The Silent NightA Sleeping Beauty Retelling
Twas the hour after midnight and all through the house, not a creature was stirring, except for the owls.
And Holly.
Holly is no stranger to the night. Her unique position means that the still hours in the darkest parts of the night are when most of her work gets done. It’s not completely silent—she has Parliament to thank for that—but it does get a bit lonely. Not even the letters from her faithful correspondent can completely fill the empty space, and it’s only a matter of time before she loses even those.
Dominic Klause has watched as, year after year, the winters in Weihnacht grow longer and colder. The nights are dark, food is scarce, and his fellow countrymen are desperate for a miracle, but too proud to accept charity, leaving Dominic no choice but to hide his attempts at helping them under the cover of darkness. But his resources are limited, and not even the brilliant suggestions of his friend Joy can change the fact that it will require the riches of a king to continue his charitable efforts.
As Deus Natus Eve approaches, Dominic turns his attention towards the one place that could solve all his problems—the abandoned castle of the former king. But all is not as it seems behind the towering holly hedges that surround the castle, and Dominic encounters more than he bargained for. When the unexpected gift of love is dropped into his lap, will Dominic find the treasure he seeks? Or will it be lost to the silence of the night?
This book is a part of The Christmas Chronicles, a collection of festive novellas filled with clean romance, chilly weather, and cozy adventures.
Once Upon a Pen Book Awards 2024 Best Animal Companion Winner
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Sarah Beran
Sarah Beran is a writer who has found her true passion in blending enchanting tales with relatable characters, bringing magic, romance, and adventure to life through her unique lens. Living in sunny Southern California, Sarah is not only a writer but also a devoted wife, mother to two young children, and an elementary music teacher by day. Her life is filled with the hum of creativity, both in the classroom and in her writing.
When she's not guiding young minds in music, Sarah spends her free time running, creating new melodies, or immersing herself in a world of make-believe with her family. These moments of balance between the practical and the whimsical are often reflected in her stories, where everyday life meets the extraordinary. Her writing journey is one that began with a love for storytelling, evolving into a deep connection with the craft of creating worlds that feel both magical and grounded in reality.
The Christmas Chronicles
The Christmas Chronicles is a collection of festive novellas filled with clean romance, chilly weather, and cozy adventure.
Once Upon a Pen Book Awards 2024 Best Multi-Author Series Winner
Series Also Contains Several Individual Winners of the 2024 Once Upon a Pen Book Awards
- Best Nonmagical Retelling Winner = The Hidden Gift
- Best Animal Companion Winner = The Silent Night
- Best Mashup Winner = The Midnight Blizzard
- Best Retelling of an Obscure Tale Winner = The Snowy Footprints
The Christmas Chronicles consists of 7 total books — considered a complete series. The current recommended reading order for the series is provided below.
