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A Rose in Winter: Mail Order Mountain Brides Book One
This Beauty and the Beast retelling spins a new tale in the rustic mountains of the Old West.
A mistaken mail-order bride who thinks she’s found the perfect match. A reclusive mountain man who swears off matrimony. And an unexpected love that may lead both to a better future.
Arriving in town during a deadly blizzard, Rose is rescued by the man she thinks she’s meant to marry, only to find herself stuck with his rough and brooding brother instead. With no clue as to why he’s forgotten her, she’s fiercely determined to make him remember.
When Warren discovers a lost woman on his mountain who claims they’re destined to marry, he’s convinced she’s lost her senses. Knowing she sustained a head injury, he plays along, but soon the truth unravels to reveal that he’s the wrong man, and she’s very much the wrong woman.
They’d both rather send her home, but the mountain isn’t forgiving and Rose is forced to stay with him for the rest of an uncomfortable winter. With their lives completely at odds, will misunderstandings drive them apart, or will love find a way?
A Rose in Winter is a faith-based historical take on a classic fairytale that will keep readers captivated until the very last page.
A mistaken mail-order bride who thinks she’s found the perfect match. A reclusive mountain man who swears off matrimony. And an unexpected love that may lead both to a better future.
Arriving in town during a deadly blizzard, Rose is rescued by the man she thinks she’s meant to marry, only to find herself stuck with his rough and brooding brother instead. With no clue as to why he’s forgotten her, she’s fiercely determined to make him remember.
When Warren discovers a lost woman on his mountain who claims they’re destined to marry, he’s convinced she’s lost her senses. Knowing she sustained a head injury, he plays along, but soon the truth unravels to reveal that he’s the wrong man, and she’s very much the wrong woman.
They’d both rather send her home, but the mountain isn’t forgiving and Rose is forced to stay with him for the rest of an uncomfortable winter. With their lives completely at odds, will misunderstandings drive them apart, or will love find a way?
A Rose in Winter is a faith-based historical take on a classic fairytale that will keep readers captivated until the very last page.
184 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 25, 2024
31 people are currently reading
24 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
November 22, 2024
very well done
A very well done book to read. A Rose that shows up to marry one person to marry the other. A well written book by Willow Callaway and Penny Kate. I really enjoyed reading this book. Had several things happen in the book that made it enjoyable.
A very well done book to read. A Rose that shows up to marry one person to marry the other. A well written book by Willow Callaway and Penny Kate. I really enjoyed reading this book. Had several things happen in the book that made it enjoyable.
June 10, 2025
Snow. Winter. Mountains. Unforgiving terrain. Wolves. Not a good place for a woman. Unless your name is Rose. She came to the mountain in Telluride, CO, to marry a man she has never met. Rose is a mail order bride.
Adam is the man she is going to marry. They get along great in the letters they have been sending back and forth. When she meets, who she thinks is Adam, she wonders what she ever saw in him. He is very large and mountain man through and through.
Warren, Adams brother, doesn’t know why this strange woman is there on the mountain and doesn’t want her there. She is impulsive and headstrong. She keeps telling him that she doesn’t know why he brought her here and why she keeps mentioning marriage. He soon realizes that she is there to marry Adam, but he pretends to be Adam (what I got out of it anyway).
When wolves threaten Warren and Rose, they must help each other and soon discover feelings for each other. They both realize that falling in love would betray Adam, (he passed while Rose was coming to Telluride). They must navigate that while fighting off a mean, land grabbing neighbor who wants control of the mountain, no matter the cost.
They realize that Adam would want them to both be happy and take care of the mountain. I love this book but I at first I was a little unsure. (honestly). It’s sweet and has God’s love and redemption woven throughout.
(I recived an ARC copy from Voracious Readers Only but this review is my own)
Adam is the man she is going to marry. They get along great in the letters they have been sending back and forth. When she meets, who she thinks is Adam, she wonders what she ever saw in him. He is very large and mountain man through and through.
Warren, Adams brother, doesn’t know why this strange woman is there on the mountain and doesn’t want her there. She is impulsive and headstrong. She keeps telling him that she doesn’t know why he brought her here and why she keeps mentioning marriage. He soon realizes that she is there to marry Adam, but he pretends to be Adam (what I got out of it anyway).
When wolves threaten Warren and Rose, they must help each other and soon discover feelings for each other. They both realize that falling in love would betray Adam, (he passed while Rose was coming to Telluride). They must navigate that while fighting off a mean, land grabbing neighbor who wants control of the mountain, no matter the cost.
They realize that Adam would want them to both be happy and take care of the mountain. I love this book but I at first I was a little unsure. (honestly). It’s sweet and has God’s love and redemption woven throughout.
(I recived an ARC copy from Voracious Readers Only but this review is my own)
August 13, 2024
I just finished reading A Rose in Winter, and I have to say, it was such a delightful read! 💕 This short and sweet fairytale retelling had me hooked from the very first page—I actually read it all in one sitting!
What I loved most is how it dives straight into the story, skipping the long-winded introductions that sometimes lose my attention. The writing style is super easy to follow, making it so effortless to picture every scene in vivid detail.
Plus, it’s got some fantastic tropes! If you’re into the grumpy sunshine dynamic, you’ll love this one. And can we talk about the strong female lead? She was everything I wanted in a character—determined, brave, and absolutely relatable. The supporting characters were just as amazing, adding so much depth to the story.
If you’re a fan of fairytale retellings, this book is definitely one to add to your TBR! 📚✨
One thing I usually don't like in short stories but was NOT a problem in this case are the supporting characters. They are usually bland without depth or much personality, but not in this case. I loved Margaret!
What I loved most is how it dives straight into the story, skipping the long-winded introductions that sometimes lose my attention. The writing style is super easy to follow, making it so effortless to picture every scene in vivid detail.
Plus, it’s got some fantastic tropes! If you’re into the grumpy sunshine dynamic, you’ll love this one. And can we talk about the strong female lead? She was everything I wanted in a character—determined, brave, and absolutely relatable. The supporting characters were just as amazing, adding so much depth to the story.
If you’re a fan of fairytale retellings, this book is definitely one to add to your TBR! 📚✨
One thing I usually don't like in short stories but was NOT a problem in this case are the supporting characters. They are usually bland without depth or much personality, but not in this case. I loved Margaret!
November 26, 2024
Mistaken identity!
Danger, death, deceit and feral wolves meet Rose when she arrives to meet her groom, add this to the mistaken identity and Rose and Warren have a dangerous and emotional journey to find a HEA. Rose is feisty and fiery, she has a temper but she also loves with her whole heart and doesn't hesitate to defend and protect when needed, she embraces mountain life in a way she never expected and has truly found her home.
Warren finds himself questioning everything he thought he knew before Rose crashes into his life, she is everything he has always avoided, exactly what he thought he could live without, but now craves like the air he needs to breathe. He can't possibly want her, she's forbidden..... isn't she? I love seeing the transformation from growly and angry to hopeful and loving.
I really enjoyed this first book in the series, a great twist on Beauty and the Beast, I read this on Kindle Unlimited.
Danger, death, deceit and feral wolves meet Rose when she arrives to meet her groom, add this to the mistaken identity and Rose and Warren have a dangerous and emotional journey to find a HEA. Rose is feisty and fiery, she has a temper but she also loves with her whole heart and doesn't hesitate to defend and protect when needed, she embraces mountain life in a way she never expected and has truly found her home.
Warren finds himself questioning everything he thought he knew before Rose crashes into his life, she is everything he has always avoided, exactly what he thought he could live without, but now craves like the air he needs to breathe. He can't possibly want her, she's forbidden..... isn't she? I love seeing the transformation from growly and angry to hopeful and loving.
I really enjoyed this first book in the series, a great twist on Beauty and the Beast, I read this on Kindle Unlimited.
July 17, 2025
If you love Beauty and The Beast, you will love this story. It's definitely a little predictable at times, but cute. Rose is a mail ordered bride that arrives in the middle of a snowstorm to surprise her husband to be. There is a case of mistaken identity as the story unfolds. Rose thinks she is there to marry the Beast, assuming he is the one she has been corresponding with. When she finds out otherwise, it's too late since the snow storm has prevented anyone from getting down the mountain. There is also the problem of wolves in the area. They normally aren't in that area, but someone has lured them in. It all comes to a head one stormy, snowy night and everything is revealed. There are hints of the Bible and mentioned of God throughout the story, but it's not overwhelming. If you love mail ordered bride stories, and clean romance, then this is the story for you.
July 26, 2025
This book really perked my interest mainly because it had a feel of my favorite movie (seven brides for seven brothers). When it came to a woman going into the mountains not knowing who or what she had attached herself to.
There was a massive twist right from the start and it laid the foundations for a wonderfully, sweet romance to build up from a major misunderstanding. There are a few points of prayer and Christian feel to it, but it’s not overwhelming and doesn’t steal the spotlight of the main story.
The book itself was written very well, the writing flows seamlessly and the characters go get your attention and you empathise with some of them from the start. The few twists in there will keep you on the edge of your seat and holding your breath for a result.
A sweet read that is very enjoyable.
There was a massive twist right from the start and it laid the foundations for a wonderfully, sweet romance to build up from a major misunderstanding. There are a few points of prayer and Christian feel to it, but it’s not overwhelming and doesn’t steal the spotlight of the main story.
The book itself was written very well, the writing flows seamlessly and the characters go get your attention and you empathise with some of them from the start. The few twists in there will keep you on the edge of your seat and holding your breath for a result.
A sweet read that is very enjoyable.
September 4, 2025
A Rose in Winter is an exhilarating read, full of unknown danger and a budding romance. Rose goes by mule, up the Telluride Mountain to look for her fiancé, she is there to marry. Only, she finds a whole different situation awaiting.
I loved Rose's strong, courageous attributes. She showed resilience and was very inspiring. More than once, she went out in the winter storm when she shouldn't have. The wolves were hungry. Warren was courageous, stubborn, but all mountain man.
The ending wrapped everything up nicely; a story that kept me on the edge of my seat for more pages than I can count. I received a complimentary copy from the author; a positive review is not required. All opinions are my own.
I loved Rose's strong, courageous attributes. She showed resilience and was very inspiring. More than once, she went out in the winter storm when she shouldn't have. The wolves were hungry. Warren was courageous, stubborn, but all mountain man.
The ending wrapped everything up nicely; a story that kept me on the edge of my seat for more pages than I can count. I received a complimentary copy from the author; a positive review is not required. All opinions are my own.
December 18, 2025
Cute love story.
Rose is a mail order bride traveling to Colorado to meet her husband Adam. When Adam doesn’t meet her at the agreed upon spot, she does want anyone would do climb up to the mountain to meet him. Instead she meets her brother Warren who is the polar opposite of Adam. Rose thinks Warren is Adam, and Warren has no clue that Rose is looking for Adam. Will love strike these two? Where is Adam?
Furiends if you are looking for a quick love story; this is the one. For me personally, I felt the story was a little rushed. I could not grasp the connection between the two, and I thought there was no character development. Just a quick love story.
Rose is a mail order bride traveling to Colorado to meet her husband Adam. When Adam doesn’t meet her at the agreed upon spot, she does want anyone would do climb up to the mountain to meet him. Instead she meets her brother Warren who is the polar opposite of Adam. Rose thinks Warren is Adam, and Warren has no clue that Rose is looking for Adam. Will love strike these two? Where is Adam?
Furiends if you are looking for a quick love story; this is the one. For me personally, I felt the story was a little rushed. I could not grasp the connection between the two, and I thought there was no character development. Just a quick love story.
February 25, 2024
Rose and Warren meet in a case of mistaken identity. They each hate that they are attracted to the other. :)
That is a minor drama in the story. The real scary drama are the wolves attacking this far up the mountain.
This creates all the action in the story and those scenes are scary and exciting and also draw out the romantic relationship.
The story was engaging and fun and frequently brought to mind the Beauty and the Beast animated film.
This is my voluntary review of a copy I received from one of the authors.
That is a minor drama in the story. The real scary drama are the wolves attacking this far up the mountain.
This creates all the action in the story and those scenes are scary and exciting and also draw out the romantic relationship.
The story was engaging and fun and frequently brought to mind the Beauty and the Beast animated film.
This is my voluntary review of a copy I received from one of the authors.
February 27, 2024
A Rose in Winter is Book #1 in a new series entitled Mail Order Mountain Brides and is a retelling of Beauty and the Beast. It is a sweet and heartwarming story and one that is action packed which includes danger, suspense, wolves, mistaken identity and romance. This is Rose and Warren's story and the character development is outstanding. This is a real page turner you are going to want to read to find out whether Rose and Warren have their very own HEA. I know you will enjoy it as much as I did.
March 21, 2024
Warren and Rose
This is a little unusual mail order bride tale. Rose arrives to be the bride of Adam Dennehey only he did not come to get her to take her to get married. She questions people and gets direction to the Dennehey home high on the mountain. Unbeknownst to her a blizzard was coming, but she and the mule she got from the livery trudged on. She is attacked by wolves and is rescued by a handsome mountain man and taken to his home. You will enjoy this tale and discover if she find her happily ever after.
This is a little unusual mail order bride tale. Rose arrives to be the bride of Adam Dennehey only he did not come to get her to take her to get married. She questions people and gets direction to the Dennehey home high on the mountain. Unbeknownst to her a blizzard was coming, but she and the mule she got from the livery trudged on. She is attacked by wolves and is rescued by a handsome mountain man and taken to his home. You will enjoy this tale and discover if she find her happily ever after.
February 4, 2025
This book delivers exactly what you’d expect from a Christian romance inspired by Beauty and the Beast. The plot was well-developed enough, and the storyline kept me engaged throughout. While the romance was enjoyable, I wish there'd been more of a gradual build-up rather than an immediate deep connection between the characters.
That said, I appreciated the unique twist on the classic fairy tale. It’s a quick, easy read, perfect for a cozy February love story. I’d recommend it for a YA audience looking for a sweet, faith-based romance with a familiar yet refreshing feel.
That said, I appreciated the unique twist on the classic fairy tale. It’s a quick, easy read, perfect for a cozy February love story. I’d recommend it for a YA audience looking for a sweet, faith-based romance with a familiar yet refreshing feel.
February 25, 2024
This book is a sweet romance that hooks you on the first page and doesn't let go. Rose and Warren's story is full of drama, action, suspense and a wonderful love story. The authors brought the story to life with their words; you can see the scenery, feel the emotions and you feel like were there. This book was a great read.
I received a complimentary copy and was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.
I received a complimentary copy and was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.
February 26, 2024
I enjoyed the book! Rose came to Colorado as a mail order bride but her groom didn’t show up to meet her. She starts going up the mountain to find his place. She becomes lost in the blizzard, is thrown from a mule and is surrounded by wolves! Warren rescues her but she thinks he is her groom to be but he’s actually his brother. There is unexpected happenings and drama before the book comes to its exciting conclusion! I highly recommend reading this book!
January 1, 2025
First I want to thank the authors for letting me read this work via Voratious Readers. I do acknowledge that this book has it's place and audience. Unfortunately, it was not for me.
The story is rather predictable, not just because of the 'Beauty and the Beast' aspect. Rather the rather cardboard cut out reactions of the two main characters and the antagonist. There wasn't a huge amount of development of the land grab plot line- this felt really rushed. Given that this is supposed to be part of a series focusing on women in the settlement of the West, there was remarkably little of this. Knowing a fraction of this aspect of the Wild West, I was hoping for a more rounded view of life for women at the time and in that place. It was why I opted to read the story. Sadly, I was disappointed.
The story is rather predictable, not just because of the 'Beauty and the Beast' aspect. Rather the rather cardboard cut out reactions of the two main characters and the antagonist. There wasn't a huge amount of development of the land grab plot line- this felt really rushed. Given that this is supposed to be part of a series focusing on women in the settlement of the West, there was remarkably little of this. Knowing a fraction of this aspect of the Wild West, I was hoping for a more rounded view of life for women at the time and in that place. It was why I opted to read the story. Sadly, I was disappointed.
May 21, 2025
I’m not a romance girlie, so I was kinda hesitant about reading this book, but it had me hooked in the first chapter! It is a romance, faith based, action and mystery all in one! I really love that it was a clean faith based book. The characters were very well written, lovable, and relatable. This book hits many different emotions of love, grief and guilt. It really makes you feel how the characters are feeling and how they view things. The only issue I had was that it was too short and I would love to know more about the history of Margaret! I need a story just for her! You looking for a quick feel good read, I totally will suggest this amazing book!
- I received a complimentary copy of this book from the authors, Penny Kate and Willow Callaway, via Voracious Readers Exchange for my honest review. Thank you so much!
- I received a complimentary copy of this book from the authors, Penny Kate and Willow Callaway, via Voracious Readers Exchange for my honest review. Thank you so much!
September 24, 2025
A beautiful retelling of Beauty and the Beast. Penny and Willow bring us Rose, who is a mail order bride that ends up meeting the wrong brother and staying with him. Warren is a grumpy man and doesn't really want her there with him. It's a quick fun read that will have you finishing it in one sitting. The characters are very well done, and it shows the story with a loving spirit throughout. A book full of grace. Can't wait to see what else they have written!
February 29, 2024
The Telluride area of Colorado was my husband’s favorite place and we spent many a week in this area. The authors took me there with their description of the mountains. I wasn’t familiar with these authors but loved their characters and storyline. We got romance (well, finally), humor, danger, a villain, and a faithful dog. I look forward to their next book in this series.
March 2, 2024
This was a clean beauty and the beast remake with a few twists. Rose is a mail order bride but her intended is the brother of the man who saved her from being attacked by wolves Warren who is like a reclusive beast. She is an avid reader like the original character. There is a bad guy with evil intentions who wants Rose for himself. The servants also try to matchmake Rose and Warren.
January 13, 2025
I have always been fascinated by stories of mail order brides. I can’t imagine going far away to a part of country you have ever been to put your life in the hands of a complete stranger but that is exactly what Rose did. To top it off she gets lost in the wilderness during a blizzard! A very enjoyable fast read. I am so happy to see it is a series and I already have the next one to read.
June 15, 2025
This book was just adorable. It was short, sweet and fluffy. I love these characters, all their imperfections and flaws and I really liked the fairytale adaption as well. I really loved the Catholic aspect as well. Recommend for a short lovely read. (I received a copy from voracious reader but didn’t have to write a review)
did-not-finish
January 12, 2026I DNF this one- I do plan to one day, but this is not a retelling of Beauty and the Beast. It's pretty much the exact story just the main character has a different backstory. I got a fair ways into the book and there's no creativity there. Hopefully once I pick it back up I can get further into it and find some value in it.
April 3, 2024
This book was ok. It follows Rose as she moves to the mountains to be married only to find her betrothed has died. She then falls in love with his brother Warren. While she navigates her new feelings they have to battle wolves at every turn and Nicholas who feels the land is his.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 8, 2025
It started off good. But the book feels like it's just the highlights of the book, not the whole story. It has the potential to be a good book if it was more developed and added more detail and storyline. Also, it is very predictable. 🤷🏻♀️
March 13, 2025
The book was a sweet chocolate drink in the winter. I read the book in 1 hour. This is, in my opinion, the ideal book for a young reader who enjoys fairy stories or an adult like myself who prefers sweet stories.
I received a REVIEW edition from VARIOURSLY READERS for my honest review.
I received a REVIEW edition from VARIOURSLY READERS for my honest review.
August 6, 2025
I had the privilege of receiving an ARC and I am so glad I did. It started with action right from the beginning and didn’t stop, so I was fully engaged from start to finish. A wonderful story that shows the power of love.
October 17, 2025
Thank you Penny Kate and Willow Callaway for the opportunity to review this ARC copy.
*I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.*
Grumpy/sunshine, Beauty and the Beast on the Hallmark channel 🫑
*I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.*
Grumpy/sunshine, Beauty and the Beast on the Hallmark channel 🫑
February 29, 2024
Unique take on Beauty and the Beast. I enjoyed it and think others will too.
May 21, 2024
Loved the fierce determination of Rose to follow her heart in love
July 2, 2024
It’s a beautiful Christian romance. So sweet! A breath of fresh air.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews