Publisher: Novelistas Ink Press
From Amazon:
Christmas in Fools Castle hasn’t always been this magical…
Nothing much happens around here, but that suits Antoinette Ellis perfectly. She wants the cocoon the village provides. Fate has taken too many of her loved ones, and all she has left is her brother, and their late sister’s daughter, Tabitha. Antoinette gave up her future to look after her young niece, but her sacrifice hasn’t gone unnoticed.
When a stranger called Rufus moves into the grim, grey house opposite her cottage, odd things start to happen in Fools Castle. He admits he’s not the person he appears to be, but he won’t reveal who he really is. And what secrets lie within that little old book of his, which no one is allowed to look inside?
A miracle is long overdue, but the season for miracles is just around the corner.
My thoughts:
I really enjoyed this novella and it had my attention from the first page – it’s perfect to get you in the mood for Christmas with an engaging cast of characters and a magical feel to the story.
Antoinette lives in a cottage in Fools Castle, with her young niece Tabitha, following the sudden death of Tabitha’s parents. She has put her own life and dreams aside to make sure that Tabitha feels safe and secure but when a mysterious stranger, Rufus, moves into the rented cottage opposite, events force Antoinette to review her life and she has to decide whether she wants to continue to play it safe or take a chance.
Besides Tabitha, Antoinette’s only other remaining family is her older brother Sawyer, who lives in Fools Castle with his two step children. Sawyer could be a bit of a grump and his natural instinct to protect his sister, often put the two of them into conflict however I liked the way that Antoinette stood up to him when he tried to interfere. Although this a short read, there is still enough of a story and background to make it interesting with well-drawn characters.
The village of Fools Castle – and a few of its inhabitants – will be appearing in the author’s next full-length work, due for release in 2014. I will certainly be looking out for this one.
I was pleased to discover that I had another book by this author on my Kindle, Once Upon a Winter, purchased earlier this year, which I look forward to reading.
My thanks to Valerie-Anne for sending the digital copy in exchange for an honest review.
Author website: http://www.valerie-annebaglietto.com