Dreaming of the Sea (Novella)
by Heidi Garrett
Series- Once Upon a Time Today # 2
Genre- Contemporary Fairy Tale Retellings
Years ago when her mother traded her to the Sea Witch for a love potion, she became the witch's apprentice. Now Gia Chantal must find her own apprentice. If she doesn't, the Devil won't take her soul when she dies, and she'll spend eternity tormented for every spiritual crime she's ever committed. However, it's the 21st century, and Gia doesn't know where to begin when it comes to finding her replacement. She'll turn to social media mastermind Cole--an exiled mer prince--to help her.
Ten-year-old, Miriam, an orphan with visionary tendencies, sought refuge in a convent to escape a life on the streets. Now a young woman, the walls and rules that have kept her safe for over a decade feel constricting. When she comes across the ad to be the wealthy Gia's caretaker, she's never wanted anything more in her life... until she meets Cole.
REVIEW
I was immediately drawn to this book when I saw the cover. It is just too gorgeous! And thankfully, so was the story behind the cover. This was definitely one of those times when it was okay to judge a book by its cover :)
From the very first page I was sucked into this mystical fairytale. I wanted to know all about Gia and how she had come to owing her soul to the devil. Her story broke my heart, because she had been given no choice in the matter, but when she gained power as the sea witch her whole personality changed. Perhaps it came with the territory, but I was hoping she'd be different.
I was intrigued to see how she'd find her apprentice, and how the new girl would shape the future of the seas. Would she become an evil and selfish wench like Gia or would she be the difference this fairytale needed for its happily ever after.
The romance between Cole and Miriam, although swift, was beautiful. However, they seemed to be star-crossed lovers, bound for a future without each other. When Miriam took everything in her stride, it almost felt too easy. She hardly put up a fight and I was waiting for that one explosive moment that would change this story completely. I was pleasantly surprised when that moment came and then Miriam's selfless act of love broke all barriers.
This really was a great new fairytale romance. A story of love, hope and staying true to one's self. Deserves a spot amongst the world's most beloved fairytales.
About the Author
Heidi Garrett is the author of the contemporary fairy tale novella collection, Once Upon a Time Today. In these stand-alone retellings of popular and obscure fairy tales, adult characters navigate the deep woods of the modern landscape to find their Happily Ever Afters.
She's also the author of the Daughter of Light series, a fantasy about a young half-faerie, half-mortal searching for her place in the Whole. Heidi's latest project is a collaboration with B. J. Limpin. They're cooking up a yummy paranormal romance!
Heidi was born in Texas, and in an attempt to reside in as many cities in that state as she could, made it to Houston, Lubbock, Austin, and El Paso. She now lives in Eastern Washington state with her husband, their two cats, her laptop, and her Kindle.
Being from the South, she often contemplates the magic of snow.
Links-
Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/heidigwrites
