. And this year promises to be a celebration unlike any other as the Quinns prepare to host Kevin and Isabelle's wedding at the inn. But as the special day approaches, a historic once-in-a-century blizzard bears down on Nantucket, threatening to keep the Quinns away from the place--and the people--they love most. Before the snow clears, the Quinns will have to survive enough upheavals to send anyone running for the spiked eggnog, in this touching novel that proves that when the holidays roll around, you can always go home again.
First Impressions
When I first say Winter Street 2 years ago, I had no idea that it was going to be a trilogy. I was so excited when I saw it was time for the third and final installment. I think it’s my second favorite cover of the trilogy and I would easily pick it up off the shelf based on the cover alone.
What I thought
This was a really nice conclusion to the series. I feel like I have lived with this family for years and it was a unique experience to feel their joy with them. If you haven’t read the other novels, there might be spoilers ahead.
Unlike the previous two stories, Winter Storms follows the Quinn family from Spring-Christmas Day. It was a bit different to see the families outside of Christmas but I enjoyed it. It allowed for me to get to the know each family member a little bit more. Ava is working through deciding who she wants to be a relationship with, Kevin is enjoying his new baby with Isabelle, Patrick is getting out of jail, and Margaret is planning her wedding with Drake.
I think part of what makes this story so enjoyable is how realistic the family drama is. While it’s definitely not full of events that I have personally experienced, the craziness isn’t unbelievable. The story was a bit short for my tastes and I felt like everything moved a little quick. I would’ve enjoyed more time with Ava and Jennifer and Patrick. Patrick gets out of jail in this novel and it seems a bit too easy and unfinished after the lead up. His wasn’t the only story that felt that way either. The conclusion of Bart’s story line seemed so rushed considering it felt like all three books were bringing us to this event.
This was also the least Christmas centered story. while I enjoyed seeing the Quinn family outside of Christmas time, I think I expected a little bit more based on the previous novels. It’s still a book to read to get you in the Christmas spirit, but the other ones had more of a Christmas theme.
If you like family stories with realistic drama, then you will love this series. All three books are solid and they are fun to read near the holidays. While the conclusion seems a bit rushed, it is still wonderfully done. I think I’d re-read it in a few years if I decide to re-read the whole series.