Twice Upon a Marigold

Marigold and Christian are living out their happily ever after, but they aren't perfectly happy. Little spats and hurt feelings have started creeping in. Could Olympia's evil be influencing their lives? And what about the rumors of a woman who washed up in a village downstream not too long after their wedding? It can't be Olympia. Can it?

This was still cute, it just wasn't quite as cute as the first book. My biggest problem was just letting go and enjoying the story. As an adult, I had a problem with the way Olympia just came home and took charge. Not one person anywhere stood up to her. Really? I just couldn't let go of how soldiers who didn't like Olympia still raced to do her bidding.

Otherwise, I did like that "happily ever after" doesn't mean "perfectly happy ever after." Arguments creep into the best of relationships and you have to remember to appreciate each other. It's a good lesson for starry-eyed little girls.

Ed's mixed-up idioms were still entertaining, and I liked the addition of Sleeping Beauty's cousin, Lazy Susan. She has her own little message to teach. King Swithbert was an example of the consequences of idly standing by and not making a stand. Stan Lucasa on the other hand? I liked him, but his ending came out of nowhere!

Still recommended for fairy tale fans, but adults might not enjoy it as much as the younger set. ( )

http://www.sfsite.com/05a/tu271.htm ( )

Satisfying and sweet conclusion to the story of Marigold and Christian. Queen Olympia regains her memory and returns after a year has passed since the end of the first installment of the series. Of course, she wants to return to power and her ambition of being Queen. She quickly acts to jail her opposition. The rest of the kingdom has to figure out how to deal with this strong-willed and ruthless woman. ( )

Things between Marigold and Christian start getting sour and they can't figure out why. Finally they figure out that Olympia is alive and simply had amnesia- she has a nice personality underneath the horrible one. The horrible personality side of Olympia takes over the kingdom as empress. Not only does Marigold have to stage a revolt to win back the kingdom, she has to help save Olympia from herself. ( )

Good, but not as good as the first one. I liked the humur. ( )