Step into the cozy, chaotic world of Elin Hilderbrand’s Winter series, where the Quinn family’s holiday gatherings on Nantucket blend festive cheer with juicy drama. This beloved quartet of Christmas novels captures the messy beauty of family ties, personal growth, and love’s resilience, making it the perfect read for anyone craving a heartwarming escape with a side of scandal.
Known as the 'Queen of the Beach Read,' Hilderbrand trades her usual summer vibes for snowy Nantucket streets, delivering a saga that’s equal parts touching and turbulent. Whether you’re curling up by the fire or dreaming of a winter getaway, the Winter series invites you to join the Quinns for a holiday rollercoaster you won’t forget.
How Winter Began
Elin Hilderbrand, a Nantucket resident, was inspired to write the Winter series after her publisher suggested a Christmas novel in 2013. Initially hesitant due to a tight deadline, she embraced the challenge, crafting Winter Street as a standalone tale. However, Hilderbrand fell in love with the dysfunctional Quinn family, leaving the ending open-ended. Fans clamored for more, and what began as a single book blossomed into a four-part series, with each installment set during a new Christmas season on the charming island she calls home.
The Heart of Winter
The Winter series follows Kelley Quinn, owner of the Winter Street Inn, and his four grown children—Patrick, Kevin, Ava, and Bart—as they navigate personal crises and family turmoil. In Winter Street (2014), Kelley catches his wife Mitzi kissing the inn’s Santa Claus, sparking chaos that only his ex-wife, news anchor Margaret, can hope to tame. Winter Stroll (2015) brings new romantic entanglements and the baptism of Kevin’s baby, while Mitzi’s return stirs the pot. Winter Storms (2016) sees the Quinns weathering a blizzard and preparing for a wedding, with past dramas resurfacing. Winter Solstice (2017) wraps up the saga with Bart’s return from Afghanistan and a bittersweet celebration of love and closure.
The series shines through its themes of forgiveness, resilience, and the messy bonds of family. Hilderbrand’s Nantucket setting, with its snowy cobblestone streets and festive traditions like the Christmas Stroll, becomes a character itself, infusing each book with cozy holiday magic. Her style—light yet poignant, with sharp dialogue and relatable characters—makes the Quinns’ scandals and triumphs feel like your own family’s holiday saga.
Why Winter Resonates
The Winter series has carved a niche in holiday fiction, offering a refreshing take on Christmas stories by blending humor, romance, and real-life struggles. Fans adore its relatable portrayal of family dysfunction, with reviews praising Hilderbrand’s ability to balance drama with heartwarming moments. The series’ Nantucket backdrop has also boosted local tourism, with readers eager to experience the island’s winter charm. Its lasting appeal lies in its universal message: no family is perfect, but love and togetherness can mend even the most fractured bonds.
- Publication Years: 2014–2017
- Number of Books: 4
- Setting: Nantucket, Massachusetts
- Notable Praise: Hailed as 'a holiday package filled with humor, romance, and realism' by USA Today
Grab Winter Street and dive into the Quinn family’s festive world of love, laughter, and holiday chaos!