Not all fairytale romances end in 'happily ever after” – that's the message behind a new high-quality coffee table publication, designed to raise awareness of domestic violence in Tauranga.

The book, titled ‘Grim Tales' – which is a play on fairytale authors The Brothers Grimm and the gritty truths within its pages – has 13 brave women sharing their real-life stories of hurt and heartbreak.

And their stories have been turned into powerful fairytales through talented local authors, illustrators and a photographer.

Curated by community art organisation The Incubator on behalf of Tauranga Women's Refuge, the project is designed to 'keep the wolf from the door' – to raise funds and also highlight a dark underbelly of our society.

The Weekend Sun is offering a glimpse into the book by publishing one of the 13 stories – the real-life struggle of Karen, who says 'although it has been many years since I last faced the ‘ogre', the years of torment are fully entrenched in who I now am”.

‘Grim Tales' is available for purchase online or at The Incubator, Historic Village, 17th Ave.

Visit the site for more information. To purchase head to Books A Plenty.

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The Blind Maid and The Giant

Story by Janie Giles and illustrations by Lynette Fisher.

In a far-off land lived a beautiful maid. She was full of life, clever, hard-working and innocent, and humble because she was blind to her own loveliness.

The maid's father, a traveller for the King, was anxious to see her well looked after, and arranged her marriage to a wealthy giant. All agreed the giant was charming, handsome and a fine husband.

Married life revolved around the giant's needs, and through her skills and diligence the maid increased his wealth many times over. She was happy and wanted nothing more, but did not see the bindings quietly circling, ever tightening around her.

Nor could she see her husband's true face. In time, two fine sons were born, but then the giant began to beat her. He beat her hard and he beat her often. Her beautiful eyes wept through her bruises and she worried for her children, but could see no way out.

A kindly neighbour heard her weeping and, having some skills with blindness, showed her the chains that bound her and told of a wise woman who could help. Secretly she visited the wise woman many times, each time she untangled another portion of rope and chain.

Meanwhile, she maintained the illusion of blindness to her husband. Then one night when he hit her, she stood up to him. This enraged the giant, and he beat her so terribly that he almost killed her. But she was rescued by the King's soldiers, who jailed the giant and set her free. She would never have to see him again.

Over time, with the wise woman's encouragement, her sight improved and she saw that she was beautiful – inside and out. She felt worthy of happiness and met a man she loved, and who loved her too. He would not hurt her and tried to understand her tears.

They took her sons, and travelled far away from the darkness and despair that had been her life with the giant. Together they are still living – happily ever after.