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178th out of 464 books
—
416 voters
A Winter's Tale
A charming romantic comedy about a hard-up single mum inheriting a stately home – and a host of headaches – The perfect novel for curling up with during the long winter nights.Sophy Winter is not your typical Lady of the Manor….When she unexpectedly inherits Winter's End - a crumbling mansion in the beautiful Lancashire countryside - it seems like all Sophy's prayers have...more
Paperback, 405 pages
Published
2008
by Avon
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I'm very surprised with all of the high ratings that this book has. I found A Winter's Tale incredibly dull and unexciting. Whilst the idea was good, a lot more could have been done with the plot - nothing seemed to happen that made me want to read on - it took a lot of effort not to give up on this book completely. I found that the narrative was very well written but my main issue was that I could not connect with any of the characters, they weren't formed well enough and as I've already mentio...more
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Sometimes I read books and I really can't understand how they can get through the editing and publishing process and still end up in the state they're in.
The plot was fairly interesting and the write used some good devices to keep the reader hooked. The references to an Elizabethan legacy and hidden secrets were intriguing. The setting felt like something new and interesting. But it was let down on so many other levels.
I have many a gripe with the writing style and characterisation. It's in the...more
The plot was fairly interesting and the write used some good devices to keep the reader hooked. The references to an Elizabethan legacy and hidden secrets were intriguing. The setting felt like something new and interesting. But it was let down on so many other levels.
I have many a gripe with the writing style and characterisation. It's in the...more
A charming romantic comedy about a hard-up single mum inheriting a stately home - and a host of headaches - The perfect novel for curling up with during the long winter nights. Sophy Winter is not your typical Lady of the Manor!. When she unexpectedly inherits Winter's End - a crumbling mansion in the beautiful Lancashire countryside - it seems like all Sophy's prayers have been answered. She eagerly swaps life as an impoverished housekeeper in favour of her own team of staff. But Sophy quickly...more
A light frothy happy read was what I sought when I picked up a copy and I certainly got that. The humour is very good and the main protagonist a very engaging character, along with the host of varying batty eccentric relatives.
I enjoyed the whole exciting story of Alys Blezzard, the family's own historical witch, and the mysterious "treasure" that Jack so wanted. As someone who has spent a veritable lifetime being the tourist around NT properties, too, the book created some delightful and recog...more
I enjoyed the whole exciting story of Alys Blezzard, the family's own historical witch, and the mysterious "treasure" that Jack so wanted. As someone who has spent a veritable lifetime being the tourist around NT properties, too, the book created some delightful and recog...more
A Winter's Tale by Trisha Ashley will be of interest to those liking a read about garden restoration, old medieval houses, Shakespeare, witchcraft or just light romance.
Sophy Winter has just been displaced after her job as housekeeper and PA to a lady in a large country estate in Scotland ends only to find she has inherited her own grandfather's country house Winter's End. Her grandfather had placed the estate in debt and allowed the house to deteriorate as he fulfilled his passion to restore th...more
Sophy Winter has just been displaced after her job as housekeeper and PA to a lady in a large country estate in Scotland ends only to find she has inherited her own grandfather's country house Winter's End. Her grandfather had placed the estate in debt and allowed the house to deteriorate as he fulfilled his passion to restore th...more
Aug 07, 2012
Kim N - Lost-In-A-Book
rated it
2 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
2012-reads
The concept of the story was good, the execution of it, however, left much to be desired.
Sophy was annoyingly proper with characters that didn't deserve her kindness, she was also even more annoyingly clueless about some things but rather on the ball with others - no consistency in her character.
The fact that Sophy and the rest of the family just let slide the behaviors and actions of Jack was inreasingly frustrating throughout the book, and then in the end when they once again let everything s...more
Sophy was annoyingly proper with characters that didn't deserve her kindness, she was also even more annoyingly clueless about some things but rather on the ball with others - no consistency in her character.
The fact that Sophy and the rest of the family just let slide the behaviors and actions of Jack was inreasingly frustrating throughout the book, and then in the end when they once again let everything s...more
I really enjoyed this book and to be honest it is not my usual cup of tea so to speak. The book has some good characters and is centred in one place so is very easy to follow, and can be picked up and put down without losing the plotline of the story.
I did find some of the characters extremely predictable and shallow, and this annoyed me a little as I could see what was going to happen next at times which did spoil some of the plot. I also felt that the end of the book was a bit rushed and could...more
I did find some of the characters extremely predictable and shallow, and this annoyed me a little as I could see what was going to happen next at times which did spoil some of the plot. I also felt that the end of the book was a bit rushed and could...more
I read this book in an afternoon. There's something about Ashley that I really like, her writing is relaxed and comfortable, and she maked you care about the places as much as the characters. I find her settings are always wonderful, and in this case the gorgeous house was perfect. I loved the diary extracts throughout it, which gave the whole story a different, slightly darker feel. And as always the minor characters were the best - from the hippy mother (a theme in Ashelys work?) to the crazy...more
I really loved this book. Set in the english countryside, Sophy unexpectedly inherits the family home she left so long ago. Amongst mystery, the debts and the dusty rooms of Winter's End, Sophy rediscovers her passions and embarks on a large-scale restoration of the manor house so it can re-open to the public. Along the way, she faces her demons, reacquaints herself with the family ghost, and finds love.
This may sound like a fairly typical chick-lit novel. Perhaps it's my love of novels where t...more
This may sound like a fairly typical chick-lit novel. Perhaps it's my love of novels where t...more
I do sometimes wonder about how some books make it out the other end of the editing and publishing process. This was one of those books. Mediocre writing, caricature characters, an unbelievably silly main character who seems both flighty and resolute. Within a sentence. But the story has a certain kind of charm that could work for you on a cold Sunday afternoon or a holiday-on-the-beach read. It did for me. So if you feel like a candy-floss book, do give this a try.
I was looking for something light and easy to pick up and put down while looking after my newborn daughter, and this fit the bill! I especially enjoyed the descriptions of the house, and wanted to go help pitch in to clean it up. The romantic entanglements felt a bit tacked-on, and were probably the least interesting part for me. But overall it was a fun, easy read - I will pass it on to a friend.
Absolutely enjoyed reading this book. A pretty girly fantasy, 'rags to riches' and 'womenpower' novel with a little romance and mystery thrown in ;) I felt as though I was able to get to know all the characters in enough details to imagine them and I was sad when it came to an end. The storyline was quite predictable but this did not make the journey less enjoyable :)I'm off to look for more books by this author!
Single Mom inherits family home and is romanced by her sleezy cousin, who really wants the mansion. In the meantime, dishy step-cousin, the gardener, trades barbs with her even while he's being pursued by wealthy widow from next door.
Add to that a couple live-in aunts, a cute dog, an outre friend, and a family secret running back to Queen Elizabeth I's time and you have A Winter's Tale.
Add to that a couple live-in aunts, a cute dog, an outre friend, and a family secret running back to Queen Elizabeth I's time and you have A Winter's Tale.
I bought this because I enjoyed Trisha Ashley's Twelve Days of Christmas, and I think I'm spotting some common themes: country houses, enigmatic sculptors, and fiercely independent, slightly snappish heroines. In this book, Sophy inherits a large house with money problems, and sets about making it profitable, with help and hindrance from a variety of relatives and local characters. Great fun.
I enjoyed this story very much. The details and history of the manor house were interesting, and the secrets passed down through the generations gave the story a bit of a mystery too. I liked Sophy and her plans and determination, and cheered her along through her challenges.
This is the first book I've read by Trisha Ashley, but I can't wait to read more by her.
This is the first book I've read by Trisha Ashley, but I can't wait to read more by her.
A fluffy, romantic novel. A bit predictable, but you find yourself rooting for the right guy to win. The main character, Sophy, is thankfully not a predictable heroine, and I found myself more and more intrigued by the loveable misfits that surround her as the book went on!
Another delightful Sticklepond Story!
Am now very addicted to her books.
Similar outline to the others but ultimately good wins over bad and there is always a happy ending!
Easy to read&the writing style makes you want to keep reading!
Hope there are many more books to come.
Am now very addicted to her books.
Similar outline to the others but ultimately good wins over bad and there is always a happy ending!
Easy to read&the writing style makes you want to keep reading!
Hope there are many more books to come.
I'm really enjoying theses Trisha Ashley books, There's a whole series of them about the same characters from the village. I've read what I think is the first and last so I think I'll take a look at the one's in between!
It's a fairly enjoyable wee book. It's a bit cheesy and predictable but in a pleasent way. The characters were very well written and I found myself quickly pulled into the story. It was a nice light read for over the Christmas period.
I enjoy this author in despite some of the quirks of her books, but I really enjoyed this book for its home and garden and specialized cleaning tidbits. I know, an odd thing to enjoy.
Well written book with well developed characters and a good plot. I got up early to lay in bed and finish it before work this morning. Will definitely read more by this author. Very enjoyable read.
An enjoyable read, the pacing was however very 'plodding' and there were a few issues at the end of the book. A nice read however and I'm looking forward to reading more of Trisha's books.
My first Trisha Ashley book, but by no means my last. I really enjoyed this. So much so that I have immediately purchaser another of her books and have begun to read it.
A book that I keep coming back to read again and again!
There is something spell binding about Trisha Ashley's writing, and this is no exception!
There is something spell binding about Trisha Ashley's writing, and this is no exception!
My reviews are so predictable!!!!Loved this one too!Not read this author for awhile and had forgotten how much fun her books were.Great stuff and a nice easy read....just what I like!
A bit of everything, some magic and mystery, good British humor, eccentric characters and a bit of romance. A good, well written story.
yes, if it's British and involves a stately home, I'll probably read it. I admit it. Not a bad story, though some of the characters are a annoying.
I really enjoyed this book, it was a great light read. I don't really have anything bad to say about it other then the love match at the end was predictable.
Typical chick-lit. Good story idea...a bit of humour. The characters were pretty good although the heroine at times deserved a slap or two to remind her to use her brain ....still there was no expectation of this being a man Booker prize winner...it was all about escapism...and that is what the reader received.
I loved this book there was many twist and turns and secrets. didnt want this book to end loved the characters and the story line. Fantastic book
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Trisha Ashley is now a full-time novelist, but she has been known to work for stained glass makers and/or plumbers. She likes to paint, eat, drink, and read literary biographies. Her previous hobbies included getting divorced and packing to move. She claims to have once actually eaten Bronte burgers at the Branwell café, but her publisher declines to verify this. She lives in North Wales.
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