Angie is 34 and trying to figure out her life. She works at Lindell, an extensive retirement community with wings for memory care and assisted living, because she wants to use her Masters in Social Work to aid others, but she’s getting restless. She’s worried her father, in his second marriage, is drinking again. She worries that at 34, she’s too distrustful, but at the same time she’s not totally sure about Matt.
Matt’s her boyfriend. He works in a bar, is very handsome, and has some things about his past that worry her. Is she being too picky? Or is he giving off major red flags? For example, is he a bit too friendly with a previous waitress from the bar, who was arrested for dealing drugs? Or is he just a supportive friend? Is he really into her, or is he working an angle? On the other hand, she loves being with him, and he is attentive and caring.
Angie’s work at Lindell brings in some interesting stories. A local student asks permission to talk with residents about their life stories, and although Angie’s initial reaction isn’t positive, the stories themselves turn out to be intriguing, pulling her deep into family dynamics.
A Winter Night is peopled with fully-fleshed characters who feel like people you might know, or meet on the street. Author Anne Leigh Parrish does an amazing job of creating realistic people, with everyday problems. She’s adept at writing moments the reader can feel. Ultimately, Angie has to look at the pieces of her life, look at how her past affects her present decisions, and decide whether or not she will trust Matt. Will she put more weight on his good points or his bad points? What does her heart say?
