Peaflower ~ Review

Peaflower: A Princess and the Pea Retelling

A Garden of Fairy Tales Book

By Jessica A. Tanner

Princess Marion Thornhill is forced to flee when her kingdom is attacked. She, her lady-in-waiting, and guards are sent to ask for aid from Princess Marion's betrothed. But surprises await Marion, starting with a betrayal. Thank goodness, Marion has Cleeevy, her loyal pet rat, to keep her company and assist her as she struggles to survive the evil plots of those who turned on her. When she unexpectedly crosses paths with Prince Rupert, her betrothed's younger brother, he helps her as much as his curse allows. But can they find a way to overcome curses and betrayals to find a happily-ever-after?

Peaflower is A Princess and the Pea retelling, but the further one gets into the pages of this book, the more nods there are to other fairy tales. Then there is Cleevy, who is a significant character throughout this book. We get to hear his thoughts and see his heroic personality in action. This is a charming read featuring a dangerous adversary or two who aim to bring down Marion and the Kingdom of Becker. Truly dastardly doings that need a furry hero to step up and thwart them.

I love Cleevy and wish all rats could be so helpful. This was a fun read, and I thoroughly enjoyed this truly unique retelling and mash-up of fairy tales. A few of the fairy tales I noted were Sleeping Beauty, Beauty and the Beast, and Jack and the Beanstalk. This is a world I would love to visit again. There were several characters whose lives I would love to explore further.

About the Book:

Her kingdom is under attack. His brother is her betrothed.

Princess Marion Thornhill and her lady-in-waiting Emma flee their kingdom of Brecker with the hope of reaching the princess’s betrothed and garnering help against attacking forces. But along the way, Emma reveals her true loyalties. Left stranded in the woods during a spring storm, Marion crosses paths with her betrothed’s brother Rupert, a prince cursed by an angered fairy. Rupert helps Marion - but can they get help for Brecker before it’s too late? And what about their entangled hearts?

Spring has sprung with these seven swoony sweet retellings. Each novella finds its happily ever after amidst themes of rebirth, hope, and new life. Each book is fully independent, and they can be read in any order. Peaflower is a retelling of The Princess and the Pea featuring tropes such as an evil lady-in-waiting and a princess with an animal sidekick. 

Want to learn more about the author Jessica A. Tanner? Check out my recent interview with Jessica at the following link: https://bloomingwithbooks.blogspot.com/2025/05/interview-with-jessica-turner-author-of.html    

Guinevere and the Three Brothers ~ Review

Guinevere and the Three Brothers

Once in a Wood #3

By Sienna Peake

I loved how this book retold Goldilocks and the Three Bears in a Regency setting. Guinevere Goldwyn must find a husband now or face being forced to accept her stepfather's choice for her. In an attempt to help Guinevere find a match, her mother arranges a visit to a distant cousin in Yorkshire who just happens to have three eligible sons. But Guinevere refuses to settle for anything less than love. Is there a brother who is just right for her? But after several unsuccessful London seasons, she's just about given up hope of catching any man's eye. 

I really enjoyed this book. Guinevere's interactions with the three Morley brothers provide a definite nod to the tale on which it was inspired. There is a scene with jam that is perfectly reimagined for this retelling - I love it! Of course, I now need to try the featured jam. This is a sweet and clean story that is suitable for readers aged twelve and up.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectation but that I provide my honest opinion. All thoughts expressed are my own.

About the Book:

In a manor in Yorkshire lived three brothers near a wood...

Despite several unsuccessful London seasons, Guinevere Goldwyn is determined to marry for love or not at all, no matter what her stepfather insists. A surprise trip to visit distant relatives in Yorkshire may be Guinevere's last chance at finding a match of her own, but when her attempts at courtship with the first two Morley brothers utterly fail and the third brother seems hopelessly out of reach, what is she to do? Guinevere must find the courage to reach for what she truly wants if she is to find her own happily ever after.

Guinevere and the Three Brothers is a sweet, clean Regency romance inspired by the fairy tale Goldilocks and the Three Bears. It is the third book in the Regency fairy tale retellings series Once in a Wood. Each book in the series is a stand-alone work, and the stories can be enjoyed in any order.


Once in a Wood series--Where fairy tale forests meet Regency romance

Pearl and the Baker - inspired by Hansel & Gretel

Rosalyn and the Wolf - inspired by Little Red Riding Hood

Guinevere and the Three Brothers - inspired by Goldilocks and the Three Bears

Hannah and the Nightingale - inspired by The Nightingale

Interview with author Madeline Kersbergen

Today, I am sharing a fun interview with Madeline Kersbergen, the author of the recently released Daylily. 

Madeline, thank you for taking the time to give us a glimpse into you and your writing.

1) Who is your favorite comfort read author? 

Emilie Loring, hands down. She wrote romance with a touch of suspense around the same time as Georgette Heyer, Grace Livingston Hill, and Agatha Christie. Her characters were Bright Young Things in settings that were contemporary when the books were written. Reading her books is like enjoying a cold drink on a hot day, and I come away feeling that good will triumph and hope will prevail.

I'll have to check her out. I've never heard of her before.

2) If you could share a cup of tea (or coffee) with anyone, who would it be? 

I would love to have a cup of tea with C.S. Lewis - the first fantasy author I loved. Shout out to 3rd-grade Madeline, who absolutely devoured The Chronicles of Narnia! 

Those are such good books.

3) What is one book you would recommend that everyone read? 

This isn't fiction, but Amusing Ourselves to Death by Neil Postman is a book that has significantly impacted my relationship with the media, including social media. It was written in the Age of Television, but the author's message is even more applicable now, in the Age of Internet. 

Sounds interesting.

4) Who is your favorite character in your book?

 It's a tie between Lily and Henry. I love them both so much. Pinches their cheeks 

5) Do you plan for Daylily to be part of a storyworld/series? I loved the characters and wouldn't mind visiting them again. 

Thank you! I have some inklings of stories to be set in that world, and Lord Hee-nam and Lady Ae-ra totally deserve their own prequel. That being said, it might be a while before those stories come to fruition. 

I loved their characters and can totally see a prequel with the few hints you dropped into the story about their background.

6) What did you most enjoy when writing Daylily? 

I loved having Lily unravel the lies she believed about herself and bringing her to a place where she could accept the truth instead. I also enjoyed slipping in a couple of references to events from the Bible. 

7) Did you learn anything about daylilies while writing this book? 

I learned more about daylilies in terms of where they grow and what colors you can find, but I had already learned the pivotal information about daylilies (no spoilers!) from the Matched series, a dystopian trilogy by Allie Condie. 

8) What one question would you like to be asked, and how would you answer it? 

What's up with the Korean characters? I love Korea! I lived in Seoul for 10 years, working as an English teacher. My first attempts at writing novels were original Korean dramas (Kdramas) written in English. I plan to revisit those attempts, so keep an eye out for them if you also love Kdramas! 

Thank you again for the interview, Meagan! It's been a lot of fun to answer your questions.

Thank you, Madeline. I enjoyed learning more about you and Daylily. 

About the Book:

Amid tragedy and betrayal, will Daylily find her true worth?

Daylily, the undeniably beautiful princess of Blumen, is unprepared when her family is betrayed. Finding herself thrust into a role she never expected to take, Lily must dig beyond the beauty she was taught to treasure and find the strength to meet the challenges she faces.

To Kiss a Knight ~ Review

To Kiss a Knight

Best Laid Plans #2

By Grace Hitchcock

Vivienne Poppy is running away. She has no choice in the matter, not when her family is about to marry her off to the most deplorable of men. Of course, she didn't expect to be abducted by a highwayman. Nor did she anticipate having her funds stolen. 

Sebastian Larkby didn't think he would abduct a lady while in service for the crown, but he couldn't leave her in the company of the man he had just relieved of money and letters. He also didn't expect Vivienne to be so determined to escape him, to the point of putting herself in danger. He's even more shocked to learn that she has assumed the name of his nonexistent wife, Lady Larkby. When his grandmother hears about this, Sebastian has no choice but to convince Vivienne to play the role of his wife for his dying grandmother's sake.

But when you first attempt to deceive, you open a whole unexpected mess of complications. Now Sebastian and Vivienne have to deal with the mess they have created without falling in love. How does one break the news to your beloved grandmother who rallied from death's door because she learned you were married?  Breaking grandma's heart is the least of their worries. Enter the evil relatives who bring a whole host of problems with them. Yes, they are truly evil. They are the kind that, if you know they are coming, you pack up, move to a different country, and don't leave a forwarding address, and for good measure, add a moat around your house and fill it with sharks to be sure they don't decide to make themselves at home. I would also play the Jaws theme song, but Vivienne and Sebastian don't have this as an option. They have to deal with the problem.

Overall, this was a good read, and one that, reading the first book in the series, is not necessary to fully enjoy To Kiss a Knight. It is a clean read with a Regency setting. And I loved Vivienne's character; she had determination, kindness, and spunk in abundance.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion. All thoughts expressed are my own.

You can purchase a copy of the book from Amazon at the following link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0825448107?

About the Book:

When everything is going right, something must go wrong

Vivienne Poppy's plans are working out quite well. She's run away from her family and the prospect of a horrid marriage of convenience and plans to spend her time writing under her pseudonym, Lady Larkby. Until she discovers the old Larkby title is not as dead as she thought.

Yeoman of the Guard and recently knighted Sir Sebastian Larkby is stunned to discover a Lady Larkby that he does not remember marrying. Suddenly, Vivienne is left with a choice: relinquish her pen name, expose her true identity, and break Sebastian's dying grandmother’s heart—or feign marriage to Sebastian to keep the title and fulfill the old woman's wishes.

This witty novel from award-winning author Grace Hitchcock is filled with scandal, mishap, and just the right amount of romance.

"A rollicking Regency with romance, danger, humor, and unexpected plot twists you won't want to miss!"
—Crystal Caudill, Christy Award–winning author of Written in Secret

Snapdragon ~ Review

Snapdragon: A Thumbelina Retelling

A Garden of Fairytales

By Sarah Beran

Percy loves flowers and working in her mother's flower shop is the perfect way to spend her days. It's a life she loves and can't see herself doing anything else.

When Percy's mother hints at romance, she just doesn't see it happening when the men who show up in the flower shop already have sweethearts or wives. Nope not happening, and her walk with a old friend goes so bad. But when a stranger forces her into a strange world, a world that is dying, Percy is at a loss as to figure out why. He keeps saying he's taking her home. Right, mmhmm. 

And then there is a Lord of Death (aka Hayes) and an underground community. Well, if three individuals can make a community, that is. Trapped in this Fairy Realm, Percy doesn't know how she'll ever return home. She misses her mother and her flowers.

This was an enjoyable story. There is a bit of violence and kidnapping which is where the Hades and Persephone retelling comes in. Then there is Hayes who is paying the price to keep the dying world alive. And then there are the secrets, lots of secrets which have a big bearing on the entire story. 

About the Book:

A spunky florist. A dying kingdom. A bond that could change the fate of a realm.

Persephina’s idea of a perfect future has always involved exactly two things: her mother and their little flower shop. Sure, marriage would be nice, but it’s hard to find love when the only men Percy meets are there to buy flowers for their sweethearts…until a mysterious, handsome stranger shows up in her shop.

But all is not as it seems, and when an innocent walk goes disastrously wrong, Percy finds herself in a whole new realm of trouble.

Literally.

Trapped in the dying Fairy Realm, Percy is left with no choice but to seek help from the so-called Lord of Death. Just when it looks like a future is going to blossom, however, secrets come to light that could change everything.

Because fairy princes are not all that they seem.

And in the end, death comes for all.

Spring has sprung with these seven swoony sweet retellings. Each novella finds its happily ever after amidst themes of rebirth, hope, and new life. Each book is fully independent and they can be read in any order. “Snapdragon” is a combined retelling of Thumbelina and Hades and Persephone, featuring tropes such as Found Family, Grumpy/Sunshine, and Hidden Identity. 

Missing in Texas ~ Review

Missing in Texas

Lone Star Defenders #2

By Virginia Vaughan

Twelve years ago, Dawn went missing in Mercy, Texas. FBI Agent Christy Williams is determined to crack her college roommate's cold case, and she finally feels qualified to attempt to do so. She knows who committed the crime, she just needs to prove it. There is just the issue of evidence, and Deputy Mike Tyner, who believes his cousin is innocent. 

But Christy refuses to let Mike's belief color her investigation. Now Mike has to hope that she won't make the evidence fit her preconceived conclusions. With more than a decade standing between them and the crime, finding new evidence won't be easy.

 

But her official investigation has rattled something when she starts getting threats. Can Mike and Christy get the answers they seek before their investigation gets shut down by a killer who will do anything to get away with murder?

Christy is convinced that Mike can't be objective, which is a bit laughable in a kettle calling the pot black sort of way, as she comes in convinced of who did it. But overall, this is a good story. Both Mike and Christy are driven by the guilt they feel over the incident, which is a motivating factor in their drive to solve this case. 

There are some moments of suspense as the killer moves in. But nothing over the top. The romance is clean, and this isn't a book that has any cringeworthy moments. There are some faith moments that will resonate with readers as the danger becomes all too real for Christy and Mike.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion. All thoughts expressed are my own.

About the Book:

Can she crack a decade-old cold case

before the murderer silences her?

The moment FBI agent Christy Williams arrives in Mercy, Texas, determined to solve her friend’s disappearance twelve years ago, she becomes a killer’s number one target. Ignoring the threats on her life, she partners with Deputy Mike Tyner, the cousin of one of the chief suspects…and the last person to see her friend alive. As they work to investigate this cold case together, it becomes clear someone will stop at nothing to keep the past hidden. With time running out, can Mike keep Christy alive long enough to find justice for her friend…before a murderer strikes again?

From Love Inspired Suspense: Courage. Danger. Faith.

Lone Star Defenders

Book 1: Dangerous Christmas Investigation
Book 2: Missing in Texas

Daylily ~ Review

Daylily: A Snow White Retelling

A Garden of Fairy Tales

By Madeline Kersberger

Daylily is the princess of Blumen who spends much of her time among the castle's gardens. She has skills with a needle and has her looks to recommend her. But she knows she has little to offer besides her beauty, and her stepmother has decided the best way she can serve her country is by marrying as soon as possible. The first potential suitor is tolerable and, with time, could prove to be something more.

When tragedy strikes and Lily is forced to flee, she is forced to become someone with more substance. She must find a strength she never knew she possessed to survive and reclaim her rightful place. With a small contingent of loyal servants and soldiers willing to protect and give their lives for her, she must fight for what is hers.

I really enjoyed the first release in the Garden of Fairy Tales collection, which retold Snow White. The writing was engaging, and the characters came to life throughout. I recommend this book for tweens/teens and up. Overall, this is a clean read with some violence because battles are never friendly. I loved seeing Lily's growth and would love to step into this world again if given the opportunity. 

About the Book:

Amid tragedy and betrayal, will Daylily find her true worth?

Daylily, the undeniably beautiful princess of Blumen, is unprepared when her family is betrayed. Finding herself thrust into a role she never expected to take, Lily must dig beyond the beauty she was taught to treasure and find the strength to meet the challenges she faces.