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A Rose in Winter
🎧Listening Length = 21 hours and 53 minutes
From a New York Times bestselling author known as the creator of the modern historical romance novel: Although her love has long belonged to another, beautiful Erienne Fleming weds the aloof yet gentle Lord Saxton to help her father pay off his debts. But can she resist the passionate pull of her heart? A compelling tale read by an Audie Award–winning narrator.
The fairest flower in Mawbry is Erienne Fleming, the enchanting, raven-haired daughter of the village mayor. Charming, spirited and exquisitely lovely, she is beset on all sides by suitors, any one of whom would pay a king’s fortune for a place in her heart. But Erienne has eyes for only one: the dashing and witty young Yankee, Christopher Seton.
But marriage for love is not to be, for her irresponsible and unscrupulous father, crippled by gambling debts, is intent on auctioning off his beautiful daughter to the highest bidder. And in the end, Erienne is devastated to find it is the strange and secretive Lord Saxton who has purchased her–a mysterious, tragic figure who wears a mask and a cloak at all times to hide disfiguring scars gained in a terrible fire some years back.
But in the passing days, Saxton’s true nature is revealed to her. A gentle and adoring soul, he treats his new bride with warmth and abiding tenderness, yet appears to her only by daylight. She, in turn, vows to be a good and loyal wife to him. And then Christopher Seton reenters Erienne’s world.
Conflicted by emotions she cannot suppress, Erienne valiantly attempts to remain honorable to her elusive, enigmatic husband but feels herself irresistibly drawn to Seton’s passion, his fire, and his secrets. Entangled in intrigues she doesn’t yet understand, Erienne Fleming will soon have to make a devastating choice: between love and honor…between her duty and her heart.
From a New York Times bestselling author known as the creator of the modern historical romance novel: Although her love has long belonged to another, beautiful Erienne Fleming weds the aloof yet gentle Lord Saxton to help her father pay off his debts. But can she resist the passionate pull of her heart? A compelling tale read by an Audie Award–winning narrator.
The fairest flower in Mawbry is Erienne Fleming, the enchanting, raven-haired daughter of the village mayor. Charming, spirited and exquisitely lovely, she is beset on all sides by suitors, any one of whom would pay a king’s fortune for a place in her heart. But Erienne has eyes for only one: the dashing and witty young Yankee, Christopher Seton.
But marriage for love is not to be, for her irresponsible and unscrupulous father, crippled by gambling debts, is intent on auctioning off his beautiful daughter to the highest bidder. And in the end, Erienne is devastated to find it is the strange and secretive Lord Saxton who has purchased her–a mysterious, tragic figure who wears a mask and a cloak at all times to hide disfiguring scars gained in a terrible fire some years back.
But in the passing days, Saxton’s true nature is revealed to her. A gentle and adoring soul, he treats his new bride with warmth and abiding tenderness, yet appears to her only by daylight. She, in turn, vows to be a good and loyal wife to him. And then Christopher Seton reenters Erienne’s world.
Conflicted by emotions she cannot suppress, Erienne valiantly attempts to remain honorable to her elusive, enigmatic husband but feels herself irresistibly drawn to Seton’s passion, his fire, and his secrets. Entangled in intrigues she doesn’t yet understand, Erienne Fleming will soon have to make a devastating choice: between love and honor…between her duty and her heart.
576 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 1, 1982
934 people are currently reading
6038 people want to read
About the author
Kathleen E. Woodiwiss
52 books1,924 followersKathleen Erin Hogg was born on June 3, 1939, in Alexandria, Louisiana, she was the youngest of eight siblings by Gladys (Coker) and Charles Wingrove Hogg, a disabled World War I veteran. She long relished creating original narratives, and by age 6 was telling herself stories at night to help herself fall asleep. At age 16, she met U.S. Air Force Second Lieutenant Ross Eugene Woodiwiss at a dance, and they married the following year. She wrote her first book in longhand while living at a military outpost in Japan.
She is credited with the invention of the modern historical romance novel: In 1972 she released The Flame and the Flower, an instant New York Times bestseller that created a literary precedent. The novel revolutionized mainstream publishing, featuring an epic historical romance with a strong heroine and impassioned sex scenes. The Flame and the Flower was rejected by agents and hardcover publishers, who deemed it as "too long" at 600 pages. Rather than follow the advice of the rejection letters and rewrite the novel, she instead submitted it to paperback publishers. The first publisher on her list, Avon, quickly purchased the novel and arranged an initial 500,000 print run. The novel sold over 2.3 million copies in its first four years of publication.
The success of The Flame and the Flower prompted a new style of writing romance, concentrating primarily on historical fiction tracking the monogamous relationship between a helpless heroines and the hero who rescued her, even if he had been the one to place her in danger. The romance novels which followed in her example featured longer plots, more controversial situations and characters, and more intimate and steamy sex scenes.
She was an avid horse rider who at one time lived in a large home on 55 acres (220,000 m2) in Minnesota. After her husband's death in 1996, she moved back to Louisiana. She died in a hospital on July 6, 2007 in Princeton, Minnesota, aged 68, from cancer. She was survived by two sons, Sean and Heath, their wives, and numerous grandchildren. Her third son, Dorren, predeceased her.
She is credited with the invention of the modern historical romance novel: In 1972 she released The Flame and the Flower, an instant New York Times bestseller that created a literary precedent. The novel revolutionized mainstream publishing, featuring an epic historical romance with a strong heroine and impassioned sex scenes. The Flame and the Flower was rejected by agents and hardcover publishers, who deemed it as "too long" at 600 pages. Rather than follow the advice of the rejection letters and rewrite the novel, she instead submitted it to paperback publishers. The first publisher on her list, Avon, quickly purchased the novel and arranged an initial 500,000 print run. The novel sold over 2.3 million copies in its first four years of publication.
The success of The Flame and the Flower prompted a new style of writing romance, concentrating primarily on historical fiction tracking the monogamous relationship between a helpless heroines and the hero who rescued her, even if he had been the one to place her in danger. The romance novels which followed in her example featured longer plots, more controversial situations and characters, and more intimate and steamy sex scenes.
She was an avid horse rider who at one time lived in a large home on 55 acres (220,000 m2) in Minnesota. After her husband's death in 1996, she moved back to Louisiana. She died in a hospital on July 6, 2007 in Princeton, Minnesota, aged 68, from cancer. She was survived by two sons, Sean and Heath, their wives, and numerous grandchildren. Her third son, Dorren, predeceased her.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 808 reviews
April 20, 2013
So. This book...confounds me.
I wanted to like it so badly. It started off so well. Or, rather, the plot sounded so good to begin with. A collection of my favorite romance tropes: Beauty and the Beast AND a married couple AND rooting for the underdog.
When a audience is this eager to like a novel, what are the chances the book could possibly go wrong?
1. Nice to Meet You, Miss; I'm Gary Stu.
"Her mind had begun to race, forming thoughts totally counter to what they had been earlier. The man was nearly perfect! Without visible flaw! Yet the question persisted. If the man was willing to wed, how could he reach a mature age without being entrapped by at least a dozen women? There must be a flaw! her common sense raged. Knowing Father, there is a flaw!" - A Rose in Winter
...There isn't. Throughout the entire novel, there is not a single flaw in the hero.
See, I understand there is quite a flow of Gary Stus and Mary Sues in romances. However, A Rose in Winter takes this to the EXTREME. These people aren't people. They are caricatures of people.
Seriously. When the heroine does nothing but rail about the perfection of the hero based on his looks, and the hero has no hobbies (other than perhaps ), no weaknesses, no quirks, NOTHING throughout the entire freaking novel, well...unfortunately, the hero is left as flat as Flat Finn. (And the heroine is no better, but we'll get there.)
2. As his small boat scudded before a brisk breeze under a sapphire sky dappled with cerulean clouds with indigo bases, through cobalt seas that deepened to navy nearer the boat and faded to azure at the horizon, Ian was at a loss as to why he felt blue.
"How deeply has this wench entrapped me?" he mused. "She has snared my spirit and my soul. Like a hawk, she has snatched them in full flight." He shook his head. "But unlike the wild bird, she harmed them not. Nay, rather took them to her breast and breathed new life into them, and they have been so blissfully refreshed, my heart is nigh to bursting. Before I came to these shores, I would have sworn my ships would ever be my love, for no maid had so captivated me as the thrill of skimming the seas beneath billowing sails." - A Rose in Winter
It's not that I dislike dense prose. I can deal with description; Meredith Duran's Duke of Shadows is one of my favorite romances of all time. Sherry Thomas tugs on my heartstrings almost every book. Departing from Romancelandia, some of my favorite novels are A Tale of Two Cities and the Count of Monte Cristo.
...But when description is used without the slightest thought for occasion, thesauruses become the new human brain, the act of making pancakes is sensationalized to a life and death experience, metaphors are utterly abused, and each tree in a forest is given an individual sentence of description - whether likening it to dark and gloomy skeletons or imposing statues - I draw the line.
Basically, it's atragedy miracle I made it through the book.
3. Brain Capacity of Heroine.
I actually do not believe I have met a whinier, more vapid, uninteresting heroine. Erienne is shallow as hell. She ranks every one of her suitors on looks - in fact, it is Christopher who enlightens her of their characters after she has dismissed them. She despises her husband, who has been nothing but kind to her, for about five hundred pages for no reason except that he's scarred. Is it reasonable to be not-attracted to a scarred man? Yes. Is it reasonable to treat him like a monster, call him the 'embodiment of [her] worst nightmares,' and act as if touching his sleeve is utterly disgusting, even when he a)treats her like an equal b)is considerate of all her feelings and c)basically grants her every whim? No. She is alsostupid not very smart; she rides through the street in broad daylight to "escape" from her father (who can totally see her...), cannot solve the most obvious conundrum in the world, and acts like a silly little girl: she literally stomps her feet, tosses her hair, and kicks the hero in the shin. She is also completely powerless in the story and requires a big strong man to save her from everything.
In summary, Erienne is a faux-feisty gorgeous beauty (think the face that launched a thousand ships, or at least, ten thousand pounds) with the depth of a puddle and the brain of a poodle. It would be nice if the Beauty had something to recommend her other than her, you know, beauty.
4. The Plot
First: immensely predictable. Not that that's bad, necessarily - I know romances are generally guaranteed a HEA - but really, when the entire conflict (because ) hinges on the heroine being tempted between two men, it's minorly frustrating when you figure out the big secret within the first fifty pages.
Second: the hero's explanation for why he does what he does is stupid.
Third: I still don't understand Erienne's fascination with Christopher. Saxon is kind to her, yes. Is Christopher? Not really. And, yet, before she connects the two personalities, she's swooning over Christopher. I found their "love" more of:
Chris: Holy cow, what a babe!
Eri: Golly, he's smokin'!
...I didn't buy it.
Fourth: The 'mystery' and the 'grand reveal.' Especially the night rider. Enough said.
Basically, this book made me want to chuck it at a wall multiple times. Plot, characterization, writing style were all crazy annoying. It destroyed a scheme that I thought would be a sure success given what I like to read.
But, STILL, for whatever reason, I finished the book.
And because somehow, this book did manage to grip me enough that I slugged through it (reading at a quarter of the pace I usually do), I awarded it an extra star for a grand total of TWO STARS.
I wanted to like it so badly. It started off so well. Or, rather, the plot sounded so good to begin with. A collection of my favorite romance tropes: Beauty and the Beast AND a married couple AND rooting for the underdog.
When a audience is this eager to like a novel, what are the chances the book could possibly go wrong?
1. Nice to Meet You, Miss; I'm Gary Stu.
"Her mind had begun to race, forming thoughts totally counter to what they had been earlier. The man was nearly perfect! Without visible flaw! Yet the question persisted. If the man was willing to wed, how could he reach a mature age without being entrapped by at least a dozen women? There must be a flaw! her common sense raged. Knowing Father, there is a flaw!" - A Rose in Winter
...There isn't. Throughout the entire novel, there is not a single flaw in the hero.
See, I understand there is quite a flow of Gary Stus and Mary Sues in romances. However, A Rose in Winter takes this to the EXTREME. These people aren't people. They are caricatures of people.
Seriously. When the heroine does nothing but rail about the perfection of the hero based on his looks, and the hero has no hobbies (other than perhaps ), no weaknesses, no quirks, NOTHING throughout the entire freaking novel, well...unfortunately, the hero is left as flat as Flat Finn. (And the heroine is no better, but we'll get there.)
2. As his small boat scudded before a brisk breeze under a sapphire sky dappled with cerulean clouds with indigo bases, through cobalt seas that deepened to navy nearer the boat and faded to azure at the horizon, Ian was at a loss as to why he felt blue.
"How deeply has this wench entrapped me?" he mused. "She has snared my spirit and my soul. Like a hawk, she has snatched them in full flight." He shook his head. "But unlike the wild bird, she harmed them not. Nay, rather took them to her breast and breathed new life into them, and they have been so blissfully refreshed, my heart is nigh to bursting. Before I came to these shores, I would have sworn my ships would ever be my love, for no maid had so captivated me as the thrill of skimming the seas beneath billowing sails." - A Rose in Winter
It's not that I dislike dense prose. I can deal with description; Meredith Duran's Duke of Shadows is one of my favorite romances of all time. Sherry Thomas tugs on my heartstrings almost every book. Departing from Romancelandia, some of my favorite novels are A Tale of Two Cities and the Count of Monte Cristo.
...But when description is used without the slightest thought for occasion, thesauruses become the new human brain, the act of making pancakes is sensationalized to a life and death experience, metaphors are utterly abused, and each tree in a forest is given an individual sentence of description - whether likening it to dark and gloomy skeletons or imposing statues - I draw the line.
Basically, it's a
3. Brain Capacity of Heroine.
I actually do not believe I have met a whinier, more vapid, uninteresting heroine. Erienne is shallow as hell. She ranks every one of her suitors on looks - in fact, it is Christopher who enlightens her of their characters after she has dismissed them. She despises her husband, who has been nothing but kind to her, for about five hundred pages for no reason except that he's scarred. Is it reasonable to be not-attracted to a scarred man? Yes. Is it reasonable to treat him like a monster, call him the 'embodiment of [her] worst nightmares,' and act as if touching his sleeve is utterly disgusting, even when he a)treats her like an equal b)is considerate of all her feelings and c)basically grants her every whim? No. She is also
In summary, Erienne is a faux-feisty gorgeous beauty (think the face that launched a thousand ships, or at least, ten thousand pounds) with the depth of a puddle and the brain of a poodle. It would be nice if the Beauty had something to recommend her other than her, you know, beauty.
4. The Plot
First: immensely predictable. Not that that's bad, necessarily - I know romances are generally guaranteed a HEA - but really, when the entire conflict (because ) hinges on the heroine being tempted between two men, it's minorly frustrating when you figure out the big secret within the first fifty pages.
Second: the hero's explanation for why he does what he does is stupid.
Third: I still don't understand Erienne's fascination with Christopher. Saxon is kind to her, yes. Is Christopher? Not really. And, yet, before she connects the two personalities, she's swooning over Christopher. I found their "love" more of:
Chris: Holy cow, what a babe!
Eri: Golly, he's smokin'!
...I didn't buy it.
Fourth: The 'mystery' and the 'grand reveal.' Especially the night rider. Enough said.
Basically, this book made me want to chuck it at a wall multiple times. Plot, characterization, writing style were all crazy annoying. It destroyed a scheme that I thought would be a sure success given what I like to read.
But, STILL, for whatever reason, I finished the book.
And because somehow, this book did manage to grip me enough that I slugged through it (reading at a quarter of the pace I usually do), I awarded it an extra star for a grand total of TWO STARS.
March 31, 2019
I'm out of practice...
I really enjoyed my step back in time reading A Rose in Winter but it also brought back a horrific memory. I have loved historical romances for many years and would save up every dollar I had to buy more. I look back at that time with fondness and even wish I could get back to that time where life didn't have as many interruptions. The horrific part of that memory...I gave away all my paperback's when I got married. I mistakenly thought *I have the love of my life in front of me, I don't need to read romance any more.* Yes, I'm a bloody idiot!
I made the mistake of sneaking a peek at a spoiler before I started A Rose in Winter.
DON'T DO IT!!!
Do not look at spoilers as it will ruin your whole experience. You don't need it. Sure, you might suffer a little anxiety but if you really put your mind to it, I'm sure you'll work out the mystery in good time.
This was a great story but it was LOOOOONG!! I'm out of practice reading these long and overly descriptive stories. I think I've become impatient and looking for the quick fix instead of sitting back and enjoying the ride. I need to be more relaxed about my reading experiences and appreciate the effort and skill the authors show when they set their scenes.
Erienne was a heroine I came to admire. At times I was frustrated with her shallow beliefs but then again she was surrounded by people who looked at her and only saw a pretty face. I would have loved to step in a few times and hand out a lecture or two. Her father was one of the most horrid characters I've ever met and he never learnt from his mistakes.
If I could only step back in time...I would NOT donate my beautiful paperbacks AND I would NOT look at the spoiler for this one.
If you enjoy a good historical romance with plenty of grit and a lot of accuracies (or what I think of as accurate) portraying the hardships of women at that time, I highly recommend A Rose in Winter. I will definitely be reading more from this author in the future.
I really enjoyed my step back in time reading A Rose in Winter but it also brought back a horrific memory. I have loved historical romances for many years and would save up every dollar I had to buy more. I look back at that time with fondness and even wish I could get back to that time where life didn't have as many interruptions. The horrific part of that memory...I gave away all my paperback's when I got married. I mistakenly thought *I have the love of my life in front of me, I don't need to read romance any more.* Yes, I'm a bloody idiot!
I made the mistake of sneaking a peek at a spoiler before I started A Rose in Winter.
DON'T DO IT!!!
Do not look at spoilers as it will ruin your whole experience. You don't need it. Sure, you might suffer a little anxiety but if you really put your mind to it, I'm sure you'll work out the mystery in good time.
This was a great story but it was LOOOOONG!! I'm out of practice reading these long and overly descriptive stories. I think I've become impatient and looking for the quick fix instead of sitting back and enjoying the ride. I need to be more relaxed about my reading experiences and appreciate the effort and skill the authors show when they set their scenes.
Erienne was a heroine I came to admire. At times I was frustrated with her shallow beliefs but then again she was surrounded by people who looked at her and only saw a pretty face. I would have loved to step in a few times and hand out a lecture or two. Her father was one of the most horrid characters I've ever met and he never learnt from his mistakes.
If I could only step back in time...I would NOT donate my beautiful paperbacks AND I would NOT look at the spoiler for this one.
If you enjoy a good historical romance with plenty of grit and a lot of accuracies (or what I think of as accurate) portraying the hardships of women at that time, I highly recommend A Rose in Winter. I will definitely be reading more from this author in the future.
April 11, 2022
(4,5 de 5)
Me ha encantado la novela, con dos partes muy claras, la primera parte donde la tensión entre los dos protagonistas era la base de historia, mantiene la intensidad y la atención en el lector, esta parte es genial, y la segunda parte en la que ella se debate entre la fidelidad y la pasión, además misterio ciertos asesinatos. Esta segunda parte me ha resultado más lenta, incluso alargada de forma innecesaria.
Con respecto a los personajes, el del padre de ella es un dolor.
Seton me ha encantado, el punto canalla es magnífico y la dulzura, educación, clase de Saxton brillante.
Erienne se vuelve loca la pobre con tanto dilema Jajajaja.
Con guiños a la historia de “la bella y la bestia” me ha parecido que ha envejecido muy bien para lo que he leído últimamente de este género.
Muy recomendable.
Me ha encantado la novela, con dos partes muy claras, la primera parte donde la tensión entre los dos protagonistas era la base de historia, mantiene la intensidad y la atención en el lector, esta parte es genial, y la segunda parte en la que ella se debate entre la fidelidad y la pasión, además misterio ciertos asesinatos. Esta segunda parte me ha resultado más lenta, incluso alargada de forma innecesaria.
Con respecto a los personajes, el del padre de ella es un dolor.
Seton me ha encantado, el punto canalla es magnífico y la dulzura, educación, clase de Saxton brillante.
Erienne se vuelve loca la pobre con tanto dilema Jajajaja.
Con guiños a la historia de “la bella y la bestia” me ha parecido que ha envejecido muy bien para lo que he leído últimamente de este género.
Muy recomendable.
March 29, 2018
Primer sentimiento: al fin lo terminé. Es una realidad que los escritores van evolucionando a medida que escriben libros, pero también es una realidad que los lectores también evolucionan, es posible que un libro que te encantó en su momento, en otro no puedas disfrutarlo tanto. Esto es lo que me ha pasado a mi con Una Rosa En Invierno. La primera vez que lo leí, tenía veintitantos años y era una fanática del cine clásico, disfruté como una enana con la historia. Esta relectura me ha pillado con 40 años, y aunque sigo siendo una fanática del cine clásico, he leído ya cientos y cientos de libros de romántica y el estilo de la Woodiwiss ya no me atrapa como antes porque busco otro tipo de historias.
Cuando pienso en el romance y las aventuras de Erienne y Christopher Seton pienso en esas películas de aventuras en Technicholor con Yvonne de Carlo o Maureen O´Hara. Con personajes ciertamente inolvidables, con muchísima química. Christopher todo un galán clásico con su socarronería, su sarcasmo, siempre me lo imagino con esa sonrisa que Rhett Butler muestra durante todo Lo que el viento se llevó, su valentía y siempre ahí para ayudar a la dama. Erienne, valiente, inocente, inteligente... Acompañados de un misterio, que aunque fácil de adivinar, es entretenido de leer, unos malos muy malos, tensión sexual y un toque de cuento clásico (La Bella y la Bestia) que son receta para el puro entretenimiento.
Y así, aunque creo que es un libro para disfrutar y le voy a dar cuatro estrellas, no es lo que yo preferiría leer en este momento. Tal y como yo lo veo es una historia de amor y aventuras, pero le falta esa profundidad en el análisis de los personajes que para mi es tan importante ahora, aquí son algo caricaturescos. Además, en ciertos momentos parece que lo único que les atrae al uno del otro es la apariencia física, qué bella es Erienne aquí, qué bella es Erienne allá, qué seductor es Christopher aquí, qué seductor es Christopher allá, meh. El estilo de la autora es a veces enrevesado, y me hace echar de menos un estilo más directo. Y por supuesto, nos encontramos varias situaciones muy sexistas, inevitables por la época en la que está situada y la época en la que está escrita.
Muy recomendable, pero siempre que sepas qué tipo de lectura vas a encontrar.
Una última nota: hay varias ediciones del libro en español, cuidado si compráis una antigua con la traducción de los años 80, es bastante peor que la más moderna y es posible que os impida disfrutar del libro. A veces buscamos ediciones con portadas que nos gustan, pero no olvidéis que lo que contiene es probablemente de mejor calidad si es más reciente.
Cuando pienso en el romance y las aventuras de Erienne y Christopher Seton pienso en esas películas de aventuras en Technicholor con Yvonne de Carlo o Maureen O´Hara. Con personajes ciertamente inolvidables, con muchísima química. Christopher todo un galán clásico con su socarronería, su sarcasmo, siempre me lo imagino con esa sonrisa que Rhett Butler muestra durante todo Lo que el viento se llevó, su valentía y siempre ahí para ayudar a la dama. Erienne, valiente, inocente, inteligente... Acompañados de un misterio, que aunque fácil de adivinar, es entretenido de leer, unos malos muy malos, tensión sexual y un toque de cuento clásico (La Bella y la Bestia) que son receta para el puro entretenimiento.
Y así, aunque creo que es un libro para disfrutar y le voy a dar cuatro estrellas, no es lo que yo preferiría leer en este momento. Tal y como yo lo veo es una historia de amor y aventuras, pero le falta esa profundidad en el análisis de los personajes que para mi es tan importante ahora, aquí son algo caricaturescos. Además, en ciertos momentos parece que lo único que les atrae al uno del otro es la apariencia física, qué bella es Erienne aquí, qué bella es Erienne allá, qué seductor es Christopher aquí, qué seductor es Christopher allá, meh. El estilo de la autora es a veces enrevesado, y me hace echar de menos un estilo más directo. Y por supuesto, nos encontramos varias situaciones muy sexistas, inevitables por la época en la que está situada y la época en la que está escrita.
Muy recomendable, pero siempre que sepas qué tipo de lectura vas a encontrar.
Una última nota: hay varias ediciones del libro en español, cuidado si compráis una antigua con la traducción de los años 80, es bastante peor que la más moderna y es posible que os impida disfrutar del libro. A veces buscamos ediciones con portadas que nos gustan, pero no olvidéis que lo que contiene es probablemente de mejor calidad si es más reciente.
July 24, 2023
I haven't read this book in years and years, but I still love it. I was just recently looking through my favorite authors I haven't read in years and I just realized that Kathleen E. Woodiwiss died back in 2007. I hadn't heard anything about that and it makes me sad that such a wonderful author had died. This was the first book I ever read of Ms. Woodiwiss and reading it again brings back a sense of deja vu of being wrapped in a warm blanket and reading this wonderful story of the love triangle of Erienne, Christoper Seton and Lord Saxton. I remember thinking years ago (I think I was like in junior high when I read this book for the first time) that it reminded me of Beauty and the Beast.
Somewhere I have a the paperback version with this cover
. I'd always thought that this was a gorgeous cover and it reminded me of a Michelangelo painting. The cover was what made me read the book. I'm a little sad that the cover isn't on my Kindle version, but I'm at least happy that Ms. Woodiwiss's books are on Kindle. I wish that Judith McNaught's publishers would put her books on Kindle.
Somewhere I have a the paperback version with this cover
. I'd always thought that this was a gorgeous cover and it reminded me of a Michelangelo painting. The cover was what made me read the book. I'm a little sad that the cover isn't on my Kindle version, but I'm at least happy that Ms. Woodiwiss's books are on Kindle. I wish that Judith McNaught's publishers would put her books on Kindle.
May 7, 2018
En realidad 4,75*
¡Que bonito por favor! Es verdad que el comienzo tal vez es un poco lento pero merece totalmente la pena. Que personajes mas bonitos, que historia... que romántico. Me ha encantado :D
¡Que bonito por favor! Es verdad que el comienzo tal vez es un poco lento pero merece totalmente la pena. Que personajes mas bonitos, que historia... que romántico. Me ha encantado :D
February 7, 2017
4.5!!! Espectacularrrr!!!! Ayyyyyyyy pero que historia mas boniiiiita!!! Una joya que debe ser leída ajuroooo!!! Es de esos libros que los terminas y ya quieres volver a leerlos porque te lo lees tan deprisa que al final echas en menos no haberle prestado su máxima atención a cada página, a cada uno de esos diálogos chispeantes entre los protagonistas!!
Decir que me encanto es quedarme corta.. Es una historia verdaderamente original imposible no quedarte enganchada a ella.. Y es mejor lanzarte a este libro sin saber absolutamente nada.. Yo me lance sin haberme leído la sinopsis si quiera y fue lo mejor que pude haber hecho. Había leído que era un libro tipo estilo Bella y la Bestia y con eso me bastó para lanzarme de una a el.. Quiero decir tantas cosas pero no puedo porque sino spolearia, pero un libro que lo guardare por siempre en mi memoria y va directo a mis primeras recomendaciones!!!
Decir que me encanto es quedarme corta.. Es una historia verdaderamente original imposible no quedarte enganchada a ella.. Y es mejor lanzarte a este libro sin saber absolutamente nada.. Yo me lance sin haberme leído la sinopsis si quiera y fue lo mejor que pude haber hecho. Había leído que era un libro tipo estilo Bella y la Bestia y con eso me bastó para lanzarme de una a el.. Quiero decir tantas cosas pero no puedo porque sino spolearia, pero un libro que lo guardare por siempre en mi memoria y va directo a mis primeras recomendaciones!!!
June 11, 2017
4,5 estrellas. Vuelvo al romance histórico con esta maravillosa historia, considerada todo un clásico y de forma muy merecida. Aunque con sus defectos (el arranque es un poco lento, a veces es reiterativa en las descripciones y la resolución del pisto -como dicen las haggards- se ve venir), se trata de una lectura imprescindible, con una protagonista de armas tomar, dos personajes masculinos maravillosos (Saxton y Seton, Christopher y Stuart) y unos malvados de libro (para mí el peor: el padre de Erienne). Con fuertes reminiscencias al cuento de La Bella y la Bestia, la película de Disney parece beber mucho de este libro escrito en 1982 (hace la friolera de 35 años).
November 21, 2016
Por fin!!!. Me ha costado terminarlo ( hasta que he llegado al 30% aproximadamente, he tardado varios meses). En defensa decir era en mi humilde y sincera opinión un pelín lento. Eso sí después de la subasta, empezó a coger velocidad y me lo he leído en 24 horas. Es un maravilla de obra y entiendo porque es de obligada lectura para todas aquellas que les guste la romántica. Y en retrospectiva, y habiendo leído este libro y otros escritos después de él, hay muchas similitudes con él en los libros posteriores.
Los personajes principales y secundarios están magníficamente descritos, sin tener que repetir una y otra vez, sus deseos y incertidumbres. Erienne es magnífica y me encantó cómo luchaba contra sus deseos y su deber. Lord Saxton es un amor, inolvidable y entrañable, que vio en todo momento el profundo amor que siente por Erienne ( sin descartar la pasión sorprendente y magnífica habilidad en la cama). Y Christopher Seton... Grrrr. Madre mía! Que manera de mirar, de hablar, de reír o sonreir...
Hay una pequeña cosita que me ronda ( no es Christopher sniff, más quisiera yo). En la parte del final hay una escena, que a mi, me recuerda muchísimo a una escena de la película La bella y la bestia de Walt Disney. Quién haya visto la película y leído éste libro sabrá a que me refiero ( o solo me lo parece a mi).
5 estrellas y leeré más libros de ésta autora, sabiendo que me costará mucho los comienzos
Los personajes principales y secundarios están magníficamente descritos, sin tener que repetir una y otra vez, sus deseos y incertidumbres. Erienne es magnífica y me encantó cómo luchaba contra sus deseos y su deber. Lord Saxton es un amor, inolvidable y entrañable, que vio en todo momento el profundo amor que siente por Erienne ( sin descartar la pasión sorprendente y magnífica habilidad en la cama). Y Christopher Seton... Grrrr. Madre mía! Que manera de mirar, de hablar, de reír o sonreir...
Hay una pequeña cosita que me ronda ( no es Christopher sniff, más quisiera yo). En la parte del final hay una escena, que a mi, me recuerda muchísimo a una escena de la película La bella y la bestia de Walt Disney. Quién haya visto la película y leído éste libro sabrá a que me refiero ( o solo me lo parece a mi).
5 estrellas y leeré más libros de ésta autora, sabiendo que me costará mucho los comienzos
December 14, 2021
"Conquest?" His voice was soft and deeply resonant. "You mistake me, Erienne. In the rush of a moment's lust, there are purchased favors, and these are for the greater part forgotten. The times that are cherished and remembered are not taken, are not given, but shared, and are thus treasured as a most blissful event." He lifted his coat on his fingertips and slung it over his shoulder. "I do not ask that you yield to me, nor do I desire to conquer you. All I plead is that you grant me moments now and then that I might present my case, to the end that we could share a tender moment at some distant time."
Her face gave no sign of softening.
"The harm you have done us all stands between us." Her tone was bitter. "And I must honor those who have honored me."
~
"I am a normal man in the guise of a beast. While you dream upon your pillows, madam, I am pierced with visions of the one my heart would have, and I roam this house in agony. Whatever distractions I find here, I welcome."
~
"I am trapped in darkness, Erienne. I can only come to you when the night will hide my face, and yet there grows in me a craving to take you in my arms while the sun is high, when I can see you flushed and warm with passion. 'Tis my hell that I must be a beast of the night."
~
"If this is all true, I don't understand why Stuart went back to Saxton Hall."
"Why does any man go back to his heritage? To clear the family name. To take his rightful place as lord of his lands. To avenge the murder and destruction of his family and bring to task those who were responsible."
This book had some of the loveliest quotes from a bodice ripper I've read in a long time. I was impressed with Woodiwiss' ability to come up with a clever turn of phrase, craft dialogue, and create atmosphere. Imo this is one of the classier bodice rippers. I was fond of Lord Saxton and greatly enjoyed the beauty and beast theme. The honesty in how Erienne approached Lord Saxton was admirable. It was amusing to see the dynamic between Christopher, Lord Saxton, and Erienne....until it was not. It was predictable from the start and went on for too long. For whatever reason I wasn't able to become emotionally invested in the Saxton's quest for revenge. The Talbots came across as stereotypical villains (rather uninteresting). In large part this is why I skimmed the last 20% of the book (after Saxton's big reveal to Erienne) and downgraded this book from 4 to 3 stars.
I want this cover as a poster in my home. Quintessential Tom Hall. I can always tell Tom Hall read the books he created covers for, because they always depict a scene or theme from the book. In this case, the heroine's tumbling dark locks and state of undress is almost a constant in A Rose in Winter. Knowing Tom Hall always depicts scenes from the book ~ this cover is also a spoiler. I wish I would've read this book when I was 14 years old. It would have easily been a 4-5 star read for me then. I'm sure I would've predicted the twist (indeed, I think the author intended the audience to know the twist before the heroine), but the hero in this book was too much of a dream boat. He was any young girl's daydream of what "the one" should be -- nothing less than perfection (well pretty close to it). While I was touched at how gently he treated the heroine regarding her reservations about losing her virginity after marriage to a stranger...combined with everything else? How well he treated her? How he doted on her? Complimented her? Expressed his unwavering love for her? It was OTT like his depiction on the cover. I guess I prefer asshole or grumpy heroes *shrug. If this sounds like your kind of hero though, go for this book --I see a lot liking the hero. There was some uneven pacing, the book was too long, but there were still parts I enjoyed reading.
Original review:
Oof. 2.5 stars. Full review to come. At first I thought this might be a 3.5 star read, rounded up to 4 stars, but I skimmed the entire last 20% of the book. There were some beautiful aspects to this romance that I'll touch on later.
Her face gave no sign of softening.
"The harm you have done us all stands between us." Her tone was bitter. "And I must honor those who have honored me."
~
"I am a normal man in the guise of a beast. While you dream upon your pillows, madam, I am pierced with visions of the one my heart would have, and I roam this house in agony. Whatever distractions I find here, I welcome."
~
"I am trapped in darkness, Erienne. I can only come to you when the night will hide my face, and yet there grows in me a craving to take you in my arms while the sun is high, when I can see you flushed and warm with passion. 'Tis my hell that I must be a beast of the night."
~
"If this is all true, I don't understand why Stuart went back to Saxton Hall."
"Why does any man go back to his heritage? To clear the family name. To take his rightful place as lord of his lands. To avenge the murder and destruction of his family and bring to task those who were responsible."
This book had some of the loveliest quotes from a bodice ripper I've read in a long time. I was impressed with Woodiwiss' ability to come up with a clever turn of phrase, craft dialogue, and create atmosphere. Imo this is one of the classier bodice rippers. I was fond of Lord Saxton and greatly enjoyed the beauty and beast theme. The honesty in how Erienne approached Lord Saxton was admirable. It was amusing to see the dynamic between Christopher, Lord Saxton, and Erienne....until it was not. It was predictable from the start and went on for too long. For whatever reason I wasn't able to become emotionally invested in the Saxton's quest for revenge. The Talbots came across as stereotypical villains (rather uninteresting). In large part this is why I skimmed the last 20% of the book (after Saxton's big reveal to Erienne) and downgraded this book from 4 to 3 stars.
I want this cover as a poster in my home. Quintessential Tom Hall. I can always tell Tom Hall read the books he created covers for, because they always depict a scene or theme from the book. In this case, the heroine's tumbling dark locks and state of undress is almost a constant in A Rose in Winter. Knowing Tom Hall always depicts scenes from the book ~ this cover is also a spoiler. I wish I would've read this book when I was 14 years old. It would have easily been a 4-5 star read for me then. I'm sure I would've predicted the twist (indeed, I think the author intended the audience to know the twist before the heroine), but the hero in this book was too much of a dream boat. He was any young girl's daydream of what "the one" should be -- nothing less than perfection (well pretty close to it). While I was touched at how gently he treated the heroine regarding her reservations about losing her virginity after marriage to a stranger...combined with everything else? How well he treated her? How he doted on her? Complimented her? Expressed his unwavering love for her? It was OTT like his depiction on the cover. I guess I prefer asshole or grumpy heroes *shrug. If this sounds like your kind of hero though, go for this book --I see a lot liking the hero. There was some uneven pacing, the book was too long, but there were still parts I enjoyed reading.
Original review:
Oof. 2.5 stars. Full review to come. At first I thought this might be a 3.5 star read, rounded up to 4 stars, but I skimmed the entire last 20% of the book. There were some beautiful aspects to this romance that I'll touch on later.
March 31, 2018
Leído justo a tiempo, para el #RetoRitaDosMarzo
He disfrutado mucho leyendo este libro, no puedo decir nada malo de el, me ha parecido una historia original, bien escrita, que me ha tenido entretenida desde el comienzo.
Seguramente leeré otros libros que visto de la autora. Espero que siga la buena racha de lecturas como estas.
He disfrutado mucho leyendo este libro, no puedo decir nada malo de el, me ha parecido una historia original, bien escrita, que me ha tenido entretenida desde el comienzo.
Seguramente leeré otros libros que visto de la autora. Espero que siga la buena racha de lecturas como estas.
July 2, 2019
A Choice Between Love and Honor in a Great Georgian Romance!
Kathleen Woodiwiss has written some truly great romances. She was a great storyteller. This one at well over 500 pages is no exception. A rose in winter...a flower blooming out of time...a sign of true love to come. Ah yes...how we love it.
Set in late 18th century England, this is the story of the Sexton noble family, whose lord and his eldest son were killed for their wealth and lands. Now the young lord, who succeeded his father, has supposedly died in a fire purposely set to end his life, the same fire that burned a wing of their mansion.
Years later, a wealthy Yankee merchant seaman, Christopher Seton, has come to the village of Mawbry seeking a place to live while he settles a debt owed him. He makes inquiries about the old Saxton Hall, still vacant after the death of the young lord.
Living in the same village is Erienne, a beauty whose only value to her father (the Mayor) is to be sold to the highest bidder among her many suitors. Her father needs the money to pay his debts, including the one he owes to Seton, who has taken a fancy to Erienne.
At the sale, the highest bidder is an agent for a mysterious "Lord Saxton," supposedly the very same lord who was thought burned in the fire. He wears a mask to hide his deformed face and walks with a deep limp. Now wed to the man, Erienne initially fears him, but he is kind and generous to her. She holds him at bay as to their physical relationship. Slowly, she comes to respect and care for him, but alongside this growing feeling for her husband is a growing attraction to the Yankee Seton.
Woodiwiss deals us a fast moving hand as the players hide their true motives and their true characters from each other. As we follow along, we are not disappointed. Like her other romances, she weaves a complex tale and provides a rich tapestry of characters. Her descriptions will put you in the scene and leave you wanting more.
If you're a Woodiwiss fan, you'll love this one.
Kathleen Woodiwiss has written some truly great romances. She was a great storyteller. This one at well over 500 pages is no exception. A rose in winter...a flower blooming out of time...a sign of true love to come. Ah yes...how we love it.
Set in late 18th century England, this is the story of the Sexton noble family, whose lord and his eldest son were killed for their wealth and lands. Now the young lord, who succeeded his father, has supposedly died in a fire purposely set to end his life, the same fire that burned a wing of their mansion.
Years later, a wealthy Yankee merchant seaman, Christopher Seton, has come to the village of Mawbry seeking a place to live while he settles a debt owed him. He makes inquiries about the old Saxton Hall, still vacant after the death of the young lord.
Living in the same village is Erienne, a beauty whose only value to her father (the Mayor) is to be sold to the highest bidder among her many suitors. Her father needs the money to pay his debts, including the one he owes to Seton, who has taken a fancy to Erienne.
At the sale, the highest bidder is an agent for a mysterious "Lord Saxton," supposedly the very same lord who was thought burned in the fire. He wears a mask to hide his deformed face and walks with a deep limp. Now wed to the man, Erienne initially fears him, but he is kind and generous to her. She holds him at bay as to their physical relationship. Slowly, she comes to respect and care for him, but alongside this growing feeling for her husband is a growing attraction to the Yankee Seton.
Woodiwiss deals us a fast moving hand as the players hide their true motives and their true characters from each other. As we follow along, we are not disappointed. Like her other romances, she weaves a complex tale and provides a rich tapestry of characters. Her descriptions will put you in the scene and leave you wanting more.
If you're a Woodiwiss fan, you'll love this one.
March 16, 2025
Note: Some of my goodreads shelves can be spoilers
Overall: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Readability: 3.5 rounded to 📖📖📖📖 (I wanted to read this, but it definitely felt long and I felt like there was a lot of extra stuff including that it really didn’t need)
Feels: 🦋🦋🦋🦋
Emotional Depth: 💔💔💔💔
Sexual Tension: ⚡⚡⚡
Romance: 💞💞💞
Sensuality: 💋💋 (I had a bit of emotional attachment but with zero explicit details and the scenes not being very developed they didn’t feel very sensual to me)
Sex Scene Length: 🍑🍑
Steam Scale (Number of Sex Scenes): 🔥 There’s a number of sex scenes but they are very short and very light in language.
Humor: A bit
Perspective: Third Person Omniscient with some of the classic old school ‘head hopping’ many are familiar with – mostly heroine’s POV but a paragraph here and there from side characters like her father, brother, etc and some from the hero.
More character focused or plot focused? character
How did the speed of the story feel? slow AF
When mains are first on page together: pretty soon in, pg 13
Cliffhanger: No, this ends with a happily ever
Epilogue: No
Format: read an owned paperback
Why I chose this book: I haven’t read an old school romance in forever, so I posted a poll of the ones I had accessible and let the Vintage Romance book group choose for me – this was the winner.
Mains: This is M/F relationship between a cishet hero and heroine
(Descriptions found at end of my review)
Should I read in order?
I think this is a stand alone?
Basic plot:
Erienne is curious about Christopher Seton – but is instead forced to marry the mysterious Lord Saxton to pay off her father’s debts.
Marking as a spoiler – if you want any kind of surprise from this novel I would just dive in! There’s a big secret that’s kept throughout most of the story.
Extra stuff like what my review breakdown means, where to find me, and book clubs
Overall: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Readability: 3.5 rounded to 📖📖📖📖 (I wanted to read this, but it definitely felt long and I felt like there was a lot of extra stuff including that it really didn’t need)
Feels: 🦋🦋🦋🦋
Emotional Depth: 💔💔💔💔
Sexual Tension: ⚡⚡⚡
Romance: 💞💞💞
Sensuality: 💋💋 (I had a bit of emotional attachment but with zero explicit details and the scenes not being very developed they didn’t feel very sensual to me)
Sex Scene Length: 🍑🍑
Steam Scale (Number of Sex Scenes): 🔥 There’s a number of sex scenes but they are very short and very light in language.
Humor: A bit
Perspective: Third Person Omniscient with some of the classic old school ‘head hopping’ many are familiar with – mostly heroine’s POV but a paragraph here and there from side characters like her father, brother, etc and some from the hero.
More character focused or plot focused? character
How did the speed of the story feel? slow AF
When mains are first on page together: pretty soon in, pg 13
Cliffhanger: No, this ends with a happily ever
Epilogue: No
Format: read an owned paperback
Why I chose this book: I haven’t read an old school romance in forever, so I posted a poll of the ones I had accessible and let the Vintage Romance book group choose for me – this was the winner.
Mains: This is M/F relationship between a cishet hero and heroine
(Descriptions found at end of my review)
Should I read in order?
I think this is a stand alone?
Basic plot:
Erienne is curious about Christopher Seton – but is instead forced to marry the mysterious Lord Saxton to pay off her father’s debts.
Marking as a spoiler – if you want any kind of surprise from this novel I would just dive in! There’s a big secret that’s kept throughout most of the story.
Extra stuff like what my review breakdown means, where to find me, and book clubs
July 12, 2018
<> Reread in July 2018 <>
Fast paced story of Erienne Fleming, impoverished daughter of Mawbry's mayor. She bears a resemblance to Catherine from Taming of the Shrew at the start, but very quickly it becomes obvious with the cards she's been dealt in life that it really isn't surprising.
Swords, fire, murder, mayhem, auctioned female, Georgian extravagance and true love. *sigh* Good stuff.
Woodiwiss had a good command of language and used it very well. The descriptives are lovely and the sentiment, passionate to treacle sweet.
Just as wonderful as I remember. Liberal use of the term Yankee in this KEW story, but instead of Gray v. Blue as in my last one, this is England v. newly-minted America. Probably my favorite Woodiwiss novel, though I am planning to reread The Wolf and the Dove later this year with Andrea, so it could be a toss up.
Fast paced story of Erienne Fleming, impoverished daughter of Mawbry's mayor. She bears a resemblance to Catherine from Taming of the Shrew at the start, but very quickly it becomes obvious with the cards she's been dealt in life that it really isn't surprising.
Swords, fire, murder, mayhem, auctioned female, Georgian extravagance and true love. *sigh* Good stuff.
I have found my rose in winter. You are my own precious love, promised to me evermore.
Woodiwiss had a good command of language and used it very well. The descriptives are lovely and the sentiment, passionate to treacle sweet.
"Honor you?" he breathed. "Sweetest Erienne, how could I not? You are ever in my thoughts bending me, twisting me, plucking at the fibers of my mind. The man inside me trembles whenever you're near, and I groan in agony for the touch of your hand laid upon me in a soft caress. I am beset with desire for you, and if I thought for one moment that you would not loathe me forever, I would ease my lusts this very night, be you willing or nay."
Just as wonderful as I remember. Liberal use of the term Yankee in this KEW story, but instead of Gray v. Blue as in my last one, this is England v. newly-minted America. Probably my favorite Woodiwiss novel, though I am planning to reread The Wolf and the Dove later this year with Andrea, so it could be a toss up.
January 7, 2008
I loved how ms. woodiwiss portrayed Lord Saxton--fierce on the outside but oh-so-tender when with Erienne. personally, the way he was described, i did not feel he was that hideous. i actually preferred him over Christopher. before any revelations were finally made open, i found myself hotly rooting for Lord Saxton. for me, Christopher (allegedly removed from Lord Saxton's presence) was cocky and outrageous. handsome as the devil of course, and totally overwhelming. but somehow he didnt quite measure up to the dark and brooding presence and, may i say, charisma, of Lord Saxton.
so it was simply a most delightful surprise when Erienne was shown the truth. i loved what transpired then between her and her husband. however, i did not quite find myself favoring Erienne. her maidenly qualms in the presence of Lord Saxton were simply way exaggerated---there were times i wanted to shake her silly for harboring overblown images about her husband.
All-in-all, A Rose in Winter is a wonderful story. as is usual for ms. woodiwiss, her dialogues for her characters were quite effusive, but still, for a story with a fairy-like quality such as this, the rich interplay of words was appropriate. when one stumbles upon the tender scenes, the dialogue is instrumental in evoking wistful fantasies of what it would be like to belong to someone like the hero of the story.
so it was simply a most delightful surprise when Erienne was shown the truth. i loved what transpired then between her and her husband. however, i did not quite find myself favoring Erienne. her maidenly qualms in the presence of Lord Saxton were simply way exaggerated---there were times i wanted to shake her silly for harboring overblown images about her husband.
All-in-all, A Rose in Winter is a wonderful story. as is usual for ms. woodiwiss, her dialogues for her characters were quite effusive, but still, for a story with a fairy-like quality such as this, the rich interplay of words was appropriate. when one stumbles upon the tender scenes, the dialogue is instrumental in evoking wistful fantasies of what it would be like to belong to someone like the hero of the story.
June 20, 2018
Y colorín colorado esta MARAVILLA-MARAVILLOSA se ha acabado ^.^ 5 estrellitas porque no hay más
¡Cómo me ha gustado! La verdad es que estuve bastante desorientada (hasta que me pispé) porque no podía creer que Christopher no fuera el protagonista, con esa personalidad tan arrolladora, esos ojos achispados y esos diálogos con Erienn (a la que me costó cogerle cariño porque madre mía que pichotina es la mujer durante la mayor parte del libro).
Hace muchos años leí Río de pasiones o Petals on the River y me gustó muchísimo, no recordaba la forma de escribir de la autora, que a pesar de estar bien cargada de descripciones no son de las "que molestan".
►Reseña completa en Mi Rinconín de Lectura◄
¡Cómo me ha gustado! La verdad es que estuve bastante desorientada (hasta que me pispé) porque no podía creer que Christopher no fuera el protagonista, con esa personalidad tan arrolladora, esos ojos achispados y esos diálogos con Erienn (a la que me costó cogerle cariño porque madre mía que pichotina es la mujer durante la mayor parte del libro).
Hace muchos años leí Río de pasiones o Petals on the River y me gustó muchísimo, no recordaba la forma de escribir de la autora, que a pesar de estar bien cargada de descripciones no son de las "que molestan".
►Reseña completa en Mi Rinconín de Lectura◄
February 24, 2019
I have to admit, I have more tolerance regarding H/h behavior in HR books, especially when the setting were before 19th century, than CR books.
This author’s H can be very awful sometimes, so it was a pleasant surprise when the hero(es) in this story is the opposite 😍.
So, this is a very lovely read with an interesting plot.
I found out from a tweet in twitter and I already knew what’s happening but because of it I want to read this book ☺️.
I wasn’t disappointed with the story, the only thing that made me unhappy is the heroine!
Hello, we have a rather shallow chit here, who judge her husband’s physical appearance a way bit much 🙄. But all good at the end, eventhought the process is slow, she started to love her ‘Beast’ husband. Who will not anyway? He was a wonderful guy!
However the story more than that, and I let you to find out by yourself 😘.
❤️❤️❤️
This author’s H can be very awful sometimes, so it was a pleasant surprise when the hero(es) in this story is the opposite 😍.
So, this is a very lovely read with an interesting plot.
I found out from a tweet in twitter and I already knew what’s happening but because of it I want to read this book ☺️.
I wasn’t disappointed with the story, the only thing that made me unhappy is the heroine!
Hello, we have a rather shallow chit here, who judge her husband’s physical appearance a way bit much 🙄. But all good at the end, eventhought the process is slow, she started to love her ‘Beast’ husband. Who will not anyway? He was a wonderful guy!
However the story more than that, and I let you to find out by yourself 😘.
❤️❤️❤️
April 13, 2023
4.5 en realidad
Es complicado opinar sobre una novela tan viejuna, pero intentaré hacer reseña
Reseña completa: https://masromance.blogspot.com/2023/...
Es complicado opinar sobre una novela tan viejuna, pero intentaré hacer reseña
Reseña completa: https://masromance.blogspot.com/2023/...
February 6, 2019
Una historia perfecta. Lord Saxton, me quedo con él.
July 11, 2017
Acabo de terminar el libro y aún albergo en mí una mezcla de sensaciones. Ha sido un no parar desde que llevara apenas un cuarto del libro y me ha enganchado tanto, que en estos días no he podido hacer otra cosa que terminarlo. Pero, ¿qué puedo decir de Una rosa en invierno? Que es sencillamente cautivadora y que solo leerla te hace soñar, estremecerte, enfurecerte y desear con la misma pasión de Erienne al tener frente a ella a Christopher Seton. Sin duda ha sido una lectura a la altura, o incluso más, de mis expectativas, ya que mi madre me la recomendó con tanto ahínco, y yo sentí tal interés por el libro, que solo pude esperar hasta terminar el anterior para ponerme con este.
Aunque no me costó mucho adivinar algunas cosas, otras se escaparon de mi control; además de las numerosas escenas de acción que tanta emoción me transmitieron. Como ningún otro libro, aunque Mo Fàil se le acercara en su momento, me ha hecho sentir en un tiempo (teniendo en cuenta también que hay ciertos meses del año en los que apenas leo). Sin duda, un buen libro con una buena trama y unos buenos personajes secundarios, además de los protagonistas, que han sabido jugar perfectamente su papel. Algunos me mantuvieron bien engañada y, por eso y por otras causas aún más importantes, es por lo que este libro se merece mis completas 5 estrellas. La verdad es que hacía tiempo que no leía una novela romántica histórica que me gustara tanto como Deseo Rebelde, de Julie Garwood, pero este, sin duda, me ha cautivado de la misma manera.
Una lectura que podría repetir en el futuro.
La reseña será publicada en el blog en septiembre.
PD: disculpadme por no haber podido contener mi entusiasmo y mi emoción al escribir esta opinión, pero estoy segura de que en cualquier otro momento, o de cualquier otra forma, seguiría sin hacerle justicia a lo que he sentido con este libro.
Aunque no me costó mucho adivinar algunas cosas, otras se escaparon de mi control; además de las numerosas escenas de acción que tanta emoción me transmitieron. Como ningún otro libro, aunque Mo Fàil se le acercara en su momento, me ha hecho sentir en un tiempo (teniendo en cuenta también que hay ciertos meses del año en los que apenas leo). Sin duda, un buen libro con una buena trama y unos buenos personajes secundarios, además de los protagonistas, que han sabido jugar perfectamente su papel. Algunos me mantuvieron bien engañada y, por eso y por otras causas aún más importantes, es por lo que este libro se merece mis completas 5 estrellas. La verdad es que hacía tiempo que no leía una novela romántica histórica que me gustara tanto como Deseo Rebelde, de Julie Garwood, pero este, sin duda, me ha cautivado de la misma manera.
Una lectura que podría repetir en el futuro.
La reseña será publicada en el blog en septiembre.
PD: disculpadme por no haber podido contener mi entusiasmo y mi emoción al escribir esta opinión, pero estoy segura de que en cualquier otro momento, o de cualquier otra forma, seguiría sin hacerle justicia a lo que he sentido con este libro.
July 5, 2019
A Choice Between Love and Honor in a Great Georgian Romance!
Kathleen Woodiwiss has written some truly great romances. She was a great storyteller. This one at well over 500 pages is no exception. A rose in winter...a flower blooming out of time...a sign of true love to come. Ah yes...how we love it.
Set in late 18th century England, this is the story of the Sexton noble family, whose lord and his eldest son were killed for their wealth and lands. Now the young lord, who succeeded his father, has supposedly died in a fire purposely set to end his life, the same fire that burned a wing of their mansion.
Years later, a wealthy Yankee merchant seaman, Christopher Seton, has come to the village of Mawbry seeking a place to live while he settles a debt owed him. He makes inquiries about the old Saxton Hall, still vacant after the death of the young lord.
Living in the same village is Erienne, a beauty whose only value to her father (the Mayor) is to be sold to the highest bidder among her many suitors. Her father needs the money to pay his debts, including the one he owes to Seton, who has taken a fancy to Erienne.
At the sale, the highest bidder is an agent for a mysterious "Lord Saxton," supposedly the very same lord who was thought burned in the fire. He wears a mask to hide his deformed face and walks with a deep limp. Now wed to the man, Erienne initially fears him, but he is kind and generous to her. She holds him at bay as to their physical relationship. Slowly, she comes to respect and care for him, but alongside this growing feeling for her husband is a growing attraction to the Yankee Seton.
Woodiwiss deals us a fast moving hand as the players hide their true motives and their true characters from each other. As we follow along, we are not disappointed. Like her other romances, she weaves a complex tale and provides a rich tapestry of characters. Her descriptions will put you in the scene and leave you wanting more.
If you're a Woodiwiss fan, you'll love this one.
Kathleen Woodiwiss has written some truly great romances. She was a great storyteller. This one at well over 500 pages is no exception. A rose in winter...a flower blooming out of time...a sign of true love to come. Ah yes...how we love it.
Set in late 18th century England, this is the story of the Sexton noble family, whose lord and his eldest son were killed for their wealth and lands. Now the young lord, who succeeded his father, has supposedly died in a fire purposely set to end his life, the same fire that burned a wing of their mansion.
Years later, a wealthy Yankee merchant seaman, Christopher Seton, has come to the village of Mawbry seeking a place to live while he settles a debt owed him. He makes inquiries about the old Saxton Hall, still vacant after the death of the young lord.
Living in the same village is Erienne, a beauty whose only value to her father (the Mayor) is to be sold to the highest bidder among her many suitors. Her father needs the money to pay his debts, including the one he owes to Seton, who has taken a fancy to Erienne.
At the sale, the highest bidder is an agent for a mysterious "Lord Saxton," supposedly the very same lord who was thought burned in the fire. He wears a mask to hide his deformed face and walks with a deep limp. Now wed to the man, Erienne initially fears him, but he is kind and generous to her. She holds him at bay as to their physical relationship. Slowly, she comes to respect and care for him, but alongside this growing feeling for her husband is a growing attraction to the Yankee Seton.
Woodiwiss deals us a fast moving hand as the players hide their true motives and their true characters from each other. As we follow along, we are not disappointed. Like her other romances, she weaves a complex tale and provides a rich tapestry of characters. Her descriptions will put you in the scene and leave you wanting more.
If you're a Woodiwiss fan, you'll love this one.
February 18, 2017
Erienne Fleming no puede evitar que su padre le busque un matrimonio ventajoso, es así -y pese a sus objeciones- como acabará casándose y convirtiéndose en Lady Saxton. La joven se encontrará en una encrucijada, entre dos afectos: por su marido que pese a todo lo misterioso que lo rodea la ha tratado bien y por Christopher Seton, un hombre que aparece en los momentos más oportunos.
Ha sido una delicia leer este libro, me ha gustado y entretenido a partes iguales. Tenía expectativas bastante altas con la novela por lo que había leído sobre la misma, y pese a que ya me olía como iba a terminar ese trío me ha gustado la historia. Ése motivo es quizás por lo que no le encontré esa emoción, creo que era evidente como se desenvolvería todo, para mí fue más que indiscutible y un alivio porque no sé si mi corazón aguantaría hasta el mismísimo final con tanta tensión.
Me han encantado tanto Erienne, como Christopher y Stuart. Erienne creo que tiene todo: es fuerte y débil en las situaciones debidas y los dos pretendientes pues cada uno tiene lo suyo y Christopher se lleva la palma, me he divertido mucho con él.
La historia de amor a tres bandas es sin duda muy intensa y romántica a más no poder, y la historia tiene todo lo que podamos desear: intriga, amor, pasión, traiciones…
El final creo que está bastante completo y no deja nada pendiente, que siempre es de agradecer.
En resumen, “Una rosa en invierno” es una novela romántica que lo tiene todo llena de pasión, intensa, romántica y… entrañable.
Ha sido una delicia leer este libro, me ha gustado y entretenido a partes iguales. Tenía expectativas bastante altas con la novela por lo que había leído sobre la misma, y pese a que ya me olía como iba a terminar ese trío me ha gustado la historia. Ése motivo es quizás por lo que no le encontré esa emoción, creo que era evidente como se desenvolvería todo, para mí fue más que indiscutible y un alivio porque no sé si mi corazón aguantaría hasta el mismísimo final con tanta tensión.
Me han encantado tanto Erienne, como Christopher y Stuart. Erienne creo que tiene todo: es fuerte y débil en las situaciones debidas y los dos pretendientes pues cada uno tiene lo suyo y Christopher se lleva la palma, me he divertido mucho con él.
La historia de amor a tres bandas es sin duda muy intensa y romántica a más no poder, y la historia tiene todo lo que podamos desear: intriga, amor, pasión, traiciones…
El final creo que está bastante completo y no deja nada pendiente, que siempre es de agradecer.
En resumen, “Una rosa en invierno” es una novela romántica que lo tiene todo llena de pasión, intensa, romántica y… entrañable.
August 16, 2013
This is my 3rd favorite Woodiwiss book behind Flame and the Flower and The Wolf and the Dove. I saw one one star review that says the book starts with a rape. It doesn't. I think they are thinking about Flame and the Flower. The H does not rape the h in this book. There is definitely a dubcon element explained below
*** spoiler ***
She thinks she is sleeping with her scarred husband but is actually with the H (who is her husband, he's just not the scarred man she thinks he is). So there is no actual infidelity that takes place (which I hate). Anyway, the plot is inplausible, but I enjoyed all the sexual tension.
*** spoiler ***
She thinks she is sleeping with her scarred husband but is actually with the H (who is her husband, he's just not the scarred man she thinks he is). So there is no actual infidelity that takes place (which I hate). Anyway, the plot is inplausible, but I enjoyed all the sexual tension.
April 30, 2018
Libro leído fuera del #RetoRita2, pero que me apetecía mucho terminar.
Le doy las 5 estrellas y más si tuviera. Me ha encantado, me lo he pasado genial y ha hecho que me enganche la lectura. No me daba cuenta del avance de las páginas y lo he terminado en poco tiempo.
Creo que le haré una reseña en el blog, porque hay mucho que contar. A grandes rasgos, tenemos un inicio que se hace un poco cuesta arriba y repite la misma idea varias veces, aunque para mí no resulta molesto. A partir de cierto momento, todo va cuesta abajo y sin frenos y sabe enganchar hasta el final.
Decir que me maravilla la descripción de lord Saxton, me parece un trabajo narrativo brillante, a pesar de lo obvio, lo cual es fascinante para mí. Por supuesto la novela tiene sus defectos, bastante evidentes, pero eso no empaña en ningún momento la lectura y hace que sea una obra que sin duda recordaré.
Me ha gustado mucho, la volvería a leer sin duda :)
Le doy las 5 estrellas y más si tuviera. Me ha encantado, me lo he pasado genial y ha hecho que me enganche la lectura. No me daba cuenta del avance de las páginas y lo he terminado en poco tiempo.
Creo que le haré una reseña en el blog, porque hay mucho que contar. A grandes rasgos, tenemos un inicio que se hace un poco cuesta arriba y repite la misma idea varias veces, aunque para mí no resulta molesto. A partir de cierto momento, todo va cuesta abajo y sin frenos y sabe enganchar hasta el final.
Decir que me maravilla la descripción de lord Saxton, me parece un trabajo narrativo brillante, a pesar de lo obvio, lo cual es fascinante para mí. Por supuesto la novela tiene sus defectos, bastante evidentes, pero eso no empaña en ningún momento la lectura y hace que sea una obra que sin duda recordaré.
Me ha gustado mucho, la volvería a leer sin duda :)
March 7, 2018
UNA JOYA!
Eso es este libro. Un clásico que es todo un disfrute para cualquier amante de la romántica. Y para mi ha sido como leerlo por primera vez porque hacía ya muchos años que lo leí y no recordaba nada.
Todo lo que puedo decir sobre "Una rosa en invierno" es positivo, ni siquiera me han resultado pesadas esas descripciones tan tediosas a las que hace alarde la autora a lo largo de la lectura.
Y es que ¿cómo podría hacerlo si Christopher Seton brilla por su encanto y magnetismo durante toda la novela?
Este personaje emana una sensualidad brutal y es prácticamente imposible no enamorarte de él.
Erienne también me ha gustado muchísimo, los diálogos entre los protagonistas no tienen desperdicio ninguno y con pequeños toques de humor que me han hecho disfrutar aún mas si cabe.
La trama, los personajes secundarios, el desarrollo de las intrigas y todos los acontecimientos en los que se ve envuelta la pareja, todo queda perfectamente hilado para mi.
Una maravilla!!! 😍
Eso es este libro. Un clásico que es todo un disfrute para cualquier amante de la romántica. Y para mi ha sido como leerlo por primera vez porque hacía ya muchos años que lo leí y no recordaba nada.
Todo lo que puedo decir sobre "Una rosa en invierno" es positivo, ni siquiera me han resultado pesadas esas descripciones tan tediosas a las que hace alarde la autora a lo largo de la lectura.
Y es que ¿cómo podría hacerlo si Christopher Seton brilla por su encanto y magnetismo durante toda la novela?
Este personaje emana una sensualidad brutal y es prácticamente imposible no enamorarte de él.
Erienne también me ha gustado muchísimo, los diálogos entre los protagonistas no tienen desperdicio ninguno y con pequeños toques de humor que me han hecho disfrutar aún mas si cabe.
La trama, los personajes secundarios, el desarrollo de las intrigas y todos los acontecimientos en los que se ve envuelta la pareja, todo queda perfectamente hilado para mi.
Una maravilla!!! 😍
November 30, 2021
Me ha gustado mucho. Es lo primero que leo de esta autora, recomendada por todo el mundo como un gran clásico y un imprescindible.
Aunque casi desde el principio se intuye la verdad, eso no es impedimento para que sea interesante y te mantenga atrapada. Los protagonistas me han encantado, sobre todo Lord Saxton, esa forma en que se la gana poco a poco, aunque claro, Christopher tiene ese encanto canalla que a veces es irresistible. Erienne es una muchacha a veces demasiado inocente y me da pena como su padre la trata, pocos padres he leído como ese, de verdad que se hace odiar mucho.
Se parece en algunas cosas al cuento La Bella y la Bestia, sobre todo en las escenas finales me ha recordado mucho a la película de Disney 😍.
El único pero que le puedo poner es que algunas veces lo alarga de forma innecesaria para mi gusto, pero la historia de amor es muy bonita y estás deseando seguir para saber qué pasa.
Una lectura que he disfrutado y con unos personajes maravillosos 🌹♥️
Aunque casi desde el principio se intuye la verdad, eso no es impedimento para que sea interesante y te mantenga atrapada. Los protagonistas me han encantado, sobre todo Lord Saxton, esa forma en que se la gana poco a poco, aunque claro, Christopher tiene ese encanto canalla que a veces es irresistible. Erienne es una muchacha a veces demasiado inocente y me da pena como su padre la trata, pocos padres he leído como ese, de verdad que se hace odiar mucho.
Se parece en algunas cosas al cuento La Bella y la Bestia, sobre todo en las escenas finales me ha recordado mucho a la película de Disney 😍.
El único pero que le puedo poner es que algunas veces lo alarga de forma innecesaria para mi gusto, pero la historia de amor es muy bonita y estás deseando seguir para saber qué pasa.
Una lectura que he disfrutado y con unos personajes maravillosos 🌹♥️
March 31, 2018
Con un comienzo complicado, no sé si más por la idea que yo me hice en mi cabeza tras leer la sinopsis que por la novela en sí, cuando conseguí meterme en la historia la he disfrutado muchísimo. Ha sido una historia romántica con una heroína fuerte, independiente, sola, que descubre sus pasiones pero que va por la vida con pies de plomo, intentando protegerse de todo y de todos.
No es difícil llevar el hilo de lo que ocurre desde el principio pero os aseguro que eso no resta entretenimiento a las idas y venidas de la pareja. La pasión de esta novela es un casi continuo, un sí pero no, es erotismo por instantes prohibidos, y me ha encantado. He llegado a sentirme un poco ella y a vivir esos momentos como propios.
Opinión en el blog
No es difícil llevar el hilo de lo que ocurre desde el principio pero os aseguro que eso no resta entretenimiento a las idas y venidas de la pareja. La pasión de esta novela es un casi continuo, un sí pero no, es erotismo por instantes prohibidos, y me ha encantado. He llegado a sentirme un poco ella y a vivir esos momentos como propios.
Opinión en el blog
December 1, 2012
1.5 stars
Oh my, was this book awful. The writing is laughably bad. I love lush, descriptive prose (Sherry Thomas, Loretta Chase). I even love unnecessarily detailed descriptions (Diana Gabaldon). But I just could not stomach the overwrought, purple prose of this book. Here is an example. I defy anyone to read this without gagging:
It goes on but I will spare you. Mind you, he's speaking to himself in an empty room. Hamlet, he's not.
And then there is the heroine. I have rarely hated a character as much as I hated Erienne, with her head tossing and foot stamping and general uselessness. At one point she decides to steal a horse and run away from home, so naturally she rides it down the main street where her father can see her fleeing. Why would I want to waste my time on a heroine so stupid? Her abject terror of Lord Saxton because he was scarred was insulting. I was ready for him to throw her back to her other sniveling suitors, and good riddance.
Lord Saxton himself was described as a Georgian era Darth Vader, which I found mildly amusing. As the original book was published fairly soon after The Empire Strikes Back came out, I doubt it was coincidental.
I actually increased my rating from 1 star to 1.5 stars because there was the glimmer of an interesting plot hidden beneath the layers of horrible writing and ridiculous characterizations. I had the plot figured out by around page 70, but predictability isn't necessarily a fatal flaw in a romance. Beauty and the Beast is one of my favorite tropes, but in most versions, Beauty has something more going for her than her appearance. In this book, she really doesn't, at least for the first half of the book. She does eventually show some degree of loyalty to Lord Saxton, which was her only redeeming virtue and probably the reason I didn't just give up on the book altogether. Well, that and the fact I was reading this for a book club. If I'd been reading it on my own, I would have given up in the first chapter. It's really that bad.
Oh my, was this book awful. The writing is laughably bad. I love lush, descriptive prose (Sherry Thomas, Loretta Chase). I even love unnecessarily detailed descriptions (Diana Gabaldon). But I just could not stomach the overwrought, purple prose of this book. Here is an example. I defy anyone to read this without gagging:
"How deeply has this wench entrapped me?" he mused. "She has snared my spirit and my soul. Like a hawk, she has snatched them in full flight." He shook his head. "But unlike the wild bird, she harmed them not. Nay, rather took them to her breast and breathed new life into them, and they have been so blissfully refreshed, my heart is nigh to bursting...."
It goes on but I will spare you. Mind you, he's speaking to himself in an empty room. Hamlet, he's not.
And then there is the heroine. I have rarely hated a character as much as I hated Erienne, with her head tossing and foot stamping and general uselessness. At one point she decides to steal a horse and run away from home, so naturally she rides it down the main street where her father can see her fleeing. Why would I want to waste my time on a heroine so stupid? Her abject terror of Lord Saxton because he was scarred was insulting. I was ready for him to throw her back to her other sniveling suitors, and good riddance.
Lord Saxton himself was described as a Georgian era Darth Vader, which I found mildly amusing. As the original book was published fairly soon after The Empire Strikes Back came out, I doubt it was coincidental.
I actually increased my rating from 1 star to 1.5 stars because there was the glimmer of an interesting plot hidden beneath the layers of horrible writing and ridiculous characterizations. I had the plot figured out by around page 70, but predictability isn't necessarily a fatal flaw in a romance. Beauty and the Beast is one of my favorite tropes, but in most versions, Beauty has something more going for her than her appearance. In this book, she really doesn't, at least for the first half of the book. She does eventually show some degree of loyalty to Lord Saxton, which was her only redeeming virtue and probably the reason I didn't just give up on the book altogether. Well, that and the fact I was reading this for a book club. If I'd been reading it on my own, I would have given up in the first chapter. It's really that bad.
October 11, 2015
Me lo he pasado genial leyéndola y por eso le doy las 5 estrellitas, ese disfrute me compensa cualquier fallo que tenga la novela (que los tiene). Una novela clásica clásica. La he leído en inglés y está claro que el inglés en el que escribe esta mujer no es el que yo conozco XDDDDDD Descriptiva y reiterativa (a veces en exceso) pero se ha sacado de la manga una historia que lo tiene todo, pisto, emoción, intriga, dolor de barriga, amor y tensión sexual muy bien puesta en los momentos perfectos. Y un hombre... Por Dior Christopher Seton, te vendo mi alma y mi Playstation, lo que me pidas ♥♥♥ Me ha puesto las enaguas por las orejas
En fin, que la reseña de Cassie ( aquí ) lo explica todo mucho mejor que yo :)
Repetiré con la Woodiwiss sin duda (aunque yo estos tochos los tengo que espaciar, que mi cerebro se funde XDDDD)
(Por cierto, yo la renombraría "Erienne y la ristra de hombres que se la quieren calzar" XD)
En fin, que la reseña de Cassie ( aquí ) lo explica todo mucho mejor que yo :)
Repetiré con la Woodiwiss sin duda (aunque yo estos tochos los tengo que espaciar, que mi cerebro se funde XDDDD)
(Por cierto, yo la renombraría "Erienne y la ristra de hombres que se la quieren calzar" XD)
January 5, 2015
Made it to 4 1/2 stars; but hero was too much of an asshat at the beginning of the book to get a full ★★★★★. Not my fav by this author (so I've only read it twice, LOL!), but still miles higher than other authors who wrote in this era.
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