The Sweetest Spell

Publishers WeeklySelfors (Mad Love) offers a delightful spin on classic fairy tales in a story that's part "The Ugly Duckling," part "Rumpelstiltskin." Emmeline Thistle was born a dirt-scratcher's daughter in the village of Root. Because of her curled foot, she was left to die as a baby. However, Emmeline survived, protected by the local cows, and she gained a strong connection to the animals as a result. After Emmeline's father is rounded up to fight in a war, she almost drowns in a flood and is saved yet again by the cows, as well as a dairyman's son, Owen Oak. With Owen, Emmeline discovers she can churn cream into chocolate, a delicacy long gone from the kingdom of Anglund. This magical ability makes Emmeline highly sought after, but she has plans of her own.