The Winter Companion
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4.3 • 190 Ratings
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- $4.99
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- $4.99
Publisher Description
"Fans of the 'Parish Orphans of Devon' series will adore this final installment, reuniting the orphans and their loves." -Library Journal, STARRED review
A USA TODAY BESTSELLER
She Needed to be Seen...
As a lady's companion, Clara Hartwright never receives much attention from anyone. And that's precisely how she likes it. With a stormy past, and an unconventional plan for her future, it's far safer to remain invisible. But when her new employer is invited to a month-long holiday at a remote coastal abbey, Clara discovers that she may not be as invisible as she'd hoped. At least, not as far as one gentleman is concerned.
He Wanted to be Heard...
Neville Cross has always been more comfortable with animals than people. An accident in his youth has left him with a brain injury that affects his speech. Forming the words to speak to his childhood friends is difficult enough. Finding the right things to say to a lovely young lady's companion seems downright impossible. But Miss Hartwright is no ordinary companion. In fact, there may not be anything ordinary about her at all.
During a bleak Devon winter, two sensitive souls forge an unexpected friendship. But when Clara needs him most, will Neville find the courage to face his fears? Or is saying goodbye to her the most heroic thing he can do?
Customer Reviews
The Winter Companion
A nice conclusion to the series. Teddy has easily become my favorite character. The writing continues to be well-researched. Neville and Clara were a nice change of pace compared previous protagonists.
Having said that, Clara and Neville’s relationship does feel forced at some points. Seeing Clara at the window in her night clothes was kind of random and never really mentioned again, and despite being no one of import Neville’s sheer size would likely still draw attention, but this is nitpicking. With this being the fourth book, all the recapping has also gotten a bit tedious.
Side note: it’s nectar, not honey, that butterflies drink from plants.
Could have been so much better . . .
I really enjoy the work of Mimi Matthews (and the audiobooks performed by Justine Eyre and Alex Wyndham). But I found this final book in the series disappointing. It simply lacked the intrigue and emotional power of the previous three books. In fact, I read it a second time to see if I missed something, but I didn’t.
There is excessive handling (like a hot potato) of Bertie the elderly pug. Clara’s irritating habit of finishing Neville’s sentences is exasperating. And MUCH more camaraderie between Justin, Tom, Alex and Neville was greatly anticipated, desperately needed, but conspicuously absent.
Just imagine these squandered scenarios . . .
The four men walking on the beach together in their shirt sleeves . . . reflecting, bantering, laughing.
Justin confronting Giles on his navel gazing.
The cliff road washing out in a thunderstorm preventing access to the Abbey. Therefore, Neville (with Clara’s help) delivers Helena’s baby on Christmas Eve.
The baby is named ANYTHING but “Honoria” (good heavens).
The four men walking on the beach together in their shirt sleeves . . . reflecting, bantering, laughing. (Did I mention this already?)
Ah well, perhaps the upcoming audiobook (performed by the talented Alex Wyndham) will give this damp squib some oomph and make me regret writing this negative review. Until then, needs must.
The Winter Companion
Knowing Neville’s history from the previous novels, you would expect an angry bitter young man. Not a handsome tender gentleman with a big heart. Clara brings out the best in him. They are truly a match made in heaven. I was sorry to see their story end. Absolutely a great book.