Charlotte Henley Babb

A middle-aged woman finds herself down on her luck. Things just aren’t working out until she finds herself walking into a mythical land with the opportunity to be a fairy godmother. What could go wrong? We never learn to not ask that question.

I have to say that when I started this book, I didn’t like it. It was very hard for me to relate to the main character, Maven. I don’t know if it was how it was written or if it was just a character that I couldn’t connect with. I have no idea, so I won’t attempt to guess and tell you incorrectly. Because of that, I actually sat the book aside for a couple of months before finishing it. This is a prime example on not writing a review without finishing a book. You do the book in justice. As I continued reading, I found myself enjoying it.

Now, the story was still hard for me in that the character and I still didn’t connect. The storyline itself began to be clear to me which is why the story became enjoyable. I found myself laughing as the stories unfolded and began to cross paths. It is a huge lesson in how the acts of one can ripple out to affect other worlds apart.

These are not your standard fairy tales. There are some sexual references and comments though they are not explicit. I liked that fact. It is a unique read that I’ve thought a lot about long after I finished the last page. I’m still not too keen on the writing style, but the messages within the story are wonderful. That is why I’ll recommend this book, but with the warning that it might take a while to get into it. Stick it out and look deep into the book. You’ll uncover some gems.

Note: I received this book from participating in a virtual book tour with no expectation of a positive review.… (más)

Of late, I have had the opportunity to read several re-takes on the classic fairy tales. Many of these new reads have had Fairy Godmothers who are less than the “bippity boppity boo” of those found in Disney – but few have the sheer calamity Jane feel of Maven. Disasters small and large, making Maven a character easy to empathize and sympathize with, especially for anyone who has worked for a living.

The characters are as unique and quirky as any I have seen, most are developed with a nod to both modern stereotypes (dive bars, foolish behaviors) and twisted just enough to be new and uniquely suited to the story and the plot. From Dragons and Trolls, Samoan princesses and over-achieving youngsters looking to be Fairy Godmother Supreme – this read did not disappoint.

Blessed with a “Bump of Direction” as she has named her interior voices, Maven manages to avoid major disasters while finding her footing and abilities as she is thrust into her new position. A witty, quick read (despite the 300 pages) this is a read that is well crafted with an homage to all that is familiar, and a new and unique twist that makes it all the more enjoyable. It reminded me slightly of the Fractured Fairy Tales from Saturday mornings watching Rocky and Bullwinkle with the same tongue-in-cheek feel to the story that held my interest. The only hiccup in the story is the ends tied up fairly neatly: although there could be a sequel, there were no cliffhangers to speak of which makes me wonder if this is the last of Maven.

I received an eBook copy from the author for purpose of honest review for participation in the Full Moon Bites tour. I was not compensated for this review, and all conclusions are my own responsibility.
… (más)