I received a sample for this review/feature. Opinions expressed are my own.
Everyone loves a good “Once Upon a Time” story and for one grandmother, Kim Michele Ingram, she made her favorite nap time story into the children’s book In Search of the Secret Sanctuary: Across Scotland’s River Braan. It all started one day when her grandson, Isaiah, was having trouble taking his nap, and Kim made up a story to help him sleep. The story grew each time she told it and she wrote it all down so that one day she could share it with others.
Phillip the Prince of Edinshire, Scotland sets himself on a quest to find Tramara, his future bride to be. She is the daughter of Maon, a noble knight and her mother Helena. Accompanying the prince is his noble and illustrious stallion, Blacknight. As the prince proceeds on his quest he must overcome a horrendous obstacle that Isobel, a jealous witch has placed in his path. He encounters days of treacherous heat and torrent rains, even a fire breathing dragon. The fate of Prince Phillip’s true love, now rest in his hands as he must travel through dangerous terrains, crossing the River Braan to find her.
Prince Phillip is very much in love with Tramara and her him the problem is she is just a farmer’s daughter so their relationship will probably not go over well with the king. One night after much sadness over the whole situation Tramara’s dad tells the story of how he is actually a knight and that if she takes this information to the king he may indeed bless their marriage. The king agrees and the young couple are happy and very much in love but an evil witch loves the prince and wants him all to herself. The witch locks Tramara into a magical sanctuary high among the trees where no human can find her and the witch casts a spell to look just like Tramara. The prince knows that she looks just like his beloved but he knows something is just not quite right. The only hope is that he discovers this before it is too late.
This story includes witches, dragons, magical spells, princes and a true love all set in medieval Scotland. It is all the things that make a fairy tale great. This one is a great bedtime story for any child to enjoy. Storytelling is an art form that I hope is never lost. Some of the best stories ever told started out as just stories told from one generation to the next. Reading this story could possibly inspire you to create your own magical stories for your kids to enjoy too. Ingram’s second fairy tale, An Enchated Dream, releases this fall and I can’t wait to see what she comes up with next.
Connect: You can connect with Kim Michele Ingram on her website.
