My own quest to remember fantasy adventure

[Tomte]

Opening pages talk about a kingdoms threat of invasion. A boys home is burned and some of family murdered? A stranger/storyteller arrives in the village that the boy does errands for. My strongest memory from the book is of a young girl who resists being chosen the lead role in a yearly seasonal ritual (winter?). I believe there was another girl who all assumed would get the part but instead the girl who doesn't want it is chosen.

[Trike]

I got nothin'. The description is too generic, I'm afraid.

[Brenda]

Was it hardback or paperback? Was it a YA? About when did you read it -- ten years ago, twenty? Can you remember anything about the cover, or the names of the characters?

[Sarah]

Trike wrote: "I got nothin'. The description is too generic, I'm afraid."

The world has ended ;)

[Tomte]

The book was a paperback(ace publishing?)with a white spine and began in 2013. It was either first in a series or standalone. I figured my recollection from the rising action was vague but hoped it may have connected with someone. thanks for taking a look at my post.

[Anil]

is it snow queen?