Sun and Moon, Ice and Snow

by Jessica Day George

"When a great white bear promises untold riches to her family, the Lass agrees to go away with him. But the bear is not what he seems, nor is his castle. To unravel the mystery, the Lass sets out on a windswept journey beyond the edge of the world. Based on the Nordic legend East of the Sun, West of the Moon, with romantic echoes of Beauty and the Beast, this re-imagined story will leave fans of fantasy and fairy tale enchanted by Jessica Day George." (from the publisher)

The Lass was born to a family so large, that her mother didn't even bother to name her. And so, she has always been called the Lass. One day though, a white deer has been spotted and it is said that whoever catches a white deer will have great fortune. When the Lass' family goes out looking for the deer, she at first stays at home with her mother and brother Hans Peter. But with her mother's scoldings, she decides to set out and find the white deer, never really imagining she will find it. But find it she does, caught in some brambles. After she frees it, the white deer bestowes upon the Lass the one thing she wants- a name. But the white deer also gifts her with the ability to speak to animals. As the Lass grows up, she becomes a legend in her own right because of her ability to speak to animals. And that is how she is chosen one day by a great white bear to live with him for one year and a day. The great white bear promises her family great fortune if the Lass will come with him, and so she does. But the great white bear is not what he seems, and with the help of her wolf and her brother's jacket, the Lass might be able to break a curse that has destroyed many lives, including that of her beloved brother Hans Peter.

I enjoyed this book immensely. I love fairy tale retellings, and the spin that the author put on this one was great. I really enjoy Jessica Day George's books. If you haven't already, try Dragon Slippers- Creel is a fantastic main character. Jessica Day George has a knack for writing strong female voices.