Recent Reads - The Belle of Belgrave Square

The Belle of Belgrave Square by Mimi Matthews - Julia Wychwood is enduring another season in London. She is from a wealthy and respected family and has a generous dowry, but she is uncomfortable in ballrooms and dining halls, and would far rather be riding her horse or reading a novel. While her friends are out of town, she makes the acquaintance of Captain Jasper Blunt, a military hero looking for a wealthy wife. His gruff manner and wartime scars, along with the rumours of his haunted estate in Yorkshire and illegitimate children, have scared off most of the eligible young ladies. Julia is surprised to find that he can converse easily with her about books but still tells him that she doesn't think they would suit.

Jasper is captivated by Julia though, and compelled to come to her rescue in a couple of social situations, and they strike up a friendship. He is determined to pursue her, even going to talk to her father, but is rebuffed. However, when he learns of the cruel treatment Julia receives at home, and that she is weak and ill after her parents subject her to bloodletting, he comes to her aid and is shocked when Julia proposes to him a marriage of convenience if he will take her to Yorkshire.

Their friendship and the arrangement they agree to has the potential to grow into so much more, but Julia's trust in him is tested time and again as she finds out more about him and his secrets.

This story is based on the fairy tale Beauty and the Beast and the similarities are easy to spot. Jasper is a brooding hero full of contradictions and with many layers of secrets, and he struggles with how and when to share any of them with his new bride. Julia is a romantic soul with a kind heart, who has been dominated by her parents and her anxiety in social situations, but she begins to come alive once she has a home and some freedom. The development of their relationship is sweet and satisfying, and I liked the balance of the fairy tale trope with enough realism to make it work.

From the publisher:

A London heiress rides out to the wilds of the English countryside to honor a marriage of convenience with a mysterious and reclusive stranger.

Tall, dark, and dour, the notorious Captain Jasper Blunt was once hailed a military hero, but tales abound of his bastard children and his haunted estate in Yorkshire. What he requires now is a rich wife to ornament his isolated ruin, and he has his sights set on the enchanting Julia Wychwood.

For Julia, an incurable romantic cursed with a crippling social anxiety, navigating a London ballroom is absolute torture. The only time Julia feels any degree of confidence is when she's on her horse. Unfortunately, a young lady can't spend the whole of her life in the saddle, so Julia makes an impetuous decision to take her future by the reins―she proposes to Captain Blunt.

In exchange for her dowry and her hand, Jasper must promise to grant her freedom to do as she pleases. To ride―and to read―as much as she likes without masculine interference. He readily agrees to her conditions, with one provision of his own; Julia is forbidden from going into the tower rooms of his estate and snooping around his affairs. But the more she learns of the beastly former hero, the more intrigued she becomes . . .

By the same author: A Holiday By Gaslight, The Work of Art, The Matrimonial Advertisment, Fair As A Star, The Viscount and the Vicar's Daughter

This is a book featuring a character with a secret identity (#35), by an author whose first and last name start with the same letter (#40) for The 52 Book Club's 2026 Reading Challenge.

#the52bookclub #the52bookclub2026

This post will be linked at the current BookWorms Monthly link-up hosted by At Home A Lot.

©2008-2026 Just A Second. All rights reserved. All text, photographs, artwork, and other content may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form without the written consent of the author. This post was written by a human.  http://justasecondblog.blogspot.com/ 

 This post contains affiliate links - using affiliate links from Just A Second helps supply books and coffee. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

Recent Reads - Before Beauty: A Retelling of Beauty and the Beast

Before Beauty: A Retelling of Beauty and the Beast by Brittany Fichter - This book takes the familiar fairytale and adds some backstory, twists, and a hint of allegory. Since the tale is set in a fictional kingdom in a world where magical forces exist, it has a bit of a fantasy feel to it as well.

We're introduced to Prince Everard when he is still a child. He feels the weight of the expectations of his father the king, and despite loneliness and the fears of not measuring up, he does his best to develop the stoicism and singlemindedness his father demands so that he'll be ready for the throne one day. A chance encounter with a young girl results in disaster, and Ever is long haunted by the hard-hearted choice his father pressured him into. The eve of his coronation, he makes another foolish and hard-hearted decision that plunges the kingdom into chaos and brings a curse upon the Fortress.

Isabelle is the girl who stumbled into the path of Ever's horse and was injured and crippled as a result of the accident and Ever's temper. We don't get to see as much of her during childhood, but as a young woman she is devastated when her fiance rejects her right before the wedding, saying she is not suitable to be his wife because of her disability. Soon after, Isa's father stumbles into the cursed Fortress and thus Isa is compelled to go live there among the shadows. All she knows is that there is something she must do to break the curse, and her resentment at all the prince has taken from her threatens to overwhelm her. Not that Ever is happy about her presence either - it's a constant reminder of the destructive power of his anger, and he's ashamed of that and of the shadowy monster he has become as his strength is sapped by the curse.

As in the fairytale, Isabelle resolves to make the best of the situation and without even realizing, she begins to bring the Fortress back to life. It's implied that she must discover her strength and her connection to the Fortress power on her own and willingly choose to wield the power for good. And that Ever must learn humility and how to love selflessly before he can be healed and strengthened. Of course, all of this must happen before the enemy, an evil princess of a neighboring kingdom, can destroy them all. 

There's a very sweet love story in all of it, predictable because of the well-known tale on which it's based, but given some new perspectives because of the personalities the author has given these two characters. I liked the shadowy servants of the Fortress, affected by the curse, especially the trusted steward Garin, who is something of a guardian angel. The final resolution of how the curse is broken takes a slightly different route than I expected, and I think it was done quite well.

From the publisher:

Can the accursed prince and broken beauty move beyond their hatred for one another, not only to break the curse and save their kingdom . . . but to find love as well?

Prince Everard's father forged him into a warrior. Upon the king's death, however, Everard loses himself in his pain and brings a dark curse upon himself and the great Fortress that has long guarded the people of Destin.

The prince's sin doesn't solely affect those of his citadel, however. Isabelle, the daughter of a local merchant, has suffered the prince's hasty temper before, and it changed her life forever. So when Everard's curse cuts off his people's source of protection, and he demands that she, a crippled commoner, help him break it, her shock and horror are rivaled only by her indignation and even stronger desire to protect her family.

All the while, Destin's enemy crouches at the foot of the Fortress's mountain, waiting for the right moment to capture the stronghold that has stood for a thousand years.

This is a fairy tale retelling (#20) for The 52 Book Club's 2025 Reading Challenge.

#the52bookclub #the52bookclub2025

This post will be linked at the current BookWorms Monthly link-up hosted by At Home A Lot.

©2008-2025 Just A Second. All rights reserved. All text, photographs, artwork, and other content may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form without the written consent of the author. This post was written by a human.  http://justasecondblog.blogspot.com/ 

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Recent Reads - Silencing The Siren

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Silencing the Siren (Ever After Mysteries) by Denise L. Barela - This novel is part of the Ever After Mysteries, a series of fairytale retellings with a mystery element. It is also a debut novel for author Denise L. Barela. It is a retelling of The Little Mermaid, set in 1920s New York City. I was curious as to how the character Annabelle would be similar to a mermaid, and how figurative that aspect would be. Annabelle has a disability - she has a deformity in her legs which confines her to a wheelchair, but as part of a Coney Island "freak show" she dons a costume and performs as a mermaid. Andrew Grayson is the "prince" who is mesmerized by the mermaid's beauty and quickly falls in love with her. Since he is from a wealthy upper crust family with domineering, controlling parents, he sneaks away from home to visit Coney Island and spend time with his little mermaid and her troupe. 

It's the prejudice and snobbery of Andrew's parents and the young lady they want him to marry that puts the challenges in the way of his relationship with Annabelle. The Graysons view Coney Island and the freak show troupe as being socially so far beneath them that they are horrified that Andrew spends time there. They are especially repulsed by Annabelle's disability. Andrew, however, has found friendship and acceptance with the troupe, and is determined to marry Annabelle. Instead, the Graysons arrange a marriage for Andrew to a wealthy socialite, Valerie. Andrew is trying to figure a way out of his dilemma when Annabelle suddenly goes missing and her father is told she is dead. In his grief, Andrew determines to find out what really happened, and he has to finally stand up to his parents to do so.

I loved that the female lead character, Annabelle, was shown as a strong and gracious heroine who happened to have a disability and was in a wheelchair. I also loved that despite his pretentious and sheltered upbringing, Andrew was a kind young man who wasn't deterred by Annabelle's much lower socio-economic standing or her disability. Both are likable and sympathetic characters who rise above the limitations and obstacles they face. In contrast, Andrew's parents and Valerie were more like stereotypical and one-dimensional fairytale villains. Andrew's age was a bit of a puzzle to me, as he was old enough to drive and to be married, but at times he acted like a very young teenager in his compliance with his parents' demands. He withdrew his own funds from a bank and opened a new account of his own, and engaged an investigator, but obeyed when he was sent to his room as if he was a small child. I would have liked to see his character developed with a bit more emotional depth and consistent with his age and circumstances.

I felt that I did need to keep in mind that this is a fairytale retelling, and as such, the characters were not as fully developed as one might expect in a novel, and there were plot devices that were coincidence straight out of a fairytale rather than fully believable occurrences in a more realistic world. It's a sweet and clean fairytale quality romance, and in my opinion would be suitable for young readers.

From the publisher:

Andrew Grayson thought he had everything . . . until he met her.

The indulged son of wealthy parents, Andrew has always gotten whatever he wanted almost before he knew he wanted it - clothes, gadgets . . . even a car! What more could a young man desire?

Enter Annabel Thompson. Freakshow mermaid extraordinaire . . . in a wheelchair!

Of course, her beauty attracts him. How could it not? Add to that a kind heart, and Andrew can't help but fall for her.

Annabel's connection with the freakshow repels his parents and their society friends. They want him to sever all ties with her and his new friends. Oh, and marry the "right" girl with the "right connections." But he won't do it. He'll defy them and marry his little mermaid.

When Annabel turns up missing, declared dead, things don't add up, andrew begins asking some difficult questions, the most important being, "What happened to the little mermaid of the Coney Island freak show?"

Find out in this next book in the Ever After Mysteries, combining beloved fairy tales and mysteries. Silencing the Siren offers a retelling of "the Little Mermaid" that will keep you gripped to the edge of your seat as you watch the story unfold.

I received a digital copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

This is a book that includes a wedding (#44) for The 52 Book Club's 2024 Reading Challenge.

#the52bookclub #the52bookclub2024

©2008-2024 Just A Second. All rights reserved. All text, photographs, artwork, and other content may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form without the written consent of the author. http://justasecondblog.blogspot.com/ 

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Recent Reads - Kingdom of Love

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Kingdom of Love by Tracie Peterson - The three novellas in this collection read almost like fairy tales thanks to their medieval settings with lords and ladies, castles and knights, and the 'happily ever after' romances in each. 

In "A Kingdom Divided" Arianne and Richard agree to an arranged marriage in which she finds kindness and respect for the first time. She is very cautious about opening her heart to her new husband, but he is patient and gentle in winning her over. But it's only when an enemy puts them and everyone in the castle in danger that Arianne truly realizes how much she does love Richard. Initially it seems as though the conflict is resolved almost immediately, since Arianne's opposition to the match is reversed as soon as she realizes that she will probably be safer with Richard than with her abusive father. There are quite a few peaceful chapters with them getting acquainted before the real conflict with the invader begins. 

In "Alas, My Love" the main character Helena is also in an abusive home and refuses to submit to the plans her step-siblings try to force upon her. She escapes when they try to confine her to a convent and is taken in by Arianne and Richard when one of their tennants brings her to the castle. Helena has nursed the hope that a young man, Tanny, that she knew when she was a little girl would someday come back and rescue her, and that he is her true love. This is another fairy tale ending reconciliation story, and although I did find the idea that a woman would believe herself genuinely in love with a man she hadn't seen since she was nine years old, the story was one of hope and restoration and quite interesting.

The third story, "If Only" has an unrelated setting and characters, but is still set during the middle ages. The bubonic plague is ravaging England and Mary flees her home when her physician father is attacked by superstitious townsfolk because they believe he is doing the devil's work and has brought the plague upon them. As Mary treks towards York with a vague hope of finding the grandmother she has never met, she takes refuge at a monastery for a time and uses her knowledge of healing to help the monks there. Another traveler, Peter, is there as well, and they join forces for the rest of the journey, and take in several orphaned children along the way. This story was perhaps the most believable of the three in many ways.

The narration style also contributes to the fairy tale quality, because the viewpoint character switches often, with the narrator giving the thoughts, emotions, and reactions of multiple characters. Because the stories are novellas, the characters and conflicts are less developed than in full length novels. My understanding is that this collection is a re-release of Peterson's earlier writing, and I did feel like the writing style didn't have the same depth as other novels of hers that I've read. The stories were enjoyable and interesting, with sweet and clearn romances that would also be suitable for teen or young adult readers, in my opinion.

From the Publisher:

Kidnapping. . .Murder. . .Revenge.
If Only the Fortress Walls Could Talk!

From bestselling author Tracie Peterson come 3 unique historical novels, rereleased for old and new fans alike. Liberty and love--even life itself--are fragile commodities those living in medieval England. Will God's love and power triumph in the lives of these three courageous women? Find out in soul-searing historical novels of romance and suspense!

A Kingdom Divided
Raised in a home filled with violence, Arianne Pemberton experiences love and gentleness only after her arranged marriage to Richard, Duke of Gavenshire. But before she can feel confident both in Richard's love and in God's personal care for her, a mysterious enemy from Richard's Past over-powers the castle and takes Arianne hostage. Who is Tancred, and why is he set on revenge? What fuels the animosity between the two men? Exercising her new faith, Arianne risks her life to restore peace and unite a kingdom divided. 
 
Alas, My Love
England in the Middle Ages is far from a jolly place for an unprotected young woman. Yet the savagery of her stepbrother and the devious schemes of her stepsister have given golden-haired Helena Talbot little choice. She must find shelter elsewhere. Afforded protection by the magnanimouse Duke of Gavenshire, Helena nonetheless lives under an assumed name, ever fearful her whereabouts will be revealed to her stepbrother. Only one dream transports her above her worries, the desire that one day she will be reunited with brave Tancred. Years have passed since they were together and now an ocean and a king's decree keep them apart. But are those obstacles stronger than a woman's prayer for love? 
 
If Only
The year is 1349, the place, England. As the bubonic shadow spreads across the land, Mary Beckett finds herself alone and desperate. Her father, a physician who has been accused of consorting with the devil, has been murdered. Even her own interest in medicine has brought cries of witchcraft. Mary's only hope is to journey north to the home of her godly grandmother, a woman her father once rejected. Doctors and pilgrims will cross her path, and, last but not least, Peter Donne, a knight on a mission from the king. Hundreds will beg her to heal them. Will Mary Beckett, a lonely pilgrim herself, find a way to help her people and herself? If only she could reach her grandmother's home, if only she could find her own way to God. . . .

Visit Barbour Publishing for more info on where to buy.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing through NetGalley and was under no obligation to post a review.

#KingdomofLove #NetGalley

By the same author: In Places Hidden

This is a book related to the word "murder" (#50) - because the murder of a main character's parents was the catalyst for events and conflicts in the first two stories - and a book with a character who is a refugee (#41) - because the main character in the third story is a refugee - for The 52 Book Club's 2023 Reading Challenge

#the52bookclub #the52bookclub2023

©2008-2023 Just A Second. All rights reserved. All text, photographs, artwork, and other content may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form without the written consent of the author. http://justasecondblog.blogspot.com/ 

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Recent Reads - Price of a Rose

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Price of a Rose by Byrd Nash - In this short and sweet fairytale retelling, three sisters are drawn into the magical world of the reclusive Sir Griffin and his odd household. Their father was caught trying to steal a rosebush from Sir Griffin's garden, and agreed to a card game to settle his debt. In the morning the young ladies discover that he lost one or all three of them - he's not sure - in a wager. The oldest, Lily, goes over to Thorn Hall immediately to negotiate and takes the position of housekeeper, while the middle sister, Rose, is determined to bring the gardens of Thorn Hall back to beauty. Eventually the youngest, Poppy, makes her way over as well, lured by the extensive library and her interest in magic.

The servants at Thorn Hall are a strange lot, but Lily takes them in hand. She finds rooms switch around at will, and at one point is trapped in one of the rooms by the magic. Rose finds the same magic at work in the gardens and grounds, but also notices that her beastly employer is becoming more human as time goes on. Just as they are all settling into a routine, one of the neighborhood gossips brings a young lady to visit, and this Miss Amaranth has clearly set her cap for Sir Griffin. She inserts herself into life at the estate time and again, to the annoyance of all. And Rose realizes her own jealousy, which Miss Amaranth taunts.

Of course the fairy magic will be undone eventually, and there will be a happy ever after, because it is a fairy tale!

This is a sweet and clean fantasy story, with a budding romance between Rose and Sir Griffin. The reason for the spell on the household is revealed a bit at a time, and the author cleverly weaves the magic into the story. Because it's a fairy tale and more of a novella, there is not much character development and it felt as though details were missing. Either the reader must assume that fairy magic and all its effects are common enough that the young ladies are not shocked, frightened, or disgusted by a half-beast lord of the manor, or the reactions are notably missing. Although the original attempted theft and card game introduce the characters and give a reason for the girls entering the household, Sir Griffin doesn't seem to realize they are there in payment of their father's debt and they are not captive in any way, nor does Sir Griffin behave in particularly beastly ways, so the premise seems a bit weak.

Overall, I enjoyed the story and found it well written, but it is definitely light reading with a very simple plot and no dramatic character arcs or intrigue.

From the publisher:

The Beast is about to be tamed by three determined ladies.

When their father loses a card game to the local recluse, his three daughters step in to determine their own fate. The oldest, Lily, rolls up her sleeves to take the strange household in hand even if the house keeps moving the rooms. The youngest, Poppy, devours his books on magic while playing secretary.

But it's Rose, the middle daughter, who works magic in his forgotten garden. She could be the key to unraveling his curse, if he can recognize what's real behind fairy magic.

A Victorian England, 1890, Beauty and Beast fairytale retelling like you've never read before.

A novella featuring a delightful, clean and sweet romance. Perfect for fans of historical romances who also like a fairytale fantasy with humor.

This short story ebook is a friendly read for teens and adult readers who love the grand period of the Late Victorian time period.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

This is a an Author with X, Y, or Z in their name (#23) for The 52 Book Club's 2022 Reading Challenge

#the52bookclub2022

©2008-2022 Just A Second. All rights reserved. All text, photographs, artwork, and other content may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form without the written consent of the author. http://justasecondblog.blogspot.com/ 

 We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

 

Friday Fun - The Friday 56 and First Lines for April 1, 2022

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Instead of making his getaway, he would be forced to save the silly woman.

~at 56% in Price of a Rose by Byrd Nash

The Beast is about to be tamed by three determined ladies.

When their father loses a card game to the local recluse, his three daughters step in to determine their own fate. The oldest, Lily, rolls up her sleeves to take the strange household in hand even if the house keeps moving the rooms. The youngest, Poppy, devours his books on magic while playing secretary.

But it's Rose, the middle daughter, who works magic in his forgotten garden. She could be the key to unraveling his curse, if he can recognize what's real behind fairy magic.

A Victorian England, 1890. Beauty and Beast fairytale retelling like you've never read before.

The Friday 56 is hosted at Freda's Voice

*Grab a book, any book.

*Turn to Page 56 or 56% on your e-reader.

*Find a snippet, short and sweet.

*Post it, and share in the Linky.

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Robert Nathaniel Parker, merchant and prospective thief, made the first cut in the soil with his spade. The rose bush started to scream.

~From the beginning of Price of a Rose by Byrd Nash

Book Beginnings on Fridays is hosted by Rose City Reader.

*It's Book Beginnings on Fridays! Time to gather with our fellow book lovers and share the opening sentence (or so) of the books we are reading this week. Or share from a book that is on your mind right now -- whatever catches your fancy.

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First Line Fridays is hosted at Reading is My SuperPower

*Share the first line or two of the book closest to you, then visit other FLF participants.

*Please keep posts family friendly or clean reads.

*Link back to Reading is My SuperPower within your post or grab a button.

 ©2008-2022 Just A Second. All rights reserved. All text, photographs, artwork, and other content may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form without the written consent of the author. http://justasecondblog.blogspot.com/ 

 We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

 

Recent Reads - Snow White: A Graphic Novel

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Snow White: A Graphic Novel by Matt Phelan - I'm not usually one to choose graphic novels, but this caught my eye when I was looking for something to read that had an apple theme for the Online Book Club. I had resorted to search terms of novels with apples on the cover, and this was one of them. The cover appealed to me with its bold colors and art deco style lettering, and that is clearly an apple.

Author and illustrator Matt Phelan brings his creativity to the well-known fairy tale of Snow White. He tells the tale mostly in pictures, with a minimum of dialogue. The drawings are grayscale with just hints of color here and there, and yet they have a watercolor feel. 

In this retelling, the story is set in 1920s New York City. Samantha (nicknamed Snow) loses her mother when she's young, and her banker father eventually marries a Ziegfeld Follies star who convinces him to send Snow away to school. Snow returns after her father dies - and perhaps the Queen of the Follies had something to do with that? - and is soon driven from her home by her stepmother. There's an attempt on Snow's life, but seven young street urchins rescue her. They strike up a friendship but the stepmother finds out Snow is still alive and takes matters into her own hands. 

The unique take on the setting and characters is remarkably true to the original story, and there is a little magic thrown in as well. And yes, there is definitely a fairy tale happy ending!

This review will also appear on HS Coffee Break as part of the Online Book Club for September 2021.

The curtain rises on New York City. The dazzling lights cast shadows that grow ever darker as the glitzy prosperity of the Roaring Twenties screeches to a halt. Enter a cast of familiar characters: a young girl, Samantha White, returning after being sent away by her cruel stepmother, the Queen of the Follies, years earlier; her father, the King of Wall Street, who survives the stock market crash only to suffer a strange and sudden death; seven street urchins, brave protectors for a girl as pure as snow; and a mysterious stock ticker that holds the stepmother in its thrall, churning out ticker tape imprinted with the wicked words: "Another . . . More Beautiful . . . KILL."

©2008-2021 Just A Second. All rights reserved. All text, photographs, artwork, and other content may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form without the written consent of the author. http://justasecondblog.blogspot.com/ 

 We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

Recent Reads - The Curse of the Healing Kiss

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The Curse of the Healing Kiss by Mark McClelland - This novella is written in a style that is meant to feel like it's an old French fairy tale, and with kingdoms and curses it does have that overall vibe. The story centers around a beautiful and outgoing woman named Malvinia who has a natural gift for connecting with people and making them feel comfortable. As the story opens, she has no particular wish to marry, and encourages a developing relationship between her friend Larisa and a quiet young man named Modeste. However, Modeste loses interest in Larisa and eventually turns to Malvinia, and when Larisa realizes this she is consumed with jealousy and lays a curse on Malvinia.

Time goes by, and Malvinia and Modeste are happily married, until a young prince makes their acquaintance and asks Malvinia about a magical gift she may have - a healing kiss that gives confidence and strength to anyone she bestows it upon. Despite her misgivings and her worry that she is betraying her husband, Malvinia is convinced that this gift is real and does give it to the prince. Eventually Modeste discovers the truth and that the gift is also a curse, and his mistrust and jealousy threatens to destroy their relationship.

The story starts out strong and the writing is lovely, although I found the use of a few modern words and expressions (for example, "okay" is used several times) jarring when dropped into a narrative and dialogue that tries to imitate 17th century tales. The characters are fairly two-dimensional and their inner conflicts are simply presented and not well-developed, but as this is a novella, I didn't expect those aspects of the story to be very deep. In fact, I was greatly enjoying the story right up until the last page or two, when the book abruptly ended with only one vague phrase hinting that "everything will be okay" but without any explanation. It was a lot of built-up tension and anticipation for a resolution that turned out to be nothing. Almost as if the author had no idea HOW to resolve the problem, so just stopped writing. A very disappointing and unsatisfactory final paragraph that largely negated the enjoyment of all the previous chapters.

From the publisher:

"Love is not a diamond, destined for a single hand."

Inspired by French fairy tales of the 17th century, McClelland's novella brings emotional realism to a universal story of love, trust, and jealousy, in a fantasy kingdom where curses are all too real. The narrative revolves around two people in love: Malvinia, a sunny, outgoing woman with a knack for opening hearts; and Modeste, a man of quieter virtues. Their relationship, however, is the story's true protagonist, as its resiliency is tested by the capacity of each to grow and to sacrifice in response to forces neither of them anticipated -- a conflict familiar to anyone who has struggled to be one's true, uncompromised self while at the same time honoring the needs of another in a loving long-term relationship.

©2008-2020 Just A Second. All rights reserved. All text, photographs, artwork, and other content may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form without the written consent of the author. http://justasecondblog.blogspot.com/ 

 We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

Recent Reads - The Princess Spy

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The Princess Spy by Melanie Dickerson - This was the final novel included in the Fairy Tale Romance collection I have, and I must admit that I expected that it would also be based on a familiar fairy tale. So in the back of my mind, as I was reading, I kept trying to figure out which one. Spoiler alert - unlike the others in this collection, it's not based on a fairy tale. It does, however, have a fairy tale setting and some plot elements, and it is related to the previous books in this collection.

Margaretha is the younger sister of Valten (the hero of The Captive Maiden) and Gabe (the hero of The Fairest Beauty), and in case you missed it, they are the children of the romantic duo from The Healer's Apprentice. Margaretha is the oldest daughter in the family, and is of marriageable age, but so far she has rejected all of her suitors in hopes of finding a love match like her parents and brothers have done. As the story opens an Englishman, Lord Claybrook, is hoping to win her approval, and although she doesn't like him, she has no concrete reason to turn him down and feels that perhaps she will have to settle for the match.

Enter another Englishman, Colin. He is brought to the castle after having been badly beaten, and since he only speaks English, Margaretha is one of the very few people that can communicate with him as he recovers. Colin and Margaretha establish a friendship as she begins teaching him some German and translates for him, but at first she wonders if his mind has been affected by his injuries and he worries that her talkativeness means she can't keep secrets or have discernment. And he has good reason to need her to keep his secret - it's none other than Lord Claybrook's men that attacked him, and it's Lord Claybrook that Colin is following and hoping to bring to justice. Colin wants to speak to Margaretha's father and warn him of the danger Claybrook poses, but that never seems to work out, so eventually he trusts Margaretha with more information and she discovers Claybrook's evil plan for her family. She and Colin work together to foil the plot, against great odds, and not surprisingly, they fall in love along the way.

By the same author: The Healer's Apprentice; The Merchant's Daughter, The Fairest Beauty, The Captive Maiden

I own this as part of this collection for Kindle: Fairy Tale Romance Collection: The Healer's Apprentice, The Merchant's Daughter, The Fairest Beauty, The Captive Maiden, The Princess Spy (Fairy Tale Romance Series) by Melanie Dickerson

©2008-2017 Just A Second. All rights reserved. All text, photographs, artwork, and other content may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form without the written consent of the author. http://justasecondblog.blogspot.com/

Recent Reads - The Captive Maiden

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The Captive Maiden by Melanie Dickerson - In this story based upon the fairy tale Cinderella, we meet Gisela. As in the original tale, she was beloved by her father, but he died sometime after marrying a cruel woman with two mean daughters - the wicked stepmother and stepsisters. As a young girl, Gisela had briefly met the duke's eldest son, Valten, and he became the subject of some of her daydreams.

Valten and Gisela meet again by chance in the village, and the young lord is captivated by Gisela, but knows little about her. Gisela manages to sneak to the tournaments, hoping to watch Valten compete while avoiding her stepmother, but when Valten is declared the first day's champion, he names Gisela as the queen of the tournament. Thus she is invited to a banquet with the duke's family and is their honored guest throughout the tournament. But of course her stepmother is jealous and determined to punish Gisela, and sells her as a bride to Valten's rival, who kidnaps her. Valten will do anything to rescue the girl he is quickly falling in love with, and the two face danger and difficulties in their attempts to escape from her captor.

By the way, Valten is the older brother of Gabe, the hero of The Fairest Beauty. And their parents are the romantic duo from The Healer's Apprentice, so those three stories tie together well, although each can be read and enjoyed independently of the others.

By the same author: The Healer's Apprentice; The Merchant's Daughter, The Fairest Beauty

I own this as part of this collection for Kindle: Fairy Tale Romance Collection: The Healer's Apprentice, The Merchant's Daughter, The Fairest Beauty, The Captive Maiden, The Princess Spy (Fairy Tale Romance Series) by Melanie Dickerson

©2008-2017 Just A Second. All rights reserved. All text, photographs, artwork, and other content may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form without the written consent of the author. http://justasecondblog.blogspot.com/

Recent Reads - The Fairest Beauty

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The Fairest Beauty by Melanie Dickerson - From the title and cover alone, it's easy to tell that this story is based on Snow White. It actually follows that template quite closely, but is an enjoyable and creative tale with a few twists.

The story opens with an elderly woman, near death, who comes to the Duke of Hagenheim claiming that their older son's betrothed is still alive, living as a servant to a vain and cruel duchess, and that her life is in danger. Valten, the older son, is laid up with a broken leg and can't travel, so younger brother Gabe - against his family's wishes - decides to be the hero instead.

For as long as she can remember, Sophie has been a scullery maid for the tyrannical Duchess Ermengard. The Duchess punishes even the slightest infractions cruelly, and no one dares defy her. Sophie has a couple of friends among the servants, and she tries always to be kind and forgiving. Still, it seems that she will never escape or find love. Then one day a well-dressed stranger arrives, and claims that she is actually the daughter of the Duke and is betrothed to the son of a Duke. Sophie doesn't initially believe the young man, Gabe, but when she starts questioning the cook who has been like a mother to her, she realizes that he may be telling the truth. And that his offer to get her away from Hohendorf may be her only chance at escape.

Yes, there's a huntsman who is charged with killing Sophie for the Duchess, and Gabe and Sophie have a harrowing time escaping with their lives. Gabe is injured in one of the attacks, and they manage to get to the Cottage of the Seven and take refuge there until he heals, and until more answers about Sophie and her father can be found.

But will Sophie find her happy ever after before the Duchess tracks her down and succeeds in killing her? And while her betrothed is still recuperating, will she fall in love with the younger brother? When she finally arrives at Hagenheim, she finds that her soon-to-be mother-in-law has a little experience in a similar situation - you might remember her from the earlier book, The Healer's Apprentice!

By the same author: The Healer's Apprentice; The Merchant's Daughter

I own this as part of this collection for Kindle: Fairy Tale Romance Collection: The Healer's Apprentice, The Merchant's Daughter, The Fairest Beauty, The Captive Maiden, The Princess Spy (Fairy Tale Romance Series) by Melanie Dickerson

©2008-2017 Just A Second. All rights reserved. All text, photographs, artwork, and other content may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form without the written consent of the author. http://justasecondblog.blogspot.com/

Recent Reads - The Merchant's Daughter

This post contains affiliate links.

The Merchant's Daughter by Melanie Dickerson - Annabel's father had been a successful merchant until he lost his trading ships in a storm. His death left his family in very reduced circumstances, but Annabel's mother and brothers were proud and lazy and refused to do their share of the harvest work in the village. When the new lord of the demesne arrives, the court has already passed judgment that the family must pay the value of the three years work they neglected, or one of the family members will be indentured to the lord for three years. Annabel knows her brothers will never consent to being servants, so in order to escape being married off to the horrid bailiff, she volunteers as the indentured servant in the manor.

Lord Ranulf le Wyse is rumored to have a fearsome temper, and certainly looks intimidating because he wears a patch over one eye and keeps his hair and beard long to hide a scar on his face. An old injury has disabled one arm too, and some of the superstitious people think he may be cursed. Despite Annabel's fear, she soon discovers that Lord le Wyse is brave and honorable, because he protects her from the lecherous bailiff. As time goes on, she and Lord de Wyse grow more comfortable with each other, and eventually - just as in the Beauty and the Beast tale this story is based upon - they grow to love each other.

This was another enjoyable read in the fairy tale series, bringing a popular story to life in a way that could have happened during the middle ages.

By the same author: The Healer's Apprentice

I own this as part of this collection for Kindle: Fairy Tale Romance Collection: The Healer's Apprentice, The Merchant's Daughter, The Fairest Beauty, The Captive Maiden, The Princess Spy (Fairy Tale Romance Series) by Melanie Dickerson

©2008-2017 Just A Second. All rights reserved. All text, photographs, artwork, and other content may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form without the written consent of the author. http://justasecondblog.blogspot.com/