Winter Garden

By: Kristin Hannah

Narrated by: Susan Ericksen

Length: 14 hrs and 38 mins

Publisher's summary

Can a woman ever really know herself if she doesn't know her mother?

From the author of the smash-hit bestseller Firefly Lane and True Colors comes Kristin Hannah's powerful, heartbreaking novel that illuminates the intricate mother-daughter bond and explores the enduring links between the present and the past.

Meredith and Nina Whitson are as different as sisters can be. One stayed at home to raise her children and manage the family apple orchard; the other followed a dream and traveled the world to become a famous photojournalist. But when their beloved father falls ill, Meredith and Nina find themselves together again, standing alongside their cold, disapproving mother, Anya, who even now, offers no comfort to her daughters. As children, the only connection between them was the Russian fairy tale Anya sometimes told the girls at night. On his deathbed, their father extracts a promise from the women in his life: the fairy tale will be told one last time - and all the way to the end. Thus begins an unexpected journey into the truth of Anya's life in war-torn Leningrad, more than five decades ago. Alternating between the past and present, Meredith and Nina will finally hear the singular, harrowing story of their mother's life, and what they learn is a secret so terrible and terrifying that it will shake the very foundation of their family and change who they believe they are.

©2010 by Kristin Hannah. (P)2009 Brilliance Audio, all rights reserved.

Critic reviews

“It's a tearjerker, but the journey is as lovely - and haunting - as a snow filled winter's night.” --People Magazine

“This tearjerker weaves a convincing historical novel and contemporary family drama.” --Library Journal

“Readers will find it hard not to laugh a little and cry a little more as mother and daughters reach out to each other just in the nick of time.” --Publishers Weekly

Heartwrenching

A very poignant and moving novel beautifully narrated! A must Read as alm of Krisin Hannah novels are!

Family is love!

this story pulled at my heart strings! Great story about love, loss, and to love again.

A book to remember.

Luella Wetherbee

Listening to this book brought out many emotions-laughter, tears, heartache and joy. Books are a huge part of my life but this one will be at the top of my favorites

It broke my heart

📕📘📙I just loved this book great story 📗📗📙all those years 📕📗 😊 thank you so much 😊 bye

Historical romance

This book held my attention. It is worth a listen. Nicely done story and reading

ultimately wonderful

the book had a bit of a slow start and was slightly annoying to me. It was hard to relate to any of the characters. But as soon as they started interacting and then went on their cruise to Alaska it became a rich and flavorful. if you pick this up, be sure to hang in there.

Favorite book of ALL Time!!

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

I have recommended this book to many friends and family. Its a must listen!
The journey this book takes you on is Amazing.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Winter Garden?

The story telling and change of language thru the book.

Have you listened to any of Susan Ericksen’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

Not yet but I will

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

Do you know your family?

Any additional comments?

If you think about stopping the audio like I did...DONT

Enjoyable

Wonderful writing and story telling by KH
Historical and emotionally captivating at the same time

Open the soul

Thank you for crafting this most beautiful story. Touching, real, unforgettable! I researched and now have a great empathy for this terrible time WW2. I recommend this book wholeheartedly.

Brilliant

Loved this book! The narrator was fantastic, she really brought this book home! Her accent made it all so real!