BLACKTHORN WINTER

Sarah Challis has created a thoughtful and moving story about a lovely woman who must cope when her wealthy husband is imprisoned for fraud. Claudia Barron flees the high life of London, moving into a tiny cottage in the idyllic countryside. Despite her commitment to solitude, she is drawn into village life, through which she learns about herself and finds that sometimes life's stresses can result in rich rewards. Eva Haddon captures thought and emotion in a 10-year-old gypsy, a boarding school student, an alcoholic maiden, a lovesick middle-aged man, and many others who are a pleasure to meet. Challis's splendid novel is enhanced by Haddon's heartfelt reading. S.G.B. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award (c) AudioFile 2005, Portland, Maine [Published: FEB/ MAR 05]