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Winter's Bride
Legend says every twenty-five years, Winter chooses a new bride.
Most believe it’s nothing more than a myth or a fairytale, but then Winter’s messenger comes to my village and chooses my sister as his next bride.
I never fit in, never belonged, so I decide to take her place and marry the god myself.
My family always said I was blessed by Summer himself, holding a warmth inside of me even during the coldest winter months. When I find out it’s true, that Summer had indeed been watching over me my entire life, things grow complicated.
Both Winter and Summer want me as their brides.
Choosing between them won’t be easy. In fact, it might just be impossible. How can you choose which half of your heart to follow?
**Winter’s Bride is a standalone, 45,000 word novella. This book includes some steamy scenes, and in the end, our heroine might not have to choose between her love interests.**
Most believe it’s nothing more than a myth or a fairytale, but then Winter’s messenger comes to my village and chooses my sister as his next bride.
I never fit in, never belonged, so I decide to take her place and marry the god myself.
My family always said I was blessed by Summer himself, holding a warmth inside of me even during the coldest winter months. When I find out it’s true, that Summer had indeed been watching over me my entire life, things grow complicated.
Both Winter and Summer want me as their brides.
Choosing between them won’t be easy. In fact, it might just be impossible. How can you choose which half of your heart to follow?
**Winter’s Bride is a standalone, 45,000 word novella. This book includes some steamy scenes, and in the end, our heroine might not have to choose between her love interests.**
118 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 1, 2020
49 people are currently reading
120 people want to read
About the author
Candace Wondrak
116 books1,846 followersHey guys! I'm a writer, an office worker, a wife, a mother to two dogs and two cats, and half of a strange pair of young adults who flip the houses they're living in with the goal of having no mortgage (so that I can eventually focus on my writing career!). Needless to say, I'm busy.
Still, I somehow find time to write, to read, and to enjoy life. Wish there were more hours in the day, really!
If you're active on Goodreads and have similar interests, friend me. I don't bite. Or if you'd rather follow my reviews, you can do that, too.
Happy reading!
Link to newsletter: http://eepurl.com/dppf_v
Still, I somehow find time to write, to read, and to enjoy life. Wish there were more hours in the day, really!
If you're active on Goodreads and have similar interests, friend me. I don't bite. Or if you'd rather follow my reviews, you can do that, too.
Happy reading!
Link to newsletter: http://eepurl.com/dppf_v
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
December 21, 2020
MFM Fantasy!
Absolutely fantastic novella about two brother kings and a human girl. I always love reading any and everything by this author! Definitely recommend!
Absolutely fantastic novella about two brother kings and a human girl. I always love reading any and everything by this author! Definitely recommend!
December 3, 2020
So, the only problem with this book is it felt a little rush. It’s a novella, so I guess it’s suppose to be this way... but either way, the author could have made a story with more depth.
But otherwise it was a cute story. A light reading.
But otherwise it was a cute story. A light reading.
December 7, 2020
Something was missing for me. Started off really slow and then felt a little rushed towards the end. An okay story that goes well with the season though.
March 12, 2021
Very intriguing but so very incomplete. There’s an extraordinary amount of loose ends, but it was a fast-paced, angst-free novella. Good afternoon read to let your imagination run free.
May 17, 2021
I won’t deny that the blurb for Winter’s Bride is extremely well-written. For that, I was happy to pay full-price for this novella. However, I will admit, I did not expect a novella but rather a book.
The tale of Morana, a girl who would much rather be the village spinster than marry any of the local boys, unknowingly touched by Summer’s blessings, and taken as Winter’s bride in a “I volunteer as tribute” very Hunger Games-reminiscent moment.
Dear Morana throws herself on the proverbial pyre to save her younger sister, Ember, who has other plans that involve batting for the home team. Something the village, and their parents, would clearly never agree to. Don’t get me wrong, I love throwing the taboo in and I’m glad there’s a happy ending for them, albeit mentioned almost in passing. I think it could have been interesting if that had somehow been mixed into the middle or even during the climax. It would have felt more like Ember was an actual character that Morana valiantly saved out of dear sisterly love instead of the only mention being the continual reminder that that’s all she did - save her sister. That for all the mentions of feeling like destiny, she makes it quite clear that if not for Ember being first choice, Morana would have gone ahead with her spinster plans. Completely selfless.
Only, I don’t really buy it.
Morana’s character plays hesitant and giving but then pulls 180s and will sass a God right to their face. Everything from calling Winter by his actual name to practically naming Summer a peeping-tom God. Her strength is refreshing and I appreciate that she’s clearly meant to be a strong female lead with a “do no harm, take no sh*t” mindset.
I think the dynamic between Abner (Winter), Ishan (Summer), and Morana is clearly fleshed out. I like how definitive the author makes the personalities of the two gods and how they relate to each other, being brothers and opposites. However, the biggest weakness I saw was the lack of story climax.
The climax of the story is quite literally, Morana bedding Winter and then the next day bedding Summer. While I understand the dilemma inherent in wanting both, there’s no consequences. Nothing happens as a result of these scenes except that suddenly both males readily accept her decision without any pushback. She wants us both, so she shall have us both! Yet, they never discuss that between themselves before putting it to her to say she needs time to think. Not only that but she asks for a month and barely takes a week.
From there is snowballs into a HEA ending wrapped up with a cute “unusual but pleasant weather happenings at each God’s castle” as a result.
After Ishan showing Morana the fate of the brides that have come before and her confronting Abner about it, only to learn it’s unintentional, nothing further comes of it. There’s mention as though it’s a risk that simply never comes to pass. It’s almost brushed off conveniently. If it was addressed by the warmth that Ishan bestowed on her (which would be understandable), it’s not all that clear and could definitely use some expounding on. In that regard, I feel it was a missed opportunity for conflict and the rise of a true climax.
While I did enjoy the book and would happily read another involving Abner and Ishan, as they’re very strong characters, I would not rate this novella high simply because it lacked the very development needed in any story, especially with characters never before introduced.
The tale of Morana, a girl who would much rather be the village spinster than marry any of the local boys, unknowingly touched by Summer’s blessings, and taken as Winter’s bride in a “I volunteer as tribute” very Hunger Games-reminiscent moment.
Dear Morana throws herself on the proverbial pyre to save her younger sister, Ember, who has other plans that involve batting for the home team. Something the village, and their parents, would clearly never agree to. Don’t get me wrong, I love throwing the taboo in and I’m glad there’s a happy ending for them, albeit mentioned almost in passing. I think it could have been interesting if that had somehow been mixed into the middle or even during the climax. It would have felt more like Ember was an actual character that Morana valiantly saved out of dear sisterly love instead of the only mention being the continual reminder that that’s all she did - save her sister. That for all the mentions of feeling like destiny, she makes it quite clear that if not for Ember being first choice, Morana would have gone ahead with her spinster plans. Completely selfless.
Only, I don’t really buy it.
Morana’s character plays hesitant and giving but then pulls 180s and will sass a God right to their face. Everything from calling Winter by his actual name to practically naming Summer a peeping-tom God. Her strength is refreshing and I appreciate that she’s clearly meant to be a strong female lead with a “do no harm, take no sh*t” mindset.
I think the dynamic between Abner (Winter), Ishan (Summer), and Morana is clearly fleshed out. I like how definitive the author makes the personalities of the two gods and how they relate to each other, being brothers and opposites. However, the biggest weakness I saw was the lack of story climax.
The climax of the story is quite literally, Morana bedding Winter and then the next day bedding Summer. While I understand the dilemma inherent in wanting both, there’s no consequences. Nothing happens as a result of these scenes except that suddenly both males readily accept her decision without any pushback. She wants us both, so she shall have us both! Yet, they never discuss that between themselves before putting it to her to say she needs time to think. Not only that but she asks for a month and barely takes a week.
From there is snowballs into a HEA ending wrapped up with a cute “unusual but pleasant weather happenings at each God’s castle” as a result.
After Ishan showing Morana the fate of the brides that have come before and her confronting Abner about it, only to learn it’s unintentional, nothing further comes of it. There’s mention as though it’s a risk that simply never comes to pass. It’s almost brushed off conveniently. If it was addressed by the warmth that Ishan bestowed on her (which would be understandable), it’s not all that clear and could definitely use some expounding on. In that regard, I feel it was a missed opportunity for conflict and the rise of a true climax.
While I did enjoy the book and would happily read another involving Abner and Ishan, as they’re very strong characters, I would not rate this novella high simply because it lacked the very development needed in any story, especially with characters never before introduced.
December 7, 2020
Book Title: Winter's Bride
Author: Candance Wondrak
Format: E-Book
Book Title: The book title confused me a little after I finished reading the novella.
Book Cover: The cover is pretty cute.
My review:
The story talks how the journey of a human girl when she is choose as a bride for an arranged marriage by a God. Only there was the other God who took an interest in her after a chance meet when she was young. When this news travels, it is a fight on who gets to keep this human girl... or can there be an alternate solution to this dilemma?
I picked up this novella because of the intriguing preface. As I started reading, it really captured my attention. I was really impressed with Morana and how witty and kind she was. Her curious nature and the tendency to always question may be frowned upon in the village she resides in but I think that was one of her best qualities.
On the other hand, it was amazing to see Winter and Summer God with such clashing personalities with their own flaws and powerful qualities. It became very difficult for me to choose who to love more! And dang, the description of these characters was fantastic and surprising. Keeping in mind that this is a novella, it actually had the potential to be a fascinating novel, and one of the reason why there was not much angst.
Since there was not much tension, I didn't enjoy the book in all its glory. Overall, I think this book can definitely be one to pick up on a cozy day in December to enjoy some light reading!
Final Verdict
Title: 4/5
Cover: 4/5
Plot:3.5/5
Characters:4/5
Language and Vocabulary: 3.5/5
Final overall rating: 3.5 /5
Author: Candance Wondrak
Format: E-Book
Book Title: The book title confused me a little after I finished reading the novella.
Book Cover: The cover is pretty cute.
My review:
The story talks how the journey of a human girl when she is choose as a bride for an arranged marriage by a God. Only there was the other God who took an interest in her after a chance meet when she was young. When this news travels, it is a fight on who gets to keep this human girl... or can there be an alternate solution to this dilemma?
I picked up this novella because of the intriguing preface. As I started reading, it really captured my attention. I was really impressed with Morana and how witty and kind she was. Her curious nature and the tendency to always question may be frowned upon in the village she resides in but I think that was one of her best qualities.
On the other hand, it was amazing to see Winter and Summer God with such clashing personalities with their own flaws and powerful qualities. It became very difficult for me to choose who to love more! And dang, the description of these characters was fantastic and surprising. Keeping in mind that this is a novella, it actually had the potential to be a fascinating novel, and one of the reason why there was not much angst.
Since there was not much tension, I didn't enjoy the book in all its glory. Overall, I think this book can definitely be one to pick up on a cozy day in December to enjoy some light reading!
Final Verdict
Title: 4/5
Cover: 4/5
Plot:3.5/5
Characters:4/5
Language and Vocabulary: 3.5/5
Final overall rating: 3.5 /5
April 7, 2021
This is a poorly written, ridiculous story. I skipped most of this repetitive, sleep-inducing tale. Least it was short, which is the only positive that can be said of it. Morana – I think is her name – her sister is gay, but is only used as a ploy so Morana volunteers herself, à la Katniss Everdeen, to be Winter's bride. She’s not doing it just because she wants to protect her little sister. So, perhaps no Miss Everdeen after all.
So, the protagonists desire is to be free from chores and responsibilities. Erm... she does realise that no matter how comfortable or privileged your life is, there will always be chores and/or responsibilities to be done, right? Also, she claims to be “blessed by summer", or people claims she was, but white skin does not scream SUMMER to me. Blonde hair, yes, but if it were me, I’d have made her a person of colour with perhaps naturally blonde hair – how beautifully unusual would that be?
Speaking of Summer – who is a God, as is Winter, but no Spring or Autumn – he claims to have watched her since she was six years old. SIX! This just didn’t sit well with me.
Nothing happens, then she ends up getting with both Summer and Winter, who are brothers, and they’re happy to share her as a wife.
Seriously! What did I just read?
So, the protagonists desire is to be free from chores and responsibilities. Erm... she does realise that no matter how comfortable or privileged your life is, there will always be chores and/or responsibilities to be done, right? Also, she claims to be “blessed by summer", or people claims she was, but white skin does not scream SUMMER to me. Blonde hair, yes, but if it were me, I’d have made her a person of colour with perhaps naturally blonde hair – how beautifully unusual would that be?
Speaking of Summer – who is a God, as is Winter, but no Spring or Autumn – he claims to have watched her since she was six years old. SIX! This just didn’t sit well with me.
Nothing happens, then she ends up getting with both Summer and Winter, who are brothers, and they’re happy to share her as a wife.
Seriously! What did I just read?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 2, 2020
Perfect novella for the season!
It is always nice to change up what I read with little light hearted novellas every so often, like this one. There wasn’t any world ending plot just a woman navigating her newly discovered love interests who just so happen to be gods of Winter and Summer.
I absolutely loved the differing personalities between Winter and Summer. It made them stand out among each other. I loved both of them for their own reasons. Winter is a depressed and lonely god who just longs to find love. His loneliness and despair was heartbreaking to read but seeing Morana bring light to his life was sweet. Then Summer is happy and fun just like what you would expect the god of summer to be like. He had an obsession with Morana long before she was arranged to be married to Winter. That made me laugh because even though Candace wanted to write something a little different from her usual, she still got to include some psychopathic tendencies into this novella 🤣🤣🤣
Loved this novella and I would happily read an extended epilogue with these 3 if the opportunity ever arises.
It is always nice to change up what I read with little light hearted novellas every so often, like this one. There wasn’t any world ending plot just a woman navigating her newly discovered love interests who just so happen to be gods of Winter and Summer.
I absolutely loved the differing personalities between Winter and Summer. It made them stand out among each other. I loved both of them for their own reasons. Winter is a depressed and lonely god who just longs to find love. His loneliness and despair was heartbreaking to read but seeing Morana bring light to his life was sweet. Then Summer is happy and fun just like what you would expect the god of summer to be like. He had an obsession with Morana long before she was arranged to be married to Winter. That made me laugh because even though Candace wanted to write something a little different from her usual, she still got to include some psychopathic tendencies into this novella 🤣🤣🤣
Loved this novella and I would happily read an extended epilogue with these 3 if the opportunity ever arises.
November 30, 2020
This book has a strong character in Morana who doesn’t like to do as she is told and will push against what is expected off her. She holds her head high and speaks her own mind even if it could get her into trouble. Her life is about to change when Abana the god off winter picks her village to find a new bride and when her sister is pick she offers to take her place to be the bride for winter. But his brother Ishan the god off summer has been watching over her for years and when she goes to be his brothers wife he want to stop her and have Morana for himself. What will happen to Morana and the two gods winter and summer.
I enjoyed this book and loved reading it a loved Morana character because she has a bit off attitude and the way the story unfolds with her been torn between the two brothers. 👍
I enjoyed this book and loved reading it a loved Morana character because she has a bit off attitude and the way the story unfolds with her been torn between the two brothers. 👍
December 3, 2020
Quick winter novella read ❄️
As I read this book is cold outside but nice and toasty...kinda like I was trapped between my own winter and summer 😉
Morana has to make the most out of pulling a hunger games tribute for her sister. Now she will be the winter Gods bride. But she is not one to just roll over for anyone. Things get even more complicated when the summer God has had his eye on her for a while.
I like the contrast between Abner and Ishans personalities. They were very much what you would expect summer and winter Gods to be like. In the end they just wanted someone to love. Loved the ending it was super sweet. Hopefully we may get another look into their future sometime.
As I read this book is cold outside but nice and toasty...kinda like I was trapped between my own winter and summer 😉
Morana has to make the most out of pulling a hunger games tribute for her sister. Now she will be the winter Gods bride. But she is not one to just roll over for anyone. Things get even more complicated when the summer God has had his eye on her for a while.
I like the contrast between Abner and Ishans personalities. They were very much what you would expect summer and winter Gods to be like. In the end they just wanted someone to love. Loved the ending it was super sweet. Hopefully we may get another look into their future sometime.
December 1, 2020
Loved this story.
Morana is feeling strange in herself, alone yet surrounded by people and feeling sad for her future. no one in the town fits her, suits her, the men are definitely not what she needs for marriage, so when the messenger comes to choose a bride for Winter she is in the line up ready to be chosen. Unfortunately her Sister is chosen and Morana knows that if Ember leaves... she will leave her happiness behind her. Morana knowing what her life is and what the future may have in store for her, goes in her place and could never imagine what would happen next.
This is a great read!
Morana is feeling strange in herself, alone yet surrounded by people and feeling sad for her future. no one in the town fits her, suits her, the men are definitely not what she needs for marriage, so when the messenger comes to choose a bride for Winter she is in the line up ready to be chosen. Unfortunately her Sister is chosen and Morana knows that if Ember leaves... she will leave her happiness behind her. Morana knowing what her life is and what the future may have in store for her, goes in her place and could never imagine what would happen next.
This is a great read!
February 2, 2021
🔸️ Our girl was always quiet, observant and imagined that her life would be living in a small house on the edge of the city. Everything changes when the messenger of the Winter King chooses his sister as his bride, terrified of the idea of his sister living without love, she volunteers in her place.
🔸️ What she doesn't expect is that someone else has always been watching her. What happens when winter and summer are interested in the same woman?
🔸️ Winter is lonely and has always sought love, cursed by his icy powers, finds himself entangled between seeking his happiness or letting his brother have his happily ever after.
🔸️ What she doesn't expect is that someone else has always been watching her. What happens when winter and summer are interested in the same woman?
🔸️ Winter is lonely and has always sought love, cursed by his icy powers, finds himself entangled between seeking his happiness or letting his brother have his happily ever after.
November 28, 2020
I really enjoyed reading this book. To see Morana and then winter Abner and summer Ishan go through many twists. While Ishan tries to keep Morana to himself after watching over her since she was little, we see Abner and Morana fight each other in a way, when she takes her sister's place to be his wife.
With Ishan not wanting the same thing happen to her like all the others he shows her the truth. Little does he know what her thoughts are on them both.
This book ends though on a happy ending to how it ends you will have to pick up to find out.
With Ishan not wanting the same thing happen to her like all the others he shows her the truth. Little does he know what her thoughts are on them both.
This book ends though on a happy ending to how it ends you will have to pick up to find out.
December 5, 2020
Loved this!
Ms Wondrak - you sure do know how to do justice to a novella!
Morana is chosen to be Winter's bride...but Summer also has a claim. How do you choose between 2 halves of your heart?
Beautifully written (and reminiscent of one of my favourite fantasy author's books), Winter's Bride is a unique little story with some hints of Blackbeard and Beauty And The Beast thrown in. Although a novella, there is no skimping on character development and feelings, and the writing is excellent.
Loved this, and can't wait till January for her next book! ❤
Ms Wondrak - you sure do know how to do justice to a novella!
Morana is chosen to be Winter's bride...but Summer also has a claim. How do you choose between 2 halves of your heart?
Beautifully written (and reminiscent of one of my favourite fantasy author's books), Winter's Bride is a unique little story with some hints of Blackbeard and Beauty And The Beast thrown in. Although a novella, there is no skimping on character development and feelings, and the writing is excellent.
Loved this, and can't wait till January for her next book! ❤
December 16, 2024
DNFed at 12%. The book reminded me of Uprooted where an immortal will choose our FMC from a group of girls. The book was ok until then but was already skimming through it but then the FMC had to go and say ‘Take me instead of my little sister’. And there are no questions no excuses the guy just says ok whatever and takes her instead.
December 2, 2020
Lovely
This was just the cutest and sweetest thing there ever was! I want to be the one to melt Abner's frozen heart and to play with Ishan. And i wish the novella was longer! I want to see what happens next!
This was just the cutest and sweetest thing there ever was! I want to be the one to melt Abner's frozen heart and to play with Ishan. And i wish the novella was longer! I want to see what happens next!
December 3, 2020
Good read.
Good read....this is an enjoyable evening's entertainment...characters that are fleshed out well...our heroine with her winter and Summer loves and their happy ever afters.
Good read....this is an enjoyable evening's entertainment...characters that are fleshed out well...our heroine with her winter and Summer loves and their happy ever afters.
December 7, 2020
So sweet
This was a short but sweet one. I haven’t read much fantasy from Candace Wondrak before but I really enjoyed it. It felt like a very feel good story and if there’s a follow up in the future I’ll definitely check it out!
This was a short but sweet one. I haven’t read much fantasy from Candace Wondrak before but I really enjoyed it. It felt like a very feel good story and if there’s a follow up in the future I’ll definitely check it out!
December 22, 2020
Fantastic read!
This is such a sweet story! It’s a quick read that’s worth every penny and then some. I love the way that Winter and Summer are portrayed in this book, and I couldn’t put it down!
This is such a sweet story! It’s a quick read that’s worth every penny and then some. I love the way that Winter and Summer are portrayed in this book, and I couldn’t put it down!
November 29, 2021
Good
Morana takes her sisters place as winters bride while there she meets Ishan god of summer and Winter's brother. Torn between the two her heart breaks knowing she has to choose one over the other. Good book highly enjoyed
Morana takes her sisters place as winters bride while there she meets Ishan god of summer and Winter's brother. Torn between the two her heart breaks knowing she has to choose one over the other. Good book highly enjoyed
December 1, 2020
This is a quick interesting read. The mc is strong and isn't afraid to speak her mind. The romance is medium burn. We learn something at the end of the epilogue that made me wish there was a second epilogue.
December 1, 2020
I would like a sequel
December 2, 2020
Cute story
I love the way the author describes each area. How the brothers, so similar yet different make her feel. It's a quick read, but one I enjoyed.
I love the way the author describes each area. How the brothers, so similar yet different make her feel. It's a quick read, but one I enjoyed.
December 3, 2020
Such a fun book
I devoured Winter! It is beautifully written and, while steamy, you still get all of the feels. Bravo to Candace on another amazing book!
I devoured Winter! It is beautifully written and, while steamy, you still get all of the feels. Bravo to Candace on another amazing book!
December 5, 2020
A very enjoyable, quick read! It was sweet, with the right amount of drama and angst! Definitely recommend!
December 6, 2020
So adorable!
I loved this novella. It was quick and amazing. I wouldnt mind reading more of their story, especially with the guys reacts to a baby.
I loved this novella. It was quick and amazing. I wouldnt mind reading more of their story, especially with the guys reacts to a baby.
December 7, 2020
Short and sweet
I’ve read plenty of this author but this was my first fantasy by her which is my favorite genre. Short & sweet novella
I’ve read plenty of this author but this was my first fantasy by her which is my favorite genre. Short & sweet novella
December 9, 2020
Morana is a strong character that doesn't back down. This is a very entertaining read that I read in one sitting. This is well written and has a fantastic storyline. The story is unique and sweet.
December 13, 2020
Amazing
I found this author because of cruel black hearts so this was a bit different, but still just as amazing!
I found this author because of cruel black hearts so this was a bit different, but still just as amazing!
December 19, 2020
Quick sweet book
Looking for something feel good to get you through a couple of hours, this is the perfect book. Just a sweet feel good story.
Looking for something feel good to get you through a couple of hours, this is the perfect book. Just a sweet feel good story.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews