The cottage is owned by a Mr. Bruto. Chris's parents rent it on condition that they keep out of  his derelict estate next door.

The parents go on a trip, Bella house-sits, and all's well until Chris climbs over the estate wall, finds a rose, and plucks it  . . .

  This modern retelling, while losing none of its romance and mystery, demonstrates the power of pure, true love to heal deep wounds. 

 The book contains fourteen pen & ink  illustrations. We offer samples of these, including two comparative portraits of Bruto (the beast.)

The atmosphere of this retelling is augmented by powerful and striking pen and ink drawings by Claire Roberts based on sketches by the author.

If you hear the tune and find it clunky, square and awkward, it is. It represents Bruto. Bella picks it up and tunes it to a hesitant waltz. Then it gathers steam, ending in 100-string smaltz!