What do you think?
Rate this book
A Rose in Winter
Solange and Damon are childhood soulmates separated by the political machinations of two men, each of whom have their own agenda in controlling the fate of Solange. Her father is determined to wed her off to his enemy, the Earl of Redmond, to broker peace. Redmond, however, wants her for a much darker purpose.
Forced to pretend an aversion to the man she loves, Solange is finally reunited with Damon in the most unexpected of ways. She is now a widow, a haunting version of the girl he once knew, and seems to be hiding something that Damon cannot discover. All he knows is that she is determined to flee the estate of her dead husband, and he is helplessly drawn with her on the journey.
Along the way each rediscovers the flame that once united them, slowly, reluctantly, until once again they admit their love for each other. All cannot be well, however, until the secret of Solange's past is uncovered and banished.
Forced to pretend an aversion to the man she loves, Solange is finally reunited with Damon in the most unexpected of ways. She is now a widow, a haunting version of the girl he once knew, and seems to be hiding something that Damon cannot discover. All he knows is that she is determined to flee the estate of her dead husband, and he is helplessly drawn with her on the journey.
Along the way each rediscovers the flame that once united them, slowly, reluctantly, until once again they admit their love for each other. All cannot be well, however, until the secret of Solange's past is uncovered and banished.
416 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 5, 1998
36 people are currently reading
436 people want to read
About the author
Shana Abe
29 books2,003 followersShana Abé is the award-winning, New York Times, USA Today, Publishers Weekly, and Wall Street Journal bestselling author of seventeen books, including the acclaimed Drákon Series and the Sweetest Dark Series.
She has a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the University of Southern California, and currently resides in the mountains of Colorado with her very patient husband and a lot of pets.
She has a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the University of Southern California, and currently resides in the mountains of Colorado with her very patient husband and a lot of pets.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
October 18, 2010
Young, orphaned, Damon is taken in as a ward by the heroine's father and the two grow up together. They become as close as two souls can be and can't fathom the thought of life without the other. Unfortunately, this is medieval times and greedy men rule their daughters, so the two are torn apart and Solange is forced to marry a depraved man or else risk the life of her dear Damon.
After almost a decade of abuse Solange finds the means to escape the hellish man who's kept her prisoner and is reunited with Damon. Because they've both been hurt their reconciliation isn't an easy one and it's a long road before they're able to find bliss because they've got to confront, admit to, and get past their misconceptions and heartache.
I really liked the way the author avoided creating the stereotypical wronged and bitter hero. Damon was a dream hero, he was a lovely blend of contradictions; a powerful warrior and leader but also a tender healer, he was strong but not too strong and arrogant to admit to his love for Solange, even after all of the hell he'd been through. He didn't spend the book denying his feelings and striking out at the heroine. What a breath of fresh air! And I empathized with Solange who was courageous and never let her tortured past overwhelm her. She was abused and understandably scarred and scared but she didn't use her past as an excuse to keep Damon at arms length. Her gradual opening up to Damon's people was real and touching. In a nutshell I liked this book so much because the characters acted like adults who weren't afraid to admit what they felt in their hearts. It was refreshing and I definitely recommend this one, especially if you like strong relationship-based books and terrific character growth.
After almost a decade of abuse Solange finds the means to escape the hellish man who's kept her prisoner and is reunited with Damon. Because they've both been hurt their reconciliation isn't an easy one and it's a long road before they're able to find bliss because they've got to confront, admit to, and get past their misconceptions and heartache.
I really liked the way the author avoided creating the stereotypical wronged and bitter hero. Damon was a dream hero, he was a lovely blend of contradictions; a powerful warrior and leader but also a tender healer, he was strong but not too strong and arrogant to admit to his love for Solange, even after all of the hell he'd been through. He didn't spend the book denying his feelings and striking out at the heroine. What a breath of fresh air! And I empathized with Solange who was courageous and never let her tortured past overwhelm her. She was abused and understandably scarred and scared but she didn't use her past as an excuse to keep Damon at arms length. Her gradual opening up to Damon's people was real and touching. In a nutshell I liked this book so much because the characters acted like adults who weren't afraid to admit what they felt in their hearts. It was refreshing and I definitely recommend this one, especially if you like strong relationship-based books and terrific character growth.
April 18, 2020
4.5 stars
May 14, 2014
It was touching, entertaining, and written quite well. I really loved the teen-turned-adult love this couple had and I am forever thankful for wooby heroes like Damon who is just so ridiculously in love with Solange *sigh*
The h&h interactions kept me reading this one, the plot wasn't anything special and the characters aren't anything new but the love between these two melted my heart so I kinda just enjoyed that and ignored the rest.
Shana Abe has just added herself to my "read-more-from-this-author" shelf in my mind- I loved Intimate Enemies and after reading this one I can't wait to see what else I can get my hands on:)
The h&h interactions kept me reading this one, the plot wasn't anything special and the characters aren't anything new but the love between these two melted my heart so I kinda just enjoyed that and ignored the rest.
Shana Abe has just added herself to my "read-more-from-this-author" shelf in my mind- I loved Intimate Enemies and after reading this one I can't wait to see what else I can get my hands on:)
March 16, 2023
Second chance, childhood friends to lovers. The hero was a big strong warrior who was a puddle of pining goo for the heroine. This gave me strong Again the Magic vibes with the MC's being separated young. It dragged for me in the middle and I thought the fmc waited too long to tell the hero about her secrets.
🌟🌟🌟💫/5
🔥/5
🌟🌟🌟💫/5
🔥/5
March 14, 2012
I enjoyed this story that takes place in the 1200's. It was probably a 3.5 for me but rounded it up because I do really like this author's writing style. Solange has grown up with Damon Wolf as a childhood friend after her father offered him a home when his parents died. When she is sixteen she is sure that some day she and Damon will be married although they have never spoken of it. Unknown to her, he has been waiting for her to grow up so he can declare his love for her. But of course this is in a time where marriages are not the choice of the pair, but the choice of the girl's father. In one night Solange finds herself promised to a wealthy lord she has never met but who is there at her father's table to marry her the next day. She goes to her father and refuses, but he threatens to turn Damon out into the winter with nothing which would mean certain death if she does not marry this man. Thus begins nine years of Solange enduring brutality and evil from her husband Just as she is ready to escape, Damon arrives, sent by her father who had summoned Damon before his death telling him to journey to France to find her.
The writing of a story with probably a predictable ending is done well with lots of twists and turns to make it interesting. The only negative I had with the writing was that I could have done with a little less of Damon's mental thoughts about Solange as they run from danger and try to come to terms with what has happened to both of them. But it was a fun read. Not the best Shana Abe' book I have read (and I am pretty well enjoying all of them) but still a good book.
The writing of a story with probably a predictable ending is done well with lots of twists and turns to make it interesting. The only negative I had with the writing was that I could have done with a little less of Damon's mental thoughts about Solange as they run from danger and try to come to terms with what has happened to both of them. But it was a fun read. Not the best Shana Abe' book I have read (and I am pretty well enjoying all of them) but still a good book.
May 28, 2022
2.5 Stars
A medieval romance with lots of castles and adventure and just a little supernatural too. I love Abe’s writing, and both Damon and Solange were great characters, but there were places in the story that just didn’t have enough substance to it.
I didn’t really have a favorite part, (no great swoon-worthy moments), but I did love how close they were when they were younger, how they would hide away and spend time together, and how Damon was her protector.
A medieval romance with lots of castles and adventure and just a little supernatural too. I love Abe’s writing, and both Damon and Solange were great characters, but there were places in the story that just didn’t have enough substance to it.
I didn’t really have a favorite part, (no great swoon-worthy moments), but I did love how close they were when they were younger, how they would hide away and spend time together, and how Damon was her protector.
April 23, 2013
A rather.....interesting novel. I did enjoy it. So why three stars? Because Damon was crazy, and Solange for the most part was just a scared little girl with moments of brilliance. But there was some fabulously written scenes and the descriptions really made you feel as if you were part of the book.
October 14, 2015
I am simply in love with Shana Abe's lyrical prose and it certainly serves this medieval romance well. This is a pretty standard historical romance storyline and yet there are several twists in it that keep it interesting. But her characters and her writing are what completely elevate it.
March 13, 2020
Emotional historical romance from a talented author! Like most of her books, this one is a mature romance with an actual plot and realistic relationships. The only flaw is that it did seem too slowly paced sometimes. Still I liked it!
June 4, 2017
a bit too Disney-ish for my taste, nevertheless it was entertaining
June 12, 2015
Very good Medieval romance! This was my first book from Shana Abe I have read and I will be reading more of them for sure!
June 25, 2025
A Rose in Winter by Shana Abé swept me into a dreamy historical romance that I mostly loved. The story follows a fierce, willful female main character—Abé’s knack for crafting strong heroines is seriously a vibe—and a male main character who flips from angry ex to head-over-heels lover in a whirlwind. The plot is gripping, and Abé’s writing is lush, pulling you into a world of passion and drama. I dug the light touch on steamy scenes; there’s just a sprinkle. My only gripe? The forgiveness between the leads happened way too fast, brushing past old wounds without enough closure. That rushed vibe, plus the quick enemy-to-lover shift, left me wanting a bit more depth. Still, the story’s charm and the FMC’s grit carried it for me. I’m giving it 4/5 stars for its gorgeous writing and solid plot, though the speedy resolution is a downer. If you’re into historical romance with strong heroines and low-key romance, this one’s a cozy read worth grabbing.
Recommended for: Fans of historical romance who love fierce heroines and tasteful love stories.
Recommended for: Fans of historical romance who love fierce heroines and tasteful love stories.
January 27, 2017
Awful. Just terrible. The heroine is a Mary Sue of the first order, the writing is insipid, and the plot is cliche and boring. I can't believe I made it through this slog of a book.
I feel kind of bad at how mean this review is...but the book was really that horrible.
*Spoilers: Also, what the fuck was up with the ghosts?? And why did everyone at her dad's place hate her? And how could she "refuse" to return to Redmond? It's not like they couldn't bodily force her...
I feel kind of bad at how mean this review is...but the book was really that horrible.
*Spoilers: Also, what the fuck was up with the ghosts?? And why did everyone at her dad's place hate her? And how could she "refuse" to return to Redmond? It's not like they couldn't bodily force her...
January 27, 2018
These two love each other and are torn a part when her father insists she marry another for his lands. Turns out he's an evil abusive bastard but no one knows until nine years later when he goes to France to inform her of her father's death and she coerces him to flee with her back to England. It's a lovely romance with love winning out.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 10, 2019
A historical romance with a hint of paranormal other. You have to read between the lines to see it. The ghosts and the wolves. Solange and Damon each have their own demons. They learn how to overcome them to find love. Beautifully written with many hidden ideas.
November 28, 2020
If you stick it out after the first part then you're in for the whole ride. After 60% of it I knew that I wouldn't give up on it and wanted to know how it would end. It's a quick read but a good one too.
September 25, 2022
Has a few rough edges but overall I really enjoyed this read. Light romance with a touch of some hidden threat/danger and set in the historical fiction period of knights and keeps. Sometimes that’s exactly what you need.
September 8, 2022
I’m speechless. I loved this so much. Damon is now my favorite romance hero.
July 16, 2024
I finished this one - I really liked the plot, the writing was just ok. I was hoping for better because her other book The Secret Swan was much better written. Really, 2.5 stars for me.
September 16, 2025
Idk why I suddenly had the urge to read historical romance
May 10, 2021
Solange and Damon are childhood friends who are reunited when her husband and father die. Solange enlists Damon to escort her back to England. It's hinted that Solange's husband was abusive. You don't get that story till the very end and it's not really explained fully. I didn't love the twist. I was iffy on this book. It's a really fast read and definitely engrossing but Solange's mysteriousness starts to get old really fast.
July 20, 2015
4.5 stars
This was really an great story. The growth and trust of the characters was wonderful! There was an aspect of suspense that was wonderfully done, moving the story right along. The romance was beautiful and I really loved both Damon and Solange so much. There was such depth to both of them, it was incredible.
My only drawback would be that I felt a slight lack of completion. There were several issues that, while mentioned, never really seemed to be addressed. With that, there were also some parts of the suspense that were almost too suspenseful, to the point of dissatisfaction due to their vagueness. There were only a couple scenes our issues that had this problem but enough to detract from the story a little.
That said, this was a great read and I would still recommend it. Just don't get caught up on those couple of things too much.
This was really an great story. The growth and trust of the characters was wonderful! There was an aspect of suspense that was wonderfully done, moving the story right along. The romance was beautiful and I really loved both Damon and Solange so much. There was such depth to both of them, it was incredible.
My only drawback would be that I felt a slight lack of completion. There were several issues that, while mentioned, never really seemed to be addressed. With that, there were also some parts of the suspense that were almost too suspenseful, to the point of dissatisfaction due to their vagueness. There were only a couple scenes our issues that had this problem but enough to detract from the story a little.
That said, this was a great read and I would still recommend it. Just don't get caught up on those couple of things too much.
March 17, 2011
This book was incredible. Supposedly it's the second book that Shana Abe published, but it certainly does not seem like it as a reader! Her writing is elegant and flowing, her story is refreshing, and it brings such a valuable and wonderful story into the romance novel world. I was so happy with this book, and I can guarantee many re-reads on my part in the future!
March 1, 2014
I couldn't put this book down, I love books about soul mates finding eachother and losing eachother then finding eachother again.
October 27, 2015
This book was a revelation to me. She was the first romance novelist that I'd read that wrote with a poetic edge. It's so lyrical and captivating I've re-read it at least 10 times.
September 11, 2016
It was Ok. I liked the setting and the characters. I love reading books set in this time period.
April 22, 2015
I thought this book would be better then it was .The story was very dull, I did like how they loved each other. Solange and Damon.
August 20, 2014
What a beautiful love story!!!
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews