Children of Winter read online. "Children of Winter" by Leah Fleming. About the book “Children of Winter” by Leah Fleming

Mar 21, 2017

Winter's Children Leah Fleming

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Title: Children of Winter
Author: Leah Fleming
Year: 2010
Genre: Foreign romance novels, Historical romance novels, Contemporary foreign literature

About the book “Children of Winter” by Leah Fleming

“Children of Winter” or also called “Looking for Christmas” is a family saga from Leah Fleming, a famous writer from Great Britain. When you read this work, you will find yourself on a book journey, there will be past and present times, mysticism, the magic of Christmas. It is very interesting to perceive the book, since the author tried to make it unique, one might even say unique.

In general, the book is aimed at a female audience. Leah Fleming created a very heartfelt story. Reading a novel brings a kind of calm, and at times even invigorates.

The book "Children of Winter" takes place on the eve of Christmas. The main character Kay decided to go away from the noisy city for the holidays in order to take a break from the everyday hustle and bustle. She and her daughter move for several weeks outside the city to a farm, where they rent a small house. Kay had no idea what awaited her in this seemingly quiet place.

For intrigue and thrill, Leah Fleming also filled the plot with a story about ghosts that lived on the very farm where our heroine was vacationing. As it turns out, here they will be both good and evil. There is another highlight in the book - time travel.

When you read “Children of Winter”, you will find yourself in a different era, you will meet completely different people, but they are united with us by the same desire and desire - to make the holiday unforgettable. After all, everyone believes that miracles happen at Christmas. And this story is no exception, a miracle will definitely happen. You just need to be patient a little and read a couple more pages of the book.

There is also a love line in the plot; what would a women's novel be without it? The little girl Evie, the daughter of a townswoman, having learned about the existence of ghosts, runs away with interest into the thicket of the forest to look for them, without telling her mother anything. Poor Kay can't find a place for herself. The owner of the farm, a young guy named Nick, sees the guest’s feelings and decides to surround her with his warmth and kindness. The woman seems so vulnerable and defenseless to him. Over time, they develop a mutual feeling of love. And this is no coincidence. After all, Nick’s family bears a family curse, and only a pure feeling of love can remove it. Just one night will change the fate of two different families.

In addition to ghosts and love, Leah Fleming also talks about traditions on Christmas Eve. You will find out what dishes people prepared at that time. The author describes it so skillfully that one’s mouth is watering from the details of the mystery of preparing holiday dishes. When you read these lines of the book, you will even feel the aroma and subtle smell of the spices used in the treats. Dear women, the book “Children of Winter” will give you true pleasure and relaxation. Start reading it right now.

Leah Fleming

Children of winter

To all members of the Wiggin family, past, present and future, who love this time of year

WINTER'S CHILDREN

In May 2001, our local farms and roads were closed for over a year due to a foot and mouth epidemic. Farmers had to fight for survival, come up with something and come to terms with the loss of their breeding animals, with the loss of breeds that had been bred for many generations. All other facts and events relating to that terrible time in my book are fictitious, but I hope that I was able to accurately convey the spirit of the inhabitants of the Dales. For almost ten years, I watched with admiration as farmers gradually overcame all difficulties.

Turner, the famous artist, visited the Yorkshire Dales in the summer of 1816. I recommend the book: "In Turner's Footsteps: Through the hills and dales of Northern England." David Hill, John Murray 1984.

I am not at all interested in esotericism, but when working on my book, I used many stories and memories of other people who believe that energy, both positive and negative, leaves its mark on houses and places. If anyone is interested, I recommend the book: “Cutting the ties that bind.” Phyllis Crystal. Element Books 1989.

Most of the recipes I have given are tried and true family recipes. Among the many books I read while working on this book, I especially want to mention: Traditional Food East and West of the Pennines. Edited by O. Anne Wilson. Sutton Publishers 1991.

I give special thanks to the Wiggin family for showing me, a man of Scottish heritage, how to celebrate Christmas, and recommend Memoirs of a Maverick by the late Maurice Wiggin (Quality Book Club 1968).

I also thank our village school, now sadly closed, from which I have wonderful memories of the Christmas holidays, and the Langcliffe carol singers who faithfully preserve local traditions.

I also want to say a huge thank you to the entire team at Avon for their help and enthusiasm, especially Caroline Ridding and Kate Bradley. Their attention to detail benefited my book.

Finally, I imagine my reader who, lying on the carpet by the fireplace and sipping mulled wine, enjoys reading this Christmas story and listening to Sting’s album: “If on a winter night...” This music helped me in my work.

Leah Fleming

Christmas Eve

Sutton Coldfield, December 2000

When the doorbell rang on Christmas Eve, Kay and the Partridges did not answer immediately because they were hastily wrapping the last of their presents.

“Tim forgot the keys again,” Kay shouted to her mother-in-law. “I thought he would arrive late.” “They were going to move to London in the new year and now, after selling the house, they were temporarily living with Tim’s parents. “Evie, open the door for daddy,” she shouted to her daughter, who had already gorged herself on chocolate figures intended to decorate the Christmas tree. Kay hoped that Tim had stopped by the garden center and bought a Christmas tree. A week ago he promised to dress her up with Evie, but the company sent him north to Newcastle to quote the deal.

- Honey, is that you? Why are you so... late? – she shouted into the stairwell. Without waiting for an answer, she ran down the steps to listen to her husband's excuses. My daughter stood at the open door with a puzzled look.

– There’s a policeman and some kind of aunt. “They want to talk to you,” she said with a smile. “Maybe dad did some naughty things?”

Kay looked out the door and her knees began to shake. The expressions on the faces of those who came told her everything...

Eve of All Souls Day

Yorkshire, November 2001

She glides around the house, floats through rooms and corridors. The plaster does not crumble when it touches the walls, the floorboards do not creak; her presence is revealed only by the faint scent of lavender. The former mistress of the house knows her Wintergill House, she knows every spot and crack here, every rat hole and torn board, every once lost trinket and cat bones in the corners of the attic.

Hepzibah Snowden walks around her property as she once did; with a bunch of keys on a leather belt, with a tall candle in a tin candlestick; she checks whether the servants are sleeping, whether Master Nathaniel, the lord of her nights, is dozing by the fireplace. She knows that her ashes, picked up by the four heavenly winds, hid in every crack of the old house. Autumn mists are creeping from the valley, but she doesn’t care. Hepzibah does not go outside. Her spirit exists only within these stone walls.

November is the month of the dead. The barometer needle is falling, the sun is covered by clouds and quickly runs its short path across the sky. Hepzibah knows when the leaves turn yellow, dry up and fall to the ground, the year begins its slow dance of death.

The house is quiet, empty and dull, the air is musty. The owners, an old woman and her son, do not pay attention to the peeling plaster, to the damp spots, to the fallen tiles on the roof of the cheese factory. Not a trace remained of the former wealth. Servants do not fill iron hot water bottles with hot ashes to warm their master's bed. Horse manure does not smoke in the cobblestone yard. Neither the shepherd's cough nor the groom's whistle can be heard. The barn was converted into a residential building.

With a heavy heart, she sees that all of Nathaniel's work is irretrievably lost. The Lord in His wisdom recently sent such punishment to these lands. Now you can no longer hear the mooing of cows in the barns or the bleating of sheep in the pastures. God did not spare godless Yorkshire. All livestock was destroyed. Now there is only silence and tears.

Hepzibah looks out the window and peers into the twilight. There is another ghost wandering around there that she is afraid of. Wanders. Looks out. Waiting. Her ex-cousin Blanche flies around the walls in an eternal search. A restless spirit hovering between two worlds. The tormented soul rushes with burning eye sockets across the wasteland. Yes, Blanche is there, in the gathering twilight; she searches for what cannot be found and tries to slip through any open door.

Hepzibah shakes her head; here she is safe, this house is protected from the restless spirit by rings of rowan and elderberry, burning lanterns that the human eye cannot see, persistent prayer and her own constant vigilance. After all, she is appointed as the keeper of this hearth, she is doomed to be in it, and this is her pride and penance.

Every year for almost four hundred years, when the lights go out and their resolve fades, they have to re-enact this ancient drama, an endless game of cat and mouse. Lord, when will Blanche Norton's spirit find peace? Who will help see him off to rest?

Christmas time is coming, the holiday lights will come on, and the sun will turn towards summer. Hepzibah knows that in a Christmas home without children's joy, her own strength will begin to weaken. Wintergill House needs new life or it will collapse. Now is the time to open your heart to a higher will and cast a net of prayers wide and far.

Wintergill awaits the arrival of another child of winter.

But such a child is always in danger, Hepzibah sighs. If her prayers are answered, she will have to resort to the most ingenious tricks to protect an innocent soul from Blanche's merciless fire.

God have mercy on Wintergill.

Yorkshire, November 2001 G

Pie filling made from dried fruits and apples

1 pound (450 g) apples, preferably bramley

1 lb (450 g) dried fruit (dates, currants, light and dark raisins)

8 oz (226 g) mixed citrus zest, chopped

1 lb (450 g) suet, finely chopped

1 lb (450 g) demerara cane sugar, grated peel and juice of 2 lemons

2 oz (56 g) chopped nuts (such as almonds - optional)

1 tsp ground spices (ginger, nutmeg, cinnamon)

4 tbsp. whiskey, rum or brandy (optional)

Finely chop the apples, add lemon peel and juice, mix in a bowl with dried fruits. Add zest, nuts, spices, shortening and sugar.

Pour the alcohol over the mixture, stir and leave overnight at room temperature, covered with a cloth. In the morning, stir the mixture and keep in a warm oven for 1 hour.

Place the filling in clean, dry jars, cover it with wax circles, and on top with cellophane or beautiful rags and tie it. Store pie filling in a cool, dark place.

Makes about 6 1 lb (450 g) cans.

Leah Fleming

Children of winter

To all members of the Wiggin family, past, present and future, who love this time of year

WINTER'S CHILDREN

I also thank our village school, now sadly closed, from which I have wonderful memories of the Christmas holidays, and the Langcliffe carol singers who faithfully preserve local traditions.

I also want to say a huge thank you to the entire team at Avon for their help and enthusiasm, especially Caroline Ridding and Kate Bradley. Their attention to detail benefited my book.

Leah Fleming

Christmas Eve

Sutton Coldfield, December 2000

When the doorbell rang on Christmas Eve, Kay and the Partridges did not answer immediately because they were hastily wrapping the last of their presents.

– There’s a policeman and some kind of aunt. “They want to talk to you,” she said with a smile. “Maybe dad did some naughty things?”

Kay looked out the door and her knees began to shake. The expressions on the faces of those who came told her everything...

Eve of All Souls Day

Yorkshire, November 2001

Wintergill awaits the arrival of another child of winter.

But such a child is always in danger, Hepzibah sighs. If her prayers are answered, she will have to resort to the most ingenious tricks to protect an innocent soul from Blanche's merciless fire.

God have mercy on Wintergill.

Yorkshire, November 2001 G

Pie filling made from dried fruits and apples

1 pound (450 g) apples, preferably bramley

1 lb (450 g) dried fruit (dates, currants, light and dark raisins)

8 oz (226 g) mixed citrus zest, chopped

1 lb (450 g) suet, finely chopped

1 lb (450 g) demerara cane sugar, grated peel and juice of 2 lemons

2 oz (56 g) chopped nuts (such as almonds - optional)

1 tsp ground spices (ginger, nutmeg, cinnamon)

4 tbsp. whiskey, rum or brandy (optional)

Finely chop the apples, add lemon peel and juice, mix in a bowl with dried fruits. Add zest, nuts, spices, shortening and sugar.

Pour the alcohol over the mixture, stir and leave overnight at room temperature, covered with a cloth. In the morning, stir the mixture and keep in a warm oven for 1 hour.

Place the filling in clean, dry jars, cover it with wax circles, and on top with cellophane or beautiful rags and tie it. Store pie filling in a cool, dark place.

Makes about 6 1 lb (450 g) cans.

Sutton Coldfield

October 2001

“There's a place for us in there somewhere...” Kay stood between the supermarket shelves, mesmerized by the tune from West Side Story playing in her head, until her mother-in-law stumbled upon her.

- Oh, there you are, Kay... let's hurry up! Otherwise, you will be late for Evie again, and she will be standing alone near the school gates. “Eunice was a head taller than her.” - You know, they have a special offer here - some kind of unusual filling for a Christmas pie...

5
It’s a good book and I thought it was very nice to read in November or when there’s a little snow outside the window. Just a book for the New Year, and what was also very nice were the recipes, which let you immerse yourself even more in the holiday atmosphere.
I liked the main character Kay, who had a misfortune on the eve of Christmas, decided to make drastic changes and rented a small house on the territory of an old estate. The book contains both a historical part and ghosts that live in the estate. It was interesting to read about Nick and watch how his life values change. I was pleased with the ending. for the book 5 points Tina Valen 4
Not the author's strongest book. Although, if you read it around Christmas, it will add more atmosphere. In general, I'm not happy. Usually the author has more heartfelt novels, feelings that touch the soul. I didn't find it here.
The story of Kay, who came with her daughter to a secluded farm, becomes the story of all the inhabitants of the house, which has its own history. And this story is not a very happy one. There are even ghosts, one of them is very evil. To be honest, I didn’t quite understand the motives for the ghost’s behavior (I myself was shocked by what was written). If Blanche believed her daughter was dead, then why did she kill other children? On the contrary, she had to protect them so that other mothers would not suffer like she did. But can you sort them out, ghosts?
I wanted more of a relationship between Kay and Nick. After all, even what arose between them happened somewhere behind the scenes. I didn’t particularly like Nora, who blamed herself for her daughter’s death, but for some reason punished Nick for it. In general, I didn’t really like a lot of things in this novel, so 4 points Fusya 4
It was with great difficulty that I read this book. I literally forced myself to read especially the first half of the book. I don’t even know what came over me, because there is so much in the novel that I love. There are ghosts, an old house, foggy England, endless expanses of hills, and the present, closely intertwined with the past. But the book doesn’t come and that’s it! I also really didn’t like the open ending and the complete lack of a love line. Oh, yes, it would also be very interesting to know the fate of the beloved man of the hero’s mother))) But somehow the story ended at the most interesting point and that’s all.
It was interesting to read about the old house and the spirit that lived in it. All these dark staircases, cobwebs in the corners, abandoned boudoirs and old dresses in the attic, remnants of former greatness. And no less interesting is the character of the guardian spirit of the Lavender Lady. In contrast to this good ghost, who lives in the house in the fields and around the estate, an evil spirit “lives”. Blanche is a woman frozen to death in a blizzard and cold and doomed to forever search for her lost daughter. Looking for his child, this ghost steals the souls of other people's children. I think out of envy and jealousy.
The novel takes place on Christmas Eve, so the book should be read in the winter))) For atmosphere and sensitivity))) (4). gayspoly 3
This book was so hard for me. She seemed terribly depressed to me. And all this despite the fact that the book takes place at Christmas. In my opinion, Christmas and New Year are cheerful holidays, symbols of a new beginning, hope for the best. But for the heroes of the book, everything is different. At Christmas, the heroine lost her husband, almost lost her daughter, and became a victim of a fire. Christmas also did not bring anything good to the hero. Threat of ruin and possible loss of home. Loneliness. Misunderstanding on the part of the closest person - his mother. And what kind of suffering the hero’s mother and Blanche had to go through at Christmas... When I read about all the misfortunes and sorrows of the characters in the book, my soul felt disgusting. For some reason, the open ending of the book also did not add optimism. The book may be good, but not for me. Dolakshmi 5
The book is great, I really liked it. Reading such books, especially on the eve of the New Year holidays, you understand how lucky you are, you look at Christmas, and those around you, differently. Such books need to be read. A wonderful Christmas story that inspires, gives strength and rekindles love. naoli 5
A wonderful book. It probably suited my mood. This is exactly what I needed at this moment in time. It’s a pleasant feeling that there is not just text, but also the aura of the book that surrounds you.