Most of us have a favorite fairytale whether it’s the story of Little Red Riding Hood, The Beauty and the Beast, Cindarella, Snow White, or some other fairytale. Though a lot of people have described romance novels as being fairytales for big girls (and boys) some romance novels are clearly built on the premise of a well known fairytale.
I think there is a good reason why stories based on fairytales are popular. Fairytales were often among our first experiences of literature as children. The stories with their strong, honest, hardworking heroines and their evil villains captured our imaginations. They connected us through empathy to our fictional heroines. They made us wonder how the heroine would ever triumph over what seemed to our childish minds overwhelming obstacles. The stories taught us how to vest emotionally in literature. They made us care about Cindarella, Snow White or Beauty. They made us want good to triumph over bad. They forged a belief in magic and happy endings. For many of us they inspired a life long love of reading.
Beauty and the Beast was my favorite fairytale as a child. It’s still my favorite fairytale today as an adult. There is a fondness for the storyline and for storylines like it. I’ll buy most any story based on the The Beauty and the Beast fairytale. Part of it is the power those particular themes have for me. Part of it is a fondness for the original fairytale. What about you? Did you have a favorite fairytale as a child? Do you have a favorite today? Which fairytale inspired romances have you particularly enjoyed?
Beauty and the beast is always a good one but I really love the new versions of Little Red Riding Hood. I always loved both stories and enjoyed the darker ones. I loved imagining just what could go on in those worlds.
I always love Beauty and the Beast and this Little Mermaid, but my all time favorite was Cinderella. My favorite adaption: Charming the Prince by Teresa Medeiros.
Beauty and The Beast seems to be a favourite for most of us! It’s mine too and I’ll buy any book based on the storyline of it.
My favourite version was The Fire Rose by Mercedes Lackey, closely followed by Lair of the Lion by Christine Feehan.
My favourite is BEAUTY AND THE BEAST as well. I’ve read some wonderful books inspired by the tale. “Heart’s Blood” by Juliet Marillier is a beautiful read.