Come Winter

About The Book:  THE ADVENTURES OF A LOWLY MAIDSERVANT, A DISGUISED FUGITIVE, A SAVIOR TO THE POOR AND ENDANGERED, AND A QUEEN.  Such is the paradox of Lady Caterina Tabor, an extraordinary young girl who, en route to England, finds herself captured and at the mercy of a stern and powerful lord. Forced to work as a common kitchen maid in the dank halls of Dermoth Castle, Caty dreams of her past as a free and autonomous maiden with a bright future in the English courts—did fate have other plans?  This early trial is but the first in a litany of shocking tribulations; imprisoned, abused, accused of sorcery, and kidnapped, Caty’s life is for so long anything but charmed—but you can’t keep a soaring heart shackled. As we follow this misunderstood maiden’s journey through both the unexpected, electrifying joys of new love and the pain of mind-boggling adversity, we become eyewitnesses to the astonishing way she not only transforms herself but also enchants, inspires, and invigorates those around her.  Spanning decades of castle life, treacherous journeys, bloody battles, and heartache, Come Winter is a sweeping yet personal tale of a brave woman who at once embodies and transcends the prescribed, and oftentimes oppressive, roles her society demands. Let Clare Gutierrez (author of Dancing with the Boss) curate your voyage back to the Scottish highlands of ages past—a time and place in which simply staying alive constituted a noble adventure, and becoming a patron of the oppressed and the impoverished could make you a hallowed queen.

About The Author:  Clare Gutierrez grew up on a cattle ranch in rural Colorado as one of four children. A registered nurse, she now lives in the Rio Grande Valley of southern Texas. Together with her husband, a medical doctor, they host first-class photographers the world over at Santa Clara Ranch—a 300-acre wildlife sanctuary for native species, some of which are unique to the area.

My Thoughts On The Book:   I have never read anything by Gutierrez and since I love historical romances I thought I would give her a try.  I loved Lady Caterina.  Her spunk and tenacity reminded me of Scarlett O'Hara in Gone With The Wind.  No matter what life seemed to deal her she survived.  The rest of the characters did nothing for me.  Each new chapter in Caterina's life....seemed to start and finish the way the previous one did.  I think three separate novellas would have been better than cramming it all in one lengthy novel.  I loved the ending and even though I was disappointed at times throughout the book...the good outweighs the bad.  Would I read something by Gutierrez again....YES!  Would I recommend this book to others....most definitely. 

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this e-book free from NetGalley as part of their Book Review Blogger Programs. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”  Thank you!  Thank you!  Thank you!