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Going book shopping today so I thought this was appropriate! :) 

The Reflections of Queen Snow White

On the eve of her only daughter, Princess Raven's wedding, an aging Snow White finds it impossible to share in the joyous spirit of the occasion. The ceremony itself promises to be the most glamorous social event of the decade. Snow White’s castle has been meticulously scrubbed, polished and opulently decorated for the celebration. It is already nearly bursting with jubilant guests and merry well-wishers. Prince Edel, Raven's fiancé, is a fine man from a neighboring kingdom and Snow White's own domain is prosperous and at peace. Things could not be better, in fact, except for one thing:

The king is dead.

The queen has been in a moribund state of hopeless depression for over a year with no end in sight. It is only when, in a fit of bitter despair, she seeks solitude in the vastness of her own sprawling castle and climbs a long disused and forgotten tower stair that she comes face to face with herself in the very same magic mirror used by her stepmother of old.

It promises her respite in its shimmering depths, but can Snow White trust a device that was so precious to a woman who sought to cause her such irreparable harm? Can she confront the demons of her own difficult past to discover a better future for herself and her family? And finally, can she release her soul-crushing grief and suffocating loneliness to once again discover what "happily ever after" really means?

*May Contain Spoilers*

Charming has been dead for a year and Queen Snow White still feels as if it were yesterday. In David Meredith's novel, The Reflections of Queen Snow White, a woman who has experienced so much pain has lost the hope that once bloomed inside of her. When she stumbles up the abandoned staircase of her deceased wicked step-mother, the Queen finds a mirror that helps her rediscover herself by showing Snow the life she lived and all she has overcome. 

Readers get an in-depth look at what happens when happily ever after, seemingly, comes to an end. Snow White is plagued with feelings of loneliness and a bleak outlook on life. She struggles to accept that life goes on after her true love has died. Meredith writes Snow's character as a strong woman who has lost her faith, leaving her weak and isolated. Readers will connect with the fairy tale princess as her reflection is presented in new ways. Though, this is not a fairy tale for young readers. The situations that Snow White reflects upon vary between degrees of horrendous torture while others are of a more adult nature. 

The novel is framed by Snow's discovery of the magical mirror and her daughter's wedding. The mirror takes the Queen, and readers, on a trip through the past, outlining her weaknesses and strengths. If Snow White can force herself to re-live the past, then perhaps she can find happiness once again. The Reflections of Queen Snow White tells an incredibly sad tale laced with brief shimmers of hope that leaves a resonating message with its readers. 

Rating: 3/5 Cups

WWW Wednesday (99)

To play along, just answer the following three (3) questions…

• What are you currently reading?

• What did you recently finish reading?

• What do you think you’ll read next?

          

01. Currently Reading:
The Reflections of Queen Snow White by David Meredith. Just a few words into this one, looking forward to delving deeper into this retelling of a classic tale.

02. Recently Finished:
Pressed Pennies by Steven Manchester. Finished this love story last night. Another wonderful novel from Manchester.

03. Reading Next:
City of Lost Souls by Cassandra Clare. Can't wait to continue the Mortal Instruments series, considering the final book just came out yesterday.

Pressed Pennies

Rick and Abby grew up together, became best friends, and ultimately fell in love. Circumstance tore them apart in their early teens, though, and they went on to lives less idyllic than they dreamed about in those early days. Rick has had a very successful career, but his marriage flat-lined. Abby has a magical daughter, Paige, but Paige's father nearly destroyed Abby's spirit.

Now fate has thrown Rick and Abby together again. In their early thirties, they are more world-weary than they were as kids. But their relationship still shimmers, and they're hungry to make up for lost time. However, Paige, now nine, is not nearly as enthusiastic. She's very protective of the life she's made with her mother and not open to the duo becoming a trio. Meanwhile, Rick has very little experience dealing with kids and doesn't know how to handle Paige. This leaves Abby caught between the two people who matter the most to her. What happens when the life you've dreamed of remains just inches from your grasp?

*May Contain Spoilers*

Steven Manchester pens a novel of new beginnings and life long love with his book, Pressed Pennies. Abby and her daughter, Paige, move to a new town after Abby and her husband separate. Nights of Patrick drinking and ugly fights have finally worn Abby thin. She wants to make a better life with her daughter and moving might just give them the fresh start they need. But with a fresh start comes an old flame.

Richard Giles was living in a loveless marriage. He believed that money was the key to happiness and bet his life on it. When he realizes that life requires more ingredients to be fully lived, he and his wife divorce. Richard and Abby were best friends as children and fate brings them back together promising a happily ever after if they're willing to do the work. 

Abby, Richard, and Paige are the three main characters of the book and they are all struggling to find happiness. Abby is a down to earth mom who focuses on making Paige her top priority. She's a dreamer with an innate urge to help others and readers will love her. Richard is a stand-up guy who learns that love is the answer to true happiness. He is friendly, loyal, dependable, and honest. Paige is a young girl who has just lost her innocence. Her rose colored glasses have been destroyed by her alcoholic father and his broken promises. Children of divorce will definitely relate to this little lady and readers will thoroughly understand her actions as she attempts to steer clear of any father figure who might do the same.

The entire novel spans a couple of years, beginning with Abby's separation. When Abby meets Richard again at an annual barbecue, the two begin dating and Paige hates it. Manchester shares the struggles of life after divorce,  accurately depicting fears and worries. Though the dialogue is cliche and sappy at times, as well as over the top sentimental, the core of the story is relatable and believable. Pressed Pennies is an emotional novel that touches readers, showing them that happily ever after is something to strive for.  

Rating: 3.5/5 Cups