Prairie Tales : Book Review

 

Discover ten re-imaginings of fairy tales, folk tales, and even a Mother Goose rhyme in this heartwarming collection. Journey across the plains of Nebraska and Kansas and explore the mountains of Wyoming and Colorado with characters from the "Once Upon a Western" series or meet them for the first time! Encounter a mattress filled with apples, a runaway basket of gingerbread, a house that looks like a shoe, a disappointing Christmas tree, and a Halloween prank gone wrong. Each short story brings a classic tale to life, offering fresh adventures and cozy charm in the Old West.

Short stories included:

"None Too Particular" (The Princess and the Pea)

"Let Down Your Hair" (Rapunzel)

"I'll Do It Myself" (The Little Red Hen)

"No Match for a Good Story" (Scheherazade)

"Run, Run" (The Gingerbread Man)

"Who Lived in a Shoe" (There Was an Old Woman)

"The Ugly Evergreen" (The Ugly Duckling)

"The Wind Makes a Poor Husband" (The Mouse's Marriage)

"The Blizzard at Three Bears Lake" (Goldilocks and the Three Bears)

"Gruff" (Three Billy Goats Gruff)

The Once Upon a Western series retells fairy tales, but in an Old West setting.  All of the books and stories are non-magical, aimed at a young adult audience, but appropriate for the whole family.  Each of the first five books are stand-alones, taking place in a shared universe and sometimes seeing characters cross from one book to another.  Nine of the short stories in Prairie Tales are sequels to those books, and one is a prequel.  Readers can enjoy them without being familiar with the books they relate to, but should be warned they naturally contain some spoilers about the first five books!

My Review

    Rachel Kovaciny excels at cozy fiction. Each of these stories is exactly the kind of thing that makes you want to get a hot drink , curl up, and lose yourself in it. Wholesome and fun takes on classic fairytales. Done in a refreshing and bright way.  Using characters that if your familiar with the ‘Once Upon A Western’ series you’ll recognize, but get to see them in a variety of different ways in these short tales. Love how she manages to spin these retellings. It’s also just nice to get little windows into each character’s world after their original stories have played out. It’s a rare treat, one that I enjoyed immensely.  Each comes with a recipe for something mentioned in the story. Nothing better than being able to make the thing you’re reading about. 

Family and comfort food really shine here. Which for me is enough of a recommendation in itself.

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My Rock and Refuge: A Review and Giveaway

 

Rachel Kovaciny has released another novel in the Once upon a Western series! It's a completely reimagined take on Beauty & The Beast, and it utelizes all the required tropes but has enough depth and character to stand on it's own as well. 

Beauty and the Beast... re-imagined

Marta knows she shouldn't feel this way toward Mr. Wendell. She needs to keep her job as his servant, especially because her family back in Germany depends on the money she and her brother Jakob send home. Marta's new feelings can't be as important as helping her family save their bakery, can they?

Marta doesn't want to believe the rumors that Mr. Wendell profited from another's tragedy to gain his wealth. Although his face bears terrible scars, she sees past them to his kind and generous heart. Still, she wonders why he never leaves his big house high in the Colorado mountains. Does he hide himself away because of his disfigured face, or because he has a guilty conscience?

While Marta tries to push away her questions, others are determined to find answers. Their efforts lead to a fresh tragedy that threatens Marta's hope of finding happiness with Mr. Wendell. Will Marta fail her family and her new friends, or will God bless her efforts to build a happy future for them all?

. . . 

My review

My Rock and Refuge is a sweet and poignant take on Beauty & the Beast. It flips some of the more tired and well-used tropes and turns what is usually somewhat of a toxic relationship into an applaudable romance. There's a certain maturity to the characters, that I haven’t seen in other adaptations. 

Marta is a delight. A sweet but strong character, who is determined to stand on her own. Her love of baking and unbreakable spirit won me over immediately. I like how her being an immigrant and unable to read is handled, and how it also afforded her traits that are usually attributed to the beast role. An interesting subversion I wasn’t expecting. I love the dynamic it created. 

I was commissioned to do the character art. Hope you like them!!

Arthur is far less abrasive and off-putting than the usual takes I’ve seen. He’s guarded and standoffish, but by all accounts, a gentleman if not a misunderstood one. His quiet nature is a good match to Marta’s exuberant one. I also like how they bond through the isolation they both feel due to their different situations. 

I personally prefer my characters more flawed, and at times found it a bit preachy
but despite that, I enjoyed this story immensely. The characters are so vibrant and their chemistry leaps off the page. If you're looking for a clean, well-written romance, this is the one.

It’s super cozy as well, it has all the trappings of a Ghibli film. Will have you craving fresh bread and apple pie. I recommended baking before you read.

(I received an arc with no obligation to post a review)

Giveaway

You can enter the giveaway here

This giveaway is open to US mailing addresses ONLY. It begins Tuesday, November 8, andends Sunday, November13. Two winners will be chosen on November 14, one for the FairyTale pack and one for the Old West pack.

If your not eligable for the giveaway there's also goodies if you buy the book at any point this month. 

Make sure you check out  Rachel's blog 

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My Rock and My Refuge: Cover Reveal

 

You guys know I'm a sucker for anything Beauty & the Beast. I read nearly every retelling I can get my hands on and Rachel Kovaciny is releasing one. As a rabid fan and consumer of her books, I can guarantee it will be worth a read! I can't wait to see her take on 'A tale as old as time'

Beauty and the Beast... re-imagined.

 

When a German baker and her brother take jobs working for a wealthy recluse, they're only hoping to earn enough money to help their parents regain the family's bakery.

But they soon learn that gold and silver aren't the only treasures to be found in the Colorado mountains.

It releases on November 8th

Rachel Kovaciny's Author Website

My Rock and My Refuge on Goodreads

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Make sure you give her a follow. Honestly, she's the best person I know, and insanely talented.

 But without further ado....

Isn't it pretty? I love the cozy Ghibli-esque vibe. 

November 8th, don't forget. 

 

One Bad Apple Review and Giveaway

I'm back, with a review and giveaway which you probably already know by the title. (I'm a bit late on this post so it's brief but I promise I'll be posting again soon)

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs… reimagined.

When a wagon train of Black pioneers rescues the seven orphaned Dalton cousins from the side of the trail, it seems like an answer to their prayers. As they roll west toward Kansas, fourteen-year-old Levi Dalton is dazzled by the beautiful Mrs. Mallone. She's a healer, and her knowledge of medicines and herbs inspires Levi to want to become a doctor. Maybe then he can stop people from dying of fevers and illnesses like his folks did. 

But Mrs. Mallone's stepdaughter, Hopeful, warns Levi not to become too attached to the healer. Levi dismisses her warnings and his own misgivings until the day he sees something dreadful. 

Levi knows he needs to tell someone what he’s seen before it’s too late. But will anyone believe the story of a fourteen-year-old orphan? Will anyone stand up to evil, no matter how beautifully it’s packaged?

 As I've come to expect from Rachel's retellings it's sheer brilliance. Perfect for any Snow White fan, fairytale, and/or historical novel fans. I love that her stories have that widespread appeal. 

Review

One Bad Apple is a thrilling read. A fantastic historical based retelling. I was impressed at how seamlessly all the elements from the classic tale were woven in especially in the 1800’s setting.  Which is a testament to the author’s skill; she knows how to craft an engaging tale. I felt like I was eating the wagon dust right along with them. The characters pop off the page, having the story told through the eyes of fourteen-year-old Levi was brilliant. It brings a certain candor to everything.  I appreciate the inclusion of a diverse cast, and how it dealt with racism and class issues. Which seemed to parallel what we’re still fighting presently and made it all the more profound.

Hopeful made for an excellent heroine I loved that while she was strong she had a kind spirit that showed even when she was facing injustice.  She’s possibly my new favorite incarnation of Snow White.  

A must-read!

Giveaway

Make sure you enter here as you can see she has fantastic prizes! (This giveaway is open to the US and Canada)

Here's the amazon link if you want to buy One Bad Apple and the Goodreads page.

The Author's blog make sure to check her out. She's fantastic!

One Bad Apple- Cover Reveal

I've been so excited about this story!!! Rachel Kovaciny who is both an amazing friend and mentor of mine wrote a Snow White retelling! I have developed a huge attachment to the tale and adore the many versions of it, and I know hers will be exceptional.

It's releasing July 28, 2020 

And it has a fantastic cover!!!

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs... reimagined.

Fourteen-year-old Levi Dalton is numb. Hands tied behind his back, he's about to be hauled away for poisoning a beautiful girl and her kind father. The woman pointing her finger at him and accusing him of murder is the very same woman he hoped could teach him to heal illnesses, not cause them. The woman he idolized. The woman he trusted.

Levi knows he should be scared for his own life. But all he can think about is how graves always come in pairs.

One Bad Apple on Goodreads

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Dancing and Doughnuts Blog Tour: A Review and Giveaway

I been waiting for this one for awhile, guys. Rachel Kovaciny twists your favorite fairy tales into westerns. She is amazingly good at it to boot. You can find the rest of the tour here.

  https://hamlette.blogspot.com/p/dancing-doughnuts-blog-tour.html


I was so excited to get an arc of this story! I loved Man on the Buckskin Horse.Which I highly recommend!

The Review

This is a Twelve Dancing Princesses retelling, which I think the world needs more of. I would recommend having some snacks on hand as you read this. Doughnuts, if you can get them. It will make you incredibly hungry. Rachel has a way of describing food that makes your mouth water, especially the doughnuts.

The descriptions in this story are top notch and paint such vivid pictures. I love the Dance Hall most of all and the unique way she brought in the silver and gold trees, from the original story. The way she incorporated all the elements of the story was brilliant, actually. It was a thrill to read.

The main highlight for me was the characters.

Jedediah Jones is one of those honest and witty characters, with a heart of gold. I love how blunt he is and the way he views the world, he doesn't waste words and it makes him admirable character. He was a fun protagonist and made me laugh a lot. I loved his humorous take on all the shenanigans that ensue.

I love all the girls too! It's hard to utilize such a large cast in a short story, but it worked out fine.
They all were so different and even if I couldn't remember all their names. (Neither could Jed, so I don't feel bad) I did enjoy their differing personalities. Alice stands out the most of course, because of Jedediah interest in her. I enjoyed their banter. She's not a damsel in distress, but she's not one of those overly pushy girls either.

The mystery was well done too. Usually I can sort things out quickly, but this one evaded me. It was a great twist.

I also liked how well rounded all the characters were, even Mayor Gatz who play's more of a villainous role, wasn't a cliched, mustache twisting baddie. I always enjoy character's who don't seem like caricatures, they seem like people you've met or could meet. Which is what made all of the ones in this story so enjoyable.

All in all, a delightful take on a classic story!

I tried to think of one negative thing and I have nothing. If you like doughnuts, the old west, a good story, and shenanigans. I recommend this book!


The Author

Born only a few miles from where Jesse James robbed his first train, Rachel Kovaciny has loved the Old West all her life. She now lives in Virginia with her husband and their three homeschooled children. In her free time, Rachel writes for the magazines "Femnista" and "Prairie Times," reads, bakes, blogs, watches movies, and daydreams.

Her book "Cloaked" was a 2018 Peacemaker Awards finalist for Best Western YA/Children's Fiction.


Don't forget to follow her! She's as sweet as the doughnuts, she writes about.

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The Giveaway

You can enter here-  http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/2b4f811754/

It ends September 9th.

The winner will receive an autographed copy of Dancing and Doughnuts, a copy of Log Cabin Cooking, and a Once Upon a Western tote bag that measures 15"x 18"x 6" with 22" handles.  You can enter in a variety of ways, including by visiting different tour stops each day.

Dancing and Doughnuts Cover Reveal

I'm so excited to be sharing this! The lovely Rachel Kovaciny is releasing Dancing and Doughnuts in August. It's the second book in her  'Once Upon a Western' anthology series. Not to mention that it's a Twelve Dancing Princesses retelling. I can't wait to read it!

I've read her Sleeping Beauty retelling, "Man on the Buckskin horse." It was so good! The setting and story were unique and immersive. I highly recommend it, you won't be disappointed. Her writing style is fantastic.

Without further ado...
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Here is the cover!

A drifting Civil War veteran tackles the task of figuring out who's been spiking the apple cider at a Kansas dance hall owned by a family with twelve daughters.


Isn't it perfect, I love the western vibe and it suits the title so well! It's calling my name, and making me hungry, I love doughnuts. I'm always complaining about the lack of Twelve Dancing Princesses retelling s there are. You can find it on Good Reads here. 

Be sure to follow Rachel on her social media platforms.

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