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The Beast's Legacy #3
A Gentle Pursuit: A Historical Retelling of Cinderella & the Ugly Duckling
The Journey To Belonging Can Take Some Ugly Turns, Will This One End In True Love?
In this tale, Giselle inherited her father's unusually hairy condition and while she has his guidance and acceptance, she still finds it hard to believe that she is anything other than the ugly exception to her beautiful family. She is often left wondering if she will ever know what true love and belonging feel like.
Remy has fought the world's view of him as a Jewish physician and is left feeling beaten down by the cruelty of life. When he accepts a menial assistant position in a rural town, the last thing he expects to find is love and acceptance. But, when the demons of his past still haunt him, he wonders if he will ever find the sense of family and home that he so desperately longs for.
This Ugly Duckling and Cinderella gender swap mash-up reflects on what it means to find value in one's God-given identity as well as knowing the healing power of True Love. It is set in early 18th century France and faces the prejudices of the time as well as the ones that we so often place on ourselves.
The Beast's Legacy is a trilogy of Christian Historical Fiction books inspired by the classic versions of these fairy tales. 'Loved by the Beast' can be read as a stand-alone, while 'Service and Slumber' and 'A Gentle Pursuit' will be better understood in order. They are all character driven, gentle reads with a guaranteed happily ever after.
In this tale, Giselle inherited her father's unusually hairy condition and while she has his guidance and acceptance, she still finds it hard to believe that she is anything other than the ugly exception to her beautiful family. She is often left wondering if she will ever know what true love and belonging feel like.
Remy has fought the world's view of him as a Jewish physician and is left feeling beaten down by the cruelty of life. When he accepts a menial assistant position in a rural town, the last thing he expects to find is love and acceptance. But, when the demons of his past still haunt him, he wonders if he will ever find the sense of family and home that he so desperately longs for.
This Ugly Duckling and Cinderella gender swap mash-up reflects on what it means to find value in one's God-given identity as well as knowing the healing power of True Love. It is set in early 18th century France and faces the prejudices of the time as well as the ones that we so often place on ourselves.
The Beast's Legacy is a trilogy of Christian Historical Fiction books inspired by the classic versions of these fairy tales. 'Loved by the Beast' can be read as a stand-alone, while 'Service and Slumber' and 'A Gentle Pursuit' will be better understood in order. They are all character driven, gentle reads with a guaranteed happily ever after.
335 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2021
4 people are currently reading
57 people want to read
About the author
T.E. Elliott
4 books52 followersBooks have always been like friends to me. When I felt left out or lonely, stories and characters and other worlds helped me feel a part of something bigger than myself. Now, as an author, I write to let others know that they are loved and that they are not alone.
Jesus is my muse! He is the greatest storyteller of all time! He inspires me and connects with me through the written word. My hope is to spread a little light through the amazing vessel of storytelling.
My style is classic, gentle, timeless, character driven, with emotional depth woven in here and there.
I hope you enjoy my stories!
Jesus is my muse! He is the greatest storyteller of all time! He inspires me and connects with me through the written word. My hope is to spread a little light through the amazing vessel of storytelling.
My style is classic, gentle, timeless, character driven, with emotional depth woven in here and there.
I hope you enjoy my stories!
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
December 7, 2024
I think I love Remy the most 💜
September 27, 2021
This is my second favourite book in this series! I loved being back with these characters again. Elliott created a family that I LOVE so much... and I didn't realize how much I missed them until I was back with them again. In this one, we're mostly following Giselle and Remy. Both so different, yet so similar. The character growth for them was amazing. I really felt for everyone in this book and I don't even know how to write this review because this book is just great. That's it.
Highly recommend reading this series.
Highly recommend reading this series.
April 30, 2022
I always have such mixed emotions when a book series comes to an end, especially when I’ve grown to love the characters so much!
I definitely felt a bit of sadness as I finished this one, but I know this series will be a friend I can revisit again whenever I wish to. It was a beautiful series that gave me a lot to reflect on.
I really love the author’s gentle style of writing, but also that she doesn’t shy away from the trials and the heartache that the characters face. I appreciated the messages in A Gentle Pursuit about acceptance, belonging, and finding love and hope through times of darkness. I could relate to both Remy and Giselle on many occasions. I have had my own fight with darkness and self acceptance for a long time, and I need gentle, loving reminders to find love and light through the pain.
I definitely felt a bit of sadness as I finished this one, but I know this series will be a friend I can revisit again whenever I wish to. It was a beautiful series that gave me a lot to reflect on.
I really love the author’s gentle style of writing, but also that she doesn’t shy away from the trials and the heartache that the characters face. I appreciated the messages in A Gentle Pursuit about acceptance, belonging, and finding love and hope through times of darkness. I could relate to both Remy and Giselle on many occasions. I have had my own fight with darkness and self acceptance for a long time, and I need gentle, loving reminders to find love and light through the pain.
October 8, 2023
T.E. Elliott did it again!!! I couldn't put this book down! The characters she crafts in this third and final installment of The Beast's Legacy are just as powerful & vivid as those in the first two books of this Christian trilogy.
Just as with Book 2, "Service and Slumber," this isn't a strict retelling in the traditional sense. Elliot has taken recognizable elements from "Cinderella" and "The Ugly Duckling" and woven them into her historical fiction novel.
If you've read either of the first two & haven't finished the series yet, what are you waiting for!? If this trilogy is new to you, I highly recommend starting with Book 1, "Loved by the Beast."
The author suggests, this book is best suited for late teens and up. It has some darker, potentially triggering, aspects to the main characters, but I promise the ending is true to a classic fairytale ending.
For those considering this for their own teenagers, I feel it's important to note that there are intimate moments between a husband & wife. I did not feel they were racy, but their intimate relationship as a married couple is evident. Aside from passionate kisses between newlyweds, the details are very minimal. The moments are short & sweet, and tastefully done so as not to depart from the nature of the previous two books in the trilogy. As always, though, read it for yourself first to decide if it's right for your teen.
I can't wait to see what T.E. Elliott publishes next!!!
Just as with Book 2, "Service and Slumber," this isn't a strict retelling in the traditional sense. Elliot has taken recognizable elements from "Cinderella" and "The Ugly Duckling" and woven them into her historical fiction novel.
If you've read either of the first two & haven't finished the series yet, what are you waiting for!? If this trilogy is new to you, I highly recommend starting with Book 1, "Loved by the Beast."
The author suggests, this book is best suited for late teens and up. It has some darker, potentially triggering, aspects to the main characters, but I promise the ending is true to a classic fairytale ending.
For those considering this for their own teenagers, I feel it's important to note that there are intimate moments between a husband & wife. I did not feel they were racy, but their intimate relationship as a married couple is evident. Aside from passionate kisses between newlyweds, the details are very minimal. The moments are short & sweet, and tastefully done so as not to depart from the nature of the previous two books in the trilogy. As always, though, read it for yourself first to decide if it's right for your teen.
I can't wait to see what T.E. Elliott publishes next!!!
October 26, 2021
It was a real treat to read this final book in the series I have enjoyed so much. I LOVED the complex characters of Remy and Giselle, and the way we get to see their life after the wedding. This story is a beautiful look at the challenges of letting oneself be loved - of being open to both the joy and potential pain that comes with intimacy. I appreciated that these issues were not instantly resolved, but that the journey of healing took time, just as it does in real life. The ending has a surprise twist and wraps up the series wonderfully. I’ve come to love this family and am sad to close the cover on them. <3
August 29, 2021
I really like how the background and character development from the other two books in the series flows through this one while merging some new and totally different characters as well as further developing characters that were previously only slightly introduced.
The issues dealt with in this book will probably resonate more with some readers than others. I think it drills down deeper into the feelings of inner brokenness. But as with the other books it promises hope in the darkest of circumstances. I really enjoyed the way all the elements (with some nearly forgotten loose ends) within this series of generational stories come together in the end, it was a very satisfying read.
The issues dealt with in this book will probably resonate more with some readers than others. I think it drills down deeper into the feelings of inner brokenness. But as with the other books it promises hope in the darkest of circumstances. I really enjoyed the way all the elements (with some nearly forgotten loose ends) within this series of generational stories come together in the end, it was a very satisfying read.
October 11, 2021
4.5 stars. A little bit of mixed feelings on this one, but overall I'm very impressed with this book, and the series in general. Sometimes the writing style feels a bit awkward to me, but there's an authenticity that shines through even then. This is just how people and life are, with the good and bad and hard all there.
My biggest problem with the book was a totally subjective one, as for some reason when I saw a particular miscommunication looming my stomach tied up in knots and I had to set the book aside for a day or two. Still glad I read this one, just maybe could have chosen a better emotional state for reading it!
This one will feel a bit darker to some readers, as it includes themes of depression and reference to suicidal thoughts. There are also a number of 'married people' references, though always veiled well. For example, there is description of removing numerous layers of (seemingly very well researched!) women's clothing of the time on a wedding night, but without ever reaching a point of describing nudity or what happens afterward. There are also discussions around prevention of pregnancy, as well as brief references to abortion and marital infidelity. Age recommendation would vary quite a bit based on sensitivity to these topics, but the author recommends it for readers 16 and up, which seems about right as a guess.
My biggest problem with the book was a totally subjective one, as for some reason when I saw a particular miscommunication looming my stomach tied up in knots and I had to set the book aside for a day or two. Still glad I read this one, just maybe could have chosen a better emotional state for reading it!
This one will feel a bit darker to some readers, as it includes themes of depression and reference to suicidal thoughts. There are also a number of 'married people' references, though always veiled well. For example, there is description of removing numerous layers of (seemingly very well researched!) women's clothing of the time on a wedding night, but without ever reaching a point of describing nudity or what happens afterward. There are also discussions around prevention of pregnancy, as well as brief references to abortion and marital infidelity. Age recommendation would vary quite a bit based on sensitivity to these topics, but the author recommends it for readers 16 and up, which seems about right as a guess.
August 29, 2021
A Gentle Pursuit is another sweet love story in The Beast’s Legacy series! I love all the characters from the previous two books and am happy to see how their stories continue as well as the introduction to new loveable characters. And with the beautiful love story are also very real and dark human emotions that the characters work through that add depth to the story. Highly recommend!
October 18, 2021
love the book not the representation of a messianic Jew
As a messianic Jew I was looking forward to reading this book as I LOVE the rest of this series. When the story started I fell back in love with each character even Remy, my issues with the story are more a representation of a Jew who has found Messiah. There is no good representation for my people in literature and I had high hopes for this story. This fell short of my expectations unfortunately. I still love this series and look forward to reading any book by this author as she is an amazing talent but this book will not be my favorite of the series.
As a messianic Jew I was looking forward to reading this book as I LOVE the rest of this series. When the story started I fell back in love with each character even Remy, my issues with the story are more a representation of a Jew who has found Messiah. There is no good representation for my people in literature and I had high hopes for this story. This fell short of my expectations unfortunately. I still love this series and look forward to reading any book by this author as she is an amazing talent but this book will not be my favorite of the series.
December 6, 2021
A fairy tale, with no fantasy elements, set in a historical setting in France. It is a beautiful continuation of this series about another daughter, Giselle and her love interest, Remy, and how they both work to overcome their own insecurities. Their emotions are heart felt and their journey is difficult but also sweet. While I love the first two stories the best, I loved seeing the family members as they continue to expand and grow. This series brings in a neat historical perspective and this story was no exception. Faith is interwoven throughout and makes it that much richer.
Content:
Language: none
Sexual: kissing
Violence: none
Content:
Language: none
Sexual: kissing
Violence: none
December 13, 2022
This has got to be my favorite of the series!! 😭😍 Wow, what an amazing end to it. A Gentle Pursuit was a beautiful, heartwarming, amazing journey of finding love and oneself. Gisselle’s character was so moving, and oh my gosh Remy has my heart!! 😍😍😍 From his tender, steadfast love for Gisselle to his antics and stories. I really really liked how everything played out, and getting to see all of these characters that I have come to live over the course of the series grow and start their own lives was so satisfying! Ahhh I loved it all!!
Read
January 26, 2022Amazing book!
I wasn't sure what to expect...
This is one of the best books I've read, and I read a lot!
Gizelle and Remy.
There's a lot of depth, love, perception, kindness... so very much.
It's really worth reading!
I wasn't sure what to expect...
This is one of the best books I've read, and I read a lot!
Gizelle and Remy.
There's a lot of depth, love, perception, kindness... so very much.
It's really worth reading!
July 31, 2025
Recommended
I enjoyed reading this cute take on the ugly duckling and Cinderella stories. I enjoyed how the author ties these stories together and fills them with Truth.
I enjoyed reading this cute take on the ugly duckling and Cinderella stories. I enjoyed how the author ties these stories together and fills them with Truth.
August 8, 2024
Deeply Moving
In reading the first two books, I expected a story that would be along the same lines. However, what began to unfold as I read the story was deeply intertwined in real life struggles with depression, anxiety, acceptance, and forgiveness to name just a few topics.
The complexity that is woven into this story hit home in more ways than I thought it would. T.E. Elliott has a beautiful ability to bring a love story to life without having to push the boundaries of 'clean' romance and it is great to see that complicated love stories can be told this way.
Reading the story was an eye opening experience and just as with the previous two, I simply did not want to put it down.
Bringing the story of The Ugly Duckling and Cinderella together was done very well and captured my attention. Adding in the Jewish heritage along with the heritage already written created a great subplot as well. It gave the story an interesting flair too.
Can't wait to see more from this writer!
In reading the first two books, I expected a story that would be along the same lines. However, what began to unfold as I read the story was deeply intertwined in real life struggles with depression, anxiety, acceptance, and forgiveness to name just a few topics.
The complexity that is woven into this story hit home in more ways than I thought it would. T.E. Elliott has a beautiful ability to bring a love story to life without having to push the boundaries of 'clean' romance and it is great to see that complicated love stories can be told this way.
Reading the story was an eye opening experience and just as with the previous two, I simply did not want to put it down.
Bringing the story of The Ugly Duckling and Cinderella together was done very well and captured my attention. Adding in the Jewish heritage along with the heritage already written created a great subplot as well. It gave the story an interesting flair too.
Can't wait to see more from this writer!
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews