Reviewed:June 2nd, 2025
Released: December 2nd, 2022
Genre: Fantasy short story Anthology
Do you believe in magic?
Can you imagine how it might exist all around us in everyday life? Perhaps hidden in trees and sunflowers, slipping into view when needed, and leaving gifts when all hope has abandoned us. Why does a young woman caring for her elderly grandfather find a secret sunflower patch in the snowy hills of Wisconsin? What happens when a demon woken from sleep happens upon a grieving cat dad? How will a sentient house end its long loneliness? Can the smallest water fairy find her missing sister? What does a bride even do with an enchanted wedding veil? Who will save a city cat from a haunted country bridge?
A collection of fourteen fantasy stories about magic in the real world, Sunflowers in the Snow explores friendship and family bonds through sentient houses, magical taverns, secret gardens, and people from other realms who are more like us than we could ever dream. Featured stories include: Sunflowers in the Snow, Cara’s Heartsong, Voices Heard Within Heartbreak House, Never Say Never, The Legacy of Kalila Arquette, Sarah’s Little Monster Hunter, and more.
Helen’s Thoughts: 5/5
A reminder that magic can be welcoming and gentle, and that not all magic is confrontational and battles. Some beautiful heartwarming tales of how magic permeates normal life.
There are fourteen beautiful stories in this anthology. Each well written, thoughtful, clever and complete. And of course being a sucker for anything to do with cats, I loved the demon ‘Never’ who adapted to what the person needed. I’m still waiting for the cat distribution system to work, and I am expecting one to turn up any day now!
My favourite story? Phew, not sure, they are all so lovely. I think it may be Seeding Tradition, where Scott manages to embrace the magic but in a way that suits his dreams instead of being bound and forced to do so. But to be honest, they are all enjoyable reads.
Purchase Sunflowers in the Snow
Link to book on Amazon UK: ebook | Paperback
Link to book on Amazon US: ebook | Paperback
If you enjoy fantasy books then you will love my epic fantasy Sentinal series or the Romantic Fantasy SoulMist series and now Harmony, a dystopian science fantasy.
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