Tag Archives: fairy tales

First Line Friday — To Love A Falcon

26 Jul

Happy Friday! Today I am spotlighting a 1940s-era novel based on a Russian fairytale. Sound intriguing? I think so too! I haven’t read To Love A Falcon by Nancy C. Williams . . . yet. Let me know if you have and what you thought.

Here’s the first line:

Mikhail paced along the packed gray sand at the beachfront, scanning the harbor for the tender, a small boat that would return him to his ship.

When life already seems bleak, the Russians send her deeper into Siberia.

Aircraft mechanic Katya Morozov longs for her beloved Mikhail, a Russian naval officer, to return from war. But when an unwanted work assignment takes her far from her home into remote Siberia, Katya faces threats—perhaps because she and her father were engaged in covert protection for persecuted Christians.

A chance encounter with charming test pilot, Yuri Sokolov, turns into more than a passing acquaintance…igniting the flames of a conflict between Katya’s faithfulness to Mikhail and her growing attraction to the enigmatic pilot. Will messages from a mysterious woman in the woods give her the wisdom and strength she needs?

Yuri, who has hidden battles of his own, must likewise make a decision—does he follow his dreams or pursue the lovely mechanic who has captured his heart?

To Love a Falcon, a retelling of the Russian fairy tale “Finist the Falcon,” takes readers into the intrigues of Russian operatives, the stark landscape of Siberian winters, and the courage of those who risk death for faith and love.

Spotlight And Author Interview — To Love A Falcon

29 Jan

About The Book

Book: To Love A Falcon

Author: Nancy C. Williams

Genre: Christian Historical Mystery, Fairytale retelling

Release Date: November 7, 2023

When life already seems bleak, the Russians send her to Siberia.

Aircraft mechanic Katya Morozov longs for her beloved Mikhail, a Russian naval officer, to return from war. But when an unwanted work assignment takes her far from her home into remote Siberia, Katya faces threats—perhaps because she and her father were engaged in covert protection for persecuted Christians.

A chance encounter with charming test pilot, Yuri Sokolov, turns into more than a passing acquaintance…igniting the flames of a conflict between Katya’s faithfulness to Mikhail and her growing attraction to the enigmatic pilot. Will messages from a mysterious woman in the woods give her the wisdom and strength she needs?

Yuri, who has hidden battles of his own, must likewise make a decision—does he follow his dreams or pursue the lovely mechanic who has captured his heart?

To Love a Falcon, a retelling of the Russian fairy tale “Finist the Falcon,” takes readers into the intrigues of Russian operatives, the stark landscape of Siberian winters, and the courage of those who risk death for faith and love.

Click here to get your copy!

About The Author

Nancy C. Williams grew up on “Nancy Drew” books…and occasionally still tells people her middle name is “Drew,” just to get their reaction. Following in the steps of the intrepid sleuth, Williams is an adventure enthusiast who loves hiking, snow-skiing, taking photos, sharing a good laugh, and enjoying a good mystery. She’s a history buff, too, with an affinity for antiques and fascinating stories from the past. Her writing career began with five years in the “Mad Men” world of ad agencies, crafting ads and commercials for ceiling fans, soft drinks, and pest control, among others. Then, during nearly a decade of editorial work at Federal Express headquarters, Williams traveled the globe (often in FedEx jet cockpits) and collected memories of international cultures. She also taught PR at a Christian college for a decade, sharing strategies and practices to the next generation of professionals. These days, blogs and novels are at the top of her “fun stuff to-do” list. She’s serious, though, about serving Jesus Christ…as a prayer warrior and writing for God’s glory, striving to encourage others on their spiritual journeys. When she’s not writing, look for her on the Appalachian Mountain trails with her beloved husband and mini-schnauzer.

More from Nancy

Want to know more about the real-life murder of a Russian naval officer…during a top-secret World War II mission? It’s a fascinating story that sparks even more questions, such as, what if the slain officer had a fiancée back home who didn’t know he was killed?

“To Love a Falcon” is a historical fiction novel set against the backdrop of life in post-WWII Siberia, the persecution of Christians by an anti-religious régime, and the plight of loved ones left at home who waited for lost soldiers. There’s a dash of suspense, romance, and fairy-tale lore thrown into the mix, too!

My father-in-law, who served in the U.S. SeaBees for the top-secret mission, had shared some of the details about the murder…and, I knew an old Russian fairy tale called “Finist the Falcon” that would serve as the perfect template for telling his story. I have my own personal story from Siberia (my husband and I adopted our son from there in 1999), but I learned many more interesting facts during research about this mysterious, challenging place—still largely uninhabited to this day. Our son, who is now a pilot, also helped tremendously in delving into the MiG-9, the first jet-powered fighter aircraft developed in Russia.

I hope you’ll join me on this adventure into the risks of untested flight…the murderous threats of anti-religion zealots…the relationship between a plucky female aircraft mechanic and a charming test pilot…and the possibilities of love and forgiveness in a snowy wilderness. Maybe you’ll fall in love with Siberia, too!

Q & A with Nancy C. Williams

Many authors say that they have always been a writer — making up stories as a child. When did you first become a writer?

My grandmother was an avid storyteller. I grew up hearing her tales about the Depression years in Appalachia…and learned to love storytelling. In first grade, when I began forming letters and words into sentences, our teacher (Mrs. Hughes) had us write down complete stories. She gave us the liberty to use our imaginations. Even now, I find that to be a remarkable assignment! I’ve been a professional business writer for more than 40 years, but nowadays I write mostly for the sheer fun of it and for the blessing of seeing my work enjoyed by others.

Why did you choose the historical fiction genre?

I wound up majoring in history in my undergrad studies, even though I didn’t like it in high school. I found myself drawn to it, however, when I pored over every Saturday Evening Post magazine published in 1943 to write my history thesis on war-related advertisements. That college paper launched my career as an advertising copywriter and corporate editor, and my experience in historical research frequently came in handy. The same techniques apply to historical fiction, so it’s been an easy fit for me. I especially love to dig into ways that everyday life changes during crisis periods—prompting dangers that can be used in writing a mystery.

Can you tell us a little about what inspired your latest novel?

My novel begins with a story told by my father-in-law, Arnold, about a real-life “murder” that happened during his tour of duty with the SeaBees during World War II. Arnold was stationed in Alaska for a top-secret mission, involving a transfer of ships from the United States to Russia in the waning months of the war. He befriended a
Russian naval officer who died mysteriously, possibly martyred for his faith. Arnold’s account sparked some “what-if” questions for a mystery, such as, what if the officer had left behind a fiancée who didn’t know he was killed? The second inspiration for this novel is my personal interest in Siberia—we adopted our son, Alex, from there in 1999. Siberia is such a beautiful, mysterious place, still largely uninhabited. I’ve enjoyed reading Russian fairy tales and learning about the country’s culture ever since I studied the Russian language and history in college.

What do you want your readers to take away with them after finishing one of your novels?

A key theme for the novel is forgiveness—especially when forgiveness is brutally difficult. I struggled with this issue myself while writing the book. There were so many atrocities committed during World War II, particularly in persecution of Jews and Christians, and I know it would be far beyond my own power to forgive someone for hurting a beloved family member. Only Jesus gives us strength enough to grant that depth of mercy. My hope is that readers would see how Christ’s forgiveness brings blessings to those who forgive.

Readers always want to know what is next for an author. Do you have any works in progress you can share about?

I would enjoy writing a time-slip novel about my hometown, Johnson City, Tennessee. We have an interesting history from the early 1900s, when Prohibition was in effect and moonshining was rampant. Did gangsters come through our region on the trains, looking for opportunities to stock their urban speakeasies? There are rumors of such…and that’s all I need for a good mystery! Of course, there’ll be more to the story—I’ll add some suspense, romance, and a few unexpected twists!

Readers can find out more about my current novel, To Love a Falcon, through Celebrate Lit Publishing’s website (http://www.celebratelitpublishing.com/posts/book/to-love-a-falcon/) or by going to Amazon where it’s available on Kindle and in paperback. Readers can also follow my blog and news at my Lightbourne Creative website, https://lightbournecreative.com–I publish a weekly devotion blog to encourage other Christians in their daily life.

Blog Stops

Artistic Nobody, January 25 (Author Interview)

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, January 25

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, January 26 (Author Interview)

An Author’s Take, January 27

For Him and My Family, January 28

By The Book, January 29 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, January 29

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, January 30 (Author Interview)

Locks, Hooks and Books, January 31

Simple Harvest Reads, February 1 (Author Interview)

Holly’s Book Corner, February 1

Texas Book-aholic, February 2

Tell Tale Book Reviews, February 3 (Author Interview)

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, February 4

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, February 5

Through the Fire Blogs, February 6 (Author Interview)

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Nancy is giving away the grand prize package of a copy of the book and a $25 Amazon card!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/29b03/to-love-a-falcon-celebration-tour-giveaway

Top 10 Tuesday — Book-Loving Heroines

21 Feb

Happy Tuesday! Today TTT is featuring favorite heroines. I have been a bookworm since forever, and I love a character that shares my passion for books and reading. They are the kind of characters that become friends. My list today includes heroines that are unapologetic book nerds like me, or are those who come to love books in the course of the novel. It’s an eclectic list, as I am an eclectic reader. I hope you can find a book and heroine to love! Note on the list: all are randomly listed. In the case of series in which they appear, I have listed the first book.

For more favorite heroines, check out That Artsy Reader Girl.

Top Book-Loving Heroines

Belle from Beauty And The Beast

Catherine Morland from Northanger Abbey by Jane Austen

Nora Bradford from True to You by Becky Wade

Helma Zukas from The Library Murders by Jo Dereske

Adelaide Proctor from Head in The Clouds by Karen Witemeyer

Alice Grace Ripley from Wonderland Creek by Lynn Austin

Grace Percy from Mistletoe Countess by Pepper Basham

Jocelyn Ferrec from The Librarian of Saint-Malo by Mario Escobar

Avis, Louise, Martina, and Ginny from The Blackout Book Club by Amy Lynn Green

Clara Blackwell from Hope Between The Pages by Pepper Basham

Top 10 Tuesday — New-To-Me Authors in 2022

24 Jan

Happy Tuesday! Today bloggers are sharing new-to-them authors from 2022. I love discovering new authors. Often their books become must-reads. A few of the books may be debuts, but by and large, the authors on my list have other books to their credit. More great books to read! 😉

For more new authors, visit That Artsy Reader Girl.

Top New-To-Me Authors in 2022

Among The Innocent by Mary Alford

The Blackout Book Club by Amy Green

Driving Force by Kate Angelo

Firefly Diaries by C. C. Warrens

Honor’s Refuge by Hallee Bridgeman

In Search of A Prince by Toni Shiloh

A Light on A Hill by Connilyn Cossette

The Librarian of Saint-Malo by Mario Escobar

Operation Joktan by Amir Tsarfati and Steve Yohn

Shadows in The Mind’s Eye by Janyre Tromp

When The Day Comes by Gabrielle Meyer

Where The Blue Sky Begins by Katie Powner

The Dreaming Beauty Blog Tour + Giveaway!

17 Aug

The Dreaming Beauty JustRead Blog + Review Tour
Welcome to the Blog + Review Blitz for The Dreaming Beauty by Anneka R. Walker, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

ABOUT THE BOOK

The Dreaming Beauty

Title: The Dreaming Beauty
Series:
Standalone follow-up to The Masked Baron
Author: Anneka R. Walker
Publisher: Covenant Communications
Release Date: July 11, 2022
Genre: Clean & Wholesome Romance / Historical / Regency / Fairy Tale

Once upon a dream, two cursed people fell in love . . .

Tansy White doesn’t want to end up alone like her three aunts who raised her, but when she is betrayed by her would-be betrothed, she fears she might never change her fate. At her aunts’ suggestion, she seizes the chance to visit Rose Cottage, the country home of her late mother. For years, dreams of the cottage have haunted Tansy, and she is convinced it holds the answer to her hidden past. But after getting caught in a terrible storm, she meets a man who is just as determined as she is to learn all her secrets.

Marcus Taylor, brother to the Duke of Westmorland, is also troubled by vivid dreams. On a sleepless night, as a tempest rages outside his brother’s estate, he makes a discovery far more mysterious than any dream: a young woman, cold as ice, lies unconscious in the library, and he is sure she is the key to solving his problems. When she wakes, what begins as a shared quest for information turns into an unexpected friendship. As they piece together the fragments of their pasts, they discover a tangled web of lies, and their feelings for each other become just as entwined. But is their love as strong as their dreams . . . or their fate?

PURCHASE LINKS*: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | BookBub

EXCERPT

WHILE THE WORLD SLEPT, MARCUS’s mind came awake. With the crack of thunder and a brilliant streak of light piercing through the gap in his curtains, he sat up in his bed. Sleep often evaded him, but even trying tonight seemed useless. Flipping his covers off, he donned his robe and slippers, and it was back to his makeshift study in his brother’s library, where he’d research until his eyes drooped and his dreams were empty.

Marcus lit a candle and noiselessly moved through the dark corridor. Blasted storm. Though, it did spark an idea in his mind. If the weather played a role in body aches, it likely affected the subconscious too. Natural fears and uneasiness would lead to dreams, no doubt. It would be worth researching.

He held the flickering light out in front of him as he went down the stairs and stepped through the open library door, but instead of the late Duke of Westmorland greeting him silently from his portrait, what he saw made him stumble back. A figure, an unknown person. Whether bandit or boy he did not know, but his heart raced and his hand on the candle tightened.

ALSO AVAILABLE

The Masked Baron


ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Anneka R. Walker

Anneka Walker is an award-winning author raised by a librarian and an English teacher turned judge. After being fed a steady diet of books, she decided to learn about writing. The result was a bachelor’s degree in English and history. When she isn’t dreaming up a happy ending for a story, she is busy living her own with her husband and adorable children.

Connect with Anneka by visiting annekawalker.com to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.


TOUR GIVEAWAY

(1) winner will receive a $25 Amazon gift card, The Dreaming Beauty, signed book plate, matching bookmark, stickers, and button!

The Dreaming Beauty JustRead Giveaway

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight August 15, 2022 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on August 22, 2022. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

ENTER GIVEAWAY HERE


Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

JustRead Publicity Tours

*NOTE: This post contains affiliate links.

Book Spotlight — The Last Gasp

17 Jun

About The Book

Book:  The Last Gasp

Author: Chautona Havig

Genre: Christian Historical Mystery, Fairytale retelling

Release date: July 6, 2021

At the pinnacle of his Hollywood career, Garrison Prince’s reign ends tonight.

As plain old Gary Prinz, he can pursue his Bible education, buy a bungalow in Pasadena, acquire a few chickens, and marry the girl of his dreams. He just never imagined trading the silver screen for a pulpit would wreak such havoc.

A cigarillo girl, Lucinda Ashton spends her days with her boyfriend, Gary, and her evenings selling candy and “gaspers” to the Hollywood elite at the Taj Mahal Theater.

However, when gunshots ring out just as intermission begins, Lucinda finds herself smack-dab in the middle of a brouhaha that leaves three dead, and no one has a clue why.

All the police know is that the evidence points to Lucinda as the killer and Gary as the intended target.

Four new friends, one young orphan, and a potluck of clues that don’t seem to fit anywhere leave the police baffled, Lucinda in fear for her freedom, and Gary ready to trade in his acting shoes for gumshoes if it’ll save his “Cinda.”

The first book in the Ever After Mysteries combining beloved fairy tales and mysteries, The Last Gasp. This Cinderella retelling blends a murder with enough crime and story clues to keep you on the edge of your seat.

BOOK EXCERPT

Gary Prinz stepped out of the California sunshine and into the role of Garrison Prince, rising Hollywood royalty.

An unfashionably buxom receptionist bustled toward him in miserable-looking tweed. “Oh, Mr. Prince. Everyone’s waiting! So exciting. Come, come…” A second glance at him hinted she disapproved of his trousers, rolled-up shirtsleeves, and lightweight sweater vest. “You might have worn a sport coat at least.”

Everyone’s waiting? Sport coat? What for?

A few people waved as the woman trotted down the hallway, chattering about her excitement regarding the night’s premiere. “I won’t have tickets, of course, but I just know everyone will love The Stolen Title. It’s sure to be your best work yet!”

“I hope so, Miss Fischer. I hope so.”

The way she paused, as if for dramatic effect before flinging the door open, provided a hint of warning. Mr. Walker greeted him—Werner, if anyone did any digging, but German surnames were still out of fashion in America after the Kaiser and The Great War. “Come in, come in, Garrison. Our prince has arrived… We even have Eva here to celebrate with you. No champagne, of course. Must comply with Volstead, but…”

Purchase HERE.

ADDITIONAL EXCERPTS

Simple Harvest Reads

Susan K. Beatty

Montana Made

Blossoms And Blessings

Artistic Nobody

Cheri Swalwell

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Author of the bestselling Aggie and Past Forward series, Chautona Havig lives in an oxymoron, escapes into imaginary worlds that look startlingly similar to ours and writes the stories that emerge. An irrepressible optimist, Chautona sees everything through a kaleidoscope of It’s a Wonderful Life sprinkled with fairy tales. Find her at chautona.com and say howdy — if you can remember how to spell her name.

Book Review: The Sacred Scarred

12 Apr

“Beauty can indeed come from ashes.” Calysta Daniels met Brendan Keefe at a time when she was embracing the true meaning of beauty and he was becoming the embodiment of a beast. Several years later, their paths crossed once again, and she agreed to a strange request to save her father from imprisonment: to live under the beast’s roof for four years. It didn’t take long for him to realize that there was something about her that a part of him hated – something sacred threatening to expose all his scars. Scarred as they both were, she was holding on to a secret that kept her sacred, while he was holding on to a past that kept him scarred. Thus, the battle of wills raged within the beauty and the beast over what price had to be paid to make a person truly beautiful.

 

 

 

Joanna Alonzo is a walking paradox. She is a beautiful, albeit messy, mixture of thought and emotion, expressed in the form of hopefully readable – and relatable – stories. She is a kingdom kid, who looks forward to being a writer and storyteller even when she reaches heaven. She is passionate about the unreached, about those who have yet to know the Love she found in the arms of the Almighty. She is intrigued by the world and its people, who day by day, continue to convince her that God is the greatest Storyteller of all.

 

My Impressions:

With all the buzz surrounding the release of Disney’s newest imagining of The Beauty And The Beast (my favorite childhood fairy tale) comes the advent of various retellings of the story in novel form. Joanna Alonzo, author of The Sacred Scarred, has written a contemporary version with a Christian twist. She takes very messy lives and weaves them into a modern-day fairy tale with the power of God at the center. The result is an edgy YA novel.

Both Calysta and Brendan are the products of very dysfunctional families. Yet the paths they find themselves on are very different. One chooses hope in God; the other the pursuit of perfection. Their self-inflicted scars mar their lives, but God’s healing is there for them if they will just accept it.

The Sacred Scarred, with its characters and situations, definitely has a YA vibe to it. Readers in the targeted audience (older high school to young adult) will identify with the struggles the characters face. The dysfunction of the families was at times difficult to read (there is a lot of abandonment by important women in the main characters’ lives). The book takes a while to come to the familiar Beauty/Beast storyline as it sets the stage for the action. I felt the book dragged at times, and I became impatient for the real story to begin. The real story, to me, is the transformation of Brendan and his beastly attitudes and expectations. There are magical elements for those who love that about fairy tales. The theme of God’s love is very strong and prominent throughout the book. And the happily-ever-after is achieved for most involved.

While The Sacred Scarred wasn’t really a hit for me, it is an interesting spin on the Beauty/Beast story.

Audience: older teens to young adults.

To purchase, click HERE.

(Thanks to the author for a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)

 

 

Book Review: The Beautiful Pretender

20 May

UnknownAfter inheriting his title from his brother, the margrave has two weeks to find a noble bride. What will happen when he learns he has fallen for a lovely servant girl in disguise?

The Margrave of Thornbeck has to find a bride, fast. He invites ten noble born ladies who meet the king’s approval to be his guests at Thornbeck Castle for two weeks, a time to test these ladies and reveal their true character.

Avelina has only two instructions: keep her true identity a secret and make sure the margrave doesn’t select her as his bride. Since the latter seems unlikely, she concentrates on not getting caught. No one must know she is merely a maidservant, sent by the Earl of Plimmwald to stand in for his daughter, Dorothea.

Despite Avelina’s best attempts at diverting attention from herself, the margrave has taken notice. And try as she might, she can’t deny her own growing feelings. But something else is afoot in the castle. Something sinister that could have far worse — far deadlier — consequences.

 

MDickerson-339Melanie Dickerson is the author of The Healer’s Apprentice, a Christy Award finalist and winner of the National Reader’s Choice Award for Best First Book. Melanie earned a bachelor’s degree in special education from the University of Alabama and has been a teacher and a missionary. She lives with her husband and two daughters in Huntsville, Alabama.

Find out more about Melanie at http://www.melaniedickerson.com.

 

My Impressions:

Melanie Dickerson has made a name for herself crafting fairytale retellings that capture the flavor of the original with a definite inspirational message included. In her latest novel, The Beautiful Pretender, Melanie creates her own vision of the classic The Princess And The Pea with a nod to Beauty And The Beast. What emerges is a story where nobility of character trimuphs over deceit, deception and vanity. A great book for YA readers, The Beautiful Pretender will appeal to anyone who loves fairytale endings.

Avelina, a lowly lady’s maid, finds herself in Thornbeck Castle disguised as Lady Dorothea of Plimmwald. Dorothea’s father is seeking to gain Thornbeck’s protection despite his wayward daughter’s actions. Plunged into an unfamiliar world of courtly manners, Avelina needs to pull off the deception or her family and country will be in danger. Lord Thornbeck is drawn to the refreshingly unique Lady Dorothea as he searches for the right bride. But more treachery than Avelina’s is at foot in the castle!

I loved the medieval setting of The Beautiful Pretender. Melanie does a wonderful job of making the 14th century Holy Roman Empire real to a modern reader through her detailed descriptions of place, fashion, and customs. Characters are appealing as well, especially the plucky Avelina. Lowly born and ill-suited to her role as a pretend noblewoman, Avelina’s views on love, marriage and the treatment of the poor are in stark contrast to the acceptable viewpoints of the day. Ironically, her seeming lack of guile is what draws Lord Thornbeck. Living a life of truthfulness while deceiving everyone is an interesting plot line that is sure to create a lot of good discussion for book clubs. Lord Thornbeck is the perfect hero — brooding, willful, handsome, and, at heart, a true nobleman. Twists and turns keep the pages turning as well. With all this, The Beautiful Pretender is a great choice for a book club, especially one geared towards high schoolers.

While The Beautiful Pretender is book 2 of a series, it is easily read as a standalone. However, I’ll be sure to read book 1, The Huntress of Thornbeck Forest to find out all that I missed.

Highly Recommended.

Audience: older teens to adults.

Great for Book Clubs.

To purchase this book, click HERE.

(Thanks to LitFuse of a review copy. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)

Giveaway!

beautiful-pretender-400

Join Melanie in celebrating the release of The Beautiful Pretender by entering to win her Once Upon a Kindle giveaway!

One grand prize winner will receive:

A copy of The Beautiful Pretender
A Kindle Fire tablet
A $25 Amazon gift card
The choice between a Funko POP Disney Beauty or Beast doll

Enter today by clicking the HERE. But hurry! The giveaway ends on June 7th. The winner will be announced June 8th on Melanie’s blog.

beautiful-pretender-prize-collage-504x672

Movie Review + Giveaway: Snow White And The Seven Dwarfs

5 Feb

Digital Download ArtI had the very great privilege of receiving a copy of the newly released Blu-Ray and HD DVD edition of Disney’s Snow White And The Seven Dwarfs. A favorite of my children when they were young, watching this classic that started it all brought back great memories. The music, animation, fairy tale story, cute woodland characters and of course Disney’s first princess and the adorable Seven Dwarfs all combine to create a wonderful viewing experience. It’s a story of good and evil where good triumphs. Also included are extras like a view into the original animation process and Walt Disney in his own words. So grab your kids and grandkids, make some popcorn and settle in for Disney magic!

To purchase the DVD, click HERE.

(Thanks to Allied Faith And Family for a copy of this movie. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)

Giveaway!

Allied Faith And Family has made a digital download of Snow White And The Seven Dwarfs available to one of my readers. Tell me which Disney princess is your favorite and you will be entered to win! This giveaway runs through February 12, 2016

Book Review: The Golden Braid

3 Dec

Golden-BraidThe one who needs rescuing isn’t always the one in the tower…

Rapunzel can throw a knife better than any man. She paints beautiful flowering vines on the walls of her plaster houses. She sings so sweetly she can coax even a beast to sleep. But there are two things she is afraid her mother might never allow her to do: learn to read and marry.

Fiercely devoted to Rapunzel, her mother is suspicious of every man who so much as looks at her daughter and warns her that no man can be trusted. After a young village farmer asks for Rapunzel’s hand in marriage, Mother decides to move them once again—this time, to the large city of Hagenheim.

The journey proves treacherous, and after being rescued by a knight—Sir Gerek—Rapunzel, in turn, rescues him farther down the road. As a result, Sir Gerek agrees to repay his debt to Rapunzel by teaching her to read. Could there be more to him than his arrogance and desire to marry for riches and position?

As Rapunzel acclimates to life in a new city, she uncovers a mystery that will forever change her life. In this Rapunzel story unlike any other, a world of secrets and treachery are about to be revealed after seventeen years. How will Rapunzel finally take control of her own destiny? And who will prove faithful to a lowly peasant girl with no one to turn to?

MDickerson-339Melanie Dickerson is the author of The Healer’s Apprentice, a Christy Award finalist and winner of the National Reader’s Choice Award for Best First Book. Melanie earned a bachelor’s degree in special education from the University of Alabama and has been a teacher and a missionary. She lives with her husband and two daughters in Huntsville, Alabama.

 

My Impressions:

I loved fairy tales as a child. I can remember the kids in the neighborhood acting out the stories that our parents read to us at bedtime. Nowadays (don’t I sound old!) children don’t know the old classics except through animated movies. That’s why think Melanie Dickerson’s retelling of old favorites is such a great idea — introduce a young adult audience to the fairy tale experience with a spiritual foundation. The Golden Braid brings to life the story of Rapunzel, she of the very long hair. Yet in this story more than just the damsel in distress needs saving. A fresh twist on a classic gets this book a recommended rating from me.

Rapunzel has moved from village to village with her adopted mother, never staying long in any one place. They are always viewed as outsiders, but Rapunzel has never questioned Mother’s actions until now. The rules are tightening on Rapunzel, and she dreams of a freedom she has never known. After meeting a handsome, yet irritating, knight, Rapunzel dares to live her life unfettered by restrictions.

Rapunzel is an interesting character: a bit naive, completely innocent to the dangers of the world, yet hungry for knowledge. Her desire to read the Holy Writ opens up new ideas for her, especially the nature of God as a loving Father, something she has never known. As she learns God’s truth, she yearns for the secrets in her own life to be exposed. The handsome and tough Sir Gerek is also a complex character who learns that man’s plans are not always the way God wants things to go. Both of these characters grow in their understanding and faith as the story progresses and provide valuable insights. In fact, I think The Golden Braid would make a great choice for a high school-aged book club. Dickerson creates a richly detailed medieval world full of superstitions and old wives tales that perfectly fits the fairy tale setting. Many characters from previous books make appearances too  — a real plus for her fans.

All in all, The Golden Braid is a great read and would make a fabulous Christmas gift for the YA girl in your life!

Recommended.

Audience: high school ages and up.

To purchase this book, click HERE

(Thanks to LitFuse and Thomas Nelson for a review copy. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)