The Reflections of Queen Snow White, by David Meredith

What a fabulous new twist on one of my favorite fairytales!  Reflections of Queen Snow White is not quite the "fractured fairytale" that has become so popular lately, but a look at one possibility for "the rest of the story".  I received an e-copy of this book as a gift from the author, and was thrilled because I had already seen a synopsis on Goodreads and it looked very intriguing, especially considering my love of Snow White stories.  Reflections is an independently-published novel, but I would anticipate this author will get attention from top publishers in the future.  Meredith is an unbelievably skilled writer, both in style and substance.

The story begins with an older Snow White,  preparing for the wedding of her daughter, Raven, while feeling the absence of her deceased husband, Charming.  Snow White is lamenting the prospect of living out her days in the castle alone.  In a moment of misdirection and vulnerability, she wanders up the stairs of the castle and finds the mirror (the "magic" mirror), which has been dormant since the death of her stepmother.  Will the mirror heal Snow White or make matters worse?  The power of magic has the ability to change perspectives, and lives.....

For me, Reflections started a bit slowly.  I was caught up in the exquisite writing, but the story itself did not "take off" quite as quickly as I prefer.  After the tone and background had been set, however, I became captivated by Snow White and her experiences.  True to her original story, Snow White is such a loveable character, and Meredith built on that character and drew us in even more.  I found myself wanting to get to know her even better, and feeling her joys, pains, and reflections. This book would be good for anyone 16 and up.  There is some sexual content, so I wouldn't recommend it to younger readers, although they may be interested in the story.  It's a great book for adults, especially those who grew up adoring Snow White.

Bottom Line:  A well-written book that delves deeper into to beloved story.
Rating: 82/100

Sundance, by David Fuller

     I have to admit I was surprised about this one.  My husband is a huge fan of westerns, especially Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid.  Therefore, when I had the opportunity to read an advance copy of Sundance through firsttoread.com, I thought it would be fun to read a book with my husband.  He provided a lot of the background (I'm Native American, so I've never had a love of westerns), but I was quickly brought up to speed.  Then I was ready to digest the next chapter of the Sundance Kid.

     All fans of the old westerns would know that Harry Longbaugh ("Sundance") supposedly died in a shootout in Bolivia, along with Robert Parker ("Butch Cassidy").  However, this novel begins with a different outcome; Sundance is alive and well and has been in prison in Wyoming.  He is released in 1913, and as expected, he sets out to find his beloved wife, Etta Place.  The only problem is that Etta Place is now in New York City.  Sundance does not let the distance deter him, and sets out to a new world in search of his love.

     I loved the way this novel dealt with U.S. History. Important events, including the Industrial Revolution, the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire, and the Progressive Movement (which was neither "'progressive" nor a "movement") were all explored as part of this story.  Also, the "fish out of water" concept, wherein the progressive east coast and the western prairie were so out of touch with each other's environment, was both enlightening and entertaining.  The ending, though quite predictable, is splendid.

      With Sundance, David Fuller has delivered a "what if" story full of love, history, redemption, and even some laughs along the way.  And whether intentional or unintentional, has introduced the story of a classic western to a new group of readers.

Bottom Line:  A very entertaining look a the early 20th Century, built around a classic western tale.
Rating:  84