Seven Magic Mirrors Blog Tour- But One Life

This is my last part of the tour. It's been a blast getting to read all of these retelling. Each one was so unique and fun. I hope to see more by each of the authors, their a talented bunch.

You can find the rest of the tour and a giveaway here

I'm reviewing Wyn's story, But One Life. If that cover doesn't draw you in the story definitely will.

1776. Tory vs. Patriot. British vs. American. 

The Revolutionary War divides each of the thirteen colonies, but worse, it divides individual families. As the crucible of war burns red-hot all around them, 16-year-old Ginny Phillips and her wealthy stepmother find themselves on opposite sides of an inexorably growing rift. Her father’s death in battle for the American cause only pulls them farther apart. When a young, handsome American soldier enlists Ginny's help as a spy, will she have the courage to honor her late father's Patriot convictions . . . even if it means risking her stepmother's wrath? Even if it means risking her own life? And what about endangering the gang of lonely orphaned boys hiding in the woods who’ve opened their hearts to her? 

Does the shadow of the hangman’s noose dangle over them all?

Goodreads

Purchase Link

Review


As soon as I heard this retelling somehow incorporated the Revolution and spies into Snow White. I knew I had to read it. Historical fiction isn't my preferred genre, but I really enjoyed this story despite any misgivings about the genre. The way Wyn spun this tale to coincide with the trappings of Snow White impressed me. Ginny is a spunky character and I loved the banter between her and Ethan who fit into the role of the Prince quite well. I loved Ginny's willingness to become a spy, despite the risks. The way the apple came into play was especially clever and I loved all the little historical details and people that appeared in the story. The romance was also really sweet. It's everything you could want in a Snow White retelling and then some.

Wyn Estelle Owens is the penname of a young woman who’s still figuring out what this whole ‘adult’ thing is all about. She lives in a big, old house in Maryland by a Hundred Acre Wood (dubbed Neldoreth) with her parents, three occasionally obnoxious brothers, her dog Jackie, and her rabbit Joker. She is fond of reading, writing, drawing, speaking in dead or imaginary languages, playing videogames, quoting classic or obscure literature, being randomly dramatic, and generally making things out of yarn. Her dream is to write stories that inspire people to chase after the wonderful world of storytelling. Her favorite all-time authors are Anne Elisabeth Stengl, Christa Kinde, and above all, J.R.R. Tolkien, who first inspired her to pursuing novel writing when she read the Hobbit at the age of seven. Find her online at: Goodreads || Facebook

Seven Magic Mirrors Blog Tour- Blood in the Snow

On this day of the tour, I get the privilege of introducing you guys to Sarah Pennington's retelling 'Blood in the Snow' I feel in love with this cover during the 'Five Poisoned Apples Contest' and I was extremely curious about the story that inspired it. 

You can find the rest of the tour here

Her destiny is decided — but betrayal breaks even the best-laid plans. Baili, the princess of the Kingdom of Seven Rivers, has always known what her future holds. Declared the fairest of all by the fabled Dragonglass, she is destined to fulfill an ancient prophecy and unite her homeland with its long-time enemy, the Kingdom of Three Peaks. And in doing so, she may save her country from death and ruin. In order to fulfill her destiny, Baili must travel to the Kingdom of Three Peaks and marry its prince, Liu Xiang. But all Baili's plans and expectations are turned upside-down when her servants and soldiers, acting on her stepmother's orders, turn against her on the road. Baili narrowly escapes with her life, but she's left alone and adrift among strangers. Fortunately, Baili finds refuge in the home of seven animal keepers: servants and slaves to the emperor of Three Peaks. Yet time is running out. Her servants' rebellion was only a small part of a much larger plot. Within weeks, her stepmother plans to unite the two kingdoms, not by contract, but by conquest. Baili must reclaim her rightful place and unite not just two kingdoms but many peoples in order to stop the plan. And if she fails, two kingdoms will be plunged into ruin. Sure to delight lovers of fantasy and fairy tales, this rich and magical Asian-inspired adventure combines Snow White and The Goose Girl in a way you've never seen before.

Purchase Link

Opening Chapter

Goodreads



Review

This story is a brilliant mash up of two beloved tales. Snow White with touches of the Goose Girl. I don't know how Sarah thought of combing the two. They work so well together, and add different aspects and layers to a well know story. Bali is a likable protagonist who has all the odds against her from the first page. She starts the story as a rather naive princess but through some unexpected trials she shows her grit and determination. The setting was unique and fresh, and the characters were a diverse and interesting bunch. I really enjoyed pretty much everything about this retelling. It was a delight!

Sarah Pennington has been writing stories since before she actually knew how to write, and she has no intention of stopping anytime soon. She is perpetually in the middle of writing at least one or two novels, most of which are in the fantasy and fairy tale retelling genres. Sarah's first published work, Blood in the Snow, received a perfect score and Special Unicorn status in Rooglewood Press's Five Poisoned Apples contest. When she isn't writing, she enjoys knitting, photography, and trying to conquer her massive to-be-read list.
Find her online at: Website || Blog || Second Blog || Goodreads || Facebook || Amazon

Seven Magic Mirrors Blog Tour- The Princess and the Invisible Apple Tree

Once again I just want to say that I'm thrilled to be apart of this blog tour. All of these authors are talented and have their own unique take on a tale so dark and lovely.

The rest of the tour is here

Today I will be reviewing The Princess and the Invisible Apple Tree, written by the lovely Meredith Leigh Burton. I've chatted with her a bit during some launch parties and she was an absolute sweetheart. I jumped at the chance to read her story. The title itself intrigued me.

Princess Snowdrop didn’t mean to kill her mother. And now, no one will believe her story about the mysterious peddler who gave her the poisoned pastry. She’s desperate to uncover the man’s identity, but no one else remembers seeing a stranger at the palace on that fateful day or hearing his melodic voice. When Snowdrop’s father goes on a journey in pursuit of answers, he returns newly married. Now Snowdrop must contend with her new stepmother and a stepsister. Rachel is a lonely, soft spoken girl who harbors a harrowing secret. She also carries a mysterious object close to her heart; a mirror that helps her to survive. Could the mirror have come from the same peddler who ruined Snowdrop’s life? Both Snowdrop and Rachel’s stories converge as dark memories are unearthed. A malevolent pursuer lurks in the shadows, and he will stop at nothing to gain the thing he seeks. Disguises are unmasked, and things are not what they seem. Whom can both girls trust? With the help of two extraordinary artists, a hart and five swans, Snowdrop will discover that courage and sacrifice will be needed if she is to save her stepsister and herself. The Princess and the Invisible Apple Tree is a story where secrets abound, and the path to freedom is not easily obtained.

Purchase Link

Goodreads



Review

The first thing that enchanted me about this story was the lush and colorful descriptions. Meredith has a way with words that makes you envision everything so clearly like it's being painted in your mind. Her writing style is beautiful, as is the story she chose to tell with this tale. The themes in this book are probably the strongest part, themes like inner beauty and overcoming hardships. That's not to say the setting, characters, and story aren't equally as good. The characters are well drawn and have strong personalities. Snowdrop and Rachel are both dealing with their own issues, but I love how Meredith brings them together to confront them. There was a darker twist with the magic that I really liked. There was also hints of another fairy tale but I won't spoil which one. It's an amazing story! Have something to nibble while reading it because the pastry descriptions are too good.



Author Bio

Meredith Leigh Burton is a voracious devourer of fairy tales. She is a motivational speaker, teacher and writer. She attended the Tennessee School for the Blind and Middle Tennessee State University, where she received a degree in English and theater. Meredith hopes to convey through her writing that people with differences can contribute much to the world. "Snow White" has always been her favorite fairy tale. Meredith has written another fairy tale based on "Snow White" entitled Hart Spring, which can be found in her anthology, Blind Beauty and Other Tales of Redemption. She resides in Lynchburg, Tennessee. Find her online at: Goodreads || Amazon

The Seven Magic Mirrors Blog Tour- Red as Snow

I'm excited to be taking part in this blog tour. I've been loving the story of Snow White lately and  these amazing stories are all a unique twist of the tale.

You can find the rest of the tour here

To start this off, we have 'Red as Snow' one of  Kendra E Ardnek's two spins on the tale. She also put this whole affair together, which is quite a feat in itself. She's been working incredibly hard to pull all this off and I'm amazed at what she's accomplished.

Onto her story!

Red as Snow

Rose is not yet seventeen and is the widow of the king. Her stepdaughter, who is nine years her elder, must marry or else forfeit the throne to her power-hungry cousin. Snow never was a great beauty, and having a beautiful stepmother just complicates things. Can they join together to overcome the adversity surrounding them - or will betrayal and old wounds tear them apart?

Purchase Link

Add Book on Goodreads


Review

I was immediately taken with this story. Rose is in quite a predicament with the King dead and her older stepdaughter set to take the throne. It's as awkward for her as it sounds, but she handles the whole situation far better than I would. I think this is one of the first stories I've read, where the supposed Evil Queen is the heroine and you actually feel a lot of sympathy for her. It's a fun take, I found myself laughing quite a bit, courtesy of Noland, one of Rose's seven brothers. It reminded me a bit of Ella Enchanted in a way, it has that fun, quirky feel to it. All of the characters are interesting and extremely entertaining. Even Charmel has his moments. He makes for a rather off putting, Prince Charming which plays well to Rose's accidental evil Queen role.

All in all, a fun and unconventional read. I highly recommend!

Kendra E. Ardnek loves fairytales and twisting them in new and exciting ways. She's been or acting them on her dozen plus cousins and siblings for years. "Finish your story, Kendra," is frequently heard at family gatherings. Her sole life goal has always been to grow up and be an author of fantasy and children's tales that glorify God and His Word. Find her online at: Website || Blog || Goodreads || Facebook || Twitter || YouTube || Newsletter || Instagram || Amazon


Don't forget to check out the rest of the tour!