The Twice-Drowned Prince

 

In The Twice-Drowned Prince by L.M. Morrison, a prince is rescued by a mermaid after a shipwreck and makes a deal with a witch to become a Mer.  However, the deal comes with a price:  His rescuer must fall in love with him, or he will turn to sea foam.  Also, the prince is still partly human and this complicates thing as the prince struggles to find balance between his two natures.

 

This retelling of The Little Mermaid is engaging and well-written.  The author does an excellent job of addressing the themes of mercy, forgiveness, human nature and love as the prince and the mermaid learn about each other and their worlds.  I like the interaction between the prince and the mermaid, and I like how the prince becomes a Mer rather than the mermaid becoming human.  The role reversal of the prince and the mermaid is interesting.  I would recommend The Twice-Drowned Prince. 

 

Happy Presidents' Day

 

Happy Valentine's Day

 

Polliwog Park

 A nice park in my area.

 

Happy New Year

 

Across the Miles

 

Across the Distance is a collection of short stories about six couples who share one thing in common:  They are in long-distance relationships.  The couples live in different areas, have different occupations and their circumstances are a little different, but they all find ways to make their relationships work.  Author Devin Joubert is writing from personal experience, so she understands what the couples are dealing with.  She was in a long-distance relationship with her husband for 5-1/2 years before they got married.

Across the Distance is enjoyable and hopeful, and I like the positive message that although long-distance relationships can be challenging and require setting aside time for video chats and traveling to see each other, these relationships can be successful.   

Merry Christmas