Picture a storyteller who swapped military life for magical tales of unicorns and princes—meet J.M. Stengl! This North Carolina-based author, once known as Jill Stengl, weaves enchanting young adult fairy-tale fantasies that sparkle with romance and whimsy. Her Faraway Castle series has captured hearts with its modern twists on classic tales, blending magical creatures and heart-melting love stories.
From her early days writing Christian romances to her current reign as a fairy-tale maestro, Stengl’s journey is as captivating as her stories. With a knack for crafting clean, uplifting reads, she invites readers into worlds where cinder sprites and sirens steal the show.
The Making of J.M. Stengl
Born in Southern California, Jill Marie Stengl’s life was a whirlwind as a military wife, following her Air Force fighter pilot husband across the globe. This dynamic lifestyle shaped her storytelling, infusing it with resilience and adventure. Writing as Jill Stengl, she debuted in 1996 with Christian romance novellas for Barbour Publishing, earning accolades like the Carol Award and RWA’s Inspirational Readers’ Choice Award. Her love for animals and fairy tales simmered beneath the surface, waiting to bloom.
In 2014, Stengl took a bold leap, self-publishing a historical romance before embracing her true calling: young adult fairy-tale fantasy. As J.M. Stengl, she found her voice, blending magic and romance in a way that feels both timeless and fresh. Now settled in North Carolina, she draws inspiration from her cats, grandchildren, and a passion for animal rescue.
J.M. Stengl’s Unforgettable Stories
Stengl’s Faraway Castle series is her crown jewel, a collection of sweet, clean retellings of classic fairy tales set in a magical resort teeming with royals and mythical creatures. The series kicks off with Ellie and the Prince, a Cinderella-inspired tale where Ellie, a servant herding cinder sprites, teams up with Prince Omar to save a unicorn. Readers praise its heartwarming romance and creative world-building, blending modern settings with fairy-tale charm.
The Siren and the Scholar, a Little Mermaid retelling, follows Kamoana, a siren who must rekindle a lost love despite erased memories. Fans adore its emotional depth and unique twist on mermen, with fish-like upper bodies. The Rose and the Briar, a Sleeping Beauty adaptation, centers on Rosa, a magical gardener protecting a cursed princess. Reviewers call it a green-friendly fantasy with vibrant plant magic. The Lady and the Wish, inspired by King Thrushbeard, showcases Stengl’s knack for redemption arcs, as Lady Gillian learns humility and love.
Stengl’s style is light yet layered, balancing fluffy romance with adventure and subtle life lessons. Her stories avoid clichés, offering fresh spins on beloved tales while staying true to their essence. With magical creatures like cinder sprites and topiary beasts, her world feels alive, reflecting her love for animals and nature.
Why J.M. Stengl Matters
J.M. Stengl’s impact lies in her ability to craft escapist yet meaningful stories. Her Faraway Castle series resonates with young adults and fairy-tale enthusiasts, offering clean, uplifting reads in a genre often heavy with angst. By modernizing classic tales, she bridges nostalgia and innovation, appealing to readers seeking comfort and wonder. Her environmentalist themes, especially in The Rose and the Briar, inspire a love for nature, while her animal rescue advocacy adds depth to her public persona.
Stengl’s transition from Christian romance to fantasy highlights her versatility, proving that reinvention is possible at any stage. Her awards and loyal fanbase underscore her influence, making her a quiet but powerful voice in young adult literature.
- Pen Name: J.M. Stengl (formerly Jill Stengl)
- Key Works: Faraway Castle series (Ellie and the Prince, The Siren and the Scholar, The Rose and the Briar, The Lady and the Wish)
- Awards: Carol Award, RWA Inspirational Readers’ Choice Award
- Hobbies: Quilting, animal rescue, baking
Dive into Ellie and the Prince and lose yourself in J.M. Stengl’s whimsical fairy-tale world! Her stories are the perfect blend of magic, romance, and heart—grab a copy and start your adventure today.