Grace in Winter

'Thought-provoking, absorbing, superbly written ... Deirdre Purcell at her best' Patricia Scanlan

A winter cruise sounds like a dream come true. But this gift from Grace's ex-husband is less a selfless act and more an effort to keep their highly destructive daughter Leonie away from his new family over the Christmas season.

Despite her reservations, Grace accepts, hoping that a change of scene will be a good thing for herself and Leonie. Though what she really longs for is some time alone, away from her responsibilities as a mother and carer.

Their cruise holiday has barely begin when Leonie's beauty attracts the attention of Ben, a fellow passenger. But as Ben does his best to get to know Leonie, Grace finds herself developing an unexpected bond with the young novelist, one which awakens feelings in her that she had thought buried forever.

Then, it's discovered that Leonie has gone missing -- and what happens next will change the course of Grace's life...

Deirdre Purcell was born and brought up in Dublin. She had an eclectic set of careers, including acting at the Abbey Theatre, before she became a journalist and writer, winning awards for her work on the Sunday Tribune. She published sixteen critically acclaimed novels, including The Husband, The Winter Gathering and Grace in Winter, all of which were bestsellers in Ireland. She adapted Falling for a Dancer into a popular four-part television mini-series, while Love Like Hate Adore was shortlisted for the Orange Prize.

Deirdre had two adult sons, and lived in County Meath with her husband. She passed away in 2023.

'Thought-provoking, absorbing, superbly written ... Deirdre Purcell at her best' Patricia Scanlan A winter cruise sounds like a dream come true. But this gift from Grace's ex-husband is less a selfless act and more an effort to keep their highly destructive daughter Leonie away from his new family over the Christmas season.Despite her reservations, Grace accepts, hoping that a change of scene will be a good thing for herself and Leonie. Though what she really longs for is some time alone, away from her responsibilities as a mother and carer.Their cruise holiday has barely begin when Leonie's beauty attracts the attention of Ben, a fellow passenger. But as Ben does his best to get to know Leonie, Grace finds herself developing an unexpected bond with the young novelist, one which awakens feelings in her that she had thought buried forever.Then, it's discovered that Leonie has gone missing -- and what happens next will change the course of Grace's life...

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