Eloisa James's Once Upon A Tower: A Historical Romance Inspired by Fairy Tales
Once Upon A Tower: A Fairy Tale Romance by Eloisa James
Introduction
Do you love fairy tales? Do you enjoy reading historical romance novels? Do you want to escape into a world of passion, humor, and adventure? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then you should definitely check out Once Upon A Tower, a delightful and enchanting book by Eloisa James.
Once Upon A Tower Eloisa James E
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What is Once Upon A Tower?
Once Upon A Tower is the fifth book in the Happily Ever After series by Eloisa James, a bestselling author of historical romance novels. The series consists of standalone books that are inspired by classic fairy tales, such as Cinderella, The Ugly Duckling, The Princess and the Pea, and The Duke Is Mine. Each book features a strong and smart heroine, a charming and handsome hero, and a twist on the original story that makes it fresh and fun.
Who is Eloisa James?
Eloisa James is the pen name of Mary Bly, a professor of English literature at Fordham University. She has written over 30 books, including historical romance, contemporary romance, and memoirs. She is known for her witty and elegant writing style, her extensive research on historical details, and her ability to create engaging and realistic characters. She has won numerous awards and accolades for her work, such as the RITA Award, the Romantic Times Reviewers' Choice Award, and the New York Times bestseller list.
Why should you read Once Upon A Tower?
If you are looking for a book that will make you laugh, cry, swoon, and sigh, then Once Upon A Tower is the perfect choice for you. It is a book that will transport you to the Regency era in England, where you will meet Gowan Stoughton, the Duke of Kinross, and Edith Gilchrist, the daughter of an earl. They are both young, beautiful, and wealthy, but they have very different personalities and expectations. Their marriage starts off as a fairy tale, but soon turns into a nightmare when they realize that they are not compatible in bed. Will they be able to overcome their differences and find their happily ever after? Or will they be doomed to live in a tower of misery?
Summary of Once Upon A Tower
The plot
The story begins with Gowan Stoughton, a Scottish duke who has inherited a large fortune and a vast estate from his father. He is looking for a suitable wife who can bear him an heir and manage his household. He attends a ball in London, where he sees Edith Gilchrist for the first time. He is instantly smitten by her beauty and grace, and decides to propose to her on the spot. Edith accepts his proposal, even though she barely knows him. She is flattered by his attention and impressed by his reputation. She also hopes that he will share her love for music and art.
They get married in a hurry, and travel to Scotland for their honeymoon. However, they soon discover that they have nothing in common, except for their physical attraction. Gowan is a practical and rational man, who values efficiency and order. He is also a passionate and dominant lover, who expects his wife to submit to his every desire. Edith is a dreamy and artistic woman, who values creativity and expression. She is also a shy and inexperienced lover, who needs tenderness and patience. She suffers from pain and discomfort every time they make love, which frustrates and angers Gowan. He thinks that she is cold and frigid, while she thinks that he is rough and insensitive.
They try to communicate and compromise, but they only end up hurting and misunderstanding each other. They also face external challenges, such as Gowan's meddling mother, Edith's meddling father, and a mysterious fire that destroys part of Gowan's castle. They eventually reach a breaking point, where they decide to separate and annul their marriage. However, fate has other plans for them. Edith discovers that she is pregnant with Gowan's child, and Gowan realizes that he still loves Edith despite their differences. They decide to give their marriage another chance, and work on their relationship. They learn to respect and appreciate each other's strengths and weaknesses, and to express their feelings and needs. They also find new ways to enjoy their intimacy, with the help of some books and toys. They finally achieve their happy ending, when they welcome their baby into the world.
The characters
Gowan Stoughton is the hero of the story. He is a handsome and powerful duke, who has a strong sense of duty and honor. He is also a loyal and generous friend, who cares for his people and his land. He is used to getting what he wants, and he does not tolerate any inefficiency or disorder. He is confident and skilled in bed, but he does not understand women's emotions or needs. He falls in love with Edith at first sight, but he does not know how to make her happy. He has to learn to be more flexible and attentive, and to appreciate her differences.
Edith Gilchrist is the heroine of the story. She is a beautiful and talented lady, who has a passion for music and art. She plays the cello with skill and grace, and she paints with flair and imagination. She is also a kind and gentle person, who loves her family and friends. She is naive and innocent in love, but she has a curious and adventurous spirit. She agrees to marry Gowan without knowing him well, but she hopes to find love and happiness with him. She has to learn to be more assertive and expressive, and to overcome her fears.
Other characters in the story include: - Layla Gilchrist: Edith's mother, who died when Edith was young. She was a famous opera singer, who taught Edith how to play the cello. - James Gilchrist: Edith's father, who is an earl and a politician. He loves Edith dearly, but he does not approve of her marriage to Gowan. He tries to interfere in their relationship, by sending Edith letters and gifts. - Lady Cecily Stoughton: Gowan's mother, who is a duchess and a socialite. She loves Gowan dearly, but she does not approve of his marriage to Edith. She tries to interfere in their relationship, by visiting them unannounced and criticizing Edith. - Leila: Edith's maid and friend, who accompanies her to Scotland. She is loyal and supportive of Edith, but she also encourages her to stand up for herself. - Angus: Gowan's steward and friend, who helps him manage his estate. He is faithful and respectful of Gowan, but he also advises him to be more gentle with Edith. - Fergus: Gowan's cousin and friend, who lives nearby. He is cheerful and friendly, but he also teases Gowan about his marital troubles.
The setting
The story is set in the Regency era in England (1811-1820), which was a period of political and social change in British history. It was also a period of cultural flourishing in literature, art, music, fashion, and architecture.
The story takes place mostly in Scotland (Gowan's home), where the scenery is rugged and beautiful, but the weather is cold and harsh. The contrast between the Scottish landscape and the English society reflects the contrast between Gowan's personality (practical) and Edith's personality (artistic).
Analysis of Once Upon A Tower
The theme of love and marriage
One of the main themes of Once Upon A Tower is the challenge and the joy of love and marriage. The book explores the question of what makes a successful and happy marriage, and how to overcome the obstacles and conflicts that arise in any relationship. The book shows that love and marriage are not always easy or simple, but they are worth fighting for and working on.
Gowan and Edith have a fairy tale romance at first, but they soon realize that they have to deal with reality and expectations. They have to face their own flaws and insecurities, as well as their partner's. They have to learn how to communicate and compromise, how to respect and appreciate, and how to trust and support. They have to find a balance between their individuality and their unity, between their passion and their friendship, between their differences and their similarities.
The book also shows that love and marriage are not only about romance and sex, but also about friendship and companionship. Gowan and Edith discover that they have more in common than they thought, and that they enjoy each other's company and conversation. They share their interests and hobbies, their dreams and fears, their jokes and secrets. They become not only lovers, but also friends.
The role of music and art
Another theme of Once Upon A Tower is the role of music and art in life and love. The book shows that music and art are not only forms of entertainment or expression, but also sources of inspiration and connection. Music and art can enrich one's life, as well as one's relationship.
Edith is a talented musician and painter, who uses music and art as a way of expressing her emotions and creativity. She plays the cello with passion and skill, and she paints with flair and imagination. She finds joy and solace in music and art, especially when she feels lonely or unhappy. She also uses music and art as a way of communicating with Gowan, when words fail them. She plays him songs that convey her feelings, or paints him pictures that show her vision.
Gowan is not a musical or artistic person, but he learns to appreciate music and art through Edith. He listens to her play the cello with admiration and awe, and he looks at her paintings with curiosity and interest. He realizes that music and art can touch his heart and soul, as well as his mind and body. He also learns to use music and art as a way of pleasing Edith, when actions fail him. He buys her a new cello that suits her better, or builds her a tower that resembles her painting.
The subversion of fairy tale tropes
A third theme of Once Upon A Tower is the subversion of fairy tale tropes. The book plays with the conventions and expectations of fairy tales, such as Rapunzel, which is the main source of inspiration for the story. The book twists and turns the original story, making it more realistic and humorous.
For example, in the original story, Rapunzel is a passive and helpless heroine, who is locked up in a tower by a wicked witch. She waits for her prince to rescue her, by climbing up her long hair. In the book, Edith is an active and independent heroine, who chooses to stay in a tower by herself. She does not need Gowan to rescue her, but rather to understand her. She does not let him climb up her hair (which she cuts short), but rather invites him up by a rope ladder.
Another example is that in the original story, Rapunzel's prince is a brave and noble hero, who fights the witch to save Rapunzel. He loses his eyesight in the process, but regains it when Rapunzel cries on him. In the book, Gowan is a flawed and human hero, who argues with Edith to save their marriage. He loses his hearing in the process, but regains it when Edith plays for him.
Conclusion
What makes Once Upon A Tower a great read?
Once Upon A Tower is a great read for anyone who loves fairy tales, historical romance, or just a good story. It is a book that will make you laugh, cry, swoon, and sigh. It is a book that will transport you to another time and place, where you will meet unforgettable characters and experience unforgettable emotions. It is a book that will inspire you to believe in the power and the beauty of love and marriage.
How does Once Upon A Tower compare to other works by Eloisa James?
Once Upon A Tower is one of the best works by Eloisa James, who is a master of historical romance. It showcases her signature style of witty and elegant writing, her extensive research on historical details, and her ability to create engaging and realistic characters. It also stands out for its original and creative plot, its clever and humorous dialogue, and its sensual and romantic scenes. It is a book that will appeal to both fans and newcomers of Eloisa James.
Where can you find Once Upon A Tower and other books by Eloisa James?
If you are interested in reading Once Upon A Tower or other books by Eloisa James, you can find them online or in your local bookstore. You can also visit her website (www.eloisajames.com) or follow her on social media (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram) to learn more about her and her work. You can also join her newsletter or her book club to get updates and recommendations from her.
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about Once Upon A Tower and Eloisa James:
Is Once Upon A Tower part of a series?
Yes, Once Upon A Tower is part of the Happily Ever After series by Eloisa James, which consists of standalone books that are inspired by classic fairy tales. The other books in the series are: A Kiss at Midnight, When Beauty Tamed the Beast, The Duke Is Mine, The Ugly Duchess, and Three Weeks with Lady X.
Do I need to read the other books in the series before reading Once Upon A Tower?
No, you do not need to read the other books in the series before reading Once Upon A Tower, as each book has its own story and characters. However, you may enjoy reading the other books as well, as they are all equally delightful and enchanting.
What is the order of the books in the series?
The order of the books in the series is as follows: A Kiss at Midnight, When Beauty Tamed the Beast, The Duke Is Mine, The Ugly Duchess, Once Upon A Tower, and Three Weeks with Lady X.
Are there any other books by Eloisa James that are similar to Once Upon A Tower?
If you like Once Upon A Tower, you may also like other books by Eloisa James that are similar in theme or style, such as: Potent Pleasures, Much Ado About You, An Affair Before Christmas, This Duchess of Mine, A Duke of Her Own, Say Yes to the Duke, and Say No to the Duke.
What are some other authors or books that are similar to Eloisa James or Once Upon A Tower?
If you like Eloisa James or Once Upon A Tower, you may also like other authors or books that are similar in genre or tone, such as: Julia Quinn, Lisa Kleypas, Tessa Dare, Sarah MacLean, Loretta Chase, Georgette Heyer, Jane Austen, Bridgerton, The Bridgertons, The Wallflowers, The Hathaways, The Spindle Cove, The Bareknuckle Bastards, The Dressmakers, The Grand Sophy, Pride and Prejudice, Emma, Sense and Sensibility, Persuasion, Northanger Abbey, Mansfield Park.
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