Month: April 2015

Book Review: Dearest (Woodcutter Sisters series)

On By cherylmahoneyIn Fantasy, Reviews, Young Adult1 Comment

I picked up Dearest by Alethea Kontis very soon after it came out—then kept renewing my library copy, waiting for the Once Upon a Time challenge to begin. This is the third book in the Woodcutter Sisters series, with its seven sisters named for the days of the week.

This book’s heroine is Friday, whose chief talents are sewing and loving others. Friday is staying at her sister-queen’s castle, helping with refugees and tending herds of children in the wake of the magical flood that swept the kingdom near the end of the last book. Friday meets a mute kitchen maid with a strange connection to seven swans—who turn out to be enchanted princes. Friday swiftly falls for one of them, and sets about trying to help the princes and their sister break their curse.

If you know fairy tales, then you know this is a retelling of “The Seven Swans,” with a sister who must weave shirts to free her cursed brothers. Dearest embroiders (ahem) some extra elements on, weaving Friday into the story as a helpful friend and introducing two villainous magicians and their decidedly spooky assassin. Continue reading “Book Review: Dearest (Woodcutter Sisters series)” →

Imaginary Illustrations #9

On By cherylmahoneyIn Novel News1 Comment

I have another “Imaginary Illustration” for you today, this time with a quote from The Storyteller and Her Sisters…a rather ominous quote!

Many locked doorsThis quote actually dates back to when I originally wrote this novel for NaNoWriMo 2012, and was in one of the excerpts I posted while blogging about the writing experience.  So you can read a bit more of the context in that post!

Small Blog Changes – and a New Review for the Storyteller

On By cherylmahoneyIn Ruminations1 Comment

First of all, I have a bit of housekeeping to address.  Outside of the blogosphere, I’ve recently started a new day job–which is great and very exciting!  🙂  But sadly, it also gives me less time for blogging.  I’m not by any means shutting the blog down, but I do want to give a head’s-up that I may be posting less.  Probably more like 1-2 times a week, instead of my usual three.

I figure if I announce it, then it’s a plan… 🙂

In other news!  I’m happy to share a recent review for The Storyteller and Her Sisters, posted by fellow blogger Katy, who writes at The Library Mama.  She highlights some of the darker themes of the book…but notes that it stays light throughout.

Check out the review here.  Thanks for sharing, Katy!