“Winter of the Wandering Wind: A Flying Dutchman Retelling (Seasons of Music and Magic)” by Sarah Beran

Description:

“A cursed captain. A spectral ship. A legend returns.

Captain Casperion Helmrud is dying for the day he can finally set foot on shore. After a deal with a Fae gone wrong, Casper and his entire crew have been cursed to wander the seas of the Faerie realm, trapped in a ghostly half-existence. The curse can only be broken if he can find a woman who will be true to him until death—a seemingly insurmountable task for a man only able to walk on land for a week every seven years.

Sienna Denereid has had her fill of romance and sailors alike. Jilted at the altar by her ex-fiance, all the young nymph wants to do is live quietly with her father, tend to her family’s lighthouse in the Winter Court, and perhaps daydream about the legends of the dashing, mysterious captain known only as The Flying Dutchman. When her father’s life is saved by a dark, enigmatic sailor during a fierce Winter storm, Sienna finds herself suddenly at the center of a mystery involving a series of strange shipments, a ghostly ship, and an unexpected proposal.

With enemies old and new conspiring to keep them apart, will Casper and Sienna finally find safe harbor for both their hearts? Or will the Flying Dutchman and his crew be doomed to wander forever in the wind?

Seasons of Music and Magic is a series of four retellings of fairy tales found in classic operas and ballets, each featuring a unique cast of endearing characters, sweet romance, humor, and a happily-ever-after. The stories stand alone and can be read in any order, so experience the music and magic of Faerie at any time.“

Personal Thoughts:

I really loved this book, the characters were so sweet together. I enjoy the grumpy/sunshine trope when it is done well (when the character is serious and quiet but kind) and Sarah Beran wrote it so well. It was a great ending to the series and my favorite from. I read it in one day, it might have actually been one setting, maybe two, either way it was so good! Normally each book is set around the royalty that rules over each season (kind of like in Tinker Bell), but it was different for this book. Actually if you want to read the Princess’ story, read The Crack A Solider by Sarah Beran (It’s really good). The book is set on the sea instead of snow, which is interesting. Think lighthouse vibes, English cliffs, pirate ships, sailing, mild murder mystery, trying to catch magic smugglers plus a fake engagement while being clean Christian fiction with a touch of fantasy. (Can you tell that I loved it?) It is in the top of my list of favorite books by Sarah Beran.

AND all books in the series are on kindle unlimited!

Characters- I love Casper. He is perfectly written and that is all there is to say. If you read the book you will understand what I mean. Sienna was so fun, because she is quiet but also sassy and bubbly all at the same time. She was fun to read, and continually surprised me. I never knew if she would lean towards super sweet or sassy, but in a good way.

Christianity(magic notes included in this section)- Like other books in this series music creates magic. You have different types of people, and they have different magic and it is explained. Prejudice for not having a different kind of magic or not being a elf, but a dwarf, etc. The characters believe in the Almighty and that He created every person with a different song inside of them.

***Spoilers, highlight below to read:

A ship and the crew becoming cursed. They appear like ghosts and once Casper describes himself as a ghost. Also (please check the violence section for more details) Sienna pretends to be a ghost as revenge on the villain in the story (implied, not really shown. No real ghost in this book outside of the Holy Spirit).

***End of spoilers

Profanity- there are no curse words, but around 3 times there is a “he cursed”. Its said that he cursed, but not written out.

Romance- hugs, a few kisses, a fake engagement. The romance was so sweet.

There is a bit more violence than in the other books, but still all none graphic. If you enjoy Hallmark Murder Mysteries then it isn’t anything.

***WARNING***Mild spoilers below:

Part of the mystery is finding out who is trying to hurt Sienna. There are several “accident”. This is found out very early on in the story and not a major spoiler.

***Major spoilers below, please highlight to read:

Villain in the story is trying to kill Sienna, because she unknowingly has information that could hurt him. He triggers a minor explosion, tries to make her fall of a cliff. On page violence/attempted drowning (he ties her up and leaves her near water). If you watch Hallmark Murder Mysteries you are fine.

***End of spoilers

I recommend this for 15-16+ and I personally rate it as 4 stars, ⭐⭐⭐⭐. This is hard to say, but I think I love it more than My Fair Mermaid which is saying something!