Book Review (and a Giveaway!): The Silent Song of Winter by Robin E. Mason

When all the noise has gone silent, all that is left is her song.

The southern town of Saisons lies at the crossroads between North and South, progressive and genteel antebellum life. Between East and West, between history and heritage, and new frontiers. Downton Abbey meets Gone With the Wind.

It’s 1912, in a world where slavery is dying and women’s rights are rising, and four young women who once shared a bond—and experienced a tragedy—question their own truths.

Pearl had lived under the impossible taskmaster of perfection. Nothing she does or ever did pleased her mother. And nothing she ever did could disappoint her father.

Caught up in the mystery of her friend’s curious—and secretive—return, Pearl wrestles with her own decisions, and flees lest her own secrets are exposed.

SERIES: Seasons #3
GENRE: Historical Romance
PUBLISHER: Bird’s Nest Books
RELEASE DATE: February 28, 2018
PAGES: 405

Other Books In This Series

“…do you not know how much He loves you?”

The Silent Song of Winter continues the story of four childhood friends, now adults: Mercedes, Scarlett, Pearl, and Simone. While each book carries on the main arc that ties all four stories together, we also zero in on one friend in particular per book. And since the novels are written in Mason’s genteel Southern writing voice – in first person – we really get inside each character’s head and heart. In The Long Shadows of Summer, we saw things from Mercedes’ perspective, and in The Tilting Leaves of Autumn it was Scarlett’s turn. Now Mason turns the focus to Pearl, heretofore one of the most guarded of the four friends.

I will warn you that these are not easy reads, as far as subject matter. In her novels, Mason wrestles with some of the darkest parts of human nature. But she also wraps each story in the loving arms of Grace. And perhaps none more so than Pearl’s story. Pearl may not have suffered the vilest atrocities that her friends have, but she has lived a lifetime of being told she’s nothing but a failure. As a result, she guards her secrets carefully and keeps them tucked close, even keeping her new marriage a secret from those dearest to her for fear that they wouldn’t approve of her choice. This made me so sad for Pearl but also for Rolf, her husband, because he is a genuine sweetheart who loves her deeply.

Into Pearl’s life come two new friendships at just the right moment. Polly, who helps Pearl find a sense of purpose. And Olivia, who helps Pearl find a sense of worth. At the crossroads between the two is a new birth. Not just a physical birth, but a spiritual one as well. A realization that the words of Scripture are God’s heart written just for her. A new awareness that she is a child of the King who is dearly loved. As this transformation takes place in Pearl’s heart, it touches every area of her life – with some very moving results.

Oh – and watch for a very special tertiary character who just so happens to be named after my dad ♥

Bottom Line: The setting, the characters, the gentle truth – all come vividly to life with Mason’s first person genteel Southern voice. As I said before, this is a heavy read that deals with mature subject matter BUT it also is a story wrapped in Grace. The general story arc of the Seasons series continues, with a little more revelation, all building toward book 4 – Simone’s story. For that reason, I recommend you read these books in order. While some of the flashbacks require a bit of reorienting, this technique is necessary to the story and adds several layers of dimension as well. If you like a little grit (not grits) with your Southern historicals, a la Barbara Kingsolver or Sue Monk Kidd, this one is for you!

(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.)

My Rating: 4 stars / Love it!

I’ve always had voices—er, stories in my head. I once said I should write them all down so someone could write them someday. I had no idea at the time that someone was me!

I have been writing since 1995, and began working in earnest on my debut novel, Tessa in 2013.  Meanwhile, I cranked out a few dozen poems, made countless notes for story ideas, and earned my BFA in Interior Design.  I lived with depression for many years, and the inherent feelings of worthlessness and invisibility; I didn’t want to be who I was and struggled with my own identity for many years.  My characters face many of these same demons.

I write stories of identity conflict. My characters encounter situations that force the question, “Who am I really?” For all who have ever wondered who you are or why you’re here, my stories will touch you in a very real—maybe too real—and a very deep way. I know, I write from experience.

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Author’s Top 10 Favorite Historic Vacation Destination Places

1. Israel—to see the land Jesus walked.
2. Egypt—the pyramids. Need I say more!
3. Japan—such rich heritage and history. rem factoid: I didn’t used to have much interest in anything Oriental—until I read a couple of stories set in Japan! (I might even have one incubating… )
4. India—I’ve always been fascinated with India.
5. Mexico—Aztecs and Mayas, again with the pyramids! (a tragic scene from my last series took place near Teotihuacan!)
6. Peru—because Machu Piccu!!! Breathtaking!
7. Greece—does it get any more historical than that???
8. Italy—heart of the Roman Empire. Not to mention ALL.THE.ART!!
9. Paris—Versailles plays a role in this series, and as I researched, I realized I must see this place.
10. Ireland—truly all of Great Britain. I’m part Irish, and love all things Irish (and now am thinking in Irish accent!)

Giveaway includes: a print copy of the book, a (faux pearl) brooch and pair of earrings, peppermint candy’s (Pearl’s fav) china tea and cup, and a sampler of the tea, and a bookmark

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This giveaway is hosted by Singing Librarian, not RimSP
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