What if The Little Mermaid didn’t have her happily ever after? Where would she be today? Of Songs and Seashells by T.M. Franklin starts with a different ending to the classic fairy tale. Lily doesn’t get her happily ever after with her prince and instead finds herself in a small coastal town many, many years later. Right off the bat, this story had my attention.

Lily was one of my favorite characters from book one. Of Snow and Roses. and she didn’t disappoint as I got to know her better in her own story. A loner, all she wants is to be left alone. But she finds herself wrapped up in trying to save a town from an ancient being – and maybe letting a little boy and his family into her heart.

Young Wyatt enters the story with a bang and a tumble and quickly finds out that Lily isn’t quite as normal as she wants everyone to think. He’s a fun kid, and I fell in love with him. And even better, he has a cute, and equally charming, father. Bash starts off a bit rude, but it was a good way to introduce him to Lily and give them room to grow and come to trust each other.

Now, the villain (I won’t say who they are) was brilliant. She had motivation, means, and has a history with Lily that tied her past to her present. She was tough enough to bring everyone together without being the super-mega impossible foe that they need a miracle to beat. I loved it.

**I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book**