Tag Archives: fairy tale retelling
Psst, the Spring @YAScavengerHunt 2018 book list is up on Goodreads! #YASH
In the mood for a romantic southern gothic ghost story? The Artisans is on sale for .99! @Month9Books
Whaa-hoo!
For a short time only, THE ARTISANS is on sale for .99
Indigo Amazon Kobo Google Play BN
Blurb:
They say death can be beautiful. But after the death of her mother, seventeen-year-old Raven Weathersby gives up her dream of becoming a fashion designer, barely surviving life in the South Carolina lowlands.
To make ends meet, Raven works after school as a seamstress creating stunning works of fashion that often rival the great names of the day.
Instead of making things easier on the high school senior, her stepdad’s drinking leads to a run in with the highly reclusive heir to the Maddox family fortune, Gideon Maddox.
But Raven’s stepdad’s drying out and in no condition to attend the meeting with Maddox. So Raven volunteers to take his place and offers to repay the debt in order to keep the only father she’s ever known out of jail, or worse.
Gideon Maddox agrees, outlining an outrageous demand: Raven must live in his home for a year while she designs for Maddox Industries’ clothing line, signing over her creative rights.
Her handsome young captor is arrogant and infuriating to the nth degree, and Raven can’t imagine working for him, let alone sharing the same space for more than five minutes.
But nothing is ever as it seems. Is Gideon Maddox the monster the world believes him to be? And can he stand to let the young seamstress see him as he really is?
Are you a Beauty or a Beast?
Take my quiz and find out!
What people are saying about
THE ARTISANS …
“I didn’t want this story to end. I was enjoying living in this world so much!” ~ Michelle, Bookaholic Banter
“An electrifying retelling of Beauty and Beast with a hauntingly good twist.” ~Mundie Moms
“This book is one of the most amazing books I think I’ve ever read!” ~ Jackie, No Bent Spines
Want to get an even better feel for the story?
Check out my Pinterest inspiration board for the book.
Thanks so much for stopping by, and I hope you enjoy my quirky, gothic romance novel!
Julie
Woot! Double cover reveal: Mirror of Immortality Trilogy by @VickiLWeavil @DerangeDoctor @snowywingspub #ya
Whoo-hoo! Get ready for stunning …
Today I’m participating in a special double cover reveal for the first two books in the Mirror of Immortality Trilogy by Vicki L. Weavil. The all-new second edition of the first book, Crown of Ice, releases on May 9 from Snowy Wings Publishing, with the second book, Scepter of Fire, coming on May 23!

Cover designed by Deranged Doctor Design
Title: Crown of Ice
Author: Vicki L. Weavil
Release Date: May 9, 2017
Publisher: Snowy Wings Publishing
Snow Queen Thyra Winther is immortal, but if she can’t reassemble a shattered enchanted mirror by her eighteenth birthday she’s doomed to spend eternity as a wraith.
Armed with magic granted by a ruthless wizard, Thyra schemes to survive with her mind and body intact. Unencumbered by kindness, she kidnaps local boy Kai Thorsen, whose mathematical skills rival her own. Two logical minds, Thyra calculates, are better than one. With time rapidly melting away she needs all the help she can steal.
A cruel lie ensnares Kai in her plan, but three missing mirror shards and Kai’s childhood friend, Gerda, present more formidable obstacles.
Thyra’s willing to do anything – venture into uncharted lands, outwit sorcerers, or battle enchanted beasts — to reconstruct the mirror, yet her most dangerous adversary lies within her. Touched by the warmth of a wolf pup’s devotion and the fire of a young man’s love, the thawing of Thyra’s frozen heart could prove her ultimate undoing.
Add Crown of Ice on Goodreads!

Cover designed by Deranged Doctor Design
Title: Scepter of Fire
Author: Vicki L. Weavil
Release Date: May 23, 2017
Publisher: Snowy Wings Publishing
She’s the ugly duckling in a family of swans. But Varna Lund is determined to live a life that matters.
Ridiculed by the young men of her village, Varna vows she’ll become the finest healer in the land. The skills she’s learned from her ancient mentor prove vital when she encounters Erik Stahl, a young soldier who deserted the battlefield to carry an injured friend to safety. Aided by her sister Gerda, she cares for the soldiers in secret.
When betrayal catapults the four young people into life on the run, Varna encounters her former mentor—now revealed as the sorcerer, Sten Rask. Seeking an enchanted mirror that offers unlimited power, Rask appears determined to seduce Varna to his side.
To protect their country, Varna and her companions form an alliance with a former Snow Queen, a scholar, and an enchantress. But when Rask tempts her with beauty and power, Varna’s heart becomes a battlefield. Caught between loyalty to her companions and a man whose kisses ignite a fire on her lips, Varna must choose—embrace her own desires, or fight for a society that’s always spurned her.
Add Scepter of Fire on Goodreads!
About the Author:
Vicki L. Weavil turned her early obsession with reading into a career as a librarian. After obtaining a B.A. in Theatre from the University of Virginia, she continued her education by receiving a Masters in Library Science and a M.A. in Liberal Studies. She is currently the Library Director for a performing and visual arts university.
An avid reader who appreciates good writing in all genres, Vicki has been known to read seven books in as many days. When not writing or reading, she likes to spend her time watching films, listening to music, gardening, or traveling. Vicki, who writes in other genres under the pennames V. E. Lemp and Victoria Gilbert, is represented by Frances Black of Literary Counsel, NY, NY. She lives in North Carolina with her husband and some very spoiled cats.
Visit Vicki online at vickilweavil.com, or on Twitter at @VickiLWeavil or Facebook at @VickiLWeavil.
Remember these release dates! May 9 for the second edition of Crown of Ice, and May 23 for Scepter of Fire.
Thanks so much for stopping by. XOXO
The Carver by Jacob Devlin Book Blast! @chapterxchapter @jacob_devlin @BlazePub
Hello readers!
Are you looking for your next read?
Well, let us help make things easier for you!
Welcome to the Book Blast for
The Carver by Jacob Devlin
presented by Blaze Publishing!
Be sure to enter the giveaway found at the end of the post!
Looking for more books to read?
Read on and find a book that’s waiting for you to devour!
THE GIRL IN THE RED HOOD has been looking for her mother for six months, searching from the depths of New York’s subways to the heights of its skyscrapers…
THE PRINCE looks like he’s from another time entirely, or maybe he’s just too good at his job at Ye Old Renaissance Faire . . .
THE ACTRESS is lighting up Hollywood Boulevard with her spellbinding and strikingly convincing portrayal of a famous fairy. Her name may be big, but her secrets barely fit in one world . . .
Fifteen-year-old Crescenzo never would have believed his father’s carvings were anything more than “stupid toys.” All he knows is a boring life in an ordinary Virginia suburb, from which his mother and his best friend have been missing for years. When his father disappears next, all Crescenzo has left is his goofy neighbor, Pietro, who believes he’s really Peter Pan and that Crescenzo is the son of Pinocchio. What’s more: Pietro insists that they can find their loved ones by looking to the strange collection of wooden figurines Crescenzo’s father left behind.
With Pietro’s help, Crescenzo sets off on an adventure to unite the real life counterparts to his figurines. It’s enough of a shock that they’re actually real, but the night he meets the Girl in the Red Hood, dark truths burst from the past. Suddenly, Crescenzo is tangled in a nightmare where magic mirrors and evil queens rule, and where everyone he loves is running out of time.
The Carver by Jacob Devlin
Publication Date: July 19, 2016
Publisher: Blaze Publishing
BAM | Chapters | Indies | Amazon | B&N | Kobo | TBD | iBooks
WHAT READERS ARE SAYING:
“an inspired vision that felt fresh and unique; and something that would be entertaining for all ages” – Silvia’s Reading
“The descriptions were vivid and I could easily see it in my head!” – Kindle and Me
“It brings you great laughs, tears and a special twist on all the fairytales we know from our childhood.” – Goodreads Reviewer
When Jacob Devlin was four years old, he would lounge around in Batman pajamas and make semi-autobiographical picture books about an adventurous python named Jake the Snake. Eventually, he traded his favorite blue crayon for a black pen, and he never put it down. When not reading or writing, Jacob loves practicing his Italian, watching stand-up comedy, going deaf at rock concerts, and geeking out at comic book conventions. He does most of these things in southern Arizona.
YOU SHOULD ALSO CHECK OUT…
Seventeen-year-old Rose suffers from terrifying, painful nightmares that leave her bruised, exhausted, and questioning her sanity. Desperate to hold on, she makes a choice: Trust her doctor who claims he can cure her, or listen to another patient who swears the asylum will kill them.
Asleep by Krystal Wade
Publication Date: February 16, 2016
Publisher: Blaze Publishing
BAM | Chapters | Amazon | B&N | TBD
When Sixteen-year-old Andie Hamilton discovers she’s pregnant, she also learns the truth of her adoption. Overwhelmed, Andie must choose what’s best for the baby, but after hearing the heartbeat for the first time, she doesn’t know how she’ll ever be able let go.
Because I Love You by Tori Rigby
Release Date: May 17, 2016
Publisher: Blaze Publishing
BAM | Chapters | Amazon | B&N | Kobo | TBD | iBooks
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Cover Reveal and Giveaway: SCEPTER OF FIRE by @VickiLWeavil #FridayReveals #Month9Squad #Month9Books
Duckling” and “The Steadfast Tin Soldier,” SCEPTER OF FIRE is a companion book
to CROWN OF ICE, my retelling of “The Snow Queen.” It takes place a few years
later, in the midst of an invasion by a power-mad foreign emperor, and includes
most of the characters from CROWN OF ICE.
OF ICE, and yet is different enough to set the books apart. Both feature
striking young women, but whereas CROWN is glazed with icy blue tones, SCEPTER
is saturated with reds, golds and other fiery hues. If you look closely, you
can even see flames reflected in the girl’s eyes—very appropriate for a book
that deals with sorcerers who wield fire. Although the cover model is not an
“ugly duckling,” she does accurately reflect the protagonist during one portion
of the book, which I will not reveal at this point due to “spoilers”!
bitter, seventeen-year-old Varna Lund’s determined to become a healer. At least
patients don’t care about her looks, unlike the young men who spurn
her younger sisters. An ugly duckling among swans,
nature in useful work.
when Varna encounters Erik Stahl, a young soldier who’s
injured friend, Anders Nygaard, to safety. Varna, enlisting the
secret.
young people into life on the run, where Varna discovers
wizard. Seeking the enchanted mirror hidden by a former
Gerda as a pawn in his plan to aid the invading emperor.
including an auburn-haired sorceress, an enchanted
young woman traveling with a wolf. Along with the soldiers
mirror from falling into enemy hands. But tempted with promises of beauty and
power from her now devilishly handsome mentor, Varna must choose
a society that’s never embraced her.
“The Ugly Duckling” and “The Steadfast Tin Soldier”,
Virginia, a Masters in Library Science from Indiana University, and a Masters
in Liberal Studies from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. After
working as a librarian at the NY Public Library at Lincoln Center, and the
Museum of Television & Radio (now the Paley Center for Media) in NYC, she
is currently the Director for Library Services at the University of North
Carolina School of the Arts.
Where you can find Vicki:
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Spotlight: CROWN OF ICE, a dark YA retelling of Andersen’s “The Snow Queen” by @VickiLWeavil @Month9Books
Howdy!
Here’s my GMMG summer read, part two …
Have you read this one yet?
I’m in LOVE with the cover!
Blurb:
Thyra Winther’s seventeen, the Snow Queen, and immortal, but if she can’t reassemble a shattered enchanted mirror by her eighteenth birthday she’s doomed to spend eternity as a wraith. Armed with magic granted by a ruthless wizard, Thyra schemes to survive with her mind and body intact.
Unencumbered by kindness, she kidnaps local boy Kai Thorsen, whose mathematical skills rival her own. Two logical minds, Thyra calculates, are better than one. With time rapidly melting away she needs all the help she can steal. A cruel lie ensnares Kai in her plan, but three missing mirror shards and Kai’s childhood friend, Gerda, present more formidable obstacles. Thyra’s willing to do anything – venture into uncharted lands, outwit sorcerers, or battle enchanted beasts – to reconstruct the mirror, yet her most dangerous adversary lies within her breast.
Touched by the warmth of a wolf pup’s devotion and the fire of a young man’s desire, the thawing of Thyra’s frozen heart could be her ultimate undoing.
What people are saying …
“Everyone in this book, from the dastardly magician to the plucky “heroine” Gerda, have nuances that elevate their actions from fairy tale caricature to genuine characters.” ~ Julia, All Things Urban Fantasy
“CROWN OF ICE is such a fascinating fantasy, with love adventure and enjoyable characters. I recommend for all fans of fantasy!” ~ Tonyalee, Lilybloombooks
“I was over the moon about getting to know a protagonist who was so unique and compelling. Thyra Winter is a character I won’t soon forget!” ~Micheline, Lunar Rainbows Reviews
About the Author:
Links:
Twitter: @VickiLWeavil
Website: http://vickilempweavil.com/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7091425.Vicki_L_Weavil
Can’t wait to read this one!
How about you?
M9B Two for Thursday Book Blitz – To Bear an Iron Key by Jackie Morse Kessler and Crown of Ice by Vicki Weavil Giveaway #T4T @chapterxchapter @JackieMorseKess @vickilweavil @Month9Books
Hello and welcome to this week’s Two for Thursday Book Blitz #T4T
presented by Month9books/Tantrum Books!
Today, we will be showcasing two titles that may tickle your fancy,
and we’ll share what readers have to say about these titles!
You just might find your next read!
This week, #T4T presents to you:
To Bear an Iron Key by Jackie Morse Kessler and
Crown of Ice by Vicki Weavil
Be sure to enter the giveaway found at the end of the post!
This richly-imagined universe from an acclaimed fixture of YA storytelling introduces a the young witch Bromwyn, a strong heroine who wields great power. Five years ago, Bromwyn refused a gift from the powerful fairy king. Tonight, on Midsummer, that decision comes back to haunt her. When her best friend Rusty picks the wrong pocket, he and Bromwyn are all that stand between their village and the rampaging fairies who have pushed through the World Door. If they cannot outwit the fairy king and queen before the World Door closes at sunrise, the friends will lose everything–their village, Bromwyn’s magic, and Rusty’s life.
Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | TBD | iBooks
WHAT READER’S ARE SAYING:
“If you want to get lost in magic and spend some time away from this grey, dreary world of reality, then look no further.” – Nicky Peacock, Author
“his was a really strong little book–a wonderful start to a brand new series, and I think it’s safe to say I’ll be looking for more of Jackie Morse Kessler’s work!” – Kels, Literature Obsessed
“This is a great tale about the transitions in youth and of true friendship. It also depicts the emotional wounds caused from misjudgment and rejection.” – LuAnn, Rockin Book Reviews
Jackie Morse Kessler grew up in Brooklyn, NY, with a cranky cat and overflowing shelves filled with dolls and books. Now she’s in Upstate NY with another cranky cat, a loving husband, two sons, and overflowing shelves filled with dragons and books (except when her sons steal her dragons). She has a bachelor’s degree in English and American Literature, and yet she’s never read any Jane Austen (with or without zombies). She also has a master’s degree in media ecology. (The living study of technology and culture. Which is cool, but she still can’t figure out how to use Tweetdeck.)
Jackie spends a lot of time writing, reading, and getting distracted by bright and shiny new ideas. (She just came up with a new idea right now.) She has a weakness for chocolate and a tendency to let her cat take over her office chair.
Author Links: Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads
Thyra Winther’s seventeen, the Snow Queen, and immortal, but if she can’t reassemble a shattered enchanted mirror by her eighteenth birthday she’s doomed to spend eternity as a wraith. Armed with magic granted by a ruthless wizard, Thyra schemes to survive with her mind and body intact.
Unencumbered by kindness, she kidnaps local boy Kai Thorsen, whose mathematical skills rival her own. Two logical minds, Thyra calculates, are better than one. With time rapidly melting away she needs all the help she can steal. A cruel lie ensnares Kai in her plan, but three missing mirror shards and Kai’s childhood friend, Gerda, present more formidable obstacles. Thyra’s willing to do anything – venture into uncharted lands, outwit sorcerers, or battle enchanted beasts – to reconstruct the mirror, yet her most dangerous adversary lies within her breast.
Touched by the warmth of a wolf pup’s devotion and the fire of a young man’s desire, the thawing of Thyra’s frozen heart could be her ultimate undoing.
Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | TBD | iBooks
WHAT READER’S ARE SAYING:
“Crown of Ice was great young adult fantasy novel. It offers an interesting and refreshing retelling of Snow Queen fairytale, but also so much more – realistic, confident and a bit bad heroine, magic, cute animals, subtle romance, …” – Dragana, The Paisley Reader
“Crown of Ice, is a luscious and fantastical retelling of the Snow Queen.” – Tina, Goodreads Reviewer
“A solid YA adventure with teenagers who learn so much about themselves, and each other. Even the expected happily ever after offers believable surprises that underscore the maturity and independence they each have gained.” – All Things Urban Fantasy
Vicki Lemp Weavil was raised in a farming community in Virginia, where her life was shaped by a wonderful family, the culture of the Blue Ridge Mountains, and an obsession with reading. Since obtaining her undergraduate degree in Theatre from the University of Virginia, she’s gone on to acquire two masters degrees, living in places as diverse as New York City and rural North Carolina. She’s currently the library director for a performing an visual arts university. Vicki loves good writing in any genre, and has been known to read seven books in as many days. She enjoys travel, gardening, and the arts. Vicki lives in North Carolina with her husband, son, and some very spoiled cats.
Author Links: Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads | Tumbler
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You guys! #THEARTISANS release day is here! @Month9Books @JulieAReece #YA #southerngothic
Hi guys!
I’ve joyously said Happy Book Birthday to a lot of amazing authors, for a ton of fantastic books, for a long while now. So, it’s seems incredibly surreal that today the celebration is for a story out of my very own (albeit weird) mind.
I’m hopeful readers will enjoy the twisting journey existing between these pages. I hope they find something satisfying as well as unexpected. Oh, and this is probably a good place to give a big shout out to all those who requested early copies and have been so kind and supportive. I am forever grateful. ♥
Blog tour May 18th -31st
What people are saying:
~ “The Artisans has all the elements I love – spooky intrigue, strong friendships, and a romantic tension to be savored.” ~ Wendy Higgins, New York Times bestselling author of the Sweet Evil trilogy.
~ “High stakes and unsuspecting romance fill the pages of THE ARTISANS. Julie Reece completely blindsided me, proving the most tender love can be found where we least expect to find it.” ~ Jennifer Murgia Author of FOREST OF WHISPERS.
~ “THE ARTISANS by Julie Reece is a captivating tale of dark magic, love and redemption. The main characters of Raven and Gideon were completely absorbing and I really enjoyed the underlying tension between them. With plenty of haunting action, friendship, bravery and love, THE ARTISANS by Julie Reece had me hooked from the beginning.” ~ Linda Green reviewer for Fresh Fiction.
~ “Read THE ARTISANS in the middle of the night with a flashlight if you dare. The perfect blend of romance and horror with a strong female lead kept me reading through the night.” ~ L.S. Murphy, author of Pixelated
~ “Dios mío. This book is one of the most amazing books I think I’ve ever read. The Artisans has everything I’ve ever wanted in a book” ~ Jackie, No Bent Spines Reviews
Giveaway!!!
3 eBooks of THE ARTISANS International
Ends on May 22nd at Midnight EST!
Enter below:
http://www.twochicksonbooks.com/2015/05/release-day-blitz-artisans-by-julie.html
Thanks for stopping by! Mad love and bear hugs for all who are reading or have already read. XOXOX
For anyone who is considering reading, thank you!!! I hope you enjoy the story ♥
~ Julie
Lookee here … From Sea to Surrogate Sea Cover reveal! @DEShipley
From Sea to Surrogate Sea
Woot!
Here it is, guys! The cover of the sixth installment of The Wilderhark Tales.
Blurb:
The Sea’s storm brought them together, and the Sea’s rules will keep them apart, unless the mute but melodious Muirigan can find another to take her place, freeing her to pursue the human man she loves. But when her plan collides with the schemes of the sly South Wind, a princess’s agenda to look for love in all the most fantastic places, and a prince whose head and heart have been long years at war, the result is a tragedy of errors from which the world might never recover.
The Surrogate Sea (Book Six of The Wilderhark Tales) – coming Tuesday, March 24, 2015!
Goodreads, for your “want to read” shelf-building pleasure.
And This Week Only…
..In honor of the upcoming release of Book 6, you can get the Kindle e-book of Book One for just 99 cents!
“The Swan Prince” Kindle e-book can be yours for $0.99. Because while Book Six can absolutely be enjoyed on its own, the series is best experienced from start to end.
Which of the Wilderhark Tales covers have been your favorites so far?
About this author:
Danielle E. Shipley’s first novelettes told the everyday misadventures of wacky kids like herself. …Or so she thought. Unbeknownst to them all, half of her characters were actually closeted elves, dwarves, fairies, or some combination thereof. When it all came to light, Danielle did the sensible thing: Packed up and moved to Fantasy Land, where daily rent is the low, low price of her heart, soul, blood, sweat, tears, firstborn child, sanity, and words; lots of them. She’s also been known to spend short bursts of time in the real-life Chicago area with the parents who home schooled her and the two little sisters who keep her humble. When she’s not living the highs and lows of writing young adult novels, she’s probably blogging about it.
@DEShipley
Big news!!! @JulieAReece @Month9Books #readtoreview #ARCs #literarycrushes #TheArtisans
Bloggers!
Review copies of THE ARTISANS are here!
Link: http://eepurl.com/bcVFoL
From Month9Books
Blurb:
They say death can be beautiful. But after the death of her mother, seventeen-year-old Raven Weathersby gives up her dream of becoming a fashion designer, barely surviving life in the South Carolina lowlands.
To make ends meet, Raven works after school as a seamstress creating stunning works of fashion that often rival the great names of the day.
Instead of making things easier on the high school senior, her stepdad’s drinking leads to a run in with the highly reclusive heir to the Maddox family fortune, Gideon Maddox.
But Raven’s stepdad’s drying out and in no condition to attend the meeting with Maddox. So Raven volunteers to take his place and offers to repay the debt in order to keep the only father she’s ever known out of jail, or worse.
Gideon Maddox agrees, outlining an outrageous demand: Raven must live in his home for a year while she designs for Maddox Industries’ clothing line, signing over her creative rights.
Her handsome young captor is arrogant and infuriating to the nth degree, and Raven can’t imagine working for him, let alone sharing the same space for more than five minutes.
But nothing is ever as it seems. Is Gideon Maddox the monster the world believes him to be? And can he stand to let the young seamstress see him as he really is?
Good Reads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/21944665-the-artisans
AND ….
You can weigh in on our talk about literary crushes here:
http://www.teenreads.com/features/special-feature/authors-divulge-their-literary-crushes.
Here’s one of mine!
“Then let you will decide your destiny. I offer you my hand, my heart. Jane, I ask you too pass through life at my side. You are my equal, my likeness… Will you marry me?” ~ Mr. Rochester, Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë
Le sigh. Right? Who’s your book hero and literary crush?