From Publishers Weekly
Classic fairy tales are classic for a reason, and in this exuberant retelling of the story of [East O' the Sun and West O' the Moon] the theme of true love conquering all obstacles comes out strong and clear. McKiernan (Silver Wolf; Black Falcon; etc.) fleshes out the Andrew Lang version of the tale with a French setting, numerous battles, enigmatic riddles and fairly clean sex. Camille, the sixth and last daughter of a destitute farmer, lives at the border of the land between mortals and faery. One winter night Camille receives the chance of a lifetime when Alain, prince of Summerwood (in the land of faery), asks her family for her hand in marriage. The story continues, as per the classic tale, with Camille discovering that Alain is a bear during the day because of a curse placed on him by a disgusting troll. Our heroine, who is sweet and guileless with only a hint of cloying Pollyanna-ishness, sets out alone on a nearly doomed quest, but admirably keeps going no matter what. Some of the plot is clich‚d, but this has more to do with the familiarity of the story than with the writing, which is never less than graceful. The ending (including a soap opera-like roundup of what happens to Camille's sisters) leaves the door open for a sequel and another quest. Overall, this is a solid, well-rounded fantasy that readers will enjoy as much on a summer beach as on a winter's night. Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist
Prepare to be transported to the fairyland of childhood, replete with trolls, ogres, unicorns, and other wonders. When the prince of Summerland (in Faery, of course) falls in love with poor farmer's daughter Camille, she is borne from her family's rough home to his grand castle on the back of a great white bear. In short order, she falls in love with the prince, though she is not permitted to see his face because of a family curse. One night, however, overcome with curiosity, she shines a candle on his beautiful face, which brings the curse on the household. All disappear but Camille, left alone to confront her fears and evil trolls who seek to claim Summerland's throne. She seeks the help of Lady Soriel, who gives her vague, oracular advice; an injured bird as companion; and a walking stick for the journey she must make. Camille has only a year and a day to search all of Faery for her lost love and free him from his terrible fate. Enchanting. Paula Luedtke
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

Book Description
From the bestselling author of the Mithgar novels comes a new version of a classic French fairy tale. A young woman marries a mysterious Prince, only to have magic steal him away-and, once upon a winter's night, her quest begins.

"McKiernan brews magic with an insightful blend of laughter, tears, and high courage." (Janny Wurts)

FROM OUR EDITORS

The Barnes & Noble Review
A magnificent blend of fairy tale and high adventure, Dennis McKiernan's Once Upon a Winter's Night is based on a Norse tale that the author read as a young child in The Blue Fairy Book. This version is rather longer than the original 11 pages, and McKiernan has done such a wonderful job fleshing out the fundamental story that it is easy to get lost in its pages. If there is a book to read on the beach this summer or under your favorite tree -- this is it.

The story begins "...in days long past, when the mystical yet touched the real." The tale is about Camille, a poor farmer's daughter with long golden hair and a voice like an angel. One winter night, there comes a knock at the door, and a huge bear delivers a marriage proposal from Prince Alain of Summerwood, who has heard her singing in the fields. Alain lives in Faery -- the strange, mystical land bordering the mortal world Camille and her family dwell in. Camille reluctantly accepts, knowing that the prince's generous bride-price and yearly stipend will help her family, especially her frail little brother Giles.

Thus Camille begins her journey, traveling through Springwood, Winterwood, and Autumnwood, finally arriving at Summerwood Castle. What awaits her is not only the promised wealth and riches, but also a darker edge to her new life and a curse only she can lift. It doesn't take Camille long to win the heart of her new prince and fall head over heels herself, but she is not permitted to see him during the day, and only with a mask covering his face after dusk. Somehow, Camille must break this evil spell and free not only her beloved, but an entire kingdom as well. (Corinna Allen)

FROM THE PUBLISHER