I thought this book was going to be quite interesting. I liked the idea of sea swimming even in the middle of winter. I have heard there are some great health benefits to it. However, I found the storyline really boring and so hard to get stuck into. The characters fell flat pretty quickly and I ended up DNFing the book.

The author spins compelling stories about a group of four older people who are swimming buddies. In their process of swimming and being with nature they confront their own dreams, ,secrets, and challenges. I love it.
Many thanks to HarperCollins UK and to NetGalley for providing me with a galley in exchange for my honest opinion.

It is an intense and personal story about four older individuals who find acceptance, connection and the desire to live through physical exercise in the wilds of nature. Whilst I did not necessarily relate to the characters' circumstances or joy in physical exercise, the fear of ageing and loss is relatable to most, as is the solace found in being away from city life. The gentle pacing allows the reader to get to know the characters, and the sense of community, honesty and quirkiness makes this an entertaining and often poignant read. I like the vividly described setting, transparency and positivity in this story.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher.

"The Winter of Our Lives" is an incredible and heartwarming story that focuses on the themes of aging and transformation. The author masterfully portrays how this journey can be approached positively and with immense support. The plot follows four individuals who team up to participate in a swimming competition, but not just any competition - they take on the challenge of outdoor swimming in cold climates, defying the freezing temperatures.

Personally, I was immediately drawn to this book because of its emphasis on the healing power of nature and the experiences of middle-aged individuals. The story beautifully illustrates how nature can revitalize our spirits and how friendship and support can bring new meaning and purpose to our lives.

This book was an absolute gem for me. As someone who has always loved hiking and being in nature, a diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis (MS) forced me to change my lifestyle. Despite needing a physical outlet, it was challenging to find a suitable activity until I discovered the benefits of outdoor swimming and dipping. My sister-in-law encouraged me to try it since it's known to be beneficial for people with MS and autoimmune diseases. Since then, I have become addicted to the sport.

"The Winter of Our Lives" weaves together the lives of four unlikely individuals who come together to swim in lakes and, in doing so, become the support group and friends they all so desperately needed. It's a beautiful story that I highly recommend to any middle-aged female outdoor swimmers out there. It would make a thoughtful and incredible gift for any nature lover or someone going through a similar journey

The download date was unfortunately missed, I would be happy to re-review if it became available again. I have awarded stars for the book cover and description as they both appeal to me. I would be more than happy to re-read and review if a download becomes available. If you would like me to re-review please feel free to contact me at thesecretbookreview@gmail.com or via social media The_secret_bookreview (Instagram) or Secret_bookblog (Twitter). Thank you.

The Winter of Our Lives is a story about aging and reinvention. Through the characters the author presents how this journey can be undertaken in a positive and supportive way. The story revolves around four people teaming up to enter a swimming competition. Not just any type of swimming - but rather the brave souls who pursue outdoor swimming in cold climates 🥶

I was attracted to this book for its focus on the importance and healing power of nature and also its focus on the more middle aged people. Just as in how the water and outdoors revitalises, in symmetry readers see how lives can be revitalised through friendship and support.

‘… they were in. Back in the lake, bringing with them a rainbow of emotions, certain that here, in this magical water, they could breathe deep, absorb the smells, tastes and sounds of nature, and re-emerge a short while later, not as three middle-aged women, but as three swim-tanned water warriors.’

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced copy of this book.

I found this to be uplifting read, I enjoyed how all the characters came together through their love of the cold and formed friendships, taking control of their own happiness.
This novel is written really well, it gave an inspirational aspect of what we can achieve though fiction, it still gave the same feelings whilst reading.

This novel was a perfect find for me.
All my life I had been an avid hiker and outdoor adorer until my MS diagnosis and progression altered my future in a desolating way. Still needing a physical release and nature I have been testing out outdoor swimming and dipping. My sister-in-law encouraged me into the cold water as it is beneficial to MS and autoimmune diseases. I have been addicted ever since.
The Winter of our Lives, is an interwoven story of 4 unlikely people meeting up to swim in lakes and becoming the support group and friends that they all so desperately needed.
The perfect book for those female, middle aged, outdoor swimmers in your life. Maybe pop a copy in their thermal, neoprene Christmas stockings this year.