The 31-year-old admitted that she has always been a “huge fan of Disney movies, especially Beauty and the Beast and The Little Mermaid.” Although the premise for the novel was based on Belle’s story before Theriault signed onto the project, she insists that she would have chosen to focus on Belle anyways. The prospect of writing a novel continuation of your favourite fairy tale might seem like “a dream come true,” and Theriault described it as just that. Belle must discover how to use her voice, power, and privilege to help those less fortunate than herself in a world where many would rather silence her. Although she never anticipated such a responsibility, she refuses to lose her platform, as she is the only voice the commoners have. At times, she finds herself torn between her past as a commoner and her future as a royal. Set in 1789, Rebel Rose follows Belle as she explores her new position of power while living in the castle and learns how to best use it to create justice in her country. Local author Emma Theriault gives readers answers to these questions and insight into what comes after happily ever after in The Queen’s Council: Rebel Rose, the first book in the Disney-affiliated Queen’s Council series. How does Belle transition from being a commoner to royalty? Does the Beast maintain his character development or return to the selfish prince he once was? How do real historical events factor into the tale? Many die-hard Disney fans have theorized what became of Belle, the Beast, and their castle staff after they were released from the enchantress’s curse. Originally written in 1740 by French novelist Gabrielle-Suzanne Barbot de Villeneuve, the classic fairytale has been adapted countless times for film, stage, and television.

Since its release in 1991, Disney’s animated feature film Beauty and the Beast has played a significant role in the childhoods of young adults. Reading Time: 4 minutes Ottawa’s Emma Theriault explores Belle’s life after royalty from Beauty and the Beast in The Queen’s Council: Rebel Rose

Rebel Rose by Emma Theriault