Before Happily Ever After Blog Tour

Welcome to the blog tour for the Before Happily Ever After series by Ann T. Bugg! I have a review of the first book today, and I will add reviews for the next to books later, so be sure to check back!

Now on to the books!

Author Ann T. Bugg

Ann T. Bugg is the Queen of her castle in southern Minnesota where she lives with her Knight in shining armor (who has come to her rescue more than once) and her own little Princess Valerie. The pets in her magical kingdom come in all shapes and sizes, as do all the critters that make their way out of the enchanted forest. Horseback riding, long walks with her dogs (Otter & Dottie pictured above) and embroidering are on her list of hobbies, but writing will always be her first love.

Ann also writes Women's Fiction under the name June Kramin.

Links

Facebook * Website * Twitter

Book 1

Book 1: Through the Mirror and into Snow (Snow White)

When best friends Valerie and Samantha discover a magic mirror in Val’s 100-year-old barn in southern Minnesota, they eagerly go through it. Immediately they run into the young Snow White, who has just escaped the huntsman. The girls vow to help her find her father, knowing the dangers that await. On their journey, the fun-loving double-trouble duo quickly discover they are caught up in the middle of their favorite fairy tales.

Having the knowledge of the stories as their only weapon, Val and Sam help two other princesses, make a surprising friend and discover they have a fairy godmother of their very own.

Book 2

Book 2: Into the Forest and Down the Tower (Rapunzel)

It’s time for Samantha’s summer visit again. Both she and Val are anxious to see if they will take another magical journey through the mirror. After learning of a problem with one of the horses, Odette makes her appearance and tells the girls it’s up to them to help him.

What Charlie needs is something that can only be found in their magical land. It can’t be given to them; they have to solves riddles and discover the answers themselves. A family of elves guides them, but even elf powers are limited when it comes to what stands between the girls and what they seek.

Trolls and unicorns were everything they imagined and more, but rescuing Rapunzel from her tower was an added bonus they never saw coming.


Book 3

Book 3: Off to Camp and Discovering Art (King Arthur)

Valerie and Samantha are disappointed that their schedules were not allowing them to spend a week together this summer like they have done every year since they were young. Their parents are able to plan a weekend camping trip towards the end of summer. The girls are happy for the visit, but sad to think they can’t go through the mirror this year on another adventure. They discover the magic is not only within the mirror, but within themselves when they are together. Merlin the magician shows up to take them on their quest to help Arthur find his true identity and his place in Camelot.

Purchase

Amazon * Barnes & Noble * Publisher

Review of Through the Mirror and Into Snow:

Valerie and Samantha are great friends. They love to spend time finding adventures, and their creativity never ends. When they spot a random possum one day, they decide they have to chase after it. This leads to the discovery of a strange mirror, and this mirror leads to an amazing world where all the fairy tales they only read about come true. When the girls pass through the mirror they meet a young girl named Snow, and Valerie and Samantha quickly realize who this girl really is. As they try to help Snow, the girls also meet several other fairy tale characters. They soon have the adventure of a lifetime!

This book had a super cute concept. I loved the idea of encountering fairy tales in real life. Valerie and Samantha were fun, and I think younger girls would find them very relatable. I enjoyed their fearlessness and resourcefulness. Those are awesome things for young girls to read about. The mishmash of stories was also really fun. It was a fun concept, and I liked the way they interacted together (both the story characters with each other and the characters with Valerie and Samantha). 

One thing that kind of took me out of the story was the narrator. The story was told by a gnome as a narrator, but it was kind of jolting when he would insert himself into the story. This took me out of it a bit. However, I'm not sure that will be a problem for everyone. I think it won't read as awkward especially for younger readers. Overall though I thought it was a really fun book. I look forward to reading the next two books as well. I think young girls with a thirst for adventure and a love of fairy tales will definitely enjoy these books. They are age appropriate and quick to read. This was an enjoyable book, and I am ready to read the next one.

Book provided for review.

Tour Giveaway

All 3 Books
Print available to US only, Ebooks available Internationally
Ends 12/12/12


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