I had two older sisters whom I adored from my earliest memory. I thought they were the coolest people on the planet, even when they had shut me out of their rooms and told me to go away. As we got older, the relationships matured, and we became the best of friends. There was nothing I wouldn’t tell my sisters. They were the two people on this earth who accepted me exactly as I was and still loved me. They understood me like no man could ever do. We had each other’s back, we trusted each other completely.
My oldest sister died unexpectedly in 2009, and it was only after she passed that I learned from my other sister that there had been a fairly traumatic conflict between them when they were in high school and I was still trying to find my locker in middle school. It had to do with a boy and with trust and it was, apparently, a Big Event.
I was stunned by this revelation. I couldn’t believe it had happened, or that neither of them had ever told me in all those years. But mostly, I couldn’t believe that they had gotten over it and had become as close as they were. I always knew the bonds of sisterhood were pretty darn thick and full of muscle fibers, but this proved it. The bond between my sisters was tested, but it did not snap. It was severely sprained, but with some rest and care, it healed and was stronger than before. In the thirty years that followed, my sisters were each other’s best friends. And my surviving sister, like me, was devastated with third leg of our three-legged stool broke off and disappeared from our lives.
In a Light at Winter’s End, two sisters are engaged in an extraordinary conflict when one leaves her baby with the other and disappears. That is some pretty heavy stuff, and even though I wrote the book thinking how grateful I was that I’d never been through anything like that with my sisters, I thought the Fisher sisters would probably be okay, because that’s how strong the bond is. I don’t know this for sure, because I don’t get that far in the book. But I am pretty sure that if they could survive what I put them through in this book, they could survive anything. That’s what sisters do, I think.
~~~
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Holly Fisher opens her door one day and finds her estranged sister Hannah standing there with a glassy look and her nine-month old baby on her hip. Before Holly knows what is happening, Hannah has left her baby with Holly and disappeared. Three months later, fresh out of rehab for addiction to painkillers, Hannah shows up sober, contrite, and wanting her son back. But Holly is in love with the baby and not willing to give him up to the mother who abandoned him.
Into the middle of this extraordinary conflict between two sisters walks a lonesome cowboy, Wyatt Clark (Summer of Two Wishes) who knows a thing or two about childcare and fractured families. He’s had his own troubles and has stayed away from women the last couple of years, but he can’t resist Holly and the baby. But when Holly is delivered a devastating blow and returns the baby to his mother, Holly is too distraught to continue her relationship with Wyatt. It will take an extraordinary turn from Hannah to bring Holly and Wyatt together so that they both may find the happiness that has eluded them.
Do you have a sister? Would you say your bond is stronger than anything life can throw at you, or have you had a rupture that won’t heal? Have you and your sister bounced back from conflict?
One lucky commenter today will win a signed copy of Summer of Two Wishes (featuring Wyatt Clark)!
Julia London is the New York Times and USA Today best selling author of more than a twenty romantic fiction novels. She is the author of the popular Desperate Debutante and Scandalous historical romance series, as well as The Year of Living Scandalously, the first novel in the Secrets of Hadley Green series. To learn more about Julia, you can visit at her website: www.JuliaLondon.com
35 Replies to “Julia London gives us A Light At Winter’s End”
My only sibling, my sister and I have been through so much together, and not together. It’s amazing how whenever we need each other we’re always there for one another. I couldn’t live without her in my life. Can’t wait to read this book!
I have three sisters and we definitely have had some rough patches over the years, but we all managed to get through them and realized that we’re stronger when we’re friends and supporting each other. I wouldn’t give up my sisters for the world.
My sister is one of my best friends. I don’t know what I would do without her.
My sister is more than 5 years older than me. Growing up we basically ignored each other — no real conflicts or competitions. It wasn’t until we were adults that we developed a close relationship and it has been awesome!
Your book sounds really good. I have a twin sister and we are really close. She lives in anoher state and we visit often. Seems like when she comes over to see me, she refuels me. Stange, but I feel invigorated when that happens.
I don’t have a sister, but I do have a first cousin who is like a sister to me. Due to circumstances in our family, after not seeing each other for about 20 years, we reconnected and it was like we’d never been apart.
I have 1 sister. We did not get along while growing up but now are best friends, would do anything for each other. We are very close and I can’t imagine life without her these days.
I have one sister. She has become a great friend as we have both matured from the teenage years.
I have 3 sisters but I’m just really close with my older sister. We definitely have a close bond and there have been conflicts between us in the past that we were able to overcome.
I don’t have a sister but I have a cousin who is like a sister to me. We are very close and have a lot in common. I know I can count on her to be there for me.
Julia I’m so sorry for the loss of your sister! This post was very emotional for me, as I lost my older sister last year. She would lock me out of her room and I would listen at the vent when her friends were over. We also became very close as we got older and the age gap seemed to disappear. There will always be a hole in my heart, but fortunately I have wonderful friends and family that can fill the space around it.
I have one sister left, and we are very close. Our other sister was killed in a horseback riding accident in 2005.
I have two sisters one is older by five years the other is younger by ten years. Yes we are pretty close and the older we get the more alike we look. Don’t get me wrong because we have had our ups and downs over the years but the bond is still there. We can about tell each other anything and we will always stick together through thick and then. I love my sisters dearly they are the only close family I have left, both parents are gone and my one brother past away several years ago at the age of 52, so whats left of the family sticks together.
Sorry for the loss of your sister. I am an only child. Would of loved a sister. The book sounds like it would be an emotional book worth reading.
I’m sorry to hear of your loss. That must be one of those events that you truly never get over. I’m very lucky to have a sister and we’ve always been close. There’s something comforting to be close to someone you’ve known your entire life.
I am the oldest of 6 and have two sisters. I always seemed to be odd man out and we had our fair share of squabbles. We always seemed to be futhest apart when one was going through a rough patch in their life. Jealousy of what the other has when not happy with your own lot makes many people unhappy. That is true of siblings of both sexes. Everyone has finally matured (except for the boys, but what can you expect). We are all over 50 and secure in who we are and accepting of who the others are. We get along quite well and enjoy visits and phone calls since we live in 3 different states now.
I look forward to reading Wyatt’s story. My heart broke for him in SUMMER OF TWO WISHES. Someone had to loose and there was no bad guy to do it. He more than deserves his HEA.
I have 2 sisters, one of whom has literally dropped off the face of the earth. She is now with her second husbsnd after she divorced her third & has been icognito hiding behind her job and the second husband. She was the closest to me in age and for that I am sad that we aren’t friends. My other sister and I have grown a bit closer and for that I am thankful.
Love & Hugs,
Pam
I do have a sister and we are very close. She does have some emotional issues and for awhile she would not talk. we have worked that out and are stronger for it.
Hi Julia,
I am so sorry that you lost your sister! I have one sister and we are the closest of friends, we are always there for each other. I would feel very lost if I was to ever lose her!
I have a sister. Our bond was tested and though it didn’t break I don’t feel as close as we once were.
The book sounds wonderful and I’d love to read it. I don’t have a sister but do have a brother. There really has never been a bond between us. I’m not the type to bounce back after having conflict with anyone so if there had been any between us, it would stay that way, as I’m not the forgiving type.
I have two sisters who I loved. We may not get along all the time but we never leave each other’s house mad or angry.
I have only one sister and we don’t connect somehow.
It saddens me greatly for I wish for more closeness.
Wow. I had no idea the talk of sisters would garner such a response. First of all, to all of you who have also lost a sibling, my deepest sympathies. There is nothing quite like that. They are there from the beginning and they are supposed to be there until the bitter end.
I should have mentioned that I also have a brother. I can almost hear him chiding me for leaving him out again. Poor kid…one boy with three sisters, lol!
Hi Julia, it’s so lovely to have you on the blog. My deepest sympathies for the loss of your sister. I have one sister and three brothers, but don’t know what I’d do without my sister. I know your book must be heart-wrenching.
Pam, that is sooo sad. For your sister to be here but not stay in touch. It’s almost just as bad as her dying, except there’s still a chance for a reconciliation. 🙂
Estella, I’m so sorry for you loss. It’s the pain that will never ever truly go away.
Cindy, last year? Oh, I’m so sorry. I pray this year is much better for you.
I also have 2 older sisters (I also have 2 older brothers, but it’s just not the same). My sisters were in high school when I was born and I’ve always admired them. They are both smart, talented women and have never made me feel inferior or discounted my thoughts, feelings and opinions because of the age difference. They’re always there with advice and assistance and a good laugh.
After my divorce, I and my 2 daughters moved in with my unmarried sister. She had helped me create a stable family life and we have a wonderful time. My other sister lives on the other side of the country, and we see each other only a couple times a year, but they’re good times. Times that I didn’t truly appreciate until a few years ago.
A few years ago we all spent about 2 months living together and caring for our aging parents due to concurrent medical issues. My mom died during this time. That really clarified some things in my life. I realized I’d taken a lot of things for granted. I didn’t truly appreciate the wonderfulness of my family, but especially MY sisters. I am so grateful for all of the time we got to spend together and have spent together since. We have taken a sisters and dad vacation every year since. (My dad says, “your son is your son ’til he takes him a wife but, your daughter is your daughter all of her life.”) I have gotten to know both of my sisters and my dad in different ways and learned so much about family and love.
I tell my daughters, especially when they’re fighting, there’s nothing and no one who can replace your sister, cherish every moment.
Thanks for letting me having my say.
Hi Julia, I have 5, count them, 5 sisters and the bonds are amazing. Yes there are things that have stretched and strained them but they’ve held. The funniest parts were watching my younger sisters growing up and fighting like cats and dogs. To the point of pretending the others didn’t exist in High School even. And then watching them become the best of friends as they matured. SIsterhood is something everyone woman deserves the chance to experience! IMHO
I am from a large family. My parents had 9 children over a 25 year period. I am the oldest girl, so I married and moved on before the others. All of us stayed pretty close but like most families we did drift apart as we aged. However my sisters and I get together several time a year for what we call “Sister’s Week-ends”. They are wonderful. When we meet its like we were never apart. We pick right back up and have a wonderful time.
I LOVED “A Light At Winter’s End”… bought it yesterday and finished reading it this morning! Wonderful book!! Thank you!
My sister Dorene is the rock of my life. She is 6 years older than I am and she was the one that has always been there for me. I was born in 1947 and was the third daughter. My parents were in their middle thirites which was “old” at the time to have children and really hadn’t planned on a third child.
Dorene was the one that always cared what I was doing, tended me when I was sick or searching. She never judged and only gave me love and understanding. Something I desperatly needed. I would not be the woman and mother I am today without the nuturing she gave me. When you are a child you need someone who is caring, compassionate and forgiving and Dorene is still that plus a whole lot more. Thanks DeDe for the values that you nutured in me so I could learn to care for and love others. I couldn’t have done it without you.
I always wanted a sister and I tried to persuade my older brother to become my sister instead, but it didn’t work… When I became very, very sick in my late teens, I wrote a letter to my brother telling him I was scared. The moment he received the letter he got leave from work, sublet his apartment, and was on a plane to see me within a few hours. He took me to doctors, sat with me, listened and held me, paid my rent until I was able to work again, helped me with P/T when I survived, and took me on outings to knitting stores to buy yarn so I could have something to do during the years of bed rest. If I call him, no matter what hour it is, he answers and listens and gets me to laugh. He’s the best!!!
These are great stories about sisters! Special shout-out to Betty — thank you so much! I am so happy you liked the book.
My sisters were always my heroes. I didn’t think I could imagine life without them, and two years later, it’s still really hard to imagine the rest of my life without Karen (who I have to say was the funniest woman on the planet). But you know time has a way of easing things and making it bearable. And my other sister and I are really close, so that helps.
I don’t have a sister and sometimes I wish I did. On the other hand, I’m sometimes glad I don’t. If I need any female opinions, aside from my mother, I have a great network of friends.
But it would have been great to have a sister growing up to have twice the wardrobe!
I have two sisters, and my older sister is my best friend. When we lived near each other we spent a lot of time together, taking quilting classes, going to the movies, etc. I moved across the country, but she’s been to visit me several times and I’ve been back there a few times, and hoping to visit again this summer. We talk on the phone constantly (good thing we have mobile to mobile), and see each other via Skype, so I can see her and her grandkids. My sister and I don’t really have conflicts, if we disagree, we agree to disagree and move on. She’s had conflicts with my older brother and younger sister, but I’m in the middle and I’m always the peace maker. I keep in touch with my younger sister as well, but the relationship isn’t the same as I have with my older sister.
I have an older sister and a younger sister. Through the years we have always been best friends and close as can be. There were some rough times for a couple of years but we eventually worked through them by talking and mended any hard feelings. Love usually conquers all they say. 🙂
Carol L Lucky4750@aol.com
Julia, I am so sorry for the loss of your sister. I don’t have a sister, but I have a best friend who is like a sister to me. About 6 months ago, we got into a terrible rift, but when my husband was rushed to the hospital on Valentine’s Day, she was the first one I thought of to call. Now our rift is gone, and we are closer than ever. I do have one younger brother, though, and we are very close friends. It would kill me to lose another member of my family, I know.
I am having a terrible time locating your book, A Light At Winter’s End, and am hoping I will win.
My oldest sister died unexpectedly in 2009, and it was only after she passed that I learned from my other sister that there had been a fairly traumatic conflict between them when they were in high school and I was still trying to find my locker in middle school. It had to do with a boy and with trust and it was, apparently, a Big Event.
My only sibling, my sister and I have been through so much together, and not together. It’s amazing how whenever we need each other we’re always there for one another. I couldn’t live without her in my life. Can’t wait to read this book!
I have three sisters and we definitely have had some rough patches over the years, but we all managed to get through them and realized that we’re stronger when we’re friends and supporting each other. I wouldn’t give up my sisters for the world.
My sister is one of my best friends. I don’t know what I would do without her.
My sister is more than 5 years older than me. Growing up we basically ignored each other — no real conflicts or competitions. It wasn’t until we were adults that we developed a close relationship and it has been awesome!
Your book sounds really good. I have a twin sister and we are really close. She lives in anoher state and we visit often. Seems like when she comes over to see me, she refuels me. Stange, but I feel invigorated when that happens.
I don’t have a sister, but I do have a first cousin who is like a sister to me. Due to circumstances in our family, after not seeing each other for about 20 years, we reconnected and it was like we’d never been apart.
I have 1 sister. We did not get along while growing up but now are best friends, would do anything for each other. We are very close and I can’t imagine life without her these days.
I have one sister. She has become a great friend as we have both matured from the teenage years.
I have 3 sisters but I’m just really close with my older sister. We definitely have a close bond and there have been conflicts between us in the past that we were able to overcome.
I don’t have a sister but I have a cousin who is like a sister to me. We are very close and have a lot in common. I know I can count on her to be there for me.
Julia I’m so sorry for the loss of your sister! This post was very emotional for me, as I lost my older sister last year. She would lock me out of her room and I would listen at the vent when her friends were over. We also became very close as we got older and the age gap seemed to disappear. There will always be a hole in my heart, but fortunately I have wonderful friends and family that can fill the space around it.
I have one sister left, and we are very close. Our other sister was killed in a horseback riding accident in 2005.
I have two sisters one is older by five years the other is younger by ten years. Yes we are pretty close and the older we get the more alike we look. Don’t get me wrong because we have had our ups and downs over the years but the bond is still there. We can about tell each other anything and we will always stick together through thick and then. I love my sisters dearly they are the only close family I have left, both parents are gone and my one brother past away several years ago at the age of 52, so whats left of the family sticks together.
Sorry for the loss of your sister. I am an only child. Would of loved a sister. The book sounds like it would be an emotional book worth reading.
I’m sorry to hear of your loss. That must be one of those events that you truly never get over. I’m very lucky to have a sister and we’ve always been close. There’s something comforting to be close to someone you’ve known your entire life.
I am the oldest of 6 and have two sisters. I always seemed to be odd man out and we had our fair share of squabbles. We always seemed to be futhest apart when one was going through a rough patch in their life. Jealousy of what the other has when not happy with your own lot makes many people unhappy. That is true of siblings of both sexes. Everyone has finally matured (except for the boys, but what can you expect). We are all over 50 and secure in who we are and accepting of who the others are. We get along quite well and enjoy visits and phone calls since we live in 3 different states now.
I look forward to reading Wyatt’s story. My heart broke for him in SUMMER OF TWO WISHES. Someone had to loose and there was no bad guy to do it. He more than deserves his HEA.
I have 2 sisters, one of whom has literally dropped off the face of the earth. She is now with her second husbsnd after she divorced her third & has been icognito hiding behind her job and the second husband. She was the closest to me in age and for that I am sad that we aren’t friends. My other sister and I have grown a bit closer and for that I am thankful.
Love & Hugs,
Pam
I do have a sister and we are very close. She does have some emotional issues and for awhile she would not talk. we have worked that out and are stronger for it.
Hi Julia,
I am so sorry that you lost your sister! I have one sister and we are the closest of friends, we are always there for each other. I would feel very lost if I was to ever lose her!
I have a sister. Our bond was tested and though it didn’t break I don’t feel as close as we once were.
The book sounds wonderful and I’d love to read it. I don’t have a sister but do have a brother. There really has never been a bond between us. I’m not the type to bounce back after having conflict with anyone so if there had been any between us, it would stay that way, as I’m not the forgiving type.
I have two sisters who I loved. We may not get along all the time but we never leave each other’s house mad or angry.
I have only one sister and we don’t connect somehow.
It saddens me greatly for I wish for more closeness.
Wow. I had no idea the talk of sisters would garner such a response. First of all, to all of you who have also lost a sibling, my deepest sympathies. There is nothing quite like that. They are there from the beginning and they are supposed to be there until the bitter end.
I should have mentioned that I also have a brother. I can almost hear him chiding me for leaving him out again. Poor kid…one boy with three sisters, lol!
Hi Julia, it’s so lovely to have you on the blog. My deepest sympathies for the loss of your sister. I have one sister and three brothers, but don’t know what I’d do without my sister. I know your book must be heart-wrenching.
Pam, that is sooo sad. For your sister to be here but not stay in touch. It’s almost just as bad as her dying, except there’s still a chance for a reconciliation. 🙂
Estella, I’m so sorry for you loss. It’s the pain that will never ever truly go away.
Cindy, last year? Oh, I’m so sorry. I pray this year is much better for you.
I also have 2 older sisters (I also have 2 older brothers, but it’s just not the same). My sisters were in high school when I was born and I’ve always admired them. They are both smart, talented women and have never made me feel inferior or discounted my thoughts, feelings and opinions because of the age difference. They’re always there with advice and assistance and a good laugh.
After my divorce, I and my 2 daughters moved in with my unmarried sister. She had helped me create a stable family life and we have a wonderful time. My other sister lives on the other side of the country, and we see each other only a couple times a year, but they’re good times. Times that I didn’t truly appreciate until a few years ago.
A few years ago we all spent about 2 months living together and caring for our aging parents due to concurrent medical issues. My mom died during this time. That really clarified some things in my life. I realized I’d taken a lot of things for granted. I didn’t truly appreciate the wonderfulness of my family, but especially MY sisters. I am so grateful for all of the time we got to spend together and have spent together since. We have taken a sisters and dad vacation every year since. (My dad says, “your son is your son ’til he takes him a wife but, your daughter is your daughter all of her life.”) I have gotten to know both of my sisters and my dad in different ways and learned so much about family and love.
I tell my daughters, especially when they’re fighting, there’s nothing and no one who can replace your sister, cherish every moment.
Thanks for letting me having my say.
Hi Julia, I have 5, count them, 5 sisters and the bonds are amazing. Yes there are things that have stretched and strained them but they’ve held. The funniest parts were watching my younger sisters growing up and fighting like cats and dogs. To the point of pretending the others didn’t exist in High School even. And then watching them become the best of friends as they matured. SIsterhood is something everyone woman deserves the chance to experience! IMHO
I am from a large family. My parents had 9 children over a 25 year period. I am the oldest girl, so I married and moved on before the others. All of us stayed pretty close but like most families we did drift apart as we aged. However my sisters and I get together several time a year for what we call “Sister’s Week-ends”. They are wonderful. When we meet its like we were never apart. We pick right back up and have a wonderful time.
I LOVED “A Light At Winter’s End”… bought it yesterday and finished reading it this morning! Wonderful book!! Thank you!
My sister Dorene is the rock of my life. She is 6 years older than I am and she was the one that has always been there for me. I was born in 1947 and was the third daughter. My parents were in their middle thirites which was “old” at the time to have children and really hadn’t planned on a third child.
Dorene was the one that always cared what I was doing, tended me when I was sick or searching. She never judged and only gave me love and understanding. Something I desperatly needed. I would not be the woman and mother I am today without the nuturing she gave me. When you are a child you need someone who is caring, compassionate and forgiving and Dorene is still that plus a whole lot more. Thanks DeDe for the values that you nutured in me so I could learn to care for and love others. I couldn’t have done it without you.
I always wanted a sister and I tried to persuade my older brother to become my sister instead, but it didn’t work… When I became very, very sick in my late teens, I wrote a letter to my brother telling him I was scared. The moment he received the letter he got leave from work, sublet his apartment, and was on a plane to see me within a few hours. He took me to doctors, sat with me, listened and held me, paid my rent until I was able to work again, helped me with P/T when I survived, and took me on outings to knitting stores to buy yarn so I could have something to do during the years of bed rest. If I call him, no matter what hour it is, he answers and listens and gets me to laugh. He’s the best!!!
These are great stories about sisters! Special shout-out to Betty — thank you so much! I am so happy you liked the book.
My sisters were always my heroes. I didn’t think I could imagine life without them, and two years later, it’s still really hard to imagine the rest of my life without Karen (who I have to say was the funniest woman on the planet). But you know time has a way of easing things and making it bearable. And my other sister and I are really close, so that helps.
I don’t have a sister and sometimes I wish I did. On the other hand, I’m sometimes glad I don’t. If I need any female opinions, aside from my mother, I have a great network of friends.
But it would have been great to have a sister growing up to have twice the wardrobe!
I have two sisters, and my older sister is my best friend. When we lived near each other we spent a lot of time together, taking quilting classes, going to the movies, etc. I moved across the country, but she’s been to visit me several times and I’ve been back there a few times, and hoping to visit again this summer. We talk on the phone constantly (good thing we have mobile to mobile), and see each other via Skype, so I can see her and her grandkids. My sister and I don’t really have conflicts, if we disagree, we agree to disagree and move on. She’s had conflicts with my older brother and younger sister, but I’m in the middle and I’m always the peace maker. I keep in touch with my younger sister as well, but the relationship isn’t the same as I have with my older sister.
I have an older sister and a younger sister. Through the years we have always been best friends and close as can be. There were some rough times for a couple of years but we eventually worked through them by talking and mended any hard feelings. Love usually conquers all they say. 🙂
Carol L
Lucky4750@aol.com
Julia, I am so sorry for the loss of your sister. I don’t have a sister, but I have a best friend who is like a sister to me. About 6 months ago, we got into a terrible rift, but when my husband was rushed to the hospital on Valentine’s Day, she was the first one I thought of to call. Now our rift is gone, and we are closer than ever. I do have one younger brother, though, and we are very close friends. It would kill me to lose another member of my family, I know.
I am having a terrible time locating your book, A Light At Winter’s End, and am hoping I will win.
Good luck everyone!