Fabulous Retelling of Folktale

A Curse as Dark as Gold
by Elizabeth c. Bunce

When Charlotte and Rosie Miller inherit the family business, a textile mill that has been in the family for generations, the two young ladies are determined to keep the mill and their small village of Stirwaters in business. But this task isn't so easy when unfortunate mishaps, competing mills and mortgage payment are working against the mill's success. Villagers rumor that the mill has been cursed for generations. Charlotte dismisses such chatter until one day her sister conjures up an odd fellow, Jack Spinner, who promises to spin a roomful of hay into gold thread...for a price. The story, told through Charlotte, question if the rumors and curse are true? Despite an uncle who apparently wants to help and a gentlemen suitor who will do anything to assist Charlotte, it's her agreement with Mr. Spinner that threatens to destroy everything the sisters hold dear. This is an enchanting retelling of Rumplestiltskin filled with magic, ghosts, witchcraft in an English Georgian setting. Strong women characters and supporting characters propel the story forward to a riveting end.

Chilling reality

Wintergirls

by Laurie Halse Anderson

Enter Lia's mind.  It is disturbed, especially since her former best friend, Cassie, died alone in a motel room after calling Lia 33 times on her cell.  Both girls have suffered from eating disorders.  Cassie was bulimic.  Lia is trying to recover from anorexia.  She counts each and every calorie.  Sets new and dangerously unhealthy goals.  She does everything to maintain the illusion to her parents and step-mom that she is still on the road to recovery. But Cassie's death derails her, big time.  Cassie is haunting her, beckoning her to join her.

Laurie Halse Anderson, author of Speak, puts the reader inside the mind of a anorexia victim like nothing I've read before.  I suspect that the author must have suffered her own battle with an eating disorder.  That's how real the story reads!  Though sad and disturbing at times, I always knew the end would be the real beginning of Lia's recovery.  Wintergirls is honest and raw, and something not to miss.