After Happily Ever - by Jennifer Safrey (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

Princesses Neve, Della, and Bry are sisters-in-law, having married into the royal Charming family, and for the last thirty-plus years, they've been living a coveted happily-ever-after life in the idyllic kingdom of Foreverness.

But royal life isn't what it seems. Bry's people-pleasing is exhausting her, Della's exquisite and renowned beauty is fading with time, and Neve dreads the prospect of becoming queen one day, because power makes one a target, and she doesn't want to be killed ... again.

Then the king's sudden death thrusts each princess into a personal quest that shows her the truth behind the kingdom's "perfection" and challenges her sense of purpose. Will each of the royal women take her rightful place, build her new legend, and create her own new happily-ever-after, in midlife? And will the kingdom of Foreverness survive the drastic changes?

Review Quotes

"A refreshing reimagining of fairy-tale figures that redefines what it means to claim your happy ending. Safrey's fantasy novel explores the lives of three fairy-tale icons long after their happily-ever-afters...catching up with Neve (Snow White), Bry (Sleeping Beauty), and Della (Cinderella) when they are middle-aged. In centering older women as powerful, multifaceted protagonists, the story is both feminist and empowering, demonstrating that value and agency do not diminish with age." --Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

"Jennifer Safrey gives new meaning to the word "fairest" in this once upon a time tale that shows us what lies beyond 'happily ever after.' She masterfully weaves together themes of female friendship, aging, magic, and power into a novel that kept me in thrall to the end. What a great read!!" --Kerri Maher, USA Today bestselling author of The Paris Bookseller and All You Have To Do Is Call

"A wonderfully re-imagined fairy tale mash-up where middle-aged women seize control of their own destinies, and where kindness, listening to others, and the willingness to do the hard work of setting things right are a far more powerful magic than any fairy's spell. Beautifully done." --A.C. Wise, author of Wendy, Darling and Hooked

"After Happily Ever is an exquisitely clever take on middle-aged princesses inspired by three iconic fairytales. Sprinkled with wit and humor, this tale sends each princess down a path of profound personal growth. Well-paced, with plenty of fun twists and turns, this book reveals the daily lives of reliant princesses and pushes each one toward her true power. An enchanting read and an inspiration for women of all ages." --Christina Mercer, award-winning author of Arrow of the Mist