Whispers of the Willow

Sweeping the halls through the day, preparing feasts by night, attending to her stepmother and sister's every whim and fancy...such was life for Elara. She didn't like it—not one bit—but it was the life she'd resigned herself to, and there was simply no way out.

Elara Smith was a stranger in her own home, treated more like a servant than family member, and no matter how much she cried or complained, she couldn't do anything about it.

At least not until Prince Louis showed up. His royal presence made Elara wonder if maybe, just maybe, she could have her very own Cinderella story after all.

With a sliver of hope in sight for the first time, Elara decides to chance a meeting with Prince Louis. And to her surprise, she discovers they have much in common: two souls trapped and longing for freedom.

So, when Prince Louis asks Elara to run away with him, the answer should come easily, right? Why then does she hesitate? She's always hated her life—what's holding her back?

Will Elara throw away her one and only chance at freedom? Or will she, for the first time in her life, buckle down and follow her heart? Find out in Awakening and Courage, a heart-wrenching tale of courage, freedom, duty, and love.