I read Princess Paisley by Chautona Havig in February and March I believe it was. My sister, Bethany and I were reading it at the same time, keeping pace with each other.
The Author:
Chautona Havig is a contemporary author, living in California. She is married and the mother of nine children and grandmother of two. Princess Paisley is one of her eight published books. Others include: Ready or Not and Shadows and Secrets. To learn more about Mrs. Havig and her books, visit her website: chautona.com
Technical Details:
Princess Paisley was published in 2010. The book contains 29 chapters and is 336 pages long. Princess Paisley is the first and only published book in Mrs. Havig’s Not-So-Fairy Tales series.
The Story:
Princess Paisley follows the story of the young Princess of Jackalopany, Paisley by name. She loves to tend her flock of sheep, talk with the neighboring shepherd, and play her harp. She does have a problem though: Paisley has to get married and fairly soon, because the Jackalopian throne depends on it. If she marries someone beneath her in the social scale, then she is the heiress of the kingdom. On the other hand, if Paisley were to marry a Crown Prince of another kingdom, the throne would go to her younger brother Jackson. Each would need time to prepare for such a duty. Thus, Paisley’s Majority Ball is planned, and all the eligible young men in the surrounding area are invited in the hopes that one of them will turn out to be the future husband of the young princess. In the midst of the celebratory activities though, danger lurks in the shadows and when Paisley disappears, the Kingdom is left to fear the worst. Is Paisley alright? Is treachery afoot in the peaceful kingdom of Jackalopany?
The Writing Style:
I really enjoyed Mrs. Havig’s style in this book. Fairly easy to read, the narrator felt like she was sitting in the same room with the reader. She could be funny or serious as the story required.
The Characters:
The characters were well developed and realistic. There were a few who I wished I could see more of, such Paisley’s brother Jackson, but that was more of a personal opinion, than an requirement for the story. The antagonist was more than unpleasant and the protagonists were lovable.
As to my favorite character… Hmm… I think it would be Rupert, the Prince of Froggilandria who wants to win the hand of the princess. Or Henry, the young shepherd whom Paisley had known all her life. I’m not sure which. I liked them both for different reasons, which, if I gave them, would give away too many “spoilers”.
Conclusion:
Over all, I enjoyed Princess Paisley. A mixture of serious and amusing, I enjoyed the characters and was laughing most of the way through the book. Well written and a good satire on “typical” fairy-tales.
To the KING be all the glory!
Wow, sounds interesting! Like ‘Cinderella’ except positions swapped with ladies and gentleman and the story much more developed! LOL Good review, I now want to read it sometime! :D
~Jamie
You should read it. I think that you would enjoy it, Jamie! The story is MUCH more developed than “Cinderella”! :)
To the KING be all the glory!
Rebekah
“Not-So-Fairy” Stories, eh? Had to laugh at that. LOL! Good review. :)
It IS a fun name!
Thank you! :)
Thank you for the lovely review! I enjoyed it.
The second in the series is in the works– Everard the world’s shyest and bravest prince has to conquer all the ogres of the land… and his own as well.
Oh, and Rebekah… you will see more of Jackson eventually.
I’m looking forward to Everard! It sounds very interesting!
Yay!! Thank you for telling me! I’m excited about that! :)
I’m glad you enjoyed it! :D
I love the way you structure your book reviews! Great detail.
This sounds like a delightful tale – I think I’ll have to check it out. ;)
Thank you! :)
You should! I know you can get it either on her website or Amazon. :)