Why Retelling Fairy Tales is Timeless
By Teresa Tysinger
Thanks to Phyllis for inviting me to share with you all today! Let’s talk fairy tales. Fairy tale retellings have been popular for years. The familiar stories we’ve all heard as children have been retold on the page and screen in countless ways. The other authors and I, in the Once Upon a Summer collection, are joining the trend, too, believing that “Once upon a time…” still pulls us into the power of love today.
Why are fairy tales worth retelling? I’ve given this question a lot of thought and have come up with a few answers I think ring true no matter how much time passes.
Fairy tales hold universal truths.
I’d beg to argue that one of the reasons fairy tales hold up over time is that their stories convey truths that simply don’t expire. Heroes come in all shapes and sizes (Mulan). The truth will always come out (Aladdin). Give people a chance (The Frog Prince; check out the retelling Unkissable by Jaycee Weaver in our collection!) Despite being written ages ago in times much different than our own, these truths and lessons serve as good reminders to us all. What are some truths or lessons you encounter in fairy tales that you find still hold up today?
Fairy tales are nostalgic.
I vividly remember watching Disney’s Beauty and the Beast over and over one summer in the early 90s. I know the story backward and forwards. It’s a beloved childhood memory. So, any time I’ve come across a retelling of the fairy tale, I’m instantly taken back to my early love for the bookish heroine and surly turned tender beast. When I had the chance to read an early draft of Toni Shiloh’s retelling of the story for our collection, titled An Ever After Summer, I was instantly curious to see her spin on the characters I already knew and loved. (Hint: She does NOT disappoint!) It’s an interesting juxtaposition of familiarity and curiosity. Maybe in some ways, it’s like continuing to cook a favorite meal. You eat it again because you know it will satisfy the craving!
Fairy tales remind us of the best of romance.
Let’s be real. Most fairy tales are way darker and intense than any of the retellings we know and love. In fact, I’d bet that many of us haven’t actually read the originals of our favorite stories. So, for the sake of this last thought, let’s consider the more popular retellings. Fairy tales retold often highlight some of the best examples of romance and the power of love. Searching high and low for the one your heart desires (Cinderella). Helping the one you love find their true happiness (Rapunzel; you’ll love Andrea Boyd’s retelling with her novella A New Beginning!). And, I sure hope you find the happily ever after in my novella Gwen and the Three Dates (a rare retelling of Goldilocks and the Three Bears) as sweet as I do! What other reasons do you think fairy tale retellings are so popular with romance readers? What are some of your favorite retellings you’ve read or watched? I hope you’ll pick up a copy of Once Upon a Summer and enjoy our takes on these timeless tales. Available now in paperback and eBook.
Once Upon a Summer: Contemporary Retellings of Timeless Tales
by Andrea Boyd, Toni Shiloh, Teresa Tysinger, Jaycee Weaver
Publication Date May 25, 2021Genres: Christian Fiction, Clean Romance, Fairy Tale Retelling
Contemporary
Written for: Adults
Pages: 478
Synopsis:
Embrace the enchantment of summer with these contemporary twists on timeless tales.
A New Beginning by Andrea Boyd— Who is she? Acacia Martin raised by an impostor mom serving a prison sentence for her sins, or Jasmine Callahan abducted at birth from a family she’s yet to meet? Luckily, she has Drake to help her untangle the mess that is her life. Will he ensnare her heart in the process?
An Ever After Summer by Toni Shiloh — The employees of In a Bind are terrified of Jean-Luc Thibodeaux, so Bellamy Larson hops on a plane to France to deal with the beastly client. Yet once she arrives, she’s convinced he merely needs a friend. Then her heart begins to want ever after, not just one summer.
Gwen and the Three Dates by Teresa Tysinger — Life isn’t a romantic movie, but Gwen Lochs is determined to find her leading man. When she joins a cheesy dating site, Gwen agrees to just three dates. Can Ben Smith watch his best friend and soulmate find someone else? A romantic comedy about searching for that just-right love.
Unkissable by Jaycee Weaver — Reality diva Charlotte Lavigne’s on-camera meltdown reminds former teen-TV prince Jaime Reyes exactly why he left Hollywood ten years ago. A chance encounter leads to a bargain that transforms them both. When it’s time to face her past, will their rediscovered love be strong enough to build a future together?
Purchase Links
Giveaway
To celebrate our release week, we’re giving away this fun summer bundle to one reader!
The Once Upon a Summer bundle includes
- a $10 Amazon gift card
- mesh tote
- cute sunglasses
- summer tumbler
Visit https://bit.ly/3o8UxHN to enter.
Entries are open through May 31 and the winner will be contacted by email. Good luck!
Giveaway
US Giveaway: A book-related prize pack of travel items:
- Packing Cube
- Passport Wallet
- Travel Journal
- Luggage Tag
- Packing Checklist
- A copy of Perfectly Arranged by Liana George
International Giveaway:
Giveaway ends on October 27, 2021
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About Andrea Boyd
Each of Andrea Boyd’s series represents a different genre but all fall into the category of romance. All offer an element of her own brand of humor. And all are a tribute to God.
Besides writing, she loves spending time with her family, quilting, going to car shows, and driving around in her 1968 Barracuda convertible.
Andrea lives with her husband, Tommy, and at least a couple of cats in York County, SC.
About Jaycee Weaver
Lover of Jesus, family, books, coffee, music, and crafting (in that order), Jaycee Weaver is perpetually pursuing at least one of her passions. She writes contemporary Christian romance with realistic characters in everyday situations where they always find a happy ending.
About Teresa Tysinger
Teresa Tysinger is a wife and mother transplanted from North Carolina to North Texas. When not working as the Director of Communications for a large downtown church, she writes charming southern romances inspired by grace. Her debut novel, Someplace Familiar, released this summer. She also is a contributing writer for the Fort Worth Moms Blog (part of the national City Moms Blog Network). A member of American Christian Fiction Writers, Religious Communicators’ Council, and the Association for Women in Communications, Teresa has spent over a decade committed to telling stories of faith through written word. She loves coffee, caramel, and stories with happy endings.
About Toni Shiloh
Toni Shiloh is a wife, mom, and Christian fiction writer. Once she understood the powerful saving grace thanks to the love of Christ, she was moved to honor her Savior. She writes to bring Him glory and to learn more about His goodness.
She spends her days hanging out with her husband and their two boys. She is a member of the American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) and president of the Virginia Chapter.
Blog Contributor for: Putting on the New | Heartwings Blog | Diversity Between the Pages | ACFW Virginia
Thanks for hosting me, Phyllis!