There is a painting of a man standing on a rocky precipice with his back turned to us (Wanderer Above the Sea of Fog by Caspar David Friedrich, 1818). We see the world through his eyes and make of it what we dare. That was the idea of the painters and writers of the Romantic Age (late 17th and early 18th centuries). Romantic paintings, operas, symphonies, ballets and fairy tales were created to make the people of the eighteenth century believe that morals, values, humility, and love could win out over the tests the world had to offer even if those tests were magical curses, harsh landscapes, tricksters, or on-coming storms.
Hoping to match those ideals with today’s ideologies that we should strive to be independent and learn to love ourselves before we can honestly love others, I have pursued the work of the Romantic writers such as Hans Christian Anderson, the Grimm brothers, Perrault, Novalis, and Friederich de la Motte Fouque, and E.T.A. Hoffman to help me create a collection of new fantastic romances for people who still love beautiful images in timeless places.
Hoping to match those ideals with today’s ideologies that we should strive to be independent and learn to love ourselves before we can honestly love others, I have pursued the work of the Romantic writers such as Hans Christian Anderson, the Grimm brothers, Perrault, Novalis, and Friederich de la Motte Fouque, and E.T.A. Hoffman to help me create a collection of new fantastic romances for people who still love beautiful images in timeless places.
Book One!
The Royal Deal
A pampered princess is told she must marry a prince she doesn't like, let alone love, on her nineteenth birthday. Desperate to find a way to stop this arranged marriage, she makes a bargain with her father. If she can survive for three months in the forest with no help of any kind and return healthy and unharmed, then she can choose the man she will marry. The King accepts the wager, knowing he can't possibly lose. Princess Faith knows she must win this deal, but once she ventures into the forest, she has no idea how she can possibly succeed.
The Royal Deal
A pampered princess is told she must marry a prince she doesn't like, let alone love, on her nineteenth birthday. Desperate to find a way to stop this arranged marriage, she makes a bargain with her father. If she can survive for three months in the forest with no help of any kind and return healthy and unharmed, then she can choose the man she will marry. The King accepts the wager, knowing he can't possibly lose. Princess Faith knows she must win this deal, but once she ventures into the forest, she has no idea how she can possibly succeed.
Available for only $0.99 at Amazon Kindle and FREE for Kindle Unlimited Also in print for $5.99
An Excerpt from The Royal Deal
Faith took a deep breath and stood up. “All right,” she said. “Then I want to propose a deal with you.”
Her father sat up straight again and let out a long breath. “Ah yes, the deal you screeched about in the royal corridors like a shrew in the street.” He motioned with his hand for her to proceed.
She continued on, despite his obvious disregard. “Because the notion of marrying Jaeger is so abhorrent to me, I beg of you to consider this.” The King nodded, but his eyes drifted away from her gaze. “Three months remain until my birthday when I am to marry Jaeger. Allow me to leave the castle, travel to the heart of the forest, and live there on my own, unaided by servants of any kind. If I return after that time unharmed and healthy, I do not have to marry Jaeger and can marry whomever and whenever I choose. If I return before the time allotted, then the wedding will go ahead as scheduled, and I won’t offer another complaint.”
The King balked, “You would die out there on your own. What good are you to me dead?”
A twinge in her chest betrayed her at those words. She’d always thought there had been some love from her father. It appeared that she was wrong.
“If I’m faring poorly, I’ll return. I promise.”
“What if you can’t? There are wild beasts and rumors of sorcerers—”
Perhaps with more feeling than she meant to express she said, “Then Phyllia will be the oldest, and you can marry her to Prince Jaeger. That will make you both happy.”
The King didn’t speak for a long moment. His expression was solemn, but there was no way for Faith to know if he was thinking about how her death would affect him emotionally or politically. He looked around the room at the empty rods above the windows, the sewing supplies strewn about the floor, and the heap of material Faith had torn down. Faith suspected what he was thinking, and she counted on him having those very doubts. The accidental coincidence of her mess pleased her no end.
At long last he said, “You haven’t any skills to survive. This is a wager you can’t possibly win.”
“Still,” she came back, “I’m willing to make it. I’m that against marrying Jaeger and ever hopeful that those three months will bring Mikhail home.”
“You are a headstrong girl.”
“I know, Father,” she said. “Will you accept?”
He stood and reached out to grab her elbow. Looking in her eyes for the first time in the conversation, he said, “Yes.” In a swift move, he tugged her by the elbow into an embrace. He patted her back roughly and said in her ear, “Don’t get eaten by a wolf. I would miss you.”
Faith let a smile creep up one side of her thin lips. “I love you too.”
A simple plan was made that she should leave during the night with nothing but the clothes on her back, a blanket, and a heavy cape. Anything else she needed, she’d have to find in the forest. This was more extreme than she had planned. She feared if she pushed him for more, he’d renege on the whole matter. No one was to see her leave, so her departure would require stealth and secrecy.
“If my enemies knew you were alone in the forest, they might find you and use your life against me,” her father told her. “I will find some reasonable explanation for your absence at court that the people will believe.”
Faith kissed her father warmly on the cheek. “I will see you in three months, Father.”
He winked at her. “I’m certain it will be sooner than that.”
They were both tremendously pleased with themselves as they parted ways.
Faith’s pleasure immediately turned to mild panic as she let it sink in what she had just committed herself to doing. Three months in the forest with nothing but a blanket and a cape? And she had no choice but to stay out there. The option of giving up outweighed her fear of death.
Mind buzzing, she cleaned up her sewing mess. New curtains were the least of her concerns. As she put the folded material back in the linen room she noticed the peasant dresses hanging near the door. These belonged to the servants who wore uniforms while in the castle. Fingering through them, she found one approximately her size. When she returned from her excursion, she’d find out whose clothes she’d taken and reward her with new, better garments.
Faith knew she should sleep at least a few hours, but her nerves kept her awake. She lay awake, waiting impatiently in her room for the hour to reach three in the morning. It would be the quietest time of night. No one would be alerted to her departure but the palace guards, who wouldn’t take much notice of peasant leaving the palace. She stared out her window at the forest, a thick roof of leaves that stretched as far as her vision allowed, separating the kingdoms of Aronsite and Devonedge. Hundreds of awful rumors and legends about the forest existed. Frightening tales of dragon lairs or witches conjuring black magic kept people from even using the land that touched the border trees for farming. Travelers chose the long way around the forest, a trip lasting a minimum of two weeks, what with the ragged cliffs that made horse and wagon travel difficult. Only the soldiers dared to cross the forest, and they hadn’t been forced to make that journey in forty-three years when the kings, at long last, had declared truce.
A truce made mainly because of the troublesome and intervening forest.
A light breeze passed through her open window panes, and she shivered at the touch of its cold fingers. Unlike any other breeze, this one didn’t pass her by and dissolve into the heat of the room. It wrapped itself around her and tugged her until she was leaning out the window.
Now is the time it whispered in her ear.
She knew it spoke the truth. She needed to leave now, before fear finished casting its spell. Legends be damned.
The breeze slipped free of her and she felt gravity start to pull her toward the ground. Faith planted her hands against the window frame and stopped her fall.
“Not that way,” she said with a weak laugh. To the departing magic she said, “You won’t kill me so easily as that.”
She thought she heard the breeze laugh, but the sound was sucked into the forest where it would wait for her to challenge it head on.
Strapping the cape to her back and tucking the blanket under her arm, Faith took one last look around her room at her jewelry case, her full-length mirror, her wardrobe stuffed with gowns, her fine bedclothes and feather pillows. She took a deep breath and let it out slowly. “I can do this,” she whispered to the room that knew her weaknesses so well. “You’ll see.”
She stepped out the door and started her adventure.
Faith took a deep breath and stood up. “All right,” she said. “Then I want to propose a deal with you.”
Her father sat up straight again and let out a long breath. “Ah yes, the deal you screeched about in the royal corridors like a shrew in the street.” He motioned with his hand for her to proceed.
She continued on, despite his obvious disregard. “Because the notion of marrying Jaeger is so abhorrent to me, I beg of you to consider this.” The King nodded, but his eyes drifted away from her gaze. “Three months remain until my birthday when I am to marry Jaeger. Allow me to leave the castle, travel to the heart of the forest, and live there on my own, unaided by servants of any kind. If I return after that time unharmed and healthy, I do not have to marry Jaeger and can marry whomever and whenever I choose. If I return before the time allotted, then the wedding will go ahead as scheduled, and I won’t offer another complaint.”
The King balked, “You would die out there on your own. What good are you to me dead?”
A twinge in her chest betrayed her at those words. She’d always thought there had been some love from her father. It appeared that she was wrong.
“If I’m faring poorly, I’ll return. I promise.”
“What if you can’t? There are wild beasts and rumors of sorcerers—”
Perhaps with more feeling than she meant to express she said, “Then Phyllia will be the oldest, and you can marry her to Prince Jaeger. That will make you both happy.”
The King didn’t speak for a long moment. His expression was solemn, but there was no way for Faith to know if he was thinking about how her death would affect him emotionally or politically. He looked around the room at the empty rods above the windows, the sewing supplies strewn about the floor, and the heap of material Faith had torn down. Faith suspected what he was thinking, and she counted on him having those very doubts. The accidental coincidence of her mess pleased her no end.
At long last he said, “You haven’t any skills to survive. This is a wager you can’t possibly win.”
“Still,” she came back, “I’m willing to make it. I’m that against marrying Jaeger and ever hopeful that those three months will bring Mikhail home.”
“You are a headstrong girl.”
“I know, Father,” she said. “Will you accept?”
He stood and reached out to grab her elbow. Looking in her eyes for the first time in the conversation, he said, “Yes.” In a swift move, he tugged her by the elbow into an embrace. He patted her back roughly and said in her ear, “Don’t get eaten by a wolf. I would miss you.”
Faith let a smile creep up one side of her thin lips. “I love you too.”
A simple plan was made that she should leave during the night with nothing but the clothes on her back, a blanket, and a heavy cape. Anything else she needed, she’d have to find in the forest. This was more extreme than she had planned. She feared if she pushed him for more, he’d renege on the whole matter. No one was to see her leave, so her departure would require stealth and secrecy.
“If my enemies knew you were alone in the forest, they might find you and use your life against me,” her father told her. “I will find some reasonable explanation for your absence at court that the people will believe.”
Faith kissed her father warmly on the cheek. “I will see you in three months, Father.”
He winked at her. “I’m certain it will be sooner than that.”
They were both tremendously pleased with themselves as they parted ways.
Faith’s pleasure immediately turned to mild panic as she let it sink in what she had just committed herself to doing. Three months in the forest with nothing but a blanket and a cape? And she had no choice but to stay out there. The option of giving up outweighed her fear of death.
Mind buzzing, she cleaned up her sewing mess. New curtains were the least of her concerns. As she put the folded material back in the linen room she noticed the peasant dresses hanging near the door. These belonged to the servants who wore uniforms while in the castle. Fingering through them, she found one approximately her size. When she returned from her excursion, she’d find out whose clothes she’d taken and reward her with new, better garments.
Faith knew she should sleep at least a few hours, but her nerves kept her awake. She lay awake, waiting impatiently in her room for the hour to reach three in the morning. It would be the quietest time of night. No one would be alerted to her departure but the palace guards, who wouldn’t take much notice of peasant leaving the palace. She stared out her window at the forest, a thick roof of leaves that stretched as far as her vision allowed, separating the kingdoms of Aronsite and Devonedge. Hundreds of awful rumors and legends about the forest existed. Frightening tales of dragon lairs or witches conjuring black magic kept people from even using the land that touched the border trees for farming. Travelers chose the long way around the forest, a trip lasting a minimum of two weeks, what with the ragged cliffs that made horse and wagon travel difficult. Only the soldiers dared to cross the forest, and they hadn’t been forced to make that journey in forty-three years when the kings, at long last, had declared truce.
A truce made mainly because of the troublesome and intervening forest.
A light breeze passed through her open window panes, and she shivered at the touch of its cold fingers. Unlike any other breeze, this one didn’t pass her by and dissolve into the heat of the room. It wrapped itself around her and tugged her until she was leaning out the window.
Now is the time it whispered in her ear.
She knew it spoke the truth. She needed to leave now, before fear finished casting its spell. Legends be damned.
The breeze slipped free of her and she felt gravity start to pull her toward the ground. Faith planted her hands against the window frame and stopped her fall.
“Not that way,” she said with a weak laugh. To the departing magic she said, “You won’t kill me so easily as that.”
She thought she heard the breeze laugh, but the sound was sucked into the forest where it would wait for her to challenge it head on.
Strapping the cape to her back and tucking the blanket under her arm, Faith took one last look around her room at her jewelry case, her full-length mirror, her wardrobe stuffed with gowns, her fine bedclothes and feather pillows. She took a deep breath and let it out slowly. “I can do this,” she whispered to the room that knew her weaknesses so well. “You’ll see.”
She stepped out the door and started her adventure.
Some Reviews of The Royal Deal
"Ah! A classic romance. But what is life without the fantasy of a good romance to soothe the soul. D.G. Driver's romance novelette, The Royal Deal, has all the ingredients of a compassionate and exciting tale to suit the reader's fanciful desires: a princess seeking true love, an arrogant prince that she doesn't like, a conflict of wills and desires, a deal that requires every inch of devotion in order to succeed, and a missing prince. Who is this prince? Where is he? Does he still live? And who is this other character, the one she meets in the woods? A short little dose of excitement, fantasy and romance." Reader's Favorite 5-star review
"The story, written in the third person, is made up of vivid vignettes illustrating both Faith’s life in the castle at first, and then her attempts at survival in the forest (mostly unsuccessful and lucky escapes, including a lovely interlude with a bear cub). This is not a story about a girl who suddenly discovers she is good at everything and has a natural talent to survive in the wild. She makes mistakes, is sorely unprepared, and keeps getting into trouble... As some other reviewers have noted, this is no magical fairy tale, this is the tale of a determined (obstinate?) girl who learns the value of being prepared, of working hard for what you want, and of being truly independent... An original fairy tale, which could facilitate interesting discussions about female role models and the first of what looks like a very interesting series." Author Translator review
"D. G. Driver's books have always captivated me, and The Royal Deal is no exception. I generally prefer darker fairy tales, but I liked the sound of Princess Faith. Although headstrong, determined, and spontaneous, she just wants a chance to control her own life. Ill-prepared to survive in the forest, perhaps she should have thought things through a little better before striking a deal with her father, the King, but whatever the case, you have to admire her chutzpah... This isn't a sparkly fairy tale with the prince rescuing the princess - it possesses a more modern spin, with the princess learning independence and building self-esteem. The Royal Deal is a charming tale that takes only a couple of hours to read at the most, and I'd recommend it to both fans of traditional fairy tales and those who are looking for a different take on the standard stories." Books and Such review
"This modern take on a fairy tale was a quick and very pleasant way to while away an hour or two. Faith was a lovely, genuine character, I was willing her to succeed even though it looked very unlikely. She knows she has weaknesses but believes in herself and wants to take control of her own life. Faith is made of strong stuff for someone who has been cosseted all her life, and despite being completely ill-equipped, the hardships, difficulties and failures, she is courageous and doesn’t give up easily. Lessons are learned during her time in the forest, about herself and what is important in life – anything worth having is worth fighting for." Between the Lines review
"I’m a sucker for a story with a strong female lead. I’m not much on princess stories. So reading a fairy tale where the princess bumbles along until the prince rescues her, well, not my cup of tea. Thank heavens, that’s not what D. G. Driver wrote. This princess get splinters, starves, and almost gets eaten by wild animals until she saves herself. I won’t tell you how she learns. D. G. Driver does what with a wonderful story of standing up for what you want and then learning how to get it. I can't wait for the next "fairy" tale." Monday Morning Indie review
"From the very start, it is made very clear that Faith is not your typical princess. Just as well, as this is not your typical fairy tale. Faith is outspoken, strong willed, and enterprising... What follows is a fast-paced, quick-witted, surprising, and unique tale of a modern princess in ancient times. In this novella, Driver turns the idea of a classic fairy tale on its head by giving us a heroine that defies every characteristic that typically befalls a princess. Faith is a princess that does not hide behind castle walls but instead throws herself into the unknown; instead of being rescued, she refuses help time and time again; most notably she dreads the idea of a marriage to a prince if it means that there is no love. As Faith's story of survival in the woods unfolds it becomes apparent that this is not only a story of a young woman against the elements, but a story of a woman versus tradition, her family, and what is expected of her. Faced with multiple hardships, danger, and the inevitable realization that her royal life has contributed to her being ill-equipped for survival, it is impossible not to cheer her on and hope for the best. Success appears to be on the horizon when circumstances in the woods suddenly change. But it's only through that, that Faith (and the reader) can realize that aid does not equate helplessness, and that to be vulnerable -- especially in love -- one can find one's own greatest strength." Amazon customer review
"Ah! A classic romance. But what is life without the fantasy of a good romance to soothe the soul. D.G. Driver's romance novelette, The Royal Deal, has all the ingredients of a compassionate and exciting tale to suit the reader's fanciful desires: a princess seeking true love, an arrogant prince that she doesn't like, a conflict of wills and desires, a deal that requires every inch of devotion in order to succeed, and a missing prince. Who is this prince? Where is he? Does he still live? And who is this other character, the one she meets in the woods? A short little dose of excitement, fantasy and romance." Reader's Favorite 5-star review
"The story, written in the third person, is made up of vivid vignettes illustrating both Faith’s life in the castle at first, and then her attempts at survival in the forest (mostly unsuccessful and lucky escapes, including a lovely interlude with a bear cub). This is not a story about a girl who suddenly discovers she is good at everything and has a natural talent to survive in the wild. She makes mistakes, is sorely unprepared, and keeps getting into trouble... As some other reviewers have noted, this is no magical fairy tale, this is the tale of a determined (obstinate?) girl who learns the value of being prepared, of working hard for what you want, and of being truly independent... An original fairy tale, which could facilitate interesting discussions about female role models and the first of what looks like a very interesting series." Author Translator review
"D. G. Driver's books have always captivated me, and The Royal Deal is no exception. I generally prefer darker fairy tales, but I liked the sound of Princess Faith. Although headstrong, determined, and spontaneous, she just wants a chance to control her own life. Ill-prepared to survive in the forest, perhaps she should have thought things through a little better before striking a deal with her father, the King, but whatever the case, you have to admire her chutzpah... This isn't a sparkly fairy tale with the prince rescuing the princess - it possesses a more modern spin, with the princess learning independence and building self-esteem. The Royal Deal is a charming tale that takes only a couple of hours to read at the most, and I'd recommend it to both fans of traditional fairy tales and those who are looking for a different take on the standard stories." Books and Such review
"This modern take on a fairy tale was a quick and very pleasant way to while away an hour or two. Faith was a lovely, genuine character, I was willing her to succeed even though it looked very unlikely. She knows she has weaknesses but believes in herself and wants to take control of her own life. Faith is made of strong stuff for someone who has been cosseted all her life, and despite being completely ill-equipped, the hardships, difficulties and failures, she is courageous and doesn’t give up easily. Lessons are learned during her time in the forest, about herself and what is important in life – anything worth having is worth fighting for." Between the Lines review
"I’m a sucker for a story with a strong female lead. I’m not much on princess stories. So reading a fairy tale where the princess bumbles along until the prince rescues her, well, not my cup of tea. Thank heavens, that’s not what D. G. Driver wrote. This princess get splinters, starves, and almost gets eaten by wild animals until she saves herself. I won’t tell you how she learns. D. G. Driver does what with a wonderful story of standing up for what you want and then learning how to get it. I can't wait for the next "fairy" tale." Monday Morning Indie review
"From the very start, it is made very clear that Faith is not your typical princess. Just as well, as this is not your typical fairy tale. Faith is outspoken, strong willed, and enterprising... What follows is a fast-paced, quick-witted, surprising, and unique tale of a modern princess in ancient times. In this novella, Driver turns the idea of a classic fairy tale on its head by giving us a heroine that defies every characteristic that typically befalls a princess. Faith is a princess that does not hide behind castle walls but instead throws herself into the unknown; instead of being rescued, she refuses help time and time again; most notably she dreads the idea of a marriage to a prince if it means that there is no love. As Faith's story of survival in the woods unfolds it becomes apparent that this is not only a story of a young woman against the elements, but a story of a woman versus tradition, her family, and what is expected of her. Faced with multiple hardships, danger, and the inevitable realization that her royal life has contributed to her being ill-equipped for survival, it is impossible not to cheer her on and hope for the best. Success appears to be on the horizon when circumstances in the woods suddenly change. But it's only through that, that Faith (and the reader) can realize that aid does not equate helplessness, and that to be vulnerable -- especially in love -- one can find one's own greatest strength." Amazon customer review
Book Two!
The Tomato Quest
Dash and Lillian are in love, but her wealthy father won’t permit them to be married because Dash is not a suitable match. He is nothing but the son of the family’s gardener. To be rid of the young man, Lillian’s father claims that the only way Dash could ever earn Lillian’s hand in marriage is to find his fortune in the time it takes a basket of fresh tomatoes to rot. Naturally, Sir Barrymore isn’t serious about this challenge, but Dash sees it as his only chance to win the hand of the woman he loves. He leaves immediately on a quest to find a way to complete this impossible task. Meanwhile, Lillian is doing her best to make her parents postpone her engagement to someone else in order to give Dash time to return. It is a whirlwind fairy tale adventure full of danger, cunning, magic, true love, and tomatoes.
Only $1.99 on Kindle or FREE for Kindle Unlimited! ALSO IN PRINT FOR $5.99!
The Tomato Quest
Dash and Lillian are in love, but her wealthy father won’t permit them to be married because Dash is not a suitable match. He is nothing but the son of the family’s gardener. To be rid of the young man, Lillian’s father claims that the only way Dash could ever earn Lillian’s hand in marriage is to find his fortune in the time it takes a basket of fresh tomatoes to rot. Naturally, Sir Barrymore isn’t serious about this challenge, but Dash sees it as his only chance to win the hand of the woman he loves. He leaves immediately on a quest to find a way to complete this impossible task. Meanwhile, Lillian is doing her best to make her parents postpone her engagement to someone else in order to give Dash time to return. It is a whirlwind fairy tale adventure full of danger, cunning, magic, true love, and tomatoes.
Only $1.99 on Kindle or FREE for Kindle Unlimited! ALSO IN PRINT FOR $5.99!
What reviewers are saying about The Tomato Quest
"D. G. Driver’s romantic novella, The Tomato Quest, presents an unusual, unique challenge to prove the intensity of one’s love. The main characters, Dash and Lillian, are strong characters, intent on fulfilling their promises to each other. This fairy tale type story has all the key ingredients of a good romance, full of adventure and magic, and, of course, tomatoes. Who would have thought that tomatoes could be so romantic? The author weaves a compelling tale, full of marvelous descriptive narratives and strong character development through believable and plot-advancing dialogue. This is a sweet romance that demonstrates the power of the saying, “Absence makes the heart grow fonder.” A great read."
Reader's Favorite 5-star review
"There is humor, danger, and anguish! Tomatoes, ripe and unripe play a big part in the story. This novella will provide you with a few giggles, some serious thoughts about class structure, and romance. Take a chance, you’ll enjoy it!" Monday Morning Indie Reviews
"Driver spins a whimsical tale for the young at heart. She creates a new set of fairy tales for any that believe in magic." Ally.is.Reading review
"This is a fun idea and a nicely put together story.... It should appeal to lovers of fairy tale romance and happy endings." Terry Tyler Book Reviews
"D. G. Driver’s romantic novella, The Tomato Quest, presents an unusual, unique challenge to prove the intensity of one’s love. The main characters, Dash and Lillian, are strong characters, intent on fulfilling their promises to each other. This fairy tale type story has all the key ingredients of a good romance, full of adventure and magic, and, of course, tomatoes. Who would have thought that tomatoes could be so romantic? The author weaves a compelling tale, full of marvelous descriptive narratives and strong character development through believable and plot-advancing dialogue. This is a sweet romance that demonstrates the power of the saying, “Absence makes the heart grow fonder.” A great read."
Reader's Favorite 5-star review
"There is humor, danger, and anguish! Tomatoes, ripe and unripe play a big part in the story. This novella will provide you with a few giggles, some serious thoughts about class structure, and romance. Take a chance, you’ll enjoy it!" Monday Morning Indie Reviews
"Driver spins a whimsical tale for the young at heart. She creates a new set of fairy tales for any that believe in magic." Ally.is.Reading review
"This is a fun idea and a nicely put together story.... It should appeal to lovers of fairy tale romance and happy endings." Terry Tyler Book Reviews
Book Three!
The Silent Beauty
A beautiful, vain vixen is cursed by a vengeful witch.
Colleeda is a beautiful but wickedly vain young woman. Of all her assets, the one she prizes most is the sound of her voice. Her favorite game is to attract young men and then leave them heartbroken. It's all fun until she chooses to lure one man away from his fiancée—and that woman is rumored to be a witch bent on revenge. Colleeda is cursed to never speak or sing again, except for a couple minutes in the wee hours of the morning when no one can possibly hear her.
For years, Colleeda mourns the loss of her voice, believing she is no longer beautiful or desirable. She lives in solitude as her house falls into disrepair around her.
Is there any way to break the curse? Does she deserve to have it broken?
Only $1.99 or FREE for Kindle Unlimited Also in PRINT for $5.99
5-star Review from Reader's Favorite:
"D. G. Driver’s classic fairy tale, The Silent Beauty, is the third book in the Chasing the Romantics, A Series of Original Fairy Tales. Like the first two books in the series, The Royal Deal and The Tomato Quest, this author follows the classic formula of a fairy tale to create a compelling story with valuable lessons. With a well-structured plot and well-developed characters, this story is rather sad. In spite of disliking the vain, selfish woman Colleeda has become, a character the author thoroughly describes and develops, the reader wants to like her, wants to find some redeeming quality deep within. As the plot thickens, the author creates some subtle changes to Colleeda's character, first making her pure evil, then creating a character that redefines herself and overcomes the tragedies that robbed her of what she loved the most. The message or theme? That self-centered vanity and selfishness really isn’t a beautiful trait. True beauty lies deep within, as the well-known line from another classic fairy tale suggests: “Mirror, mirror on the wall, who’s the fairest of them all?” A well-told classic fairy tale with a solid plot, realistic characters and lots of action."
5-Star Review from Rosie Amber Book Reviews
"I do so love it when you open a book and within the first few lines you know you are in for a treat. The Silent Beauty is just such a read...The Silent Beauty is book three in a series of fairy tales and contains all the magic of such tales with good and evil, heroes and heroines, and characters brought low by their own weaknesses. Does this one offer the possibility of redemption and send out a moral message? Well, you will have to read it yourself to find out and I highly recommend that you do. At only 80 pages long this is a gem. The writing is excellent, the descriptions rich and the storytelling wonderful."
5-Star Review from Books and Such review blog
"Colleeda is despicable, narcissistic, rude - I could go on, but no doubt you get the picture. She believes the world and everyone in it exist for her pleasure. Kudos to the author for making her so unlikable. You'll spend most of the book yearning for her to get knocked off the pedestal she's placed herself on. From the book description, rest assured, it's a pretty rough fall. And then, you'll miraculously find yourself feeling a bit sorry for her. Although fairly sure I knew how this tale would end, it came as a surprise to me. The author's unpredictable path added just a little more oomph to an already compelling read.
If you're a fan of fairy tales or retellings, D.G. Driver's delightful, and occasionally dark series checks those boxes quite well, and can be easily read in one sitting."
Can't get enough fairy tales?Try these two anthologies.
If you like The Royal Deal, you will also enjoy my original fairy tale "The Hallway of Three Doors". It is featured in the 3rd Fellowship of Fantasy anthology Mythical Doorways.
If you like The Royal Deal, you will also enjoy my original fairy tale "The Hallway of Three Doors". It is featured in the 3rd Fellowship of Fantasy anthology Mythical Doorways.
"King or Beggar" my retelling of a lesser known Grimm Brothers' tale "King Thrushbeard" is now featured in the 4th Fellowship of Fantasy anthology, Tales of Ever After.
The ebooks of these anthologies are always FREE. There are also lovely paperback editions.
The ebooks of these anthologies are always FREE. There are also lovely paperback editions.