Such an elegant exploration of the concept of personal winters, so many passages hit squarely home with me that my copy is packed full of bookmarks. I loved the deeply personal aspects as it felt like you’re being taken into Katherine May’s confidence, whilst the wisdom learnt from the other stories dispersed throughout gave a love,y depth to the experience. Above all, I loved the sense of optimism balanced by acceptance that May cultivates, and encourages readers to: that we all have winters, but they can be endured with a sense of peace and calm until the warmth returns.

This book offers a gentle and thoughtful reflection on what the author calls wintering, the periods in life when everything feels cold, slow or uncertain. Through personal experience, reflections on nature and references to literature and cultural traditions, the author creates a soothing exploration of how we can navigate difficult seasons with more patience and care. The writing has a calm and lyrical quality that makes the reading experience feel comforting. The descriptions of winter, hibernation and retreat are peaceful and grounding, and the way the author draws from myth, history and the natural world helps the idea of wintering feel universal. Her reflections on illness, exhaustion and emotional overwhelm are honest and relatable, and her approach offers reassurance rather than pressure. This is the sort of book that invites you to slow down and breathe. It encourages a more cyclical understanding of life and shows how quieter moments can hold their own kind of strength. It is a beautifully written and cosy read, especially for the colder months, and it offers gentle inspiration for anyone seeking rest or clarity. Read more at The Secret Book Review.

After a beautifully introspective start, the book became rather dull. I skipped a lot of chapters which I found uninspiring and unimaginatively written. I was glad when it was finally over.