The Sevenfold Spell

A Five-Star Top Pick at Night Owl Reviews!

“an amazing, imaginative tale that enraptures the reader”

Four Stars at Romantic Times Book Reviews!

“A delightful sensual fractured re-telling of Sleeping Beauty!”

Four Stars at The Romance Reviews!

“amazing retelling of the famous story of Sleeping Beauty from the perspective of one of the common people in the kingdom–a spinster who owns the spinning wheel.”

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Have you ever wondered what happens to the other people in the fairy tale?

Things look grim for Talia and her mother. By royal proclamation, the constables and those annoying “good” fairies have taken away their livelihood by confiscating their spinning wheel. Something to do with a curse on the princess, they said.

Not every young lady has a fairy godmother rushing to her rescue.

Without the promise of an income from spinning, Talia’s prospects for marriage disappear, and she and her mother face destitution. Past caring about breaking an arbitrary and cruel law, rebellious Talia determines to build a new spinning wheel, the only one in the nation, which plays right into the evil fairy’s diabolical plan. Talia discovers that finding a happy ending requires sacrifice. But is it a sacrifice she’s willing to make?

Heat Level: Sensual (or in terms of movie ratings, R)

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Why I Wrote The Sevenfold Spell

The Sevenfold Spell was a story that did not come easily. It started as a 7000 word short story, which is a bit long for a short story. I trimmed it down to 5000 words, but it seemed like I ripped out its soul.

Then, I trunked it.

A while later, a friend sold an ebook to Cobblestone Press. She sent it to me, and I was intrigued. I had never attempted to write a novella. I wrote to her and wondered if “Spin” (which was what the story was called at the time) would work at novella length. She replied with enthusiasm, so I got to work.

During this last revision, Talia’s character became more solidified. I envisioned this very plain, very lonely, fatherless young girl, who struggled for survival with her mother as a spinner of cloth. And then, to mitigate the Sleeping Beauty curse, all spinning wheels are banned. I tried to imagine the things she would do in the desperate times that would follow–the mistakes she would make, and the things she would regret. I really tried to get into the head of a woman who was very unlike me. The story turned out much more earthy and sensual than I expected. But it also seemed to pack a punch. I do hope you enjoy it.

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The Sevenfold Spell is the first story in the Accidental Enchantments series. It is available as an ebook at most online booksellers, plus it’s available as an audiobook at Audible.