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Fairytale Christmas
"Three thousand years ago, a war began between the immortals and the mortals. It's a war that continues to this day...
Before history began, a legendary queen battled a foreign army, braved the death of her husband, and faced betrayal at the hand of someone she trusted. This is the story of Eire, Queen of the Faeries, the Immortal One, and the leader of the Tuatha de Danann.
To this day, her homeland, Ireland, bears her name, and this is the story of the war that drove the Immortal Ones into exile. It's also the tale of how she found help from an unexpected place, leading her to a love like she had never known before.
Fairytale Christmas is a story that spans thousands of years. It's also the beginning of all of our fairytales and legends; it's where mortals and immortals survive because they love one another, proving that love is the greatest gift of all.
This is the first installment in the Saga of the Fair Folk, a journey that lasts until the end of time."
Amazon description
Before history began, a legendary queen battled a foreign army, braved the death of her husband, and faced betrayal at the hand of someone she trusted. This is the story of Eire, Queen of the Faeries, the Immortal One, and the leader of the Tuatha de Danann.
To this day, her homeland, Ireland, bears her name, and this is the story of the war that drove the Immortal Ones into exile. It's also the tale of how she found help from an unexpected place, leading her to a love like she had never known before.
Fairytale Christmas is a story that spans thousands of years. It's also the beginning of all of our fairytales and legends; it's where mortals and immortals survive because they love one another, proving that love is the greatest gift of all.
This is the first installment in the Saga of the Fair Folk, a journey that lasts until the end of time."
Amazon description
87 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 4, 2017
14 people are currently reading
77 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
December 4, 2017
Solid 4 "Fairy Novella" Stars!
What a delightful surprise! This book was a pleasure. A little bit more than I expected. A lot happen in about 80 pages. Somewhat dark, a lot whimsical, and a very sweet ending. (Though I think maybe the ending is just the beginning.) I like the fairy lore and Celtic history. (I don't really know one tiny bit about Celtic history, so I have no idea if it is accurate or not.) Not very Christmasy, (Still haven't found the Christmas story I've been looking for.) but I really enjoyed it. I will definitely read more of this series. Happy reading!
What a delightful surprise! This book was a pleasure. A little bit more than I expected. A lot happen in about 80 pages. Somewhat dark, a lot whimsical, and a very sweet ending. (Though I think maybe the ending is just the beginning.) I like the fairy lore and Celtic history. (I don't really know one tiny bit about Celtic history, so I have no idea if it is accurate or not.) Not very Christmasy, (Still haven't found the Christmas story I've been looking for.) but I really enjoyed it. I will definitely read more of this series. Happy reading!
December 29, 2017
Perfect length. Great audiobook. Light fantasy. Sweet romance. This novella is perfect for me!
October 26, 2017
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I really enjoyed this adventure with a dash of romance. I loved that Merrie incorporated different parts of Celtic legends than I'm used to seeing in books. It made the reading experience more of a journey than what I expected.
I was pulled into the story from the beginning, and I was engaged throughout. It was a one sitting read, for sure!
There are a few questions I had at the end that are keeping me from giving a full five stars, but this is a stellar read. I'd definitely recommend!
And this is YA appropriate for those checking with the romance. :)
I really enjoyed this adventure with a dash of romance. I loved that Merrie incorporated different parts of Celtic legends than I'm used to seeing in books. It made the reading experience more of a journey than what I expected.
I was pulled into the story from the beginning, and I was engaged throughout. It was a one sitting read, for sure!
There are a few questions I had at the end that are keeping me from giving a full five stars, but this is a stellar read. I'd definitely recommend!
And this is YA appropriate for those checking with the romance. :)
October 27, 2017
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Sooooo...
Honestly! I was so disappointed when it was over! I loved the story, the adventure, the characters, the legends, the setting, and the bit of romance.
I love books that I finish and I want to know more about the characters. I love books that it takes me a minute to pull back from and enter the mundane world again. This story did both of those.
Honestly! I was so disappointed when it was over! I loved the story, the adventure, the characters, the legends, the setting, and the bit of romance.
I love books that I finish and I want to know more about the characters. I love books that it takes me a minute to pull back from and enter the mundane world again. This story did both of those.
October 27, 2017
This book was very well written, and I'm sure many people will love it. I love stories about mythology and faeries and such. But I guess I wasn't quite expecting this...
It was a great story full of interesting things that would happen in bizarre folk lore. That part was great.
But the things that I didn't like, and probably won't want to read the rest of the series because of are:
1. I just wasn't expecting the sort of violence that happened. I've read tons of books with violence that don't bother me. But this was different. Maybe because it was treated so lightly? Gore doesn't bother me, but acting like human gore is art does.
2. Three things can kill an immortal faerie. a) If you take his heart b) if you chop off his head c) if you sing him to sleep with a banshee song. Yet despite this it was necessary for the faeries to drink human blood. And at another point in the story Eire (the main character and queen) told how the humans saved them from starving by leaving them food. How could they die from food? Why would an immortal person need to eat?
3. I didn't quite like that the timeline relied on the earth existing for thousands of years. But that didn't bother me. I was OK with the fact that God wasn't mentioned. Not every story has to have Him. But at the end... He was suddenly brought up. Eire said that it was the faerie custom to adapt to the humans ways when marrying them, so she'd believe in his God and celebrate Christmas. To me, it played down on God. As if he were merely an idol or small god the humans worshiped.
4. An evil faerie put Eire and her two sons into a long sleep. Close to the end of her sleep a human man came to care for her and feed her blood. She knew he had a daughter. Later when she goes into his house she expect to see a wife. But does not. She discovers the wife dead. Then only pages later she says how the human, Kellen, would speak to her of his life and his daughter while she slept and how she knew all about his daughter's grief over loosing her mother. Yet she did not seem aware the wife was dead when she first entered his home...
5. Romance isn't my thing in books. I really didn't care for the love angle in this one ;)
Overall, many others will probably like this book, having different tastes than I do (hopefully you don't enjoy blood ;b). I am not interested in picking up any more books in this series, though I do hope Eire's sister is saved from her evil husband.
But I may be interested in reading other books my Merrie Destefano. Her writing style is very engaging.
I received this book in exchange for an honest review.
It was a great story full of interesting things that would happen in bizarre folk lore. That part was great.
But the things that I didn't like, and probably won't want to read the rest of the series because of are:
1. I just wasn't expecting the sort of violence that happened. I've read tons of books with violence that don't bother me. But this was different. Maybe because it was treated so lightly? Gore doesn't bother me, but acting like human gore is art does.
2. Three things can kill an immortal faerie. a) If you take his heart b) if you chop off his head c) if you sing him to sleep with a banshee song. Yet despite this it was necessary for the faeries to drink human blood. And at another point in the story Eire (the main character and queen) told how the humans saved them from starving by leaving them food. How could they die from food? Why would an immortal person need to eat?
3. I didn't quite like that the timeline relied on the earth existing for thousands of years. But that didn't bother me. I was OK with the fact that God wasn't mentioned. Not every story has to have Him. But at the end... He was suddenly brought up. Eire said that it was the faerie custom to adapt to the humans ways when marrying them, so she'd believe in his God and celebrate Christmas. To me, it played down on God. As if he were merely an idol or small god the humans worshiped.
4. An evil faerie put Eire and her two sons into a long sleep. Close to the end of her sleep a human man came to care for her and feed her blood. She knew he had a daughter. Later when she goes into his house she expect to see a wife. But does not. She discovers the wife dead. Then only pages later she says how the human, Kellen, would speak to her of his life and his daughter while she slept and how she knew all about his daughter's grief over loosing her mother. Yet she did not seem aware the wife was dead when she first entered his home...
5. Romance isn't my thing in books. I really didn't care for the love angle in this one ;)
Overall, many others will probably like this book, having different tastes than I do (hopefully you don't enjoy blood ;b). I am not interested in picking up any more books in this series, though I do hope Eire's sister is saved from her evil husband.
But I may be interested in reading other books my Merrie Destefano. Her writing style is very engaging.
I received this book in exchange for an honest review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 11, 2017
I usually don't want anything Christmassy before December 6th, but the cover of this novella was too gorgeous to resist.
And luckily it also turned out less Christmassy than the title suggests, making it a beautiful read for any time of the year.
This is a story about Eire, Queen of the Faeries. It is a beautiful, bitter-sweet tale of betrayal, loyalty and love. I was hooked from the start and finished it in one sitting. I could easily picture Eire and the trials she goes through. There was one scene where things got a bit confusing, but apart from that this is a magical and suspenseful tale.
I will certainly keep an eye out for more.
And luckily it also turned out less Christmassy than the title suggests, making it a beautiful read for any time of the year.
This is a story about Eire, Queen of the Faeries. It is a beautiful, bitter-sweet tale of betrayal, loyalty and love. I was hooked from the start and finished it in one sitting. I could easily picture Eire and the trials she goes through. There was one scene where things got a bit confusing, but apart from that this is a magical and suspenseful tale.
I will certainly keep an eye out for more.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 20, 2019
*I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
We start with the banishing of the faery from Ireland by the Milesian. Then see through Eire's eyes and mind that the fair folk are dividing, and she's losing standing with her people. But, Eire will find another life years from now.
Sally has a slight accent that fits the tone and place of the story. It's not strong, but slight so to feel the story setting. The nice thing here is there are lyrics of songs for Eire to sing, and Sally does sing them. It's lovely to hear. I'm starting to think my iPod is acting up, but it sounds okay for other stories. At times it sounded as Sally was in a bucket and not near the microphone. Then the next chapter it's back to normal. There were a few small moments of mouth noise, closing or opening lips. There are moments that Sally sounded a different feel to her words than what felt to flow with words afterward or in the moment I would have thought would have fit. But these last two items were limited in listening. The lilt she uses to tell the story feels true to the characters and a lovely addition to the story.
This is a tale of the battle the faery folk have to fight, how it started. Not only do they have an enemy that comes to take their beloved land, but as they travel to exile their people start to divide between the queen who's lost her husband in battle and the man who's stepped up to control the army.
People, immortal and mortal, are not perfect but in terrible times what one experiences steers them to what they will do. Their actions then starts to drive who they are. We start to see this with the faery folk.
Eire is the Queen of Faery in Ireland, and who the story is focused on. When the faery are exiled and the betrayal of one of her own, it brings her to another life she'll live. Yet Eire still has some strong allies and carries a love for her people as she's on the run for her life and her twin boys.
I very much enjoyed the Celtic and faery feel to the story along with events that take place. It feels as the old stories were used to create this story and the world we find them in.
This is a short story but each chapter moves forward for Eire and tells how she comes to where she is in the end. And how she finds love. This story is not a light read. It's deeper with Eire's story and the events that come to pass. Each event important to move the story quickly along. There is also a dark blood magic that is present in the story as well.
The story does bring us to Christmas time, making it a very nice creation for a Christmas story. There's a blend of Christmas brought to an Irish Faery.
We start with the banishing of the faery from Ireland by the Milesian. Then see through Eire's eyes and mind that the fair folk are dividing, and she's losing standing with her people. But, Eire will find another life years from now.
Sally has a slight accent that fits the tone and place of the story. It's not strong, but slight so to feel the story setting. The nice thing here is there are lyrics of songs for Eire to sing, and Sally does sing them. It's lovely to hear. I'm starting to think my iPod is acting up, but it sounds okay for other stories. At times it sounded as Sally was in a bucket and not near the microphone. Then the next chapter it's back to normal. There were a few small moments of mouth noise, closing or opening lips. There are moments that Sally sounded a different feel to her words than what felt to flow with words afterward or in the moment I would have thought would have fit. But these last two items were limited in listening. The lilt she uses to tell the story feels true to the characters and a lovely addition to the story.
This is a tale of the battle the faery folk have to fight, how it started. Not only do they have an enemy that comes to take their beloved land, but as they travel to exile their people start to divide between the queen who's lost her husband in battle and the man who's stepped up to control the army.
People, immortal and mortal, are not perfect but in terrible times what one experiences steers them to what they will do. Their actions then starts to drive who they are. We start to see this with the faery folk.
Eire is the Queen of Faery in Ireland, and who the story is focused on. When the faery are exiled and the betrayal of one of her own, it brings her to another life she'll live. Yet Eire still has some strong allies and carries a love for her people as she's on the run for her life and her twin boys.
I very much enjoyed the Celtic and faery feel to the story along with events that take place. It feels as the old stories were used to create this story and the world we find them in.
This is a short story but each chapter moves forward for Eire and tells how she comes to where she is in the end. And how she finds love. This story is not a light read. It's deeper with Eire's story and the events that come to pass. Each event important to move the story quickly along. There is also a dark blood magic that is present in the story as well.
The story does bring us to Christmas time, making it a very nice creation for a Christmas story. There's a blend of Christmas brought to an Irish Faery.
November 8, 2017
Fairytale Christmas is the first book in what I believe is going to be a YA/Adult crossover novella series. This story follows Eire, Queen of the Faeries, as her homeland is invaded and the faeries are driven into exile. Honestly, that's an over simplification of the plot and I would suggest checking out the full description.
I really enjoyed the premise of the story. The plot was intriguing and the writing was really well done. All these things made the story easy to get into and was engaging to the point where I didn't want to stop reading. However, I felt like this was just the bones of a story. Since this novella was so short, there wasn't a lot of time to explore more than the plot. I didn't feel like I knew much about the different types of fat which made parts of this story a little confusing for me. Also, since the story was moving so fast I didn't feel like I got the time to connect with and really care about the characters.
I'm not sure if this story is based on any specific mythology. If it is, I've never read it (but I would be interested in reading it) and could explain why I didn't understand some of the things that were going on. I would love to see the author expand this into a full length novel so the characters and the world have room to grow. If you're looking for a quick, fun fantasy read give Fairytale Christmas a try!
My Blog: Brandi Janee’s Bookshelf
I really enjoyed the premise of the story. The plot was intriguing and the writing was really well done. All these things made the story easy to get into and was engaging to the point where I didn't want to stop reading. However, I felt like this was just the bones of a story. Since this novella was so short, there wasn't a lot of time to explore more than the plot. I didn't feel like I knew much about the different types of fat which made parts of this story a little confusing for me. Also, since the story was moving so fast I didn't feel like I got the time to connect with and really care about the characters.
I'm not sure if this story is based on any specific mythology. If it is, I've never read it (but I would be interested in reading it) and could explain why I didn't understand some of the things that were going on. I would love to see the author expand this into a full length novel so the characters and the world have room to grow. If you're looking for a quick, fun fantasy read give Fairytale Christmas a try!
My Blog: Brandi Janee’s Bookshelf
November 16, 2017
Rich and Magical!!! A must read for fairy tale lovers.
November 8, 2017
The cover literally lured me to take up this book. To be honest, Celtic mythology is something which I first came across in Merrie's writings and I'm so intrigued by it. Fairytales have always been charming and this one also made a permanent place in my heart. Also I am a big fan of clean romance! The concept of this story is very attractive - war between Mortals and Immortals which later transformed into love. I am not much familiar with the Irish mythology, but the theme of the story has a mention in Indian mythology and thus is completely relatable to me. This story is packed with action, adventure and love. This is a fast paced story and I really didn't want it to end so quickly. My heart craved for more details. The characters seemed real, I really loved this character of Eire. This story is just magical and makes us travel in a different world!
The cover is just so beautiful! The title is sweet. The characters have been well designed. The blurb is well written. Theme and plot are well chosen. The language is lucid.
Cover - 4.7/5
Blurb - 4.5 /5
Title - 4.5/5
Theme - 4.5/5
Plot - 4.5/5
Characterisation - 4.2/5
Language - 4.5/5
Overall, I must say this is a lovely story. Thank you Merrie for giving me the opportunity to read this! I really enjoyed this story!! 💟💟
The cover is just so beautiful! The title is sweet. The characters have been well designed. The blurb is well written. Theme and plot are well chosen. The language is lucid.
Cover - 4.7/5
Blurb - 4.5 /5
Title - 4.5/5
Theme - 4.5/5
Plot - 4.5/5
Characterisation - 4.2/5
Language - 4.5/5
Overall, I must say this is a lovely story. Thank you Merrie for giving me the opportunity to read this! I really enjoyed this story!! 💟💟
February 23, 2022
A war is happening between the mortals and immortals. The mortals take the fairy queen and her twin sons put a spell on all of them and hide them away for many years.
After many years have passed the fairy queen and her twins are awakened only to find they are being chased by the very people who put the spell on them all those many years ago. This time around they have every intention of killing her and they don’t expect to fail this time.
The fairy queen is a lot smarter than they give her credit for. As she and her sons are running through the forest they meet a group of people that help them out. The fairy queen meets a man that is about to change her life and her world.
Fairytale Christmas is just the beginning of a new world, an introduction to the Fair Folk and their world. It is a story of fairy tales with a dash of love. As I was reading Fairytale Christmas it was so easy to picture it all in my mind as if I was right there in the middle of that forest.
Fairytale Christmas may be a short story but it read like a full-length novel. I liked getting to know each character and their world. I can’t wait to see what Merrie Destefano has in store for us in the second book in The Fair Folk Saga.
I would recommend Fairytale Christmas to anyone who enjoys a great fairy tale! One-click your copy of Fairytale Christmas today!
After many years have passed the fairy queen and her twins are awakened only to find they are being chased by the very people who put the spell on them all those many years ago. This time around they have every intention of killing her and they don’t expect to fail this time.
The fairy queen is a lot smarter than they give her credit for. As she and her sons are running through the forest they meet a group of people that help them out. The fairy queen meets a man that is about to change her life and her world.
Fairytale Christmas is just the beginning of a new world, an introduction to the Fair Folk and their world. It is a story of fairy tales with a dash of love. As I was reading Fairytale Christmas it was so easy to picture it all in my mind as if I was right there in the middle of that forest.
Fairytale Christmas may be a short story but it read like a full-length novel. I liked getting to know each character and their world. I can’t wait to see what Merrie Destefano has in store for us in the second book in The Fair Folk Saga.
I would recommend Fairytale Christmas to anyone who enjoys a great fairy tale! One-click your copy of Fairytale Christmas today!
October 28, 2017
Maybe it is easier to start this review with what this story isn't. Merrie's novella is not a light fairytale like those told in Disney movies, nor is it necessarily a true Christmas story. The narrative is dark, though told from the perspective of a fae with a hopeful outlook on life, even when her past has given her no reason to be.
It is short, something that can be easily read in one sitting, yet it is packed full of Irish myth and legends. It is rare, in my experience, to find a narrative that holds so well to myths while still remaining interesting and believable rather than caricaturist.
My one dislike about the story was its reliance on blood magic, especially considering the main character's absorbance of human sacrifice. In my mind there is little separation between the two, and I do not enjoy reading about either.
Merrie is a good writer, and I would recommend this story to those who love Fae stories and who do not mind blood magic. For those like me, who love the Fae but not blood magic, I would be more hesitant to read this.
I have provided an honest review after having received an ecopy from the author.
It is short, something that can be easily read in one sitting, yet it is packed full of Irish myth and legends. It is rare, in my experience, to find a narrative that holds so well to myths while still remaining interesting and believable rather than caricaturist.
My one dislike about the story was its reliance on blood magic, especially considering the main character's absorbance of human sacrifice. In my mind there is little separation between the two, and I do not enjoy reading about either.
Merrie is a good writer, and I would recommend this story to those who love Fae stories and who do not mind blood magic. For those like me, who love the Fae but not blood magic, I would be more hesitant to read this.
I have provided an honest review after having received an ecopy from the author.
November 30, 2017
3.5
I read the advance e-book sent for an honest review.
Loved that cover and the summary, so I was really looking forward to this book! It was short and sweet, I finished it in one sitting. As usual with fantasy realms, the first book introduces the characters and establishes its world. This book follows Irish myths, which I liked and would have wanted to read more of. It also deals with some gore and blood magic, which I skimmed over.
While I liked this book, I hoped there would have been more to it. It might be better as an actual novel and not a novella. I was also slightly confused with the format, because of the shifting timeline read in an e-book. If the paperback is written or formatted better, I would likely buy it and re-read it again. I would also read the sequels to know more about the characters and read the plot resolution.
Note: It is not strictly a Christmas book, but the holiday is incorporated in the story.
I read the advance e-book sent for an honest review.
Loved that cover and the summary, so I was really looking forward to this book! It was short and sweet, I finished it in one sitting. As usual with fantasy realms, the first book introduces the characters and establishes its world. This book follows Irish myths, which I liked and would have wanted to read more of. It also deals with some gore and blood magic, which I skimmed over.
While I liked this book, I hoped there would have been more to it. It might be better as an actual novel and not a novella. I was also slightly confused with the format, because of the shifting timeline read in an e-book. If the paperback is written or formatted better, I would likely buy it and re-read it again. I would also read the sequels to know more about the characters and read the plot resolution.
Note: It is not strictly a Christmas book, but the holiday is incorporated in the story.
February 25, 2022
Fairytale Christmas is a short novel (about 100 pages) that covers the span of a few thousand years. I'm typically a slow reader due to lack of time and work. Having worked with computers all day, my eyes tire easily when reading (or maybe I just tire easily). Even with short novels/novellas, I might take a week or more to finish. In the case of Fairytale Christmas, I finished it in two days. So that's saying something. Yes, it was list reading two stories, one of the past, one of the present. But both had exiting scenes that made it difficult to put the book down. I lost a bit of sleep because "just one more chapter...". Merrie really has a way with words making it easy to picture the scene like a movie playing in my mind. Fighting, chasing, gruesome wounds, bears, wolves, fairy magic and more. This was an enjoyable quick read. I received an ARC copy, however the honest opinions in this review are my own. I've purchased and read other books by Destefano. She never disappoints.
December 2, 2017
I received this free digital ARC from the author in exchange for my honest review.
Too Fast
Personally, I found the story to be a little too fast-paced. It covered a lot of time and a lot of events, but in a very high view. The events and scenes never really got enough time keeping them from gaining enough detail to really drawn me into the scenes. As a result, it felt rushed and made it difficult to immerse myself into the story.
Beautifully Written
I love the writing! Even though the story doesn’t get very in depth and doesn’t get too personal with the characters, it’s very well written and it offers a very elegant, enticing story. That, in itself, makes the story worth reading.
Characters
I think the characters could have had more development. Granted, this had a lot to do with how high a viewpoint the story was told from. It made it difficult to really get to know the characters, which makes it difficult to fall in love with the characters. That being said, I did really love Eire. As the narrator, I was able to appreciate her view of the world and her personality. She offered a wonderful point of view to read from.
More
To be honest, I just wanted more from this story. I loved the concept. I loved the characters. I loved the plot line. My only complaint is that it was so short! There was so much in such a short story, which kept me at arms length. I would have liked this story to be broken up into two or three and giving more depth to all of the scenes and characters.
Too Fast
Personally, I found the story to be a little too fast-paced. It covered a lot of time and a lot of events, but in a very high view. The events and scenes never really got enough time keeping them from gaining enough detail to really drawn me into the scenes. As a result, it felt rushed and made it difficult to immerse myself into the story.
Beautifully Written
I love the writing! Even though the story doesn’t get very in depth and doesn’t get too personal with the characters, it’s very well written and it offers a very elegant, enticing story. That, in itself, makes the story worth reading.
Characters
I think the characters could have had more development. Granted, this had a lot to do with how high a viewpoint the story was told from. It made it difficult to really get to know the characters, which makes it difficult to fall in love with the characters. That being said, I did really love Eire. As the narrator, I was able to appreciate her view of the world and her personality. She offered a wonderful point of view to read from.
More
To be honest, I just wanted more from this story. I loved the concept. I loved the characters. I loved the plot line. My only complaint is that it was so short! There was so much in such a short story, which kept me at arms length. I would have liked this story to be broken up into two or three and giving more depth to all of the scenes and characters.
November 4, 2017
I received a copy of this book in exchange for a review.
When I started reading this book I instantly felt like I was sitting around a campfire listening to a folk tale. The cover of this book is absolutely gorgeous. If I was in stores and saw it, I would instantly buy it just because of the cover.
I don't know a lot about Celtic mythology, but I really enjoyed this story. It was a quick read (took me less than an hour) and held my interest the entire time. The pacing seemed great for it being such a short story and the characters were developed rather well.
When I started reading this book I instantly felt like I was sitting around a campfire listening to a folk tale. The cover of this book is absolutely gorgeous. If I was in stores and saw it, I would instantly buy it just because of the cover.
I don't know a lot about Celtic mythology, but I really enjoyed this story. It was a quick read (took me less than an hour) and held my interest the entire time. The pacing seemed great for it being such a short story and the characters were developed rather well.
November 7, 2017
First, let's talk about the cover. It's GORGEOUS. I would buy a paperback copy of this simply because of the cover.
In the first few chapters of the novella, it was hard to tell if the narrator was speaking of past or present events, but that smoothed out later. The love between sisters was heartwarming, and the love story was predictable but very sweet. Towards the end the villain faded into the background, so I wonder if that storyline will continue in the next installment. The plot line of Eire's children was my favorite. It's a quick, easy read with some beautiful magic elements.
In the first few chapters of the novella, it was hard to tell if the narrator was speaking of past or present events, but that smoothed out later. The love between sisters was heartwarming, and the love story was predictable but very sweet. Towards the end the villain faded into the background, so I wonder if that storyline will continue in the next installment. The plot line of Eire's children was my favorite. It's a quick, easy read with some beautiful magic elements.
May 5, 2022
Queen Eire and Kellen, along with her sister Caer and her husband who is the dark evil Faelan, are the beginning of many legends and mythology. This short story has many preludes to the stories I have loved most of my life. The characters, their personalities and powers, come alive here and the locales are very visual. The storyline has all the drama, danger, surprises, romance, tension and so much more. This story grabs you and will not let go. Can not wait to read more by this author.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 24, 2017
Unique and fascinating.
A magical story of the power of love and its ability to endure despite time and evil. The tension of the opening chapters is gripping, setting the scene for the rest of the story to build and develop.
The seamless blend of original fantasy, paranormal elements and legend makes this book unique and fascinating.
I will definitely be reading the rest of this series.
A magical story of the power of love and its ability to endure despite time and evil. The tension of the opening chapters is gripping, setting the scene for the rest of the story to build and develop.
The seamless blend of original fantasy, paranormal elements and legend makes this book unique and fascinating.
I will definitely be reading the rest of this series.
October 31, 2017
My rating: 3.5 (5 for the cover! Gorgeous!)
Fairytale Christmas was a quick read that made me feel as though I'd been invited to sit beside the fire on a winter day and listen to a story of old. I love the history and magic surrounding Ireland. The writing drew me in, captivating me, making me want to read more. My only complaint is that it was over too quickly!
Fairytale Christmas was a quick read that made me feel as though I'd been invited to sit beside the fire on a winter day and listen to a story of old. I love the history and magic surrounding Ireland. The writing drew me in, captivating me, making me want to read more. My only complaint is that it was over too quickly!
November 15, 2017
I love it when I get to read fantasy with a different writing style, and this novella totally hit the mark! The writing felt grand and i the style of a saga, which is perfect for an immortal narrator. Yet she also had a good heart, and I liked that the book ended with a culmination on Christmas. Definitely worth the read!
December 16, 2017
A wonderful story for Christmas!
This was such a wonderful story! I felt as if I had been transported to another world. It was magical! This should be the beginning of another Christmas tradition to read this story to your children or grandchildren or just family and friends. I highly recommend reading this for all ages.
This was such a wonderful story! I felt as if I had been transported to another world. It was magical! This should be the beginning of another Christmas tradition to read this story to your children or grandchildren or just family and friends. I highly recommend reading this for all ages.
December 24, 2017
Magical Christmas tale
I love pretty much anything by this author. Her style of writing is engaging and I love the fantasy characters. This novella was a quick read, exactly what I wanted in this busy Christmas season. But I fell in love with the characters so much--hoping for a sequel! :)
I love pretty much anything by this author. Her style of writing is engaging and I love the fantasy characters. This novella was a quick read, exactly what I wanted in this busy Christmas season. But I fell in love with the characters so much--hoping for a sequel! :)
December 15, 2017
Wonderful Winter Romance
If you're in need of a short escape, Fairytale Christmas delivers. It's a heartwarming romance you can read in one sitting, full of magic, myth and a little history too.
If you're in need of a short escape, Fairytale Christmas delivers. It's a heartwarming romance you can read in one sitting, full of magic, myth and a little history too.
October 14, 2018
Good book
I enjoyed the tale about Ireland's fairy tales. Every one has a different take on the legends. I find it interesting to check out different types of tales of my all the legends.
I enjoyed the tale about Ireland's fairy tales. Every one has a different take on the legends. I find it interesting to check out different types of tales of my all the legends.
December 29, 2018
Was different from books I usually read - was a bit confused because I don't see how it related to Christmas and it felt unfinished. With that being said I enjoyed the Characters and would be interested to read more of the story.
March 13, 2022
This is another dark tale of how the patriarchal religions overpowered the feminine – with a twist of Sleeping Beauty romance. Original mash-up of retelling two different folk tales.
The Glossary and Dates helped – great to have the beginning.
The Glossary and Dates helped – great to have the beginning.
April 10, 2022
Action packed and emotionally thrilling adventure filled with engaging charters, witty banter, heart racing twists and exciting turns. Really enjoyed this edge of your seat and exciting journey from beginning to end.
November 15, 2017
I really enjoyed this book! It was a fast and easy read. I would really like to see this story continue!! I enjoyed the Gaelic and fairy and fantasy storyline.
December 16, 2017
Absolutely lovely!
Loyalty, betrayal, combat, and magic combine to create a free- flowing tale guaranteed to capture the heart of any reader who enjoys stories of the Fair Folk.
Loyalty, betrayal, combat, and magic combine to create a free- flowing tale guaranteed to capture the heart of any reader who enjoys stories of the Fair Folk.
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