Winter Garden by Kristin Hannah

Kristin Hannah is the author of several beautifully written novels, perhaps best known for "Angel Falls" Each book is carefully researched so each detail is historically and scientifically correct.

Hannah's latest, "Winter Garden" is no exception. In an interview with the author, she stated "I am powerfully drawn to stories about women's lives and relationships....I think it was almost inevitable that I would turn my attention to another important female relationship-the intricate bond between mothers and daughters." This powerful novel actually tells parellel stories of a mother and her two daughters, and how they grew up in drastically different lifestyles.

Sisters Meredith and Nina are blessed with successful and satisfying careers. Meredith has slowly taken over the management of the family apple orchard while Nina is a globe-hopping photo-journalist. Meredith and her husband successfully raised two daughters now off at college.

However, their childhood was unsettling. While their father was affectionate and attentive, mother Anya was distant and undemonstrative. Clearly Russian in her habits and customs, any passion or devotion is directed toward her husband. Eventually the girls cease to attempt to win their mother's love and find their own ways in life.

After the sudden death of their father, the girls must manage their own grief while dealing with Anya who resists all efforts to comfort her. Somehow therapeutic for them all, Anya is encouraged to tell her 'fairy tales' of a Russian prince and his love for a lowly peasant. Eventually the sisters begin to realize these stories may be biographical. As they learn the atrocities Anya suffered in Communist Russia before and during WW2, some understanding of their mother's behavior begins, and a tenuous relationship slowly developes.

Anya had a life-long dream to visit Alaska, so a spur-of-the moment cruise is arranged, and surprisingly, Anya agrees to accompany them. The nightly story-telling continues, and although the re-living of this terrible segment of history is painful for them all, they draw closer to each other and a family unit begins to emerge. Then while searching for a historian with whom to share Anya's story, they make a discovery that will leave readers shocked and emotional.

This wonderfully written saga deals successfully with relationship failures and how they affect other aspects of life. The tragic telling of the enormous suffering of the Leningrad citizens in the 30's and 40's was meticuously researched and historically accurate. The skillful weaving together of mother and daughters stories succeed in a book well worth reading. On a scale of 1 to 10, I rate it an 8.

Roses by Leila Meacham

After retiring from teaching literature, Leila Meacham sat down and wrote a 1000 page epic novel set in Texas. It was later edited down to 600 pages. When her book was compared to "Gone with the Wind", Ms. Meacham needed an explanation, as she had never read that book, or seen the movie! Her novel, "Roses" is indeed written in the style of "Thornbirds" with a dash of James Mitchner thrown in.

Set in the East Texas town of Howbutker (the source of the name is an interesting story) "Roses" follows three familes through the 20th century; each rising to success in different careers.

Primarily this books pursues the life story of Mary Toliver, whose grandfather pieced together an expansive cotton plantation. When Mary's father dies, she inherits the land and business. Her mother and brother greatly resent the terms of the will, and Mary must deal with their hostility as well as laboring to keep the place from going under financially.

While Mary's passion for the plantation is why her father left it to her, this same obsession leads to problems in relationships. The plantation is her first love, and all else comes in a far second. When love and romance come her way, her choices lead to heartbreak.

"Roses" is a well-written saga of the founders of Howbutker and how the families interact through the years. However, do not expect the level of writing to compare with Mitchner, Mitchell, or McCullough. Even so, readers of all tastes should enjoy making their way through this lengthly novel. On a scale of 1 to 10 I rate it a 6.