Archive for February, 2013

The Wonderful Worlds of Maeve Binchy

February 28th, 2013

Read an Excerpt from A Week in Winter | Download the Reading Group Guide

There’s nothing quite like a Maeve Binchy book. The rich settings, the wonderful characters, her trademark warmth and humor—all of it adding up to a novel that you can’t wait to share with your friends and loved ones.

A Week in Winter, available now in hardcover, is vintage Maeve. When the recently-heartbroken Chicky Starr returns to her small Irish hometown and purchases an old, decaying mansion, everyone thinks she’s crazy—but Chicky has a plan to turn the house into a restful place for a holiday by the sea. When the inn opens in December, each guest arrives with a story—of a failed or shaky romance, missed opportunities, or unrealized dreams—and each discovers that a week in winter can be the beginning of change.

Can’t get enough of Maeve’s storytelling? We’ve rounded up a few more of our favorites below. Read on, and enjoy!

Minding FrankieMinding Frankie
When Noel learns that his terminally ill former flame is pregnant with his child, he reluctantly agrees to take care of the baby girl. Along with the help of a caring network of friends, family and neighbors—including Lisa, his broken-hearted classmate, and Emily, his American cousin—Noel adapts to his new responsibilities But when a nosy social worker decides to get involved, she threatens to ruin their unconventional but special arrangement. It will be up to Noel to persuade her that everyone in the neighborhood has something to offer when it comes to minding Frankie.
Reading Group Guide | Excerpt | Buy the Book

Heart and SoulHeart and Soul
A story of doctors and staff, patients, family, and friends at a heart clinic in a community caught between the old Ireland and the new. Dr. Clara Casey agrees to take on the seemingly thankless task of establishing a clinic with little funding—for a year. With her own plate full—two troublesome grown daughters and a needy ex-husband—she is still able to gather a wonderfully diverse and dedicated staff. And before long she has done the impossible, made the clinic a success and a aprt of the community. Now Clara must decide whether or not to stay.
Reading Group Guide | Excerpt | Buy the Book

The Maeve Binchy Writers' ClubThe Maeve Binchy Writers’ Club
In this warm and inspiring guide, beloved author Maeve Binchy shares her unique insight to how a best selling author writes: from finding a subject and creating good writing habits to sustaining progress and seeking a publisher. Whether you want to write stories or plays, humor or mysteries, Binchy prescribes advice for every step with humor and generous spirit. She has called upon other writers, editors, and publishers to add their voices to this treasury of assistance for budding writers and a refreshing dose of encouragement for longtime scribes. And once you are ready, an appendix offers of writing awards and competitions and a selection of websites and literary journals.
Excerpt | Buy the Book

Whitethorn WoodsWhitethorn Woods
When a new highway threatens to bypass the town of Rossmore and cut through Whitethorn Woods, everyone has a passionate opinion about whether the town will benefit or suffer. But young Father Flynn is most concerned with the fate of St. Ann’s Well, which is set at the edge of the woods and slated for destruction. People have been coming to St. Ann’s for generations to share their dreams and fears, and speak their prayers. Some believe it to be a place of true spiritual power, demanding protection; others think it’s a mere magnet for superstitions, easily sacrificed. Father Flynn listens to all those caught up in the conflict, as the men and women of Whitethorn Woods must decide between the traditions of the past and the promises of the future.
Reading Group Guide | Excerpt | Buy the Book