The Lass Who Kissed a Frog by Lee, Caroline (bookreader txt) 📕

“There, there, dearie.” Grisel reached over to pat the youngest godmother’s shoulder. “Ye did fine for yer first official assignment. It all worked out, did it no’? We barely had to do anything!”

“Exactly,” moaned Willa. “They managed it nearly all on their own.”

“Then it was meant to be,” stated Evangeline firmly. “And they’re better off for not having to worry about us meddling.”

“No’ like last time,” muttered Broca with a roll of her eyes.

“Hab tinnar fit abot, eh?”

Sniffing, Willa lifted her head. “Thank ye, Seonag. That does make me feel better.”

Was it possible the girl actually understood their eldest’s words?

Interesting.

Determined to take control of the conversation again, Evangeline reached for the folder on the table in front of her.

“Well, sisters, I believe we can consider this case closed, and the clients well satisfied. Granted, the use of number forty-seven was a bit unusual, and yes, we had some trouble monitoring the situation, but all in all…” With a flourish, she made a big check next to that line on the agenda. “Roland and Vanessa are quite happy, despite it taking a bit of a convoluted story to get them to their happily-ever-afters.” She nodded firmly to Willa. “Good work.”

Blushing, the young woman straightened in her seat.

“Now that the current business has been addressed…” Evangeline dragged her pencil down the paper. “On to the next assignment. Broca, I believe it is yer turn, and I look forward to hearing what ye’ve decided at our next meeting.”

Grisel was happily munching on a tea biscuit. “Ooh, is it finally Bonnie’s turn? She’s such a sweet lass, it’s a shame to give her case to Broca.”

“She’s no’ a sweet lass,” argued their argumentative godmother. “She’s got a good, logical head on her shoulders, and she kens what she wants out of life.”

“Aye, unfortunately, that doesnae include falling in love,” pointed out Grisel. “Willa had it easy, because Roland and Vanessa already wanted to be in love with one another. Just a few hiccups along the way.”

Willa sniffed. “More than just hiccups, really.”

“Point is, neither Bonnie nor Lyon have any interest in one another, much less marriage and love.”

Evangeline hummed thoughtfully as she considered Grisel’s words. “Actually, I’m no’ so certain of that.”

“Aye.” One of Broca’s rare grins lit her face. “And I ken just how to make them realize they’re meant for one another.”

“Really?” Evangeline nodded in satisfaction and checked off the last item on their agenda. “Then we shall eagerly await your plans for The Lass Who Loved a Beast!”

AUTHOR’S NOTE

AUTHOR’S NOTE

On Historical Accuracy

This story was, of course, a retelling of The Frog Prince. That classic fairy tale is best known from its 1812 inclusion in a compilation from the Brothers Grimm. In it, a princess (often depicted as vain and spoiled) solicits a frog’s help to fetch a golden ball she’s dropped into a well. The frog demands a kiss in return (along with special treatment, like sleeping on her pillow and eating from her plate), and she agrees. In some versions, the princess reneges, and the frog has to go to her father to demand she kiss him.

After the kiss, he reveals his true form, which is a handsome prince.

You might have noticed that my fairy tale retellings involve very little of what I like to call bibbity-bobbity-boo magic. This isn’t my first story to involve a shape-shifted character (see Rose Red), and it’s always difficult to figure out how to get around the whole “the hero can’t actually be a frog for most of the book.”

I decided to use the old “he’s in disguise” trick, and instead of a frog, had him come up with the least appealing persona he could imagine. Or at least…what he thought would be the least-appealing persona to Vanessa.

He was, obviously, wrong.

Which is always a delightful thing when it comes to romance novel heroes.

Now, when I realized our hero and heroine needed to work together toward a goal, the golden ball from the original tale was the obvious choice. The point of the ball (in the original) is that it is a completely useless, frivolous toy. It won’t bounce, it’s too heavy to really play with…only a completely spoiled princess would find it appealing to own, and likely then, only as a status symbol.

But the invention of the golden sphaera was a convenient substitute. As I’m sure you’ve figured out, it’s completely made up; although Roman artifacts and excavations are common in England (and even north of the border), I conceived the sphaera as an architectural element completely on my own.

I can tell you, however, that the excavation at Fangfoss Manor will be very important soon. Phineas Prince, the scholar, is very interested in the collection currently in the possession of the Earl of Fangfoss. He’ll have no choice but to find an excuse to visit. And conveniently, the earl is married to Phin’s sister’s old teacher! (You can read about his adventure in The Scholar and the Scot, although it’s not a fairy tale.)

In the meantime, his brother Lyon is going to be dragged, kicking and screaming, into the daylight when he runs headlong into Bonnie Oliphant. She’s no shy and retiring miss, but one determined to reach her goals. Will she own her publishing house? Find out in The Lass Who Loved a Beast. Keep reading for an excerpt!

But first, I want to offer you a personal invitation to join my reader group – Caroline’s Cohort. If you’re on Facebook, I hope you’ll consider becoming a part of my group. It’s where I post all the best book news first, and you’ll be able to get to know me personally. My Cohort group is also instrumental in helping me name characters and choose covers, so stop on by!

SNEAK PEEK

Okay, I don’t know about you, but Beauty-and-the-Beast tropes are my favorite, and I’ve been anxiously awaiting Bonnie and Lyon’s story. I think you’re really going to love Lyon’s scarred heart…I sure do! Check out what happens