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Two days after Christmas, 1948, in a city that could be New York, Tasha prepares to get a life-altering haircut. A princess from an Eastern European principality that no longer exists, she's being forced to marry a very controlling, obscenely rich American industrialist who's got a disturbing hair fetish. He's aroused only by her amazingly long, glorious hair. So to save herself, she decides to get it all cut off. But she doesn't count on falling in love with the handsome barber who refuses, for as long as he can, to do her bidding. Nor does Mike, a conflicted young widower still grieving for his late wife, count on becoming entranced by the strangest customer he's ever encountered. Even after Tasha is beaten beyond recognition for her act of rebellion, he finds the terribly battered, nearly bald former princess irresistible, and does all he can to help her. Add to the mix Misha, an open-minded angel from the Old Country whose specialty is New Year's Eve, and the fairy tale begins to take a more adult turn. Ultimately, it's a love story that weaves whimsy with romance, along with more serious themes, as it underscores the timelessness and hope of the season in which it's set.… (more)
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Donna Callea has written an intriguing story. It is thoughtful and fun, but has a twist of evil and perversion, unexpected in the fairy tale like setting. The tale comes complete with a young princess and a New Year Angel. With such fable type characters, the
In an earlier era, countries across the world were at war and many small Eastern European Principalities simply ceased to exist, swallowed up by neighboring countries. Such was the case of the country where Princess Natasha (Tasha) was born. Losing her beloved parents at an early age, she was raised by her very cruel aunt and uncle, the Count and Countess. Her only friend was their son Gregori, a young cousin her age who often took the beatings with her. An older American finances them; his only requirement is they keep Tasha sheltered and never, ever cut her hair. He intends to marry her when she grows up.
With the help of her cousin Gregori, on the eve of her wedding, they make plans to seek out a barber. Because Harold's whole fantasy revolves around her hair, they decide to cut it off. The chosen barber is young and in awe of Tasha. Initially refusing to cut her hair in the style she asks, he finally gives in to her begging. She is determined and he is intrigued.
When she had Gregori drop her at her aunt and uncle's home, they are livid, horrified at what this simple haircut would mean to their way of life. She was beaten brutally and left lying where she fell, unable to move and barely able to breathe. Gregori found her and determined they would run away, but the only place he could think of was the barber that had shown her such kindness. Can he hide and protect Tasha from those that meant her harm?
Tasha is a kind and thoughtful young woman, trying to live life as she was dealt with. She believes in Misha, the Angel of New Years. He brings happiness to those in times of need. In order to have enough happiness, he requires stories of "Thorns to Feathers", looking for the joy that comes through from distress. She is constantly looking for the kindness and joy in everything, knowing that it is the only way her life will become as it should. This is when she first realizes that she is in love with Mike, her barber. Not just with Mike, but with his family as well, including his mother and his young daughter Molly.
Mike is beyond horrified by what he observed when Gregori delivers her to his home. She has very little semblance to the young woman from a few hours previous, but her goodness shows through. He is drawn to her, and yet feels guilt, feeling disloyal to his deceased wife Annie. As Tasha heals and the friction turns to heat, it is all he can do to keep to himself. He is concerned for her fate, what will happen when she is well?
THE HAIRCUT is a madcap story full of evil, but with a kind and generous angel, waiting for those that can find good in everything. Only then can he perpetuate and spread that happiness throughout the world. It is a fun and whimsical story about the life of a young princess and the family that takes her in. Twisted throughout this story is a dark and dangerous thread of evil. Will Misha prevail?..
This book was received as a free download from the author through The Romance Reviews. All opinions are my own based off my reading and understanding of the material.