In this upbeat and endearing funny version of the classic fairy tale The Twelve Dancing Princesses, Princess Susannah, the eldest of twelve royal sisters, discovers she has the gift of magic. While this is against the rules of the kingdoms, she attempts to use her powers to break the curse placed on them by the nasty fairy Malady. No noble couples can give birth to a son, heir, or a future husband. Her magic leads to an enchanted place where the twelve princesses meet and dance the nights away with a group of dashing princes. There are only two problems. The princes are trapped there, and impotent. This doesn’t bode well for future romance.

While Susannah is exploring ways to help their princes escape, the Queen is getting annoyed at the monthly shoe bills. She has hired numerous guards to find out what kind of mischief her daughters are up to, but none have succeeded. Then a detective by the name of John Tom applies for the position, and for the first time the sisters are concerned someone might actually discover their secrets. He and Susannah embark on a verbal sparring match that becomes a cover for mutual attraction. At the same time a mysterious new prince appears among the others who gives Susannah a major case of the hots. Now she is even more determined to use her magic so they can bring the princes home to meet their parents, but lack of experience and a handsome detective are standing in her way.

With her delightfully quirky brand of humor, Jody Wallace gives an old story a wonderfully new and unique twist. She combines the elements of traditional fairy tales with contemporary attitudes, language, and the battle between the sexes. Susannah is feisty and courageous while John Tom is cocky and charming in turn. Twelve unmarried sisters add a whole new dimension to the idea of sibling rivalry. Each one with a unique personality that makes them stand out. These royal women are not the actual rulers, but their actions definitely have a feminist feel. I especially enjoyed the Queen, who was smart, sassy, and definitely the power behind the throne.

Ms. Wallace is a bright new talent who shines in both the elements of fantasy and romance. A Spell for Susannah makes a memorable first impression as you laugh and cheer the main characters on to their well deserved happily ever after.

Reviewed by: LeeAnn