Happy International Fairy Day 2021! Embrace the magic!

Hello, my lovelies. Did you know that 24th June is International Fairy Day? No? Well, let me bring a little magic into your life, share some of my favourite books featuring faeries and wonderful inspired fairy goodies.

For centuries, fairies have been an important part of Celtic culture, captured in myth and folklore for generations. In all of the ancient legends, these mythological creatures are described as intelligent, mischievous, and magical. They have the ability to fly and cast spells, and they live in “Tír na nóg,” the land of eternal youth. Humans don’t often see fairies because of the division between the two worlds, however, the veil is thin at twilight and during seasonal pagan festivals such as Beltane (1st May), Midsummer’s Eve (20th June), or Samhain (31st October).

Then in 1917, two young cousins in the north of England, Elsie Wright and Frances Griffith took five photographs that shocked the world. They had captured images of dancing fairies. The Cottingley Fairies pictures have since been debunked as fakes, but for decades they were cited as proof that fairies could be found in Cottingley, near Bradford in England.

Like most children, I often went for walks in my local countryside looking for signs of fairies but I only learned about this special themed day myself earlier this year. As a reader of fantasy and paranormal romances, I’m a bit embarrassed that International Fairy Day isn’t already on my blogging calendar. Rest assured, it will be from now on. 😉

But, I expect you’re asking…

How did INTERNATIONAL FAIRY DAY begin?

International Fairy Day was reputedly started by American artist Jessica Galbreth, to honour the fairies and all other mythological creatures of folklore. Although her artistic muse led her in a more angelic direction since 2010, International Fairy Day is still celebrated on 24th June by fae fans around the world. 🙂

So, today is a day for fairy believers young and old to celebrate the stories, magic, and history of the Fair Folk. To relive your childhood fantasies and celebrate the joy and magic of the fairy world. Why not read a classic fairy tale, build a fairy house, or take a stroll through the woods. You never know when you might stumble across something magical!

My favourite reads for International Fairy Day 2021

Now, as a reader of paranormal romance and urban fantasy, the fae feature prominently on my shelves. Therefore, I’ve got some great books and series to recommend.

Let’s start with my favourite adult paranormal romance author – Felicity Heaton.

Kissed By A Dark Prince is the first book in Felicity’s Eternal Mates series. The dark prince in question is a handsome elf prince who quickly stole my heart. If you like Sherrilyn Kenyon’s Dark-Hunters you won’t be able to put down the addictive Eternal Mates series. A collection of fated mate romances packed with dark elves, vampires, shifters, demons, angels, witches and fae in a huge detailed world that will leave you breathless! Each book is a self-contained HEA romance.

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My next recommendation is a book that gets mixed reviews. But I LOVED it!

It’s another adult paranormal romance, this time by Amelia Hutchins.

Fighting Destiny is the first book in Amelia’s The Fae Chronicles. Be warned, the fairies in this book are as far from Tinkerbell as you can get! Amelia had me hating the fae characters in this book, passionately, before showing me a glimmer of hope. Damn her. 😉

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Next I recommend reading the first novella in the Reaper series by Donna Grant.

Donna’s Reaper series is a spin-off from her Dragon shifter paranormal romance series, Dark Kings. The Reapers are Fae who work for Death collecting the souls of the fae. Donna has created two types of fae in this series, The Light and The Dark. But don’t think this is in any way Disney-esque. I’ve been drawn into this world where things are not what they seem.

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Cecy Robson was a new-to-me author when I read my next fairy recommendation.

Unearthed is the first book in Cecy’s Death Seeker series. Unearthed didn’t take the course I was expecting – I thought a story about a pixie would be a light-hearted humorous cosy paranormal mystery, it’s not. There is some humour, but there’s also a lot of darkness, fear, terror and adult themes in this tale.

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If you’re looking for cosy, look no further than Kristen Painter.

Kristen is another author on my favourite list. Miss Frost Solves A Cold Case is the first book in her cozy paranormal mystery series, Jayne Frost. There’s absolutely no offensive content in this book – language, violence or sex. Therefore it’s the perfect recommendation for lovers of charming, paranormal mystery tales who enjoy a sprinkling of humour and a bit of romance with a happy ever after ending. 🙂

Have you already read any of these book? Which fairy-themed title would be on your recommended reads? Drop me a comment below and we can exchage notes and grow our TBR piles! 😉

As a bookworm book dragon, I love looking at all the fabulous bookish goodies there are out there. I had lots of fun browsing through all the fairy-themed goodies on Etsy. Here are some of my favourites:

Thanks for visiting Flora’s Musings and celebrating International Fairy Day 2021 with me. I had lots of fun writing this post (and browsing Etsy 😉 ) and will definitely write another post next year!

Many of my favourite authors write fantastic stories about the fae. Before you go, check out if YOUR favourite author one of my favourites. 😉

Bye for now,

Flora x