A House in Winter

Author: Emily Hourican

Genres: Fiction, Genre Fiction

Set in January 1965, A House in Winter tells the story of the visit of Princess Margaret and Lord Snowden to his sister's home in Abbeyleix, Ireland, when they faced local opposition and IRA petrol bomb attacks that confined them, without electricity, for 48 fraught hours.

As well as the conflict outside the walls, there's plenty within, with Margaret's difficult mother in law gleefully contributing to her disintegrating marriage. Meanwhile in the nearby village local woman Cait has struggles of her own, unable to escape family responsibilities and small town life.

Inspired by real events, A House in Winter is an atmospheric and richly observed novel about duty, marriage and the different forms of captivity. Blending royal intrigue with compelling Irish community drama, it will appeal to readers of The Crown, Wendy Holden's The Duchess, Daisy Goodwin's Victoria and the warm, character-driven storytelling of Maeve Binchy.

“This a beautifully crafted and poignant book.”
- Alison Weir

“Resonant and compelling, it brings its complex subjects vividly to life. I loved it.”
- Irish Times

“Glittering, gripping and sharply observed, A House In Winter is a riveting page-turner. I devoured it!”
- Evie Woods

“Atmospheric, evocative and beautifully told”
- Louise O'Neill