Ever since I was little, I adored fairy tales—I still do. 🙂 So I love including bits and pieces of fairy tales (or other iconic tales) in my stories. Here are the tales and themes behind the Calatini Tales books (so far.) Spoiler—all of them have love as one of their themes. 😉

The Spellbinding Courtship

Selena and Aragon’s book began with two common elements of fairy tales rather than a specific tale. 1) An orphan beset by wicked relatives. 2) The prince rescuing her from her relative’s evil schemes. Other core themes are love, the golden rule, being bold, and responsibility.

The Enchanted Bird

Wren and Hawke’s book began with two ideas. 1) If Cinderella’s prince already knew her and that’s why he pursued her, why didn’t he recognize her at the ball? 2) There’s a price to any action, but pursuing your dreams is worth the risk. Other core themes are love, friendship, secrets, and deception.

The Nightmara Affair

Kiera and Devon’s book began with how would Cinderella’s life work after the ball. How would the king get the kingdom, court, and the lady herself to accept a poor commoner as his queen? How would they form a partnership to rule the kingdom? Other core themes are love, trust, self-belief, and responsibility.

The Secret Soulbond

Annalise and Dare’s book began with two ideas. 1) Romeo and Juliet (need I say more?) 2) Being extraordinary (whether beautiful, powerful, etc.) is often a burden. Extraordinary people can feel alone because they can’t connect with others or know who to trust. Other core themes are love, family, forgiveness, and secrets.