The Winter Folly

By: Lulu Taylor

Narrated by: Julia Barrie

The Winter Folly is a gripping mystery of family secrets and past sins by Lulu Taylor, author of The Snow Angel.

In this house there are many secrets . . .

It is 1965 and young Alexandra Crewe obediently marries the man her father has selected for her. But, very soon, both she and her husband Laurence realize that their marriage is a disaster. When real love finds Alexandra, plucking her out of her unhappy existence, she is powerless to resist. Her home becomes Fort Stirling, a beautiful Dorset castle, but Alexandra fears that there will be a price to pay for this wonderful new life. When tragedy strikes, it seems that her punishment has come, and there is only one way she can atone for her sins . . .

In the present day, Delilah Young is the second wife of John Stirling and the new chatelaine of Fort Stirling. The house seems to be a sad one and Delilah hopes to fill it with life and happiness. But, when she attempts to heal the heartbreak in John's life, it seems that the forces of the past might be too strong for her. Why does John have such a hatred for the old castle on the hill, and what happened to his mother when she vanished from his life? As Delilah searches for the truth, she realizes that perhaps some secrets are better left buried . . .

Critic reviews

[This] engrossing romantic saga is a hugely enjoyable, escapist treat

Another great read from Lulu Taylor, she offers up a great mystery involving the past and present for two women married into the same family, with plenty of atmosphere provided by the old house setting

A cleverly written story that makes for intriguing reading. Effortlessly flowing from one generation to the next, it tells a story of love, pain and anguish that settles in a house for decades

WOW! Read this!

I tripped over this title accidentally and what a stroke of luck. Be prepared to be drawn into a mesmerizing, complicated, poignant, sad, happy, mysterious, romantic, well everything book!
The story weaves between two timelines, and it works. The stories from the two eras are full of similarities and contrasts. The female characters are better developed than the males, but it's not a huge problem. The conclusion perfect!