When Winter Comes, V. A. Shannon
When Winter Comes, V. A. Shannon
List: $22.95 | Sale: $16.07
Club: $11.47

When Winter Comes

Author: V. A. Shannon

Narrator: Susannah Jones

Unabridged: 9 hr 57 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Published: 10/30/2018


Synopsis

In the voice of an unforgettable heroine, V. A. Shannon explores one of the most harrowing episodes in pioneer history—the ill-fated journey of the Donner Party—in a mesmerizing novel of resilience and survival.Mrs. Jacob Klein has a husband, children, and a warm and comfortable home in California. No one—not even her family—knows how she came to be out West thirteen years ago. Jacob, a kind and patient man, has promised not to ask. But if she were to tell her story, she would recount a tale of tragedy, mishaps, and unthinkable choices—yet also sacrifice, courage, and a powerful, unexpected love …1846: On the outskirts of Cincinnati, wagons gather by the hundreds, readying to head west to California. Among the throng is a fifteen-year-old girl eager to escape her abusive family. With just a few stolen dollars to her name, she enlists as helpmate to a married couple with a young daughter. Their group stays optimistic in the face of the journey’s hazards and delays. Then comes a decision that she is powerless to prevent: instead of following the wagon train’s established route, the Donner Party will take a shortcut over the Sierras, aiming to clear the mountains before the first snows descend. In the years since that infamous winter, other survivors have sold their accounts for notoriety and money, lurid tales often filled with half-truths or blatant, gory lies. Now, Mrs. Klein must decide whether to keep those bitter memories secret, or risk destroying the life she has endured so much to build.

About V. A. Shannon

V. A. Shannon trained originally as an artist in the United States, and then requalified as a lawyer in the United Kingdom, but her first love has always been writing. In 2011 she was accepted on the prestigious Faber Academy novel‑writing course. She subsequently left the security of full‑time paid employment to concentrate on her writing. She lives in Welwyn Garden City, just north of London.

About Susannah Jones

Susannah Jones is an Earphones award-winning narrator whose voice can be heard on over one hundred and fifty audiobooks. As an actress, she can be seen in musicals and Shakespeare plays across the country. She is also the librettist and co-lyricist of Bisland & Bly, a new musical about a history-making race around the world.


Reviews

Goodreads review by Julie on October 17, 2018

It has been 13 years since Mrs. Jacob Klein came west to California. She doesn't like remembering her journey west. She has three children now and a husband....and she doesn't want them to know she was part of the Donner Party. She wants to keep the horror of that winter in the wilderness a secret.......more

Goodreads review by Deanne on December 14, 2018

In the past I have read stories of the Donner Party, one of the most unfortunate wagon train trips ever to happen. Though this book is fictional and we may never know exactly what happened with so many different exaggerated stories being told by survivors this is based on true harrowing facts. In 18......more

Goodreads review by Annette on September 19, 2018

This book is based on a true story of one of the first American pioneers passing the Sierra Nevada Mountain range to reach California. “In early November, 1846, the Donner Party found the route blocked by snow and was forced to spend the winter on the east side of the mountains. Of the 81 settlers,......more

Goodreads review by Susan on October 16, 2018

This is a very gripping, fictional account about the Donner party. The author dug deep into their desperation and sorrow. This is not an easy book to read, but the author did an excellent job of putting the readers on that trail with the doomed wagon train.......more


Quotes

“A story of great courage.” Booklist