What do you think?
Rate this book
Fairy Tale Collection
Saphyre Snow
The fire burned hot and red in the pit, and Saphyre's eyes again began to long for the sweet respite of slumber. Still, she dared not close them for a moment in the presence of these strangers, and so it was she continued to study the men—wonder of their lives before the keep—and their secrets. It was certain they owned secrets—for did not she? All human beings owned secrets—some more than others perhaps—but all owned them. Thus, she sat in contemplation. What secrets would drive men to such solitude?
"Have you sorted us all out then?" he asked unexpected. His gaze bore down upon her like the red heat of the sun. "Have you sorted the gentlemen from the miscreants? Determined who will serve as your lover and who will be your footman?"
Descended of a legendary line of strength and beauty, Saphyre Snow had once known happiness as princess of the Kingdom of Graces. Once a valiant king had ruled in wisdom—once a loving mother had spoken soft words of truth to her daughter. Yet, a strange madness had poisoned great minds—a strange fever inviting Lord Death to linger. Soon it was even Lord Death sought to claim Saphyre Snow for his own—and all Saphyre loved seemed lost.
Thus, Saphyre fled—forced to leave all familiars for necessity of preserving her life. Alone, and without provision, Saphyre knew Lord Death might yet claim her—for how could a princess hope to best the Reaper himself?
Still, fate often provides rescue by extraordinary venues, and Saphyre was not delivered into the hands of Death—but into the hands of those hiding dark secrets in the depths of bruised and bloodied souls. Saphyre knew a measure of hope and asylum in the company of these battered vagabonds. Even she knew love—a secreted love—a forbidden love. Yet it was love itself—even held secret—that would again summon Lord Death to hunt the princess, Saphyre Snow
"Have you sorted us all out then?" he asked unexpected. His gaze bore down upon her like the red heat of the sun. "Have you sorted the gentlemen from the miscreants? Determined who will serve as your lover and who will be your footman?"
Descended of a legendary line of strength and beauty, Saphyre Snow had once known happiness as princess of the Kingdom of Graces. Once a valiant king had ruled in wisdom—once a loving mother had spoken soft words of truth to her daughter. Yet, a strange madness had poisoned great minds—a strange fever inviting Lord Death to linger. Soon it was even Lord Death sought to claim Saphyre Snow for his own—and all Saphyre loved seemed lost.
Thus, Saphyre fled—forced to leave all familiars for necessity of preserving her life. Alone, and without provision, Saphyre knew Lord Death might yet claim her—for how could a princess hope to best the Reaper himself?
Still, fate often provides rescue by extraordinary venues, and Saphyre was not delivered into the hands of Death—but into the hands of those hiding dark secrets in the depths of bruised and bloodied souls. Saphyre knew a measure of hope and asylum in the company of these battered vagabonds. Even she knew love—a secreted love—a forbidden love. Yet it was love itself—even held secret—that would again summon Lord Death to hunt the princess, Saphyre Snow
ebook
First published July 20, 2009
38 people are currently reading
771 people want to read
About the author
Marcia Lynn McClure
74 books1,364 followersBorn in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Marcia Lynn McClure grew up influenced by the reminiscent stories of rugged, rural Colorado farm life fascinatingly recounted to her by her parents, grandparents, uncles and aunts…tales of runaway buckboards, mule-drawn plows and dust pneumonia; verbalized images of stream-flooded meadows, frozen over in winter, where a child could peer through the crystal clear ice in wonder at the small fish, snakes and mice sealed in the meadow grasses beneath; stories of hardship and tragedy, love and loss. But always the stories, and the people telling them, bore evidence of the wonder and worthiness of simpler, yet sometimes brutal, times.
These influential people and the family legends they detailed, coupled with her own life experiences and utterly romantic nature, led Marcia to begin writing novels as Christmas gifts for her closest friends…friends who long for a breath of the past and miss the romance of bygone eras; friends searching for moments of distraction from the stressful, demanding times we live in.
And so, knowing that it is the breath of the past and the "take me in you arms and kiss me" kind of moments that so many women long to relive, Marcia spins her tales of love, life and laughter…adventures woven around those compelling, romantic instances that most appeal to a woman's loving heart. Marcia feels that if her readers close one of her books with a contented sigh and a delighted smile, feeling rejuvenated, cheerful and edified, then she has achieved what she set out to do…shower refreshment and happiness on anyone having experienced the story.
Marcia lives in Rio Rancho, New Mexico. There she writes her stories surrounded by her beloved friends and family...and the beautiful desert landscape of New Mexico!
These influential people and the family legends they detailed, coupled with her own life experiences and utterly romantic nature, led Marcia to begin writing novels as Christmas gifts for her closest friends…friends who long for a breath of the past and miss the romance of bygone eras; friends searching for moments of distraction from the stressful, demanding times we live in.
And so, knowing that it is the breath of the past and the "take me in you arms and kiss me" kind of moments that so many women long to relive, Marcia spins her tales of love, life and laughter…adventures woven around those compelling, romantic instances that most appeal to a woman's loving heart. Marcia feels that if her readers close one of her books with a contented sigh and a delighted smile, feeling rejuvenated, cheerful and edified, then she has achieved what she set out to do…shower refreshment and happiness on anyone having experienced the story.
Marcia lives in Rio Rancho, New Mexico. There she writes her stories surrounded by her beloved friends and family...and the beautiful desert landscape of New Mexico!
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 197 reviews
May 25, 2010
I love fairy tale retellings and this retelling of Snow White is the best one I've ever read. Loved this book! Another night of being up much too late to finish a book I didn't want to put down. Loved the compassion of the princess towards the 7 "dwarfs" in this story And of cource Marcia's version of a real "prince" leaves nothing wanting, he's much more than a pretty face that shows up at the end to simply kiss the princess.
Read a Crimson Frost first and then follow up with Saphyre Snow.
Read a Crimson Frost first and then follow up with Saphyre Snow.
August 5, 2010
Okay, what can I say about this book. I really wanted to love it, but there were just a lot of things that bugged me. I loved the idea of retelling the fairy tale of snow white, and it definitely gave new meaning to "some day my prince will come", (the rogue knight was a hit, and totally made me rethink my first kiss). But I just didn't love the heroine. She felt really underdeveloped to me, especially in comparison to the hero of the story. The "seven dwarf" characters had more to them than she did. She was so weepy and seemed like a weak character. I wanted more to her, and even though Saphyre Snow as snow white is supposed to have a certain innocence to her, I felt like her innocence almost made her dumb and clueless. I think she could have been more developed, thus more deserving of becoming the future queen of her kingdom. Having said that, I did admire her desire to help others and wanting to make them whole, but even then, it didn't feel really developed or believable. I think the author could have made more of her as a character by giving her more back ground and explaining her gift for helping others, and thus making the story more meaningful. Also, the writing style was weird. I kept thinking there were typos. It was a fun read, but it could have been a lot better.
July 20, 2025
I absolutely love this re-telling of Snow White! It is set in medieval times, when the knights were devoted to their ladies and fought to champion them. This story shows that beautifully! It has all the characters you would expect. They are developed so well. I wish I could know them all! Except the evil queen of course, who I want nothing to do with! She is definitely evil! Saphyre Snow is beautiful, of course, but it is her spirit that is truly beautiful. She has such a tender heart, and so many wonderful qualities. The 7 men of the keep -- love them all! Each had his own personality, each had been shaped by his life. The ending is great! Once the final scenes began to unfold, I couldn't stop reading until I got to the end! And there is an epilogue!! I love epilogues! I love fairy tale re-tellings! This is now my favorite one about Snow White!
October 21, 2009
Ahh Marcia! I just love you! This is a retelling of Snow White and the Seven Dwarves, only instead of dwarves, you have outcasts, and instead of a step-mother, it's a step-grandmother, and instead of a handsome patsy prince, you get a tough,good looking, rogue who can best 13 men at once and steal plenty of good kisses! Sigh!
Saphyre is truly a beautiful girl inside and out. After escaping from the evil queen, she takes shelter in the ruins of an old castle keep. There she meets the brothers of the keep, seven different men who have been outcast from society for various reasons. Touched by their kindness to her, Saphyre tries to repay each of them with a personal gift. I totally loved this book! But to my friends, it really is just a romance, but I really loved it!
Saphyre is truly a beautiful girl inside and out. After escaping from the evil queen, she takes shelter in the ruins of an old castle keep. There she meets the brothers of the keep, seven different men who have been outcast from society for various reasons. Touched by their kindness to her, Saphyre tries to repay each of them with a personal gift. I totally loved this book! But to my friends, it really is just a romance, but I really loved it!
March 19, 2022
This is a companion novel, set way in the future, to The Crimson Knight and is also a retelling of Snow White and the Seven Dwarves. I liked the beginning and the end, the middle got a little boring for me. I felt the time Saphyre was in hiding at the keep was drawn out too long. I also had a hard time connecting to Saphyre.
Content Rated PG
Romance: Kissing
Language: None that I remember
Violence: Mild
Content Rated PG
Romance: Kissing
Language: None that I remember
Violence: Mild
August 14, 2009
I didn't realize this book was a version of the fairytale Snow White, which is not my most favorite fairytale. I really did enjoy this version. I liked how giving Saphyre was and I enjoyed this version much better than the "real" one.
April 21, 2009
I enjoyed this version of Snow White. With Marcia Lynn McClure books, you can always count on having fun while you are reading them.
December 27, 2009
Marcia has done it again! How does she manage to top the one before every time? I really enjoyed her remake of Snow White. Delightful!
July 7, 2022
Normally I wouldn't give five stars to a book like this one. Authors that can't write "Old English" shouldn't attempt to do so, and this author is among those that shouldn't attempt it. However, the story more than makes up for the awkward writing style.
This is one of my favorite Snow White retellings and one I have read multiple times. I'm sure I'll read it again! The story is delightful and although it is definitely a Snow White story, it contains much, much more. I love the way Saphyre Snow, although a princess, reaches out in service to those around her. Her gifts are carefully thought out and exactly what each person needs. In turn she gains the love of the seven men of the keep. Because of Saphyre, men of legend once again reach the potential within themselves.
As I said, one I will be reading again, but unfortunately there isn't an audiobook.
This is one of my favorite Snow White retellings and one I have read multiple times. I'm sure I'll read it again! The story is delightful and although it is definitely a Snow White story, it contains much, much more. I love the way Saphyre Snow, although a princess, reaches out in service to those around her. Her gifts are carefully thought out and exactly what each person needs. In turn she gains the love of the seven men of the keep. Because of Saphyre, men of legend once again reach the potential within themselves.
As I said, one I will be reading again, but unfortunately there isn't an audiobook.
September 21, 2019
I like how clean Marica McClure's stories are. However, the telling of them is simplistic and not subtle enough for me to enjoy. This is the second book that I've tried, so I think that's it for me. I will leave other readers to read her sweet works.
August 26, 2014
What better distraction from a cold than by reading Marcia's latest? None, I assure you... :) I just finished the authors note, and found it interesting that she and I are alike in the not liking the Snow White fairytale so much. I have been waiting to read this full length, for I much prefer her stories that way, for her having a version of a Snow White retelling intrigued me so! And it's a no wonder I adore her work, I'm a lot like her in so many ways, I love it...
With this book she has taken a story I didn't particularly care for, and turned it into one of my top favorites. Hers are all so wonderful, but something in the story of the compassionate Saphyre Snow, edged it out to be a contender as my favorite of hers. :) It not only touched my heart with the romance dreams are made up of, but it touched my spirit as well. I felt lifted up for reading it, knowing I too, am of worth, as we all are. What a great lesson to be reminded of, one I most assuredly need often. I am grateful for her insight, thus sharing a book such as this with the world. Her women are just as great as the rouge-ish men, and for that I think I shall always put her work as my favorite above the rest.
Ah, so good, and way more than two sighs... :)
Read again August 25-26, 2014. My feelings for this book have only deepened. Wish there were more than five stars to give. :)
With this book she has taken a story I didn't particularly care for, and turned it into one of my top favorites. Hers are all so wonderful, but something in the story of the compassionate Saphyre Snow, edged it out to be a contender as my favorite of hers. :) It not only touched my heart with the romance dreams are made up of, but it touched my spirit as well. I felt lifted up for reading it, knowing I too, am of worth, as we all are. What a great lesson to be reminded of, one I most assuredly need often. I am grateful for her insight, thus sharing a book such as this with the world. Her women are just as great as the rouge-ish men, and for that I think I shall always put her work as my favorite above the rest.
Ah, so good, and way more than two sighs... :)
Read again August 25-26, 2014. My feelings for this book have only deepened. Wish there were more than five stars to give. :)
April 27, 2010
Ms. McClure has taken a so-so fairy tale (Snow White) and worked it into a great romance. Gone is the insipid prince who only shows up at the end to kiss her and live happily ever after, replaced with a hot, complicated rogue in hiding. Instead of seven little dwarfs there are seven equally interesting and tortured souls (o.k. so there are two dwarfs among them) all who agree to befriend and protect the heroine. This alone makes the tale much more fun to read. Saphyre's syrupy musing about her true love and how perfect he is was repeated to redundancy and the end was a little to cookie cutter, but hey, it's a fairy tale. The only thing that kept me from the big sigh at the end was the fact that after spending so much reading time growing to love each of the seven men who were her protectors/friends, I really needed at least a few sentences each telling me how they achieved their HEAs. All we received was a comment that they each were married and had children. Hmm
December 24, 2014
*SIGH*. Oh how I loved this story! I even read it faster than the Crimson Frost and that one is sooo good! I'm writing this with a smile pasted to my face wanting to go back and re read some of my favorite parts. I grew up on Disney fairy tales and so this book was like sweet nostalgia blended with beauty and love so deep and pure it warms my heart! I most definitely will be reading this again soon. Marcia's books are addicting and make me feel happy and sometimes that's the best gift an author can give a reader.
February 15, 2010
I just can't help loving everything that Marcia writes! Her characters are so real to me and I love the way they evolve throughout the story. This was Snow White at its very best telling. I loved the brothers of the keep right from the start, and Saphyre was just the girl to get them in touch with their true selves. I love the message of beauty within and individual worth. The romance was over the top as always and made me giggle, smile and sigh throughout :)
July 18, 2010
I loved, loved, loved this book. I have never been fond of Snow White, but I loved this book.
The characters and story were thoroughly enjoyable. Out of all the versions of Snow White I have read, this version made the most sense and was the most enjoyable.
The book had enough details to make you think of Snow White occasionally,but was still it's own story.
Saphyre Snow is definitely a book I will read more than one time.
The characters and story were thoroughly enjoyable. Out of all the versions of Snow White I have read, this version made the most sense and was the most enjoyable.
The book had enough details to make you think of Snow White occasionally,but was still it's own story.
Saphyre Snow is definitely a book I will read more than one time.
August 25, 2011
I read this awhile ago so hopefully I can do this review justice. I remember the thing that I loved about this book were the men that were protecting Saphyre Snow. I'm a huge lover of boys that stand up and protect women! I think it's roughly a sequel so I would find Crimson Frost first!
8/24/11
Re-read this last night! I really need to just start buying these books because I am completely addicted to their cuteness!
8/24/11
Re-read this last night! I really need to just start buying these books because I am completely addicted to their cuteness!
March 24, 2010
I think this book is one of the best I have read this year. I love this author. I enjoy the happy ending, type books. I am sure I will read this book again and again. I didn't really expect there to be an actual apple that poisons her, but I liked the little twist with it. I love all of Marcia McClure's Hero's. I am starting to think she writes these books just for me.
October 1, 2017
I love the twist on Snow White. So creative! I love Saphyre Snow. She is so caring and thoughtful. And Rogan...well he's just a character you want to kiss. I love all of Marcia Lynn Mcclure's kissing scenes. They are so clean but at the same time want to make you find your husband and do a little of your own kissing. :)
February 25, 2010
I truly enjoyed this retelling of Snow White (I had no idea that's what it was when I started it). The story is very strong and the characters well fleshed out. I love the way the romance blossoms and the mystery unfolds. Very enjoyable read from start to finish.
June 18, 2010
What an incredible retelling of the the story of Snow White! I loved it! This is definitely my favorite book that I have read by Marcia Lynn McClure. I loved the compassion displayed and the theme of individual worth. A note for young readers- there is some pretty steamy kissing in this book.
October 13, 2009
Best Snow White story I've read! I've never liked the Snow White fairy tell. Loved this book. Read it in one day.
March 11, 2010
I love this book. My favorite one of all time
March 17, 2010
This was so fun to read for me. A twist on Snow White and how even better that they are not dwarfs and that she falls in love with one of them.
May 3, 2010
this book is my favorite of hers. it was so good
July 5, 2010
A total Snow White spin-off! But with so much more depth! I love it.
April 28, 2010
My favorite story based on Snow White!
November 30, 2018
Not gonna lie, this book is one of my guilty pleasures. I really shouldn't like this book. The heroine is a naive sobbing mess 75% of the time. Okay, make that 90%. And yet I keep coming back to this book because this is one of the few Snow White retellings that has made every character count. 7 characters is hard to juggle for anyone. However, a solid chunk of this book is Snow trying to pay back her unexpected guardians in special, highly individual ways. Not only does this allow us to learn something unique about each character, but it's just so darn cute. And of course, McClure delivers her signature kiss scenes. The woman sure loves writing those.
September 5, 2018
Snow White Perfected
The sequel to The Crimson Frost. It takes place about 5 generations later than the Crimson Frost and is also based in fairy tale.
There are 2 things that I really enjoy about this book. The first is that the man is a rogue with honor and and not some prissy boy. Heaven knows they cannot be as wonderfully passionate as our beloved rogues. Nor can they seem to defend virtue as well either.
And secondly I love that it points out how everyone has some kind of troubles/scars in life and that we are ment to help and touch all those we come across.
The sequel to The Crimson Frost. It takes place about 5 generations later than the Crimson Frost and is also based in fairy tale.
There are 2 things that I really enjoy about this book. The first is that the man is a rogue with honor and and not some prissy boy. Heaven knows they cannot be as wonderfully passionate as our beloved rogues. Nor can they seem to defend virtue as well either.
And secondly I love that it points out how everyone has some kind of troubles/scars in life and that we are ment to help and touch all those we come across.
September 23, 2024
For how short this book is, it took me forever to read. This is not because the book was boring, life just got crazy all at one time. Besides that, I quite enjoyed this little Snow White retelling! Her little quest to make all the guys like her was adorable! Rogan, hot (enough said). Plot twist at the end went CRAZY! And they all find love (which I feel like is just unrealistic but they do live in a fantasy world so anything goes). The writing was good but it read a bit like a wattpad so I’m going to give it a 3.5/5 stars
August 21, 2020
In this Snow White retelling, Saphyre must run for her life and hide from her evil step grandmother. It is in her escape that she stumbles upon men rejected by society, but not so easily rejected by her heart.
I almost did not finish this because the beginning was so slow going! But I am so glad I did! I liked the gifts she gave to each of the men and the ending was swoon worthy to say the least! My favorite parts were definitely Rogan’s respite and the bell tower.
I almost did not finish this because the beginning was so slow going! But I am so glad I did! I liked the gifts she gave to each of the men and the ending was swoon worthy to say the least! My favorite parts were definitely Rogan’s respite and the bell tower.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 197 reviews