By Ashley Rands, Marketing
In a world filled with uncertainty and chaos, the allure of a “happily ever after” endings have captured hearts and minds for generations. These stories, whether found in classic literature or modern novels, hold a special place in our minds. The promise of a joyful conclusion where love conquers all, dreams come true, and goodness prevails is a timeless theme that continues to resonate with audiences of all ages. Explore with us the magic of “happily ever after” and the enduring power of stories that inspire hope and happiness.
Classic Fairy Tales
When you think of “happily ever after” stories, the classic fairy tales immediately come to mind. These ageless narratives have been passed down from generation to generation and have shaped our understanding of storytelling. From Cinderella’s enchanting transformation to Snow White’s awakening kiss, fairy tales enchant us with their ability to turn adversity into ultimate happiness. Check out one of previous blogs that discusses The Magic of Retellings.
Book Recommendations for Classic Fairy Tales
Once Upon a Fairy Tale Romance
By Jessica Grayson and Aria Winter
This is a 7 book series that takes a twist on the classic fairy tale stories. Each book in the Once Upon a Fairy Tale Romance series can be read as a standalone but reading them in order can definitely enhance the reading experience. These fairy tale retellings include stories such as Beauty and the Beast, Little Mermaid, the Snow Queen, and more. The content in these books would be called “steamy” so it is recommended for mature audiences only.
The Classical Kingdoms Collection
Similar to the previous series, this 11 book series features a retelling of various classic fairy tales. It is considered “clean romance” and is suitable to younger audiences as well as older. Some of the series continues from the previous book so it is recommended you read these in order. They include the classics like Little Red Riding Hood, Peter Pan, and Cinderella.
After Happily Ever After
by Tony Bradman and Illustrated by Sarah Warburton
This book series is for very young audiences (2nd to 4th graders). There are 14 titles in this set. Each story begins after the classic fairy tale ends, with detailed line art adding a modern and humorous twist. It is time to find out the truth about Cinderella, Rapunzel, Goldilocks, and many more fairytale legends. What really happened AFTER the happily ever after?
Faeries of Oz #1: Tin
by Candace Robinson and Amber R. Duell
Here is another twist on a classic story, The Wizard of Oz. Tin is a fae assassin with a heart of stone. Dorothy Gale is the savior of Oz. Dorothy returns to Oz many years later after losing everything. Things are not as she remembers. Tin and Dorothy travel together a second time to try and break the curse. It is a dark retelling of the classic story. Be prepared for revenge, lust, and murder in this dark romance.
Timeless Romance Novels
Romance novels, a genre beloved by millions, have perfected the art of the “happily ever after.” Authors like Jane Austen, Nicholas Sparks, and Julia Quinn have gifted us with timeless tales of love that transcend the boundaries of time and place. Readers eagerly turn the pages, hoping for that heartwarming conclusion where love triumphs over all obstacles. These stories remind us that true love can withstand the test of time, offering a beacon of hope in our own lives. We have some great romantic reading recommendations.
Romance Novel Recommendations
The Holly Dates
This book is about Holly Jackson who was unlucky in love. She is on a search to find her right match. She goes to the same restaurant over and over, each time with a different first date. Kai Kane, the restaurant owner, wants nothing to do with love and feels annoyed with this eccentric woman. He volunteers to help find her a suitor to get her out of his restaurant. When Holly finally starts making a connection, Kai becomes increasingly jealous. He quickly realizes he needs to step up his game if he wants to become Holly’s favorite date. This book is recommended for mature audiences.
The Mistletoe Motive
Here is another holiday romance. If you enjoy enemies-to-lovers, workplace romance, forced proximity, one grumpy and one happy then look no further than this short novel. Jonathan and Gabby are two workplace rivals who couldn’t be more different but happen to also be the perfect match for each other.
Snowed In with the Player
(Holiday with the Players Book 1)
Snowed in is a shorter length novel about a shy girl who gets snowed in with her brother’s best friend and her secret crush. We all love secret crush stories, and getting trapped with a cute guy. Can’t get a better cozy romantic read than that. Be sure to check out this great read.
The Accidental Boyfriend
This delightful YA romance has it all: drama, comedy, twists & turns, swoon worthy moments and more. If you like opposites attract stories then this one’s for you. Gabe is a TV star and Jess writes teen romances. He thrives in the spotlight and she has perfected the art of flying under the radar.
After a hotel escalator dumps Jess into Gabe’s spotlight and he unknowingly hijacks her first kiss, he decides she’ll be the perfect decoy for the paparazzi. If he can convince her to play his “girlfriend of the week.” Except Jess wants nothing to do with TV’s Hottest Hairball or his Hollywood ego. And by the time she figures out he isn’t who she thought, it might be too late to say she needs him as much as he needs her. Even if he wants her for real.
The enduring appeal of “happily ever after” stories lies in their ability to inspire hope, resilience, and a belief in the power of love and goodness. They reassure us that, even in the face of challenges, there’s a chance for a brighter, happier future. These stories, whether found in classic fairy tales, romance novels, biographies, films, or personal experiences, connect with our deepest desires for a better world and remind us that the pursuit of happiness is a universal human endeavor. So, embrace the magic of “happily ever after” stories, and let them inspire you to write your own joyful ending.