After her parents fail to support a match between herself and the man she loves, Lady Rosamund Ramsay is sent to the court of Queen Elizabeth to serve as one of Her Grace’s ladies-in-waiting.  For the country-bred Rosamund coming to court just in time for the yuletide festivities is somewhat overwhelming.  But court life does serve to distract Rosamund from disappointed affection, particularly when she meets Anton Gustavson.

From the moment he first sees Rosamund, Anton is enraptured by the beautiful “winter fairy.”  Despite his uncertain position in life, Anton cannot help but be drawn to Rosamund.  Yet the passion that flares between them may never be fulfilled if a sinister plot takes the life of the woman who so quickly captures Anton’s heart.

The Winter Queen positively shines with its tender romance set against the backdrop of Queen Elizabeth’s court.  Amanda McCabe sweeps her readers away with the glamour and intrigue of Christmastime 1564.  It was a treat to see the pomp and pageantry of Elizabeth’s court through the eyes of one of her new ladies-in-waiting.  Rosamund is a gentle, likeable woman and her fascination with the goings on at court made her the perfect guide for readers.  Anton, a member of the Swedish party sent on behalf of King Eric, matches Rosamund for likeability.  He’s charming, handsome, friendly, and passionate – what more could you ask for?  Ms. McCabe makes it incredibly easy to fall for these two and to become invested in their romance.

The Winter Queen is a lush, engaging Elizabethan romance perfectly crafted by Ms. McCabe.  I adored The Winter Queen and look forward to reading more of Ms. McCabe’s work.