poetree: A Dream Not Imagined {cover reveal + review}

by Shantelle Mary Hannu

about the book
A MAID, a PRINCE, and a DUKE. A GARDENER, a STEPMOTHER, and a secret...

Ellie Abbington, a beautiful yet unassuming young woman, quietly longs for her life to change. Too privileged to associate with the servants—too underprivileged to associate with her own family; she dreams a dream of a prince and a happily ever after.

But it could be that her own stepsisters, conniving Dezmarie and easily-influenced Adelaide, are dreaming the same dream...of the same prince.

In the end, are dreams even all they're made out to be? Especially with deep and long-hidden secrets about to be unearthed?

A Dream Not Imagined is a non-magical fairytale novella based loosely on the classic tale of Cinderella.

Tentative Release Date: June 2015

my rating

my review

I did not expect to enjoy a fairy-tale retelling, especially in the shape of a novella, nearly as much as I did A Dream Not Imagined. Shantelle packed so much into so few pages that despite the short amount of time it took me to read the entire thing, I almost felt like I was working my way through a full novel. And yet not once did it feel rushed.

Even though it starts out like a typical Cinderella tale, A Dream Not Imagined soon sets itself apart as entirely unique. Ellie is such a strong character -- unlike Disney's Cinderella, she has an intelligent mind and needs no rescuing. I have so many good things to say about this story, but am afraid to reveal too much; the best parts in A Dream Not Imagined are entirely unexpected.

about the author

Shantelle Mary Hannu was born in the mountainous west, spending her golden childhood years there. Since then, she has relocated time and again with her parents and seven siblings, making cherished memories in both the South and Central United States.

A Christian homeschool graduate, Shantelle has a passion for writing and all things books. From a young age she’s been penning tales with a hope of sharing with the world adventurous and soul-stirring stories that bring glory to God.

A Dream Not Imagined, a fairytale novella, will be her first published book. She’s currently preparing a full-length fantasy novel for publication as well, and working on its sequel.

Shantelle blogs at A Writer’s Heart about her stories, favorite books and movies (with reviews), healthy wheat-free recipes, and hosts fellow authors, among other things. One of her joys is connecting with fellow writers and readers! You can also find her on:

about the illustrator

Natasha H. is an aspiring photographer and also loves drawing and painting. A Dream Not Imagined is the first book she has drawn the cover picture for.

Learn more about her work at her blog: Through My Lens

other bloggers participating in the cover reveal