Beauty, by Robin McKinley
When disasters at sea and other economic setbacks ruin Mr. Huston’s business and destroy his fortune, the family sells everything at auction. He and his three daughters, Grace, Hope and Beauty, must rely on the kindness of Gervain, Hope’s suitor.
Gervain moves them all to his hometown of Blue Hill where they set up housekeeping in the old blacksmith’s homestead. While Gervain builds a fine reputation as an ingenuous blacksmith, the girls learn to tend the house and garden, and cook.
One day, Mr. Huston receives word that one of his lost ships has returned to port. He goes to the city to sell the cargo so he can pay the captain and the sailors. On his way home, he gets lost in a terrible snow storm and ends up at an enchanted castle. He is well cared for but incurs the beast’s wrath when he picks a rose for Beauty. The act is punishable by death, but Beast agrees to trade Mr. Huston’s life for the companionship of one of his daughters.
Beauty insists that she take her father’s place. At the enchanted castle, she slowly adjusts to life with Beast. Soon, she finds herself seeking the beast’s company, and before long, Beauty and Beast spend time each day walking about the gardens, reading, and visiting over dinner. Beauty’s feelings for Beast change from horror and aversion, to pity and compassion.
When she returns home for a week-long visit, she realizes that she loves him. Beauty’s return to the castle and her avowal of love changes everything.
