While Beauty Slept by Elizabeth Blackwell was a very fast listen for me not to mention an excellent one too! Who doesn’t love fairy tales and especially Sleeping Beauty. While Beauty Slept is a retelling of that age old fairy tale that we grew up with and kids are growing up with now. Was there really a Prince and a Princess who was awakened by his kiss? Elizabeth Blackwell tells a tale of a royal family and a princess and just maybe what really happened so long ago in that tower!
Elise is now a great-grandmother but she still remembers the old days. When she hears her great-granddaughter telling the tale of Sleeping Beauty all her memories of times past coming rushing back to her. You see Elise was there. She knew the princess and her royal family and had spent years in their service finally ending in being a companion to the princess. Yet twisted in all these years was turmoil and an evilness that reached through the years with the sole purpose of destroying the royal family.
Elise is really the main character in this novel and I liked her so much. When she lost her mother to small pox she headed to her aunt’s house with the hopes that she would get a job in the castle just as her mother had. As luck would have it she does. Through grief, lost love, and happiness Elise stays loyal to the royal family and especially the princess. When tragedy strikes Elise is entrusted with the care of the princess and Elise would give her own life for the girl. Leaving the castle briefly she comes back to find… I think maybe you need to read the book yourself for this surprising twist!
Despite having a review copy I splurged on the audio after listening to a sample. It’s narrated by Wanda McCaddon and her portrayal of this story is just wonderful. She brought this story vividly alive in my mind and while I know I would have loved this one in print as well I can’t help but say that if you have a chance to listen to the audio do it! It’s fantastic!
Beautiful cover, beautiful story, and amazing writing. Cuddle up in your favorite chair with this one and just enjoy! Highly recommended!
Source: Audiobook from my personal library.
Wanda McCaddon is such a great narrator… can see why you decided to splurge!
JoAnn, she is a really good narrator. I wouldn’t hesitate to listen to her again.
I bet my sister would love this book!
Kathy, if she likes audios this one was great.
Darlene, this sounds wonderful, in both book and audio form!
Susan, it was a wonderful novel.
I want to read this one now!
Linda, I hope you get a chance to read it. I’d love to see what you’d think of it.
This sounds good Dar — glad u reviewed it for us.
Diane, it was really good!
I’m going to have to see if the library has this, or maybe the audio version online.
Thanks Darlene!
How is Sammy doing?
Carla, if you do get a chance to check out the book email me and let me know what you thought of it.
Sammy is doing pretty much the same except now that he’s on spaghetti instead of rice he’s actually eating every day. Not enough but he’s eating. He sends puppy slurps to all of you!
I’m glad to hear you liked it! I’m trying to decide if I should splurge on it too. Maybe I’ll go with the audio.