Michael, the Angel of Death, is the loneliest of all creatures. No mortal can see or hear the Grim Reaper, and all those he touches must die. One day, though, a family adopts him as their own Godfather Death. From that day on, Michael tells bedtime stories to their youngest child. These are fairy tales from the angel's ten-thousand-year-old mind, dark, magical, whimsical, and tender. Told with warmth, wit, and an undercurrent of ancient magic, each story touches upon themes of longing and loneliness, love and sacrifice, courage, loss, and transformation. Whether it's a terrifying Red Snake that feeds on souls or a chicken yard hiding secrets from another world, these fairytales spark the imagination while embracing the beauty of the bittersweet. Those who are grieving or brokenhearted may find strange comfort here. Perfect for fans of classic fairy tales, this is a book for adults and teens who enjoy feeling deeply and treading where others are scared to go.

I have always loved fairy tales. Being born and raised in Germany may have something to do with it. Becoming a writer was a very romantic childhood fantasy of mine. I pictured myself writing by candlelight in some attic. Then life happened: I moved to the States, had five kids, and built a career as a psychiatrist. I was busy, but the stories that were floating around in my mind never went away; they were just biding their time. And now that I am semi-retired, they are demanding to be heard.