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.
