Daughter of Snow and Secrets

Defying the Crown #3

by Kerry Chaput

"It is rare that the third book in a trilogy is as captivating and page-turning as the first two, but Daughter of Snow and Secrets by Kerry Chaput delivers a special blend of well-developed characters, nail-biting adventure and a satisfying ending to a fabulous series." –Gail Ward Olmsted, author of Landscape of a Marriage

1681. Isabelle lives safely in Geneva but travels to the French countryside along secret Huguenot trails to rescue Protestants from the king's vicious dragonnade program. She protects her family from the dangers of battling the Royal Army, but her wild daughter Elizabeth has other ideas. Eager to prove herself, Elizabeth attempts a solo rescue that goes horribly wrong. Isabelle comes out of hiding and travels to Paris while all of France wants her dead.

On a dangerous mission to Versailles, old enemies threaten to tear her family apart. She must rely on surprising allies and the daughter she's fought to protect to keep them alive and rescue every Protestant in France.

In the final installment of the award-winning Defying the Crown trilogy, Kerry Chaput takes readers on another thrilling adventure through the outlandish world of Paris and Versailles. Daughter of Snow and Secrets immerses you in a breathless tale of danger with a cast of brave, fierce women as they fight for love and freedom. You won't want to miss the stunning conclusion to this riveting historical fiction series.

Genres: Historical Fiction

291 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 21, 2024

About the author

Kerry Chaput is a multi-award-winning historical fiction author who writes of daring women with loads of adventure and a splash of magic. Born in California, she now calls the Pacific Northwest home, where she spends her days hitting the trails, chasing historical rabbit holes, and feeding her addiction to espresso and doggy cuddles. Explore her books at www.kerrywrites.com.

Reviews

[theliterateleprechaun · Rating 5 out of 5]

“You dare defy the Crown? You will pay”

“No, monsieur. We will survive. I’ll make certain of it.”

This novel is a phenomenal ending to Kerry Chaput’s trilogy, Defying the Crown. Chaput crafted a formidable force with Isabelle Boucher and penned three books showing readers the other side of history - HERstory.

Chaput sweeps readers back to 1681 where Isabelle is on a mission to rescue Protestants from King Louis XIV’s dragonnades. The French King formed this regiment to intimidate (torture) the Huguenot (Protestant) families into converting to Catholicism, but they underestimated Isabelle and her years of training with the Huron in Canada. Right from the first chapter, Chaput reminds us of the tenacity and fearlessness Isabelle possesses and the fire she has in her belly to protect the Protestants by any measure. Isabelle is “a fighter who is meant to change the world.”

Her fifteen-year-old stepdaughter, Elizabeth, is growing in Isabelle’s shadow and learning the qualities her mother possesses that have made her strong and courageous. She has grown into a “brave, cunning woman who can handle anything.” When Isabelle teams up with Elizabeth and her friend Charlotte, the three take on the soldiers who threaten their freedom. Days later, I’m still thinking of the scene where she head-butts a soldier … crack!

There were parts in this story where I really missed Naira but could see her influence and lessons living on in Isabelle and Elizabeth. I loved the image of passing the torch and seeing these two as wolves who were continuing to fight for what’s right. The ending few sentences gave me goosebumps.

Isabelle IS bada$$ and Chaput endows her with relentless passion and courage. She’s an inspiration to any of us who feel underestimated and underappreciated.

Like passing the baton on a relay race, Isabelle teaches and inspires Elizabeth. This theme is supported by another theme in this series, that of women working together. You can’t help but think of ‘United We Stand’ as you read Chaput's books. Her focus is on family, sisterhood and bonding - women working together are a formidable force.

I thoroughly enjoyed another historical action adventure from the leading author in this sub-genre! I finished feeling uplifted and outfitted for battle. I hear your battle cry, Kerry Chaput.

If you haven’t read a Chaput book, what’s keeping you?

I was gifted this copy and was under no obligation to provide a review.

[Linda Zagon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kerry Chaput, the Author of “Daughter of Snow and Secrets” has written an intense Historical Fiction Novel. This is the last book in the trilogy, but can be read alone. The timeline for this story is set in 1681 and starts in Geneva. and goes to the French countryside, and Paris and Versailles. Isabelle, one of the main characters helps rescue Protestants, and fights the King’s men, guards, and nobility. The author vividly describes the landscape and the dramatic and colorful characters. Some of the women are courageous, complex and complicated, and will fight for their beliefs. There are betrayals, bloody battles, torture, murder and a fight for freedom. Along with several other characters Isabelle is part of the resistance.

Her daughter, Elizabeth is very eager to fight and finds herself in troublesome situations. Isabelle’s husband Andre tries to protect her, but their trip to Versailles could very well be their last. Isabelle has made enemies and is known as the “Red Fox” for killing and hurting the enemy. Isabelle has also made some interesting alliances.

I highly recommend this captivating, tense Historical Fiction novel filled with adventure.

[Sheila Myers · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the Daughter of Snow and Secrets, Chaput provides a generational shift in the action. Isabelle reluctantly trains her protégé, Elizabeth, to take up the fight against Catholic oppression of the Huguenots. Memories of her past haunt Isabelle as she trains and guides Elizabeth and questions whether she’s doing the right thing for her people? For her daughter? An action-packed adventure awaits the reader.

[Chelsie · Rating 4 out of 5]

"I realize that courage changes with the seasons. The world requires things from us, every day is different than the one before. Courage is not a reward. It is a practice. " - Kerry Chaput.

This is one of my favorite lines in the book and I think it sums up this trilogy perfectly, as well as who Isabelle has become as a person and what she is doing to pass on her training, knowledge and beliefs to the next generation. Still fighting to save the Huguenot's, Isabelle is being tested with her most dangerous mission yet and putting the lives of those she loves on the line as well. Step-daughter Elizabeth is determined to go on a mission and swears she is ready for whatever comes her way. Isabelle still sees immaturity and impulsiveness in some of her decisions and does everything to keep Elizabeth safe at home. But when Elizabeth decides to take things into her own hands, Isabelle now has no choice but to accept that Elizabeth is now one of resistance and must do everything to keep the mission as planned while doing all she can to continue to guide Elizabeth as they work to rescue as many Huguenot's as they can. Meanwhile Isabelle's past always seems to have a hand in her life and decisions and the hunt for the red wolf has ramped up Isabelle is making plans of her own to protect the future of those she loves. This was such a great wrap up to the Defying the Crown Trilogy with some unexpected storylines and characters. Thank you to the author for the complementary novel and to Suzy Approved Book Tours for the invite. This review is of my own opinion and accord.

[Marilyn Goncalves · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this captivating third book of the Defying The Crown trilogy series. Non stop action, suspense and intrigue from beginning to end. Isabelle’s evolvement from Daughter Of The King to Defying The Crown to Daughter Of Snow and Secrets has been an exciting and fierce journey I enjoyed very much.

[Caroline Palmer · Rating 5 out of 5]

The amazing end to a story! I’m glad Isabelle found peace and the ability to move past her pain and accept her daughter as herself.

[Amy DeWolfe · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm really sad that I didn't enjoy this book as much as I did the rest of the series. I loved the first book in the series - there was a charm to the writing and Isabelle burrowed her way into my heart. Unfortunately, with this book, I didn't feel the same way towards her. I understand that Isabelle has been through a great deal, but I found it heard to find something I liked about her.

Like book two, I found this one very dialogue heavy and missing the descriptions of book one. Elizabeth, I have to say, annoyed the every living love out of me (similar to how Charlotte had in book two, though I like Charlotte now).

But Andre is such a wonderful character, so kind and caring for his wife and daughter, and I was interested in seeing the return of other characters from the previous book.

Overall, this was a very fitting ending for Isabelle's story, just not what I was expecting.

Thanks to Netgalley and Black Rose Writing for the ARC!

[Elizabeth Hutchison Bernard · Rating 5 out of 5]

History, Adventure and Passion to the Max

Daughter of Snow and Secrets, the third book in Kerry Chaput’s Defying the Crown trilogy, is a whirlwind historical adventure that literally left me breathless with its dramatic climax and conclusion. The story takes place in the late 17th century amidst the terror of Louis XIV’s slaughter of the Huguenots, Protestants who refused to convert to Catholicism. There is something about the frenzied killing inspired by religious zeal that is particularly horrific, and Chaput succeeds in capturing that horror through her powerfully descriptive and emotional narrative. The story is told in the voice of Isabelle, a courageous resistance fighter whose bold rescues of fellow Protestants have left a long trail of dead Dragonnades (the king’s crusading forces) and cemented her reputation as the elusive Red Fox. Adding to her challenge is the naïve determination of her daughter Elizabeth to join the fight. Amidst the terror of Isabelle’s tale, Chaput leaves ample room for passion and romance. And, delightfully, there is even a touch of comic relief provided by a feckless duke, more interested in poetry and lovemaking than fighting a religious war, and his wily Russian mistress, both of whom Isabelle ultimately enlists in her cause. Chaput’s story sheds light upon a tragic chapter in France’s history while providing the reader with a fast-moving, deeply engaging fictional adventure. I highly recommend Daughter of Snow and Secrets for historical fiction lovers who crave high-energy action and bigger-than-life characters with plenty of heart.

[Deb Kiley · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a thrilling end to the trilogy! Isabelle, Charlotte, Henri and Andre are continuing their mission to save the Protestants in France from the King and his Catholic soldiers. This time, Isabelle and Andre's daughter, Elizabeth, is old enough to join the fight. Their base of operations is in Geneva, but they travel into the French countryside saving family by family and getting them to safety back home. They travel to Paris and Versailles as well. A man from Isabelle's past returns to make things complicated and a new man enters the fight from a rescue gone wrong.
I loved the action, the characters, and the settings in this book. You could imagine walking through the gardens at Versailles as the crew moves around trying to escape. Isabelle, thinking of Naira back in New France, connected nicely to the previous books and it gave Isabelle the strength to move forward. I enjoyed watching Elizabeth grow and apply all she has been taught to join the missions.
If you were entertained by the first two books, Daughter of the King and Daughter of the Shadows, this book will not disappoint. I really like watching characters grow and change through the books, and the final book wrapped everything up and left this reader satisfied.
Thank you to the author for a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own.

[Nikki · Rating 4 out of 5]

Daughter of Snow and Secrets is a fantastic conclusion to Isabelle's story and the triology. Chaput’s writing is picturesque, and the characters have a lot of development going on while also working their way through the action of the plot. Chaput did a wonderful job with Isabelle’s story, and I’m interested in seeing what story lures her in next.

Making matters more interesting is the teenage daughter who’s been raised in a Protestant community with parents and found family who are quite active in the Protestant movement and she has recently decided she’s ready to play her part. We see more of the friends and foes from books one and two, meet a very interesting new character (who Chaput shared on socials she loved writing), and learn a bit about how Isabelle and her husband have been working together to fight for their people, while also trying to protect their souls (not in the religious sense, but more in the maintain some semblance of control of themselves and their hopes for their future sense) and ensure they make it back home at the end of each mission. It’s an interesting balance to read how they determine when violence is and isn’t warranted, and the push and pull of their internal struggles, as well as how they interact with the rest of their group that made the story feel more real and dimensional.

[Ashley Salisbury · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m giving Daughter of Snow and Secrets 3.5 rounded up to 4 stars. Special thanks to Black Rose Writing for the Advanced Reader Copy, all opinions are my own. I loved and adored our newest side character’s arc in this third installment of Defying the Crown trilogy, at the same time I was wary of his shenanigans and when his presence was going to blow up in Isabelle’s face. One of his actions I conjectured did not happen, praise be, but the rest…you’ll have to read to find out! Isabelle finally reaches a place of inner peace and contentment in this story that I had waited for her to realize she could have had at the beginning of the story – but a character’s journey and whatnot had to occur first. It makes a good tale either way. I was frustrated at the semblance of ease in the day to day activities, of finding safe houses, of avoiding soldiers, of creating poisons, of knowing who to speak to and where to be amidst the nobility, etc. Versailles should not have been so easy a place to infiltrate as it seemed – since those gardens are immense (I was there once, in the rain) so perhaps it was easier during Isabelle’s time. It doesn’t mean I can’t momentarily suspend my disbelief for the plot and see Isabelle finally satisfied with her life and her family. I’ll always recommend Kerry Chaput, but Isabelle’s story will probably remain my favorite of hers forever.

[Lorraine Norwood]

I didn’t know too much about the Huguenot troubles except that it was a fight between Catholics and Protestants in Europe, a story that seems to have occurred for hundreds of years. But author Kerry Chaput has brought that fight to life and made it personal with the creation of her heroine Madame Isabelle Colette Beaumont Boucher who, at the risk of torture and death, saves Protestant Hueguenot families from the dreaded King’s Dragoons. Set in 1681, the book moves from Geneva, the land of snow and Huguenot secrets, to the French countryside, Paris, and the glittering Palace of Versailles. She and other characters who form the resistance let nothing stop them as they fight for faith and freedom. Unfortunately Isabelle’s stepdaughter Elizabeth, who believes she is capable of joining the resistance, takes matters into her own hands and complicates Isabelle’s plans, as betrayals and bloody battles impede Isabelle’s fight for freedom.

This moving story of persecution and courage in the face of brutality is the third and final volume in a trilogy. It provides a satisfying ending to a thrilling adventure, but the book can also stand alone. I would recommend starting with the first book and following the characters to the end because they grow and change through the books. The final book wraps up their story as their fight for Protestant freedom comes to a satisfying end.

[Janis Daly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Someone call Hasbro and Disney. There’s a new action hero who deserves her own figurine collectible set and movie: Isabelle, the fierce French heroine from Kerry Chaput’s Defying the Crown trilogy. In the final installment of the series (say it isn’t so, Kerry!), Daughter of Snow and Secrets keeps you on the edge of your seat in an action-adventure normally reserved for leading men. Instead, readers are in for a treat as they root for the unyielding spirit of the courageous women who set out with Isabelle to save their fellow Huguenots from the torturous and deadly hands of the French king’s dragoons. With her stepdaughter, Elizabeth, and closest friend, Charlotte, the poison potions mix master, the three women deke, thrust, jab, cut, and upend soldier after soldier who threaten their lives and freedom. Heart-stopping moments fill every page where dread invades, and victories appear beyond reach. I don’t want this story to end. Could there be another series to satisfy readers like me? Elizabeth – it's your turn.

[Lucille Guarino · Rating 5 out of 5]

Step inside 17th century France . . . Paris . . . opulent Versailles. Meet Isabelle (if you haven't met her in the first two books of the series). She is a fierce heroine with a strong devotion and even stronger convictions in preventing the annihilation of Protestants. She rescues Huguenots one by one from dragoons who wish to make France an entirely Roman Catholic country. She struggles with what she feels compelled to do but accepts it as her fate, her calling. "Sometimes I wish I didn't have to kill," she says. Author Chaput's fighting scenes are graphic, definitive of a violent time in history where many suffered severe persecution for their faith. Her descriptions of the places are well-researched and detailed. The fearlessness and compassion of Isabelle as she evolves make her a truly inspirational character and one that you will root for throughout this historical novel and series.

[Rennette · Rating 4 out of 5]

Daughter of Snow and Secrets (Defying the Crown) by Kerry Chaput without a doubt was an action packed novel with strong characters and scenes we didn't see coming. This is definitely historical fiction as all the action takes place in the 1600's in France where the Huguenots have been suffering terrible persecution for their faith under the Catholic king. I was really interested in reading a novel from this time period and place as I was not familiar with the tribulations that the Protestant Huguenots went through. Reading this novel led me to do additional research about the Huguenots and I was impressed by the author's presentation of their circumstances. My review is less than a 5 because I was not expecting the amount of vivid descriptions of violence that take place as the main characters fight against their oppressors. I received an ARC from the author and publisher but all opinions in this review are my own.

[Stacey · Rating 5 out of 5]

The final installment of the award-winning Defying the Crown trilogy!!

Daughter of Snow and Secrets

Kerry Chaput wraps up her thrilling trilogy with a historical fiction novel that will take you on a daring adventure through Geneva and France with our beloved, brave, and fierce Isabelle.

We find Isabelle living a peaceful life in Geneva with Andre and their daughter Elizabeth but can life really be peaceful for Protestants? As Isabelle’s people continue to be persecuted in France she still feels the pull to protect and defend her people. Isabelle, Charlotte, and Elizabeth find themselves teamed up against one of their toughest missions yet, Versailles.
This final installment of the trilogy will have you on the edge of your seat wondering if this will be the end for Isabelle or will she succeed and live her life out in peace. Read to find out!

[Jeffrey S. Kuehn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Daughter of Snow and Secrets
Received as an ARC from author Kerry Chaput and publisher Black Rose Writing.
Here in Isabelle’s final adventure she must stop the torture and murder of fellow Huguenots as well as keeping her over rambunctious daughter from being rash to impress Isabelle. Loss as always fighting a resistance against oppression. Unlikely allies to get her ultimate revenge.
Extreme decisions need to made but is the sacrifice worth it. To be with the love of her life.
A rough bloody battle for freedom throughout.
Kerry has brought us on a wild ride in this series into a mostly unknown part of history. With one of the strongest willed woman.

[Debbie Rozier · Rating 5 out of 5]

This historical fiction book is amazing. It’s action packed, has strong women, has the bonds of motherhood and friendship, and shows a glimpse into a time when religious freedom was not a given.

The book timeline is 1681 when the French government is persecuting Protestants as they are trying to convert all French citizens to Catholicism. The book moves from small villages in France to the safety of Geneva and ends in the palace of Versailles.

You can read this as a stand alone, but I would highly recommend you read the first two books, DAUGHTER OF THE KING and DAUGHTER OF THE SHADOWS to see the character development of Isabelle, the main character.

[Lisa Albright · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm so sad that this amazing trilogy has come to an end. Once again, I was transported back in time and fighting alongside Isabelle, admiring her strength, courage, and conviction as she fights the Catholics and defends her Protestant faith. Her daughter, Elizabeth, gets involved this time as she wants to be just like her mother, and Isabelle must fight for her daughter. Back in Europe, the action takes place in France in the late 1600's and is described so expertly that I felt like I was there. This is an incredible series and I'm such a fan of Kerry Chaput's writing. You don't want to miss this one!

I received a gifted copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Naomi Shippen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Defying The Crown Series

It is a bittersweet experience to read the final book in the Defying the Crown series by my author friend, @Kerry Chaput Kerry and I have been critique partners for several years and it has been a privilege to watch this captivating series unfold.

Kerry is a best-selling, award-winning author with a passion for telling the stories of women who the history books forgot. Based on her own family history, this series is imbued with great personal significance.

If you enjoy learning about history through story, you’re going to love the Defying the Crown series by Kerry Chaput.

[Susan Ballard (subakkabookstuff) · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a riveting conclusion to the 𝐃𝐞𝐟𝐲𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐂𝐫𝐨𝐰𝐧 trilogy!

I have enjoyed this series, and returning to it here in 𝐃𝐚𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐨𝐟 𝐒𝐧𝐨𝐰 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐒𝐞𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐭𝐬, I was reminded just how much of a kick-butt woman Isabelle is, wow! And she’s raising one tough stepdaughter too.

This is a historical adventure at its finest. It tells of a strong woman and her cohorts trying to do their part to rescue Huguenots (Protestants) from King Louis XIV’s villainous dragoons.

Rich in history and the beautiful landscapes of France, this is a story of adventure, family, love, and fighting for what you believe in.


Thank you @suzyapprovedbooktours and @kerrywrites for a spot on tour and a gifted book.

[gerry · Rating 4 out of 5]

The persecution of the Huguenots in France is the core of this story

Unless you are a scholar of European history, you might not know about the persecution of the Protestants in France who followed the teaching of Calvin during the 15 and 1600s. Thousands were tortured and murdered by Catholic soldiers under the king's orders.
Three historical novels bring this story to light. They are interesting and exciting, but a bit unbelievably at times. The books could be the basis for an action adventure movie or series. The main character is a powerful young woman who is a skilled and fearless warrior.

[Dawnny · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book three and the last book in the Defying The Crown series. I absolutely loved this series. It's 1861 and Isabella is rescuing the Protestants from the King of France. This time Isabella's daughter Elizabeth joins the battle. I loved that this series has many hold your breath moments and I liked how Isabella has taught Elizabeth to be fearless and have courage and strength. This is one of the best historical series I've read and I loved all three books. I highly recommend.

Dawnny Ruby
Novels N Latte
Hudson Valley

[P.L. Jonas · Rating 5 out of 5]

A perfect ending to Chaput's trilogy. She writes historical action and adventure with strength and wit. In this third installment, I enjoyed going back to the 17th century Versailles. Having been there myself, Chaput made it come alive for me again. My favorite character is the funny Duke. He adds a breath of fresh air to temper the dark theme and necessary violence.

I highly recommend this series.

[Tanya Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is rare to read a series that gets better with each novel but Kerry Chaput's Defying the Crown series does just that. From the wilds of Quebec, Canada to the lavish and lively setting of The Palace of Versailles, this story has it all. Love, battles, action, adventure, forgiveness and ALL the feels. Though book 3 can easily be read as a stand alone, I recommend starting at the beginning and reading all the way through.

[Marie Z Johansen · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Entire Series Is Wonderful!

so much rich imagination intertwined with some historical tidbits (I love fact checking!). Deftly written, deliciously crafted characters and a compelling plot line! I enjoyed each book of this series thoroughly!

I had to wait for the release of book three…and it took me longer to remember some of these great characters. Reading the books one after the other would be perfect!

[Booksandcoffeemx · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a great way to finish this series.
This one starts with a bang, and from there it’s an action-packed, thrilling ride. An intriguing story with strong female characters that was simply captivating.

Thank you Suzy Approved Book Tours for this tour invite.

𝗗𝗮𝘂𝗴𝗵𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗢𝗳 𝗦𝗻𝗼𝘄 𝗔𝗻𝗱 𝗦𝗲𝗰𝗿𝗲𝘁𝘀 by Kerry Chaput releases March 21, 2024.

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[Jenny Liu · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read all three books in this Trilogy!

Set in Canada and France, this trilogy on the Huguenot struggle is fast-paced, heart-stopping, and kept me laughing, biting nails, or crying from page to page. Such a good story from such a horrible time in history that Kerry Chaput masterfully creates!

[Pamela Bloink · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another winner
I have been waiting anxiously for this book. I loved the first 2 books and this one did not disappoint. Ms. Chaput paints pictures with words and I felt like I was there. If you love historical fiction you have to read this trilogy.

[Christy Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a wonderful ending to a powerful trilogy. Isabelle was an inspiring and unforgettable character and I devoured her journey. This was ultimately page turning, action packed historical fiction.