Once Upon a Christmas Legend by Ciara Knight: Book Review

 *Book received for consideration. All thoughts are my own.

Audrey Blythe searches the globe for rare books but longs for "Once Upon a Christmas Kiss," the legendary tome of eternal love. On her 28th birthday, she resigns herself to spinsterhood until a clue leads her to hot-tempered hermit Ramen Johnson. Ramen, scarred and isolated, is drawn into Audrey's quest. Together, they hunt for the elusive book, facing Christmas chaos and their own pasts. Audrey's determination and acceptance break down Ramen's barriers, leading to a heartwarming holiday tale of love and rediscovery.

Ciara is a USA Today, Amazon Bestselling, and award-winning author of heartwarming, small-town contemporary and historical romances.

Her contemporary stories are hailed as "Hallmark movie-worthy." The popular Sweetwater County series takes readers into a southern town filled with family trials, friendly competition, and community love.

Sugar Maple is a hit with town elders who 'tar and southernize' the unruly and sweet young high school friends reuniting after a decade away from home.

Ciara's historical romances have topped the charts and Amazon reviewers say, "This is the best mail-order bride book I've read." Fans of McKinnie Mail Order Brides series are taken on an adventure as the Civil War ends and seven sisters are left with no home, no family, no prospects. Their only hope is to become mail-order brides. Love on the Prairie is a USA Today bestseller and the place any reader should begin their journey of this epic series.

For more information on her books, to read excerpts, and learn more about the person behind the stories visit Ciara's website at www.ciaraknight.com. You can also connect with Ciara on Twitter @ciaratknight, or "Like" her on Facebook (ciaraknightwrites).

Two things I love: Beauty and the Beast and holiday romances. Needless, to say when I saw this one--- a holiday retelling of Beauty and the Beast, I couldn't wait to check it out. 

I don't read a ton of fairy tale retellings, but when I do, I am looking for those that have enough elements of the original story that I can recognize it as such... but also be a unique story all on its own too. I think in many ways, that can be a rather difficult balance to create but the author of this story did it wonderfully. Audrey is searching for a legendary book that promises it will bring true love. This leads her to Ramen who had been a TV host for a show about legends until facial scarring led him to become a hermit, considering himself a beast. I don't want to give too much away... but there is definitely a great blend of both the new and the familiar to capture my interest. I found this to be a really fun holiday romance and one that I certainly enjoyed.