Once More Upon a Time

A Completely Non-traditional Fairy Tale

If a story starts with “once upon a time” it almost always ends with a “happily ever after.” But this book is different: it starts with three different statements of “once upon a time” and has the characters go on quite a journey of discovery to get to their version of an ending – and it is a decidedly not “happily ever after” ending. 
Written with humor and witty banter, Roshani Chokshi’s first adult novella tells the story of Imelda and Ambrose and their attempt to find their way away from the kingdom of Love’s Keep and towards whatever the future will bring, whether they will be together or not. Their journey includes a shape-shifting badger (or beaver?), a magical cloak who thinks that it’s a noble steed (horse), and a series of inn guests that seem to be out for blood (or murder, or kindness – it’s a gamble no matter what!).
This was a quick read, but full of descriptive language and strong character development. I would highly recommend this for some light reading when you need a break from heavier topics.