Kickoff!

Oh my muffins!
I am so sorry...I was supposed to post yesterday but it turned out to be busier than I expected; that is, a usually shorter Sunday nap went into overtime. *cough*

So to get things started, I'm going to tell you about the first two books in Regina Doman's Fairy Tale Novel series, The Shadow of the Bear and Black as Night.

The Shadow of the Bear
















How would you feel if a tall guy with dreadlocks who had been seen dealing drugs showed up at your house on a stormy night? Not only that, he turns out to be pretty nice, and he likes poetry, too!
Blanche is doubtful and suspicious. Rose is thrilled with the mystery and adventure of it all...plus it's nice to have someone they can call a friend.
These are the Brier sisters. Their story is based on the Grimm Brothers' "Snow White and Rose Red." The fellow with the dreads is Bear. When he becomes their friend, adventure ensues as the girls try to discover just who he really is and what he's up to.

What can I say? This is a fantastic book. It has action, intrigue, humor, mystery, just a pinch of romance...and it's as Catholic as they come without being preachy. It's written for teens but is great for anyone. :)
**An independent student film of The Shadow of the Bear is currently in progress. Later this week we'll be posting an interview with the director, producer, writer, and all-around champion multi-tasker that is making it possible.**

Black as Night
















Black as Night is the second book in the Fairy Tale Novel series and is based on, you guessed it, Snow White! Blanche is alone in their house during the summer, having opted to stay home and work while Rose and their mom go on vacation and Bear spends some time in Europe. A late-night attack on the subway lands her in St. Lawrence church for the night. The next morning she is discovered by seven friars (remind you of anything?). They're renovating the church and rectory to be a friary for their new order. Blanche stays with them in their peaceful little community, as she tries to sort out some of her recent problems and the strange, aggressive behavior of a guest at the restaurant where she works. Meanwhile, Bear and her family come back to find her.

Black as Night is rather darker than SotB, and more intense. The seven friars provide great comic relief, though. Action-packed but also with its quiet moments, Black as Night deals with life decisions and God's will for us. This book is fast-paced and frightening, beautiful and enlightening, all in one. Young people at that crucial turning point in their lives will relate to it, as well as anybody who has experienced unhappy family relationships or struggles with anxiety. A great, wonderful book indeed!

A round of applause for Ms. Doman for writing these two fantastic novels! Up next, Waking Rose and Midnight Dancers!