Lily Winter’s wings are folded so tightly around her daughter that when empty nest arrives, she feels she can no longer fly. But Lily’s lonely, widowed life changes in a heartbeat when she goes to visit a woman who is almost a stranger to her-a woman who also happens to be her mother. During their fiery reunion, her mother reveals a dark family secret that she’d been hiding for decades-Lily has an identical twin sister who was put up for adoption when they were just babies.
Without looking back, Lily-with her fear of flying-boards a jumbo jet and embarks on a quest to find her sister which leads half way around the world to Melbourne, Australia. Befriended by imprudent Ausie, he might prove to be the key to finding her sister. But her journey becomes a circle that leads her back home to attempt a family reunion and to find the one dream she no longer imagined possible-the chance to fall in love again.
Best-selling and award-winning author, Anita Higman, has over thirty books published (several coauthored) for adults and children. She’s been a Barnes & Noble “Author of the Month” for Houston and has a BA degree, combining speech communication, psychology, and art. Anita loves good movies, exotic teas, and brunch with her friends.
Find out more about Anita at http://anitahigman.com.
My Impressions:
Winter in Full Bloom by Anita Higman feels like a coming-of-age story, even though the main character, Lily Winter, is approaching her 40th birthday! This is a book about discovery — of self, family and new love. A fun and sometimes poignant read, I recommend it to those who enjoy contemporary women’s fiction.
Lily Winter gets a huge surprise when she visits her mother after 10 years of estrangement. A recent widow dealing with anger towards her late husband’s infidelity, Lily wants some kind of reconciliation in her life. so when she tries to mend fences with her mother, a long hidden secret is divulged and Lily is sent on a trip to the other side of the world to bring healing to her family. What Lily finds in Melbourne, Australia — her long lost identical twin and a charming man who has his own family issues — brings with it hope and promises of a future.
Winter in Full Bloom has many strengths — a fresh, first person perspective from Lily, themes of reconciliation and forgiveness, and a promise of healing and growth even for those long thought past prime. The characters are complex and varied and sometimes shocking in their brutal views on life. Marcus, especially, is a character that readers will love. Melbourne comes alive and made me want to explore all that it can offer. The only thing I disliked was the pace of the story. The storyline progressed so fast it seemed to strain credibility. But what I think of as weakness, others will love.
Winter in Full Bloom is an honest portrayal of wounded people acting badly, but not beyond the redemptive power of God’s love. And like life, not everything is wrapped up nice and tidy — another thing I actually liked. So if you are in the mood for travel across the globe and a journey of reflection and discovery, pick up Winter in Full Bloom.
Recommended.
To purchase a copy of this book, click on the image below.
(Thanks to River North and LitFuse for a review copy. The opinions expressed are mine alone.)
Anita has teamed up with her publisher, River North Fiction, for a fun giveaway and a Facebook Author Chat Party on August 29th.
One grand prize winner will receive:
- A Kindle Fire HD
- Winter in Full Bloom by Anita Higman
Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on August 28th. Winner will be announced August 29th at the Winter in Full Bloom Author Chat Party on Facebook. During the party Anita will be hosting a book chat, talking about family, announcing the winner of the Kindle Fire, and giving away a ton of books, gift certificates, and more. Oh, and she’ll also be giving party goers an exclusive look at her next book.
So grab your copy of Winter in Full Bloom and join Anita on the evening of August 29th for a chance to connect and make some new friends. (If you haven’t read the book, don’t let that stop you from coming!)
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