🦌 The White Deer of Kildare by Christy Matheson

Item: The White Deer of Kildare
Rating: 4.5
Author: Gina

A Cozy Time-Slip Fantasy Rooted in Irish Myth and Motherhood

A magical novella of ancient legends, found family, and one mother’s journey through myth and time.

Welcome to my stop on the Goddess Fish Promotions Book Tour for The White Deer of Kildare by Christy Matheson! If you enjoy cozy fantasy novellas filled with Irish folklore, time-slip twists, and strong maternal themes, you’re in for a treat.

This story has it all—an old Irish castle, a Fae deer in the kitchen, and a magical journey back to ancient myth. I’m excited to share a sneak peek, my review, and of course, a fabulous giveaway!

Quick Summary:

All Maura wants is a quiet holiday in her crumbling Irish castle. Instead, she’s juggling a custody battle, an unexpected (and unclothed) houseguest from the Fae realm, and a mysterious white deer straight out of Celtic legend. When a twist of magic lands her in ancient Ireland, Maura must uncover the truth behind the White Deer’s past—and figure out how to return to her children before myth becomes her reality.

A heartwarming time-slip fantasy filled with Irish folklore, found family, and the fierce power of motherhood.

Book 2 of 5: The Castle in Kilkenny: Fairy Tales

🔻 Scroll down to enter the giveaway! 🔻

📝 Book Details

The White Deer of Kildare
By Christy Matheson
Published by Buttercup Books on December 20, 2024
Genres: Time-Slip, Fairytale & Folklore Adaptations, Fantasy
Formats: eBook
Pages: 105

A Winter Solstice fairy tale adventure

All Maura wants is a peaceful winter holidays in her Irish castle, but her ex is threatening her with family court, and her second grader has invited a strange—completely unclothed—friend, to spend the holidays with them. Oh. And the friend’s dog, which is not actually a dog but probably one of the white deer of Celtic myth.

Maura distracts herself from her husband’s threats by trying to discover why a Fae deer is in her kitchen, when the two accidentally end up in the Ireland of ancient myth. The White Deer was the human queen of this castle, but she has husband trouble too. Can Maura help her new friend, and will she ever make it home to her children?

This Winter Solstice novella is perfect for one or two reading sessions. It will appeal to readers who enjoy cozy fantasy, ancient history, Irish folklore, and uplifting stories about motherhood and found family.

Source: Goddess Fish Promotions

📚 Where to Find The White Deer of Kildare

Available on Amazon

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Read an Excerpt

Raindrops slide down the windscreen of the Peugeot, and condensation creeps up the windows as we let the minutes tick by. We got to Cork airport early, but Aiden and Kaylee haven’t changed their minds. No way, no how are they getting on that plane back to America.

Aiden lifts his phone and snaps a picture of the distinctive swoop of the departures building, then turns and gets me in the frame. Ca-tip. Ca-tip. He hunches and his thumbs fly over the screen.

“Okay,” Aiden says. “Done. It’s official now.”

He’s trying to prove that I did my best to drop them off, but I know it won’t be enough. The teens’ biological parents are both going to blame me for violating the custody agreement.

Within seconds, my phone buzzes against my leg. In the back seat, Kaylee’s pings, then dings, then chirps. Aiden, who at 16 always plans ahead, switched his to silent mode before unleashing the storm of recriminations. I should have done the same. I close my eyes and lean my head against the cold window. Buzz, buzz, chirp, ding.

“Are you sure you won’t get out…” My voice can’t turn this into a question.

“Have we missed the plane yet?” Kaylee demands.

“No,” Aiden and I say together.

We sit without talking. More pings.

Amber: Please.

Please please please please please.

One mother to another. Please.

In my heart of hearts, I sympathize with Amber. I’d want to see my children for Christmas, too.

My Thoughts on The White Deer of Kildare

If you love your fantasy with a generous sprinkle of Celtic myth, a cozy dose of motherhood, and a time-travel twist that drops you into ancient Ireland—The White Deer of Kildare is pure enchantment.

Maura’s Irish holiday plans already teeter on chaos—custody battles, surprise mythical houseguests, and a naked stranger (yes, really). But things truly unravel when she and her daughter’s “guest” slip back in time to a legendary Ireland where queens become deer, druids offer cryptic wisdom, and maternal instincts just might save the day.

Christy Matheson’s novella is heartfelt, humorous, and steeped in the magic of Irish legend. Her writing shines with warm, witty dialogue and a deep reverence for myth and motherhood. With themes of found family, resilience, and feminine strength woven into every page, this short read leaves a lasting impression.

It’s a comforting, clever, and culturally rich tale perfect for fans of The House in the Cerulean Sea or Legends & Lattes—but with an Irish twist.

📚 A delightful escape into myth and motherhood.

I received a copy of the book as part of this tour. This review reflects my honest, unbiased opinion.

You might enjoy reading my review of the first book in the series, The Horned Women.

About Christy Matheson

Christy Matheson writes award-winning fiction about friends, family, and finding one’s place in an ever-changing world.

She is the author of "The Castle in Kilkenny: Fairy Tales" novella series. Each one sets a traditional Irish fairy tale within a modern blended family, perfect for readers wanting a cozy family adventure.

Christy's regular historical work (sans fantasy elements) can be found in the award-winning "Feisty Deeds: Historical Fictions of Daring Women," of which she is also an editor. Her Regency novels are represented by Kristina Sutton-Lennon and have won pre-publication awards for women’s fiction.

Christy is also an embroidery artist, classically trained pianist, and sews all of her own clothes. She lives in Oregon, on a country property that fondly reminds her of a Regency estate (except with a swing set instead of faux Greek ruins), with her husband, five children, three Shelties, one bunny, and an improbable quantity of art supplies.

🌟 Final Thoughts

The White Deer of Kildare is a short but magical journey through myth, motherhood, and the unexpected ways we find strength in chaos. Christy Matheson blends ancient Celtic lore with modern challenges in a way that feels both whimsical and wise. If you're drawn to cozy fantasies with heart, humor, and heritage, this novella is a lovely way to spend an afternoon.

Many thanks to Christy Matheson for sharing her story with us and to Goddess Fish Promotions for the opportunity to join this enchanting tour. I’m so glad to help spotlight a tale that celebrates both the mystical and the maternal.

🎁 Enter the Giveaway!

Christy Matheson will be awarding a $25 Amazon or Barnes & Noble gift card to one lucky winner, and a fine writing notebook with personalized art to a second randomly drawn winner during the tour. Don’t miss your chance to win one of these thoughtful prizes!

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