Genre - Women’s Fiction, Cozy

Narrator: Rosalyn Landor

A week spent in Ireland - at a newly renovated inn - I don’t mind if I do. If it is Maeve Binchy creating the time for me - I’m definitely in. Maeve Binchy’s A Week in Winter is a delightfully cozy read for any time of the year. After a not so romantic elopement to America, Chicky returns home after weeks of hard work to convert an old mansion Stone House into an Inn. Binchy introduces us to her friends, her staff, and her guests through the first week of Stone House’s opening through a series of vignettes. She captures Stoneybridge and the people who live there with great care. Each and every guest is fully fleshed out in their chapter. This novel is a delightful read and thanks to the excellent narration a delightful listen as well.

I have read most of Meave Binchy’s books over the years - some more than once (which is unusual for me). I was late getting to this her final novel. But in the chaos of our nation and the world right now I’m choosing to believe it came to me at just the right time. Benchy creates delightful characters. Starry is a strong woman who does not allow misfortune to keep her down for long. She is working hard to find herself. Through the vignettes we come to know Rigger and Orla - who become instrumental to Stone House, also seeking to find themselves. I feel like I’m just listing characters, but seriously, I got to know the principal, the contest winners, the doctors… and I came to care about them all - this is what Binchy can do! I always enjoy Binchy’s Irish settings. She brings the villages and the folks in them to life.

I have always wanted to be Irish. I am not, and I may never get to Ireland, but I feel like I have been there through reading. If you find yourself in need of a book-cation, Maeve Binchy’s books are quite simply delightful. I’ve been gathering up as many copies as I can to keep in my personal library. I will be adding A Week in Winter so that I may revisit the Stone House every once in a while.