From the bestselling author of the Mithgar novels comes a new version of a classic French fairy tale. A young woman marries a mysterious Prince, only to have magic steal him away-and, once upon a winter's night, her quest begins.

"McKiernan brews magic with an insightful blend of laughter, tears, and high courage." (Janny Wurts)

From Publishers Weekly

Classic fairy tales are classic for a reason, and in this exuberant retelling of the story of [East O' the Sun and West O' the Moon] the theme of true love conquering all obstacles comes out strong and clear. McKiernan (Silver Wolf; Black Falcon; etc.) fleshes out the Andrew Lang version of the tale with a French setting, numerous battles, enigmatic riddles and fairly clean sex. Camille, the sixth and last daughter of a destitute farmer, lives at the border of the land between mortals and faery. One winter night Camille receives the chance of a lifetime when Alain, prince of Summerwood (in the land of faery), asks her family for her hand in marriage. The story continues, as per the classic tale, with Camille discovering that Alain is a bear during the day because of a curse placed on him by a disgusting troll. Our heroine, who is sweet and guileless with only a hint of cloying Pollyanna-ishness, sets out alone on a nearly doomed quest, but admirably keeps going no matter what. Some of the plot is clich‚d, but this has more to do with the familiarity of the story than with the writing, which is never less than graceful. The ending (including a soap opera-like roundup of what happens to Camille's sisters) leaves the door open for a sequel and another quest. Overall, this is a solid, well-rounded fantasy that readers will enjoy as much on a summer beach as on a winter's night.

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From Booklist

Prepare to be transported to the fairyland of childhood, replete with trolls, ogres, unicorns, and other wonders. When the prince of Summerland (in Faery, of course) falls in love with poor farmer's daughter Camille, she is borne from her family's rough home to his grand castle on the back of a great white bear. In short order, she falls in love with the prince, though she is not permitted to see his face because of a family curse. One night, however, overcome with curiosity, she shines a candle on his beautiful face, which brings the curse on the household. All disappear but Camille, left alone to confront her fears and evil trolls who seek to claim Summerland's throne. She seeks the help of Lady Soriel, who gives her vague, oracular advice; an injured bird as companion; and a walking stick for the journey she must make. Camille has only a year and a day to search all of Faery for her lost love and free him from his terrible fate. Enchanting. Paula Luedtke
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Once Upon a Winter's Night

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