A CHARM FOR A UNICORN

Author: Jennifer Macaire ISBN: 978193464006 9/2007 FANTASY/YOUNG ADULT Publisher: CALDERWOOD BOOKS

In a land where magic still exists... Two sisters live in a manor with their father, a magician. Ann, the younger sister, is homely and smart. The elder sister, Leonie, is lovely but a bird-brain. Leonie disobeys her father, and meets Renaldo, a handsome prince. They fall in love. The clichés end here. Leonie is under a charm that makes all men fall in love with her. That's why her father has kept her hidden all her life, and why she cannot marry the handsome prince and live happily ever after. A mouse magician, a battle at sea, a unicorn hunt, whirlwinds...and magic, await you in 'A Charm for a Unicorn', by Jennifer Macaire.

RRAH's THOUGHTS AND PONDERINGS:

Although A CHARM FOR A UNICORN is listed as a young adult title, it is suitable for any age group to read and enjoy. A classic fairytale with magicians, a prince, unicorn and a host of others make this tale intriguing from start to finish.

Two sisters, different yet both seeking happiness, must throw off the impositions set upon them by their magician father in order to make their own way in the world. There are passages in Jennifer Macaire's story that are breathtaking and intense, especially the transformation Leonie makes from young woman to unicorn and back again to human. I felt the quicksilver in her veins, the energy she possessed in unicorn form. I felt, too, Leonie's love for Renaldo, her fear they wouldn't be able to find happiness. This is a story about discovery, changes and the happily-ever-after we all seek. It is a parallel tale, with both sisters' personalities and desires brought to light.

I enjoyed everything about A CHARM FOR A UNICORN. The story is wonderfully told, with characters that pulled at my heartstrings. It is all that a romantic tale should be-for any age.

Kay James