Elizabeth C. Bunce Book Title: A Curse Dark as Gold Publication Date: March 2008 Publisher: Arthur A. Levine Books/Scholastic ISBN: 978-0-439-89576-7 Author's Website: http://www.elizabethcbunce.com

Description of Book:

Upon the death of her father, seventeen-year-old Charlotte Miller struggles to keep the family's woolen mill running in the face of an overwhelming debt and what the villagers believe is a curse.  But when a man capable of spinning straw into gold appears on the scene, she must decide if his help is worth the price.

About the Author:

Elizabeth C. Bunce has been a writer and needleworker since childhood. A Curse Dark as Gold reflects her passion for traditional tales, of which she says, "I’ve always been interested in what the original tales left out—the stories beneath the stories.  What kind of person would sell her own child, and how could we possibly sympathize with her?  What does Rumpelstiltskin want the baby for?  I wanted to write a story where we came to know these people, and how their lives made such a devastating intersection.”

In her spare time, Elizabeth is an accomplished needlewoman with an interest in embroidery and historical costuming.  Elizabeth lives near Kansas City with her husband and dogs. Visit her website at www.elizabethcbunce.com.

Excerpt:

Reviews:

"Beats the hell out of any fantasy novel I've read this year."  --Peter S. Beagle, author of The Last Unicorn and Tamsin

"I loved the touch of folk magic and the ancient curse.  Splendid.  This is a magnificent first publication."  --Tamora Pierce, author of The Lioness Quartet and Beka Cooper: Terrier

"A charming retelling of the Rumpelstiltskin story.  A lovely read."  --Sharon Shinn, author of The Safe-Keeper's Secret and General Winston's Daughter

"A good strong heroine, nicely creepy doings, and a satisfying end.  I thoroughly enjoyed it."  --Patrice Kindl, author of Goose Chase and Owl in Love