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

Breath taking

I’m a commuter and I usually only listen when I drive. This book had me listening during my lunch and before bed. I loved it.

Beautiful

Beautiful story, really enjoyed it.
On of those books that stays with me.
great read.

Heartbreakingly Beautiful

Without the stories of those who came before us we can’t fully understand ourselves. This story and performance was magnificent! It is one of my best audible selections. I highly recommend it to those who can face the ugly yet beautiful story of survival and the cost of it has on you and those around you. I highly recommend this novel. It can change your life if you let it.
Bobra Tahan

Amazing!

I have read and listened to this book multiple times. It is Amazing!! The characters are just amazing! Do yourself a favor and read it ASAP!

Great story

A little slow in the beginning but ends very strong. Performance was fantastic but I had to speed it up a bit.

One of the best books yet

All I can say is GREAT JOB!!! I felt so alive and blessed. A reminder that things can always be worse in your life. Appreciate what you have.

Stay for the ending

Very few books make me cry. This one was heartbreaking but in a good way. Very well written. Starts slow but it is worth sticking around for. You will not regret it. Worth every tear.

Must read for mothers and daughters

Enjoyed this book very much. Narrator is great! Recommend especially for mothers. A lesson in how we deal with our hurts and how they can damage us and future relationships.

Great storyline

this book was definitely different a little redundant but it all ties together and is a very emotional story.

Mothers and daughters

I always find it hard to write a review without spoiling it. I just finished listening to Winter Garden for my 3rd time. Every time I seem to get lost in the story, I’m their lives. I have recommended this book to many, especially my girl friends and their mothers.

The story is amazing and the narrator does a phenomenal job bringing it to life.