Category: Fairytale Retelling

The Beast and the Bookseller by Eva Devon

On By TracyIn Fairytale Retelling, Georgian Era (1714-1837), Regency Era (1811-1820), Standalone Title, Tracy's ReviewsLeave a comment

The Beast and the BooksellerThe Beast and the Bookseller by Eva Devon

Tracy’s rating: 4 of 5 stars

Series: Standalone Title

Release Date: June 5, 2023

Miss Elizabeth Sharpe is the only child of the owner of Sharpe and Son, a bookshop that opened in 1665 and that has been passed from father to son ever since. It has also boasted the patronage of the Dukes of Montrose for just as long. But now it appears that that connection may be coming to an end, as the Duke, a man who is known by all as a recluse, is coming to the shop in person to meet with Elizabeth’s father. This cannot be good and to make matters worse her father is not fit company for the duke, nor has he been for some time. Her father has taken the loss of Elizabeth’s mother and any hope for a son very hard, losing himself in drink and leaving the bookshop in Elizabeth’s hands. Elizabeth hopes that her father will see how capable she is and leave the shop to her, but if she cannot convince the duke to continue to give them his business, there will be no bookshop to inherit. Elizabeth is shocked to learn that the duke has not been receiving his weekly orders as she believed her father was performing that duty, the duke has demanded that Elizabeth perform the task herself or he will take his business elsewhere!

Garrett Edward Matthew Maximilian, the Duke of Montrose is annoyed that he had to interrupt his busy day to leave his home – something he rarely does – to visit his erstwhile bookseller. When Mr. Sharpe is nowhere to be found leaving his daughter to clean up the mess he made, Garrett is surprised by Elizabeth and instead of taking his business to another shop as he planned, he demands that Elizabeth take over the task of delivering his books from now on if she proves herself, he will continue to patronize the shop. Not only does she succeed in the task, but she also excels, and soon the two form an unlikely friendship. Garrett has a lot going on in his life, he is on the brink of avenging his mother, but the task takes him to a dark place and Elizabeth becomes a light in his life, keeping him sane and even happy. But when a well-meaning outing goes awry, their lives will change forever, but will their forever be happy??

This was a delightful Beauty and the Beast retelling with a dash of Pride and Prejudice thrown in for good measure. I loved Elizabeth and Garrett together, they have both known pain, yet they have reacted very differently to it. The story steadily unfolds and the reader is sucked into a tale filled with loss, books, new discoveries, changes, steamyish love scenes, great secondary characters, pain, and finally a very sweet declaration scene promising HEA. I was disappointed that there was no epilogue, because I really felt it was needed, considering the major changes they would both be dealing with, but overall it was an emotionally gripping story that was an enjoyable read.

*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that I requested and was provided to me by the publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.*

The Black Beast of Belleterre by Mary Jo Putney

On By BarbaraIn Barb's Reviews, Christmas, Fairytale Retelling, Novella, Victorian Era (1837-1901)2 Comments

The Black Beast of Belleterre

Barbara’s rating: 5 of 5 Stars
Series: Standalone
Publication Date: 1/1/1992
Period: Victorian
Number of Pages: 56

I cannot begin to tell you how many times I have reread this novella over the years. Something about it just calls to me and makes my heart sing. To me, it tells the story of Beauty and the Beast the way it should be told – and the author even mentions that in her author notes. I cannot believe I have never written a review for it – perhaps because it is short? Perhaps because I am so enraptured after each read that I just forget to write a review? Who knows – but I’m fixing that now.

James Markland, Lord Falconer, isn’t a handsome man – actually, not even somewhat attractive. He is, however, one of the gentlest, most caring, empathetic, and giving people this planet has ever produced. Anything or anyone who is seen as ‘less’ by the world finds a home on his estate. His servants, his tenants, absolutely everyone who knows him, loves him. Yet he always hides from everyone. He always wears a cowl around his face and stands in the darkest areas of a room. He does not, and never has, felt lovable because he is so unattractive.

Falconer sees the most enchanting young lady as he is approaching her very rundown home to collect a debt from her father. She is sunshine to his shadow. He is just happy to have caught a glimpse of something so graceful and lovely.

Ariel Hawthorne is the daughter of a wastrel of a father who cares nothing for her or the estate. She finds out just how far the finances have sunken when her father tells her she is being betrothed to a pox-ridden odious man. She refuses, but she knows she might not be able to avoid his plot. Until, a man she’s never seen before, makes her an offer she cannot refuse. She is so grateful, but she wishes she could actually see him because that cowl hides him away.

Ariel is never really afraid of Falconer even though she has never laid eyes on him. She does her best to spend time with him, and converse with him, but he always pushes her away. Goodness, you just have to love these two very special people! Their romance is lovely and the ending – at Christmas – will warm your heart and make you smile.

I can definitely recommend this novella. You will absolutely fall in love with Falconer and will quickly realize that Ariel is his perfect match. When you are in the mood for a quick, lovely read that will soothe your soul and warm your heart, this is definitely the book for you.

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