Grace in Winter

A winter cruise turns into a nightmare for Grace when her daughter Leonie goes missing. She develops an unexpected bond with a fellow passenger, but things take a dark turn when Leonie is discovered to be missing.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 368 pages
Publication date: 01 October 2020
Publisher: Hachette Books Ireland

Deirdre Purcell's novel "A Winter Cruise" is a thought-provoking and absorbing story that showcases the author's exceptional writing skills. The book follows Grace, who receives a winter cruise as a gift from her ex-husband, with the intention of keeping their highly destructive daughter, Leonie, away from his new family during the Christmas season. Despite her reservations, Grace accepts the offer, hoping that a change of scene will be beneficial for both herself and Leonie. However, what Grace truly desires is some time alone, away from her responsibilities as a mother and carer.

The cruise holiday begins with Leonie's beauty attracting the attention of fellow passenger Ben. As Ben attempts to get to know Leonie, Grace forms an unexpected bond with the young novelist, which awakens feelings in her that she had thought long buried. However, their happiness is short-lived when Leonie goes missing, causing Grace's life to take a drastic turn.

The novel explores themes of motherhood, loss, and the complexities of human relationships. Purcell's writing is vivid and evocative, drawing the reader into Grace's world and immersing them in her emotional journey. The characters are well-developed, with each having their own unique struggles and motivations.

"A Winter Cruise" is a captivating and powerful story that will leave readers pondering its themes long after they have finished reading. Deirdre Purcell's exceptional writing skills and ability to create complex and relatable characters make this a must-read for fans of literary fiction.

Weight: 262g
Dimension: 129 x 197 x 26 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781473699922