Pumpkins and Proms

Grimm Academy #3

by Laura Greenwood

Librarian Note: An alternative cover for this edition can be found here.

Ella is ready to put on her dancing shoes...

Welcome to Grimm Academy, where fairy tale characters go to escape their foretold fate. 

-
Pumpkins And Proms is the second book of the Grimm Academy series and is based on the fairy tale of Cinderella. 

Please note: this is an m/f NON-bully academy series.

Genres: Fairy Tales, Cinderella, Retellings, Fantasy, Fairy Tale Retellings

167 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 23, 2020

About the author

Laura is a romantasy author who writes epic romantasy, cozy fantasy romance, and modern romantasy. She lives in the UK, where most of her books are set, with her partner. When she's not writing, Laura can be found exploring worldwide cuisine with her partner, drinking tea, and reading fantasy books. Laura specialises in quick reads with healthy relationships, consent-positive moments, and often with ace main characters.

Discover one of Laura Greenwood's most popular series:

- The Apprentice of Anubis (mythology-inspired modern romantasy)

- Falhaven Castle (cozy fantasy romance)

- House of Blood and Roses (vampire romantasy)

- Scales of Justice (mythology-inspired modern romantasy)

- Jinx Paranormal Dating Agency (mythology-inspired paranormal rom-com)

- Amethyst's Wand Shop Mysteries (urban fantasy murder mystery)

- Purple Oak Oasis (cozy fantasy romance)

- Fated Mates and Monster Dates (cozy monster romance)

- The Dragonflame Heir (dragon romantasy)

- City of Masked Mermaids (mermaid romantasy)

Laura has been publishing since 2016 and writing for a lot longer than that. She specialises in quick reads that are perfect for an afternoon, a day at the beach, or a commute. She writes all of her own books.

You can find a full book list and more information on her website, or in her Facebook Reader Group.

Happy Reading!

Reviews

[Laura Greenwood]

Grimm Academy:
1. Tower Of Thorns: books2read.com/towerofthorns
2. Spindles And Spells: books2read.com/spindlesandspells
3. Pumpkins And Proms: books2read.com/pumpkinsandproms
4. Lilies of Loss: books2read.com/liliesofloss
5. Huntsmen And Hoods: books2read.com/huntsmenandhoods
6. Glints Of Gold: books2read.com/glintsofgold
7. Mirrors And Magic: books2read.com/mirrorsandmagic
8. Lamps and Lies: books2read.com/lampsandlies
9. Feathers Of Fate: books2read.com/feathersoffate
10. The Almost Queen: books2read.com/thealmostqueen
11. The Rightful King: books2read.com/therightfulking
12. Frosts And Fears: books2read.com/frostsandfears
13. Song Of Seas: books2read.com/songofseas
14. Roses Of Regret: books2read.com/rosesofregret
15. Princess Of Petals: books2read.com/princessofpetals
16. Princess Of Feathers: books2read.com/princessoffeathers
17. Princess Of Peas: books2read.com/princessofpeas
18. The Winter Ball: books2read.com/thewinterball
19. Dance Of Daggers: books2read.com/danceofdaggers
20. Coming soon!

- Teller Of Tales: https://books.authorlauragreenwood.co...

[⚜️XAR the Bookwyrm · Rating 4 out of 5]

FTC DISCLAIMER: I RECEIVED AN E-ARC FROM THE PUBLISHER THROUGH ONE OF A VARIETY OF SOURCES. I VOLUNTARILY OFFER MY HONEST REVIEW OF THE BOOK, THOUGH IT IS NOT EXPECTED OF ME! RECEIPT OF THIS BOOK IN THIS MANNER DOES NOT AFFECT MY OPINION OF THE BOOK OR THE CONTENT OF MY REVIEW!

I've read a lot of spins on the fairy tale romance story over the years, and I enjoy seeing each author bring something new to such a familiar story. This story was no exception, but I also had hoped for a bit more from it. With the setting of the academy that helps you fight against prophecies, I had hoped that Ella would turn out to be a much stronger heroine than she actually was. Sadly for me, the author chose to leave most of her "feminine weakness" intact in this characterization. The story proceeded quick enough, but ultimately felt as though there wasn't much else to it. All in all, this was a slightly disappointing read for me.

[Sofie Sehested · Rating 2 out of 5]

Usually I really like Laura Greenwood’s writing but alas her fairytale retellings fall flat for me.
This is the second Cinderella retelling of hers that I didn’t like.

The setting of the Grimm Academy was very interesting and that the fairytale characters have a prophecy that they have to avoid to live happily ever after is an interesting premise.

But Cinderella and Florian and their romance was overshadowed by another character and them helping her with dealing with a part of her prophecy. And I didn’t feel like the characters were very interesting.

But I actually became intrigued by the next books premise and character of little red riding hood and that she is the only woman amongst the huntsmen. So I might read that one to see if it is only her Cinderella retellings that falls flat for me.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Ayşe · Rating 5 out of 5]

5*
Ella & Florian's story

[T. · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 Stars

I was given this book for free in exchange for an honest review. I have said this before in other reviews, I always give honest reviews whether people appreciate them or not.

This story begins with Ella eavesdropping on her stepmother convincing her father to send her away to school. Turns out that step-mama doesn’t really like her very much but since her father asks her to go she does. Grimm Academy is full of students that seem to be out of Fairy Tales and Ella is the Cinderella of this series. She becomes friends with several other girls, like Rapunzel and Briar who have already had their stories. Many of the students, male and female, have ‘Prophesies’ and the Academy is there to assist them somehow in helping break them.

Cool, huh? Ella takes a dancing class where she meets Florian, her dancing partner and the captain of the wrestling team. They see each other off and on during their classes but are a little too shy to actually ask each other out. In the mean time, all of a sudden Ella is seeing the markers of her prophesy showing up left and right. Yes, she’s starting to panic. Luckily, she is good friends with a group of girls who are all sticking by her and trying to help her get through the challenges that are now appearing.

This is a Young Adult story and series based on retelling fairy tales. I purchased this book, Spindles and Spells (Book 1) as well as pre-ordering all the rest in this series before BookSprout offered it up for review. I fell in love with Ms. Greenwood’s writing with her Valentine Pride stories, Grimalkin Academy: Kittens and her Grimalkin Academy: Catacombs series and then her Firehouse Feline Series! I adore each of the girls in this series, and I have to say that I especially love Rapunzel, but that’s probably because when we meet her she’s already dealt with her prophesy and is more than willing to assist the rest of her friends. I’m pleased that there aren’t any ‘mean girls’ in the stories, other than whoever the villain is of course. Spindles and Spells made me want to read this story as well as the rest! Ms. Greenwood makes me want to explore all the fairy tales I grew up with all over again!

[Anne Dwyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Elle is sent to Grimm Academy because she has a prophecy - and because her step mother wants all of the attention on her and her daughters.
Elle doesnt know the end of her prophecy - when she meets Florian and looks forward to the ball, she has no idea of what is about to happen.
Why has her dress been destroyed? And what does her step mother have to do with it all? Will Elle and her friends manage to destroy the prophecy? Or will Elle lose everything? A great remake of Cinderella!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Mari (Mystics & Metaphysics Book Blog) · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you've read the the start of the series, you will know each fairy tale characters gets their story. They're trying to escape their "destiny". This is Ella's story and it's based on Cinderella. It's a sweet story with some mystery thrown in that will keep you on your toes.

[Sarah Elyse | Retro Girl Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Laura Greenwood’s “Pumpkins and Proms” is a book that I absolutely adored! I love a good Cinderella retelling, and this one definitely did ithe the justice.

This book focuses on Ella, a young woman who was sent to Grimm Academy because her stepmother didn’t want her around, and in an attempt to avoid her prophecy.

Ella was a wonderful heroine - she was smart, kind, and capable. I loved the way she looked out for her friends and the fact that she didn’t let her stepmother’s actions get to her.

All in all, I think Ella’s story was very well-written. I actually really liked her love interest, Florian, as well. I’m definitely addicted to Grimm Academy by now!

[Linda (ellsky) Jackson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Will Cinderella make it to the ball...and survive? This was a wonderful retelling with harming characters. I continue to enjoy the way the different fairy tale characters are able to integrate with each other at Grimm Academy, and it all flows together so well. Even knowing how these fairy tales are going to end, the author still manages to make the scenes exciting and suspenseful. Another solid installment to the series.

[Chelsea · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fun Retelling Of Cinderella and a great addition to the Grimm Academy Series. Each story can be enjoyed on it's own but are more enjoyable when you read more of the series since some of the characters show up in multiple books.

Series Character and Story Connections for Pumpkins And Proms: A Fairy Tale Retelling Of Cinderella (Book 03)

Rapunzel and Gavin's story are in Tower Of Thorns: A Fairy Tale Retelling Of Rapunzel (Book 01)

Briar Rose's story is in Spindles And Spells: A Fairy Tale Retelling Of Sleeping Beauty (Book 02)

Marigold's story will be in Lilies Of Loss: A Fairy Tale Retelling Of The Frog Prince (Book 04)

Red's story will be in Huntsmen And Hoods: A Fairy Tale Retelling Of Red Riding Hood (Book 05)

Prince Enver will be in Lamps And Lies: A Fairy Tale Retelling Of Aladdin (Book 08) = A Gender-Flipped Aladdin

Helena and Wilhelm's story will be in Feathers Of Fate : A Fairy Tale Retelling Of The Goose Girl (Book 09)

Florian's Cousins will be in The Winter Ball (Book 18)

[Annette · Rating 4 out of 5]

And since the Rapunzel story in this series was so short, I thought that it couldn't harm my reading swing if I would read the Cinderella story right after it. After all, reading a 300 page book or a 120 and 170 book by the same author is kind of the same thing, right? And I have more than enough amazing books to look forward to too, so I assume that will help me fight the reading slump I often get when I binge read.

And I think out of all three stories I read so far, this one was the cutest and the one I personally liked most. Yes, I'm biased. Cinderella is one of my favorite tales to begin with, so this book kinda had a head start, but still. Everything about this story just worked for me. The plot worked, the characters worked, the curse/prophecy worked and the entire atmosphere worked.

Let me start with saying that I find it kinda nice that this Prince Charming wasn't the traditional Prince Charming we usual see with Cinderella. It was a nice touch to a story I read a million times. He just had a little more muscle and a little more backbone. And the same has been done to Cinderella. Usually Cinderella is this easy to like girl who gets along with everyone but her stepfamily. This Cinderella is socially a little uncomfortable and awkward and most of all incredibly insecure. It was endearing and cute and it didn't mean she was a helpless bystander in her story. It was very much she herself who found the way out.

In this story a lot of elements from the original story are kept. There's one major change, and one I rather liked, Cinderella's dad doesn't die. At least there's now one version of Cinderella who gets to keep him. Everything else however is there. We have a ball, we have a prince, we have a deadline by midnight, we have an evil stepmother and evil stepsisters, although the latter are not actively part of the story, we have a pumpkin and mice, a ruined ball dress and shoes falling off. And yet, I think not one element is used in the same way or happens the same way as in the original tale.

I also think that this bad guy had maybe the best reason to act the way she does, the most human reason I should say. The other characters were supernatural creatures, craving and needing something and going after it. This villain was a human, like any of us. And although I don't agree with her actions and think, just like Cinderella, that it's most of all her own fault, I could at least understand where she came from.

And now the waiting begins. I just discovered the sequels aren't released yet. Bummer.

[Emily Pennington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ella heard her father and step-mother arguing about sending her away to an academy for her education or she won’t make a good marriage. In actuality, her step-mother hates her and wants her to leave. That suits Ella fine, though. Her step-sisters are cruel and want nothing to do with her. Perhaps she will find girls her own age at the academy. So her father tells her she will be going to Grimm Academy by the end of the week. He gives her a lovely watch on a chain as a parting gift, and reminds her to remember the prophecy and be careful.

The dance instructor brought in a new group of boys to partner with them, but they were wrestlers and archers, thinking sports was the only thing that mattered. Ella was paired with Florian, captain of the wrestling team. Yet he was surprisingly good at dancing! She told him so and he said he had 12 female cousins who liked to practice dancing with him. She really enjoyed their dancing, but was upset when he bowed then walked back to his friends without comment!

When the May Day celebration arrives, Ella can’t find Marigold who was to be her partner in the Hunt. But her sewing teacher leads Florian to her and says he needs a partner! She is delighted, and the two of them find the flag in the woods first, to become the King and Queen of May. The entire day is wonderful, although she wishes he would flirt and be more interested in her.

When Ella thinks she is seeing the signs of her prophesy showing up, she is grateful her friends are helping her get through the challenges that are now appearing. She’s not exactly sure how to stop it, just knows it includes a pumpkin, losing her shoes, mice, a ruined dress, and a kiss from her true love. Hmmm, who could that be?

This is a very well-written and excellent Cinderella retelling. I loved Ella, a somewhat insecure young lady who still takes an active and eager part in whatever comes her way. Her Prince Charming is wonderful in all the right ways. The story kept many things from the original fairy tale, yet they were used in a slightly different manner that made the whole thing delightful! Grab your copy and see what kind of a future is coming her way. Will the prophecy be stopped, or woven into something beautiful?

[Cath · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is book two of the Grimm Academy series and is based on the fairy tale of Cinderella. Ella lives with her father, a step-mother who hates her and her cruel step-sisters Denise and Rebekkah. Ella is only sixteen, but her step-mother wants her to be sent away to school immediately and her father caves to her demands. She will be leaving for Grimm Academy by the end of the week and the only warning he gives her is to be careful about her prophecy! The rest of the story takes place at the academy some two years later. She has made friends with some of the girls, Marigold, Briar, Helena and Rapunzel. In her dance classes she gets paired with Florian and also for the May Day hunt, when Marigold doesn’t turn up. They manage to find a hidden flag first and win the privilege of becoming the King and Queen of May, whose duty is to preside over the maypole dance.

Many of the student at the academy are Princes and Princesses, whilst others like Ella, are just Lords and Ladies. All of them are being matched together by their families, or lucky enough to fall in love with each other, whether from being long-time friends or having met at the academy. Her special dress being ruined just before the biggest ball of the year, seems to be a portent to her own prophecy starting to come true. A prophecy that she will have to kiss someone before midnight! She knows nothing else about it nor what the result will be if she does or doesn’t do this.

Some of the characters have managed to break their prophecies before they came about, or before they ended, and any that helped them to do so, are rewarded with free lessons or a scholarship, such as for Rapunzel who comes from a poor family but had helped to stop a number of prophecies. Marigold also needed saving from her prophecy and we get to meet Red as well. A few more fairy tale characters to obviously come through in some further books of this series. Certainly a fun and different telling of the original. I received an ARC copy of this book from BookSprout and I have freely given my own opinion of the book above.

[Tanya · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Pumpkins And Proms," the second book in the captivating Grimm Academy series, takes readers on a whimsical journey through the enchanting world of fairy tale characters seeking refuge from their predetermined destinies. With its fresh take on the classic Cinderella tale, this story offers a delightful and imaginative twist that will leave readers enchanted from beginning to end.
The narrative revolves around Ella, a character based on Cinderella, who finds herself at Grimm Academy, a haven where fairy tale protagonists can escape the shackles of their foretold fates. Ella's determination to embrace her true self and her passion for dancing take center stage as she prepares for the highly anticipated prom at the academy.
One of the standout qualities of "Pumpkins And Proms" is the skillful world-building by the author. The depiction of Grimm Academy is vividly portrayed, with its unique blend of whimsy and mystery. The author's attention to detail brings the setting to life, making it easy for readers to immerse themselves in this magical universe. From talking animals to enchanted objects, every aspect of the academy is meticulously crafted, offering a feast for the imagination. The characters in this installment are both familiar and refreshingly reimagined. Ella, as the protagonist, shines with her relatable struggles and her determination to defy the limitations imposed by her fairy tale origins.
The pacing of "Pumpkins And Proms" is commendable, with a seamless flow that keeps the reader engaged. The plot is thoughtfully constructed, balancing moments of excitement and anticipation with introspective and emotional scenes. The author masterfully weaves together elements of romance, friendship, and self-discovery, creating a multifaceted story that transcends the traditional fairy tale narrative.
Overall, it is a fast-paced, nostalgic, and delightful addition to the Grimm Academy series, offering a fresh and imaginative take on the classic Cinderella tale. Highly recommended!

[Natanimon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ella was first introduced in "Tower of Thorns," where we got to know a bit about her prophecy and how she aspired to learn to make her own dresses, thanks to Rapunzel's help in assisting all of her friends. The narrative in this book was pretty solid, and I didn't come across any scenes that felt odd or irrelevant.

The author has an excellent way of defining the MC's characteristics and making them unique in their own way, which adds depth to the story. However, there were a few aspects that left me wanting more clarity. For instance, Ella mentioned being friends with three princesses, but it wasn't clear whom she was referring to. There was a mention of Helena, but we don't know much about her or her prophecy. I expected to find her in the Grimm Academy series, but it's possible she's from the Once Upon an Academy series. The series can feel a bit disorganized and confusing, with no clear distinction on Amazon, but fortunately, the main series title is evident on Goodreads.

At first, Marigold was absent, and Ella, as her friend, didn't seem to pay close attention even when she didn't have any other issues to handle. However, luckily, this changes as the story progresses, and we get to see how Ella cares about her friend. We also get to see more of the friendships between Ella, Rapunzel, Gavin, Briar, Walter, Marigold, Helena, and a new character named Florian, who is portrayed as way better than the original prince from Cinderella and is an amazing addition to the story.

Despite some confusion and disorganization in the series, the narrative and unique characterizations make for an engaging read, and I look forward to seeing how the story progresses in future books. I'm definitely reading the next one in this series.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kaye · Rating 5 out of 5]

ONE WHIRLWIND EXTRAVAGANZA!!!
Measly meeses! Laura blazes through this bad boy like a raging inferno, calling the shots, rocking the thrill of the chase and the skill of the hunt, booting this baby to life flawlessly. Beautiful and intense, delivering this block busting bombshell with all the chills, frills and spills that revving it up and watching it blow, wrapping this baby up sleek, shiny and tight. Satisfaction is an understatement, this baby comes packing a punch that'll bring you to your knees, keeping you riveted and frozen to your seat. Anarchy runs rampant and havoc is rife, rousting the drama, intrigue, spiraling suspense and intense situations, along with a double dose of secrets while dodging calamity, you have one mind-blowing masterpiece. Traversing the intimidating trials and challenging tribulations along with a bevy of stunning twists and shocking turns, tests our characters in ways they could have never anticipated. A spinning vortex of unintentional mishaps and baffling circumstances, catapults those churning emotions into play front and center. Meting out incredibly, well rounded scenario's that punch dead center, ramping up the anticipation and adrenaline with such intensity and precision, thrusting this gem to a whole new level. Dynamics and countenance in layer upon layer that you peel back with each page your drawn into this web so deep until everything else ceases to exist. The characters are authentic and genuine with depth and qualities that blend into amazing personalities. The scenes are strikingly sharp with abundant details and colorful descriptions so rich and lively, they blend and flow smoothly. Remarkable job Laura, thanks for sharing this bad boy with us.

[Marjorie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cinderella stories center around a character who is at the mercy of a demanding step-parent who has robbed them of their birthright. In this retelling, Cinderella, or Ella, has been removed from her stepmother's reach by being sent to Grimm Academy. While the prophesy follows her, the main conflict of the story does not and this retelling feels like it is at a bit of a loss to fill that vacuum. Ella herself is not clear about what her prophesy entails or how to counter it, just that it includes a pumpkin, losing her shoes, and a kiss from her true love.

The development of the relationship with the prince was cute, and the characters were likable. The conflict at the end was intense and played out well. It was fun to see the girls from the previous book. However, half the book seemed devoted to building up the next two stories and didn't really go anywhere or resolve anything. It just meandered and felt lost. Much like our heroine. As a preview of stories to come, excellent job - I am looking forward to The Frog Princess and Red Riding Hood retellings. As a Cinderella retelling, it was just missing something.

This is the second book taking place at Grimm Academy, where student try to evade their prophesies. These are intertwined standalone books, meaning you can read any independently, but they share a setting and cast of characters that you get to know through the series and form a richer story together.

[Mary Lou Hoffman · Rating 4 out of 5]

PUMPKINS AND PROMS is the second book in the Grimm Academy series. Though each book focuses on one couple, this is a continuing series and you will definitely want to read them all and in the order of release.

I devour fairy-tale retellings. I envy any author who can take something so well known and add their own little twist. Laura Greenwood has decided to take all of our favorite princesses and Prince Charmings and put them together in an English Academy (private high school for us Americans). The ladies all know they have a prophecy, most with dire outcomes in their futures.

This is Ella’s story and her “prince” is Florian. The story is sweet with a nice suspense element. They can count on their friends and there are no “mean girl”(or boy) elements, though there is a villain. The evil stepmother has her reasons and they make sense when they are revealed – the most human of reasons.

I like how the other characters lives and stories were interwoven into this one so that the reader is invested in the series. I’m looking forward to reading more, more, more!

Note: While I received this book as a gifted ARC via Booksprout, my opinions are my own and are given freely.

Title: PUMPKINS AND PROMS
Series: Grimm Academy #2
Category /Genre: Paranormal Romance, YA
Recommended for: 16+
Grammar/editing: received as an unedited ARC / errors excused
Received from: Laura Greenwood

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

For the third book in the Grimm’s Academy series, Laura Greenwood retells Cinderella. Ella’s jealous stepmother forced her father to send her to Grimm’s Academy, giving her a special gift when she leaves. While not happy to have to leave home, she finds friendship and belonging at Grimm’s. Like many of the other students, she also has a cursed prophecy to avoid. After helping Rapunzel and Briar through their ordeals and seeing them find true love, Ella hopes that she to will have that chance. Knowing that her prophecy starts with a ruined ball gown, she has Rapunzel teach her to sew, hoping that the skill will help her.

Ella is paired with wrestler, Florian in dance class. While obvious to their friends that they have feelings for each other, they both hesitate to acknowledge it. As partners at the May Day hunt, they win the competition and play King & Queen for the day. When Ella’s friend, Marigold, is in trouble with her own prophecy, Florian helps without hesitation. When she sees the signs that her prophecy have started, she knows Florian is the one to break it, but does he feel the same?

This is another sweet fairytale retelling from Ms. Greenwood. She weaves familiar elements together with some twists to breathe new life into an old story. Her characters are engaging and their support of each other makes the stories shine.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Aimee Bower · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ella is enjoying her time at the academy with her friends. She really has not thought of her prophecy in awhile. She misses her father not her step-mother. She is the one that got her father to send her there. She is taking dance class when new students come in. There is one that gets her attention and is her dance partner Florian. She enjoys her time with him, she doesn't know if he feels the same. She wants to invite him to the ball, but keeps stopping herself.
She is also worried about Marigold, she is not herself lately. She is hopeful that she will tell her what is going on. One day someone comes to get Marigold. She is in tears at the lake. Ella goes to the lake, she finds her. She is talking about her prophecy. While that is going on, she is excited to go the ball in her new dress and dancing with Florian. When she gets back to her room, she sees her dress ruined. She realizes that her prophecy has started.

This was a really entertaining read, I really enjoyed it. There is more to the story than what I wrote about, recommend you reading it. It is a nice diversion for a while.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Andra Shaw · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pumpkins and proms is another successful retelling of a very traditional fairytale. Laura Greenwood weaves a modern tale using classic characters. In this book, Ella is whom some of us will know to be Cinderella. Her step-mother is still an evil and a mean human being who does not want good things for her. The evil step-mom easily manipulates her father, but Ella loves him dearly. He loves her too and perhaps agrees with his wife to send Ella to Grim Academy to get some space between them. Maybe he is trying to protect her. Time will tell. Because Ella loves her Dad, she goes to Grim Academy as he requests. She meets a group of young ladies who, like her, are fairytale characters. These female characters are strong and lovable. They spend their time at Grim Academy to get away from fulfilling the prophecies over their lives. That is a unique twist to these stories. Drama is prevalent, as is a little craziness and humor. Romance is, of course, part of the storyline too. Pumpkins and Prom is a page-turner and an easy read young adult novel.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Rhonda Hicks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Grimm Academy is where fairy tale characters go to escape their foretold fate or prophecy. In 'Pumpkins and Proms', the second book in Laura Greenwood's "Grimm Academy" series, we meet Ella, aka Cinderella with the story opening to Ella over-hearing her stepmother convincing her father to send her away to school. Of course, we all know the stepmother didn't like Cinderella and this is no different. But because Ella loves her father, she goes to Grimm Academy where she makes fast friends with several and learns the Academy is there to help them break their prophecy. Ella takes a dancing class where she meets Florian, her dancing partner and captain of the wrestling team. Although they see each other on and off during their classes, both are a bit too shy to ask the other out. In the meantime, Ella starts noticing the markers of her prophecy showing up and she's starting to panic. Thank goodness her friends are all helping her through the challenges that are appearing.

[Donise · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ella's father, at the request of her stepmother, decides that it is time to send Ella to the Grimm Academy. Before sending her away, he gives Ella his pocket watch which he has had remade into a necklace for her, and he tells her a little of her prophecy. Ella soon makes several friends at the academy and starts learning how to sew through the teachings of her new friend Rapunzel. Ella meets a young man, and they have fun being the king and queen of May Day, but Ella is not convinced that Florian feelings for her are all that romantic. Ella knows that her prophecy involves a ball and a destroyed dress, but which ball will be the one. One day while with Rapunzel, Ella swears that she sees a pumpkin and two mice but only she can see them. This turns out to be the beginning of her prophecy and hopefully with the help of her friends and Florian she will be able to avoid an awful ending.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[TaniaRina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cinderella’s ball with a “twist”
Yes, pun intended. The author really puts a “spin” on the main event in her retelling. The characters all need to “keep on their toes” both in and out of dance lessons if they want to prevent prophecies from happening. And her Prince Charming is determined to “bust a move” on her every chance he gets.

There’s even wine made from apricot and from blackberries – I’d love to “give those a whirl” sometime soon.

Some sage advice from the author:
‘Being patient is a skill.’


Does Marigold end up “boogie’ing” into the lake in ‘Lilies of Loss’ or do her friends figure out her plight beforehand?


I can’t “rave” about this series enough! Next on my list are:
Lilies of Loss, Huntsmen and Hoods, Glints of Gold, Mirrors and Magic, Lamps and Lies, Feathers of Fate, The Almost Queen, The Rightful King, Frosts and Fears, Song of Seas, Roses of Regret, and a side story (Teller of Tales).

[Douglas Williamson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This time Cinderella gets invited to the academy instead of the ball. But is this a change she wants to make?

This is the second book in this series which combines classic fairy tales with an academy setting. It is not necessary to have read the first book in order to enjoy this one, but it certainly doesn't hurt.

The story is well written and easy to read, and it is fun to watch characters that are familiar tell entirely new stories. The setting and characters are nicely done and we get a bit more depth to the setting as the series progresses. Here we get a good story with an easy to follow plot that is nonetheless engaging and keeps your interest. Overall, a fun premise and an excellent new series.

Highly recommended

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout for review purposes

[Mx Phoebe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Laura Greenwood gives us her version of Cinderella in Pumpkins and Proms. I like this version and will promote this one over the old one any day of the week. Greenwood creates the best female characters and Ella is no different. Ella is strong, caring, and is always putting her friends first. She even puts them before boyfriends - girlcode!

I had no clue how Greenwood was going to spin this tale. She kept everything a surprise, even to Ella. I loved the romance between Florian and Ella. I thought it was comical and supportive. I love the friendship between these women. I will admit to some concern regarding Marigold and that is all I am saying on that one.

Pumpkins has plenty of laughs and an old-fashioned rom-com feel. Cinderella has never looked so good.

I received an ARC of this book and I am writing a review without prejudice and voluntarily.

[Katheyer · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Pumpkins and Proms”, Laura Greenwood’s retelling of the Egypt/Italian folktale “Cinderella” is a very modern version of the timeless story. Ella (MC), who the reader might remember from the previous book in the series (Spindles and Spells, Grimm Academy One) finally gets to tell her own story from the very beginning, as she eavesdrops on her father and stepmother, as the latest convinces her father to sent her away to the Grimm Academy, where she meets various fairy-tale characters, all intended in breaking their own prophesies and avoid their fate.

Ella meets Florian at a dancing class and the rest is… a brand-new take on the tale 😊. This is a fresh retelling of the story, that includes all elements of the original one, using them in new ways adding enough turns and twists to make the story entertaining and worth reading.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ella’s story and a retelling of Cinderella.
A sweet and kind girl, friendly, helpful, determined, smart all things that can be said to describe Ella. A girl with a prophecy that hangs over her head and a horrid step mother who’s banished her from her home but who doesn’t let that change her or make her bitter. When the clock starts ticking on her prophecy the friends she’s made gather round her and are ready to do whatever they can to make sure that the curse doesn’t come to pass.
I love this series. The books are familiar in that we can recognize the parts of the fairy tales from our youths. Yet they are unique and special stories about young women in difficult circumstances. I enjoy the camaraderie between the friends and how they all pitch in to help and encourage each other. An enjoyable read all around.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Val Preston · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ella (as in Cinderella) is sent away to the Grimm Academy by her step-mother because her loving father just can't say no to the woman (ugh, that man!). Cinderella's prophecy is harder to conceptualize because in the original story, if she hadn't fit the shoe her life would have continued in its misery, but in this version the shoe isn't an integral part of her future. What would happen if she didn't get kissed before midnight - we'll never know.
I didn't enjoy this interpretation as much as Spindles and Spells, possibly because Ella is just so self-deprecating and insecure; I guess I was hoping for a stronger character.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Natasha · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the 2nd book in the series but can be read as a standalone book. That said, the explanation of Grimm Academy isn’t as detailed as the first book. I was looking forward to reading this retelling of Cinderella since it’s my most favourite fairytale from childhood. This story assumes you already know the story of Cinderella and doesn’t actually follow the same lines except some key aspects. I actually liked that it was reinvented for a modern audience. The whole point of Grimm Academy is to prepare students for their life and to break their curses if they are able. The other thing I liked about this story is that the heroine, Cinderella, and her friends are empowered, which I felt was lacking in the original tale. This is a sweet YA romance that could be read for most age groups.