Every season is full of magic. Experience five powerful stories that capture the essence of each one.
Spring of the Living Phoebe lives by one Rule - every spring, she must leave the Underworld to move back to Ottawa with her mom for six whole months without her husband. Then one year, the disgruntled dead invade the living world, and Phoebe must race to quell the chaos before the ghosts overwhelm the Upperworld completely.
This Summer Of all the stablehands her family could hire for the summer, Ambrosia's family chooses Jon Issacs, her childhood friend that annoys her with his carefree attitude toward life. But despite their opposite personalities, Ambrosia finds herself falling in love with the boy who challenges her to look at the world with fresh eyes.
Of Pumpkins and Golden Halloween is supposed to be a fun time for witches—but someone has stolen the Golden Apple of Discord, and all the fingers point to Haddie Underwood. The catch? For once, she’s not responsible. If she can’t find the culprit, not only will she be expelled, but a centuries-old war may start up again. Haddie may one day destroy the world, but right now, she’s the only one who can save it.
A Lily in Lily knows that angels of death aren’t supposed to keep the souls that they take to the afterlife, but a strange accident causes her to reconsider when she begins to develop feelings for one of the mortals under her care.
A lamppost, a meet-cute, and the changing of seasons... A flash fiction piece for the romantic in all of us, this fantastical and poignant story is short, a little swoony, possibly sad, and all-over sweet.
Find humor, love, hope, and nostalgia in this fantasy collection edited by seven-time author and SnowRidge Press co-founder, Savanna Roberts.
Savanna Roberts is a YA author, freelance editor, wife, and proud mama of two sweet kitties.
She enjoys writing stories with complicated characters and hard situations, promising to never provide you with easy stories but ones full of hope.
She’s been writing seriously since she was ten years old, and she currently has nine books out and has written an article for Introvert, Dear, as well as collaborated on blog events with other writers.
In her free time, she enjoys reading, adventuring with her husband, snuggling her cats, and studying psychology.
This anthology containing 5 stories inspired by the four seasons was a cool idea I couldn't resist. I don't recall seeing an anthology that used the seasons as a writing prompt, and I was expecting a series of short stories revolving around the season themselves, but they turned to be more than just that, as some of the stories do indeed focus on one season but others mix in fairy tales or myths to create plots in which the seasons are a perfect background.
SEASONS by Brittany Eden This includes all the seasons instead of just one, and is a story about a lamppost observing the passage of time through the comings and goings of people that pass by, or rather one passersby in particular, from his youth when he's young and idle and meets his beloved under the lamppost to old age when he's frail and needs his grandchild's guidance. It's melancholy, a very melancholy little story indeed. I'd have preferred this story had been at the end instead of at the beginning, for the sake of flow. Having all the seasons together by the end, as a crowning story, reads better than starting with all seasons and then going to them one by one. Sort of like how listening to each of Vivaldi's seasons separately and then listening to the whole piece sounds better than listening to the whole piece and then picking up bits and pieces. At least that's how it goes for me. And also, this story needed more editing and more fleshing out, it's too short, goes by too quickly, and the passing of time is choppy, sort of like "now it's spring and he's young, then now it's fall and he's a mature man, now it's winter and he's gonna croak soon." There's no emotional punch here due to the rapid pace and lack of dwelling a bit more on each stage.
SPRING OF THE LIVING DEAD by Beka Gremikova It's no secret that I'm not a fan of modern retellings in general, and I'm very cautious about Hades & Persephone retellings in particular because they're invariably problematic, whitewashed, or plain bad. But I was able to enjoy this story because it's more a parody than a standard retelling, and I love spoofs of mythology precisely because they have no pretences and aren't self-conscious. This story takes its inspiration from the version of the Hades & Persephone myth in which Zeus is the villain, but does so without having him appear and keeping to a humorous plot in which Demeter hates her (garishly artistic) unwanted son-in-law just as much as ever but has to (ungraciously) tolerate him for the sake of her daughter. Persephone isn't perfect here, she's neglected her duties as Queen of the Underworld so much that her hogging of Hades' time has caused issues with the ghosts, who are determined to reclaim their "bro time" with him at any cost, even if it involves unauthorised escapades. I couldn't help but imagine a rainbow-haired white Jimi Hendrix here, you'll have to read to know why.
THIS SUMMER MOMENT by Savanna Roberts Honestly, I was completely lost with this story and struggled until the end to understand what the plot was supposed to be about beyond a notion that it's some sort of Robin Hood retelling. When I reached the end, I saw that it says it continues in a trilogy, and there it made sense why I couldn't tell what this was about. Without having read the trilogy, I can't tell whether this is a prequel or an in-between complementary story, but it certainly doesn't read like a standalone, and that was a problem. Besides that, I found Ambrosia rather abrasive and a bit too much of a brat for my tastes. Maybe it'd been different if I knew the trilogy beforehand? Probably.
OF PUMPKINS AND GOLDEN APPLES by Hannah Carter I hope the author is thinking of collecting her Haddie/Percy stories in an anthology of its own! They have the same fun romantic-professional partnership as Beaumont & Beasley. They are Beaumont & Beasley in a Harry Potter-style academy, and whilst I am neutral on magic school settings, I just love their adventures. I noticed there's a genderbent Hades/Persephone veneer here, too, that took me a little bit to grasp and when I did, I couldn't but laugh. This is also the first story in which the season theme is strong and well woven in, you can easily tell it's autumn when the story unfolds.
A LILY IN WINTER by Rachael N. Miller The most heartbreaking story in this collection, the best-written and also my favourite. It's also another story in which the season theme is a strong background. The plot works with the premise of there being a class of immortal beings dedicated to collecting the souls of the dead to guide them into eternity, one of which has an unexpected mishap when collecting a dying man's soul and has do deal with the complications this brings into her existence, the feelings and the sorrow as well as the meaning of letting go and of sacrifices made for love. It's beautiful, bittersweet, yet also hopeful. I sincerely hope there's more to this story, the way it ends it does sound like that's the case, and there's also things in this world that beg for expansion.
Overall, it's been a better anthology than my initial trepidation (because of the Hades/Persephone stories) led me to expect. Three of the stories were fun and great to read, and it introduced me to another, new author to follow, which is always a majorly positive outcome.
Thank you to the publishers for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Dec. 18, 2022: Something I forgot to mention in previous updates is that this book is also available in Kindle Unlimited! So if you have KU, you can check it out without having to buy it! :-) Another thing I wanted to mention is, if you've bought and read/reviewed this book on GR already and are already an Amazon reviewer, please consider posting your review there as well to help this book fall into readers' hands. Reviews help heighten visibility on Amazon - and goodness knows small press/indie authors need all the help we can get with its algorithms. *gives the Zon the stink eye* Anywho, thanks in advance, friends! <3
Dec. 15, 2022: It’s Release Day!!!! 🎉🎉🎉🎉 This book is now available in both paperback and ebook! Ebook is still on sale for $0.99, but it will be rising in the future, so snap it up while it’s on sale! :-)
Nov. 20, 2022 Update: Paperback preorders thru the publisher end today! I’m also working on a character art print as a piece of bonus swag to be sent alongside the tea. So if you’re interested, you can order thru SnowRidge Press’ website.
ETA: I forgot to mention all the fun preorder things! Ebook is on Amazon at a special preorder price ($0.99 for a limited time!), and if you order the paperback directly from SnowRidge Press, the book comes with an exclusive tea flavour inspired by the stories in this book! How cool is that?! So get your paperback order in before Nov. 20th to get the book and a cozy reading-time tea for Christmas!
My Hades and Persephone retelling, “Spring of the Living Dead,” is included in this collection! It’s a modern, comedic take on the myth and set in Ottawa, Ontario—close to my own hometown.
If you’re looking for a story that combines the modern flare of Lore Olympus with the sassy character voice of Percy Jackson, you may enjoy my little tale. Here are some other elements found in it:
Oh how I loved this! Every story is so beautiful and perfectly captures the season it represents! Some feature familiar faces, some are brand new, all are just magical.
Seasons (Brittany Eden) - The lovely and lyrical story of a lamppost and the lives he witnesses. It's a flash fiction, so it's short, but it's perfectly bite-sized, and so powerful.
Spring of the Living Dead (Beka Gremikova) - I love a happy modern Hades and Persephone story, I just do. Add to this one cranky ghosts, an overbearing mother, and a motorcycle, and it's such a fun time.
This Summer Moment (Savanna Roberts) - I adore Roberts' "Tales of Nottingham" series, and Jon and Ambrosia are two of my favorite characters from it, so this was everything. It's definitely one that can be enjoyed regardless of your familiarity with the original series; think of it as a prequel, then decide you're in love with these characters and go read their continuing adventures, m'kay? xD
Of Pumpkins and Golden Apples (Hannah Carter) - Two more familiar faces that I absolutely love, Haddie and Percy are back and as chaotic as ever! Even if you didn't meet these two in the "Whispers From Before" anthology, they're so much fun, especially with Halloween as a backdrop!
A Lily in Winter (Rachel N. Miller) - Oh, this one. This one got me. I teared up at the end. An exploration of love and death and grief, I loved it so much.
I'm so glad I loved this collection so much. I've already read from several of these authors, but I'm eager to read more! Five stars from me!
**I received a copy of this book from the publisher. A positive review was not required. All opinions are my own.**
This is a mixed bag collection of stories revolving around the seasons. A fun little diversion.
Seasons by Brittany Eden 3/5 - A very short story told from the perspective of an ancient lamppost witnessing the passing of a life time. Poignant. Melancholy.
Spring of the Living Dead by Beka Gremikova 4/5 - A charming and funny modern story of a day in the life of Persephone and Hades (who rides a motorcycle and multi-colour dyes his hair). Hades has a problem (other than his mother-in-law's issues with him): a "bunch of the dead escaped the Underworld". So ghost busting with flowers is in order. Features Demeter, Achilles, Hector and a bunch of temperamental ghosts.
The Summer Moment by Savanna Roberts 1/5 - This "story" is (according to the note at the end) part of a trilogy (Tales of Nottingham). It didn't work for me. There wasn't a plot, just a love story. Maybe this was supposed to be a prequel or a scene in the middle, but as a standalone it didn't make much sense.
Of Pumpkins and Golden Apples by Hannah Carter 2/5 - Halloween shenanigans at an academy for magical folk. It didn't really appeal to me.
A Lily in Winter by Rachael N. Miller 4.5/5 - I liked this story. It had original characters, a strong wintry atmosphere, and a decent plot. Something goes wrong when the newest "Angel of Death" only retrieves a portion of a soul. This story is about loss, sacrifice, grief, hope and love. It's beautifully written.
So thrilled to be part of this anthology! The development of the themes as you go through the stories contributes to the emotional impact of them! There's something for everyone here: humor & banter, romance, sorrow & hope, mythology, and more! And the cover, just gorgeous!
My first read of the New Year! This was a charming collection of stories! I thought they were written well, there were a few that were my favorites such as This Summer Moment and Lily in Winter. This Summer Moment by Savanna Roberts was super cute and sweet, I really liked the modern yet still fantasy retelling of Robin Hood and his Merry Men. I thought the characters were really sweet and the plot was adorable. I really liked it! My favorite of the entire novel had to be Lily in Winter by Rachael N. Miller. Wow, that story was captivating and beautiful. I thoroughly enjoyed reading that tale and thought it was so pretty. It reminded me a little of Icarus mixed with the Valkries from Norse Mythology. Overall the novel compiled of several short stories was an excellent read to bring in the new year! What better way to start a new season than with stories inspired by the seasons!
I was so honored to be one of the authors included in this anthology. I did not get to read all of the other stories until the ARCs came out, and I wanted to share some of my thoughts on each one.
Seasons: I am a huge fan of poetic prose. Reading this sweet little piece was a special treat, and I appreciated the unusual narrator in the lamppost. I also love the passing of time being shown with the aging of the characters.
Spring of the Living Dead: Retellings can be a difficult task, but this modern retelling of Hades and Persephone is a fun romp. Beka’s strength here is definitely her character descriptions. I found myself wanting to draw her version of Hades (Hendrix) and Persephone (Phoebe) because they were so colorful to imagine. This story would definitely make a fun graphic novel series (or maybe anime?)
This Summer Moment: It’s no secret that I am a fan of Savanna’s books/writing and Jon and Ames are some of my favorite characters she’s created. This pre-Tales of Nottingham story is their love story—and a good representation of what it could look like if an enneagram 7 (the blithe one) and an 8 (the uptight/cautious one) were to fall in love. I also NEED some lemon bars right now! ;) I’m hoping that this little story encourages readers who haven’t read the Tales of Nottingham trilogy to give it a chance.
Of Pumpkins and Golden Apples: Hannah’s little story definitely gives me a good sense of place and gives me a lot of Harry Potter/dark academia vibes. Her descriptions are lovely and winsome. This little Fall adventure is all fun with lots of danger and mischief along the way.
A Lily in Winter: This one was mine. I won’t say anything about it other than I am so thankful for everyone who has read and enjoyed it!