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Sunday, January 26, 2020

Book review: One Snowy Knight by Deborah Macgillivray

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Blurb:

ONE LAST HOPE…
Beautiful Skena MacIain, Lady of Craigendan, is on the verge of losing everything she holds dear. With her husband killed at the battle of Dunbar, and the men of Craigendan slain or captured, her small holding is protected by only the women, young boys, and old men who are left. A neighboring chieftain has set his sights on Skena, and she fears that he’ll take Craigendan by force during this coming Yuletide season. Skena needs a miracle, a wish-come-true granted by Cailleach, the Lady of Winter…but things are never so easy as just making a wish…

A WISH GRANTED…
When Skena’s young son and daughter find a wounded knight in a blinding snowstorm, she fights against the hope she begins to feel. They’ve wished for a protector—but can Noel de Servian be that man? As Skena nurses the handsome warrior back to health, even she begins to believe he might be the salvation for her little keep…and more, he might hold the key to her heart.  In a season of joy, Skena soon learns he carries a dark secret that could shake her home—and her heart—to the very core...

My review:

Give me a knight in battle-scarred armor with a dream he refuses to give up, and I'll be his damsel.

There is so much going on from the first pages of the story, you can feel the overwhelming burden that lays on Skena's shoulders and empathize with her struggles to keep hold of her dreams and desires.  However, just like any true warrior woman, despite the mounting struggles, she refused to give up and give in.  I adored her as a mother, and melted with her as she fell for her knight, and identified with her as a strong woman.

Noel de Servian survived years of war clinging to his humanity and future wishes, only to find his own weighty burden from the last battle may destroy all he clings to.  However, just like any true warrior, the moment he sees the opportunity presented before him, he goes above and beyond to lay claim to his reward of family and home and peace.  I loved his confidence in claiming Skena and her children, and his powerful desire to protect and provide for them... no matter the enemy.

So much was happening in the story with all the adventure, adversaries, worries, and intrigue, but through it all you could also clearly discern Noel and Skena's deep desire grow beyond their instant attraction and solidify into something strong and beautiful.  All the trials served their purpose, to meld the two together stronger than before.  Noel loving on Skena's children was also shown in a variety of ways that left little doubt just where he stood with them, and it's always heartmelting to see a big strong man be gentle with little ones. Another thing that stood out to me was the family bonds with the Challon men.  Brotherhood like theirs was something unique, and they cherished and nurtured it like the treasure it is.

I savored my time back in Scotland with the Dragons of Challon and I'm looking forward to discovering who's story is up next.  In the mean time, I have some novellas to check out.

Purchase links:
Kindle               Trade Paperback
  

11 comments:

  1. Congratulations on a stunning review, Deborah!

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  2. Congratulations on a well deserved wonderful review. I loved the tantalizing blurb and the cover is absolutely stunning. I know this book is going to be a sensational read. All the best to you, Deborah.

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    1. The cover was a dream. A Jon Paul cover-- something I dreamed of having. When i saw him posting the cover I KNEW it would be perfect for the story. I about fainted when he said I could use it. So I owe him a big thank you for honoring me with the cover, with John deSalvo as the model

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  3. Wow, I am humbled. She "got' my book, and I so thrilled. Thank you!

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  4. This is such a stunning cover that will have people reaching for it before they even know what this wonderful story is all about. Excellent review from Michelle, as usual. Winners, all around, Deborah for your great story.

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    1. I have gotten a lot of super covers, but never one so perfect. I cannot thank Jon Paul Ferrara enough!

      Yes, Michelle, is a great reviewer, very balanced, very polished.

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  5. Deborah, you know how much I loved this story AND this cover! I can't wait until I see what you send me next. I'm hoping for a wonderful 2020 and lots of good writing time for you, my friend! XOXO Congratulations on this wonderful review!

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    1. Every time I was near getting Redemption published something really bad happened, from a house fire to losing my husband. Now I am stuck with having a tumor removed that was devouring my jaw bone. During my recovery I was polishing, but I wasn't satisfied with the end. Then finally, it was there. So working like mad on this new stronger ending. So soon!!!

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  6. Fabulous review. The book sounds amazing, and what a cover! Congratulations on your latest release.

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