The Forest and the Sea: A Cinderella Retelling

The Forest and the Sea: A Cinderella Retelling By Tracy Zumwalt
Publication date: November 12, 2024
Buy Link: Amazon
Genres: Fairy Tales, Retelling, Romance, Young Adult
Summary:

Reynette is desperate to escape the servitude of her step family at Laudermann Manor and the lustful desires of the loathsome, Sir Bjorn.

Lord Ehrhart seeks to please his father and their subjects by securing a future wife and future Duchess of Badenberg.

Will a chance meeting in the woods lead them to find their hope and future within each other’s arms?

The people of Badenberg are preparing to celebrate the anticipated, Midsummer Festival.

In the worn hallways of Laudermann Manor, a young servant girl longs for freedom and love. Bound by duty to her cruel step family, she yearns to attend the festival and meet a kind, brave suitor who will seek her floral wreath and therefore, declare his intent to pursue her.

Her hope takes a turn when her wreath is sought by a mysterious, yet somehow familiar man.

Meanwhile, Lord Ehrhart, son of the Duke, is under growing pressure to find a bride. Trusting his future to the Duke’s advisor, Ehrhart agrees to a series of balls to seek the next Duchess of Badenberg.

But, behind the festivities and beautiful floral decor, a dangerous scheme unfolds— the Duke’s brother and his ruthless son, Sir Bjorn, conspire to seize the Duke’s position, putting love, power and loyalty to the ultimate test.

Help arrives through an unexpected ally as Reynette and Ehrhart seek to unravel the web of deceit and hidden motives.

Extravagant balls are thrown, secrets are revealed, and murderous plots are uncovered in thisreimagining of the Cinderella story.

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EXCERPT:

His father and Badenberg needed him to find a suitable wife. Ludwig’s solution was to host the two balls and hope Ehrhart found a wife among the wealthy and titled of Badenberg. But, though Ehrhart had agreed to such a plan, he couldn’t help but feel he’d find a wife on his own terms. Would that be Beatrice? He stared down at his hands loosely wrapped around the reins. 

Beatrice was certainly a plausible solution to his problem, but could she be a woman he’d love for the rest of his life? She appeared interested in him and his attention, but did he truly know her intentions? He had meant what he’d told his sisters, he was interested in more than just a pretty face.

Suddenly, a loud thud echoed through the trees, followed by another and another. Then he heard a piercing crack to his left. Ehrhart peered up just in time to watch a tree fall along the path. The jarring movement and sound caused Storm to rear.

Cursed Beauty

Cursed Beauty By Stacey O’Neale
Publication date: August 30, 2021
Buy Link: Amazon
Genres: Fairy Tales, Retelling, Young Adult
Summary:

From USA Today bestselling author Stacey O’Neale comes a standalone, gender-reversed YA retelling of Sleeping Beauty!

The day has come for sixteen-year-old Aurora to receive her witch mark. She should be thrilled. But unlike the rest of her coven, a centuries-old family curse has already decided her fate; the cost of her new power is her life.

After the ceremony, her grandmother offers her hope: Aurora can save herself and prevent her coven from dying by awakening a sleeping prince with the power to break her curse. Unfortunately, she must travel through the forbidden Shadowlands to reach him.

The enchanted forest is filled with magical creatures—friends and foes—including the mysterious son of a powerful wolf pack leader. Can she find the prince in time, and if she succeeds, will he choose to help despite having been placed under a sleeping spell?

Perfect for fans of Serpent & Dove by Shelby Mahurin, House of Salt and Sorrows by Erin A. Craig, and The Hazel Wood by Melissa Albert.

Book Blitz: Princess Bachelorette: An Exclusive Selection of Princess Bachelorette Stories

Princess Bachelorette: An Exclusive Selection of Princess Bachelorette Stories
Publication date: July, 2020
Buy Link: Amazon
Genres: Fairy Tales, Fantasy, New Adult, Young Adult
Summary:

Your favorite fairytale love stories, but not how you remember them… 

Enchanted Quill Press takes you on a journey to far away lands and kingdoms that need an heir to continue their reign. 

Come on a journey to meet the fairytale princesses you know and love and find out how they met their love match in these never seen before retellings. 

With a matchmaking competition to win the heart of the princess, this set will leave you wondering, will she choose her Prince Charming?

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Only 99¢ for a limited time!

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Book Blitz: Kingdom of Sand & Wishes: A Limited Edition Collection of Aladdin Retellings

Kingdom of Sand & Wishes: A Limited Edition Collection of Aladdin Retellings
Publication date: May 24, 2019
Buy Link: Amazon
Genres: Fairy Tales, Fantasy, Young Adult
Summary:

Aladdin, but not as you remember it….
On the dusty streets, around the bustling bazaars, being overlooked by a Sultan’s Palace was a land. A land of magic, secrets and treasures buried deep beneath the desert. 

Through Arabian nights, dark forces are at work. Dark forces that can threaten the peace of everyone in the Kingdom. Watch our authors as they answer the question, can three wishes save the day? 

Join our award winning and USA Today best selling authors for nine action packed fantasy and contemporary retellings with Sultans, sorcerers, romance and more magic than a genie’s lamp can hold. 

One click now for your happily ever after….

—

SNEAK PEEKS:

Three Wishes by J.A.Armitage

Her future was mapped out…
She would one day be queen…

When a curse was cast, trapping Jini in an old lamp, her life ended along with everyone she had ever known and loved. Centuries of darkness passed and then a young man made a wish.
He wanted to be the Sultan.

So did she.

The only problem? There already was a Sultan and his mysterious son had already laid claim to the throne

Book Blitz: A Tale of Two Houses

A Tale of Two Houses (Defy the Stars, #1) By
Susan Harris
Publication date: March 25, 2019
Buy Link: Amazon
Genres: Fairy Tales, Fantasy, Young Adult
Summary:

Centuries ago, the royal house of witches in Vernanthia split into two factions: House Cambridge and House Montgomery. 

These two houses warred with each other for an age, causing widespread bloodshed and death. Those without magic—the Nulls—suffered the most. One day, a favored daughter of the Nulls was slain. 

With her dying breath, she cursed the covens to know no peace until love was possible between the houses. 

That curse had long since been forgotten—until now. 

Julian Montgomery is the reluctant Prince of House Montgomery and Rowan Cambridge is in no rush to become the Queen of House Cambridge. 

Both heirs long for freedom from their birthright obligations. When fate throws these two star-crossed lovers together, it sends them on a collision course with destiny that neither could have predicted. 

Shakespeare’s classic Romeo & Juliet is reimagined in this compelling drama about two young people drawn by fate into an unwinnable situation. If you think you know how this story ends—think again!

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EXCERPT:

“Go talk to her already.”

I jumped at the sound of Toby’s voice, who was grinning at me so much, I could see the white of his teeth.

“Go talk to her already,” he repeated, inclining his head toward the person I’d been staring at. “You’ve been standing there staring at her for quite a while. It’s starting to get weird.”

“I haven’t been staring,” I said with not much conviction as I took a large gulp of my ale.

Book Blitz: The Elf

The Elf By Max Dune
Age Group: Young Adult
Genre: Fantasy, Fairy Tales
Release Date: October 18, 2016
Buy Link: Amazon
Summary:

This Christmas…it’s war. Grab your weapon and join the fight in this modern Santa Claus retelling with a dark twist. Fans of Guardians of the Galaxy and Avatar will be riveted by The Elf‘s action, humor and romance! 

Elves are dying in the North Pole, and none of their scientists can find a cure. They believe it’s a virus, unleashed by a powerful enemy. 

All signs point to Jack Frost, who’s been biding his time from afar. Watching. Waiting. Plotting. One brave elf, to save his kind, will venture out to meet evil in the eye. 

But he uncovers a mystery more dangerous than he could have ever imagined. Now Lucian must join a group of warriors and fight. Fuego; a flame-wielding pyro. Tiktok; a brilliant bomb expert, Yuriko; a deadly ninja assassin. And Bullets; a hot-headed gun aficionado. 

These unlikely heroes must learn to work together and defeat the rising evil. Or Christmas will soon be lost…forever.

♥ ♥ ♥

BOOK TRAILER

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EXCERPT:

“Where are you going?” I taunt. “There’s nowhere to hide.”

Jack Frost doesn’t answer. Under the canopy of winter-crystallized trees, he crawls across the snow. His tall, muscular body leaves a trail of berry-red blood behind him. He looks desperate to put distance between us.

I begin to whistle softly and draw closer to admire my handiwork. Broken nose. Swollen eye. An arrow buried deep in his leg. Ah, such a beautiful sight to behold. I turn to Blitzen, my most loyal of companions, and smile. “Thank you, friend. Without you, I wouldn’t have made it.”

Blitzen gives an affirmative snort, staying close to our sleigh and supplies. His strong legs and zesty spirit had kept me alive for the last two weeks. The Artic is a cold house for the unwary. Nothing in it ever stirs. Nothing moves. Nothing sings.

Yet he had guided me through it, his hooves detonating like muffled grenades as they crunched the powdery snow. We’d traveled over timeworn mountains, through tomblike valleys and flash-frozen rivers. I plan on rewarding Blitzen with his favorite food once we’re back in Santa’s Village. It’ll be agaric mushrooms for life. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Book Blitz: Blood, Milk & Chocolate - Part 2 (The Grimm Diaries #4)

Blood, Milk & Chocolate - Part 2 (The Grimm Diaries #4) by Cameron Jace
Age Group: Young Adult
Genre: Fantasy, Fairy Tale
Release Date: January 4, 2016
Buy Links:

Amazon

Book Description:

Carmilla Karnstein’s journey through the Seven Seas, trying to find the Tower of Tales and meet Lady Shallot so she can help her and Angel to escape from Night Von Sorrow’s wrath. 

Lady Shallot finds them an island on the back of whale. They call it Sorrow and begin a journey of most heart wrenching secrets. 

What and where Sorrow really is. Who the Lost Seven are. And most of all who Carmilla and her new born daughter really are.

In the fourth installments of this epic tale, nothing is like it seems, some of the favorite character dies, and the thin line between good and evil blurs even more.


♥ ♥ ♥
Excerpt:

Life in the Seven Seas didn’t promise a happily ever after for Angel and me. Sailing in our small boat, I didn’t know what was worse. The nights or the days.

The days were gloomy. Looms of mist surmounted our boat, and we could hardly see the horizon. Angel liked to call it the sea’s edge, as if there was an imaginary waterfall at the end where all ship’s fell off into oblivion. The apple trader I fell in love with surely had a dark imagination.

The nights in the Seven Seas were the embodiment of scare. The fear of the unknown. Because we still couldn’t see ahead. The hope of finding the Tale of Towers and meeting Lady Shallot to help us escape Night Von Sorrow were diminishing tide by tide.

Book Blitz: Blood, Milk, and Chocolate - Part One (The Grimm Diaries #3)

Blood, Milk, and Chocolate - Part One (The Grimm Diaries #3) by Cameron Jace
Age Group: Young Adult
Genre: Fairy Tale
Release Date: January 19, 2015
Buy Links:

Amazon

Book Description:

After the last Dreamory, Fable, Axel and Shew want to learn more about the Lost Seven, and how the Huntsman fell in love with Snow White; an exploration that will lead to dire consequences. Meanwhile, Carmilla Karnstein's diary falls into the hands of Lucy Rumpelstein, who is desperate to learn about the Queen's mystery and how she came to be who she is now; a truth the should have better been left untold.

Who is the Queen of Sorrow, and how did she turn into a cold-blooded monster longing for her own daughter's heart? When and how did the Huntsman fall in love with Snow White? Is there such a thing as True Love?

I have been accused of being malicious and evil.

I, the Snow White Queen, have a story to tell.

The true story and what has really happened. How it all happened. Why the Brothers Grimm altered the truth, letting you think it was a fairy tale. When and how the tale took place. And above all, why I did what I did. Why you haven’t been told the truth for centuries. The truth about me and the truth about the not-so-innocent Snow White.

Here is my side of the story. You will never look at Snow White the same way again.

♥ ♥ ♥
Excerpt:

The day I was born, a single red apple grew on a juniper tree in our castle's garden.

A Blood Apple.

It was a rare fruit; the most sought after in Europe at the time. An apple of unmatched sweetness and unearthly ripeness. Some claimed it could cure the sick and enrich the poor, grant children to the sterile, and keep the soul guarded from demonic possessions. Its rarity and taste made it comparable with gold and diamonds, if they were edible. There was a well-known saying: "A Blood Apple a day keeps all Sorrow away." Few people knew why the word "sorrow" had always been capitalized in this sentence. I learned why many years later.

The single, delicious Blood Apple that grew on my birthday was even rarer. This one was the first to grow in my homeland, Styria, in seven years. A nameless witch—we did not speak her name—had cursed my homeland in Western Europe many years before. Every time a tree gave birth to an apple, it came out grey, rotten, and infested with worms. No amount of magic or prayers managed to lift up the curse. They said the witch was the mother of all witches, that she was darker than the darkest shades of night. For reasons beyond me, she had cursed us with no intention to relieve us from her wicked omen, ever.

Promotional Event: My Name is Rapunzel

My Name is Rapunzel by K.C. Hilton
Age Group: Young Adult
Genre: Fantasy, Fairy tale
Release Date: November 22, 2013
Buy Links:

Amazon ♥ B & N

Book Description:

My tale has been told again and again, and I’ve heard each one. Except for my hair, I barely recognize the pitiful renditions.

Muddled versions, crafted to entertain laughing children…but the children wouldn’t have laughed if they’d known the real story. 

It wasn't their fault. They didn't know the truth. Nobody did.

My name is Rapunzel. I will tell you my story. I will tell you the truth.


♥ ♥ ♥
Excerpt:

Just go, Henry. Save yourself. I tried to shout, but my mouth wouldn’t give way to sound. I was paralyzed. Was it with fear, or something else? The cackling witch at the tree line convinced me it was her doing.

I heard Henry continue to shout for me to flee, but I didn’t respond. I didn’t move. I didn’t run. I was frozen like a lifeless statue in a cold museum. With only the movement of my eyes, I pleaded with him to help me. A tear escaped one of my eyes then rolled down my cheek.

Review: Two and Twenty Dark Tales: Dark Retellings of Mother Goose Rhymes

Two and Twenty Dark Tales: Dark Retellings of Mother Goose Rhymes by Nina Berry, Sarwat Chadda, Shannon Delany, Max Scialdone, Karen Mahoney, Lisa Mantchev, Georgia McBride, C. Lee McKenzie, Gretchen McNeil, K.M. Walton, Suzanne Young, Michelle Zink, Leigh Fallon, Angie Frazier, Jessie Harrell, Nancy Holder, Heidi R. Kling, Suzanne Lazear, Pam van Hylckama Vlieg, Leah Cypess
Age Group: Young Adult
Genre: Horror, Short Stories, Fairy Tales
Release Date: October 16, 2012
Buy Links:

Amazon

Book Description:

In this anthology, 20 authors explore the dark and hidden meanings behind some of the most beloved Mother Goose nursery rhymes through short story retellings. 

The dark twists on classic tales range from exploring whether Jack truly fell or if Jill pushed him instead to why Humpty Dumpty, fragile and alone, sat atop so high of a wall. 

The authors include Nina Berry, Sarwat Chadda, Leigh Fallon, Gretchen McNeil, and Suzanne Young.

♥ ♥ ♥

"We do not walk, but float, like wisps of breathy yearning escaping a lover's lips. We do not touch, except in our ancient ways--and only then, under cover of darkest sleep."

Two and Twenty Dark Tales: Dark Retellings of Mother Goose Rhymes is one of the creepiest and hauntingly eerie books I’ve read in the long time. I mean Mother Goose Rhymes turned scary? I love it! The quote above is from my one of my favorite retellings, Blue by Sayantani DasGupta based on Little Boy Blue.

I absolutely love the way in which this story is woven together. The woman, Blue seems ethereal (probably because she’s a spirit haha) and provokes this feeling of deep sadness inside of me and I have no clue why! But when the boy finds her and asks for her story their interaction, it was beautiful and dark yes, but in a good way. Plus, the word usage and descriptions, I just really loved it.

Review: Snow White and The Huntsman

Snow White & the Huntsman by Lily Blake
Age Group: Young Adult
Genre: Fairytale, Adventure
Release Date: June 5th 2012
Buy Links:

Amazon

Book Description:

Ten years ago, the stunning and vengeful Queen Ravenna murdered her king the same fateful night she married him. But controlling the now desolate kingdom has begun to take it's toll on the evil Queen. To keep her magic and beauty from dying, she must consume a heart that is pure. And the only one that has been under her cruel watch all along belongs to the king's daughter.

Ravenna calls for the imprisoned Snow White, but the young woman escapes from the castle and seeks refuge in the Dark Forest. Because the forest is enchanted with magical flora and deadly fauna, the Queen sends for the only man who has ventured into he woods and survived; a tortured Huntsman called Eric.

With his hope log forsaken, the Huntsman agrees to bring back the girl. But when Eric finds his prey, he hesitates. Will he kill her? Or will he train her to become the greatest warrior the kingdom has ever know?

♥ ♥ ♥

“He brought his hand on his forehead, nodding as he left. She watched him go. She had seen a kingdom fall, the deaths of so many men and women. Explosions and fire had surrounded her. She’d faced death and returned. Why, then, did she feel such sorrow now, the sadness so great it brought tears to her eyes. He was just one man.” –Snow White and the Huntsman.

It’s because Eric, the Huntsman, is her prince!

*swoons*

I don’t even care that you’re judging me right now because I loved this book. I was home sick from work a few days ago and while lying in bed slowly dying I decided to watch Snow White and the Hunstman on HBO and low and behold I fell madly in love with this movie.

Random Recommendation: The Princess Bride

The Princess Bride by William Goldman
Age Range: Young Adult
Genre: Fantasy, Romance, Adventure
Release Date: July 15, 2003
Summary:

What happens when the most beautiful girl in the world marries the handsomest prince of all time and he turns out to be...well...a lot less than the man of her dreams?

As a boy, William Goldman claims, he loved to hear his father read the S. Morgenstern classic, The Princess Bride. But as a grown-up he discovered that the boring parts were left out of good old Dad's recitation, and only the "good parts" reached his ears.

Now Goldman does Dad one better. He's reconstructed the "Good Parts Version" to delight wise kids and wide-eyed grownups everywhere.

What's it about? Fencing. Fighting. True Love. Strong Hate. Harsh Revenge. A Few Giants. Lots of Bad Men. Lots of Good Men. Five or Six Beautiful Women. Beasties Monstrous and Gentle. Some Swell Escapes and Captures. Death, Lies, Truth, Miracles, and a Little Sex.

In short, it's about everything.

Buy Link:

Amazon

Why you should read this book: This is the first book that I didn't read until after I saw the movie, mostly because I didn't realize it was a book at first. My Father was the one who introduced me to the movie and then the book and I fell in love with it right away. I love Wesley and and Buttercup and the fact that this book rolls romance, fantasy, and adventure all in one amazing story. It's one of those feel good stories, like a fairy tale. Plus is funny! You should definitely check it out!

Once Upon A Blog Hop! #Giveaway Hop

Hosted by Natalie- Nicole and Full Moon Bites

This blog hop is all about the fairy tales! They are usually the first books one start out reading when younger (Beauty and the Beast, Cinderella, Snow White, etc.) and even when we grow older they are still a huge part of our reading life.

Fairy tale re-telling's are in most all genres and they are especially big right now (Anyone watched that Snow White and the Huntsmen movie? Or Beauty and the Beast TV show?). You can find YA, Historical, Paranormal Romance, even Erotica, all of their sub-genres and more that are a version of a past fairy tale. This hop is in honor of them—because we all love a good fairly tale every once and a while!


**Grand Prize!**

Thanks to Natalie-Nicole there is a grand prize giveaway of a $100 Amazon Gift-Card!

THE DETAILS:

1. Please make sure you include the linky list of all the blogs so readers can hop from your blog to the next. :)

2. Include the attached button in your post. 

3. We recommend putting the button on your sidebar/site linking to your post so readers can find it right away. 

4. The Once Upon A Blog Hop is open to author and bloggers alike who want to participate and giveaway a book/eBook or related prize that follows the theme of the hop. [Fairy tales and fairy tale re-telling's] 

5. Books can be m/f or m/m, etc. 

6. Once Upon A Blog Hop will run through December 1st - December 7th 

7. Posts need to go live by December 1st (any blog not posted on December 2nd will be deleted) and winners should be announced by 48 after the end of the hop. 

8. Please specify if your giveaway is US, INT or US/Canada 

9. Hosts are responsible for their own giveaway prizes.