Callie and the Pumpkin Seed

About the Book:

Callie and the Pumpkin Seed: A Cinderella Retelling (Autumn Fairy Tales) by [Sarah Beran]

Title: Callie and the Pumpkin Seed
Series: Autumn Fairy Tales #6
Author: Sarah Beran
Release Date: October 6th, 2023
Genre: Fairytale Retelling

She’s a baker struggling to support her stepfamily. He’s a prince running from the biggest decision of his life. Can their friendship result in something sweet, or is it a recipe for disaster?

Calliope Cendrillon wants nothing more than for her bakery, “Sweet Pea’s Pumpkin Perfections,” to start turning a profit. After her father’s sudden death left her family in dire financial straits, Callie’s infamous pumpkin treats are the only thing standing between protecting her father’s legacy and losing it all.

When Ever, one of Callie’s new regulars, presents her the chance to cater treats for the prince’s Choosing Ball, it’s an offer she can’t refuse. But Ever has secrets he’s been hiding, and when her attendance and premature exit catches the eye of the prince, Callie finds herself participating in a series of unconventional tests. Trying to find a girl using her slipper was unbelievable enough, but finding a worthy princess using a pumpkin seed? That takes the cake.

When a single pumpkin seed has the power to change Callie’s future, will she be able to cater to her heart? Or will her dreams of true love burn to a crisp?

Book Review:

This was adorable! It is my first book from Miss Beran and I so enjoyed it. Cinderella is a popular fairytale, but this interpretation was still interesting and fun to read. Calliope Cendrillon just wants her bakery “Sweet Pea’s Pumpkin Perfections” to start turning a profit, so she can protect her father’s legacy. The offer from one of her new regulars, Ever, to cater for the prince’s Choosing Ball is one she can’t refuse. But Ever has secrets and attendance and premature exit catches the eye of a prince. Callie finds herself participating in a series of unconventional tests. Finding a girl using her slipper is unbelievable, but finding a worthy princess with a pumpkin seed? That takes the cake.

Callie is a sweetheart! I loved her caring nature and reasonableness, She seemed practical and real. I would like to have Callie as a friend! She was determined, but so willing to help, I loved her tender heart towards those in her village. Faye and Alvina were also so fun! They supported Callie and even pushed her when she need it. It was so sweet to read about her and Ever! Ever was also sweet! I enjoyed his playfulness.

I loved the mix of inspiration from Cinderella and The Princess and the Pea. What a creative spin! And it totally makes sense in the story! I appreciate how Callie and Ever had a chance to get to know one another. The cozy vibes in this were amazing! I think I have said it in every review of this series, but they all have such a great mix of cozy fall vibes and fairytale magic! I feel like I smiled through pretty much this whole book! It is sweet romance with only kissing!

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion, I was not required to write a positive review.

Jacklyn and the Twisted Beanstalk

About the Book:

Title: Jacklyn and the Twisted Beanstalk
Series: Autumn Fairy Tales #6
Author: Callie Thomas
Release Date: September 19th, 2023
Genre: Fairytale Retelling

She has stolen from the king and now must suffer the consequences. He’s an honor-bound guard, forced to uphold the law. Can she wish her way out of this disaster, or will their budding romance wilt before it even has a chance to blossom?

Jacklyn is tired of the injustice and mistreatment of her fellow farmers in the Kingdom of Cadell. After a rash decision nearly banishes her and her family, she does the unthinkable and trades a rare pumpkin for a sack of magic beans. Despite knowing magic is outlawed, she plants them anyway, hoping the beans will grant her heart’s desire.

But magic is unpredictable, and the beans of transformation were more than what she had bargained for, twisting her wish into a nightmare when her best friend Gillian becomes tangled in the vines of ancient magic. Desperate to save him, Jacklyn must climb the beanstalk, search the forbidden tower for a lost item, and return it to the mysterious woman who traded her the beans.

Time is ticking and she doesn’t have a moment to lose. Can Jacklyn complete her quest before the end of the Harvest Ball, when the blood moon rises and kills everything planted in the soil—including her beloved Gillian? Or will the magic destroy her only hope at a happily ever after?

Book Review:

What a fun addition to the series! Jacklyn is tired of the injustice and mistreatment of her fellow farmers in the Kingdom of Cadell. When a rash decision nearly banishes her and her family, she does the unthinkable and trades a rare pumpkin for magic beans. Despite magic being outlawed, she plants them, hoping for her heart’s desires. But she gets more than she bargained for when her best friend Gillian becomes tangled in the vines of ancient magic. Desperate to save him, Jacklyn must climb the beanstalk, search for a lost item in the forbidden tower, and return it to the mysterious women who traded the beans to her. Will she be able to complete her quest and find a happily ever after?

I had a lot of fun reading this! I don’t read many reimaginings of Jack and the Beanstalk and I enjoyed seeing the inspiration of the fairytale sprinkled in! That is one of the things I always enjoyed when a book is inspired by something, to see which elements they choose to incorporate. It’s like a treasure hunt!

Jacklyn was such a fiery character! Honestly, I didn’t always relate to her, but I did understand her. She really cared about her family and it was the motivation for her. I admired her passion and determination, though it did get her into some trouble as stubbornness! It was exciting to watch her through her adventure. Gillian was such a good match for her! They really complimented each other, both stubborn enough to deal with the other!

This novella moves quickly, because it is on the shorter side and there are a lot of plot points. I enjoyed the magical elements and it definitely felt like the story could continue. This was my first from Ms. Thomas and I am excited to read more! This is an exciting romantasy novella, with only kissing.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion, I was not required to write a positive review.

Willow and the Harvest Moon

About the Book:

Willow and the Harvest Moon: An Ugly Duckling Retelling (Autumn Fairytales Book 1) by [Kayla Eshbaugh]

Title: Willow and the Harvest Moon
Series: Autumn Fairy Tales #5
Author: Kayla Eshbaugh
Release Date: September 5th, 2023
Genre: Fairytale Retelling

She’s the shunned, strange and unwanted maiden living alone in the woods. He’s the noble, handsome, and highly eligible personal knight of the King. So why is he always seeking her out?

Willow is familiar with the unkind words of others. With her ugly and undesirable grey-white hair and black eyes, the villagers never tire of their mocking. Only one person has ever been kind to her–Sir Thomas. Despite her intense attraction to the kind and handsome knight, Willow knows he could never want her–the cursed outcast with the strange ability to speak with animals.

When Thomas takes a walk in the woods on a cool autumn day, he never imagines finding the mythical Westwoods–woods he only knows from bedtime stories told to children. After becoming stranded, he is relieved when Willow stumbles upon him. As they wait out a storm together in a small cave, their feelings for one another can no longer be denied.

As they emerge from the cave and search for a way out of the woods, Willow starts to wonder if she could belong with Thomas. Could someone truly want her? However, when they discover secrets about Willow’s true identity, their budding relationship is threatened. Will discovering her past change whatever seems to be forming between them faster than a leaf falling to the forest floor? Or is belonging more than being accepted by others, but accepting one’s self?

Book Review:

I was so excited to read about Sir Thomas! I have been reading the Cursed Kingdom books and really enjoying them, so having the chance to read his story is such a treat! Willow is familiar with the unkind words of others, with her ugly and undesirable gray-white hair and black eyes. Only Sir Thomas has ever been kind to her, though she knows he could never want her, the cursed outcast with the strange ability to speak with animals. Thomas’s discovery of the mystical Westwoods, which he has only heard about in children’s stories, leads to him becoming stranded in them. Thankfully Willow stumbles upon him, but as they wait out a storm in a small cave, can they deny their feelings. And as secrets about Willow’s true identity emerge, will it change what seems to be forming between them?

This was adorable! I already liked Sir Thomas from Glass Midnight and was excited to read his story. He was sweet as a supporting character to Wes and Ellie and even sweeter in his own book. I loved his honor and kindness. He was determined to be a safe place for Willow and he so obviously found her amazing. They were adorable together! Willow was a sweetheart. She was so willing to be kind, even to those who were so harsh to her. I admired her strength as a survivor, even as she was trying to find herself.

It was exciting to watch them discover secrets about the world of the Cursed Kingdoms. I don’t usually see retellings around The Ugly Duckling, so it is a treat to read them! I was intrigued seeing Willow’s past being revealed. This was a relatively short story compared to the others in the series, so things did move more quickly. However, it did not feel rushed to me and I really felt for the characters. I would definitely recommend this to those who enjoy cozy fairytale inspired romances! I think the experience is enhanced by reading the Cursed Kingdom Chronicles, especially Glass Midnight, but it is not necessary.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion, I was not required to write a positive review.

Scarlet and the Dark Woods

About the Book:

Scarlett and the Dark Woods: A Dystopian Red Riding Hood Retelling by [Mary Mecham]

Title: Scarlett and the Dark Woods
Series: Autumn Fairy Tale #4
Author: Mary Mecham
Release Date: September 15th, 2023
Genre: Fairytale Retelling

She is one of the protected elect. He is a shunned shapeshifter. Can Scarlett rescue her grandmother before her own heart is stolen?

When her grandmother is cast out as unworthy after facing Hamelin’s annual Shunning, Scarlett knows she must brave the dangers of Darkwood Forest if she’s to have any chance of saving her. Her perilous adventure becomes a race against time; she needs to find Gran before the previously shunned get to her first.

Scarlett’s efforts come too late. As her magic dwindles the farther into the forest she ventures, she becomes hopelessly lost and is forced to accept help from Greyson, the shapeshifting wolf who is stalking her every footstep—and who Scarlett suspects of knowing Gran’s location.

If she manages to save her grandmother, Scarlett will be faced with an impossible choice: join Gran and live her life as an outcast or return to the rest of the elect, safe but alone. As she struggles to find the right path forward, Scarlett realizes that more than her grandmother’s future is at stake. Her heart is too.

Can Scarlett resist her inexplicable attraction to the shunned wolf she despises long enough to protect the woman who raised her?

Book Review:

What a cute story! I was so excited to read this! I had just recently read my first of Ms. Mecham’s books and also love the theme of this series. When her grandmother is cast out at Hamelin’s annual Shunning, Scarlett has to brave the Darkwood Forest and its dangers to save her. She has to find Gran before all the previous shunned get to her. But Scarlett is too late, as her magic dwindles, she becomes lost. She is forced to accept help from Greyson, the shape shifting wolf, who she believes knows Gran’s location. But if she does save her grandmother, will she join Gran and live as an outcast or return to the elect, safe but alone. There is more than just the future at stake, her heart is too.

This was such a fun twist on the story! I loved the magic. It was so inventive! Scarlett was quite spunky! I loved how much she cared for her grandmother and her determination to save her no matter what the dangers. She definitely had a lot to learn and to consider what she really wanted for her future. Her gran was quite vibrant! Greyson was also a lot of fun. I loved how he teased Scarlett.

There were a lot of twists in the story! It did feel like the clues were there which was nice to read. I also enjoyed the cozy fall vibes! The story was easy to get into and the romance was also sweet! This is a cozy dystopian fantasy with only kissing! It is a stand-alone novella.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion, a positive review was not required

Frey and the Icy Orchard

About the Book:

Frey and the Icy Orchard: A Snow Queen Retelling (Autumn Fairy Tales Book 1) by [Scarlett Luna Strange]

Title: Fray and the Icy Orchard
Series: Autumn Fairy Tale #3
Author: Scarlett Luna Strange
Release Date: September 8th, 2023
Genre: Fairytale Retelling

She is cursed to imprison others. He is captured by her curse. Can he melt her frozen heart or is it too late?

Frey is the darling Autumn Queen of Seasoria, a cozy village nestled in the mountains. Her life is filled with laughter, love, and the promise of many joyous years to come. At least so it seems from the outside.

What no one in her small village knows is that Frey is cursed with a frozen heart, a heart triggered by the change of seasons. She cannot speak or reveal this to anyone so she is left to wander the mountains every Changeday, taking the first person she can find and capturing them in her hidden castle.

Everything changes the day she captures her first love, the man who broke her heart, Kian. Frey feels joy at this victory. Although Kian knows who Frey really is, he also knows how to free her from this burden. After all, only love can melt a frozen heart.

What happens when the maiden is also the villain? Will Kian break the curse? Or will they be trapped for eternity?

Book Review:

What a fun story! I love the twist on the inspiration of the Snow Queen! Frey is the darling Autumn Queen of Seasorai, a cozy village in the mountains, There is much laughter, love, and joy to come. Yet, she is cursed with a frozen heart, triggered by the change of the seasons. Unable to speak or reveal it, she wanders the mountains every Changeday, capturing the first person she finds and bringing them to her hidden castle. When she captures her first love, the man who broke her heart, Kian. He knows who she is and how to free her from the burden. Can love melt a frozen heart?

This was my first book from Ms. Strange and it was so good! I am excited to read more from her. Frey was such an interesting character. I loved the take on the Snow Queen in this autumn theme. It was so creative! I really felt for her. She was struggling with the curse she bore and the emotional burden it brought. I was quickly invested in her journey, Kian was sweet! I liked his determination, especially towards Frey. All of the other characters were also fun. I loved the depth that they brought to the world. I was excited to see where the story would go and invested in Frey and Kian’s romance.

I love the fall vibes of this series! This book also had a second chance romance, a small town setting, and fairytale inspiration. It is a part of a series of standalones with similar fairytale fall vibes. It is a sweet romance with only kissing.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion, I was not required to write a positive review.

Charlotte and the Cozy Cottage

About the Book:

Charlotte and the Cozy Cottage: A Rumpelstiltskin Retelling (Autumn Fairy Tales) by [Abigail Manning]

Title: Charlotte and the Cozy Cottage
Series: Autumn Fairy Tales #2
Author: Abigail Manning
Release Date: September 5th, 2023
Genre: Fairytale Retelling

She’s a con artist who’s ready to start fresh. He’s her last target before she’s placed under house arrest. What will happen when he pays her a visit in her new prison?

Charlotte Chryses has spent enough time pick-pocketing and thieving to know that it’s not the life she wants, but her father doesn’t feel the same. Her illusion magic is far too useful for her father to let her leave the family trade. She could always run away, but that becomes more difficult when one of her father’s tricks offends the king.

With no other way to keep himself out from behind bars, Charlotte’s father convinces the king that his daughter’s magic is capable of turning common items into gold. This intrigues the king just enough to place her on house arrest with instructions to transmute whatever he brings her, but how is she meant to fool the king when her magic can only cast illusions?

With her freedom and her father on the line, Charlotte finds help in the most unlikely of guests when her solitude is interrupted by a former victim of her thievery. With only a weak form of magic, a strange new companion, and one very fat cat, Charlotte must find her way out of the cottage and out of the life that holds her trapped. Will she ever be free of her cozy prison? Or will she end up in a cell that’s far colder?

Book Review:

Charlotte Chryses is ready to be done with the life of pick-pocketing and thieving that her father has brought her up into. Her father however sees her illusion magic as too useful for her to leave. She could run away, but it becomes more difficult when one of her father’s tricks offends the king. In an attempt to keep himself from behind bars, Charlotte’s father convinces the king that her magic can turn common items to gold. The king, intrigued, places her on house arrest and commands that she transforms everything he brings her. What will she do with only the power to create illusions? Charlotte finds help in the most unlikely guests, a former victim of her thievery. With her limited magic, a strange new companion, and a very fat cat, she must find her way out of not only the cottage, but the life that traps her.

How sweet! I really enjoyed this story and found it exciting to see what would come next! Lottie was trying so hard. She felt a responsibility to her father, but knew that the life he led was not right. I loved seeing her have the opportunity to find herself apart from him, even if it was under stressful circumstances! I loved the coziness of her cottage too.

I definitely felt the fall vibes! Crow was also really fun. I loved their interactions. I liked the themes of the story as well. It moved along pretty quickly, but felt true to it. The retelling elements were fun, but it had plenty of original material to be interesting. This is a sweet fairytale retelling with only kissing and a HEA!

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion, a positive review was not required.

Filia and the Fall Festival

About the Book:

Filia and the Fall Festival: A Little Mermaid Retelling (Autumn Fairy Tales) by [Leialoha Humpherys]

Title: FIlia and the Fall Festival
Series: The Autumn Fairy Tales #1
Author: Leialoha Humpherys
Release Date: August 25th, 2023
Genre: Fairytale Retelling

She’s the “perfect princess” with secrets she can never tell. He’s a prince betrothed to another. Their royal obligations pull them apart, so why do they keep finding themselves drawn to each other?

When Princess Filia’s brother is too ill to attend the fall festival at Alpenglow Kingdom, she goes in his place. But being from a tropical island, Filia has never experienced the autumn season. Though she feels like a fish out of water, her guide, Crown Prince Dawson, is more than happy to make her feel at home. Filia has known Dawson from past adventures, but she can’t help noticing there’s something different in their acquaintance this time.

She’s betrothed to someone from her island kingdom. He’s betrothed to someone for political purposes. They can never be together. Yet there’s something more sweet and cozy going on than cinnamon rolls, hot cocoa, and crisp autumn air. But even as the two start falling for each other, Filia has a secret she cannot speak aloud, for if she does, it will change the course of her future.

When Filia’s escort, a conniving aunt, discovers Filia’s secret, there’s more at risk than Filia’s reputation. Will Filia and Dawson keep their hearts guarded, fulfilling their royal obligations? Or will Filia’s secret ruin whatever chance they have at being together?

Book Review:

What an adorable story! I loved the idea of these Autumn Fairy Tales and this one was so fun! Princess Filia is the “perfect princess” with secrets that she is determined to keep.Her attendance at the Alpenglow Kingdom’s fall festival is only the result of her brother falling ill. The autumn season is new for the princess from a tropical island. She feels out of place, but the Crown Prince Dawson is more than happy to help her feel at home. Although they have had past adventures, Filia can’t help but notice the difference in their acquaintance this time. However, she is betrothed to someone from her island kingdom and he is betrothed for political purposes. Even though they can never be together, they find themselves falling in love. Filia’s secrets however may keep them apart, and when her escort, a conniving aunt, discovers it, there;s even more at stake.Will they guard their hearts to fulfill their royal obligations or will Filia’s secret ruin their chances

This was just what I needed! I have only read one of Ms. Humphreys’s books before, but it was nice because this is in the same world as the Incandescent Kingdom series. Filia was trying so bard to be the perfect princess. She was the oldest princess of the Sunrise Kingdom and felt the weight of responsibility.I definitely related to her as the oldest, she wanted to be a good example. She had been burned before and so was determined to stick to her responsibilities and her image. While I admired her determination, she was definitely fighting a losing battle. She had to decide for herself what was honorable thing to do. She saw it as a choice between her heart and what she thought she had to do. Dawson was so cute! I loved seeing his playfulness. While he did not have as many burdens as Filia, he still had scars from the past.

I liked the inspiration of The Little Mermaid in this story. Different parts of the story came in, which was like fun Easter eggs! I really enjoyed the cozy fall vibes along with the sweet fairytale inspired romance. It was fun to see some characters from the world. I was intrigued by the story and excited to see the ending. This is a cozy fairytale romance, with only kissing. I think the reading was enhanced by having read the first in the Incandescent Kingdom series if not them all, but it can be read as a standalone.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion, a positive review was not required