Name: While Beauty Slept
ISBN: 9780399166235

Elizabeth Blackwell

"A Gothic retelling of the real story behind the legend of Sleeping Beauty"--

While Beauty Slept

Shawna Gavas

*****Received with thanks from Goodreads Firstreads*****

Where do I begin? I LOVED this book! It has easily become one of my favorites.

This is an imagined story of the true events surrounding the well know fairy tale Sleeping Beauty. It was so much better than I even expected....the synopsis of this book does not do it justice!

Elise is born to a life on the farm, a life she detests. Her dream is to go work in the castle....a dream that becomes her reality when her family falls to the Pox. Here we are painted a rich view into the inner workings of the castle by the author. Elise begins as a chambermaid but quickly rises up in standing and eventually becomes the Queens personal attendant.

As the Queen is desperate to produce an heir, she seeks help in the most dangerous of people. The King's Aunt Millicent. A strange old woman who feels slighted and owed by all for the power and influence she wields. As a result, Rose is born. But a dark cloud is shortly cast over the castle for Millicent has placed a curse on Rose as a baptismal gift and in return is banished from the castle forever. Elise must protect Rose at all costs.

The writing of this book was absolutely beautiful and well thought out. The characters were well developed and likable creating an immediate connection. The plot moved at a steady pace without dragging and contained everything from action to romance. 

Overall, I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys historical fiction or enjoys a classic premise with a new twist! Well done Elizabeth Blackwell!

While Beauty Slept

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