
Cole Harrison, a war veteran, wears his disfigurement like a barrier to those who might love him, shielding them from the ugliness inside. He agrees to try and potentially invest in, a prototype prosthetic with the goal of saving a hopeless man’s dreams.
Carly Rose contracts to live with Cole and train him to use his new limbs, only to discover the darkness that wars against the man he could become.
At the Edge of a Dark Forest is a modern-day retelling of Beauty and the Beast. Only it is not her love that will make him whole.
My Review:
A unique contemporary reimagining of Beauty and the Beast that’s saturated in emotion and faith.
There are some darker elements to this story which had me a bit wary at first. I was worried that Cole’s issues would be dealt with superficially (this is a novella, after all) and the seriousness of the situation warranted so much more. Almony proved my concerns were baseless though, and after finishing ‘At the Edge of a Dark Forest’, I wasn’t surprised to discover that she has a background in Christian counselling. What a powerful overcoming faith journey!
Loved the way the author wove classic fairy tale elements into this modern day retelling. Sometimes obvious, other times more subtle and genuinely unique to this particular story. This is my first Connie Almony reading experience but I’ll definitely be reading more of her books after finishing this compelling fairy tale retelling.
GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:
This giveaway is for a gently read paperback copy available to anyone, anywhere in the world so…woohoo…International Giveaway!
If you would like a chance to win a copy of the At the Edge of a Dark Forest, leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoread AT yahoo DOT ca. If you add an email to your comment, remember to use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in order to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email, please add the title to the subject line so it’s easy to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Saturday December 13 2025.
AT THE EDGE OF A DARK FOREST sounds like a wonderful read – the kind that’s especially needed this time of year. During the holidays, I often find myself rushed trying to get things done. That’s when novellas really come in handy. And this one sounds like it’s perfectly packed with so elements I love in a longer story – wonderful characters that draw you into the story, fairy tale feel, emotional elements to work through, and a fabulous thread of faith.
Thank you so much for the wonderful chance to win a copy!
Kav, some of the Canadas cold winds seem to have arrived in Arkansas. BRRRR!
2clowns at arkansas dot net
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Yes, I’m discovering that novellas make for a nice break between longer books and, as you say, they are especially appealing this time of year. Oops, sorry about those Canadian winds….we’re just sharing our blustery Christmas weather to make things more festive down there. 🙂 Now, if you could see your way to whooshing some of your warmer air up here, that would be nice. 🙂 Good luck, Kay!
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I enjoyed your review and this book which I read while becoming acquainted with Connie Almony on our blog. Is she still writing, I wonder? Unfortunately along the way sometimes we lose track of authors. 😕
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I’m not sure. She has ten books listed on Good Reads, but doesn’t have an author website so I’m guessing she’s not writing any more. But that’s just a guess. Happy Reading, Diane!
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It’s showing on Amazon that I purchased her Sleeping Beauty retelling & another book, but I don’t remember that at all! And the books aren’t in my Kindle library. Oh well, I can’t even remember what I had for lunch yesterday. Sigh…
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Oohhhhhh, she has a Sleeping Beauty retelling????????? Rushing off to check that out!
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hahaha Well, that was easy. It’s called Arise from Dark Places: A modern—day retelling of Sleeping Beauty. And says I purchased it. Hmm…
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Sigh. Thank you for enabling me in another book buying spree…I think. 🙂
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You’re quite welcome! 🤣😄
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This sounds quite interesting!
manderley23 at gmail dot com
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It sure is. Good luck, Kimmy!
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This sounds quite interesting.
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Good luck, Lucy!
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Ah, I read this one YEARS ago and it has stuck with me🥰 Didn’t know, going in, that it was a retelling, so that was a fun surprise. Really enjoyed this one! (Don’t enter me, I’ve got this one😉)
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Yay — it is the kind of story that makes an impression for sure. I can’t wait to read her Sleeping Beauty retelling. Happy Reading, Elly!
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