I love all things fairy tale, so I've been looking forward to reading this retelling of the The Twelve Dancing Princess! The author's first book, Becoming Beauty, which is also a fairy tale retelling, is on sale for 99¢ in ebook, if you're interested in grabbing a copy (links below).
Midnight Sister
by Sarah E. Boucher
YA Fairy Tale, Fantasy, Retelling
Paperback & ebook, 188 Pages
January 1st 2017
Summary
The words rattled around Jonas’s head. What was the punishment again? Death? Dismemberment? Jonas, the newest addition to the gardening staff, couldn’t recall the exact penalty for breaking the rule. What does it matter anyway? He would never dream of meddling with the Earl of Bromhurst’s haughty daughters.
Until he comes face to face with Lady Ariela, the eldest of the Master’s daughters.
Her elusive smile and open manner cause him to question his convictions. In no time, he’s drawn into Lady Ariela’s world of mystery and intrigue, a world where she and her sisters will do anything—including leaving twelve empty beds at midnight—to escape their father’s strict rules.
Only Jonas can uncover the truth and save them from their father’s wrath and their own folly, if he is willing to risk everything he’s ever worked for.
Until he comes face to face with Lady Ariela, the eldest of the Master’s daughters.
Her elusive smile and open manner cause him to question his convictions. In no time, he’s drawn into Lady Ariela’s world of mystery and intrigue, a world where she and her sisters will do anything—including leaving twelve empty beds at midnight—to escape their father’s strict rules.
Only Jonas can uncover the truth and save them from their father’s wrath and their own folly, if he is willing to risk everything he’s ever worked for.
(Affiliate links included.)
Excerpt
“Jonas—”
I could see the words growing in his eyes.
“You know the cardinal rule.”
I wanted to roll my eyes, but kept my expression bland instead. Showing impatience had consequences for an undergardener.
“Do not meddle with the Master’s daughters.”
I had heard the words so many times my ears felt like they would start bleeding. If Higgins knew how pointless it was to fire them at me time and again, he’d save his breath.
“Understood?” Higgins asked with one eyebrow cocked.
The thought of running back to my family became more appealing with every upward slant of that eyebrow. “Yes, sir.”
Guest Post
Specialized Character Sketch: Meet Janela
My younger sisters tootled over. Their matching pink frocks made them look sweet, I thought. But their cranky expressions and smelly diapers did not. Daniela had gone inside, leaving me to clean up the mud pie mess. And deal with the triplets.
“Hello, girlth,” I said brightly, trying not to frown when the words didn’t come out right.
“Jani?” one of the tiny terrors said. She reached a grubby hand into the mud-caked can and drew forth a brown-speckled palm.
“No!” I grabbed the hand before she popped it in her mouth. I wiped it on my muddy apron.
Her lip quivered and her large eyes filled with tears. Her mouth opened and a loud waaaah came out. The other two girls picked up the cue and began crying too. I clapped my hands to my ears and squeezed my eyes shut. Why did Dani have to leave? I’d have to do something myself.
“Want a tweat, girlth?” I pointed toward the pan containing our mud pie. It looked good enough to eat.
“Ooh,” another of the terrors cooed, shuffling over to where the pie sat baking in the sun. The other two left off crying to investigate.
I swiped a finger over the mud pie and popped it into my mouth. “Mmmm . . .” Dirt clung to my tongue. I tried not to choke on it.
The first sister thrust a fat hand into the mixture. One of the other triplets grabbed her by the hair and pulled her backwards. More crying followed as the first sister landed flat on her bottom. The third triplet shoved both of them out of the way to get to the pie. She planted her face in it. The other two attacked, wailing as they dragged at her pink frock to get a taste of pie.
Engrossed in the treat and resulting tussle, they didn’t see me sneak off. Their wailing grew quieter as they gorged themselves on our latest creation. I smothered my grin with one hand. I couldn’t wait to tell Dani.
My Review
MIDNIGHT SISTERS was a young adult historical romance based on the Grimm's The Twelve Dancing Princesses. It felt a little magical even though their was no magic involved. Overall, a sweet romance with a few exciting moments of danger and endearing characters.
I loved Jonas from the start, even if he is a lovesick fool. As the story is told from his perspective and his interaction with the sisters is limited, I didn't have a strong connection to his romantic interest, Ariela, although I liked her well enough. It was a unique twist on this fairy tale, as was the sisters' nightly expeditions. I really liked how the author really made this story her own and that I wasn't quite sure how it all would play out. Little twists and surprises were woven throughout, which I loved. There wasn't that instantaneous and easy relationship between Jonas and Ariela, nor was a relationship between them easily accepted, which felt realistic. The romance started rather naively (as they so often do), but gradually grew over time and then much more in the end when Jonas and Ariela depended upon each other.
In the end, was it what I wished for? This was a sweet and enjoyable read. A little on the lighter side, but with a happily-ever-after ending that left a smile on my face.
Content: Some violence and slight innuendo, but clean.
Source: Received a complimentary copy from the author, which did not require a review nor affect it in any way.
I loved Jonas from the start, even if he is a lovesick fool. As the story is told from his perspective and his interaction with the sisters is limited, I didn't have a strong connection to his romantic interest, Ariela, although I liked her well enough. It was a unique twist on this fairy tale, as was the sisters' nightly expeditions. I really liked how the author really made this story her own and that I wasn't quite sure how it all would play out. Little twists and surprises were woven throughout, which I loved. There wasn't that instantaneous and easy relationship between Jonas and Ariela, nor was a relationship between them easily accepted, which felt realistic. The romance started rather naively (as they so often do), but gradually grew over time and then much more in the end when Jonas and Ariela depended upon each other.
In the end, was it what I wished for? This was a sweet and enjoyable read. A little on the lighter side, but with a happily-ever-after ending that left a smile on my face.
Content: Some violence and slight innuendo, but clean.
Source: Received a complimentary copy from the author, which did not require a review nor affect it in any way.
Other Books by the Author
Becoming BeautyYA Historical, Fantasy, Fairy Tale
Paperback, 256 Pages
November 11th 2014 by Cedar Fort Publishing & Media
Summary
Claws. Long, filthy, and dangerously sharp.
They’re the first thing Bella sees after what’s been the worst day of her life. If Bella were the quintessential Beauty—gorgeous, kindhearted, and self-sacrificing—she might have a chance at transforming this monster into a man, but she’s never been the toad-kissing kind. Obsessed with landing a wealthy nobleman and escaping her humdrum life, Bella will stop at nothing to achieve her goals. Which is precisely what landed her here, at the mercy of the Beast.
In this imaginative retelling of Beauty and the Beast, Bella's sense of entitlement strains both her family's finances and patience. As punishment for her selfishness, she's sent into the Beast's service where she must choose whether to follow the path she's always dreamed of—or risk it all for something even greater.
Read my review here.
Jan 9: Rebekah R.K. Grow (Jonas Selkirk feature)
Jan 10: Meagan Blooming with Books (Ariela Spencer feature)
Jan 11: Allison Eclectic Alli (Passionate Geek feature)
Jan 11: Melanie Mel's Shelves (Brisella Spencer feature)
Jan 12: Adrienne Adrienne Quintana (Canela “Cinnamon” Spencer feature)
Jan 12: Bonnie A Backwards Story (Daniela Spencer feature)
Jan 13: Lisa Bookworm Lisa (Estella/Frizella Spencer feature)
Jan 13: Bethany Perfect Beginnings (Estella/Frizella Spencer feature)
Jan 14: Cindy Cindy C. Bennett (Gisella, Hayla, Isella Spencer feature)
Jan 15: Amanda Inkings and Notions (Gisella, Hayla, Isella Spencer feature)
Jan 16: Tressa Wishful Endings (Janela Spencer feature)
Jan 16: Corinne Corinne's Garden (Krisela Spencer feature)
Jan 17: Katie Katie's Clean Book Collection (Larela Spencer feature)
Jan 18: Tarah Literary Timeout (Braden feature)
Jan 19: Paula The Phantom Paragrapher (Lord Bromhurt feature)
Jan 20: Raylynn Let It Be & Celebrate (Special author feature)
(Affiliate links included.)
Tour Schedule
Jan 9: Rebekah R.K. Grow (Jonas Selkirk feature)
Jan 10: Meagan Blooming with Books (Ariela Spencer feature)
Jan 11: Allison Eclectic Alli (Passionate Geek feature)
Jan 11: Melanie Mel's Shelves (Brisella Spencer feature)
Jan 12: Adrienne Adrienne Quintana (Canela “Cinnamon” Spencer feature)
Jan 12: Bonnie A Backwards Story (Daniela Spencer feature)
Jan 13: Lisa Bookworm Lisa (Estella/Frizella Spencer feature)
Jan 13: Bethany Perfect Beginnings (Estella/Frizella Spencer feature)
Jan 14: Cindy Cindy C. Bennett (Gisella, Hayla, Isella Spencer feature)
Jan 15: Amanda Inkings and Notions (Gisella, Hayla, Isella Spencer feature)
Jan 16: Tressa Wishful Endings (Janela Spencer feature)
Jan 16: Corinne Corinne's Garden (Krisela Spencer feature)
Jan 17: Katie Katie's Clean Book Collection (Larela Spencer feature)
Jan 18: Tarah Literary Timeout (Braden feature)
Jan 19: Paula The Phantom Paragrapher (Lord Bromhurt feature)
Jan 20: Raylynn Let It Be & Celebrate (Special author feature)
About the Author
When Sarah Boucher's not embroiled in either teaching kindergarten or penning a new fairytale, cute shoes and handbags, cheesy music, movies that cause her to snort while laughing, baking (especially if chocolate is involved), and more British television than anyone this side of the Atlantic has any business watching, keep her entertained.
A native Utahn, Sarah graduated from Snow College and Brigham Young University. She currently lives and teaches in Ogden, Utah.
A native Utahn, Sarah graduated from Snow College and Brigham Young University. She currently lives and teaches in Ogden, Utah.
No comments
Post a Comment
I love comments! I try to read and reply to them all. Feel free to agree or disagree and generally share your thoughts with me.