While many loves stories have happy endings, not all love stories are sparkly and bright. Jennifer Renson's Carousel -- a story of fate and love against all odds -- is a more sinister romance than you might expect. But it carries with it the best such romances have to offer, including the inevitable chance encounter and what happens when two lovers fight to free themselves from societal pressures so they can be together.
Marian never expected to fall in love. Not when it seemed to be the only thing her brother expected from her future. A skilled baker and independent woman -- despite the hold her brother still has over her as her sworn protector -- all she wants is to lead a full, fulfilling life of her choosing.
Everything changes, of course, when she meets Princio. Their surprise encounter at an abandoned carousel is the turning point in both their haunted stories, and the moment at which both their fates merge. And it all has something to do with the kingdom's doll maker, Feletti. They just need to figure out what he's up to.
This fast-paced, fanatical tale is as thrilling and mysterious as the carousel it quite literally revolves around. A woman determined to forge her own path, paired with a lost soul searching for meaning -- plus a little bit of dark magic -- and Carousel quickly becomes a novel that feels like a classic but speaks to the evolved romance of a more modern age. Where women get to choose who they want to be with, and the unbreakable bond between siblings ultimately saves the day.
Renson expertly weaves the perfect dose of mystery into the paragraphs of her book, crafting an instant page-turner with enough twists to turn a good love story into an epic romantic adventure. Not to mention her signature knack for imagery that paints such vivid pictures of every scene that you almost feel like you're standing in them.
It would be irresponsible of me to spoil the ending, of course. But if you're looking for a love story with a happy ending that also takes you on a haunting journey through the wicked deeds of a doll maker to get there, this is the book for you.