Drawing a deep breath, I opened the door and strode through, my heavy skirts rustling around me.
Read on in A Dream of Ebony and White
Acknowledgments
These books have felt like a long time coming. Ever since I first wrote about the twins in my first novel, The Princess Companion, I’ve known they needed stories of their own. But I needed to wait for them to grow up and, in the meantime, there were some other characters needing happily ever afters first.
And now that the twins and Celine have finally gotten their turn, I’ve also introduced a whole new set of kingdoms and characters to join them in their adventures. And, as always, I rely on the support of so many people to make these books a reality.
In the time I’ve been publishing, my appreciation for my team has only grown. My beta readers, editors, friends and family go above and beyond in helping me with every aspect of my writing. And I felt like I particularly needed that help with these books.
I didn’t expect it, but A Tale of Beauty and Beast turned out to be one of the hardest books I’ve written. Beauty and the Beast is a beloved fairy tale—possibly the most beloved—so retelling it comes with a lot of pressure. It’s also unlike many other fairy tales, with the adventure overshadowed by an intense and complex romance. I’ve done my best to make the story my own, bringing it into my Four Kingdoms world, while keeping all the elements that have been beloved by so many generations.
There is so much that is enchanting in the story of Beauty and the Beast—that the worst of circumstances can somehow lead to the best; that we are all worthy of being loved, no matter what we look like or what hurts we have either caused or endured; that self-sacrifice will be rewarded; that love can conquer all. And despite the stress of the writing, I’ve enjoyed seeing Sophie and Dominic living out this tale.
A Crown of Snow and Ice also had its own unique pressures, given how long Celine had been waiting for her adventure. I’ve had all sorts of emotions about this book, and I’m so grateful to the many people who have borne with me through them all. Add to that the fact that A Crown of Snow and Ice was written during some major life transitions, including a house move, and I feel like my team were required to show extra patience with me! And as always, I appreciate them more than I can say.
Particularly my husband, Marc, who bears with every up and down, and keeps me fed, clothed, and sane in the midst of it all. You are an amazing partner in this writing journey. And to both our families, and my amazing friend, Katie, thank you for housing and supporting us despite our irregular schedule! We value your support enormously.
A special thanks, too, to Rachel and Greg who read A Tale of Beauty and Beast chapter by chapter as I wrote it and gave both encouragement and excellent feedback. That book is for you, as much as it is for Elodie.
A big thanks to my beta readers—an even longer list than usual due to my uncertainty over A Crown of Snow and Ice. Rachel, Greg, Katie, Priya, and Ber, your faithfulness through over ten books now continues to astound me. And Shari and Cheri, your willingness to jump on at the last minute was so gratefully appreciated!
For my writing community—I love taking this rollercoaster journey with you all. Kitty, Kenley, Shari, Aya, Brittany, and Diana, it’s such an amazing gift to have you only a tap of the keyboard away, despite living on different continents. You’re the best! But it’s equally amazing to have an Australian author friend—same time zone for the win, yay—who is available for daily writing sprints, chats, and mental downloads. I’m not sure I would have finished A Crown of Snow and Ice on schedule without you, Marina, so thank you!
Once again, my editor Mary brought insightful improvements to all of these stories, and I am so grateful to have the opportunity to work my books through with her. I am thankful, also, for my other editors—my Dad and Deborah—who are dedicated in their work and incredibly patient with my changing timelines.
And another thanks to the amazing Karri, who has made so many beautiful covers for me now. It’s almost impossible to pick a favorite.
Which leaves God—the only one who sees each of us as we truly are and loves us unflinchingly and unendingly. No thanks could be enough.
About the Author
Melanie Cellier grew up on a staple diet of books, books and more books. And although she got older, she never stopped loving children’s and young adult novels.
She always wanted to write one herself, but it took three careers and three different continents before she actually managed it.
She now feels incredibly fortunate to spend her time writing from her home in Adelaide, Australia where she keeps an eye out for koalas in her backyard. Her staple diet hasn’t changed much, although she’s added choc mint Rooibos tea and Chicken Crimpies to the list.
She writes young adult fantasy including her Spoken Mage series, and her Four Kingdoms and Beyond the Four Kingdoms series which are made up of linked stand-alone stories that retell classic fairy tales.
Also by Melanie Cellier
The Four Kingdoms
The Princess Companion: A Retelling of The Princess and the Pea (Book One)
The Princess Fugitive: A Reimagining of Little Red Riding Hood (Book Two)
Happily Every Afters: A Reimagining of Snow White and Rose Red (Novella)
The Princess Pact: A Twist on Rumpelstiltskin (Book Three)
A Midwinter's Wedding: A Retelling of The Frog Prince (Novella)
The Princess Game: A Reimagining of Sleeping Beauty (Book Four)
The Princess Search: A Retelling of The Ugly Duckling (Book Five)
Beyond the Four Kingdoms
A Dance of Silver and Shadow: A Retelling of The Twelve Dancing Princesses (Book One)
A Tale of Beauty and Beast: A Retelling of Beauty and the Beast (Book Two)
A Crown of Snow and Ice: A Retelling of The Snow Queen (Book Three)
A Dream of Ebony and White: A Retelling of Snow White (Book Four)
A Captive of Wing and Feather: A Retelling of Swan Lake (Book Five) Coming in 2019
A Princess of Wind and Wave: A Retelling of The Little Mermaid (Book Six) Coming in 2019
The Spoken Mage
Voice of Power (Book One)
Voice of Command (Book Two)
Voice of Dominion (Book Three)
Voice of Life (Book Four) Coming in 2019
Beyond the Four Kingdoms Box Set 1: Three Fairytale Retellings (Four Kingdoms and Beyond Box Sets Book 3) Page 84