Glass Across the Sea by Sara Ella // Celebrate Lit

About the Book

Book: Glass Across the Sea

Author: Sara Ella

Genre: YA Cinderella Retelling (Fantasy)

Release Date: October 21, 2025

Light always finds a way to break free . . .

Noelle Perrault has felt drawn to the tales her glassmaker father told of the four Firefly artisans since she was a child. But when her mother falls under a curse, Noelle suspects the stories are more than mere fables. Their last hope is for her father to embark on a desperate journey to another realm, where he must seek a miracle. Alone but not defenseless, Noelle is forced to navigate battles that rise against her beloved home, while her dearest friend, the prince, vows to help her father.

Dante Marin is a prince prepared to bear the crown. But the king offers an ultimatum: find the fabled Firefly Vestiges, believed to hold the Lamplighter’s ancient power, or forfeit the crown. Only then will Dante be considered worthy of his birthright and given the freedom to choose his bride. But how does one hunt down a legend?

Connected by the past, but forced apart in the present, Noelle and Dante must discover the truth about the Firefly and Vestiges before they lose all hope—and each other—for good. But breaking a curse comes at a great sacrifice—one neither of them predicted. With a mysterious foe rising to power, will they survive, let alone succeed? Or will darkness shroud their future, shattering the light they’ve striven to restore?

 

Click here to get your copy!

My Review: 

A captivatingly fresh story inspired by a classic tale, filled with intrigue, romance, and adventure!

Always entranced by stories of the Lamplighter, the Fireflies and the Vestiges, Noelle knows they are more than stories. When her mother falls under a curse, her father leaves on a quest to find a cure with the crown prince, who is seeking the same cure. 

Told from multiple viewpoints, with flashbacks in time to flesh out the story, this story is multidimensional with likable protagonists and a compelling plotline. I liked how the story overcame how Noelle and Dante spend much of the story apart, with memories and flashbacks to establish their enduring friendship. Engaging world building, with a fairytale inspiration. Good faith themes communicated through allegory. 

A captivating tale of love, sacrifice, hope, and friendship. Well-written, fresh twist on my favorite fairytale. Well-developed characters with strong story arcs, great interaction, in an enchanted world. A compelling re-telling, with great tension and a sense of suspense. Highly satisfying read that I fully enjoyed. Definitely recommend!

 I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

About the Author

Once upon a time, Sara Ella brought dreams to life as a Disney cast member, wishing for the day she’d find her prince and live in a castle of her own. Now she spends her days homeschooling her three Jedi in training, braving the Arizona summers, and reminding her superhero husband that it’s almost Christmas (even if it’s only January). Sara is the award-winning author of The Wonderland Trials, Coral, and the Unblemished trilogy. She is old enough for fairy tales and believes happily ever after is never far away.

 

 

 

More from Sara

Whenever I start writing a new story, I always comb the internet for the perfect images to represent my characters. Sometimes it’s an actress or actor who fits the character description. Other times, I’ll find some artwork or a painting that fits the picture I have in my mind.

But when it came to finding the right image to represent Noelle Perrault, the protagonist of Glass Across the Sea, I could not for the life of me find what I was looking for. Partly because the heroine is heavily based on my oldest daughter, who shares the same name. No image online was good enough to represent a character and novel dedicated to her.

And then I found this painting titled “Cinderella’s New Day” by artist Heather Edwards back in 2023.

And that was it! “So This is Love” from Disney’s animated classic began playing in my head, and I knew I’d found the image I would keep in my mind for the duration of writing my Cinderella retelling.

This depiction is soft and sweet and felt personal in a way a photo of an actress didn’t. I also felt this painting captured the character and personality of my heroine in a way that would keep me going, even on my most difficult writing days.

Fast forward to 2024. I was behind on my book deadline and life’s interruptions kept getting in the way of my writing. I felt depleted and almost asked my publisher to cancel my contract. But then I attended an event where this same artist had her work on display, and there it was. The real-life, in-person canvas of this very same painting.

That moment felt like God was reminding me He had called me to write this book in the first place. That He had a plan for it and wanted me to keep going. This very painting is the reason I added this line to Glass Across the Sea:

“Art, in her view, was never a laughing matter. A piece might evoke hope in one while it produced sorrow in the heart of another. It was the same for music. For dance.”

And then came 2025. A year of grief and loss in many ways for our family. Once again, everything was getting in the way of this story ever making it to print. And, once again, I considered maybe it was not meant to be published after all. Through many tears and long nights, I revised, pushing to meet deadlines. I questioned if it was worth it. I questioned my own strength and writing abilities, only to be reminded that it is only through God’s grace and Christ’s strength I can do anything at all.

I came across this painting in person again this year at that same event. And, just as it had done in the past, this painting reminded me there was a “new day” just around the corner. My best friend, Nadine Brandes (she knows me so well), surprised me with a signed and personalized canvas print that day. The timing could not have been more perfect.

This painting is more than just a reminder to “have courage and be kind.” It’s a testament to God’s goodness and faithfulness, even amidst darkness and pain. My prayer for Glass Across the Sea is that it blesses readers in the same way this painting has blessed me. Wherever you find yourself today, I hope you keep going and trust the Lord to give you what you need in the moment you need it. In my experience, He often reveals Himself in the unexpected corners and small moments I least suspect.

Blog Stops

Texas Book-aholic, October 25

Becca Hope: Book Obsessed, October 25

Inspired by Fiction, October 26

Wishful Endings, October 27

The Lofty Pages, October 27

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, October 28

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, October 29 (Spotlight)

Devoted Steps, October 29

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, October 30

For Him and My Family, October 31

Paula’s Pad of Inspiration, November 1

Blogging With Carol, November 1

Inklings and Notions, November 2

The Important Things in Life: God, Books, & Chocolate, November 2

Book Butterfly in Dreamland, November 3

Tell Tale Book Reviews, November 3

Labor Not in Vain, November 4

CeCe Reads and Sings, November 4

Holly’s Book Corner, November 5

To Everything There Is A Season, November 6

Min Reads and Reviews, November 7

Giveaway

 To celebrate her tour Sara is giving away the grand prize of a signed hardcover of Glass Across the Sea with Painted Edges designed by @hilltop_art, Glass Across the Sea themed candle from @lamplighterliterary, and a $25 Disney Gift Card!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/3d286/glass-across-the-sea-celebration-tour-giveaway

Enamored by Jody Hedlund // Review

Review:

A thrilling new Medieval series from Jody Hedlund. 

Princess Elinor must choose a noble husband to rule alongside her, but the weeklong courtships have left her even more unsure of the choice she must make. When a friend from the past returns to the palace, she finds her heart torn between what it wants and her kingdom. 

Inspired by the legends of Excalibur, this adventurous romance is hard to put down. I liked that both Maxim and Elinor are reasonable and logical, challenging each other, and bringing out the best in each other. Maxim is analytical and in a constant game of wits with his scheming father, I liked that he thinks for himself and finds ways to rebel. 

A fast paced read, with admirable characters that you can cheer for all the way through, who have a strong sense of right and wrong.  I also liked that it sets up the second book well, leaving questions unanswered and introducing Lis and Ansgar. I especially loved Halvard! An adventurous romance set in a fantastical land loosely based on Arthurian legend, this series promises to be one of my favorite young adult series by Jody Hedlund yet!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

A Dark Beauty by Clarissa Kae ~ Celebrate Lit Tour, Review, and Giveaway

 

About the Book

 

Book:  A Dark Beauty

Author: Clarissa Kae

Genre: Fairytale

Release date: March 9, 2021

 

A Victorian Twist on Beauty And The Beast

Bold and brilliant, Georgiana has a gift for fixing machines—from clocks to carriages—while her father has a penchant for finding trouble. In an accidental fire, Georgiana and her father scar the once handsome face of Lord Pichon, cousin to the queen.
Rumors of Georgiana’s gift raise her family’s status. Her incomparable beauty captures the eye of many gentlemen and the wrath of Lord Pichon. Abandoned by his peers and alone in his cold castle, Lord Pichon is determined to enact revenge.
When Georgiana’s father makes a terrible mistake, she sacrifices herself to pay his debt—as a lowly maid in Lord Pichon’s castle.
Her wit and warmth begin to thaw Lord Pichon’s estate, making him question his version of the past. Will her kindness break the beastly lord or will he hold her family hostage forever?

 

Click here to get your copy!

 Review:

As an avid lover of fairy tale re-tellings I loved the premise of Beauty and the Beast in Victorian London, with something of a gothic, steampunk twist. 

Georgiana is talented at fixing watches and mechanical contraptions, while her father works hard to keep their fortune rising. I admired her devotion to her family, and how she didn't shy away from making the hard choices for the sake of family. 

I liked the premise of the story, it was slow to start but picked up steam as it progressed. Parts of the story were hard to follow and felt choppy. I personally thought that the disdain to romance didn't work for me. It is a nice twist on a traditional story, I appreciated the addition of intrigue, and the various twists along the way. 

Overall, there were many things that I liked about this imaginative reimaging, and felt it did a great job of paying homage to the traditional tale while also blazing its own trail. The story is clean in content, though Dom is prone to dropping "bl**dy" quite frequently.  I did rather enjoy Smith who was an odd little butler, and wished that he'd had a few more moments later on. In the end a mixed bag for me.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

About the Author

 

Clarissa Kae is a preeminent voice whose professional career began as a freelance editor in 2007. She’s the former president of her local California Writers Club after spending several years as the Critique Director.

Since her first novel, she’s explored different writing genres and created a loyal group of fans who eagerly await her upcoming release. With numerous awards to her name, Clarissa continues to honor the role of storyteller.

 

Aside from the writing community, she and her daughters founded Kind Girls Make Strong Women to help undervalued nonprofit organizations—from reuniting children with families to giving Junior Olympic athletes their shot at success.

 

She lives in the agricultural belly of California with her family and farm of horses, chickens, dogs and kittens aplenty.

 

More from Clarissa

As a young girl most of the fairy tales talked about beauty as the only attribute but when Disney came out with Beauty and the Beast, my world was rocked. For the first time the heroine was a woman with a brain and a plan. I began researching the fairy tale and read every version. When my youngest daughter was born (with dark hair and big beautiful brown eyes) I named her Isla Belle. For as long as I can remember, I dreamed of writing a Beauty and the Beast retelling. And finally, that dream as come true.

Blog Stops

For Him and My Family, March 25

Labor Not in Vain, March 25

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, March 26

The Write Escape, March 26

Books and Everyday Life, March 26

Texas Book-aholic, March 27

Breny and Books, March 27

The Christian Fiction Girl, March 28

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, March 28

Melissa Wardwell’s Back Porch Reads, March 28

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, March 29

Tell Tale Book Reviews, March 29

Through the Fire Blog, March 30

Inklings and notions, March 30

deb’s Book Review, March 31

Connect in Fiction, March 31

Inside the Wong Mind, March 31

Locks, Hooks and Books, April 1

Inspiration Clothesline, April 1

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, April 2

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, April 2

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, April 3

To Everything There Is A Season, April 3

Beauty in the Binding, April 3

Connie’s History Classroom, April 4

Blogging With Carol, April 4

A Baker’s Perspective, April 5

Genesis 5020, April 5

Pause for Tales, April 5

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, April 6

Godly Book Reviews, April 6

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, April 7

Adventures of a Travelers Wife, April 7

Mary Hake, April 7

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Clarissa is giving away to two winners one $25 Amazon gift card each!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/109d3/a-dark-beauty-celebration-tour-giveaway

Besotted by Jody Hedlund ~ Review

My Review:

A satisfying conclusion to this beautiful trilogy of fairy-tale re-tellings.

Kreston doesn't consider himself a serious contender to the throne, as his two elder brothers are the heavy favorites. While serving out his testing in the Inglewood forest he comes across an enchanting beauty, who is captivating in a way unlike every young woman he has ever met before. 

Aurora has lived a sheltered life, hidden away in the Inglewood forest until the moment when she can claim her throne. Kreston is charming, and forbidden, making her long for both more than her quiet life in the forest, and less than the heavy mantle of royalty.

As their time in the forest draws to an end, their bond is tested as they fight for their countries, freedom, and love. 

Recognizably based loosely on Sleeping Beauty, this third and final book in the Fairest Maidens is my favorite of the series. I loved how it creatively re-invents the fairy tale of Sleeping Beauty in a way that is fresh, but honors the original story. One of the main reasons I loved this book was because of Kreston's character arc, and how he grows from a young man not taking his Testing very seriously to a man willing to risk his life for what he loves and believes in. 

Overall, I really enjoyed this book, with its strong, protagonists, the return of familiar faces, fantastic plot and climactic conclusion. Aurora is curious about the outside world, she is kind, and a problem solver. I loved her aunts doting and Chester's gruff protectiveness. A worthy conclusion to this wonderful series!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Beguiled by Jody Hedlund ~ Review

My Review:

A fresh new Snow White re-telling from the pen of Jody Hedlund.

Mikkel has been sent to the Isle of Outcasts to serve out his Testing in order to prove his worthiness for the throne of Scania. There he is greeted by two warring gangs of outcasts, men and women different or disfigured in a way that they were rejected from common society.

Princess has been hiding among the Outcasts for years from her murderous mother Queen Margery, her flawless features hidden beneath a veil. When Irontooth captures a young nobleman who has been living among their foes, Pearl is tasked with learning his secret. Can Pearl and Mikkel be better together against the forces of an evil Queen?

Engaging from the start, I was drawn into the plights of Mikkel and Pearl. Mikkel is an honorable young man bent on proving himself to his kingdom and father as a worthy king, I liked how he is determined, and can sometimes overthink things. He has a great character arc over the course of the book, and it is well done in its subtlety.

I loved this engaging and action filled twist on Snow White, Pearl and Mikkel are amazing protagonists, who are willing to have their ideas challenged. Pearl loves her sister, and will do whatever she can to get her sister out of their mother's clutches.  I admired her commitment to her mission and her respect for those around her. 

Overall, this is a fantastic addition to the series, my favorite so far, engaging adventure, romantic and grounded with faith. This fantasy fairy tale re-telling does a great job of keeping elements that make the inspiration apparent, while also completely shaking it up in a fresh new way. I have no idea how Scania will pick its king, because I'm positive that Kreston will be just as amazing as Vilmar and Mikkel...I need the next book ASAP! 

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Beholden by Jody Hedlund ~ Review

My Review: 

A brand new trilogy set in the same universe as Ms. Hedlund's previous  The Lost Princesses Trilogy. 

A fresh re-telling of Cinderella, with a courageous and kind-hearted heroine. Lady Gabriella has been sentenced to Queen Margery's jewel mines, but all it not as it appears, can Gabriella end the barbaric alchemy that keeps them enslaved?

An engaging new fairy-tale, with a brave heroine and worthy prince. I loved how this book sets the stage for the future books in the series, while also being a satisfying read all on its own. Gabriella is compassionate with a warrior's heart for truth. Vilmar is honorable, and I admired how he does the right thing, even after counting the cost. Both he and Gabriella are natural leaders who care about others, and are willing to sacrifice themselves for something greater. 

This book has a little more magic or alchemy (regarded as evil) than previous books, as well as a more parallel fairy tale correlation, which I thought was fun as I love a good fairy tale retelling. Romantic, exciting, with characters with strong faith. I also liked how the author took into account the setting and used fitting vocabulary to make this story some alive. 

An entertaining fresh Cinderella retelling, fast-paced, with strong themes of friendship, truth, honor, and sacrifice. I'm excited to continue this series, and find out what happens next! 

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

The Piper's Pursuit by Melanie Dickerson ~ Review

My Review:

Katerina cares deeply for the people of her village, she is a skilled huntress, living her her mother and cruel step-father, the Burgermeister of Hamlin. The town has become overcome by rats, and the children of Hamlin are slowly disappearing.

Steffan has been running from his past, trying to find some way to make up for his wrongs and how he hurt his family. He offers his service to the town of Hamlin, to fight the beast and rid the town of rats.

Katerina and Steffan are uneasy allies at first, thrown together by circumstances. Steffan quickly sees the benefits of joining forces with Katerina, as he is also intrigued by her fierce independence. He is drawn to her plight, as well as that of the village, offering help and support. Katerina is distrustful of men after living under the roof of a cruel and selfish man. I admired her willingness to take action and her love for the villagers.

I liked how Ms Dickerson used this story to explore  stronger themes of forgiveness and hypocrisy, as well as moving forward from past hurts. At times the story felt predictable yet, there were also some beautiful emotional moments that made this story sing. Enjoyable read.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.