Need help finding a book

This is an absolute long shot and I'm not expecting to get an answer.

During my gcse we were given a book to read over Christmas just for fun, if we felt like it.

My memories of the book are definitely very hazy but I can't for the life of me remember what the book was called or who wrote it.

I remember the cover had snow and boots in trousers with a sword dripping blood? And the title was in script I'm pretty sure.

I remember the book feeling super long and drawn out only for the ending section of the book to redeem it and be really good.

There was a main male character on a horse travelling through villages. And the ending had a plot twist.

I'm aware this is basically nothing to go on but if anyone has any suggestions as to what it could be it'd scratch an itch in my brain :))