RTC ( )

This interpretation of Beauty and the Beast was well written and did a good job of adapting the story to a historical romance that did not involve fantasy elements. This version takes place in England during the mid 1300's and unlike in most versions the character of Beauty has 2 brothers and a mother instead of 2 sisters and her father. I thought the author did a good job of showing the inner emotions of both Annabel and Lord Ranulf le Wyse. ( )

I liked this book, I like the Beauty and the Beast concept. What I find interesting is that a lot of reviews say that it butchered the concept, but I think it did very well. It is not going to directly mirror Beauty and the Beast, it is its own story, afterall. I fell in love with Lord le Wyse.

Another reason this book gets poor reviews is the use of Christianity throughout the novel. In most cases, that would annoy me as well, however I was fine with this because I understood how big of a role it played in the protagonist's lifestyle and way of thinking.

I very much enjoyed this story, and I would recommend it to those who are open-minded in viewing the Christian faith. Just because I'm not Christian, doesn't mean I should hate on the religion and its use in storytelling. I didn't think of it as annoying, rather I used it as a way to learn more about the faith. ( )

This is book #2 of the Hagenheim Fairy Tale series, and since it is one of my favourites of the series so far I wanted to talk a bit more about it!

This is a Beauty and the Beast retelling, but with no magic or curses or actual beasts – just a man with a few ugly scars and an eyepatch who is perceived as gruff and angry. In order to pay off her family’s debts, Annabel goes to work as a maidservant in Lord Ranulf’s household, and discovers that he is not as ‘beastly’ as everyone says he is.

One thing in particular that I really loved about this version of the story was how Belle’s love of reading and books was incorporated. Annabel’s greatest desire is to read the Bible for herself, but they are a rare commodity in that age and women weren’t typically allowed to read them. Not even the local priest has a Bible or has ever read one (and it shows!) When she finally gets her opportunity, her excitement and enthusiasm for reading God’s Word and applying it to her life was so refreshing to experience! It was a good reminder to me of what a blessing it is to have such easy access to Bibles today; it truly is a treasure, yet it is so easy to take it for granted.

And of course, this story wouldn’t be complete without the other reason why Beauty and the Beast is my favourite fairy tale: the value of looking past outward appearances and first impressions to discover a person worth loving – I think that takes both courage and humility, and it’s one of my favourite kinds of love stories! ( )

Great re-telling of Beauty and the Beast.
A scarred hero but the heroine befriends him and he mellows out. I love that they connected through reading the Bible. There is danger, suspense, and friendship. There is manipulating and spiteful actions. But in the end love triumphs.
*I borrowed this ebook from Prime Reading. All opinions are my own.* ( )