Scarlet in the Snow
Although a magic curse is at the heart of the traditional Beauty and the Beast story, there is more mystery than sorcery in this retelling.  Natasha, youngest daughter of a poor and ill painter, loves to read and write stories, hoping to one day turn the tides of her family’s lost fortunes by winning a contest at a local magazine.  On a trip through the snow to deliver one of her mother’s paintings, Natasha gets lost in the woods and takes refuge in a manor house, home to a beast and his companion housekeeper.  The housekeeper is a feya, or fairy, in a time when fairy tales were common.  The beast’s curse isn’t so much about his unkindness, but that is the true heart of the mystery here.  Masson (The Madman of Venice, 2010) has crafted an intriguing, unique retelling full of compelling characters. This is not an updated and modern version of the classic tale, but it should still appeal to fans of other retold fairy tales. Grades 7-10. --Stacey  Comfort