Book excerpt: Can one find hope when the pixies’ survival depends on the return of their lost princess? When Briar Firewillow was just a small pixie within a seed, she was bonded to young Prince Quinn Thistlethorn. But the day took a terrible turn when the Shade King was killed and her seed was stolen. When the world is so much bigger than her, she grows up not knowing who or what she is. At least until she’s rescued by pixies just like her, who reveal a shocking secret—that she’s married to the King of the Shades. Briar must navigate an unexpected relationship with a handsome pixie and learn her new role as Queen. But when a dangerous outside enemy threatens to tear them apart once again, they need to decide what they must sacrifice—love or duty. And hearts will break as they learn the cost of true love. A Wingless Hope, a retelling of Thumbelina, is a standalone novella, complete with tropes like lost princess, arranged marriage, and stranded together. It is part of the “Hope Ever After” series, a collection of twenty hopeful and uplifting fairy tale retellings. Each book is written by a different author so it can be enjoyed in any order. The proceeds from this series are donated to the O.U.R. (Operation Underground Rescue) to rescue children from exploitation and trafficking.