The Borrowed Rose: Beauty and the Beast Book Recommendations and Retellings

Steampunk is a sub-genre of science fantasy (sci fi + fantasy - I see what they did there) inspired by the Victorian era and steam-powered technologies.  It features alternative futures and innovations.  I enjoy poking around in the steampunk world, and quickly get sucked into the steampunk vortex, with it's rich culture in fashion, literature, movies, music and more.  Wikipedia has a thorough article here on all things steampunk if you, too, desire to travel the vortex. Steampunk Beauty and the Beast Retellings Art by nahp75 on Deviant Art Beauty & the Beast has not escaped the steampunk filter.  Here are three to add to your TBR list today: Firelight (Darkest London Book 1) by Kristen Callihan Loosely inspired by  Beauty and the Beast where Beauty hides a supernatural secret and the masked Beast character, who hides a mysterious past, has been trolling her for some time. Beauty & Beastly: Steampunk Beauty and the Beast (Steampunk Fairytales B...

I've realized that I have a tendency to read in themed phases.  Do you do that, too? Sometimes I'm all about finding a fun, modern fantasy.  Sometimes I'm eager for the classics.  Sometimes it's one Beauty and the Beast fan fiction pick after another.  Other times, I'm looking for a quick and dirty read with good character development.  And I always have a business or non-fiction book, I'm working through.  I find that I'm discerning about solid writing, but I don't have a go-to genre.  And variety is good, right?   Have you noticed a trend in your book choices?   Beauty and the Beast will always be a feature in my reading list, and I have a TBR list when Beauty and her Beast call. Three Beauty and the Beast Tales to Add to Your TBR List To Love a Monster   by Marina Simcoe -  Contemporary, adult romance set in Canada.  Beauty gets friendly with Beast while he's a beast, which is... interesting. Hea...

I made an interesting discovery the other day. I was making the acquaintance of Geralt of Rivia, the Witcher, in  The Last Wish   by Andrzej Sapkowski .  A delightful, tough, magical kinda dude.  I enjoyed the format of the book and getting to know the characters as the short stories unfolded into a broader tale. About three shorts in I was delightfully surprised to discover that Mr. Sapkowski enjoys fairy tales, and wove my fave into the story.   The Witcher Meets Beauty and the Beast in "Grain of Truth" In one of Geralts' adventures, "Grain of Truth," he is meandering through a forest and encounters the remains of two unfortunate souls.  One is a woman with a rose pinned to her dress.  He meanders further down the path and encounters a dilapidated castle.  Upon entering the courtyard he is accosted by the Beast, also called Nivellen.  Nivellen is a jovial fellow, and after a ferocious display where he fails to frighten the Witch...

After reading the fully loaded original version of Beauty and the Beast by Madame Barbot de Villeneuve , the shortened version by Madame LePrince de Beaumont is lack luster.  Sorry, fellow fans, but it just kinda is.  It establishes the important basics that make up the elements of consistent BATB tales, but there's not much drama, conflict or interest to draw you in. Let me restate that I am not a literary critic, reviewer or smart in literary analysis in any way.  Just to be clear.  The comments that follow are those of a girl who loves to read and who loves to read  Beauty & the Beast  tales. Jeanne-Marie LePrince de Beaumont, 1711 - 1780 Jeanne-Marie LePrince de Beaumont was a French author, living in the 1700s.  She wrote her version of  La Belle et La Bête as a magasin - an instructional handbook for parents and teachers.  It appeared in Le Magasin des Enfants in 1756.  She was quite the writer, producing upwards ...

There are so many great options to celebrate your Valentine favorite Beauty and the Beast style.  Whether you have a honey(s) or are celebrating Galentine's, check out these  Beauty and the Beast  Valentine ideas! Beauty and the Beast Paper Valentines Pic by Monstera via Pexels You could go the traditional route with paper valentine cards: Patty at My No Guilt Life rounded up a few printable Beauty and the Beast Disney themed cards that are pretty cute. I really like the free printable "I love you more than Beauty loves the Beast" by Liz at Liz on Call . Rose Themed Cookies for Valentine's Or what about sugar cookies heaped with delicious icing - I mean decorated like a rose? Buy a box of fancy sugar cookies with rose icing from  SugarBuilt  cookies Make your own lovely dozen following a DIY tutorial, like this one from  The DIY Foodie SugarBuilt cookies Beauty and the Beast Valentines & Printables on Pinterest I have a few ideas for you o...

Three new  Beauty and the Beast books in this Book Report: The Bride & the Beast by Theresa Medeiros - re-read this one.  It's a standard, sweet romantic retelling. Blind Beast Mate by Milana Jacks - super racy, quick read. Scales by Alydia Rackham - young adult fairy-tale retelling.  Really enjoyed how the author changed up the character roles and used the original elements of roses, an enchanted castle and the good + bad fairies (refer to my post on the original BATB story  to catch the references).  Scales  is a great choice for all ages. ♥ I'd love to know what Beauty and the Beast retellings you are reading.  Any to add to the fan fiction list? A note on reviews , and why you won't find many here. Note:  As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Your purchases through my site help cover website maintenance fees.  Thank you for your support!

Thanks to the friend I had dinner with a few weeks ago for the super cute Disney-style Beauty and the Beast gift bag and bottle of Storyteller wine.  I love the thoughtfulness of the themed wine to go with a one-of-kind wrapping.  I'll have to gift another themed wine back.  Cheers to you, Friend!