A Week In Winter by Maeve Binchy

My latest read is Maeve Binchy’s last novel A Week In Winter. Sadly, Maeve died a short time after completing the novel. I must say – I have ALWAYS loved reading Maeve and I am sad to know that I will never get to read a new novel of hers again.

 

So the storyline: Chicky Starr has recently returned to Ireland after many years of living in the U.S. She had left her home to follow the man she loved but when he left her, she was left with nothing.  Now, she has returned so she can finally build a life worth living.  The life she builds revolves around Stone House – a place near her home of Stoneybridge - and turning it into a hotel of sorts where travelers who love nature and beautiful views can come and relax.  She recruits many people in her plans and together, they prepare for the opening of her retreat on the cliffs of western Ireland.  During her opening week – the reader is introduced to several characters: John – a well-known movie star who thinks no one knows who he is; two married doctors seeking solace after their careers have left them heart-broken; Winnie and Lillian, two mismatched ladies taking a holiday together and a few more guests to add to the mix. 

 

Maeve Binchy has become a beloved novelist in her use of characters and the way she ties these people from such different walks of life together.  Once again, she has managed to entrance and enthrall.  I loved this book.  I tried to read it slowly so as to savor but alas, I was finished with it too quickly.  Read for yourself.

Minding Frankie by Maeve Binchy

I can't believe I've only review one other Maeve Binchy on this blog!  I've read all 16 of her novels!  Hmm. Well, if you haven't read her, you must but make sure you start at her first because she uses past characters in her later novels and you'll get a much better feel for the people if you start at the beginning (but it isn't necessary...just recommended).

So, Minding Frankie.  This one is about a cast of characters that come together to help raise an semi-orphaned baby girl.  Frankie's mother - Stella -  is dying of cancer and pregnant at the same time.  She contacts the father, Noel, to tell him first, that he's going to be a daddy and second that she wants him to take the baby when she dies (which will happen while giving birth).  This obviously comes as a shock to Noel who for want of a better term is a raging drunk.  Finally realizing his life is going nowhere, Noel sees that Frankie is a chance at a better life.  He thus sobers up, enrolls in school and begins rebuilding.  Unfortunately, nothing is easy and it "takes a village".  The many other cast of characters in this book prove to be exactly what Maeve Binchy always invents:  Neighbors / lifesavers / best friends / family that have always been there but never acknowledged. 

A really good book.  Probably my least favorite of Binchy's most recent books but still a really good read.  I'll always recommend Maeve for her feel good, wish-I-lived-in-Ireland book!

Heart and Soul by Maeve Binchy

I'm way behind on my book update so I decided that I'd change my "format" for this. Form now on, I'll just be updating as I've completed a book.

To preface, I love Maeve Binchy! She is exactly the type of writer that I wish I could be. She includes tidbits of several characters and somehow melds them all together to make a heart-warming feel-good novel (without being sappy). She also, usually, sets her books in Dublin so that her past novels blend into her current ones with past characters popping up here and there. Her most recent book, Heart and Soul, is no exception to her previous successes. This one is centered around a newly opened heart clinic. The main characters are Clara (a recent "divorcee" with two grown, immature daughters still living with her and a scoundrel ex who can't decide where he's going), Declan (the young, future general practitioner, still living with his parents and inexperienced in love), Fiona (the experienced and reeling-from-love nurse who has everything to offer anyone willing to treat her right) and Ania (the sweet, innocent Polish immigrant running from a "love" turned bad). There are many more characters who will keep you turning the pages and sad when it's over. Read it - or if you're new to Maeve Binchy start with one of her previous (Scarlett Feather, Quentin's etc.)