The Heart of Winter

by Shona Kinsella

Readers of Sistersong by Lucy Holland, Cast Long Shadows by Cat Hellisen and The Pendragon Cycle by Stephen Lawhead wil love this fantasy tale of folklore and myth from Scotland.

When Brigit is faced with a forced marriage to Aengus, god of Summer, she flees into the highlands in search of the Cailleach, the Queen of Winter. There, she hopes to learn how to live on her own terms, without the need for a man to speak for her, but can she persuade the Cailleach that she is worthy? Caught between two gods and finding an unlikely ally in the Fae witch, Nicnevin, Brigit will be tested to her limits and beyond.

FLAME TREE PRESS is the imprint of long-standing Independent Flame Tree Publishing, dedicated to full-length original fiction in the horror and suspense, science fiction & fantasy, and crime / mystery / thriller categories. The list brings together fantastic new authors and the more established; the award winners, and exciting, original voices. Learn more about Flame Tree Press at www.flametreepress.com and connect on social media @FlameTreePress

Genres: Fantasy, Folklore, Young Adult, Fiction, Scotland

264 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 16, 2024

Reviews

[Zsu]

I’m a sucker for a pretty cover ✨

[Natalie all_books_great_and_small · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review as part of the book tour hosted by Random Things Tours.

3.5 Stars.
The Heart of Winter is a fantasy story blended with scottish folklore and myths.
We follow Brigit, who's being forced into a marriage to Aengus - the god of summer who has only agreed to help her village in exchange for her hand in marriage. Brigit goes in search of Cailleach - the Queen of Winter desperately seeking her knowledge and help to stop the marriage and enable her to live independently without need of a man to speak for her. Brigit finds herself trapped between two gods, pushing her beyond limits she even knew she had.
The folklore and mythology of the story is really interesting and is something I'd like to explore more since reading this. The characters were interesting, and the setting was enchanting, and I found myself speed reading this story. I did find parts of the story didn't gel as much as they could have done, and some parts felt dragged out, but overall I enjoyed this book and found it a refreshing change.

[Mariella Taylor · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a book I was a little torn on. There were a lot of things that were really cool, and yet, I didn't feel like they were always well executed.

Heart of Winter is about a girl named Brigit. Her village is on the edge of starvation, and she finds out that a marriage with the god of summer has been arranged for her. Her parents are in disagreement about this with the village elders. And Brigit is willing to sacrifice herself if it will save a dear friend. But then, the worst happens and so Brigit sets out to go find the goddess of winter, someone who she greatly admires, and hopes will free her from the god of summer.

When I first started reading, I was really excited about this. The world was really interesting, the cultures and lores very expressive. But the deeper I got into the story, the more I realized there were some things that really annoyed me.

Primarily, the fact that the story often skims over emotional issues unless they're big "turning points". For me, this makes the "turning points" feel unearned because I haven't really watched the character struggle through things and make decisions for herself.

There's a lot of repeated ideas and information but Brigit actually DOES very little on her own. Much of what happens engages her as a more passive character because the ones doing things to change her status and life are the gods and goddesses around her rather than herself--especially once she reaches the land of the gods.

I also felt like it was a little lazy to just solve everything by going "I guess rather than making sacrifices and doing hard things we'll just make you the goddess of spring so that you're not subjected to making life changing personal decisions you don't want to make." It's fine, I guess, but I just felt like it was a really lazy and passive way to write it. It also cheapened all the stakes and consequences set up in the rest of the story.

And everything happening in the final 10% of the story felt like it should've been discussed and happening in the first 25% of the story so everything that occurred was really...unnecessary? And cheapened?

What I did love very much about the story though were the character relationships in the beginning. Specifically the relationships between Brigit and her parents and Brigit and her friend Mary. The set up at the beginning set up so much internal conflict and such high stakes that it really excited me for the book. I just felt like the middle and ending rather fell flat because the author wasn't willing to make Brigit do hard things. She was so set on pushing forth the message that women should be able to choose love for themselves that there were a lot of missed opportunities.

I also felt like Aengus didn't deserve to be villainized the way he was. Did he do some things wrong? Yes. Should he have approached things differently? ....not really. What he did felt natural to the original set up and culture of the world. And honestly, he came off as a really kind person. But I felt like the author spent so much time trying to villainize him for the sake of her theme that it was a bit of a turn off from that part of the story. It felt like she was trying to take modern ideas, morals, and themes and force them into a book that just...isn't that.

I did, however, LOVE the winter queen's wolves. They were the best part of the latter 2/3ds of the story for me.

So, overall, I think there was a lot of GREAT material in the story. But I just felt like so much of it wasn't well utilized at all and could've been written in a manner that felt more natural to the world and culture that the author set up at the start of the story. It was enjoyable enough for the most part, but something I'll remember for its wasted potential. 2.5 rounded up to 3.

[Runalong · Rating 4 out of 5]

Inventive subversion of a the idea of a magical bargain with ancient Gods mixes in with gorgeous storytelling and a refreshing read - highly recommended

Full review - https://www.runalongtheshelves.net/bl...

[Lynsey · Rating 4 out of 5]

‘The Heart of Winter’ is a lovely fantasy book based on Scottish mythology. It is set at the time of early Christianity when there was a blurring between the old beliefs and this new religion. I was very excited to pick this book up and it did not disappoint with its beautiful storytelling and world-building. For a fantasy book, it's a short read and I flew through it in a couple of settings as it was very engaging.

Brigit is contented with her life, living with her parents and helping around the croft and village. But she is determined that she doesn't want to get married and if so does only if she is in love. When the weather foretells of a wet summer and early winter the local elders appeal to the old gods for help. The Lord of Summer Aengus agrees to help on one condition, the hand of Brigit in marriage. They agree without consulting Brigit and in defiance she travels to the Queen of Winter, Cailleach for help.

It's books like these that I adore as they teach me about part of my heritage of which I have no idea. This was part of Scottish mythology that had passed me by and I loved getting to know about them and it led to much googling and rabbit holes! I liked Brigit as she was a strong character who was determined to go her own way, even if she was slightly too modern for the time of history this book was set in. She had a lot of empathy for people and that was her grounding in life and her greatest strength. As someone who loves the landscape of Scotland in winter, I thoroughly enjoyed reading about Cailleach and the ‘human’ embodiment of it.

This is a beautifully written and highly descriptive book and I wish it had been even longer! Thoroughly recommend it.

[Courtney (moyashi_girl) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved The Heart of Winter!
It follows Brigit, who is being forced to marry Aengus, the God of Summer. She flees in search of Cailleach, The Goddess of Winter, in hopes of learning to live her life on her own terms free from men's control. She is soon caught between the two gods and even finds an unlikely ally in a Fae Witch...

The Heart of Winter was really well written and had an amazing story that had me hooked from page one.
I really loved Brigit, she was such an amazing character.
I also really grew to love Cailleach, Aengus, and Nicnevin, though my favourites were probably the two wolves!
At 230 pages, the book did feel a little short, and I do wish it was longer, but I still loved it so much, and it didn't really affect my enjoyment in any way.
I already miss the characters and world! The book also had some lovely heartwarming moments that i adored, and it made the book feel quite cozy.

I definitely highly recommend this book, especially to anyone interested in Scottish folklore.
I also think fans of The Winternight Trilogy could really love this just as much as I did as there were definitely some similarities between the two.

[noemi · Rating 2 out of 5]

it really pains me to say that this book was not at all what i expected. it had such good potential to be a good story but it feels like this was a first draft rather than an edited book? not a massive fan of the storytelling, which i found lacking in so many ways. although the bones of the story are really valid, the characters have not been developed at all. it’s not a cosy fantasy, it’s not romantasy, it’s not high fantasy (?) feels like it’s a mix of so many things but none of them are properly developed or delivered. gorgeous cover tho!

[Josef Hernandez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! Just preorder this book today and read it as soon as you can.

For a full review, please go to https://areviewerdarkly.blogspot.com/... and follow me on X @josenher

[Borbala Hanto · Rating 5 out of 5]

A strong-willed Scottish maiden who refuses to give in to an unjust bargain over her fate. An indifferent goddess of Winter (with two adorable wolves of course), who slowly starts to care for a mundane and the glowing Lord of Summer who is responsible for the ordeal in the first place.
Two gods, exact opposites of each other, fighting over a human who becomes the true savior of her people and the Highlands. This story has a little bit of everything: fantasy elements, a thread to reality and lovable, relatable characters to carry the narrative.
Brigit displays a modern-thinking, independent and decisive, yet caring, amiable and altruist young woman in an age where women mostly had no choice but to adhere to the will of men. I honestly liked her depiction (let's forget about historical accuracies for a moment) and even more the graphic sentences about nature, and the Highlands. The mythology is just as amazing as any other more-known folklore, probably the only thing which was a bit disappointing is how shortly I came to the conclusion. I wish the plot was unraveling more of this ancient magical world, and Brigit would have had more adventures on her own.
Nevertheless, I stand by my decision that this is a great book and anyone who is interested in Scottish culture should give it a chance.
(Honestly, the book cover by itself should be praised for it's neat look, but since the content is just as enjoyable, I really love it!)

[Paula Learmouth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Based on Scottish mythology, as well as the beginning of Christianity. Brigit lives with her parents in Scotland a place that is still ruled by tribes and largely Pagan. When Brigit asks her best friend Mary who is crying at the well what is wrong, she is told that she must marry Hamish, even though he is nearly forty. The year will be exceptionally hard and there won't be enough food for the village, the village elders decide a sacrifice has to be made to Aengus Lord of Summer, but Aengus won't take an elders life as sacrifice, he wants to marry Brigit, a young woman that he has noticed. The elders agree but once Brigit hears of it, she is against it. There is only one way she can stop Aengus and that is to find Cailleach, the goddess of winter, but it's not going to be as easy as Brigit thinks, and once she finds Cailleach will she agree to help, after all she has been hated and feared by humans for generations. Brigit is not one to take no for an answer and sets up a camp outside the Cailleach's cave. Brigit finds an unlikely ally in a fae witch called Nicnevin, but will this be enough.. A book of fantasy and also of knowing what you want and will try anything to get it

[eka · Rating 3 out of 5]

”I do not approve of men who believe they can make decisions for women, who think they are superior simply because of a quirk of birth. As if the shape of the vessel one inhabits is of any importance at all!”

SO TRUE.

[Gwen (storygraph user Hellativity)]

I didn't love it but I didn't hate it - bought this in the highlands to add some fun magical vibes to my vacation, and it did the trick, but the writing wasn't great and the story was fun but only ok

[Siavahda · Rating 2 out of 5]

*I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.*

A very dull book that did not have the prose to keep me reading a story I didn’t care about. 24% in the story was just getting started, and there was absolutely nothing to keep me engaged, to give me a reason to care about how the story would end. All of the characters are embarrassingly one-dimensional, defined by one trait – our MC, for example, simply Doesn’t Want To Marry, and a) I am tired of heroines like this, we have seen this exact character 5000 times before, and b) I need the characters I read about to have more to their personality than that!

And that’s without getting into the very choppy writing, or the cringingly false/forced dialogue. Or the complete lack of explanation as to why Brigit is seemingly unafraid of the Cailleach, displaying no nerves or worry about setting off to bother an extremely powerful goddess – I mean, even among goddesses, the Cailleach is extremely powerful and massively dangerous (albeit not usually depicted as intentionally evil). If I was going to ask her a favour, I would be very nervous – and bring her a lot of presents! But Brigit seems completely unconcerned???

Lastly – and this is just me being nitpicky – I didn’t like Kinsella’s take on Scottish mythology. It bugged me that Kinsella had Aengus as the god of summer to the Cailleach’s winter. The Cailleach shares the year with the goddess Brìghde or Bridget – sometimes she and the Cailleach are two faces or aspects of the same goddess, and sometimes they’re entirely separate deities, but in neither case is some dude the one who brings summer! In any case, while the Cailleach shows up in all the Gaelic mythologies, Aengus is specifically Irish, and therefore has no place in this story ANYWAY. (In fairness, the book does acknowledge that Aengus is of another pantheon, the Tuatha Dè Danann – I skipped ahead to check – but doesn’t explain what that means, or who the Tuatha are, so good luck if you don’t already know. Plus no explanation as to what one of them is doing messing about in Scotland.)

I hope our MC ends up the goddess Bridget, and also that she and Nicnevin become girlfriends, but I simply don’t want to waste my time on meh writing and bland characters.

If you, like me, were hoping for queerness… I read the ending, and it looks like I was half-right; Brigid becomes a sort of seasonal goddess, but alas, she and Nicnevin don’t get together. Why make a point of Nicnevin in the blurb then??? Maybe I’d know if I read the whole book, but wow, now I have even less interest in doing that.

[Mandie · Rating 2 out of 5]

I loved the premise of The Heart of Winter and the author putting a new twist on a retelling of Celtic folklore. I'm always about more authors leaning into my ancestral pantheon and thus giving all of us more books to read and ponder on. That said, I wanted to love this book and I did up until about 3/4 of the way through. There is wonderful worldbuilding and getting to know both Brigit and the Cailleach, but then it's like the story rushes through the latter half of the book, random occurrences take place, and everything that was built up just falls away. I do want to say that the Cailleach's wolves literally stole the show in most scenes that they are in.

Frankly, I felt let down at the outcome after having a world created where the main character was about to break out of the box that she was forced into and then she just turned around and accepted her fate with no questions asked. It left me scratching my head as to why she went on this whole journey in the first place. The point was so Brigit could have the choice to live a life that she wanted, but then she threw that option away. After so much talk about consent and being an independent woman to just have this story not arrive at that conclusion (which wasn't all that far fetched) was disappointing. The stakes were so high at the beginning of the book that the conclusion just absolutely fell flat.

Overall, I'm not feeling so great about what I just finished reading. There was great worldbuilding and I'd love to return to see more of Brigit, the wolves, and the Cailleach's adventures. However, I feel like the message of this book got lost in its writing or maybe trying to follow some current tropes in the fantasy genre. There was a real opportunity to make an impact this story, and you could feel it in certain chapters, but it just didn't happen.


This honest review is thanks to Flame Tree Press and BookSirens for providing an ARC.

[Marie Sinadjan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked this. I didn't expect it to be slow and cozy yet still appeal to me, as I usually like my fantasy with lots of action and a fast-paced plot. Maybe I was also just reminded of one of my own stories, Nameless Queen (which I'm rather attached to 🙈), as it's also on the cozy side and about someone coming to terms with her Destiny (and the other capital D).

I'm not familiar with Scottish mythology/folklore so I can't say if the modern feminist angle has always been there or something just folded into the story, but the 'strong independent woman' thing makes sense in the context of the Cailleach. Ironically, my biggest takeaway from her — as someone who hasn't enjoyed winter the two times I've experienced it so far— is not about being strong and independent, but rather that winter has a purpose: it's a time to slow down and rest. (Too bad we can't just stop working these days, LOL.)

I liked how the gods weren't angry and vengeful. I get the Cailleach distancing herself, but she was endearing in her own way once you got to know her. Even Aengus, despite all he'd done, was likeable. It was just very refreshing.

The ending and the turn of events leading to it might seem like an undoing of the premise, but I actually liked it? Perhaps it won't be as appealing to some readers compared to, say, an ending where Brigit decides to be alone because she neither needs nor wants a man, just two loyal wolves like the Cailleach... but it's also rare for me to see stories where the resolution is the characters working out a compromise. Maybe because it's not as exciting. Maybe because it doesn't make a grand statement. But hey, life happens, seasons shift, surprises abound, we can change our minds and our hearts.

I also just liked the Hades-Persephone-Demeter vibe of the whole thing. Plus, I won't lie, I love a slowburn romance with a nice guy.

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

First, I love the cover of this book so, so much. It really fits the story and I appreciate that so much. One of my biggest pet peeves is when the cover of a book is totally mismatched or has nothing to do with the story. I don’t know why, but it bothers me to the point that it affects my ability to really get into the story. Thankfully that didn’t happen here.

Second, I really enjoyed this story. I love Celtic mythology and read a lot of Celtic mythology-inspired stories, but this is the first that was mostly focused on Scottish myth & folklore. I’ve always been fascinated by the Cailleach myth and thought she sorta got the short end of the stick reputation wise, so I really liked the way she was written in this story. I enjoyed Brigit’s interactions with her a lot. I quite enjoyed Brigit’s character too. She had a sense of modernity to her with her feminist leaning views and desire to live on her own terms, not under the thumb of a man.

Without giving anything away, this book had wonderful world building, a fantastic spin on Celtic and Scottish myths and folklore I think a lot of people outside of the UK/Scotland/Ireland may not be familiar with, and an overall entertaining, fast paced story. If you’re a fan of Juliet Marillier I think you’ll enjoy this story.

[Fatguyreading · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Heart of Winter is an absolutely gem of a book.

It's a Fantasy based on Scottish mythology and set during the time of very early Christianity.

We follow Brigit who, against her will, is being forced to marry the God of Summer, Aengus.
Brigit manages to escape and makes her way to the Godess of Winter, Cailleach. Before long, Brigit is caught between Aengus and Cailleach.

I love Scotland, Scottish history and folklore, a love built up over many holidays there, so this was a read right up my street.

It's quite a short read, at 230 pages, but even so, the author packs in some great story telling and impressive world building. Through in some great characters with good depth and what we have is a great little read of Gods and Godesses.

I read this over two chilly spring afternoons.

4 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 's from me.

[Alexa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brigit imagines life as a simple Crofter’s daughter. But one summer is set not to bring the harvest they need to survive. Elders petition to the old gods for help and promise away Brigit’s freedom.

A lovely YA Scottish tale involving old gods and magic. Brigit is stubborn and independent to a fault that I feel so deeply in my soul.

More important than anything it’s a story of unlikely friendship and bonds stronger than words.

It was also a special treat to have finished the book on May Day (as I was also able to participate in the Beltane festival here in Edinburgh). The book has a hearty focus on the seasons and their importance as well!

Shona Kinsella is a Scottish author and I’m bummed I missed her event in Fort William! It’s been a treat as well to have visited locations she mentions in her book. I definitely plan to read more of her books!

4.5/5

[Caitlyn Strubinger-Campbell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet cozy read!! I loved how much character building there was! I really enjoyed this story being such an independent woman myself!


I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Srivalli (Semi-Hiatus) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Publication Date: 16th April 2024

3.5 Stars (rounding up coz Cailleach gets the respect she deserves)

One Liner: Great start but almost negates its premise

Young Brigit may be a crofter’s daughter but loves her life with her parents and her independence. When she is forced to marry Aengus, the God of Summer, to keep a bargain, she flees the village. Brigit has always loved and worshipped Cailleach, the God of Winter. Who else but Cailleach, the god who needs no man, can save Brigit?

However, Brigit soon realizes her journey is not easy. She will have to push beyond her limits repeatedly to get what she wants – freedom but also the safety of her village. Can Brigit be successful? What will it cost her?

The story comes in the third-person POV of Brigit (more), Cailleach, and Aengus.

My Thoughts:

I requested this book for Brigit (the spelling). I was curious to see where this plot would lead. I wrote a story on her, so my expectations were high.

The book has a solid start despite the clear modern influence on the FMC. I quite enjoyed the dynamics and her relationship with her parents. They were wonderful!

The next was good, too, as Brigit goes on a quest to get what she wants, or rather avoid something she doesn’t want! There’s enough repetition for us to understand that her objection lies with how they didn’t ask for her consent before making a promise on her behalf.

Cailleach was terrific. And I love that she is not the demonized version of the Winter Goddess but a softer and more sensible version. After all, winter is just as important for the world as summer and monsoon.

The pacing is on the slower side, even though it feels like not much has happened. This could be due to the repetition. Moreover, the cozy vibes take the edge off the urgency of the situation.
I love the two wolves! They are the best part of the story.

Of course, I admire how the old gods are shown in a positive light (Aengus did get some hard times, which seems unfair once you see what happens afterward). It’s a relief from having to read about angry and vengeful pagan gods (one reason why I stay away from all those retellings and YA fantasy).

I also like the bit of foreshadowing, which connects to a later development. The clue is in the name. While adults were the ones guiding the girl, I didn’t find it odd. They are more experienced. It makes sense that they take the role of mentors.

What I didn’t like much was how a development negated the premise. I think it could have been better handled. Because if this happened at the beginning, the book wouldn’t have a chance to exist. I understand the need to change power dynamics, which is why I wanted this development to be independent of the core premise (this is how it reads when you don’t want to reveal spoilers).

There’s no denying the potential of the premise. It just needs better structuring to ensure the elements included stay valid throughout. Still, I appreciate the respect given to the old gods. I also hope the final and published copy has the author’s note. This book needs one. Add it!

To summarize, The Heart of Winter is a heartwarming story of Brigit and her connection with the Celtic gods. While it is not fantastic, it made me smile many times.

The title works on multiple levels. Good job, whoever came up with it!

Thank you, Book Sirens and Flame Tree Press, for eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.

***

TW: Miscarriage

[Mae of Scotland · Rating 5 out of 5]

I want to say a huge thank you to Flame Tree Press, who gave me the chance to receive a proof copy of The Heart of Winter by Shona Kinsella. This book will be one of my favourite reads of 2024 and will be cherished long after.

The Heart of Winter is a Celtic-inspired spin on the retelling of Hades and Persephone’s love story with unique and creative twists against the backdrop of a vividly portraited dark age Scotland and magical in-between realms of the gods. The story enraptured me from chapter one and quickly became a page-turner that I couldn’t put down. Simple, gorgeous storytelling brings to life an enchanting tale with beautiful flow and narrative, promoting the importance of honouring life with freedom of choice and respect, especially for women. Exploring the dimensions of how we love people in our lives – family, friends, and those we choose to let into our lives to form emotional ties with.

Beautifully-crafted characterisation bring to life a cast of mortals and ancient Celtic gods and goddesses from Scottish and Irish mythology. I loved all the characters – mortal or God – artistically crafted into life as multi-dimensional beings with emotional complexity, wills of their own, and little quirky human touches. I can only imagine Shona Kinsella fashioning her characters like the Greek gods formed humans out of clay, breathing life into them with her words on the page.

Brigit was the star of the show for me. She was a strong female character in a transitioning world, with a mind of her own and a fiery spirit. Brigit has strong feminist values, but her character is warm, loving, kind, and striving to contribute to the good of her community. She knows her boundaries and demands that they be respected, and she is trying to do the right thing for all, but she knows it’s not selfish to put herself first. Her choices might turn the world upside down. Still, the characters’ growth and arcs spool from her, endowing insights and realisations for the other characters impacted by her journey.

I don’t think the book’s blurb does The Heart of Winter justice for the rich story contained within its pages. A five-star read with lots of heartwarming moments, engaging storytelling, and a love story that brings to life every type of love we can feel as human beings. This book is perfect for anyone who loves historical fantasy, clever retellings, Celtic mythology, and the vibes at the heart of the movie Labyrinth.

[Melanie Deal · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an advance review copy of The Heart of Winter, by Shona Kinsella, for free in electronic format. The copy received was not a final edited copy, and I am choosing to leave this review voluntarily.

Summary:
Brigit is a young woman in a small village in Scotland. She lives with her parents and works their land with them, and she is quite happy and content in her small village, and she doesn't care if she ever marries. All she knows is that if she does, it will be because SHE chooses it for herself. It becomes clear that their upcoming harvest season is not going to be a good one, due to the weather patterns, so the elders strike a bargain with Aengus, the god of Summer. In exchange for his help in ensuring a good harvest, Aengus wants Brigit to be his wife. Without asking Brigit or her parents for their consent, the elders agree to the deal.

Brigit flees into the highlands in search of the Cailleach, the Queen of Winter. Brigit hopes to convince her to help figure a way out of the deal, but can she convince the Cailleach that humans are even worth the effort? Brigit finds herself caught in a situation that will test her limits beyond what she could have ever imagined.

My Thoughts:
I thoroughly enjoyed this fantasy/mythology book, as it gave me a wonderful opportunity to learn more about my Scottish heritage. I've never heard the story of Brigit before and was eager to learn about her.

Kinsella did a great job with setting the scene here, ensuring the reader understands that this takes place during a time when many in Scotland were moving from their beliefs in Gods towards Christianity. As such, those who remained steadfast believers in the old gods felt that when things didn't go well for their community, it was probably due to a god being offended by something the humans did or didn't do. Also, this was a period of time when women didn't have much control over their own lives, and we see the impact this has on Brigit and her friend, Mary.

The characters were so well-developed in this book, human and god alike. I not only loved and adored Brigit, but also fell in love with the Cailleach, Aengus and Nicnevin. The relationships built between these characters was quite magical, and I was invested in them 100%.

I would love to read more from this author.

[Sammy Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Heart of Winter is just gorgeous. Shona has built a world that feels so real you can almost smell the peat smoke and feel the cold rain on your skin. It’s earthy and alive and full of those tiny human details that make it feel like you’re actually living in the story instead of just reading it. She doesn't just write about the past, she recreates it.

Brigit completely stole my heart. She’s kind and curious and quietly strong in that way only real people are. I loved her relationship with her parents so much. The warmth, the teasing, the small everyday love between them. It’s written so beautifully it actually made me tear up. Her friendship with Mary is so raw and believable. You can feel how much they care about each other, and how trapped they both are in this world that doesn’t give women much choice. Mary’s story is painful and honest and Brigit’s helplessness in trying to protect her felt so real.

And then the world itself with the mix of old gods and new faith, the village life, the rituals, the myths creeping in around the edges - it’s all written so naturally that when the magic finally shows up, it feels like part of the air they breathe. The moment Aengus appears is wild and beautiful and terrifying all at once. Shona writes him not as a divine figure sitting on a throne, but a living presence walking in the world - warm, bright, and terrifying in his power. He feels human enough to be tempting but still carries that unearthly weight and when he bargains, it isn't cartoonish or villainous, it's mythic and tragic.

What really gets me though is how full of heart this book is. It’s about love in all its forms — family, friendship, sacrifice, and the kind of devotion that shapes whole lives. It’s about survival and hope and what it means to still be yourself when the world keeps trying to decide for you.

It’s just stunning.

[Nadine WM · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was such a warm, atmospheric fairytale-like book. It really draws you in and enables you to connect with the characters. I breezed through this. A highly enjoyable, comforting, and easy read

-

“Do you remember what Heena was like when we were young? How she used to fall in love so quickly and so completely?”
Brigit laughed. “I think she was in love with every boy in the village at some point.”
“I always sort of envied her. She was so full of life.” They reached the end of the row of oats and sat side by side on some grass. “I always wanted to feel the way she did, even just once. Swept off my feet, burning with longing for someone.”

-

Brigit’s heart ached. It did not feel long at all since they had been amongst the children playing at the festivals. How had they become adults, worrying at the edges, without even noticing?

-

“People ruin everything they touch,” the Cailleach said, her voice low and dangerous. “They take what they want without a thought for anything else that makes the land their home. They act like they are the center of all things. They revile that which they do not understand, and they take and take and take.”

For the first time, Brigit truly saw the care and attention that the goddess gave to her work, the devotion on her face as she shaped the land, which she loved as well as ruled.
This is the side of winter that people don’t see, Brigit thought, studying the Cailleach, seeing the beauty in her. How it gives as much as it takes. How we need it as much as we need summer.

-

He looked at her with a shy smile. “Were you thinking of here when you activated the portal perhaps?”
Brigit shook her head. “I was thinking that I would go home. And here I am.”
“And here you are.”

[Jeanette Wallace · Rating 4 out of 5]

Shona Kinsella’s The Heart of Winter is a lovely retelling of the Goddess Brigit’s lore. Brigit (or Brigid) has always had a special place in my heart, and I was so excited to read this. I really enjoyed it.
Brigit is a courteous person, devoted to her friends and family, who lives a simple life with her loving parents. But when the village elders promise her as a bride to Aengus, the god of summer, without her consent, she decides to seek help from the Cailleach, goddess of winter and Aengus’ polar opposite. Her devotion and unselfish kindness, Brigit fights to be able to make her own decisions, without being treated as property for men to use as a bargaining chip.

I thought the characters in this were a lot of fun. Brigit was sweet but stubborn, and the motivation for The Cailleach’s reactions was understandable. Even Aengus was a likable character. And even though she was used a lot as deus ex machina, I loved Nicnevin.

Kinsella’s writing style was good, but I had a lot of trouble with pronunciation of the Celtic names (which isn’t her fault obviously). It might be helpful to have a pronunciation guide in the front. In fact, could every fantasy book please put a name pronunciation guide in the front? Anyway, she made this feel like a traditional folktale with extra details, which was perfect. I really enjoyed the the overall story.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Thank you to Flame Tree Press, Shona Kinsella, and BookSirens for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.

[Krystina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again my magpie tendencies came into play because I kind of went for this book mostly based on the cover, but I did also love the Celtic mythology basis of it. I love mythology and it is rare at the moment to find books that aren't using Greek mythology, which don't get me wrong I love it, but there is something about Celtic mythology that makes my heart sing. I really enjoyed that we saw the turning of the wheel of the year with this book and the balance that's needed for that to work, especially as I sat reading this with Hailstone falling in April! Spring seems to have lost its way this year a little and it made me smile to read/see the personification of those seasons and watch Brigit's understanding, especially of winter, broaden as the book progresses.
The writing style is just beautiful, it flows so well and we get the emotions coming off the pages so easily as you read them. The connection between Brigit and Cailleach is beautiful to watch grow, I thought it might progress in a different direction than where it went but I still adored the ending and how Brigit grew and matured throughout the book which spans a time frame of just over a year.
I've already got a list of friends that I think need to read this book, but they're going to have to buy their own copy because I know I want to read this again, and I'm pretty sure it's going to be soon.

[Laurel · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was not the story I was expecting, having never heard or read the Mythology of the Goddess Brigid, but I very much enjoyed it.

The Heart of Winter is at its heart a retelling of Scotland's Brigid, though Kinsella adds her own twist to the tale. Brigit, our young heroine, is chosen by the Village Elders as a sacrifice, in marriage to Aengus, the god of Summer, in hopes that the village might have more Summer weather to store up enough food to survive the coming winter. The village elders take her choice away without her consent, and when Brigit, discovers that she will be forced to marry Aengus, she runs off to the Highlands in the hopes of finding a magical solution from Cailleach, the Queen of Winter.

What happens next is well written and a lovely tale that is primarily about Brigit, standing up to the powerful and saying no I don’t want to be a bargaining chip or property.

The first half of the book then is Brigit going to see Cailleach in Ben Nevis which is an arduous journey filled with fierce weather, and supernatural obstacles and aid that take her near death. The second half of the book occurs after Aengus tries to get Brigit back from Ben Nevis, and that sets the tale in an unexpected direction that takes the reader on a journey through the land of the Fae with witches and other gods each having a hand in the story.

[Crim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Words can not express the magic and wonder I feel after reading this book!


There was such beautiful writing, storytelling, and skill in here. I felt like I was in the story watching all the events transpire as a cloaked shadow figure of some sort. I am so glad I got to read this wonderful story! It truly makes me want to honor these Irish gods and goddesses with each passing season. The author brought such life to them that it felt like an old friend was there. I will be remembering this story for a long time.

The only thing I would have liked to have seen was a few points that were touched on be revisited later. For example the raven and the hidden secret the goddess of winter kept. But really those arent a big deal and I think I saw them kinda brushed on in a unique way anyway. Just wasn't as obvious.

I can say with shocking certainty that I truly hope there may be a follow up story. With so many series lately I have been hunting down standalones because I am series out at the moment. But at the same time I am ALSO content with this as a standalone. I just wouldn't mind seeing more of the characters. I loved them.

A special thanks to the author for writing a beautiful story and gifting it to me to read!

[Roser Gomez · Rating 4 out of 5]

He de començar per dir que al principi em va costar enganxar-me al llibre, però crec que tenia més a veure amb la meva crisi lectora que amb el llibre en sí. Un cop se'm va haver passat la crisi, el llibre se m'ha fet molt fàcil de llegir. Tot i això, crec que potser s'haguessin pogut desenvolupar més els personatges d'Aengus i de Cailleach. Per això només te 4,5 estrelles i no 5.
D'altra banda, he descobert part de la mitologia Celta que no coneixia i m'ha animat a seguir llegint sobre la temàtica. Una altra cosa que m'ha agradat molt és que l'autora hagi tocat el crostó a les tradicions antigues i hagi fet un llibre folklòric amb una heroïna tan segura del que es mereix com a esser humà (ningú som propietat de ningú i hem d'estar molt tranquils i segurs de defensar-ho sense por).
Per acabar, el que més m'ha agradat de tot el llibre son personatges dels dos llops de la deessa de l'hivern, Talorcan i Friseal i el ritme de la història. Els llops sols podrien tenir un llibre sobre les seves històries i com van acabar sent els companys de la Cailleach.
En definitiva, un llibre que val la pena llegir si vols endinsar-te en l'antiga Escòcia i gaudir d'una lectura amable.

[Cat Bowser · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ARC of this book and am leaving a review voluntarily.

This was a real treat to read! It’s rare I get to gush about the prose itself but I have to hear, especially the dialogue. You get such a taste for the culture of this world, simply from the way people talk. It adds a layer to the world building that is usually overlooked so that was a nice surprise.

The book does have a slow beginning. I don’t know if I’d say it’s a detriment though because once the plot takes off, you can see how the preceding chapters were building clues. But it did have me a bit “where is this story going” at the start.

Once the plot starts though, we get a hefty dose of high stakes, some really heavy conflicts and characters that you genuinely don’t want hurt or to die and you really want them to get their happy end.

A definite recommend!