A Vow of Honor: A War of Crowns Standalone

by Ashley Willingham

Edith Stuarte is the daughter of a traitor.

Exiled to the frozen north and forced into marriage to the brooding Lord Umberly, Edith finds herself alone in a cold, unfamiliar world. While tensions rise and dangers threaten, Edith is expected to forget her past and embrace a future with a man she barely knows.

But Lord Percival Umberly never asked for a wife.

All he wanted for Wintertide was a new set of quills, not an untamed, fiery woman who steals his breath with nothing more than a glance. Bound by duty, they now must learn to live with one another or risk facing a lifetime of unhappiness trapped in a marriage neither wants.

But even in the dead of winter, a marriage forged in mere honor may yet blossom into something neither expected.

Dive into the medieval fantasy world of Avirel in this no-spice fantasy romance Christmas standalone featuring a strong FMC and a protective MMC.

Genres: Fantasy, Christian Fiction, Romantasy, Romance, Christian Fantasy, Clean Romance, Christian

265 pages, Paperback

Published December 23, 2024

About the author

Ashley Willingham is a Christian, wife, mother of two, and an author of clean books. She enjoys writing high-stakes plots, swoony romances, and stories free from explicit content. When she's not busy writing, she can be found in the kitchen pursing her second passion—baking. She currently lives in Arkansas with her family and one very fluffy dog.

Reviews

[Kristen's Bookshelf]

This was a cute novella to get us introduced to this world. This almost felt like it could be a beauty and the beast retelling.
The first book in the trilogy comes out in March. I'm excited to get into the thick of things with that story and hopefully get some resolution to a couple things from this story.

[Brittanie]

✨Cross dire bears, historical romance, heroine archer and plenty of misunderstandings that Betty Neels would approve of and you'd end up with A Vow of Honor.

Between past trauma, a forced marriage, a conniving cousin, a flirtatious neighbor and enough crossed wires to keep everyone frustrated.👏

And then the wedding night. You know this was written by a woman because how could a man forget his own wedding night? 👀

Gruff Percy and free spirited Edith have your instant loyalty. You know they're going to have to work for their happily ever after.🤣 But then as danger looms things start to spark.

“Did he hurt you?”💛

👉For a novella, this packs plenty of heart, humor, tenderness, and adventure to keep the pages turning. Overall, this is a short, adorable bite of historical fantasy romance that leaves you smiling.

[Story enthusiast (●´⌓`●)]

4.5 ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

I ABSOLUTELY LOVE THIS BOOK 📖!!!!!!!

I probably should have read the other books in the series, but I was waiting for book three in the series so I can binge it all.
I love the main characters’ banter; it was so cute and funny at times. I did get a bit frustrated with the miscommunication between them, but other than that, I love them. Not to mention, this is a marriage of convenience, and I hadn't really dove deep into this trope enough, but it was so well done. I had so much fun with these characters. I can't wait to read the other books!!!

[Leah (faithfulreadingcorner)]

3.5 ⭐️

A Vow of Honor is a short, fun addition to the A War of Crowns series. Taking place 40 years before the events of A War of Crowns, we follow Edith Stuarte—the unwanted daughter of the traitorous House Stuarte—and Percival Umberly—the future Duke of Varoa.

After reading A War of Crowns, I definitely appreciated Edith and Percy’s characters more. They were two of my favorite characters in the trilogy, and reading their story made me see them in a different light.

Although they did seem quite childish at times in this story, I actually enjoyed that aspect knowing how much they would eventually grow in wisdom and unity throughout A War of Crowns. It was especially fun seeing where their story began with the knowledge of who they would eventually become.

A Vow of Honor can be read at any point, as it doesn’t spoil anything from the main trilogy. I’d especially recommend reading it after A War of Crowns, though, as I think having that context made the story more meaningful for me.

[Felecia B]

This series is SO GOOD! I can't wait for the third book.

This was the perfect addition to this series. It makes the moments between Edith and Percival that much more special. I love arranged marriages in books, and theirs was written so well. The characters were fleshed out and interesting, without being overwritten. I love reluctant allies to friends to more and Ashley Willingham writes them so well! She packed so much into this book without making it seem like it was moving too fast. The romance was written well with kisses only- not steamy. She will be an automatic read for me going forward!

[thelilcloseddoorbookgal]

I liked reading this short book! Arranged marriage is something I am quite familiar with in books, and I thought the couple pairing was more unique. Both flawed MCs were fleshed out well and had strong personalities. I enjoyed the writing and the bit of lore we got. I thought the way the MCs went from having a hard time expressing and communicating how they really feel (understandably since it would be awkward to suddenly be married to a person you don't know much about) to all of a sudden not having that problem was a bit too sudden, but that was the only downside for me, because I was happy with how everything else developed. There is faith mentioned, but it's not made to be a super important part of the plot. As soon as I finished this book, I went ahead and ordered the first book of the series that's set in this same world

Spice level: kisses only, FMC remembers what her friend told her about what to expect on the wedding night (not graphic)
Language: None
Content: There's nothing graphic, mentions of emotional abuse and suicide

[Jessie-Marie Heath]

This was a cute and enjoyable easy read. I loved watching Percival and Edith go from enemies to lovers. Their relationship was well crafted with the story plot with the many twists and turns with ruling and second guessing in their relationship. I also loved the varhounds!! I want one now!

I was unable to give five stars as I found the writing style a bit difficult at times and a good bit of grammar mistakes that tripped me up reading.

[Kimberly Kay]

New author and new genre for me. Ashley Willingham, is a Christian fantasy author and this is her first book. I loved it! An arranged marriage, enemies to lovers, personal growth and grief. Along the way faith in God heals and brings them together.

[Brittnee]

LOVED!! I could not put this book down! She's a new-to-me author and I'm excited to read more from her.

-Dual POVs 
-Arranged marriage 
-A rocky start
-Medieval setting 

[Li Olsson]

It was a very short novel, but nice written and with a beautiful love story that got me smiling big more than once. Even though it was a very short book, it got me well introduced to the ’A war of crowns’ world and now I am very excited to start reading the first book in the trilogy!

[Amena]

This book was such a good book that I read it in a single day. The characters felt engaging and dynamic and so very *real.* I loved how the MMC honored the FMC’s family, even including her symbol in his own crest, and I loved how events turned and he didn’t sweep aside her role in defeating a certain monster (more would be spoilers!). And the height gap, without diminishing either character’s strength, was awesome. I smiled so much. Definitely hooked for the series!

[Tiffany]

I appreciate the diversity in this book. I loved the pace of the story and this was a marriage of convenience but the miscommunication between the two MC was beginning to stress me out. I also wish the relationship between Percival and his father was better explained and had been fleshed out a little more as well as more detail into Ediths family past. I feel like I still had a few questions. This was a good book there was no spice but the faith elements seemed like an afterthought and not like faith was truly apart of the characters lives. I feel like the reader not being able to read either a letter from or to the queen was a missed opportunity to explain things more in depth. I will read more from this author and have already picked up War of crowns.

[Hunter]

I did not think I was going to enjoy A Vow of Honor as much as I did. I normally don’t care for miscommunication being a main trope in a story, but it worked so well here. And I think it’s because their miscommunications made sense, and at times were a bit humorous.

The MMC being much shorter than the FMC was a first for me, and their wedding kiss, I almost died 🤣 the standing on his tippy toes about did me in! Percy was so confident in everything that he did though, and his bluntness was humorous. Only Percy would use Swamp Creature as a term of endearment. 🤣

Edith was a very relatable character, and I liked how she grew and got her happy ending.

I wasn’t sure I was going to like the writing, there was a typo on like the 4th of 5th paragraph, and was worried there would be more, but thankfully that was the only one I came across! The writing flowed beautifully, and kept me hooked. I will say though, I never care for the usage of bold words to show emphasis. I take it as an insult to my intelligence 🤣 mostly kidding, but for reals, you write it well enough, I’ll be able to follow along. And this author’s writing was clean and clear and GOOD. Bold words were not needed to catch the drift of what was being said.

Last thing I didn’t like was the use of “By the Lord”, it’s the same as saying By God, and it came across as using God’s name in vain. And personal preference, I don’t care for that in books that I read. Thankfully it was only used a few times.

I loved the romance surprisingly. Both main characters were so prickly in the beginning I wasn’t sure. But Percy’s grumpiness ending up being one of my favorite parts and Edith’s sass was well done, not overdone at all!

There were several moments that made me laugh at loud. (Percy’s screaming in surprise, or the times Edith would shock him 🤣🤣🤣)

Content: clean, no spice, no swearing, nothing gore, very mild violence, one mention between Edith and her friend of what to expect from wedding night and that it would hurt but nothing discussed in detail.

Favorite quote: “The first time we met, you called me a swamp monster.” “Yes,” her husband agreed at once. The smile which curved his lips next lent him a decidedly boyish air when he whispered against her mouth, “But you’re my swamp monster.”

[Cadence]

A Vow Of Honor was such an enjoyable, clean, fantasy Romance. This is a stand-a-lone novella that takes place in the fictional fantasy world of Avirel. It's also a prequel for Ashley's upcoming series, A War Of Crowns, which the first releases in March.

This novella doesn't delve too much into the actual world, it focuses more on the characters and romance. I actually got pretty big Beauty and the Beast vibes while reading, which has always been my favorite fairy tale.

A Vow of Honor is beautifully written and full of things like duty and honor, with a massive side of major misunderstandings. Along with a deep love growing out of less than ideal circumstances.

Oh and Percy, our dear sweet adorably clueless Percy. He is so hilariously bad at misunderstanding the situation, and equally bad at saying things he believes sound good, but in reality make a certain woman want to punch him. He really has no clue and thinks he's being kind when in fact he comes across as dismissive and cold. His actions, however, were endearing, and even though Edith could not see it right away, it was clear from the start that he wanted what was best for her.

I really enjoyed this adorable novella. It was a fun, quick read that has me really looking forward to A War Of Crowns!

[Rachel | fullybookedtbr]

A Vow of Honor is a standalone prequel book for Ashley Willingham's upcoming A War of Crowns fantasy series. Percival Umberly has been arranged to marry a traitors daughter and the last of her house, Lady Edith Stuarte. Edith is headstrong and willful while Percival is an honorable man and must do right by his family and his house.

I really enjoyed this novella, if you are to call it that, as it introduces you to the world that Ashley is setting up for her A War of Crowns series. I liked the dynamic between Edith and Percival. Edith was giving me very strong Merida vibes from Disney's Brave which is one of my favorite characters. Percival is stubborn, and does not allow his emotions get in the way. There is action and conflict and yearning.

This is a fantasy story with romance and NOT spice. The pacing moves quickly and it left me wanting more and I am so looking forward to A War of Crowns which is coming out this March. I can't wait to dive more into this world.

[Sahar]

Englisch ganz süße Novella, die auch als Vorgeschichte gelten kann für die echte Trilogie. Ich fand es sehr interessant, dass es in zwei Ps aufgeteilt war also zum einen P von IDis und einmal von Percy. Und der Fakt, dass sie eine Rebellenentochter war und ihre ganze Familie eben getötet wurde und dass sie jetzt Percy heiraten musste, weil der König Reynard sie hoch werden sollte. hoch werden wollte, war ziemlich interessant Und es war auch sehr interessant, wie Percy und Iis beide dachten, dass der gegenüber ihn hasst oder sie hasst. Aber irgendwie kann er sich dann näher und als ich auf also die, als ich dich kennen gelernt habe, war ziemlich lustig, weil sie sich wie Kinder verhalten haben. Und die Königin von Elmoria und Edith und als sie einfach als als Swamp Monster Beleidigt hat oder benannt hat, war ziemlich lustig und auch dem Hinterweg nach Snow Crest, als sie das nicht mehr in der Kut ausgehalten hat und geflohen ist in die frische Luft und dann kam auf einmal Banditen und dann kam auch Percy Und dann war er wütend und dann sind die auf dem Pferd nach Snowgrass geritten und dann waren sie halt dort und sie musste die Etiketten lernen. Sie musste die Regeln lernen, was auch immer. Und dann meinte der Vater, dass sie in einer Woche heiraten sollen, weil er stirbt schneller als gedacht Dann haben die geheiratet und die haben immer noch nicht richtig miteinander geredet, obwohl sie schon die andere Person mehr mochten und dann haben die einfach geheiratet und Percy. Ich finde den Fakt generell ein bisschen seltsam, dass er kleiner ist als sie. Aber ich hab versucht das auszublenden Und. Ja, war dann ziemlich cute, weil sie auch immer gedacht hat, dass er diese eine. Dies eine Mädchen als erste Wahl hatte, als Frau aber das war ja nicht der Fall und Ja und dann. Nachdem sie geheiratet haben und nachdem sie miteinander geredet haben, wo er über ihre über seine Mutter geredet und sie auch über bisschen ihre Familie, als ich umarmt haben, war richtig cute. Und dann, als sie diese Verabredung hatten, dass sie die Sternstuben oder die Lichter sehen und er einfach zu viel zu tun hat und nicht gehen konnte, dann ist sie einfach dahin gegangen und er war so richtig sauer und dann kam einfach dieser eine Bär. Und sie hat einfach mit einem Pfahl in sein Auge geschossen und ihn besiegt, aber er war immer noch so so wütend und dann kam Weihnachten quasi. Dann hat sie ihm was geschenkt und er hat geholt. Das war so emotionsvoll emotional und dann hat er ihr natürlich auch was geschenkt und sie haben sich vertragen und. Dann kam da komische auch von dem hat sich belästigt und dann erst mal ihn gehauen. Und dann war es richtig gut wie die sich geküsst haben und dann auch sich vertragen haben also sich die Liebe gestanden haben quasi Und dann im Impilog, weil sie einfach schwanger, richtig süß ein Jahr danach. Konnten sie die Lichter noch mal zusammen beobachten, was sie ein Jahr davor nicht konnten. Und ja an sich ganz süß und nett und für den Noblla ist schon zwischendurch immer so ein bisschen spannendere Sachen passiert.

[Parker Jane]

I had every intention of reading and reviewing this book around Christmas time, and well, as with many of my bookish goals lately; that just didn't happen 😐 However, when I was finally able to carve out the time to read it, I was SO GLAD I did😊
Having grown up reading historical fiction and westerns, I am still relatively new to the world of reading fantasy (weird for my generation, I know!) and wasn't exactly sure what to expect. However, this book COMPLETELY hooked me. The characters, the dynamic, the dialogue, the action; I LOVED every bit of it!!! I have never highlighted passages in a book like I did while reading A Vow of Honor. My absolute favorite line is where a certain main character gets described as "a furious sack of potatoes"😂
Bottom line, this story was just such a fun read! Lots of tension, plenty of action, and incredibly swoony arranged marriage trope romance. Watching Edith and Percival try to hate each other, become friends, and then fall completely in love, while preserving their dukedom makes for an incredible ride😍 Lines like "By the Lord, he wanted to kiss his wife" had me giggling and kicking my feet long past bedtime🥰
While this book is a standalone, I read it in preparation for my ARC read of A War of Crowns and would highly recommend doing the same. While A War of Crowns takes place many years later, our MCs from A Vow of Honor play a major role and the story really helps lay the ground work for the incredible world Mrs. Willingham has created

[Jocy Espinoza]

This is the first of Ashley Willingham’s books that I read, and I was delightfully surprised. Percy and Edith are thrust into an arranged marriage that neither wants and must learn to live with one another for the sake of their dukedom. I loved the dynamic between Percy and Edith and seeing them grow from strangers to more. As the daughter of a traitor, Edith has been raised with the mentality that she is unwanted and as a result she assumes Percy loathes her. Percy, on the other hand, seems to constantly suppress his emotions and makes his own assumptions about Edith which leads to a number of misunderstandings. If you don’t like the miscommunication trope, this book may not be for you. Percy and Edith misinterpret each other many times, but despite their flaws, they genuinely care about each other and are willing to make an effort to make their arranged marriage work, which is ultimately what made me root for them. I was so happy when they finally cleared up their misunderstandings and found love in the end. I also really liked the world building and am curious to learn more about it.

I thought this was a great introduction to the War of Crowns world and can’t wait to dive more into this series!

[Susan Gooch]

Today on “Y’all Have to Read This,” I’m back with another incredible Searcy author! Ashley Willingham writes clean fantasy romance, and if you’re a Game of Thrones fan, her novel “A Vow of Honor” will be right up your alley.
The story follows Lord Percival Umberly and his betrothed, Edith Stuarte—who comes with one very big problem. She’s the daughter of a traitor to the king and a former princess with a possible claim to the throne. To keep potential loyalties from shifting, the King orders Percival to marry her and remove any future threat she might pose.
Set in the icy fantasy world of Wintertide—yes, Wintertide!—this book gives off all the GOT energy you could want. Winter is creeping in once again, and if you loved Jon Snow the way I loved Jon Snow, you’ll want to dive straight into this story. I gave it four stars! Check it out and let me know what you think.
Be sure to like and follow me on social media, and come back here for more reading recs. Until next time—happy reading, y’all!

[M]

I received a copy of this book via the author's newsletter and recommend others doing so too. This is the author's debut and the prequel to the A War of Crowns Series. A Vow of Honor is told through Edith and Percival's pov and is a fantasy romance that will have you wanting more.

CW: read the author's note
Spice: sweet kisses

It's not too often that I read a fantasy romance with a medieval setting, in fact, I can't think of a recent read, so I was immediately intrigued by the world building. The author did a good job in setting up a world that I would like to return to. Something else that I really liked is how Edith and Percival weren't perfect characters, in terms of their appearance or the way they acted. They both were a bit stubborn and it created for some interesting conflict. Though Edith could be headstrong and Percival could be blunt, I liked seeing the way their thoughts about the other started to shift once they spent more time together. Overall, this was a good introduction for the series and I would like to read more of it.

[Julianne Munich]

'A Vow of Honor' is a no-spice, sweet, arranged-royal marriage novel with a likable heroine, Edith, and the grumpy, angsty hero, Duke Percival Umberly.

Percival sends for Edith- the 'undesirable' daughter of his family's late enemy- to become his bride.

They get off to an awkward and rocky start, for sure. And after their formal, stilted royal wedding, miscommunication ensues as a result of insecurities. Percival and Edith have each suffered parental trauma and loss. They just don't know how to express their feelings. Their emotions are strong, each of them keeps assuming they've angered the other, and the romantic tension keeps rising!

Add some lovable animal companions, dogs called 'varhounds', beautiful worldbuilding with a palace in a snowy land, and a frightening action scene involving a monstrous giant bear, you have an easily engaging, well-paced, and romantic story!

I enjoyed this and plan to read Ashley Willingham's next book soon!

[Nere]

I really enjoyed this book! It was definitely an unexpected match, and yet somehow they fit so perfectly together. I loved watching their relationship unfold. And that kiss on tiptoes? I literally giggled. It was such a sweet, tender moment.

Edith is the kind of heroine I can’t help but admire. Watching a powerful woman rise up in an environment that wasn’t designed to favor her was satisfying. Even when she was trying so hard to hate Percival, it was obvious her heart was already loving him.

I really liked “Grumpy” Percival. The way he truly valued and honored his wife was everything. And his notebook? Aww. That detail alone melted me.

And Sky? OMG. Who didn’t love Sky? I was genuinely heartbroken over what happened.

[Jessica Hoffman]

This novella was so captivating! I loved it from beginning to end. I really did like the development of the characters, like another reviewer said so much misunderstanding but so much can come of working together. I wanted see a little more or the turning of tides in their relationship, but it was so good! I also really liked the connection with the animals.

I must not have been thinking of fairy tales when I was reading it, but totally agree with the other reviewers that it does have a beauty and the beast vibe. I loved that it is truly a clean book. I can’t wait to read the trilogy that is coming out in March 2025!!

[Courtnie ~ courtniemustreads]

First of all, this story had me hooked from the beginning! I loved the characters and I loved the Christian elements threaded throughout the story. I loved the setting and the writing was so well done.

I don’t know why, but it bugged me that the guy was shorter. I usually don’t mind imperfect characters, but I am definitely a girl who likes to look at or up at my man. This did not deter me from being completely involved in the story and finishing it in a day though. I also was bugged by all the miscommunication even though it was completely relatable!

Overall, I can wait to read more from this author!

Content: Mild violence, more adult themes, closed door, grief

[Ash EBW]

I had no idea what to expect going in to this book but Im very pleasantly surprised. I really enjoyed it. There was action from the start which is what initially drew me in. This book follows the story of Percival and Edith. A lot of character growth and world building in this book. I wanted to smack Percival a few times but he turned out to be a man I didnt expect. I love Ediths character; strong, brave and bold at times. Something the lords arent used to. With twists and turns, this book will keep you wondering what's to come between Percival, Edith and a cousin named Draven. You just have to read it to find out.

[Lily Fernandes]

The author of this book gave it to me for free, and i was so pleasantly surprised to find that it’s one of my most favourite reads in 2026!

The romance is so sweet and angsty while still being great for christian readers, or younger readers who like more mature stories. Just like the author says, it has minimal gore, no spice, and represents christian values.

The story sort of reminded me of pride and prejudice in a way, because the characters have so much tension and attraction to each other but their miscommunication gets in the way.

If you are a fan of yearning and stolen moments of romance, this book is definitely for you!

[Bethany]

I really enjoyed this book. I love a good enemies to lovers trope, and there were great Christmas-y vibes to enjoy. I liked reading from both Percy and Edith's point of view. It helped me to better understand their actions. There was lots of tension based on misunderstandings, which I just wanted to explain to them both, if they would just be honest with each other! Anyways, it all worked out in the end, after some action, lots of drama, and sweet, clean, romance. I really enjoyed the interactions and relationships in this book and the message that we are all worthy of love.

[Brittany T]

Of course, just like her other book,The War of Crowns, I absolutely adored this book. I absolutely eat her books up. They are so well written and have amazing story lines that pull you in, all while being clean romance. It's truly amazing!
This book literally had me in tears for the last half of the book. The relationship between Percy & Edith was quirky, so much like my very own relationship with my now fiancé. I can not speak one bad thing about Mrs.Willinghams books or her writing style cause both I have read are amazing 6 ⭐️ reads for me! I can not wait til more are released!

[Ashanti]

This was my first book by this author and it left me ready to run to her next books. The audio was really good and helped make the story real. I loved the MC even though they spent most of the book pretty immaturely not communicating. I wish they would have resolved things quicker but it worked out in the last few chapters. The book does mention suicide so if that’s a trigger skip the book. I felt the book was great and could be suited for a YA audience as well. Overall great clean fantasy book. You should read it!

[Amber Gabriel]

This was so good! I can't think of many stories with such vivid, well-developed characters. Both had refreshingly unique physical characteristics plus past wounds, fears, and flaws that made them interesting and believable. I liked the non-magical world building with unusual creatures. I am curious about some of the side characters and the political situation, and I hope some of that will tie into the rest of the series. The pacing never lagged, and I read it straight through. I have a feeling I will reread it multiple times.