Shakespeare said, “A sad tale is best for winter.” In Seattle, we have endless days of gray and rain in winter.  It is perfect weather for book steeped in a bit of melancholy. These three books have a touch of sorrow, but do not leave you devastated. Two out of three have a happy ending.

The Snow Child by Eowyn Ivey– A young married couple moves to rural Alaska to homestead. Their plan is to endure the winter, in order to farm through the summer of never setting sun. They long for a child, and that has left a rift in their marriage. One evening, in a moment of renewed friendship, the husband and wife build a little snowman in the fresh Alaskan snow. The husband begins to see small footprints in the snow, and imagines the child has come alive. Part magical realism, this is a novel that envelopes it reader. The storytelling and world building is so rich, time melts as you read. It also has a happy ending.

To Purchase this book on Amazon, click here: The Snow Child: A Novel

Russian Winter by Daphne Kalotay- Oh, this book made time pass so quickly. The book opens in Boston, a former star ballerina is selling off her jewelry. The auction of her possessions brings up memories of her past.  Her life as a prima ballerina, and dark secrets that caused her to flee Russia as it came under Stalin’s power. This story is engrossing, the end comes full circle with a satisfying ending.

To Purchase this book on Amazon, click here: Russian Winter: A Novel

I Will Send Rain by Rae Meadows- Drought, dust, and dirt as far as anyone can hope. Oklahoma farmers Annie, Samuel, and their children Birdie and Fred, wait desperately for rain. Each member of the family carries their own secrets and longings. They are all weighted down by the shadow of the fire and brimstone preaching they hear every Sunday in church. Is the drought the result of their own unbelief? Is God pouring out his punishment in the form of scorching sun? You can feel the dirt in your hair and eyes as you read. The writing is stunning and the story is moving. A perfect winter read.

To Purchase this book on Amazon, click here: I Will Send Rain: A Novel