For December 2026, we wanted to choose a novel that would capture the feeling of winter at its very best: atmospheric, intimate and quietly magical. Solace in Winter by Mary Lawson is a beautifully observed story of unexpected connections, second chances and the ways in which even the smallest encounters can change the course of a life.
Set in a small Canadian town in the depths of winter in 1969, the novel follows Jack, a widower whose quiet and solitary existence is suddenly disrupted by two unexpected arrivals on the road outside his home. First comes a dog in desperate need of help. Then, lying injured in the snow, comes a young draft-dodger fleeing across the Canadian border as the Vietnam War rages on.
Before long, Jack's peaceful cabin becomes a refuge for an unlikely collection of people, each carrying their own history, hopes and secrets. But when Jack's daughter Sally arrives and becomes suspicious of what she finds, the fragile peace of his new household begins to shift.
What drew us to Solace in Winter is the extraordinary warmth Mary Lawson finds within such a stark setting. The Canadian winter provides a beautiful backdrop to a story that is ultimately about human connection: the unexpected friendships we form, the kindness we offer to strangers and the possibility of discovering something new when we least expect it.
There is also a wonderful sense of moral complexity at the heart of the novel. Mary Lawson doesn't offer easy answers, instead allowing her characters to be flawed, complicated and deeply human. Each carries their own understanding of what is right, what is necessary and what it means to care for another person, creating a story that invites reflection without ever losing its emotional warmth.
For readers familiar with Mary Lawson's previous novels, Solace in Winter returns to the beloved world of her Canadian fiction, once again demonstrating her remarkable ability to make ordinary lives feel extraordinary. For new readers, it offers a perfect introduction to a writer whose storytelling is defined by compassion, subtlety and an extraordinary understanding of human nature.
Above all, Solace in Winter is a story about finding solace in unexpected places. It reminds us that sometimes the people who arrive in our lives by accident can become the ones who change them forever.
It feels like the perfect book with which to close our PREM1ER year: beautifully written, deeply moving and filled with the warmth and humanity that make great storytelling so enduring.
Our PREM1ER Special Edition
We're delighted to have created a beautiful exclusive edition of Solace in Winter for our PREM1ER members.
Each copy will be:
✨ Signed by Mary Lawson
✨ A numbered hardback first edition
✨ Finished with bespoke foil detailing on the front board
✨ Complete with digitally sprayed edges
✨ Limited to just 1,200 copies
Created exclusively for PREM1ER, this edition has been designed to complement the quiet beauty of Mary Lawson's story while making it a special addition to any collection.
Become a PREM1ER Member
PREM1ER is more than receiving a beautiful signed book each month. It's becoming part of a community of passionate readers and collectors who love discovering exceptional fiction and building a collection of books to treasure.
Membership starts from £24.99 per month (plus shipping) with a six-month commitment.
As a PREM1ER member, you'll enjoy:
Beautiful Collectible Editions
Receive a hand-signed first edition each month, created exclusively for Goldsboro Books with bespoke finishes designed to become treasured additions to your collection.
Priority Access
Enjoy early access to many of our exclusive editions before they're available to the wider public.
Curated with Collectors in Mind
Every PREM1ER choice is selected for outstanding storytelling and lasting collectability, helping you build a library you'll treasure for years to come.
Exclusive Behind-the-Scenes Content
Enjoy author interviews, editorial insights and commentary from Goldsboro co-founder and literary agent David Headley.
15% Off Throughout Your Membership
Receive 15% discount on almost everything else you purchase from Goldsboro Books while you're an active member.
Build Your Perfect Collection
Request matching edition numbers to create a beautifully curated personal library.
Even More Member Benefits
Including exclusive newsletters, collecting advice, early announcements and member-only opportunities throughout the year.
For more than twenty years, PREM1ER has celebrated exceptional storytelling while producing editions that become treasured collectibles. Many of our authors visit our iconic Cecil Court bookshop to sign their books in person, making every copy part of Goldsboro's own story.
Whether you're an experienced collector or simply love discovering remarkable books, we'd love to welcome you into the PREM1ER community.
To find out more, contact the team at premier@goldsborobooks.com or browse our PREM1ER page HERE.
Join PREM1ER today and discover your next favourite book.
