“A Winter’s Disgrace” by Kathleen Buckley

A Winter’s Disgrace

Kathleen Buckley
Wild Rose Press (2026)
ISBN:  978-1509265312 
Reviewed by Sarah Nichole January for Reader Views (06/2026)

A Winter’s Disgrace by Kathleen Buckley begins when two lives collide in the middle of a snowstorm, but it is the emotional connection that burns between them that gives this novel a heart. Our protagonists hail from different backgrounds, yet similar social circles, one being of the lower gentry, and the other an aristocrat. We meet Rosamund Fortescue and Cyprian Law, Earl of Basildon, under unusual and somewhat dire circumstances. However, their chance meeting quickly evolves from a simple act of kindness in a moment of distress to something much deeper and personal. As their connection grows, Rosamund and Cyprian must learn to navigate not only their feelings but society’s expectations of them as well. 

Initially, you meet Cyprian Law, Earl of Basildon, as he is rushing to his mother’s house for an “emergency.” When it turns out there is, in fact, no urgent matter, he turns right around and heads back to his estate. On his journey back, a snowstorm hits, and in the middle of it, he stumbles upon a damsel in distress, Rosamund Fortescue. Being the gentleman that he is, he offers to assist her, and the two travel to an inn where they become snowbound for a time. Over multiple days, they learn more about each other, while still concealing certain details about their lives. As their connection deepens, more truths about their pasts are revealed, which complicates their budding relationship. The question then arises whether or not their affection for each other is enough to overcome the expectations of not only their families, but their community as a whole. 

 As the novel progresses, the reader discovers many things about the protagonists, as well as other accessory characters who interact with Rosamund and Cyprian. Characters such as Lady Honora Law, Lady Drusilla Sinclair, Mrs. Pennington, Mr. Alton Graves, and others provide great contrasts to one another and are well developed. The way they are all written with their differences and nuances elicits various emotions from the reader, which is something I think is important in good writing. In addition to interesting characters, I also enjoyed both the structure and the pacing of the story as well. The plot flowed well and at a pace that kept me engaged. I also really enjoyed the immersive language used by the author, which brought me into the story and also brought a variety of emotions to the surface. In my opinion, A Winter’s Disgrace is a very well-written book that will be enjoyed by both general readers and fans of historical fiction or romance.